TravelBulletin for December 2018 - 2018: the four seasons of the travel industry, USA, Romance

December 2018/January 2019 W I N N E R O F M O R E T H A N 1 5 0 A W A R D S G L O B A L LY

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From Azamara’s AzAmazing Evenings® events to Alaska Cruisetours and Celebrity Cruises’ Discovery Collection of locally crafted shoe excursions, destination is in our DNA.

8

In 2018 we introduced Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the SeasTM, Celebrity Edge® and Azamara PursuitSM, and there’s more in store for 2019.

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December 2018/January 2019

ofthe

four seasons travel industry

USA

Luxury & Romance

Australia

2019 Airline Guide

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Contents

14

51

2019 Airline Guide

30

46

Features

Airline guide

Monthly

30 USA

51 2019 Airline Guide

02 From the publisher

Sarah Beyer discovers the national parks of America’s West

38 Luxury & Romance Bonnie van Dorp uncovers where to have a romantic and luxurious getaway in Asia Pacific

44 Australia The best wine comes from some of Australia’s regional gems, writes Emma Lovell

Compare some of the top airlines of the world, to help you match the best flight to your client

02 State of the industry 08 Issues and trends 20 Business Events News

Cover story

22 Business view 26 Cruise

16 Four seasons of the industry

49 Brochures

Bruce Piper unpacks how different areas of the travel industry are experiencing the various seasons

51 Last Word

This month’s contributors Steve Jones, Joel Katz, Jayson Westbury, Mark McCowan, Vic Naughton, Emma Lovell, Jenny Piper, Ben Piper, Bonnie van Dorp, Lyn Lewis-Smith, Sarah Beyer Above – Winery image ©Witches Falls Winery

EDITORIAL Editor in Chief and Publisher – Bruce Piper Co-ordinating Editor + Production – Sarah Beyer Ph: 1300 799 220 or 02 8007 6760 sarah.beyer@travelbulletin.com.au

6,777 5,355

Avg Net Distribution per Issue

This publication is independently audited under the AMAA's CAB Total Distribution Audit.

1 Apr Reporting Period: 16 Apr2018 2016––30 16Sep Sep2018 2016 - Publisher Statement

Advertising National Sales Manager Lisa Maroun Ph: 0405 132 575 or 02 8007 6760 lisa.maroun@travelbulletin.com.au

Contributing Editor – Jon Murrie

ART Design – Sarah Beyer, Wendy St George Director – Jenny Piper

Editorial team – Jasmine O’Donoghue, Adam Bishop, Anastasia Prikhodko, Sarah Fairburn

FINANCE accounts@traveldaily.com.au

Suite 1, Level 2, 64 Talavera Rd Macquarie Park NSW 2113 Australia PO Box 1010 Epping NSW 1710 Australia Tel: 1300 799 220 (+61 2 8007 6760

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travelBulletin DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019

1

State of the industry

From the publisher Bruce Piper

IN BRIEF

2

Just as this issue of travelBulletin goes to press, Helloworld Travel has dropped its bombshell announcement about the departure of group general manager – partnerships Mike Thompson.

The highly respected Thompson, who as well as being an integral part of the Helloworld Travel business and its forbears for 20-plus years, has also played a key role in leading the industry as AFTA chairman for more than a decade.

Ever courteous and self-effacing, Thompson played a key role in retaining the loyalty of many agents in the former Travelscene American Express group through the ructions of its various acquisitions by S8, MFS and then Stella Travel Group and more recently the mergers with Qantas Holidays and the AOT Group.

He was also one of the founding trustees of the Travel Compensation Fund, and had a longstanding relationship with American Express, initially as an employee for 14 years and then through the merger of Travelscene and the then Amex agency network.

Thompson has represented the industry on a wide number of panels and boards, including at an international level with IATA, and during his time with Helloworld/

CTM slammed by VGI hedge fund It’s been a wild few weeks for Corporate Travel Management, which was blindsided by an attack in the form of a report by short-selling investment group VGI Capital. The hedge fund admitted that it had a strongly vested interest in driving the CTM share price down, and it certainly succeeded, with the price dropping about 35% in the wake of the initial report.

CTM managing director, Jamie Pherous, responded strongly to claims by VGI about accounting irregularities, appointing Flight Centre auditor Ernst and Young to run the ruler over the CTM books. VGI’s 180-page-plus dossier also included photographs of so-called “ghost offices” across the globe, including one apparently located in a baggage retrieval area of an airport in Alaska. While acknowledging the need to keep the CTM website updated in terms of office locations, Pherous fiercely rebutted suggestions the international locations were bogus, noting that the Alaska

travelBulletin December 2018/JANUARY 2019

Jetset Travelworld/Travelscene hosted conferences to as far flung destinations as Buenos Aires, Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Honolulu, Santa Monica and even Sun City, South Africa.

“I’ve had the opportunity to work with many of the best, and have thoroughly enjoyed developing the team, relationships with commercial partners and perhaps most importantly helping our members grow and develop their respective businesses,” he told travelBulletin.

Less well known is Thompson’s passion for classical music and theatre, which has manifested itself in generous philanthropic support for such organisations as the Sydney Youth Orchestra, the Brandenburg Orchestra and Australian Chamber Orchestra as well as the Bell Shakespeare Company, Belvoir Theatre and the Sydney Dance and Bangarra Dance Company.

Thompson said he now intends to take a good break in Perth for Christmas with family and friends, possibly followed by an extended trip to Europe before “looking at what, if anything, is on offer”. travelBulletin joins with the rest of the industry in paying tribute to Thompson, who is truly one of the gentlemen of travel.

facility is in fact heavily used by fly-in fly-out resource workers during the mining season, while other addresses allowed the company to access local BSP and tax advantages for the company’s clients.

VGI also criticised the CTM accounts on the basis of low interest earnings, a claim Pherous debunked by noting that it displayed a fundamental misunderstanding of the company’s business model which, unlike listed leisurefocused travel companies, did not involve a significant amount of prepayments sitting in the bank.

He concluded by saying CTM “does not intend to have the business distracted by baseless and self-serving claims,” with the board confident its strategy would continue to deliver benefits for customers, staff and shareholders.

Regal Princess set to sail into Sydney Princess Cruises has announced the Sydney deployment of its Royal-Class ship Regal Princess, which is set to sail

her inaugural local season alongside sister ship Majestic Princess from December 2020.

The move represents a 40% lift in Princess Cruises’ capacity from Sydney compared with the line’s current summer season, and marks the biggest deployment the cruise line has ever had in the harbour city.

Princess Cruises senior vice president Asia Pacific, Stuart Allison said the cruise line was thrilled to welcome the ships to Sydney. “Not only will this be the first time in history that Princess Cruises has deployed two Royal-Class ships from the same homeport outside the Caribbean, but it will be the biggest deployment we’ve ever had in Sydney,” he said.

The 330m Regal Princess will offer similar features to Majestic, including 13 dining venues, atrium, over the ocean walkway, poolside cabanas, the Princess Live! television studio and Chef’s Table Lumiere private dining experience.

She will sail to Sydney from Rome, calling in at four continents on the way, with a detailed itinerary set to be released in March 2019.

Bunnik continues Egypt commitment Small group tour operator Bunnik Tours has cemented its longstanding commitment to the Egyptian tourism sector by acquiring a majority stake in its Cairo-based ground operator.

The business will operate as a joint venture with its management team, CEO Dennis Bunnik told travelBulletin, adding that the company saw the deal as an “investment in the future of Egypt”.

Unlike many other operators, Bunnik Tours had unwaveringly maintained its presence in Egypt, continuing to work with and support the team there during the lean years after the 2011 Arab Spring revolution, he said.

That commitment has now paid off, with Bunnik saying “Egypt is back – booking numbers are now above pre-revolution peaks.

“It is the perfect time to realise our dream and officially launch the joint venture,” he said.

This included relocating the team into a “new and bright office in an up

Experience Co dreams big

Experience Co (EXP) has boosted Australia’s Indigenous tourism offering with the launch of a new “Dreamtime Dive & Snorkel” offering.

The adventure takes guests on a full-day excursion from Cairns and includes a glass bottom boat tour, cultural presentation, snorkelling and lunch, along with optional diving and helicopter tours.

EXP’s Dreamtime Indigenous Rangers also share stories handed down from ancestors who lived on the coast near the Great Barrier Reef tens of thousands of years ago.

The Experience Co team is pictured at the launch.

“

Egypt is back booking numbers are now above prerevolution peaks. It is the perfect time to realise our dream and officially launch the joint venture

”

Dennis Bunnik, CEO, Bunnik Tours

market leafy Cairo suburb,” with the official opening of the expanded Cairo presence last month attended by founder Marion Bunnik and sons and co-owners, Dennis (CEO) and Sacha (MD), along with many local hoteliers and Nile cruise operator suppliers.

Bunnik said it was an opportunity to “celebrate old friendships and 14 years of working together showing Australians the best of Egypt”.

He also noted attendees included representatives of several Europebased operators who will use the Bunnik services for their Egypt clients.

Back-Roads rebrands in US A long-running dispute between Back-Roads Touring Company and a Californian firm with a similar name has been resolved, with the Flight Centre majority-owned operator adopting a new brand for its US business. The operator will now be known as Blue-Roads Touring Company in the US after a trademark infringement case brought by American firm Backroads Corporation. Court action was instigated back in 2015

by the US company, which alleged the Flight Centre offshoot was “knowingly and intentionally using the infringing Back-Roads Touring brand in an effort to confuse the public” and sought damages and an injunction against selling tours to US-based customers.

The California company was established in 1979 and had registered a range of “Backroads” trademarks in 2005. It stated in its action that these and the BackRoads Touring brand were “virtually identical and convey substantially the same commercial impression”. The Blue-Roads brand was agreed to after mediation, based on the concept that minor byways on Rand McNally touring maps are coloured blue.

“By creating a new brand that speaks to a distinctly American audience, Blue-Roads is helping to bring the small-group tour experience to life in this key market,” the company said in a statement. The US rebrand has seen the launch of a new website, social channels and marketing collateral for North American travellers.

Continues over page

travelBulletin DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019

3

State of the industry Continues from previous page

HEADLINES 22 Oct Domestic drives VA uplift 22 Oct Event to expand hotels 23 Oct PHT launching nationally 23 Oct Wong questions ATAS 24 Oct Venture Far in liquidation 24 Oct AFTA launches TV push 25 Oct MTA agent accreditation 25 Oct Qantas invests in SIN hub 25 Oct NRMA buying Fantasea 26 Oct Appeal cuts Scenic compo 26 Oct Hurtigruten shuffles deck 29 Oct QF boosts WestJet pact 29 Oct Flight Centre brox debut 30 Oct VA Tasman fare restructure 30 Oct Second Celebrity homeport 31 Oct Auckland’s first QT hotel 31 Oct CTM shares plummet 01 Nov On The Go targets trade 01 Nov QF unveils MEL lounge 02 Nov China drives new record 02 Nov SAS closes Australia office 05 Nov Webjet to buy Destinations

of the World 05 Nov ATAC hits new heights 05 Nov Magellan Chair steps aside 06 Nov New ownership for Bestjet 06 Nov China Eastern NSW deal 07 Nov Banyan Tree for Lindeman 07 Nov NZ targets quality tourism 08 Nov CTM steadies its shares 08 Nov GMTC launches into luxury 08 Nov NTIA Fairfax partnership 09 Nov QF trials facial recognition 12 Nov Bunnik Egypt acquisition 12 Nov TV lifts demand for HLO 13 Nov EXP adds Indigenous product 13 Nov Stanbury to lead Hawaiian 13 Nov Eclipse delivery put back 14 Nov New Travel Partners GM 15 Nov Helloworld adds 22 agents 15 Nov Creative Cruising new site 15 Nov Dream releases ANZ plans 16 Nov Express Travel Group soars 16 Nov Regal Princess to Sydney 19 Nov Back-Roads rebrands in US 19 Nov Express revamps rewards 20 Nov CCL looks to 50% growth 20 Nov Intrepid takes plan B Corp

4

travelBulletin December 2018/JANUARY 2019

Banyan Tree heads to Lindeman Island Construction is set to begin in 2019 on three new Banyan Tree resorts, to be located on Lindeman Island in the Whitsundays region of Queensland.

According to Island owner White Horse Australia, the new properties will include a “six-star spa resort, a five-star beach resort, a five-star eco resort and a tourist villa precinct”, with the $600 million project set to boost overnight stays to the island by more than 200,000 annually.

In addition to the management rights of the resort, the Banyan Tree project also includes a group of 89 villas which will reportedly target wealthy Chinese tourists.

The project is rumoured to be built

by ASX-listed Watpac, with all energy and water for the sustainable resorts to be produced on site.

Webjet strengthens B2B presence SHORING up its position in the business to business space, Webjet has purchased Dubai-based

accommodation wholesale platform Destinations of the World (DOTW) for a whopping $240 million.

The acquisition is intended to complement the company’s B2B travel business WebBeds and will be used to enhance Webjet’s brand presence the Middle East, Europe, Asia-Pacific and the Americas.

“In addition to providing 5,600 unique new contracts, the overlap in existing directly contracted hotels will deliver increased depth to our global inventory offering,” said Webjet managing director John Guscic.

DOTW generated TTV of US$529 million in the year to 30 June, with earnings (EBITDA) of US$16.4 million.

News of the purchase follows Webjet’s acquisition of JacTravel last year, which Webjet said has been an instigator of growth since its integration with the business.

Webjet also issued earnings guidance for 2018-19, saying it was on track to deliver underlying EBITDA of at least $110 million, up from the $87.4 million of last financial year.

The purchase was funded by $102 million in debt as well as a $153 million entitlement offer to existing shareholders.

The DOTW portfolio is claimed to comprise 130,000 hotels globally.

SAS farewells local office Scandinavian Airlines had shut down its Australasian operations after more then 34 years, bidding farewell to longtime staffers Irmgard Goetjes and Marianne Nalletamby, who had both been with the airline for over 22 years.

The carrier had been locally represented by the Walshe Group for eight years, but prior to that had operated its own sales organisation in Australia since 1984.

Goetjes became the local GM of SAS prior to Walshe taking over and Nalletamby moved to the Walshe Group along with Goetjes, continuing her role as customer service agent.

Data Room

All the latest statistics from the ABS and BITRE to keep you in the loop.

Domestic On Time Performance

ARRIVALS

September 2018

Jetstar

Qantas

Arrivals on time Departure on time Cancellations

77.2% 74.3% 2.6%

Arrivals on time Departure on time Cancellations

84.6% 85.0% 2.7%

RETURNS

Top 10 destinations, September 18

Top 10 destinations, September 18

Source

Trend (000)

Original (000)

Destination

Trend (000)

Original (000)

New Zealand China USA UK Japan Malaysia Singapore India South Korea Hong Kong All inbound

117.1 122.3 62.9 58.9 39.7 37.9 37.7 30.6 25.6 26.7 780.5

127.0 97.6 47.3 43.3 38.4 38.2 34.0 27.3 21.4 20.7 690.2

Indonesia New Zealand USA UK China Thailand Singapore Italy Fiji Japan All outbound

104.2 119.0 90.3 54.1 51.1 47.7 37.0 21.0 28.7 37.7 926.0

114.7 100.6 96.7 75.6 48.9 43.6 37.8 37.7 30.8 26.1 974.0

Trend Aug 18/ Sep 18 % +0.4 +0.1 +0.1 -0.5 +0.9 +2.3 +0.3 +0.3 -0.3 +0.1 +0.3

Trend Sep 17/ Sep 18 % +2.6 +1.3 -3.8 -1.4 +10.4 +11.7 +2.4 +14.6 -4.0 +9.1 +4.1

Source: ABS

Trend Aug 18/ Sep 18 % -0.5 +0.0 -0.9 -0.8 -0.7 +0.2 +0.0 +0.4 -0.4 -1.6 -0.2

Trend Sep 17/ Sep 18 % +6.1 +0.2 +1.3 +4.6 +11.0 -3.2 +10.7 +10.6 +1.5 +10.5 +4.8

Source: ABS

ENDED DECEMBER 2017 All airlines

Arrivals on time Departure on time Cancellations

82.1% 82.7% 2.0%

-4.1%

82.7% 83.8% 1.8%

.4%

Virgin Australia

Arrivals on time Departure on time Cancellations

+2

International Passengers Carried (thousands) - December 2015 to December 2017

+4

DOMESTIC AIR MARKET

.7 %

September 2018

+ 0.

Dec-17

Nov-17

+5 .9% Oct-17

Sep-17

Aug-17

Jul-17

Jun-17

May-17

Apr-17

Mar-17

Feb-17

Jan-17

Dec-16

Nov-16

Oct-16

Sep-16

Aug-16

Jul-16

Jun-16

May-16

Apr-16

Mar-16

Feb-16

Jan-16

.6 %

*Percentage points difference

+4

Sep 18

% +0.2

Total pax carried Revenue pax km (RPK) Avail seat kms (ASK) Load factor (%) Aircraft trips (000)

Growth Yr to Yr to Growth % Sep 17 Sep 18 % INBOUND OUTBOUND 5.07m 5.08m +0.2 59.52m 61.10bn +2.7 5.96bn 6.02bn +1.1 69.63bn 71.29bn +2.4 7.41bn 7.40bn -0.2 88.34bn 88.58bn +0.3 80.4 81.4 0.1* 78.8 80.4 1.7* 53.2 52.2 -1.9 639.1 631.2 -1.2

-0.7%

Sep 17

+2.1%

0%

-3.6%

Source: BITRE

International Air Market Share

International Passengers by Major Airlines - Year ended December 2017

International passengers by major airline – year ended August 2018 Qantas Airways, 16.9% Qantas Airways,

Others, 31.6%

Jetstar, 9.0%9.1% Jetstar,

Emirates, Singapore Airlines,8.3% 8.0%

Etihad Airways, 3.0% China Southern Airlines, 3.1% China Southern Etihad Airways, 3.2% Airlines, 3.1%

Singapore Emirates, 7.9% Airlines, 8.1%

AirAsia 3.4% AirAsia X,X,4.0%

Top 10 city pairs, August 2018

City pair

16.4%

Others, 30.7%

INTERNATIONAL AIR ROUTES

Cathay Pacific Air New Cathay Pacific Air New Zealand, 6.6% Airways, 4.4% Zealand, 6.6% Airways, 4.6% Australia, 6.1% VirginVirgin Australia, 6.0% Source: BITRE

Auckland- Sydney Singapore-Sydney Singapore-Melbourne Auckland-Melbourne Singapore-Perth Hong Kong-Sydney Auckland-Brisbane Denpasar-Perth Los Angeles-Sydney Singapore-Brisbane Top 10 City Pairs Other City Pairs ALL CITY PAIRS

Year ended

Year ended

Year ended

Passengers YE Aug 18 1,544,958 1,526,573 1,485,903 1,249,862 1,134,515 1,100,261 968,489 866,793 850,224 842,972 11,570,550 29,435,461 41,006,011

% of total % change 18/17 3.8 -3.6 3.7 +4.6 3.6 +5.9 3.0 +2.1 2.8 -0.7 2.7 +2.4 2.4 +0.0 2.1 +0.2 2.1 -4.1 2.1 +4.7 28.2 +1.2 71.8 +6.8 100.0 +5.2

Source: BITRE

International Passengers by Uplift/Discharge City Pairs Australian

Passengers YE Aug 17 1,603,404 1,459,410 1,402,998 1,223,872 1,142,642 1,073,963 968,049 864,837 886,969 804,945 11,431,089 27,549,996 38,981,085

travelBulletin DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019

% of

% Change

5

State of the industry MAIN DOMESTIC ROUTES Top 10 domestic city pairs, September 2018

City pair

MelbourneSydney Brisbane-Sydney BrisbaneMelbourne Gold CoastSydney AdelaideMelbourne Melbourne-Perth Gold CoastMelbourne Adelaide-Sydney Perth-Sydney Hobart-Melbourne

Passengers Passengers % change YE Aug 17 YE Aug 18 (000) (000) 8,999.6

9,279.6

+3.1

4,708.2

4,809.9

+2.2

3,517.2

3,566.1

+1.4

2,714.3

2,754.2

+1.5

2,426.0

2,499.4

+3.0

2,038.1

2,097.4

+2.9

2,000.4

2,064.1

+3.2

1,887.3 1,722.0 1,614.8

1,913.8 1,720.9 1,642.7

+1.4 -0.1 +1.7

Most popular websites in travel - agencies Oct 18 compared with Sep 18

Rank Website

1

Webjet Australia

2 3

Expedia Australia Skyscanner Australia Wotif.com Flight Centre Velocity Frequent Flyer Luxury Escapes Cheap Flights Aus & NZ Lastminute.com.au Google Flights AU

4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Visits % share Oct 18

Relative % dif Oct to Sep

12.69

-1.45

9.84

+3.38

9.59

+4.27

6.94 6.28

-8.47 -0.79

4.78

+7.08

3.00

-10.43

2.46

-13.29

2.06 1.84

-3.94 -3.24

Rank Sep 18 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Source: Hitwise

Source: BITRE

Steve Jones’ Say Helen Wong is a widely respected and successful travel operator.

But I thought it a strange decision, and she made some odd (albeit interesting) remarks when she withdrew her company from the AFTA Travel Accreditation Scheme (ATAS).

And far be it from me to defend ATAS. I was a doubter at its inception and, perhaps more pertinently, argued against the dissolution of the Travel Compensation Fund. But we’ve all moved on since then.

Helen Wong’s Tours was one of 27 companies whose ATAS accreditation was recently cancelled.

6

AUSTRALIAN AIRPORTS

International passengers through Australia’s major international airports, August 18 City pair Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Perth Gold Coast Adelaide Cairns Darwin Canberra (a) Townsville Sunshine Coast (b) Port Hedland Norfolk Island (c) ALL AIRPORTS

Passengers YE Aug 17 15,725,477 10,059,998 5,642,585 4,418,711 1,088,146 953,309 657,565 281,436 77,372 47,418 13,472 7,670 7,926 38,981,085

(a) Scheduled services recommenced Sep 2016 (c) Scheduled services ceased May 2017

Passengers YE Aug 18 16,559,509 10,945,935 5,996,868 4,368,328 1,063,585 1,005,113 676,816 240,006 96,099 31,437 14,666 7,649 ..

41,006,011

% of total % change 18/17 40.4 +5.3 26.7 +8.8 14.6 +6.3 10.7 -1.1 2.6 -2.3 2.5 +5.4 1.7 +2.9 0.6 -14.7 0.2 +24.2 0.1 -33.7 0.0 +8.9 0.0 -0.3 .. ..

100.0 +5.2

(b) Seasonal services only

Source: BITRE

Twenty failed to renew with the remainder voluntarily withdrawing.

Upon her exit from the scheme, Wong said she needed convincing “why my company needs to have the accreditation to be trusted by consumers”.

It doesn’t. Participation of ATAS is clearly not mandatory and there are many well-established firms with a large and loyal following which could sit outside ATAS and not suffer any adverse trust issues. I’m sure AFTA would agree. But most choose not to, happy to support a scheme for the greater good of the industry.

Of greater contention was Wong’s assertion that no effort has been made to differentiate “ethical and non-ethical” agents, as “some of the members should never be accepted”.

We can only speculate who, and what “non-ethical” behaviour she is referring to. But as far as we know, ATAS is strict with enforcing the financial criteria needed for accreditation. Playing fast and loose with such a fundamental requirement, and accepting nonethical agents generally, would go against the entire ethos of the scheme. It would be a foolhardy and treacherous game for AFTA to play.

In addition, Wong pondered whether consumers really care if a travel company is accredited or not. It’s an interesting question, but yes, in the main they probably

travelBulletin December 2018/JANUARY 2019

“

I imagine most people want to be satisfied they are spending thousands of dollars with a company that has a “seal of approval” from an industry body

”

do, and increasingly so in a digital environment where our senses are heightened to the risk, real or otherwise, of falling victim to data fraud, identify theft or some other such scam. We are living in suspicious and wary times.

Furthermore, travel is often the most valuable and anticipated purchase of the year. I imagine most people want to be satisfied they are spending thousands of dollars with a company that has a “seal of approval” from an industry body.

Let’s not forget – and this really is the key point – travel is now a deregulated industry and Wong is right when she said any charlatan can set up a travel agency without accreditation. Which is precisely why AFTA has a role to play in at least informing the public, as much as they are able, which agents have jumped through the ATAS hoops to demonstrate credibility.

If a company wants no part of it, then fine. That is the prerogative of any travel operator, and it doesn’t mean they’re a shonky operator.

But neither is ATAS worthless, as Wong seems to be suggesting.

I used to enjoy disagreeing with Jayson Westbury but, alas, I’m with him when he argued ATAS is helping to maintain the reputation of the industry. Far better to have a voluntary accreditation scheme than none at all.

CLOSE to HOME GETAWAYS

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Issues & trends

ATAC conference celebrates success The 2018 Australian Travel Agents Cooperative (ATAC) conference took place in Singapore last month over three days featuring a program packed with skills development, product updates, city tours and networking.

Dubbed Future Focus, the conference was the first one overseas for the group and coincided with significant announcements made by the chairman, Ken Morgan, who was re-elected at the AGM to serve another term.

Speaking with travelBulletin, Morgan confirmed that records had tumbled with the group achieving 10% growth in TTV in the 2017/18 financial year, surpassing $225m with final figures anticipated to reach $230m.

Underlying these results was a 40% growth in air ticket sales as well as achieving stretch targets of many of the preferred suppliers to the group.

Morgan said there were now 69 preferred suppliers and indicated that given the group’s year-on-year growth, other suppliers were now knocking at the door. “From a business development point of view, this is the position you want to be in when the phone is ringing,” he said.

According to Morgan, membership to the co-op has also grown and now totals 115 agencies with several more about to join from Western Australia, South Australia, Queensland and Victoria.

To Morgan, the value proposition is clear “we put more money back into members’ pockets, not take it from them,” with the average override payment now surpassing $25,000 per year.

The conference saw an address from AFTA CEO Jayson Westbury, reinforcing the impact, reach and benefits of a new consumer ATAS campaign with members of ATAC urged to undertake ATAS accreditation.

There were several workshops based around human resource management and social media marketing with all attendees enjoying food and entertainment courtesy of Singapore Tourism at the famed Gardens by the Bay attraction.

The conference wrapped up with a gala dinner and awards night with several lucky members scoring trips to Borneo and South Africa.

The ATAC team comprising Georgina Randall, business manager; Ken Morgan, chairman and Michelle Emerton, general manager.

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travelBulletin December 2018/JANUARY 2019

AFTA view Jayson Westbury, chief executive AFTA

No question, 2018 has been a fast-paced year and for outbound travel will go down as a good year. My hope is that in 2019 this will continue and we once again have a good year for travel.

For AFTA, we launched the new consumer engagement strategy this year which will flow on into 2019 and beyond. This has included the new television commercial promoting travel agents and the introduction of the new tagline – ‘Travel Agents, experience you can trust’. The commercial is already being seen on a range of TV screens around the country and in fact, is expected in the first round to reach some 1.9 million consumers. It will It is exciting that AFTA build on the ever-increasing is now in a position awareness of ATAS accredited travel agents. It to be planning and that AFTA is now placing regular targeted isin exciting a position to be planning television commercials and placing regular targeted television commercials to to support ATAS support ATAS accredited accredited travel agents travel agents throughout the country.

Having done a large round of travel agent group conferences over the past couple of months I have also been really pleased with the feedback from travel agents who do feel we have put together a terrific commercial.

To build on this, AFTA has also entered into a partnership with the Sydney Morning Herald and The Age Traveller to support the NTIA in 2019. This will give us an even bigger reach into the minds of consumers about the travel industry and the reasons why travel agents remain important and provide so many benefits.

With all that in play, I remain hopeful that the travel industry will have another good year in 2019.

On a final note, I am also very happy with the acceptance of the AFTA Chargeback Scheme (ACS) and the number of ATAS agents who are now enjoying the protection provided by this new scheme. Chargebacks are one of the biggest challenges for travel agents when a supplier collapses and this scheme does exactly what it was designed to do – provide protection for agents.

With the collapse of a wholesaler in late October, I am very pleased to say that the scheme has already paid out to travel agents providing them with the ability to get on with booking alternatives for their clients without the worry of how to fund the chargeback from cash flow.

ACS has been put in place to address this long-standing issue that the industry has faced for decades and it is great to know that it is on the right path to continue to protect and support travel agents in 2019.

If you own a travel agency and hold ATAS accreditation and have not yet taken up the scheme, which does not cost anything to the agency, I urge you to check it out at www.afta.com.au.

A very happy holiday season to all and I look forward to a terrific 2019.

“ ”

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Issues & trends

Magellan co-founder steps down Last month’s Magellan Travel Group conference in Sydney saw the company’s chairman Andrew Jones formally retire from the travel industry, as the Magellan board winds down operations following its acquisition by Helloworld earlier this year. The conference, which was the first since the controversial takeover, wrapped up with a gala dinner where an emotional Jones farewelled suppliers and agents and paid tribute to those who had supported Magellan through its journey over the last decade. Jones, who also sold Andrew Jones Travel to Corporate Travel Management last year, is moving onto a new phase of life as a farmer in Tasmania.

“At 49 years of age being the owner of two travel businesses, I didn’t really expect to be the owner of none and exiting the travel industry at the age of 50,” he said. “But there is a saying I’ve used many times… it is what it is.” Jones urged those present not to underestimate what an incredible industry we all work in. “I think we spend too much time focusing on what is wrong with the industry – married segments, missed TTLs, cancelled tours, ADMs, NDC, reduced commissions and worrying about complaining staff not being paid enough. I don’t think we appreciate what we actually have.”

He said the industry was full of great people with a common interest.

“It’s a fantastic fun industry where you ultimately control your own destiny,” Jones added, relating the amazing experiences available and harking back to his first ever famil, at the age of 20, when he went to Singapore. “I never thought the Qantas 747 would get off the runway, I thought the Marina Mandarin was something from another world. I was so excited about the 15 hotel inspections each day, and I loved purchasing my fake watches and Lacoste T-shirts. The shirts shrunk

10

and the watches never worked, but gee did I love that trip”.

As well as that initial educational, Jones’ other career highlights included starting Andrew Jones Travel and then later founding Magellan alongside Kevin Dale and Trevor Jones, with CEO Andrew Macfarlane joining not long after. “Our timing was impeccable.

But for the business to succeed many components had to fall in place; it was more than just the four of us needed to ensure its success,” he said. Jones hailed the support of the founding members of the group, who took the bold step to move away from their existing franchise groups and join Magellan. “And the founding suppliers, we wouldn’t be here without you guys.

I’ll never forget a day in Sydney when I went around to many of the key suppliers with my hand out, saying ‘this is our idea, will you give us 10 or 20 thousand to get this business off the ground’, and many of them did”.

He concluded by assuring Magellan members that under the group’s ownership by Helloworld “you are in safe hands”. The departing chairman noted that over the six

travelBulletin December 2018/JANUARY 2019

“

Our timing was impeccable.

But for the business to succeed many components had to fall in place; it was more than just the four of us needed to ensure its success

”

Andrew Jones, former chairman, Magellan

months since the deal was settled HLO had delivered on everything it had promised. “I have known Andrew Burnes for a long time. He is a fantastic CEO and he is genuinely committed to you, the agents. He gets it, and they will continue to deliver. I’m sure you have seen plenty of evidence of that over the last couple of days,” Jones said, adding: “Magellan is a great business, and in Andrew Macfarlane you have a great leader, well respected by suppliers and agents”.

Going forward, he said his involvement in the travel industry would be in the form of a luxury stay on his working farm, offering a free night to any of the members and suppliers in the room. “In return, I’ll be getting you to drench a sheep, bud a vine, and maybe deliver a newborn lamb”.

“I’ve absolutely loved every minute of serving you as your chairman. I’ll continue to follow Magellan closely, and when I sit back in a few years’ time and sample our first drop of Tassie Pinot I look forward to toasting the continued Magellan success.”

Andrew Jones addressing the Magellan conference in Sydney last month.

Cruise lines forge community links The sight of a senior cruise line executive wielding a wooden paddle aboard one of her ships might ordinarily raise eyebrows. But in the case of Princess Cruises group president Jan Swartz, the opportunity to brandish a new item of seafaring hardware was cause for celebration.

In the Bay of Islands, within sight of the spot where New Zealand’s founding Treaty of Waitangi was signed, Swartz had just met with Maori community leaders to mark a partnership aimed at benefitting both the cruise line and the local community.

The paddle – intricately carved with traditional designs – was given to Princess Cruises as a sign of appreciation, and the occasion was the establishment of a new market at the historic Waitangi Marae where members of the local Maori community will now offer arts, crafts and cultural performances to visiting cruise passengers.

Having pressed noses with some of the most respected Maori leaders in New Zealand, Swartz returned to Majestic Princess where she recounted the experience to 200 travel agents on board for last month’s Next Wave Summit held by the brands of the World’s Leading Cruise Lines (WLCL).

“The markets are up and running because our Princess Cruises team came to the community with a question,” said Swartz, who is also group president of Carnival Australia and New Zealand. “We asked, ‘What

would make a difference for you and your people?’.

“One of them told us it was really pretty simple. They were looking to create and operate a market that would showcase their art, crafts, and cultures because it was first and foremost about pride in their people, gathering and sharing their talents and ideas.

“For us it was also pretty simple.

It's about enriching the experience for our guests."

The initiative was one of several outlined at a summit that had strong themes of community development, environmental projects and sustainable tourism.

“Over the years, Carnival Australia has invested in jetties, toilets, and other passenger facilities, as well as conducted environmental studies in Vanuatu,” Swartz said. “We've also worked with the International Finance Corporation and the World Bank on economic impact studies in Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea, and the Solomon Islands to support these developing countries to capitalise on the benefits of cruise tourism,” she said.

“P&O Australia is doing some fabulous work through the P&O Partnership Program to support community-based activities in Vanuatu and Papua New

Guinea as diverse as installing water filters on Mystery Island and paying for the paramedic qualifications for Vanuatu people.”

Agents at the summit also learnt about Carnival Australia’s YuMi project, which helps support and develop indigenous tourism operators in Vanuatu and Papua New Guinea, and about measures designed to reduce the impact of tourism and spread its benefits deeper into communities.

Carnival Cruise Line vice president of Australia & New Zealand Jennifer Vandekreeke said she met with community leaders in New Caledonia several times a year to discuss ways of managing the growth of cruising.

“What you want to do is reduce the impact and the environmental impact,” Vandekreeke said. “So it’s about creating more shore tours that are going to spread the guests we bring around the island, which has a positive economic impact for the communities that are not right there where we land.”

At the request of community leaders, cruise ship visits to several New Caledonian islands were limited to 100 a year, Vandekreeke said, while on the Isle of Pines, visits were scheduled to avoid Sundays out of respect for the church-going community.

Over an intensive two days, agents aboard Majestic Princess were given updates on each of the WCLC brands as the ship sailed between Auckland and Sydney.

Among key announcements was news that Princess Cruises will boost its capacity in Australia by 40% in 2021 when Majestic Princess is joined by sister ship Regal Princess in sailing from Sydney.

But the news that brought the biggest reaction from attendees was Vandekreeke’s announcement that all 200 agents would be hosted on a special one-night cruise aboard Carnival Splendor when Jan Swartz with the new ship begins the symbolic wooden sailing from Sydney in paddle December next year.

travelBulletin DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019

11

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Issues & trends

On the success Express

mo the r

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travelBulletin December 2018/JANUARY 2019

directly into an electronic wallet. Rolling out in February 2019, Express Incentives provides full app-based transaction history, with contactless transactions and funds available immediately. Also new for ETG is a fully enhanced Express Academy training facility, which now offers a range of specialist pathways to enhance the skills of consultants in relation to destination knowledge, fares and ticketing, customer service and supplier information. The platform, detailed by ETG’s agency support centre manager Alisha Dopper, also allows agency managers to create teams and leaderboards, tracking the progress of staff.

ETG is also revamping its membership structure, with agencies classified as Ruby, Emerald, Silver, Gold and Diamond and a range of benefits such as membership fee discounts, access to digital in-store displays, ticketing rebates, a “refund bank” and more depending on TTV and sales growth each year. The launch of a new booking engine by sister company Creative Cruising was also a highlight, with the Odysseus-based platform incorporating a cruise comparison tool enabling consultants to review up to six sailings side-by-side. Creative Cruising also offers live bookings with a range of cruise lines alongside wholesale and retail airfares, live hotel inventory and exclusive package deals. Another major new offering from Express Travel Group is its Express Pay platform, offering users the ability to transact credit card payments on behalf of clients with the full protection of the AFTA Chargeback Scheme protecting agents against chargebacks in the event of supplier failure.

Agents are also able to incorporate a B2C version of the system onto their own websites, allowing clients to make payments 24/7.

Finally, italktravel franchise agents were given a sneak peek at a brand new itinerary building platform. The system enables a

travel consultant to simply input a start and end point, with a smart algorithm automatically creating and pricing dynamic itineraries using preferred partner content for travel consultants to present to their clients. The Australian-built platform uses client preferences to tailor-make a package, with elements such as a river cruise, accommodation, touring, selfdrive or any combination thereof. It will be available to the wider Express Travel Group network in 2019, with ag en Manwaring cy of th vel e year - Bicton Tra quipping that the innovation was “probably the travel industry equivalent of what Elon Musk and Tesla have done with revolutionising the electric car!”

The Independent Travel Group conference also featured plenty of conviviality, including a personal appearance by Wendy Wu Tours founder Wendy Wu, who brought her 81-yearold Shanghai-based mum along to see what the fuss was all about. The Travel Corporation, which affirmed a multi-year sponsorship deal and enhanced support for the Express Travel Group, sponsored a fabulous opening night cocktail party, while suppliers pulled out all stops for a product marketplace and “speed training” sessions. The gala dinner on Saturday night was sponsored by Expedia, and featured a range of awards for top achievers.

Next year Express Travel Group will for the first time host a combined conference for italktravel, Independent Travel Group and Select Travel Group members in Bangkok from 15-18 August.

ITG

Express Travel Group (ETG) has had a strong year, with ongoing growth within its italktravel & Cruise, Select Travel Group and Independent Travel Group brands continuing to drive strong performances in terms of passenger numbers, TTV and supplier sales. CEO Tom Manwaring told attendees at last month’s Independent Travel Group Forum in Shanghai that overall revenue was up 11%, on a 5% uplift in passengers indicating higher air yields – partly due to a significant shift towards sales of premium cabins across the business. Average gross domestic airfares transacted by ETG were up 7.6% year-on-year, while international fares rose 5.9%, he noted.

Over the last year 32 members had joined the group, comprising a total of 58 additional outlets boosting overall agency numbers to 756, Manwaring said. “Clearly they’ve found something good about what we do,” he added. Europe was a key area of growth, with the Independent Travel Group and italktravel now comprising almost 60% of ETG’s sales, versus 40% for the more Asia-focused Select Travel Group. Hotels TTV has soared 47% in the last financial year, while cruise sales are up 31% across the group – just ahead of touring which saw a 27% increase.

A range of key initiatives were unveiled er dh n a during the u W y Wend conference, including a revamped Express Rewards program which is being replaced by Express Incentives – a smartphone-based solution allowing members to receive payments

NTIA UPS CONSUMER EXPOSURE BOOSTING the consumer profile of the National Travel Industry Awards (NTIA) was at the forefront of a new partnership between the Australian Federation of Travel Agents (AFTA) and Fairfax Media brokered last month.

The deal will see the NTIAs promoted through Fairfax’s travel publication Traveller, which is produced weekly for The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age. AFTA CEO Jayson Westbury said the new agreement would “turbocharge the consumer engagement strategy” that AFTA had undertaken to raise the profile of ATAS accredited travel agents.

“With this outstanding quality partnership, AFTA and the Sydney

“

This... partnership will place the NTIAs directly in the eyes of the consumer

”

Jayson Westbury, CEO AFTA

Morning Herald and The Age Traveller will place the NTIAs directly in the eyes of the consumer, and we are delighted to be working together,” Westbury said.

Fairfax Media believes the tie-up with AFTA will benefit its mastheads as well, lending further weight to its commitment to the Australian travel industry.

“We are privileged to partner with AFTA and the 2019 National Travel Industry Awards,” said Fairfax head of travel Philippa Walker.

“The partnership recognises our deep commitment to the travel industry and we look forward to highlighting the valuable work of AFTA to our audiences,” said added.

The new tie-up was officially

unveiled at a function at Sydney’s Sofitel Darling Harbour, an event attended by 2019 NTIA sponsors and a number of Fairfax executives including head of travel Philippa Walker, Traveller editor Anthony Dennis, publishing director food and travel Trudi Jenkins, and Michael Grenenger, group director luxury and lifestyle.

Traveller describes itself as a “daily escape to dream destinations”, providing a mix of editorial content such as destination guides, travel advice, and “inspirational content”.

The publication is headed up by Anthony Dennis who is the former deputy editor of The Sydney Morning Herald as well as former editor of the Australian Travel + Leisure magazine.

Bestjet Travel welcomes new owners

Sonia Kruger checks out the beauty of the Canadian Rockies.

TV lifts demand for Helloworld Travel Helloworld’s first venture into travel television has brought strong initial results, with the group reporting a significant boost in demand from its Helloworld TV series, which began airing on the Nine Network last month. At the 2018 Helloworld Frontliners Forum held in Fiji in early November, Helloworld Travel Group general manager – retail and commercial, John Constable, said the new Helloworld show had “uplifted the demand at Helloworld Travel stores” and allowed “the consumer to resonate with us on Sunday afternoon”.

“The early results have been phenomenal – Canada and some of the Alaskan cruising following the TV show have seen a significant uplift,” Constable said.

“Since July this year we have had a significant partnership with News Corporation, where we have become a platinum partner for travel and with significant investment by Helloworld we’ve been able to drive demand to our agents both from cruise, touring, and from an air perspective,” he said.

Online travel agency Bestjet Travel was last month acquired by father and son business McVicker Investment Group in a move aiming to “rapidly expand its suite of products and grow in new markets both domestically and internationally”.

Robert McVicker Senior said the move provided a new platform to take McVicker Investment Group to a new level. “We have a global vision and are excited about the future of Bestjet under the McVicker Investment Group Portfolio,” he said. “I see great opportunities to employ additional staff members within the company to expand the business further.”

Bestjet managing director and founder Rachel James said the sale would open new doors for the travel agency. “In such a fast-paced industry, where travel offerings change so rapidly, it’s important that Bestjet continues to grow and meet customer demand for products across all segments in the travel industry,” she said.

travelBulletin DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019

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Cover

2018’s ofthe

four seasons travel industry

Seasons come and seasons go, but the world keeps on turning. The last year has seen plenty of highs and lows in travel, and in this month’s travelBulletin cover story Bruce Piper takes a seasonal look at some of the major industry developments.

To everything (turn, turn, turn) There is a season (turn, turn, turn) And a time to every purpose under heaven…

T

he lyrics of the famous Sixties song by The Byrds (hey millennials, check it out on Google or Spotify if you want to hear some really good music) are timeless – and with good reason, because they actually come from Ecclesiastes, the Biblical book of wisdom. And their eternal applications certainly apply to the Australian travel sector, as developments over the last 12 months reflect the winter, spring, summer and autumn of different parts of the industry.

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travelBulletin December 2018/JANUARY 2019

Spring Spring is all about rebirth, new growth, green shoots and renewal – and there’s plenty of that going on in the industry at the moment as companies reshape themselves and adapt to the new technological environment. In the last 12 months there has been a significant renewal of leadership among a number of organisations, including the Globus Family of Brands, where former Hawaiian Airlines country manager Gai Tyrrell has taken over as managing director. She took the long-vacant role previously held by Stewart Williams, who left earlier in the year and was recently appointed to represent Greek cruise operator Celestyal Cruises in Australia. Tyrrell’s role at Hawaiian was in turn taken by Fiji Airways commercial chief Andrew Stanbury.

Other major appointments this year have included Rachel Harding who departed The Travel Corporation where she had been long-time national sales manager for Trafalgar, taking up a new position as general manager – Pacific for Club Med. Her appointment is likely to see a significantly stronger focus on the travel trade for the iconic resort operator, reflecting the importance of agent distribution for Club

Med locally. Also departing The Travel Corporation after a mammoth 27 years was the respected David Gendle, who became the new global sales general manager for Topdeck Travel and Back-Roads Touring Co. He replaced Dennis Basham, who moved onto On The Go Tours in an appointment also expected to capitalise on a major capital injection by the UK-based tour operator’s new private equity investors.

Another notable new role was that of Adam Armstrong, appointed to head up Silversea locally after a long career with Royal Caribbean. Ironically not long after his position was announced, Royal Caribbean also announced its acquisition of a majority stake in Silversea, putting Armstrong, at least indirectly, right back where he came from. Former Silversea MD Amber Wilson in turn moved on to Rocky Mountaineer to head up sales in Australasia, replacing Greg McCallum who became sales and marketing director for Entire Travel Group.

And most recently Helloworld Business Travel’s sales manager Kate Cameron announced her departure from HLO after more than a decade to take up a new position as general manager of Travel Partners – the home-based agency group acquired by Flight Centre last year from founder Jeff Hakim.

“

After weathering some major tropical storms in recent years, both Hayman and Daydream Island will emerge from significant investment and upgrade projects...

”

The Whitsundays region off the coast of Queensland is also expected to spring into action in the coming year, with a number of major projects under way with major potential. After weathering some

major tropical storms in recent years, both Hayman Island and Daydream Island will emerge from significant investment and upgrade projects which are likely to drive strong demand – good news for the whole region, particularly including the owners of Hamilton Island which is the airport gateway to the Whitsundays.

The re-emergence of the Whitsundays is also likely to drive strong increases in flight capacity with a corresponding roll-on benefit for all involved.

Flight Centre has also been planting the seeds for a strong 2019, after enduring a significant brand restructure earlier

“

Flight Centre has also been planting the seeds for a strong 2019, after enduring a significant brand restructure earlier this year with the demise of the Cruiseabout and Escape Travel brands

”

this year which saw the demise of the Cruiseabout and Escape Travel brands.

The company took a hit from the gutsy decision, as well as its shift to the Sabre platform which saw a hiring freeze to allow for staff training. Having driven through the strategy, Flight Centre is once again strongly in growth mode, and as the outcomes begin to appear in the coming months the benefits are expected to boost the company’s bottom line.

The development of the AFTA Chargeback Scheme (ACS) over the last year has set the stage for a new paradigm within the industry, protecting travel agents in the event of supplier failure.

Having laid the foundation, AFTA is hoping 2019 will see ACS widely adopted, with payouts after recent collapses clearly proving the benefit of the scheme which would otherwise have left agents out of pocket as affected passengers invoke chargebacks for travel not taken.

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Cover

Summer Summer is about long hot days in the sunshine – and that’s exactly the type of image that Tourism Australia is hoping to portray about our country. You’d have to say that Aussie tourism is currently basking in the glow, as inbound figures continue to grow from across the globe. The 2018 Superbowl campaign was one example of a stunningly successful initiative by our national tourism marketing agency, with millions of Americans duped into thinking that a new Crocodile Dundee movie was in the making. A masterful social media campaign of misinformation leading up to the Superbowl in Minneapolis last February culminated in Tourism Australia’s new advertisement which revealed that all the excitement was simply about a TV commercial. The overall campaign saw more than 1 billion people exposed to the idea of taking a holiday in Australia – and even sparked a petition from fans wanting to turn the idea into a real movie.

The cruising sector also continued to enjoy its place in the sun this year. Despite capacity constraints which have put a hiccup into cruising’s stellar growth rates, the industry continues to be a very bright sector, not just in Australia but globally.

Not a week goes by without a cruise line announcing a new ship build, and the

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travelBulletin December 2018/JANUARY 2019

strength of the local market continues to be reinforced by ever-more capacity deployment in local waters.

The big three – Carnival Corporation, Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings – are among the biggest spenders on media in the Australian market, and while Australia leads the world with a 5%-plus cruise penetration rate, CLIA chairman Sture Myrmell from Carnival Australia noted “that means 95% of the population still haven’t cruised,” creating plenty of potential.

There is also still plenty of heat in the proliferation of “deals” providers such as TripADeal, Luxury Escapes, Ignite Holidays and Webjet Exclusives. The business model, which evolved from the rise of such organisations as Groupon and Catch of the Day, has provided an exciting new way for suppliers to utilise inventory, particularly at off-peak parts of the year. The sector continues to surge, building a strong direct clientele but intriguingly with some operators such as TripADeal and Luxury Escapes engaging strongly with the travel trade.

Travellers Choice, Express Travel Group’s italktravel and TravelManagers all have confirmed agreements in place, while Flight Centre’s 49% stake in Ignite Travel Group has also seen FCTG offices feature their own in-house luxury deals. By all accounts the alliances are providing significant business for travel agents in these groups, who are able to embrace the burgeoning sector, rather than having to react by slashing yields to offer price matches. There are also significant up-sell opportunities as clientele seek flights, transfers, pre/post arrangements and insurance.

And overall 2018 could be seen as a year of summer for much of the Australian travel industry. Certainly the results of our listed companies such as Helloworld, Flight Centre, Corporate Travel Management and Webjet indicated an exceptional performance, with records toppling left, right and centre in terms of TTV and profitability.

Autumn As the calendar turns, so does the travel industry, with some previously hot initiatives inevitably beginning to cool. One example that springs to mind is the former rock-solid alliance between Qantas and Emirates. While in no way being phased out, its most recent renewal has seen a significant renegotiation of the terms, and most notably saw Qantas stop flying on its previous flagship Australia-DubaiLondon routes. The ties between Qantas and Emirates still run extremely deep, with a wide ranging codeshare agreement and reciprocal frequent flyer schemes – but the Qantas launch of direct flights to London from Perth will have certainly put a strain on the relationship.

The new landscape has seen Qantas once again reach out to European carriers, who were previously shunned under the Emirates alliance. In the last year this has seen the renewal of a wide-ranging codeshare agreement with Air France and sister carrier KLM, with the QF code once again placed on direct flights from Asia into Paris and Amsterdam. Qantas has also been steadily deepening ties with other carriers including Finnair, Cathay Pacific, LATAM Airlines and Fiji Airways, with QF head of international, Alison Webster, saying the Qantas strategy was seeing it focus on “flying to key global hubs and providing customers with access to an expanded network through airline partners based in those ports”.

The ructions around Helloworld’s acquisition of Magellan earlier this year have also led some to believe that Magellan’s best days are behind it. The formerly fiercely independent group is now Helloworld’s sixth retail network, and despite all of the members receiving a generous payout as part of the controversial deal, at least two of them have since ceased trading.

Helloworld has kept every promise made to members during the fiery acquisition period, and the recent Magellan Travel Group conference was a typically convivial affair.

However there are still some indications of unease, with a number of areas such as differing preferred partnerships between Magellan and Helloworld proving to be a source of contention.

Autumn also appears to be sweeping over the traditional wholesale sector. Make no mistake, there is still a vital role for travel wholesalers, but these companies are having to work hard to remake their business models in the current environment.

There is also significant generational change, as longstanding destination specialists grow older and are looking to exit their businesses which in turn is creating lots of opportunity for consolidation. One innovative example is the Entire Travel Group, which started out as a France specialist and has now embraced a wide range of destinations – each under its own brand – such as Spain, Portugal, New Caledonia, Tahiti, Canada & Alaska, the Maldives and also now Italy under a merger with the Newsom family’s CIT Holidays.

Observers expect this trend to continue, with larger groups also able to bring the power of technology and economies of scale to the consolidated operations.

IATA membership is another area which is certainly no longer in the sunshine in Australia. The implementation last month of NewGenISS is believed to have continued the trend to less and less travel agents pursuing IATA accreditation, with the vibrant local ticket consolidation operations providing an easy alternative for both agents and airlines. Consolidators such as Air Tickets, Consolidated Travel, Express Ticketing and CVFR have become the new intermediary, significantly reducing risks for airlines while also providing a simple alternative for agents and at the same time making IATA accreditation less and less relevant.

Winter As the Game of Thrones tag-line goes, “winter is coming,” and 2018 has seen several Australian travel businesses weather some pretty heavy storms.

Probably the most notable has been Corporate Travel Management, which was recently targeted when short-selling hedge fund VGI Partners released a comprehensive report attacking some of CTM’s accounting methodologies and claiming the company had lied about its global office network. The company was forced to twice suspend trading in its shares which had enjoyed a strong rise in recent years, with the hatchet job seeing the price plummet more than 35% at one stage. CTM managing director Jamie Pherous came out strongly in response, noting that while some of the company’s international offices were very small, this gave it a presence in various jurisdictions providing major benefits for clients in terms of taxation and the ability to purchase tickets through local BSP in each country. CTM also engaged accounting firm EY to address some of the issues raised, with the company’s share price eventually stabilising at a significantly lower level than before the attack. Pherous also responded by purchasing several million dollars worth of CTM shares at the reduced price. It’s an ill wind that blows nobody any good, as they say, and he stands to benefit significantly if the price recovers to its previous levels.

Flight Centre was also hit by another attack, this time in the form of an ABC TV report which claimed the company was underpaying staff and using questionable selling tactics. While the

actual segment on the 7.30 show was not particularly convincing and displayed some fairly shoddy journalism (in the form of interviews with staff who had been at Flight Centre for only a month or two some years ago), the fallout was spectacular and saw a major hit to the company’s previously high-flying share price. There’s speculation the story was timed around the negotiation of a new Enterprise Bargaining Agreement, with the EBA now finalised and hopefully seeing the end of such media onslaughts.

Interestingly, the travelBulletin industry salary survey earlier this year found wages paid to retail consultants were uniform across the board regardless of which brand they worked for, with Flight Centre’s overall remuneration in line with the rest of the industry on average.

Seasons come and seasons go The annual cycle of birth, growth, ageing, decline and rebirth is a reminder to all of us that we live in a cyclical world. All indications are that 2019 will be another

great year for the Australian travel industry, and in the end providing opportunities for everyone – no matter where you are on the seasonal merry-go-round. travelBulletin DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019

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business events news

Northern Territory

A spark of difference

rom Darwin to Uluru and Alice Springs, a range of exciting new initiatives are set to boost the business events sector for Australia’s Top End. These include the launch of a business event support fund for qualified business events, strong growth in aviation connections from domestic and international carriers and the release of new NT products.

The Northern Territory Business Events Support Fund, launched this year, has so far seen $802,000 invested in 17 events, which will bring approximately 5,500 delegates to the NT, primarily in 2019.

Pee Wees at the Point Administered by the NT Convention Bureau, the fund offers financial assistance of $100 per delegate for qualified business events participants. The new Qantas twice per week which are at the consideration Uluru route will connect the or bidding stage. According Rock with Darwin and Adelaide to the NT Convention Bureau: and is set to draw more “The funding is focused on people to Central Australia The Northern events which align with the from Asia and Europe via Territory Business Darwin. Flights between Alice Northern Territory’s priority business and industry Springs and Darwin will also Events Support strengths which include the upgraded to B737 aircraft Fund launched this be health, tourism, agribusiness, rather than B717s, delivering land management, mining, oil year has so far seen up to an extra 1,300 seats per and gas, renewable energy, $802,000 invested week on the route, including education, defence and business class. The changes in 17 events creative industries sectors”. will come into effect from 31 New aviation connections March 2019. Donghai Airlines into the NT have provided from Shenzhen, China also easier access for delegates and incentive commenced direct flights between Shenzhen and Darwin, along with domestic carriers Jetstar and Virgin Australia which launched new services into the NT. On the hotel front, Darwin will be welcoming a new Westin hotel in 2021.

The property is set to feature eight levels of luxury with water and city views. The hotel will have 240 rooms, three dining venues, a bar, 1,100m2 of meeting and event space along with an executive lounge.

In terms of new incentive offerings, Paspaley Air Tours has launched a new scenic flight tour in Darwin aboard the Grumman Mallard Flying Boat, which provides resort and fishing vessel transfers and can be chartered for business event groups.

Additionally, tour operator and celebrity from National Geographic’s TV series Outback Field of Light at Uluru Wrangler Matt Wright has started “Matt

“

Wright Explore the Wild” private tours which combine NT’s wildlife and landscapes with options for conference and incentive groups.

Following its million-dollar renovation, Pee Wees at the Point features a new casual lounge for cocktails and small plate dining and an outdoor area overlooking Fannie Bay. Its waterfront location offers views across the bay to Mindil Beach and at night the lights of the Darwin city. The venue has capacity for up to 400 guests for cocktails and 300 seated.

Located at Ayers Rock Resort, the Uluru Meeting Place offers conference facilities, breakout spaces, boardrooms and multiple outdoor options. The conference centre is complemented by dining options, a range of Indigenous experiences and luxury accommodation at Sails in the Desert hotel.

Business events clients can choose from a suite of experiences including touring in Uluru and Kata Tjuta National Park plus Sounds of

”

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travelBulletin December 2018/JANUARY 2019

Parrtjima

Silence or Tali Wiru dining experiences under the stars.

The Field of Light installation at Uluru has been extended until 31 December 2020, due to strong marketplace interest. It will provide an ongoing added incentive for planners to bring a business event to the Red Centre and Voyages Ayers Rock Resort.

Another highlight is the outdoor festival, Parrtjima – A Festival in Light held in Alice Springs 05 to 14 April 2019. The event provides an off-site venue and activity option for conference and incentive groups visiting Alice Springs at festival time.

business e Westin Bris opens doors Westin Hotels & Resorts has opened The Westin Brisbane, marking the brand’s debut in Queensland.

The property features five venues totalling 930m2 of conference and event space, including a 450m2 ballroom for up to 500 people cocktail style which can be divided into two smaller spaces for events of up to 350 people. The property also contains two breakout rooms for up to 80 people cocktail style and three additional boardrooms.

The Westin Brisbane GM Brad Mercer said, “Westin Brisbane will be the go-to hotel for meeting and event planners catering to delegates who are passionate about health and wellness”.

The Star invests further $2b The Queensland Government has given the green light to The Star Gold Coast’s plan to inject over $2 billion into additional tourism development on Broadbeach Island, Gold Coast. A newly approved masterplan proposed by The Star and its Hong Kong-based partners, Chow Tai Fook and Far East Consortium, includes four additional towers, more hotels, new dining precincts, bars and cafes, increased entertainment and conferencing options and new resort facilities.

“The 3,000 hotel rooms and apartments would also exceed what the worldrenowned Marina Bay Sands in Singapore offers, and be on a scale to compare with the largest integrated resorts in Las Vegas,” said The Star Entertainment Group Managing Director and CEO Matt Bekier.

SMC reveals major renovation and expansion Sydney Masonic Centre (SMC) has revealed renovation plans that will increase event spaces and delegate capacities.

“This is the most exciting update to the iconic Sydney Masonic Centre in its 40-year history,” said SMC general manager Paul Davison. “As Sydney’s original purpose-built conferencing venue, the transformation will ensure that SMC remains at the forefront of the business events sector and retains its place as a landmark building amongst Sydney’s cityscape,” he said.

SMC will close on 17 December for the renovations and is scheduled to re-open in May 2019.

BES view

Lyn Lewis-Smith, chief executive officer Business Events Sydney

Building the nation through global meetings BESydney is unique.

Not only in our name – having left behind the Convention Bureau title 10 years ago.

Not only in how we work – we only focus on attracting international meetings to Sydney, and position ourselves clearly for the expertise we bring as a strategic bidding services organisation.

But particularly in our perspective – the nature of the global meetings sector is strategic and future-focussed.

BESydney and our global peers often find ourselves researching events years, and sometimes decades, ahead. The event owners – our clients – want to transform their industries. They are global industry and trade associations, and they want progress. So there is a real art to how we partner with them to show how Australia, and for us, specifically Sydney, can help them do that.

city and country. Our research (now an entire series) has given impetus to a higher-level conversation around the long tail effects of meetings – their capacity to stimulate local industry and investment opportunities, to benefit professional development, and to grow our talent base and attract new talent from overseas.

We are communicating to the world that international meetings are a country’s soft power asset in their own right.

Our approach In Australia we are blessed with an incredibly diverse tourism landscape that is on everyone’s wishlist, and the quality of our venues, event staff and suppliers is second to none. The tourism industry is our bedrock – stories of refurbishments, new products, travel options and unique experiences. It’s what attracts visitors to our beautiful city, and is key to servicing and accommodating the world’s leaders, policy makers and influencers who come to Sydney to meet. And, we have worldrecognised industries and experts that conference attendees want to see and learn more from.

To BESydney, it’s a matter of getting the right combination of work and play, i.e. intellectual leadership and cultural assets. We are ambitious for Australia.

We bring tourism, industry, government and academia together - collaborating so we can compete on the world stage, and win events that cement Australia’s place in the world.

Our Insight BESydney’s first research piece with the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) in 2010 explored the social legacies of international meetings, beyond the immediate boost to the local economy.

Beyond Tourism Benefits focused on the ability these meetings have to develop a city’s prosperity and enhance its reputation. At the time, this Aussie research drove a whole new conversation in our sector globally.

Looking to shift the conversation again, we delved further into the elements that make meetings so valuable to the host

business events news 24 Oct Event conference growth 24 Oct Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress 31 Oct SMC gears for major refurb 31 Oct MEA event dates 06 Nov The Star invests further $2b

Headlines Oct & Nov 2018 06 Nov Cvent Dubai office 13 Nov The Westin Brisbane debuts 13 Nov Crowne Plaza Mel transformation 20 Nov Art Series expands in Brisbane 20 Nov IHG voco Gold Coast opens

travelBulletin DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019

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Business view

MOTIVATING YOUR AGENCY TEAM

By Mark McCowan

A

“

5% improvement in the middle 60% yields over 70% more revenue than a 50% improvement in the top 10%.” – Sales Executive Council.

Is your agency team clear on what you expect of them? Do you recognise them for a job well done?

Incentive programs – in businesses big and small – are a very effective way to bring out the best in your people. To have them working at a higher standard and keep them working for you longer. Does everyone on your team believe that if they improve their performance, they will be recognised?

Tips to Bring out the Best from your Team Running a good incentive program for a sales team is not difficult. It does however take work and most importantly, consistent effort from management.

Every business has different opportunities and challenges. Nevertheless, the following are my proven tips for success to ensure your incentive program works.

1. Keep it Simple Pick only one or two objectives and ensure they are goals that each person can impact.

For example, don’t have ‘agency profit’ as a

FINALIST 2018

goal. There are too many variables that your sales team can’t impact.

are achieved and also recognise the high achievers in front of their workmates.

2. Reward Actions & Results

5. Keep it Short

For example, a sales target and a training goal. Recognise the effort people are putting in to improve.

Your program goals and the associated rewards cannot be too distant. Daily, weekly and monthly objectives, with frequent low value rewards and recognition, work best.

3. Communicate As often as possible. Ensure everyone knows the goals and results. Meet every day for five minutes to keep everyone up to date. Use a whiteboard to publicise results.

4. Team or Individual?

Ideally, both. Teamwork produces better results than one or two stars leading the way. However you also need to enable your high performers to shine. Reward everyone on your team if the incentive program goals

6. Surprise and Delight Allow for some ad hoc reward and recognition. Let your team – or an individual – know you appreciate their efforts, even if it may not be part of the ‘formal’ program.

7. Be a Champion Agency owners and managers need to champion the program. Talk about it. Give a shout out to results and good performance.

Let your team see you care about the program.

Mark McCowan is the director of account service and client development at Synchro Marketing.

Since 1994, Mark and the team at Synchro Marketing have worked with major Australian and New Zealand companies to bring out the best in their workforce and customers. Programs designed and managed by Mark have earned awards from industry bodies such as the Australian Marketing Institute, the Incentive Marketing Association and the Australian Psychological Society.

AirPlus International set to streamline business travel with Tramada Travel payments provider AirPlus International has made a commitment to increasing agents’ productivity and streamline processes by signing a new partnership with travel management system provider Tramada Systems.

Under the new venture, AirPlus will receive full access to Tramada’s latest technology platform, which aims to offer agents more convenience, increase their productivity and ensure seamless feeds between applications.

The new Tramada AirPlus File Export program offers 10 variable data fields, giving customers capability to capture the data required for expense management. The system also uses configurable data fields, allowing customers to capture specific information on each transaction, identify and code it and simplify the reconciliation process.

New faces at Travelport to drive business growth

WE’RE NDC-READY

Travel commerce platform Travelport has expanded its commercial team with the appointment of three new senior positions.

Reporting to chief commercial officer (CCO) Stephen Shurrock and working alongside chief customer and marketing officer Fiona Shanley is Nick Dagg, who has stepped into the role of head of agency sales. Dagg brings with him a raft of sales experience at global technology companies such as Hewlett-Packard Enterprise Services and IBM Global Business Services.

Joining him is Jason Clarke, who is Traveport’s new head of travel partners. Clarke joined the company in 2004, where he held a number of regional and global functions across sales and commercial operations. In his new role, Clarke will be responsible for incorporating content relationships across all air, hospitality and car partners.

Rounding out the team is Damian Hickey, who has assumed the role of global head of air partners. Hickey’s experience extends to a number of leadership positions in the company’s APAC region, where he has been working since 2012.

“I am confident we have a very strong team to drive our commercial strategy as we make the experience of buying and managing travel continually better for all our customers,” said CCO Stephen Shurrock.

travelBulletin DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019

“Our agencies’ corporate clients have ever-increasing data requirements when it comes to expense management,” said Susan Enners, country manager Australia and New Zealand for Tramada Systems. “We are delighted to partner with AirPlus to deliver additional enhanced data fields to meet and exceed those customer requirements. Furthermore, it reaffirms our commitment to integrating with world-class technologies that streamline processes, saving agents time and money.”

David Newington, commercial director APAC for AirPlus International said the company was excited to offer customers a new way to increase productivity. “Variable fields were an important factor in the enhancement of the booking process for the travel agency side and we are delighted to have solved this with Tramada…this is great news for our customers and partner travel agencies in Australia and New Zealand,” he said.

TODAY! TRAMADA’S AGENTS ARE PREPARED FOR IATA’S NEW DISTRIBUTION CAPABILITY STANDARD. ARE YOU?

23

SALES@TRAMADA.COM

Business view

Career in

focus Vic Naughton

General Manager Australia and New Zealand, Air Canada

1. What does your role involve and how long have you been in your current position?

In my role as Air Canada’s general manager Australia and New Zealand I am responsible for leading the commercial teams and maximising the airline’s profitability across the region, where we now operate nonstop services from Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne to Vancouver and beyond. I have been in the role since November 2017 so am just hitting the one year mark!

2. How did you start out in your career?

Were you always destined to work in the travel industry?

After completing university in 2004 I picked up a backpack and travelled the world for a year. When I got back to the UK, I landed a role in finance at a major bank and quickly realised it wasn’t for me. So I jumped and started working as a travel agent for STA Travel and found my calling. In some ways I do think I was destined for a role in the travel industry. In my younger days I did a few flying lessons and even applied for a British Airways cadetship.

3. Did you complete formal qualifications, and do you think they are important?

I studied English at Brunel University in London.

Like many people I eventually ended up on a completely different career path – and I think it’s never too late to change direction. I believe studying for formal qualifications is important particularly for the life-skills it provides, including discipline and independence.

4. What do you love about your job?

I love working in the travel industry, it is so exciting and there are many great people I 24

travelBulletin December 2018/JANUARY 2019

“

I think my career has be characterised by...a willingness to accept challenges and take risks...

”

get to work with daily. I’m lucky to work for an airline that is on an extraordinary growth trajectory, not just in Australia but globally.

Air Canada is now the 8th largest airline in the world and has grown 40% in the last three years alone. When you just look at the expansion of Air Canada’s operation in Australia, it’s very hard not to be energised and motivated.

5. What are some of the greatest challenges you’ve faced in your career?

My age has always been a mental challenge as I’ve always tended to be the youngest person within teams or in meetings, even when I held the most senior role. By my early

20s I was managing my own travel agency store then by mid 20s, I was responsible for 13 countries across Africa & Middle East and negotiating with people who were much older and more experienced than me. It has led to many situations where I was far out of my comfort zone. At one stage, I was posted to South Africa and within a week of starting the role I found myself alone on a flight to Accra, Ghana, where I was interviewed on national TV. It’s time like those that you think “How did I get here?!”

Undoubtedly, however, my current role has been my biggest challenge. I joined just as Air Canada was experiencing phenomenal growth locally (with the launch of our Melbourne service) and around the world. Air Canada has become a major force in the Australian aviation industry which offers a variety of new challenges for myself and the team to face.

6. What factors were central to your success?

I think my career has been characterised by a restlessness, along with a willingness to accept challenges and take risks – I don’t like to stay in my comfort zone for too long.

I see change as inevitable and I believe it’s important to face it head on. I work very hard and I have chosen to only work for companies and brands which I believe in.

7. What are the keys to good business?

People, people and people. That means knowing your customers, listening to their needs and putting yourself in their shoes. With your team it means ensuring you have people around you who are motivated and engaged.

It also means putting their needs first and regularly gathering and valuing their feedback.

8. What advice would you give to others in the industry who would like to follow in your footsteps?

Don’t be afraid to take risks and challenge yourself, get out of your comfort zone! Often that’s not easy, but I’ve always found it pays off.

THERE IS A BETTER WAY TO SELL TRAVEL. Now’s the time to start your own home-based travel business with Travel Counsellors.

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Cruise

Cruise eases back the pace After a long run of growth that has been the envy of the world, Australia’s cruise market is showing signs of losing momentum. But that hasn’t dampened enthusiasm among Australian travel agents who still report healthy levels of growth. travelBulletin’s annual cruise survey takes a closer look at how agents view the travel industry’s stand-out performer.

F

ew industries have reaped the sort of double-digit growth enjoyed by Australia’s cruise sector in recent years – a time of surging sales, bigger and better ships, and an everincreasing choice of itineraries.

So it stands to reason that travel agents have been among the most passionate backers of cruising, enjoying record sales as Australians succumb to what the cruise industry proudly points out is the highest penetration rate in the world.

But as capacity constraints take their toll and port facilities become more and more difficult to book – especially in Sydney – annual growth in the number of Australians taking a cruise has dropped

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travelBulletin December 2018/JANUARY 2019

– down from a dizzying 21% in 2016 to just 4.4% last year, according to the latest figures from Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Australasia.

It’s a phenomenon reflected in travelBulletin’s latest cruise industry survey, conducted annually in conjunction with our sister publications Cruise Weekly and Travel Daily.

For the first time, this year’s survey shows the number of travel agents experiencing growth in cruise sales has taken a significant slide, even though a majority still see figures on the rise.

Conducted in October by StollzNow Research, the survey found 64% of Australian travel agents believe the

“

For the first time, this year’s survey shows the number of travel agents experiencing growth in cruise sales has taken a significant slide

”

ocean cruise market has grown in the past 12 months, down considerably from the 83% who reported growth last year and the 85% shown in 2016.

About 29% said the ocean cruise market had remained the same as last year, while 6% reported that it had contracted.

Confidence in river cruising also slipped, with 33% of agents reporting growth, down from 42% last year and 46% in 2016. The river cruise market had remained the same according to 52% of respondents, while 14% said it had gone backwards.

But despite a softer market, agents appear less concerned by outside threats than in past years.

This year’s survey again asked about the impact of offshore rivals and direct sales channels, and how they affected their confidence.

Only 45% of respondents said they were “extremely” or “very” concerned about losing sales to overseas travel agents this year – down from 51% in 2017 – while the number of agents who were “not at all” concerned increased from 9% to 12%.

Those reporting a loss of sales to direct bookings has remained the same for three years at 53%, but the number of agents who said they don’t lose any sales to direct bookings lifted from 14% last year to

25% in 2018.

New questions added to the survey this year addressed some of the major issues being discussed in the industry at a worldwide level, but the response from Australian travel agents was mixed.

When asked about the significance of environmental issues in the cruise industry, only 19% of respondents considered them to be extremely or very important to their customers.

The biggest portion, representing 39%, said the environment was only moderately important, while 25% said it was not important at all.

A similarly mixed response came when agents were asked about the hot topic of over-tourism.

When questioned whether the issue of over-tourism was an inhibitor to new sales, 45% said no. About 27% said yes, but a similar portion of respondents said they were unsure, 28%.

Other areas of the cruise survey asked agents to rate cruise lines on a whole range of different levels, from their training and call centre support to the visibility of their advertising and the help they provide with local marketing.

Royal takes top Spot Royal Caribbean International was named by Australian travel agents as their favourite cruise line in this year’s survey,

80 70

Favourite ocean cruise line Royal Caribbean International Princess Cruises Celebrity Cruises Scenic Viking Ocean APT Holland America Line 0%

narrowly pulling ahead of Princess Cruises.

Royal was ranked top by 16.2% of agents who regularly sell the line, coming in above Princess at 15.8% and other top lines including Celebrity Cruises (8.1%), Scenic (7.7%), Viking Ocean Cruises (6.6%), APT (5.8%) and Holland America Line (5.4%).

The favourite cruise line category was one of several new questions in this year’s cruise survey, which also asked which lines help best with local area marketing (topped by APT, Scenic and Princess) and which lines offer truly unique experiences (Un-Cruise Adventures, Paul Gauguin Cruises and Disney Cruise Line).

Agents also nominated which lines have excellent management teams (APT, Scenic

Market change in last 12 months 64%

60

52%

50 40 30

33%

29%

20

14%

10

5%

6%

10%

15 %

and Princess), which ones offer an efficient online booking portal (Princess Cruises, P&O Australia and Carnival Cruise Line) and which brands have the best overall representative service (Scenic, Princess and APT).

Agents named Princess Cruises as the line they most regularly sold, followed

by P&O Australia, Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Carnival Cruise Line.

The survey also provided insight into the visibility of cruise lines’ advertising campaigns, with agents nominating which ones they see most often in Australian media. In mainstream media, the most visible lines were P&O Cruises Australia, Scenic, APT, Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean International.

The river cruise segment was examined separately in the survey, with Viking River Cruises chosen as favourite by 11% of travel agents who regularly sell the line, ahead of Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection (10%), Avalon Waterways (9%), and Travelmarvel (9%).

APT was the most commonly booked river cruise product, sold by 65% of agents, followed by Scenic (60%), Travelmarvel (43%), Viking River Cruises (40%) and Avalon Waterways (39%).

0

Ocean Increased

Stayed the same

River Decreased

To obtain a full copy of the survey email research@ traveldaily.com.au

travelBulletin DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019

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Cruise

SCENIC DELAYS LAUNCH AGAIN AMID UPHEAVAL SCENIC is weathering turmoil in the construction of its expedition vessel Scenic Eclipse, with striking workers and a financial crisis forcing a change of board at the vessel’s Croatian shipbuilder and the delay of the vessel’s inaugural voyage by a further three months.

After industrial action and allegations that workers had not been paid, the Pula-based Uljanik Group appointed a new chairman and three-member management board in a bid to avoid financial collapse.

Local media report that talks are now underway with creditors and government over a restructure.

Originally planned to debut last August, the

company had earlier announced that due to construction delays the vessel would debut on 28 January 2019, however the company has since revised the first sailing date to 13 April next year.

According to Scenic’s founder Glen Moroney, the cruise line has taken full ownership of Eclipse “given the yard’s challenges” and is now contracting suppliers directly to ensure the build continues.

“The Uljanik Group is working with the Croatian Government and the European Union’s Competition Authority to develop a restructuring plan and we hope this process will be completed soon,” Moroney said.

“Despite the difficult environment, Scenic’s

Azamara pursues Aussie market AUSTRALIA’S reputation as a growing consumer of luxury cruising has received another shot in the arm with news that Azamara Club Cruises will be bringing its newest ship Azamara Pursuit to the local market in 2021.

The Royal Caribbean Cruises upmarket brand made the announcement while in Sydney to mark the upcoming Australian cruise season.

“Australia has doubled its share over the last four years so that’s why we decided to deliver Pursuit because we know our product really resonates here,” said Azamara chief operating officer Carol Cabezas.

When she arrives in Australia in 2021, Pursuit will visit 18 ports across Australia and New Zealand and be the third vessel in Azamara’s three-ship fleet to visit country, with Journey and Quest already enjoying successful seasons locally.

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travelBulletin December 2018/JANUARY 2019

supervisory team, along with Uljanik’s management and production workers, are totally focused on the ship’s completion”.

Under the new schedule the first Scenic Eclipse sailing will now be a “Great Civilisations Mediterranean Cruise” from Barcelona to Athens.

In the wake of the delay, Scenic has stated it is committed to providing full refunds for any cancelled voyages, along with “consideration of any other reasonable associated costs”.

Guests who rebook a Scenic Eclipse voyage before 31 March 2019 will also receive a future cruise credit to the value of 25% of their rebooked cruise.

Aqua makes a splash AMIDST the flurry of high-end cruise operators looking to consolidate their hold on the luxury river cruise market, Amazon and Mekong River specialist Aqua Expeditions has announced it will increase its fleet by 150% over the next two years as part of a major expansion campaign.

The funding of the new vessels will be back by the American Bison Capital Funds which has allocated a hefty US$28 million towards the purchases.

“I am thrilled that after a decade of changing the face of river cruising on both the Amazon and the Mekong Rivers we will extend our footprint to coastal cruising in additional soft adventure destinations,” said Aqua Expeditions chief executive officer Francesco Galli Zugaro.

Aqua Amazon

Virgin not bashful Flamboyant businessman Richard Branson is not one to do things by halves, so it shouldn’t be surprising his foray into the cruising market is ramping up before it has even launched.

Virgin Voyages recently revealed it will construct a fourth ship in its assault on the adult-focused cruise segment, signing a contract with shipbuilder Fincantieri worth an estimated €700 million.

The new vessel is scheduled for delivery at the end of 2023 and will be a sister ship of the three other vessels already on order, including the highly publicised Scarlet Lady which will debut in 2020, followed by ships in 2021 and 2022 respectively.

Celebrity Eclipse Aussie commitment IN A sign the brand is enjoying strong demand for its products in Australia, Celebrity Cruises has announced that two of its ships will service the market simultaneously in 2020.

Celebrity Eclipse will be deployed to homeport in Melbourne during the 2020/21 season, while Celebrity Solstice will continue to cruise out of Sydney.

The move means the cruise line effectively doubles capacity in Australia and was labelled by Royal Caribbean Cruises managing director Australia and NZ Susan Bonner as “a season of firsts” for the Celebrity brand.

Before sailing into Melbourne, Eclipse will head to Sydney on 8 December 2020 to sail a two-night sampler voyage, before departing on a 13-night cruise via New Zealand to her new Aussie base.

CLIA view Joel Katz, Managing Director CLIA Australasia

A Drop in the Ocean No industry has a stronger interest itself, including advanced wastewater in protecting our oceans than cruising. treatment systems and exhaust gas It is not simply the responsibility of our cleaning systems (EGCS). Advanced industry, but operating sustainably at sea wastewater treatment systems used is a business imperative. on many ships can produce cleaner Making up less than one per cent water than the systems in most coastal of the global maritime cities. EGCS and community, cruise energy efficient design operations are a drop standards will reduce Despite their small in the ocean when it CO2 emissions by 30 percent by 2025. comes to commercial footprint, the Meanwhile, globally shipping. Yet despite cruise sector leads the first cruise ship their small footprint, the when it comes to powered by liquid cruise sector leads when it comes to developing developing responsible natural gas (LNG) entered service in responsible environmental environmental Europe a couple of practices and innovative practices and months ago, with technologies to reduce air emissions and waste. innovative technologies dozens of alternative ships on order Modern cruise ships to reduce air emissions fuel including 26 more LNGare designed for greatest and waste powered ships. efficiency. From concept The cruise industry to operations, cruise remains committed to ships offer elaborate continual improvement and is constantly systems of design, construction, innovating to identify and install new manufacturing and supply chain technologies. It is in the cruise industry’s management, training and performance that are years in the making, all to ensure best interest to keep the world’s oceans and environments pristine, which is that cruise ships sail as efficiently and why our member cruise lines are doing environmentally friendly as possible. everything they can to ensure that each Many of the environmental new generation of ships is greener than technologies found onboard ships the last. were pioneered by the cruise industry

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CLIA awards get makeover A “new look and feel” will grace Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Australasia’s 2018 annual awards night early next year.

The industry body has opted to make some changes to its night of nights, with updates to include a more diverse range of award categories, a more transparent online voting system, and a separate judging panel to determine award winners from New Zealand.

“We’re updating the awards, nomination criteria and judging in the hope of inspiring individual member agents...to engage with and champion the cruise industry,” said CLIA Australasia managing director Joel Katz.

Headlines October & November 2018 23 Oct P&O reveals homeports for 2020 25 Oct Azamara makes it three of a kind 25 Oct Hurtigruten orders another ship 25 Oct Aurora to double fleet 30 Oct Celebrity doubles down on Aus 30 Oct Cruise Weekly evolution 01 Nov C&K affirms Hurtigruten 01 Nov Princess expands Europe 05 Nov Scenic hit by shipbuilder upheaval 05 Nov Royal gets standing Ovation 07 Nov Royal named agent favourite 09 Nov Aqua makes global push

09 Nov CLIA rejuvenates awards 12 Nov Celebrity releases 2020/21 program 12 Nov MS Richard With reborn 14 Nov Eclipse delayed once again 14 Nov HAL debuts Club Orange 15 Nov Creative launches agent platform 16 Nov Regal Princess to Syd in 2020 19 Nov P&O steps up short-break strategy 19 Nov Carnival ship a cut above 21 Nov New Cunard ship flagged for Aus 21 Nov Maori welcome for Princess

travelBulletin DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019

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USA

USA

America’s West packs a punch when it comes to national parks, writes Sarah Beyer.

W

hen you’re as much of a fan of national parks as I am, it’s hard not to be in awe of America’s western states. Spread throughout this area is a huge concentration of national parks exhibiting some of the most striking and varied landscapes you’ll find.

Utah in particular is a state that you don’t want to miss, with parks as iconic as Arches, Zion and Bryce.

Zion National Park Zion is a national park lover’s paradise. Its soaring cliffs and verdant valleys offer walks to suit any fitness and ability, with vertigoinducing and adrenaline pumping drop-offs along the cliff face, such as the famous Angel’s Landing or Hidden Canyon Trail; as well as leisurely strolls amongst the trees along the Virgin River like Riverside Walk and Lower Emerald Pools.

The best way to enter the park is from the east side, through the Zion-Mt Carmel tunnel.

This long, one-way tunnel winds its way through the cliffs itself, with windows every now and again offering a taste of the vistas to come. A hot tip though – one of the best views of the park is offered by the Canyon Outlook Trail, which starts just before the eastern entrance to the Mt Carmel tunnel and offers a jaw-dropping outlook.

The best way to see Zion is via the park shuttle, and it’s free to ride (once you’ve paid your park entrance fee). The shuttle takes visitors throughout the park and can be hopped on and off as much as you like.

To really make the most of Zion, it’s best to allow at least two days. You can stay in Springdale, the town right outside the western entrance to the park, but make sure you book early, particularly in summer.

Bryce Canyon National Park After Zion, head to Bryce to see a completely different landscape. While Zion has lush

valleys, Bryce Canyon is famous for its red rock pillars, called hoodoos. These tall spires were formed over millions of years as rainwater seeps into the rock, froze and then thawed, weakening sections until they crumbled away. There are a number of lookouts around the top rim of the naturally formed amphitheatre, but the best way to get up close to these bizarre structures is by hiking down into the park. There is a range of walks that differ in length and difficulty, including ones that are suited to children.

You don’t want to miss a sunset over the hoodoos so make sure you stay overnight near the park. If you happen to visit in winter, you can also experience some unexpected activities for the desert – snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.

Arches National Park When you think unusual rock formulations and Utah, chances are you probably think of the incredible arches of Arches National Park. Although perhaps an unimaginative name for the national park, there is nothing unimaginative about its landscapes. You will definitely recognise the outline of Delicate Arch (which is on the license plate of Utah registered vehicles), but there are over 2,000 arches in the park.

It’s a 29km scenic drive from the visitor centre to the far reaches of Arches. It’s best to drive all the way out first and then meander your way back slowly. Start with a hike to Landscape Arch, the second longest span in the world, along an easy, relatively flat trail. As you head back along the road, make sure to stop at the Windows, one of the most scenic parts of the park with a large concentration of arches. There are two lookouts to view Delicate Arch, and you can also hike up to it in two to three hours, along a more difficult trail.

When the day is done, stay in Moab.

From there you can explore neighbouring Canyonlands National Park, or else head off on a 4WD, white-water rafting or mountain

biking adventure, with plenty of operators based in Moab.

Slot canyons Utah is full of many different types of canyons but one that you should definitely visit is a slot canyon. There are many throughout the state, but one of the most spectacular of these slot canyons is located just 10 minutes over Utah’s border in Arizona.

Antelope Canyon is split into upper and lower sections and on Navajo land. You’ll need to join a tour to visit but it’s well worth the expense. Knowledgeable Navajo guides take you through the canyon, with its narrow walls formed by flash flooding over many years.

The sandstone curves have to be seen to be believed and will be a highlight of any trip.

The guides will also take a photo or two of you on the tour with your camera, ensuring you have a few happy snaps of you and your travelling companions, as well as hundreds of the canyon walls.

Things to note Parks pass By far the best thing to do if you’re planning on visiting a couple of national parks is to buy an annual pass. At US$80 per vehicle, you only have to visit three before you get your money’s worth (as most parks cost US$35 to visit).

After that, it’s like every visit is free!

Alcohol Utah is a Mormon state which means that they can be quite strict when it comes to alcohol. Make sure you take your ID (drivers license should be fine) with you when ordering alcohol. And just think of the ego boost it will be when you’re asked for ID (even if you’re a long way from 21).

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USA

Chicago a breath of fresh air THE city famed for its deep pan pizzas and glitter of skyscrapers is now more accessible to Aussie travellers thanks to Air New Zealand launching a new direct Auckland to Chicago route.

Following the introduction of the direct service, the Chicago Airport Authority, Air New Zealand and Choose Chicago recently collaborated on an event on Sydney in a bid to help raise the profile of the Windy City and to promote the many virtues the destination has to offer Aussie travellers.

“We've been in the Aussie market for a number of years and the market has been really active recently,” said Corey Marshall, the founder of Choose Chicago’s local representative Canuckiwi.

“The biggest comparison for Chicago is New York, we have almost as many international visitors with over 50 million so to make people more aware of us is about an education piece,” Marshall added.

Major drawcards for Chicago include its 22 Michelin-star restaurants, 56 museums, numerous architectural tours, and thrilling skyscraper walks.

Marshall believes more Aussies will take up the option to travel direct to Chicago partly because Chicago is a major hub for connecting to other North American destinations.

“You are going to see a lot more international take up because you're on an international carrier, the service is an international standard, so then you can pop from there to the south and south east, you can move on to Canada – we're going to see a lot more different itineraries created,” he said.

AUSSIES ESCAPE TO SAN FRAN THE global appetite for travel to the American technology hub of San Francisco is growing at a record pace, according to The San Francisco Travel Association.

Australian tourists are among some of the fastest movers, with visitation for 2018 up by more than 4%, outperforming the overall average for the year which is currently 2.8%.

“Markets in Asia and Australia are especially strong,” said San Francisco Travel chief executive officer Joe D’Alessandro.

Some of the most popular tourist attractions in San Francisco based on visitor data for 2018 have included: the major retail precinct Pier 39, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the former “inescapable” prison Alcatraz Island.

Tourism is the city’s largest industry, with more than 25.5 million people visiting in 2017, and spending more than US$9.78 billion.

Brand USA targets millenials BRAND USA’s continued push into the digital space has seen the launch of a new media platform called GoUSA TV, the tourism body’s latest weapon in the fight to lure more younger visitors to the country.

The app features video content on many

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travelBulletin December 2018/JANUARY 2019

must-see attractions for travellers to check out in the United States, such as tracks to explore in the great outdoors, the best places to eat for foodies, and where to take the best road trips.

GoUSA TV will release new content

weekly and Brand USA plans to expand its reservoir of tourism collateral to include films and live videos in the future.

The app is available for iOS devices, as well as on Roku, Apple TV and Amazon Fire TV.

USA

GLOBUS COMES UP SMELLING ROSES WHEN it comes to the United States, few tour operators have a more diverse range of packages than Globus.

Fans of floral parades may be interested in the operator’s Tournament of the Roses itinerary, the centrepiece of which is a VIP pass to America’s most famous New Year’s celebration, the Rose Parade. The festival is held in Pasadena, California, and includes reserved grandstand seating, a festive dinner, and a live music party.

The trip also offers a sightseeing tour of Los Angeles, visiting marquee attraction such as the Getty Museum, with prices for the fiveday trip starting from $2,469 per person.

Those wanting to escape the urban sprawl can take advantage of Globus’ 10-day Spirit of the Wild West guided tour.

Highlights of the package include an escorted visit through Colorado,

©Prayitno

South Dakota, and Wyoming’s American West starting in the “Mile High City” of Denver. While there, travellers will get to see the city’s historic sites at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, including the Red Rocks Amphitheatre and Buffalo Bill’s Grave & Museum.

The brave of heart will appreciate an overnight stay in the Estes Park’s Stanley Hotel, the inspiration for Stephen King’s thriller, The Shining.

Rates for the trip lead in at $3,266 per person.

The allure of the southern states is indulged in the Southern Charms package, an eight-day round trip departing Atlanta, Georgia. The trip commences by bringing the roaring 20s to life with a visit to the Prohibition Museum, and also offers a horsedrawn carriage ride in Port Royal Island, located in South Carolina’s picturesque Beaufort County.

IN FLIGHT Fiji Airways - NAD-LAX The plane Airbus A330-200 The seat Fiji Airways utilises its brand new A320200 on the route between Nadi and Los Angeles. The business class seats are set up in a 2-2-2 configuration, with privacy dividers between the seats.

There are plenty of storage areas for your possessions, and we particularly enjoyed the thoughtful placement of a water bottle holder to help us stay hydrated on the long flight. The seat has a number of preset controls, as well as the ability to adjust individual sections to guarantee a comfortable journey, however you feel like reclining. When it came time to sleep, there was a lovely warm duvet which had us nodding off in no time.

Entertainment In-flight entertainment is viewed on a large

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travelBulletin December 2018/JANUARY 2019

display which is accessed via a handheld controller. Fiji Airways also provides noise cancelling headphones which greatly enhance the viewing experience by blocking a lot of the ambient noise of the flight. There is a good selection of movies including a number of new releases which had only just been in cinemas, as well as TV shows and old favourites.

Service and food Fiji is known for it’s friendly locals and our experience on board the national airline was no different. Staff were welcoming and attentive. The food onboard is also excellent, with a range of different dishes from Fijian and Western culture, along with a great selection of wines from Australia and New Zealand. The priority baggage service also meant that our luggage was almost first on the conveyor belt, enabling us to get out the door and start adventuring in record time.

We love to travel just as much as you do.

We love to travel just as much as you do.

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USA

VISIT VEGAS BABY ONE MORE TIME Renowned as the entertainment capital of the world, Las Vegas is showing no signs of relinquishing that image with the Park Theatre locking in two major global acts starting this month and early next year.

Pop icon Britney Spears is returning to the Las Vegas stage with a new residency starting 13 February 2019 at The Park Theatre. The multi-platinum artist will perform her new show called Britney: Domination.

Six-time Grammy Award-winner Lady Gaga has also signed on to bring a new show to the city of lights. Lady Gaga Jazz & Piano will feature stripped down versions of some of her big hits in conjunction with songs from the Great American Songbook.

“With the addition of iconic artists throughout the destination, our resort partners have cultivated an unparalleled wealth of entertainment options that cater to just about every taste,” said The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority chief marketing officer Cathy Tull.

“Whether you’re a first-time or repeat visitor, there’s always something new and exceptional to experience in Las Vegas,” she added.

San Diego ups appeal THERE is plenty of exciting activity on the horizon for travellers planning trips to the Californian city of San Diego, with a range of new hotel openings and events flagged in the next couple of months.

The Guild Hotel is due to open its doors in February 2019 in downtown San Diego, boasting a boutique design and housed inside the 1920s era Army-Navy YMCA building.

A US$80 million refurbishment of the 675-room Town and Country San Diego kicked off a few months ago and is scheduled to be completed in 2020.

The city will also host a variety of interesting events in early 2019 such as San Diego Restaurant Week that runs from 20-27 January, where 180 of the city’s best chefs and cooks put together special fixed menus to celebrate the event.

For sporting enthusiasts, the annual Farmers Insurance Open golf tournament held from 24-27 January hosts many prominent professionals at the world-famous Torrey Pines Golf Course in La Jolla, home of the upcoming 2021 US Open.

Cafe Gratitude, a business that is part of Restaurant Week

On tour // Portland Tour: Division Street Tour Operator: Forktown Food Tours Duration: 3 hours Accessible from: The tour departs from Portland, Oregon.

Details: Portland is known as one of America’s best food cities. And what better way to test that claim than on a food tour? Forktown Food Tours offer a variety of ‘foodie’ walking tours.

The Division Street tour showcases the hottest neighbourhood in Portland with it’s creative food and drink scene. Make sure you embark on this adventure on an empty stomach as the food is plentiful. The tour lasts

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about three hours with five stops.

These may include La Panza Café – with its traditional New Mexican fare a combination of Spanish, Native American and Mexican flavours. Little T American Baker creates the most amazing breads: try the caprese baguette. Then it’s sausages and beer at Olympia Provisions. For some classic Indian street food the tour heads to Bollywood Theatre, a funky space made to feel like a Mumbai dining hall. Then wine tasting at Southeast Wine Collective, an Urban winery with the opportunity to try some of the local drops from the resident artisanal winemakers. And if there is still room to fit in dessert, a slice of pie from Lauretta Jeans cannot be missed.

travelBulletin December 2018/JANUARY 2019

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Luxury & Romance

Asia Pacific’s most

© The Anam

© The Anam

If money wasn’t an object, and you had the means to whisk your special somebody anywhere in the world, where would you go? With so many luxury romantic getaways within close proximity to Australia’s main international hubs, we truly are spoilt for choice. Bonnie van Dorp handpicks three experiences and stays in the Asia-Pacific where luxury and romance go hand-in-hand.

Vietnam’s premier beach destination Nha Trang may not be on the radar for many Aussies right now, but it should be. The 6km stretch of pristine coastline, known for its white sand beaches, fresh seafood and sprawling resorts, is in the midst of a tourism boom, particularly in the luxury category.

A jewel in its crown is The Anam, the first and only World Luxury Hotel in Vietnam. The lavish property, situated in Cam Ranh Bay and nestled between 3,000 swaying palm trees, combines colonial-era styling with traditional Vietnamese touches.

A stay in one of the signature villas

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is a must when visiting. There are 117 villas available on site, each offering a distinct experience. For those wanting a tranquil view of the resort’s perfectly manicured gardens, the Garden View is the spot for you. However, if you and your significant other would prefer to be lulled to sleep by the sounds of rolling tides, the Seaview villa is about as romantic as they come. For an ultra VIP stay, The Anam also offers villas with private plunge pools, which come highly recommended for couples who are on honeymoon.

The resort is fairly self-contained, providing everything you could

travelBulletin December 2018/JANUARY 2019

possibly need to take a break from the world. Those that want to hide away and relax can do so poolside or by the beach. There’s also a stand-out spa which offers couples treatments that have you leaving refreshed and renewed.

For the active couple, there are plenty of recreational activities on site to keep you busy, including a fully equipped gym, tennis courts and watersports in the sea. It’s also worth noting that The Anam also has its own personal trainers for guests to utilise, which makes you feel a little bit like a celebrity.

Explore New Zealand’s wine capital Marlborough is all about fine food and wine. It’s where New Zealand’s most celebrated sauvignon blanc stock is cultivated and refined. And it’s slowly making a name for itself as a culinary capital, where both international and domestic visitors alike come to experience some of the best produce available in the country.

Those wanting to visit some of the region’s most famous cellar doors should embark on a bike tour with Explore Marlborough Wine Tours. You can choose between a self-guided tour or one led by an experienced guide.

The tour visits five of the region’s best wineries and is a peaceful ride that’s suitable for people of all fitness levels.

Marlborough’s roads are (mostly) flat, safe and expansive, providing plenty of space for cyclists. For the extra loved-up couple, Explore Marlborough also offers a tandem bike option.

Unpretentious and laid back, the region could mislead you into believing that it doesn’t do luxury well. But it’s quite the opposite really. Marlborough

is home to many luxury lodges, each with its own distinct feel and flavour.

One of the region’s best is the Bay of Many Coves resort, which fronts the iconic Marlborough Sounds.

There are only two ways to reach this luxury lodge: by air or by sea. If your budget allows it, arrive in style by helicopter. Tasman Helicopters operates air transfers from Nelson and Marlborough. The scenery from above is other-worldly. You’ll see everything from rolling green hills to craggy peaks and you’ll also get a glimpse of the ice blue waters of the sounds as you land at the resort’s very own helipad. There is a range of accommodation types available at the resort, from one to three-bedroom cabins. The beds in each room, contain over $5,000 worth of linen on each one, making for an extremely cozy sleep.

Bay of Many Coves Resort is perfect for a more active couple, with many of the experiences taking place in the sounds and surrounding bushland.

© Outrigger Koh Samui

© Tourism New Zealand

Luxury & Romance

Fall in love with Koh Samui Warm summer nights, swaying palms and modern luxury -- Koh Samui is a honeymooning couple’s dream. The heat makes every day feel like a lazy Sunday and life moves nice and slow here.

If it’s an indulgent, intimate stay that you’re after, look no further than Outrigger Koh Samui Resort.

The Outrigger is a couple-friendly all-pool villa hideaway acclaimed for its Signature Experiences that reflect local Thai culture. These include fruit carving, batik making, kickboxing, leather etching and now -- Thai cooking.

Guests can learn how to make mouth-watering Thai classics such as Som Tum (Thai papaya salad), Tom Yum Goong (spicy and sour prawn herb soup), Tom Kha Gai (coconut chicken soup with galangal and lemongrass) and Goong Makham (prawns in tamarind sauce). After the lesson, take a seat on the beach while the resort’s friendly staff members serve your freshly made creations to you.

When visiting, make sure you also book in at the Navasana Spa for a couple’s treatment -- you won’t regret it.

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Luxury & Romance

Silversea’s elite set to visit new destinations

December heralds the arrival of Silversea’s ultra-luxe flagship vessel, Silver Muse, into Australia where she will sail to Darwin from Bali before heading down the coast and making maiden calls at Cairns, Townsville, the Whitsunday Islands, Brisbane and Sydney.

Offering guests an uncompromising level of comfort, service and quality, Silver Muse takes guests on a culinary journey, offering the “widest, bespoke dining experience at sea”, with a series of new ultra-luxury

offerings also recently added as part of the cruise line’s Project Invictus initiative.

Part of the project was the recent upgrade to the champagne and caviar offering on board Silver Muse, which saw the welcome drinks offering being replaced with Champagne rather than the previously offered prosecco.

Sydney travellers will have the chance to journey to New Zealand, where Muse will cruise the Milford and Doubtful Sounds before arriving in Dunedin on 14 January.

Holidaying in the lap of Greek luxury

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The ship will then head to Akaroa, Picton, Napier and Gisbourne, before arriving into Auckland on 19 January.

In addition to Silver Muse’s inaugural voyage down under, Silversea has also announced its extravagant vessel Silver Whisper will set sail on an epic 132day World Cruise from San Francisco to London. The “Tale of Tales” cruise will welcome a range of famous creatives who will host a series of lectures for guests while travelling.

Boutique Australian wholesaler in the upmarket travel sector, Greece and Mediterranean Travel Centre (GMTC), has responded to a “wave of growth” in the market with the introduction of a new sub brand called Luxury Greece Collection (LGC).

GMTC founder and managing director Halina Kubica said the launch helped to distinguish the company as “true luxury Greece specialists”.

“The Luxury Greece Collection fills a gap in the Australian market for a high-end Greece specialist and builds on increased demand from customers seeking niche accommodation and services,” she said. “With interest continuing to rise, we felt it was time to emphasise our range of top-of-the-line product in Athens, Mykonos, Santorini, Crete and beyond.”

Prior to the launch, the company spent a number of years researching which products and services were suitable specifically to the Australian market, which Kubica said had helped them to match the right product to the client’s requirements. “We are finding today’s clients are seeking the best product that’s suitable for them, and they are willing to pay for this service too,” she said.

The new collection boasts a range of tailored holiday experiences, including options such as the charter of private jets and yachts, helicopter transfers between Santorini and Mykonos, and limousine transfers to hotels.

“Luxury Greece Collection will take care of all the arrangements through our network of professional and reliable suppliers,” Kubica added.

For info on the new Collection, call 1300 661 666.

Luxury & Romance

Raffles re-opens in 2019 Iconic hotel Raffles Singapore is now accepting bookings for 1 August 2019 onwards, ahead of its planned grand reopening.

The hotel, which closed down in 2017 to undergo careful renovations, will continue to offer its range of all-suite accommodation, including the introduction of new suite categories and the updating of existing rooms with new amenities and technology.

Guests who book their stay at the restored hotel next year will be able to enjoy the traditional architecture, heritage and service the hotel is known for, while also experiencing a refreshed Raffles Boutique showcasing a gallery of historic Raffles moments, as well as retail space The Arcade and a brand new day spa.

The hotel will also retain its popular Long Bar, Tiffin Room and classic Raffles Afternoon Tea for those looking for the quintessential Raffles Singapore Experience.

Getaway to Fiji Tourism Fiji, Fiji Airways and FIJI Water have teamed up to deliver a new destination travel marketing campaign designed to capture the “purity and natural beauty of Fiji”.

The “Fiji’s Finest Getaway” campaign, which features popular The Bachelor Australia contestants Tim Robards and Anna Heinrich, takes a close look at the luxurious private enclave of Dolphin Island and its five-star Volivoli Beach Resort.

“We want to convey to the Australian market the relaxation, exploration and

adventure abound on the beautiful islands of Fiji,” said Matt Stoeckel, CEO of Tourism Fiji. “It is exciting to partner with our national carrier Fiji Airways and luxury water brand FIJI Water to reach a broader audience across the Australian market. I’m confident that through the content produced, Australians will quickly realise why Fiji is such a popular holiday destination and why it is the place where happiness finds you,” he added.

The candid video campaign can be viewed at www.fijisfinestgetaway.com.

ONE MONTH TO GO

UNTIL SILVER MUSE CALLS AUSTRALIA HOME LUXURY WITHOUT LIMITS We are counting down the days until Silver Muse will make her debut to our local shores in Australia and New Zealand from this December until February 2019 before she returns again for an even longer season in November 2019. During this extended season in the summer of 2019-20 her voyages will also include the tropical escapes of the South Pacific Islands. Punctuated by colourful cities and tranquil days at sea, she will meander through remote, untouched regions of spectacular beauty, creating an unforgettable journey which will delight even the most seasoned traveller.

CONTACT SILVERSEA RESERVATIONS ON +61 2 9255 0600 OR EMAIL APRES@SILVERSEA.COM ORDER YOUR COPY OF THE SILVER MUSE SUMMER SEASON BROCHURE NOW AT TIFS

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Luxury & Romance

personalisation for luxury travellers Global travel agent network Virtuoso has revealed the results of its 2019 Luxe Report, which outlines “how Australia’s most affluent travellers will roam the world in 2019”.

The report, which shows a growing trend for personalisation of travel experiences, outlines five key trends that are expected to occur next year around the areas of motivation, transportation, accommodation, recreation, and conservation.

Social media remains a key focus for luxury travellers, with Virtuoso reporting motivation is increasingly being driven by the requirement for “Instagram-worthy content”. This trend has seen Virtuoso agents arranging themed photoshoots characteristic of destinations, including traditional geisha attire in Kyoto or ball gowns in Venice, to help travellers create their perfect picture.

Transportation has seen a swing towards helicopter travel in the luxe space, with Virtuoso reporting an increase in private flights and transfers between airports and resort islands. Accommodation is also making a subtle shift upwards, with the trend towards more experiential stays including igloos in Norway and “bubbles nestled in nature” also on the rise. More specific travel experiences are also predicted to take precedence in 2019, with more travellers requesting tickets to major sporting events, private after-hours tours to cultural attractions and intimate dinners with prominent local figures. Luxe travellers are also seeking out travel options that are conservation-friendly, such as visiting animal welfare centres, dog sledding at the North Pole and whale watching.

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Personalised and private transportation Unique Grecian experiences Destination weddings and honeymoons

NE W

For further information and to order a copy of the brochure contact Greece and Mediterranean Travel Centre on 1300 661 666 or email info@greecemedtravel.com.au

www.greecemedtravel.com.au

Australia

©Tourism Australia

By Emma Lovell

Orange, NSW

ustralia is famous for its world-class vineyards and unique wines. The Hunter Valley of New South Wales, Barossa Valley in South Australia, Yarra Valley in Victoria and Margaret River in Western Australia have all become tourist hot spots for their bevy of vineyards and well established winery tours.

For visitors to Australia, visiting a vineyard has become a must on any itinerary, adding significantly to our economy. Wine tourism showcases not only the fine vintages, but also the spectacular locations in which their wines are made. Here are some other beautiful regions offering delicious wines and memorable experiences.

This quaint, regional town in the heart of country NSW is a rising star in the Australian food and wine industry. Enjoying a cooler climate provided by the higher altitude, Orange boasts some fine vineyards offering unique flavours.

Cargo Road Wines

Orange Mountain Wines

Winemaker James Sweetapple has employed holistic farming methods to produce his “cool climate wines with altitude”. Some wines use Barbera and Zinfandel grapes, unique variants used by only a few vineyards. Indulge your taste buds as you sit on the sun-drenched balcony sipping on their divine Primitivo Love Rosé.

Terry Dolle is an award winning winemaker and well known for his unique Orange Mountain Ice Viognier. Family run and operated, this inviting cellar door will give you a treat as you sample their selection of ice wines, the only ones produced in the region.

Cargo Road Wines

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Australia

Mt Tambourine, QLD Situated in the stunning hinterland of Queensland, Mt Tambourine is an enchanting getaway within an hour of both Brisbane and the Gold Coast. To many visitors’ great surprise, this mountainous region is home to some fine varieties of wine. Book a weekend, enjoy the stunning nature walks, and plan ample time for tastings.

Mt Tamborine Vineyard & Winery

Witches Falls Winery

Stroll down the Gallery Walk, the artistic main street of Mount Tamborine, and you’ll come across this quaint cellar door. Always bustling with locals and visitors, the friendly staff will be happy to offer you a tasting of some of the locally grown vintages. Don’t miss the adjoining shop full of handmade treasures and the charming gardens that surround it.

Enjoy a leisurely afternoon at Witches Falls.

Start with a short bushwalk at the nearby trail and enjoy panoramic views of the hinterland.

Then head to the vineyards and to sample some of the bold and distinctive wines at the cellar door, paired with locally made Jambreen cheeses, enjoyed best as a picnic in the lovely gardens.

Witches Falls Winery

Hobart, Tas Well known for its fresh produce, Tasmania continues to draw attention to its culinary scene.

Hobart offers the picturesque, puzzle shaped harbour viewed best from the panoramic lookouts at Mt Wellington and Mt Nelson. You’re spoilt for choice for restaurants and bars but making a visit to one of these vineyard’s cellar door will always be a treat.

Moorilla Wines

Puddleduck Vineyard

Moorilla Wines

Puddleduck Vineyard

A trip to Hobart is not complete without visiting the remarkable MONA, an experience you’ll never forget. Moorilla wines have conveniently opened their cellar door right beside the famous museum providing guests a day of sophistication and culture.

You can even get a package which includes the ferry, the gallery and the wine sampling.

For the name alone, you simply must visit this boutique, family run vineyard. Not only offering delicious wines, they also run at an energy neutral rate by processing their wines within an hour of picking the grapes. Block out a few hours to be welcomed by your delightful hosts, sit by the pond and enjoy a generous tasting in an idyllic setting.

McLaren Vale and Adelaide Hills, SA Travel to the picturesque town of Hahndorf, just an hour outside of Adelaide and enjoy a step back in time in Australia’s oldest surviving German settlement. Stay in charming bed and breakfasts and enjoy meandering down the tree lined streets, pottering in the stone-clad shops and restaurants. Book a wine tour or enjoy a leisurely drive to explore the vineyards of McLaren Vale.

K1 by Geoff Hardy Arriving to a long dirt track with vines rising high either side, be met by a wooden chalet looming over a still lake.

Once inside, savour sampling their decadent Rosé, made from Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.

K1 by Geoff Hardy is exquisite, a vineyard that offers more than just wines; it’s also the perfect backdrop for your weekend escape.

d’Arenberg

d’Arenberg This world-renowned brand offers a whole new sensory experience at the vineyard which cannot be missed. The d’Arenberg Cube is an immersion for the senses, inspired by the puzzles and complexities of wine making according to designer Chester Osborn. You won’t just taste wine here, you’ll see it, feel it and truly experience it through video, a virtual fermenter and of course, samples. travelBulletin DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019

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Australia

Coastal cruising in Arnhem Land

APT Caleonian Sky

APT has introduced a new Arnhem Land Expedition Cruise for 2019 which explores the remote corner of Australia by expedition ship and Zodiac visits.

Key highlights of the eight-day itinerary include Elcho Island, Tiwi Islands and a traditional welcome ceremony on Goulburn Islands.

The sailing is aboard the APT-owned and operated MS Caledonian Sky and can serve as an extension for those cruising the Kimberley coast or an addition to a land journey.

“We saw the demand in Arnhem Land touring and decided we could visit this special part of the country in the best way to see it: cruising,” said APT Kimberley product manager Cher Lontok.

“Cruising to Arnhem Land allows our guest to see key sites with the comfort of unpacking once and returning to the comfort of their ship each night,” Lontok added.

Daydream looks to the future The Whitsundays’ Daydream Island has revealed a fresh new brand ahead of its reopening on 10 April 2019. The property has undergone an extensive two-year redevelopment following the damage caused in 2017 by Cyclone Debbie.

A refreshed brand for Daydream Island features a new logo (pictured) and a focus on “epic, intimate and immersive photography inspiring guests to imagine their first steps onto the Island”.

Director of sales and marketing, Jayson Heron said the rebrand was an important step for the island’s transformation to a premium holiday destination. “The island has undergone a huge journey from the devastation caused in 2017 by Cyclone Debbie and we wanted the new brand to signal the evolution of the island,” he said. “The new brand gives a nod the island’s heritage whilst also looking to the future.”

Scenic’s local offerings Scenic Luxury Cruises and Tours’ 2019/20 Australia program offers travellers 12 itineraries stretching across Western Australia and the Northern Territory, Tasmania, South Australia and Norfolk Island.

New to the program is the 13-day South West Mosaic itinerary, which loops from Perth, Kalgoorlie, Esperance, Albany and back to Perth.

A highlight of the trip is a visit to Australia’s largest outdoor gallery at Lake Ballard – Antony Gormley’s Inside Australia installation – which features life-size metal statues of the local residents set in the dry bed of Lake Ballard, a 10km2 dry salt lake.

Travellers can also indulge in a Scenic Enrich gourmet lunch and wine tasting at Leeuwin Estate winery in Margaret River and a cruise from Fremantle to Perth on the Swan River.

The tour also features a Scenic Freechoice visit to Rottnest Island to get the sought-after selfie with a quokka and there is the option of linking with the Indian Pacific at the end of the tour to journey across the Nullarbor to Adelaide and Sydney.

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Kangaroo Island

Other new additions and highlights for the 2019/20 season include the opportunity to experience the Horizontal Falls on a seaplane excursion from Broome on the 23-day Treasures of the West Coast itinerary and the 12-day Top End and Kimberley Spectacular itinerary.

New Scenic Freechoice options also make

their debut in the program, such as an afternoon town tour in Broome which ends with the iconic picture-perfect sunset on Cable Beach and on Norfolk Island, a chance to learn about the mix of English and Tahitian that combines to form the unique Norfolk language and a progressive dinner in the homes of three islanders.

Australia

Inspiring Journeys ramps up Australia

Inspiring Journeys has bulked up its 2019/20 Australia and New Zealand brochure, introducing four new Australian itineraries to its portfolio. The fresh brochure features 13 small group journeys ranging from five to 22 days in length.

Speaking to travelBulletin at the official launch of the program, AAT Kings and Inspiring Journeys managing director Hans Belle said the brand had reached a “pivotal” time in its growth.

“Nine itineraries is probably not enough for us to firmly establish ourselves in the market,” Belle said. “That’s why this year

we’ve introduced four new itineraries and we think we can back those four because of the strength of the pre-existing nine.”

Belle said the move to grow the Inspiring Journeys program was supported by “really strong, double digit growth” in 2017/18.

“We’re feeling really confident about the category of small group touring,” he said.

The additions include the 10-day Ultimate Territory in Style, which will explore Kakadu’s ancient gorges, wetlands and wildlife before flying to the Red Centre and experiencing Uluru and the mystical domes of Kata Tjuta.

Also new are the seven-day Tasmania’s

On tour // Cairns Tour: Dreamtime Dive and Snorkel, Great Barrier Reef, Cairns Operator: Reef Magic Cruises Duration: Full day (approx 8.5 hours) Accessible from: The tour departs from Cairns Reef Terminal, which is only a short walk from Cairns Cruise Ship Terminal and most Cairns hotels.

Details: Dreamtime Dive and Snorkel takes guests to a number of different locations on the outer Great Barrier Reef, where no other tours go. It also offers the only Indigenous cultural and educational experience on the reef, with Indigenous Rangers authentically sharing the stories of their heritage and the cultural importance of

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Sea Country for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Guests board the boat in the morning, before a 90 minute trip out to the reef where they will have an opportunity to relax and enjoy the view. Once at the reef, guests can elect to undertake a range of activities. There are glass bottom boat tours, as well as optional scenic helicopter flights and of course diving and snorkeling.

The diving and snorkeling is spectacular at both of the reef sites and it’s a fantastic activity regardless of your swimming experience and ability. Reef Magic provides everything for your safety, including lifejackets if needed. If you’re lucky you’ll see turtles, stingrays, parrotfish and more.

The biodiversity living among the bright and colourful coral is seemingly endless. One of the best ways to tick the Great Barrier Reef off your bucket list.

Footsteps and Trails, eight-day The Unchartered Coast and seven-day A Journey to the West.

Inspiring Journeys was previously promoted within AAT Kings’ product range and since expanded to a stand-alone brand, with Belle noting it was performing “really well” on its own. “What we can see is that [Inspiring Journeys] is going to be a really important part of the portfolio but it needs to be at armslength, it needs to be stand-alone and it can’t be distracted,” he said.

“It just is a different product, a different experience and a different value proposition and so that’s how we treat it,” Belle added.

Brochures Tempo Holidays’ new Latin America brochure highlights the incredible culture, landscapes and diversity found in South America. The 90 page program includes tours across 15 countries, with bucket-list experiences including Machu Picchu, the Amazon Rainforest and Iguazu Falls. New for the season is the Cities, Vineyards and Gauchos tour which takes guests to Argentina, Uruguay and Chile; along with the Inca & Galapagos Discovery, combining the history of Peru with the nature of the Galapagos Islands.

Sunlover Holidays’ 2019-20 Queensland Rail Holidays brochure features an extensive range of holiday packages combining Queensland Rail train journeys with accommodation and “must do” experiences. New packages making their debut in 201920 include the six-day Daydream Island Getaway, five-day Townsville Adventure, six-day Palm Cove Experience, and five-day Outback Concierge Package.

Ponant has revealed its new 180-page brochure featuring over 100 small ship cruises and luxury expeditions, developed in conjunction with National Geographic for October 2019 to April 2020. The program features itineraries from seven nights to Grand Voyages of up to 73 nights, with highlights such as Greece to Egypt and the Red Sea and New Zealand’s fiordlands. The brochure also includes 25 polar voyages and the chance to witness the Rolex 75th Sydney to Hobart yacht race.

Qantas Holidays has released its 2019 Central Europe & Scandinavia brochure, which covers 14 countries including Germany, Austria, Poland, Hungry, Czech Republic, Croatia and the Netherlands. New to this year’s brochure is an expanded Switzerland product range which includes extended rail journeys, and tours to Mt Pilatus, Mt Schilthorn and Mt Titlis as well as new city break packages. The program also features new extended touring options including a 23-day Grand Tour of Scandinavia with a Hurtigruten cruise.

APT’s new Kimberley Short Breaks brochure provides itineraries designed for guests who are limited on time, but still want to explore the region.

Ranging from two- to four-day holidays, the packages consist of light aircraft flights, guided day tours and unique stays at APT’s exclusive Bungle Bungle Wilderness Lodge.

Guests will witness the highlights of Purnululu National Park, including the Bungle Bungle Range, Echidna Chasm, Cathedral Gorge and Piccaninny Creek.

Natural Focus Safaris has gone to press with its 2019 Canada & Alaska brochure. The program showcases a range of cruise and rail tours as well as wilderness lodges and luxury city stays.

New experiences in the brochure include the Auyuittuq National Park, where clients can search for Beluga Whales. Other highlights include the Kamai and Denali National Parks, along with the unique lodges of the mobile Tundra Buggy Lodge in Churchill and the floating Knight Inlet Lodge in British Columbia.

Topdeck Travel has launched its 2019/2020 Australia and New Zealand brochure, featuring a ‘Create your own adventure’ option which allows travellers to link trips together and customise experiences, from cruising the Whitsundays to camping holidays near Uluru. Another new addition is the 16-day East Coast Vibes package which includes a 4WD expedition of Fraser Island and a surf camp north of Coffs Harbour.

Mat McLachlan Battlefield Tours has released its 2019 touring brochure, packed with 28 new offerings including a new “Value Tours” range, covering more than 20 itineraries in Europe, mostly visiting WWII battlefield sites.

Prices for four-day D-Day landing tours lead in at $668. Also new in 2019 are Anzac Day tours to significant locations in Asia, the Pacific and Australia such as the six-day Anzac Day at Hellfire Pass in Thailand and five-day Anzac Day in Australia which visits Canberra, Cowra & Temora. travelBulletin DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019

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Last word

Unscramble

Unusual Experience

HOW many words can you make out of these nine letters? Every word needs to include an ‘I’, have four letters or more and not be a proper noun or a plural. You can only use each letter once.

There’s also one word that uses all nine letters.

LAS VEGAS is home to some pretty wacky attractions, but the newly opened Cannabition Cannabis Museum might take the cake...

Dubbed the worlds first Cannabis-themed attraction of its kind, the museum hopes to celebrate cannabis lifestyle and wellness.

The host of installations and exhibits are designed by leading experiential exhibit

Good – 21 words Very good – 25 words Excellent – 29 words

T A X L R I E U U

and event designers and comprise of elaborate, cannabis inspired installations to entertain and educate visitors on cannabis history, science and culture.

Try the slide that empties visitors into a pool of foam weed nuggets, or take a look at ‘Bongzilla’ the worlds largest bong, measuring more than 7 metres tall.

Visitors can explore all 12 of the ‘Instagrammable’ exhibitions every day, with tours kicking off from 4:20pm.

Answers: alert, alter, earl, extra, irate, lair ,later, liar, lira, litre, lure, LUXURIATE, rail, rate, real, relax, retail, retax, rile, rite, ritual, rule, tare, tear, tier, tiler, tire, trail, trial, true, ultra, urea.

Where In the World THESE beautifully consistent hills range in height, but are so regularly shaped you could mistake them as being man-made. However these geological spectacles are lush and naturally formed. Do you know where in the world this is? If you can name them and where they’re located, you can win a double movie pass! If you think you’ve got it, send your answer to comps@travelbulletin.com.au. Good luck!

Image: Zyrashemitha

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travelBulletin December 2018/JANUARY 2019

2019 Airline Guide

A new publication offering inspiration for your clients’ travels.

Make sure your customers catch the travel bug. Forward them Travel & Cruise Weekly or encourage them to sign up at travelandcruiseweekly.com.au

Weekly HTML newsletter with news and deals

Quarterly online magazine with inspirational stories, news and more

Summer Magazine 2019

Sign up at travelandcruiseweekly.com.au

Contents 02 Air Canada 04 American Airlines 06 Korean Air 08 Royal Brunei Airlines 10 SriLankan Airlines 12 THAI Airways 14 Air France 15 Air New Zealand 16 ANA 17 Cathay Pacific Airways 18 China Eastern Airlines 19 China Southern Airlines 20 Fiji Airways 21 Finnair 22 Jetstar 23 KLM 24 Singapore Airlines 25 United Airlines 26 Vietnam Airlines

brought to you by

From the publisher Bruce Piper, publisher of travelBulletin and Travel Daily Welcome to the 2019 Travel Daily/ travelBulletin airline guide. This year we have continued with our format where each participating carrier has highlighted its product offerings across cabin classes.

2018 has again demonstrated the continued evolution of aviation technology, and airlines are constantly making the most of the new offerings to differentiate their product from competitors.

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This publication is independently audited under the AMAA's CAB Total Distribution Audit.

1 Apr Reporting Period: 16 Apr2018 2016––30 16Sep Sep2018 2016 - Publisher Statement

EDITORIAL DESIGN & PRODUCTION Editor in Chief and Publisher – Bruce Piper Production & Editorial Co-ordinator Sarah Beyer bruce.piper@travelbulletin.com.au Ph: 1300 799 220 or 02 8007 6760 sarah.beyer@travelbulletin.com.au Advertising National Sales Manager Lisa Maroun Ph: 0405 132 575 or 02 8007 6760 lisa.maroun@travelbulletin.com.au

2019 Airline Guide

We have attempted to include as much detail as possible from the participating carriers in the available space so you can easily compare the offerings across each airline. As well as cabin product the guide includes details on in-flight cuisine and entertainment – plus lounge access and other services on the ground.

We have a number of other guides for different sectors in the industry. View them all at travelbulletin.com.au.

www.travelbulletin.com.au Suite 1, Level 2, 64 Talavera Rd Macquarie Park NSW 2113 Australia PO Box 1010 Epping NSW 1710 Australia Tel: 1300 799 220 (+61 2 8007 6760) travelBulletin is part of the Business Publishing Group

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AIR CANADA now offers non-stop flights from Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne to Vancouver*, from where it provides smooth connections to more than 120 destinations across North America. Your clients can choose between three classes of outstanding service for their trans-Pacific flight: Air Canada Signature Class (formerly known as International Business Class), Premium Economy Class or Economy Class. Customers travelling beyond Vancouver will be impressed by the friendly and efficient Air Canada Transit experience, while those connecting with US-bound flights can quickly pre-clear US Customs at Vancouver Airport with minimal fuss. Air Canada is the only international network carrier in North America to receive a fourstar ranking according to independent U.K. research firm Skytrax, which also named Air Canada the 2018 Best Airline in North America. * Daily flights from Sydney and Brisbane to Vancouver, and up to four flights per week year-round between Melbourne and Vancouver

Air Canada Signature class Seat Specifications •• Individual Pod •• Fully lie-flat bed •• Adjustable pneumatic cushion •• Pneumatic adjustable headrest with neck and head massage •• Power ports at every seat Luggage Allowance

Dining •• Inspired, innovative and sophisticated cuisine •• Selected wines from some of the world’s top vineyards •• Express and Flexible meal options available Extras •• Air Canada Concierge service •• Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge •• Complimentary amenity kit •• Priority check-in, Priority Security clearance, Priority Boarding

Seat Specifications •• Seat pitch: 94cm (B777-200LR) and 96.5cm (B787-8) •• Seat width: 50.8cm (B777-200LR) and 49.5cm (B787-8) •• Power ports at every seat •• Adjustable headrest, comfortable pillow and blanket Luggage Allowance

•• Checked baggage: two pieces max 32kg each •• Carry-on baggage: one piece, max 10kg

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Premium Economy Class

•• Checked baggage: two pieces max 23kg each •• Carry-on baggage: one piece, max 10kg

2019 Airline Guide

Dining •• Complimentary wine and spirits as well as premium cuisine and a hot towel with every meal service on all international flights as well as on longer flights within North America Extras •• Priority check-in, Priority Boarding

Economy Class Seat Specifications •• Seat pitch: 78.7cm (B777-200LR) and 76.2cm (B787-8) •• Seat width: 43.2cm (B777-200LR) and 43.9cm (B787-8) •• Power ports between the seats adjustable headrest, comfortable pillow and blanket Luggage Allowance

Entertainment •• Air Canada enRoute in-flight entertainment network •• Gate-to-gate access to hundreds of hours of on demand audio and video entertainment Loyalty Programs •• Air Canada’s top-tier program, Altitude, recognises and rewards the airline’s most frequent flyers •• Altitude members are recognised through their Aeroplan membership and benefit from Air Canada’s partnership with Aeroplan offering numerous ways to earn and redeem Aeroplan miles with over 150 partners Clubs & Lounges •• Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounges in Vancouver, Montreal, Toronto, New York (EWR), Los Angeles, London and Paris for Air Canada Signature Class and qualifying members •• Maple Leaf Club

•• Checked baggage: two pieces max 23kg each •• Carry-on baggage: one piece, max 10kg Dining •• International Economy Class flights feature a hot meal after take-off with additional services, depending on flight times and routing •• On international flights enjoy a selection of wine, spirits, and non-alcoholic beverages

All Classes Intercontinental Fleet •• Air Canada is pleased to offer our customers the utmost in comfort, technology, and innovation. Our ever-growing and everchanging fleet reflects our commitment to our customers and our desire to be at the forefront of the aviation industry •• Brisbane-Vancouver B787 Dreamliner daily •• Sydney-Vancouver B777-200LR daily •• Melbourne-Vancouver B787 Dreamliner

Key Destinations •• Vancouver (YVR), Calgary (YYC), Edmonton (YEG), Montreal (YUL), Toronto (YYZ), Seattle (SEA), Chicago (ORD), New York (EWR) contact details Phone: 1800 954 196 Website: aircanada.com

Information correct at time of publication and subject to change.

2019 Airline Guide

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American Airlines is offering you and your clients a world-class experience across the Pacific. We operate our state-of-the-art Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner daily from Sydney Kingsford Smith International (SYD) to Los Angeles International (LAX), with Flagship™ Business, Premium Economy, Main Cabin Extra and Main Cabin products.

Flagship™ Business Seat Specifications •• Fully lie-flat seats with direct aisle access at every seat •• International Wi-Fi capability •• AC power outlets and USB ports at every seat •• A 40.6cm touchscreen monitor that offers in-seat entertainment with over 1,000 entertainment options to choose from

complement the inflight menu and your destination. Each wine we serve goes through an extremely selective process as part of our award-winning wine program Extras •• Noise reducing headphones for use in flight, designed by Bang & Olufsen •• Enjoy a Casper pillow, duvet, pyjamas, slippers and mattress pad, plus, an amenity kit, featuring leading skincare and lifestyle brands C.O. Bigelow and Cole Haan

Luggage Allowance •• Checked baggage: 23kg, 158cm dimensions •• Carry-on baggage: one personal item (dimensions 45 x 35 x 20cm) and one bag (dimensions 56 x 36 x 23cm, including handles and wheels) Dining •• Our seasonal Flagship™ menu is curated by celebrity chef Sean Connolly, and our premium cabins are stocked with a wide variety of complimentary beers, wines and spirits to

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Premium Economy Class Seat Specifications •• Leather seats with 96.5cm of pitch, more legroom, wider seats and expandable foot and head rests •• International Wi-Fi capability •• AC power outlets and USB ports at every seat

2019 Airline Guide

•• In-seat entertainment with over 1,000 entertainment options to choose from Luggage Allowance •• Checked baggage: 23kg, 158cm dimensions •• Carry-on luggage: one personal item (dimensions 45 x 35 x 20cm) and one bag (dimensions 56 x 36 x 23cm, including handles and wheels) Dining •• Our expanded menu offers meals that are healthy, delicious and customized for your travel – menus vary depending on when and where you’re travelling. In addition, premium cabins are stocked with a wide variety of complimentary beers, wines and spirits to complement the inflight menu. Meals can be reserved up to 30 days before your trip Extras •• Amenity kits, noise-reducing headphones by Bang & Olufsen, and Casper pillow and blanket

Main Cabin Extra and Main Cabin Seat Specifications •• Main Cabin Extra seating – more legroom to stretch out •• An earlier exit off the plane after landing for Main Cabin Extra passengers •• International Wi-Fi capability •• AC power outlets and USB ports at every seat •• In-seat entertainment with over 1,000 entertainment options to choose from •• oneworld® elite members are offered complimentary or discounted access to Main Cabin Extra, dependent on status Luggage Allowance •• Checked baggage: 23kg, 158cm dimensions •• Carry-on baggage: one personal item (dimensions 45 x 35 x 20cm) and one bag (dimensions 56 x 36 x 23cm, including handles and wheels)

FLAGSHIP™ FIRST DINING •• A first for any U.S. carrier, American has introduced a one-of-a-kind, pre-flight meal with full tableside service in an elegant setting •• Our menu features regionally inspired dishes with locally sourced ingredients •• Flagship™ First Dining is in New York (JFK), and Los Angeles (LAX), with Dallas Fort Worth International (DFW) opening in 2019 and Philadelphia International (PHL) and London Heathrow (LHR) in development •• See aa.com/flagshipfirstdining ADMIRALS CLUB® LOUNGES •• Continuing the refresh of Admirals Club® lounges, American has added locations at Toronto Pearson International (YYZ), Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental (IAH) and Orlando International (MCO) •• With access to more than 100 clubs and lounges worldwide, our members can enjoy complimentary snacks, drinks, power ports and Wi-Fi •• See aa.com/admiralsclub

Dining •• Complimentary beer, wine and spirits, as well as delicious meals Key Destinations

All Classes Intercontinental Fleet •• We’ve taken delivery of hundreds of new aircraft; the average age of our fleet now sits at just over 10 years Loyalty Programs

•• American Airlines is the world’s largest airline, offering a truly global network •• LA is the gateway for our Australian passengers, with up to 190 daily departures from LAX to 54 destinations worldwide contact details Industry support: 02 9101 1948 Website: aa.com

•• The American Airlines AAdvantage® program allows customers to earn and redeem miles on American Airlines, oneworld® partners as well as on hotels and car hire •• Members of Qantas Frequent Flyer can earn and redeem miles on American flights across the Pacific, as well as within North America Clubs & Lounges FLAGSHIP™ LOUNGES •• We’ve introduced our all-new premium lounges in New York (JFK), Chicago O’Hare International (ORD), Miami International (MIA) and Los Angeles (LAX) •• Qualifying First and Business customers can enjoy our best amenities in our all-new space •• See aa.com/flagshiplounge

2019 Airline Guide

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Korean Air Lines, a founding member of SkyTeam, began services to Australia on April 1990. Nearly 30 years since launch, Australian travellers have enjoyed Korean Air’s Innovation & Service Excellence in Flight across its fleet of 175 aircraft and 460 daily flights, to a global network of 125 destinations across 44 countries worldwide. Korean Air offers a spacious 3-class product, friendly & attentive service, award-winning cuisines, and even onboard bars and SKYSHOP. Since 2018, Korean Air operates from Seoul Incheon Airport’s new ICN Terminal 2, where passengers will enjoy the perfect transit experience with an array of newly dedicated premium lounges, accessible amenities & services, accommodations and plenty of duty-free shopping. Frequent & first-time flyers can enjoy free sign-up to Korean Air’s rewarding SKYPASS Frequent Flyer Program, offering a wealth of accruals & redemptions with Korean Air and its partners.

First Class Seat Specifications •• First Class offers up to 12 luxurious Kosmo Suites and Sleepers on-board •• Fully flat bed, with 180-degree recline •• Seat pitch of up to 211cm (83in) •• Seat width of up to 67cm (26in) Luggage Allowance •• Checked baggage: three pieces, 32kg per bag •• Carry-on baggage: two pieces, max 18kg total Dining •• Fine dining meal service with eco-friendly & locally grown produce. Mainly consists of appetizers, main course with side dishes, and dessert •• Exclusive European, local and traditional Korean wines, beers & liqueurs •• Alcoholic beverages on demand in the A380 First Class & Celestial Bar •• Korean Air “Farm to Flight” Program, with meats sourced from Mt. Halla of Jeju Island.

Available on selected flights

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Extras •• Complimentary amenity kit •• Duvet service on selected flights •• Comfort clothing on selected flights •• Noise-cancelling headset •• USB port & power outlet standard.

•• A380 Celestial Bar & dedicated First Class bar on-board •• Access to the Exclusive First Class Lounge & First-Class Check-In Lounge •• First Class eligible for the concierge KAL Premium Care Service, and Priority Baggage Handling & Wrapping Service

Business Class Seat Specifications •• Business Class offers the flagship Prestige Suites and Sleepers •• 180-degree recline & fully flat bed •• Seat pitch of up to 190cm (74in) •• Seat width of up to 53cm (20in)

2019 Airline Guide

Luggage Allowance •• Checked baggage: two pieces, 32kg per bag •• Carry-on baggage: two pieces, max 18kg total Dining •• A wide variety of traditional Korean meals and Western meals •• All served in metal and glass cutlery & dishware •• Exclusive French, Italian, German and traditional Korean wines, beers & liqueurs •• Alcoholic beverages on demand in the A380 Prestige Class & Celestial Bars Extras •• Complimentary amenity kit •• A380 Celestial Bar & dedicated Prestige Class Bar •• USB port & power outlet standard •• Dedicated Prestige Cabin on the entire upper floor of A380 •• Priority baggage handling services •• Access to KAL Prestige Class Lounge

Economy Class Seat Specifications •• Up to 86.5cm (34in) of seat pitch •• Up to 46cm (18in) of seat width •• 118-degree uncompromised recline •• Articulated recline with back cushion

in, additional baggage allowance, priority services, and lounge access •• Great redemption rates for Korean Air Award Ticket, Upgrade Award, and special award programs such as Excess baggage and KAL Lounge Award •• Million Miler & Morning Calm Premium status passengers have access to the all-new Miler Club Lounge at Inchon Terminal 2

Luggage Allowance •• Checked baggage: one piece, max 23kg total •• Carry-on baggage: one piece (+1 additional personal carry on item), max 12kg total Dining •• Mercury award-winning Bibimbap offered as signature dish •• A wide range of Korean, Western and North Asian meals, snacks and desserts •• Select from a range of drinks available for passenger comfort •• Two full meal services between Australia and Seoul services •• Special meals available upon request to suit different tastes & needs

Clubs & Lounges •• 19 KAL Lounges in 13 airports worldwide •• Brand new lounges opened at Seoul ICN Terminal 2 in 2018 with dining, new facilities and exclusive services available •• Exclusive First Class lounge with dedicated concierge services, including Premium Checkin Lounge with exclusive check-in facilities available for First Class passengers •• Two new Prestige Class Lounges •• All-new Miler Club Lounge at Seoul ICN Terminal 2 •• Accessibility to over 600 SkyTeam lounges worldwide, including Sydney’s dedicated SkyTeam Lounge

Extras •• Amenity kit pouches of slippers & toothbrushes standard on long-haul services •• USB port & power outlet standard

All Classes Intercontinental Fleet •• Korean operates hundreds of aircraft, comprising of a mostly twin-aisle fleet •• One of the newest fleets, with new deliveries of 747-8i, 787-9 and A220 aircraft

Key Destinations •• 13 destinations in South Korea •• 12 destination in Japan •• 19 destinations across Europe & Middle East •• 16 destinations in USA/Canada •• 28 destinations across China, Taiwan & Mongolia •• 6 destinations across Central Asia & CIS contact details Phone (SYD): 02 9262 6000 Phone (BNE): 07 3226 6000 Website: www.koreanair.com

Entertainment •• Large LCD inflight entertainment standard across all cabins •• Noise cancelling headsets for First Class services •• USB port & power outlet standard •• Inflight entertainment with hundreds of hours of audio-video on demand Loyalty Programs •• SKYPASS Program is free to join •• Be rewarded by earning and redeeming miles on Korean Air and 27 airline partners •• Korean Air Elite Program with benefits including priority reservation, exclusive check-

2019 Airline Guide

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Royal Brunei Airlines is the national carrier of Brunei Darussalam offering complimentary baggage, meals, drinks, seat selection and value for money airfares. Offering a one-stop service Melbourne to London Heathrow & beyond Brunei to Middle East and Asia.

RB has been operating for over 43 years and has continuously served Australia for over 33 years. It was named one of the SkyTrax most loved airlines and awarded a winner in the 2018 Travellers Choice Economy Class Asia and Regional Airlines Asia categories.

Operating the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner Long-haul & the A320-ceo, A320-neo short haul ensures your clients will travel in comfort aboard one of the worlds’ youngest fleet.

The Sultanate of Brunei is located in the ‘Green Heart of Borneo’ amongst pristine untouched rainforest, promoting tranquility, hospitality & true Bruneian traditions. RB embodies the very same values on every flight to every destination.

Business Class Seat Specifications B787-8 •• Seat pitch: 200.66cm •• Seat width: 53.34cm •• 2-2-2 forward facing configuration with privacy screen •• 18 seat capacity •• 180 degree lie-flat bed with ottoman •• Backrest with lumbar massager •• 39cm on demand seat back entertainment screen •• Noise cancelling over ear headsets •• Larger pillow and plush duvet •• Amenity Kit A320-neo •• Seat pitch: 110cm •• 2-2 abreast configuration •• 12 seat capacity •• 29.50cm on demand seat back entertainment screen with USB ports A320-ceo •• Seat pitch: 106.70cm •• 2-2 abreast configuration •• 12 Seat capacity •• 26cm on demand in-seat entertainment system •• Complimentary use of iPad-mini for streaming Luggage Allowance •• Checked baggage: 40kg, no one piece exceeding 32kg •• Carry-on baggage: 12kg, two pieces, no piece exceeding 7kg Dining •• Dine upon request up to 90min prior to landing •• Menu selected on consultant chefs •• Complimentary snacks and drinks •• Special medical meals available. Must be pre-ordered

Economy Class Seat Specifications

All Classes Entertainment*

B787-8 •• Seat pitch: 83.80cm on average •• Recline: 15.24cm semi-articulating recline •• Slim-line profile seat back •• 3-3-3 abreast configuration •• 236 seat capacity •• 22.80cm on demand seat back entertainment screen, USB port and shared power •• Complimentary pillows and blankets on request A320-neo •• Seat pitch: 78.70 – 81.30cm on average •• 3-3 abreast configuration •• 138 seat capacity •• 26.61cm on demand seat back entertainment screen with USB Ports A320-ceo •• Seat pitch: 78.70 – 81.30cm on average •• 3-3 abreast configuration •• 138 Seat capacity •• Stream movies on own device using free IMPIAN App. Download before boarding.

•• On demand, seat back touch screen in-flight entertainment system •• In seat power and USB ports •• Catalogue of movies, TV shows, music and games for all ages •• Multi-languages available Intercontinental Fleet Long-Haul: •• 5 x Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner Short haul: •• 2 x Airbus A320-ceo •• 7 x Airbus A320-neo Loyalty Programs •• Royal Skies •• Free membership •• Accrue miles with hotel and car rental partners •• Redeem flight and award upgrades online •• Bonus 1000 miles for new member sign-up

Luggage Allowance •• Checked baggage: 30kg, no one piece exceeding 32kg •• Carry-on baggage: 7kg and one small personal item, no one piece exceeding 7kg Dining •• Choice of meals included •• Special medical meals available. Must be pre-ordered •• Complimentary snacks and drinks

*Exception A320ceo – Economy class: Stream to own device, No USB or in seat power

2019 Airline Guide

Clubs & Lounges •• Dedicated Lounges for Business Class guests •• Sky Lounge at Brunei for all guests, for a small fee Key Destinations •• London Heathrow, Dubai, Tokyo (commences 15 Mar 2019. Subject to govt approval), Kota Kinabalu, Taipei, Seoul contact details Phone: 1300 721 271 Website: www.flyroyalbrunei.com General email: melrba@rba.com.bn Groups email: melgroups@rba.com.bn STPC email: melstpc@rba.com.bn

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SriLankan Airlines, the National Carrier of Sri Lanka and a member of the oneworld alliance, provides daily direct services between Melbourne and its Colombo hub.

The airline has deployed its state-of-the-art Airbus 330-300 aircraft on this route, providing its passengers a unique and memorable travel experience where comforts of contemporary air travel seamlessly blend in with the inherent Sri Lankan characteristics reflecting the culture, ecological beauty and the island’s relaxing hues.

The airline currently operates a route network of 111 destinations in 48 countries (including codeshare operations) providing seamless connectivity across its global network covering the Indian Sub-Continent, Middle East, Far East, popular holiday getaways such as Maldives and Seychelles and its gateway to Europe, London.

Business Class Seat Specifications •• 28 leather seats in herringbone structure (with all aisle access) •• Flat beds with bed length: 198cm, pitch: 199cm, width: 71cm (with armrest down) •• Inflight Entertainment (IFE) System: Thales Avant •• 39cm monitor with a second screen on remote control unit (Touch Passenger Media Unit -TPMU) •• Power Outlet and USB charging at every seat •• Coat hook, magazine holder and personal storage Luggage Allowance •• Checked baggage: 40kg (dimensions 158cm) •• Carry-on baggage: 7kg, two pieces (measuring no more than 56 x 36 x 23cm or total of 115cm (l+h+w) •• Below indicated free carry-on items are permitted in addition to above hand luggage in all cabin classes –– One laptop

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–– One lady’s hand bag, purse or pocket book, duty free item –– One overcoat, wrap or blanket –– One umbrella or walking stick –– One small camera and/or one pair of binoculars Dining •• Specially curated meals preserving delectable flavors •• A selection of world’s best wines to compliment meals •• Four meals to choose from in Business Class Extras •• Wifi and GSM connectivity to make calls, surf and check emails during the journey •• Thales AVANT in-flight entertainment system has the latest blockbusters from Hollywood and Bollywood, and a collection of classics and favourites featured on 15.4 inch screens, with over 50 TV channels, 120 movies, an extensive library of audio CD’s and radio channels, and a large number of games, live news, sports and weather updates

2019 Airline Guide

•• Complimentary Aigner amenity kit* consisting of essential cosmetics and toiletry items, carefully selected to ensure a refreshing journey •• Access to SriLankan Airlines’ Business Class lounge, Serendib at Bandaranaike International Airport, Colombo •• Mood lighting with 10 scenarios

Economy Class Seat Specifications •• Cabin design represents the flora and fauna of Sri Lanka, specifically of the world heritage site of the Sinharaja Forest •• 269 seats in Economy cabin in 2-4-2 configuration •• Fabric seats with pitch: 78-81cm, recline: 15cm, width: 45cm •• 30cm monitor •• Individual USB charging point and power outlet for each pair of seats •• Foot rest available

Luggage Allowance •• Checked baggage: 30kg (dimensions 158cm) •• Carry-on baggage: 7kg, one piece Dining •• Mouth-watering cuisine with a choice of up to three main courses including a Vegetarian Meal (on long haul flights) •• Light snacks, teas, coffee and complimentary bar service including a range of wines, spirits and soft drinks Extras •• WIFI and GSM connectivity •• Thales AVANT in-flight entertainment system has the latest blockbusters from Hollywood and Bollywood, and a collection of classics and favourites, with over 50 TV channels, 120 movies, an extensive library of audio CD’s and radio channels, and a large number of games, live news, sports and weather updates •• Air Show

•• With preferential oneworld privileges from 13 partner airlines, FlySmiLes members now enjoy access to over 600 lounges and over 1000 destinations across the globe •• With this Frequent Flyer Programme, you can earn and redeem FlySmiLes miles whenever they travel, whether with SriLankan Airlines, oneworld member airlines, oneworld affiliate airlines or with any of our partner airlines Serendib Lounge •• “Serendib” is an exclusively branded SriLankan Airlines Lounge for its most valued premier customers. With a seating capacity for 80 and dining capacity for 20 persons, Serendib Lounge comes with an elegant outlook and a relaxed ambience to cater to the demanding expectations of the modern business traveller

All Classes Intercontinental Fleet •• Airbus A330-300: 7 aircraft •• Airbus A330-200: 6 aircraft •• Airbus A320-200: 2 aircraft •• Airbus A321-200: 3 aircraft •• Airbus A320 NEO: 2 aircraft •• Airbus A321 NEO: 4 aircraft Entertainment •• 120+ movies (including Hollywood blockbusters, world cinema, Bollywood latest releases etc) •• 80+ TV programs (more than 2,000 minutes) •• 180+ audio (radio channels, recent releases, classic albums) •• 15 games •• Live BBC news, AFP Sports & Accu weather updates

Key Destinations •• Colombo (CMB) •• Male (MLE), Gan Island (GAN), Seychelles (SEZ) •• 11 destinations in India (BLR, HYD, CCU, DEL, BOM, IXM, TRZ, TRV, COK, CJB, MAA) •• Convenient connectivity to London •• 9 destinations in the Middle East (MCT, DXB, AUH, DOH, BAH, DMM, RUH, KWI,JED) contact details Phone: 1300 853 081 Website: srilankan.com Email: info@srilankanau.com.au

FlySmiLes frequent flyer program •• The latest member of the oneworld® airline alliance, FlySmiLes joins an elite circle, consisting of the world’s leading airlines working as one to give frequent international travellers a superior, seamless travel experience, with special privileges and rewards

2019 Airline Guide

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THAI flies from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth to Bangkok, the heart of Asia across the globe to over 70 destinations including Thailand, Asia, the Indian-subcontinent, Indochina, Middle East, Europe and the United Kingdom. THAI’s award-winning, full service anticipates every need and delivers hospitality with a unique Thai touch. THAI’s fleet consists of the most technologically advanced aircraft including the Airbus A380, Boeing 777-300ER’s, Boeing 787 Dreamliners and Airbus A350-900 featuring the latest in-flight products and services ensuring the ultimate longhaul flight experience. Together with our subsidiary airline partner THAI Smile, THAI has Thailand and Asia covered and as a founding member of the Star Alliance network, we have the globe covered too.

Royal First Class THAI invites passengers to experience the elegance of Royal First Class with highest levels of service, gourmet cuisine and exclusive amenities.

Dining •• Meals served at preferred dining time •• A la carte dining •• Dom Perignon champagne, French wines and caviar Seat Specifications •• Lie-flat beds on B747-400s or lie-flat suites on A380s (FRA/LHR/CDG/TYO/HKG) •• Luxurious shell seats converted to flat beds with ottoman on B747-400 •• Private suites on A380 and refurbished B747-400s

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Extras Exclusive Suvarnabhumi Bangkok International Airport Experience for Royal First and Royal Silk Class Customers •• Dedicated check-in areas for Royal First and Royal Silk Class •• VIP butler assistance on arrival to check-in for flights departing Bangkok •• Fast Track Immigration assistance and direct access to the lounge facilities •• Award-winning Royal Spa Lounge recently named World’s Best Spa Lounge Skytrax 2017 & 2018 •• Spa, massage, sauna and healthy, lighter refreshments •• Award-winning Royal First Class Lounge and electric buggy transport to the boarding gate

2019 Airline Guide

Royal Silk Business Class Passengers now have a choice of either the “Samrab Thai” (Thai set menu) or a selection of a Western menu.

Dining •• “Samrab” Thai menu or Western menu •• “All Day Dining” menu on selected flights •• Premium brand spirits and liqueurs, fine wines and beers Seat Specifications •• Airbus A380, B777-300ER, B787, A350 XWB and A330 feature lie-flat seating •• Aircraft feature latest inflight technology : mood lighting, larger windows, overhead storage lockers and product amenities •• B747-400 and B777-200ER offer capsule-style seating with a 167° recline

Economy Class THAI offers more than expected of an Economy Class experience with a spacious cabin, awardwinning service and cuisine. THAI continues to evolve, developing and upgrading products and services to ensure that travellers needs are not only met but surpassed. THAI is renowned as one of the best in the business and have proudly claimed the 2017 & 2018 Skytrax “World’s Best Economy Class” and “Best Economy Onboard Catering” Awards and also placed top three for the “World’s Best Economy Class Airline Seat” Award.

Dining •• Award-winning tantalising choice of main meals including a choice of Asian or Western dishes •• Full bar service that includes wines, beers and spirits •• Choice of pre-ordered special meals for dietary, health and religious requirements.

•• Winner of the 2017 and 2018 Skytrax “World’s Best Economy Class Onboard Catering” Seat Specifications •• Seats offer 81-86cm pitch, recline 122° •• Placed top 3 “Best Economy Class Airline Seats”– Skytrax 2017 •• Live TV available onboard Boeing 787-8, 7879 and Airbus A350-900 in all classes – enjoy CNN, BBC, NHK and live Sport 24 channels

All Classes Intercontinental Fleet •• 100 aircraft •• A380-800, B747-400, B777-300ER, B787-8 and B787-9, A350 XWB, A330 and A320

Loyalty Programs •• Founding member of Star Alliance •• Royal Orchid Plus •• Free membership •• First THAI flight bonus •• Wide variety of redemptions available •• Mileage accrual on THAI, Star Alliance and partner airlines •• Basic, Silver and Gold membership, Platinum membership by invitation only Clubs & Lounges •• 8 Premium Lounges in Bangkok •• Award-winning Royal Spa Lounge in Bangkok •• Access to Air New Zealand Lounge SYD, MEL, BNE •• Access to Qantas Lounge in PER •• Short stay transit lounge passes for Bangkok Airport available for purchase through THAI Reservations Accolades •• Best Economy Class – 2017 & 2018 Skytrax •• Best Economy Onboard Catering – 2017 & 2018 Skytrax •• World’s Best Spa Lounge Facility – 2017 & 2018 Skytrax •• Best South East Asian Airline – TTG Hall of Fame Award 2017 •• Favourite Airline – People’s Choice Award 2017 •• Placed in top three – “Best Airport Services” and “Best Economy Class Seating” – 2017 Skytrax

Key Destinations •• Bangkok (BKK), Phuket (HKT), Delhi (DEL), London (LON), Frankfurt (FRA), Paris (CDG) contact details Phone: 1300 651 960 Website: thaiairways.com

Luggage Allowance •• Checked baggage: 50kg Royal First, 40kg Royal Silk Business, 30kg Economy class •• Carry-on baggage: 7kg •• Extra allowance for Royal Orchid Plus members 10kg (Silver) 20kg (Gold) or Star Alliance Gold Entertainment •• AVOD with 130 movies, 300 TV channels, 500 music CD’s, games on the latest 58cm flat screen monitors; Live TV on select aircraft •• Each seat is equipped with power outlets and USB ports •• Wide range of entertainment including new release and classic movies, popular TV shows, news, travel, information channels, music, kids cartoons and interactive games 2019 Airline Guide

13

FROM AUSTRALIA, AIR FRANCE offers over 322 weekly flights to Paris and beyond to its worldwide network in conjunction with its codeshare partners Singapore Airlines, Delta Airlines, China Southern, China Eastern, Air Mauritius, Etihad Airways and its interline partner carriers Qantas, Cathay Pacific, Korean Air, Jetstar, Air China, Hong Kong Airlines, Asiana Airlines, and Vietnam Air. All connective at key gateways for onward luxury travel on Air France operated flights. Air France high-end Business cabin offers full flat seats with direct aisle access for each passenger and a 40cm high definition touch screen with a varied entertainment line-up. With its French style art of travel, expect exceptional French culinary delights by Michelin-starred chefs, and a wealth of prestigious French wine and champagne options.

LOGO AIRFRANCE

Nº dossier : 2007399E

R

V

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Date : 19/05/09

Validation DA/DC : Validation Client

First Class Seat Specifications •• Four exclusive individual La Première suites •• Personalised living space in a private suite with full-flat bed, over two metres long Luggage Allowance •• Checked baggage: three pieces, max 32kg each •• Carry-on baggage: two pieces, max 18kg each plus one accessory Dining •• Prestigious Aquitaine Sturia caviar and French culinary delights prepared by Michelin-starred chefs including Joël Robuchon, Régis Marcon, Guy Martin and Michel Roth.

•• Wines and champagnes updated every 2 months by Paolo Basso.

•• Elegant and contemporary art de vivre tableware designed by French designer, Jean Massaud

•• Indulge in both savory and sweet delicacies: aperitifs, appetizers, hot dishes, cheeses •• Enjoy classic wines from every region of France

Premium Economy Class Seat Specifications •• A large back recline (123°) inside the fixed shell •• A wide, relaxing seating area (48cm) •• Wide leather armrests (10cm) •• Limited number of seats at the front of the aircraft separated by a divider on both sides Luggage Allowance •• Checked baggage: two pieces, max 32kg each •• Carry-on baggage: two pieces, max 18kg each plus one accessory Dining

Business Class Seat Specifications •• Fully reclines to a full sleep seat, up to 200cm in length •• Every detail is designed to ensure your wellbeing, comfort & privacy throughout your flight

•• Starting with an aperitif, appetizer, followed by a choice of 2 hot meals then dessert and coffee, tea or a liqueur.

•• Complimentary wines and champagnes served

Economy Class

Dining •• Starting with aperitif, followed by a choice of 2 hot meals and then coffee, tea or a liqueur.

•• For infants and children up to 8 years of age, a kids’ meal is served.

All Classes Entertainment •• The latest generation on-demand HD screens with over 1,000 hours of varied entertainment lineup •• With the Air France Press app newspapers & magazines can be downloaded on travellers tablets at no extra charge 30hrs before departure Loyalty Programs •• Flying Blue is the joint frequent flyer programme of Air France and KLM •• More information: www.flyingblue.com •• Member of SkyTeam and offers SkyPriority at more than 1,000 airports worldwide Clubs & Lounges •• Air France lounges in Paris offer a relaxing environment with wifi, shower facilities, delicious selection of F&B and a Clarins Spa Centre •• Air France and SkyTeam partner lounges in more than 300 international airports

Seat Specifications Luggage Allowance •• Checked baggage: two pieces max 32kg each •• Carry-on baggage: two pieces, max 18kg each plus one accessory Dining •• Best of French dining and signature creations

by Michelin-starred chefs

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•• 118° incline •• A relaxing, contoured chair with fully retractable armrests and an adjustable footrest and headrest Luggage Allowance •• Checked baggage: one piece, max 23kg •• Carry-on baggage: one piece max 12kg

2019 Airline Guide

Key Destinations •• A network covering 314 destinations in 116 countries thanks to its five brands Air France, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Joon, Transavia and HOP! contact details Phone: 1300 391 191 Website: www.agentconnect.biz Email: afklbiz.au@airfrance-klm.email

AIR NEW ZEALAND has redefined the long haul travel experience, whether it’s the extraordinary Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner with a focus on cabin comfort; the award-winning innovations of the 777-300 or the comfort of the 777-200, discover a better way to fly with Air New Zealand. Experience a taste of luxury in the Premium Cabins with more personal space and enjoy a dining experience with a modern kiwi twist featuring New Zealand’s finest produce complemented by premium New Zealand wines. Enjoy hours of entertainment where you can watch what you want, when you want. Start your on-demand entertainment system the moment you take your seat with our gate-to-gate seat back entertainment.

Business Premier™ Seat Specifications •• Seat width: 56cm in seat mode and 84cm at shoulder in bed mode •• Bed length 200cm - one of the longest in the sky •• Luxurious leather arm chair designed to allow take-off and landing in recline position •• Additional in-seat stowage space Luggage Allowance •• Checked baggage: three pieces max 23kg each •• Carry-on baggage: two pieces max 14kg total Dining •• Menu designed by consultant chefs, Peter Gordon and Michael Meredith, and complimented by extensive selection of premium NZ wines •• Snacks available to order in-flight via personal entertainment screen Extras •• Premium check in, courtesy lounge entry and priority baggage •• Amenity kit with deluxe toiletries, noise cancelling headphones

Premium Economy Seat Specifications •• Seat pitch 104-106cm, recline of 23cm and width of 49cm with a 13cm wide armrest •• Customised a beautifully comfortable ink coloured luxury leather seat with generous armrests, a leg rest and foot support. 50% more recline than Economy

Luggage Allowance •• Checked baggage: two pieces max 23kg each •• Carry-on baggage: two pieces max 14kg total Dining •• Menu designed by consultant chefs, Peter Gordon and Michael Meredith, and complimented by extensive selection of premium NZ wine •• Snacks available to order in-flight via personal entertainment screen

Economy Seat Specifications

Dining •• In-flight menus designed by consultant chefs complemented by award-winning NZ wines •• On-demand snack menu through entertainment touch screen

All Classes Entertainment •• Gate-to-gate Hi-res touch screen entertainment system in widescreen format with hours of entertainment •• In seat power and USB capabilities Loyalty Programs

•• Armrests disappear into seats •• 78-83cm seat pitch •• 15cm recline

Economy Skycouch™ Seat Specifications •• The seats are the same as an Economy seat except you have an additional footrest that folds to form a couch •• Economy Skycouch: 60 and 90 degree leg rest; effective couch length of 155cm •• Infant harness, belt and pod provides additional comfort and protection for infants

•• Airpoints loyalty program •• Free membership •• Part of Star Alliance •• Airpoints Dollars: for easy points accrual and redemption Clubs & Lounges •• Air New Zealand International lounges in Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington, Queenstown, Rarotonga, Nadi and Los Angeles. Eligible customers permitted to enjoy Star Alliance lounges in other destinations.

•• Koru Club memberships available for purchase giving customers full access to lounges Key Destinations

Luggage Allowance •• Checked baggage to North or South America: two pieces max 23kg each •• NZ and Pacific Islands checked baggage subject to fare purchased •• Carry-on baggage: one piece up to 7kg

2019 Airline Guide

•• Includes Los Angeles, San Francisco, Vancouver, Houston, Chicago, Buenos Aires and 20 domestic destinations around New Zealand contact details Phone: 1800 737 747 Website: airnzagent.com.au

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ANA – All Nippon Airways has been rewarded the respected 5-star rating every year since 2013 from Skytrax. Founded in 1952, ANA flies today on 84 international routes, 119 domestic routes and has a fleet of 266 aircraft.

ANA is the launch customer and largest operator of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, currently with 66 in its fleet.

A member of Star Alliance since 1999, ANA’s Frequent Flyer Program, ANA Mileage Club, has more than 26 million members globally.

ANA was awarded five stars for the sixth consecutive year in 2018 by the world’s leading airline and airport review site, SKYTRAX. In 2018, ANA was also awarded World’s Best Airline Staff in Asia, World’s Best Airline Cabin Cleanliness and ranked Number 3 in the World’s Best Airline by SKYTRAX. ANA has also received Airline of the Year 2018 Award by ATW Air Transport World.

Business Class Seat Specifications •• Seat width: 49.3cm •• Bed length: 189.2cm •• Fully-flat seat, each with aisle access in a 1-21 staggered configuration •• 45cm touch-panel LCD wide-screen monitor & noise-cancelling headphones •• Universal PC power port and USB port •• Additional in-seat storage space •• Priority check-in and priority baggage service •• Complimentary amenities Luggage Allowance •• Checked baggage: two pieces, max 32kg each •• Carry-on baggage: one piece, max 10kg Dining

Luggage Allowance •• Checked baggage: two pieces, max 23kg each •• Carry-on baggage: one piece, max 10kg Dining •• Enjoy an authentic Japanese meal or international dish, with additional items available including sparkling wine, soup, udon noodles and an extensive beverage list from the Business Class menu. Self-service snacks are available •• 24 special meal options are available for dietary and religious requirements, including allergen free meals (must be pre-ordered)

Economy Class Seat Specifications

•• “Connoisseur” is the collaboration of awardwinning menus designed by master chefs and beverage specialists •• Business Class in-flight meals are available for pre-order •• 24 special meal options are available for dietary and religious requirements, including allergen free meals (must be pre-ordered)

•• Seat pitch: 86.4cm, width: 43.9cm •• 3-3-3 seat configuration •• 23cm LCD touch-panel monitor •• Comfortable footrest (bulkhead and exit row seats excluded) •• Universal PC power port and USB port

Premium Economy Class

•• Checked baggage: two pieces, max 23kg each •• Carry-on baggage: one piece, max 10kg

Seat Specifications •• Spacious seat pitch: 96.5cm, width: 49cm •• 2-3-2 seat configuration •• Comfortable leg rest and footrest, universal PC power port and USB port •• 28cm touch-panel LCD wide-screen monitor & noise-cancelling headphones •• Priority check-in and priority baggage service •• Complimentary Business class lounge access

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All Classes Entertainment •• LCD touch-panel individual seat monitor •• Over 350 programs available on demand •• Universal PC power port and USB port •• Wifi service is available on all flights (fee may apply) Loyalty Programs •• ANA Mileage Club •• Member of Star Alliance Clubs & Lounges •• Complimentary Business Class lounge access for Business and Premium Economy Class passengers •• Air New Zealand’s Koru Lounge, Sydney Airport •• ANA Lounge, Haneda Airport •• ANA Diamond members have access to ANA Suite Lounge, Haneda Airport

Luggage Allowance

Dining •• Enjoy an authentic Japanese meal or international dish. Also enjoy ANA’s original beverage “Aromatic Kabosu”. Self-service snacks are available •• 24 special meal options are available for dietary and religious requirements, including allergen free meals (must be pre-ordered)

2019 Airline Guide

Key Destinations •• Tokyo hub city •• 43 international cities, 49 domestic cities •• Europe: London, Paris, Frankfurt, Munich, Dusseldorf, Brussels and Vienna (Feb 2019) •• North America: Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Jose, Seattle, New York, Washington D.C., Houston, Chicago, Vancouver, Mexico City and Honolulu contact details Website: www.anaskyweb.com

CATHAY PACIFIC AIRWAYS is regarded as one of the world’s leading airlines and is widely recognised for its world-renowned service, modern fleet and exceptional safety record. As a founding member of the oneworld global alliance that brings together ten of the world’s biggest and best airlines, they are committed to providing world-class service, quality and value. The Hong Kong based airline offers over 70 flights a week from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Cairns, Adelaide or Perth to over 200 destinations globally across the UK, Europe, North America, Asia and Subcontinent, the Middle East and Africa. The airline’s newest USA destinations include Washington, D.C. and Seattle. Three-class cabins (Economy, Premium Economy and Business Class) are available on all return flights from Australia to Hong Kong, whilst four-class cabins (including First Class) operate on some return flights from Hong Kong and beyond on Cathay Pacific routes.

First Class Seat Specifications •• Private First Class suite, padded with soft leather •• Wide fully-flat bed 190.5cm in length with mattress and 500-thread-count duvets •• Cosy pyjamas and a luxury Aesop amenity kit •• Seat pitch x width: 109cm x 91cm •• Personal HD touchscreen TV: 47cm Luggage Allowance •• Checked baggage: max 50kg •• Carry-on baggage: one piece, max 15kg Dining

Premium Economy Class Seat Specifications •• Spacious and quieter cabin of 26 to 34 seats •• Four-way headrest and expanded legroom with calf and foot rests •• Larger table and additional storage space •• Stylish Premium amenity kits •• Seat pitch x width: 96cm x 49cm, recline: 20cm •• Personal HD touchscreen TV: 27cm Luggage Allowance •• Checked baggage: max 35kg •• Carry-on baggage: one piece, max 7kg

•• Fresh Asian and international flavours with à la carte dining options •• Expertly handpicked champagne and awardwinning wines

•• Light and healthy Asian and Western dishes •• Award-winning selection of wines and beverages

Business Class

Economy Class

Seat Specifications •• Private seats with direct aisle access •• Comfortable fully-flat bed measuring 190.5cm •• A luxury amenity kit with Jurlique skincare products •• Seat pitch x width: 109cm x 53cm •• Personal HD touchscreen TV: 39cm Luggage Allowance •• Checked baggage: max 40kg •• Carry-on baggage: one piece, max 10kg Dining •• Locally sourced in-season ingredients for fresher, lighter and healthier dining options •• Award-winning selection of wines and beverages

Dining

AT A GLANCE All Classes Intercontinental Fleet

• Average fleet age 10.7 years Entertainment• B777-300, B777-700ER, B777-200, B747-400, •• State-of-the-art StudioCX entertainment system A340-300 and A330-300 •• Games, fun packs and movies for kids •• 110V AC power supply and USB ports to connect your own devicesCabin Specifications

• Separate cabin of 26-34 seats Loyalty Programs • Airbus: 2 - 3 - 2 configuration • Boeing: 2 - 4 - 2 configuration •• The Marco Polo Club – Cathay Pacific’s loyalty programme • A •• Cathay Pacific’s global network and oneworld Seat Specifications infl affiliation makes The Marco Polo Club the most • 10 • 96.5cm seat pitch; 49.5cm seat powerful airline loyalty programme in Asia • Inwidth; 20.3cm recline •• Asia Miles – Asia’s leading travel and lifestyle co • 4-way adjustable headrest, leg rest rewards programme an & extra personal storage space

Clubs & Lounges

Luggage Allowance •• 7 Cathay Pacific Lounges in Hong Kong – 2 • Checked baggage: 25kg First Class and 5 Business Class lounges • Cabin baggage: 7kg •• Global network of over 50 lounges offer impeccable service, Asian and Western cuisines, and many6amenities

Seat Specifications •• Comfortable ergonomically designed seats, adjustable headrest and increased legroom •• Amenity storage below personal television screen to keep personal items at hand •• Seat pitch x width: 81cm x 47cm, recline: 15cm •• Personal HD touchscreen TV screen: 22cm

*Inflight seat specifications are based on A330 and B777 aircraft.

Luggage Allowance •• Checked baggage: max 30kg •• Carry-on baggage: one piece, max 7kg Dining •• A variety of light and healthy Asian and Western cuisines •• Award-winning selection of wines and beverages

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Key Destinations •• Hong Kong (HKG), Beijing (PEK), Shanghai (PVG), Tokyo (NRT), Taipei (TPE), London (LHR), Paris (CDG), New York (JFK) contact details Phone: 1300 205 969 (Agency Support Line) Website: cathaypacific.com.au

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CHINA EASTERN AIRLINES is one of the world’s fastest growing airlines with one of the youngest fleets. From humble beginnings in 1957 as the Shanghai Civil Aviation Corporation, we became China Eastern Airlines Corporation Ltd in 1988 and now fly to 177 countries and 1,074 destinations around the world. Our fleet of over 650 aircraft, welcomed over 110 million passengers aboard last year - ensuring they reached their destination in complete comfort. In 2011, China Eastern became the 14th member of the SkyTeam alliance giving passengers access to numerous lounges, services and benefits throughout the world. We’ve proudly operated China to Australia routes for over 20 years and offer more than 50 flights weekly between the two countries.

First Class Seat Specifications •• They’re not just seats, they’re beds (B777300ER) •• 6 very private and extremely comfortable bedroom suites featuring fully flat beds in a 1-2-1 configuration, all suites with direct aisle access •• The two middle suites, can be joined to make a double bed •• Luggage is stored separately (not overhead) so there is spacious headroom even when standing Luggage Allowance •• Checked baggage: 3 pieces for flights to/from Europe, Australia, Japan, and Dubai (2 pieces on other flights), max 32kg each •• Carry-on baggage: 2 pieces, max 7kg each

Dining

First class & Business class: •• Pre-welcome drinks •• Two Western meal and two Oriental meal options each •• Dessert, Fruit Platter, Cheese Board •• Coffee & tea •• Full beverage service •• Daytime flight: Lunch/Refreshment/Dinner •• Evening flight: Dinner/Breakfast Extras •• China Eastern provides a complimentary chauffeur service to First or Business class passengers within Australia, China, Europe and North America (terms & conditions apply)

Economy Class Seat Specifications

Business Class Seat Specifications •• 52 class-leading Zodiac Cirrus seats in a 1-2-1 configuration with a generous pitch of 190cm and a width of 60cm (B777-300ER) •• 30 seats in a 1-2-1 configuration, with a pitch of 191cm and a width of 51cm. (A330-20033H) •• 30 seats in a 2-2-2 configuration, with a pitch of 195cm and a width of 53cm. (A330-20033E) •• All business class seats on long-haul flights convert into a supremely comfortable lie-flat bed

•• 258 seats in a 3-4-3 configuration with a pitch of 84cm and a width of 43cm. Each with 10.6” screen, USB port and AC power.

(B777-300ER) •• 202 seats in a 2-4-2 configuration with a pitch of 84cm and a width of 46cm (A330-200-33H) •• 204 seats in a 2-4-2 configuration, with a pitch of 84cm and a width of 46cm (A330200-33E) Luggage Allowance •• Checked baggage: 2 pieces, max 23kg each •• Carry-on baggage: 1 piece, max 5kg Dining

Luggage Allowance •• Checked baggage: 2 pieces, max 32kg each •• Carry-on baggage: 1 piece, max 5kg

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•• One Western meal & one Oriental meal option •• Coffee & tea •• Full beverage service

2019 Airline Guide

All Classes Entertainment •• Personal entertainment unit is provided to each passenger in all cabin •• Enjoy free wi-fi on board Loyalty Programs •• Be rewarded with Eastern Miles points and status credits on all eligible China Eastern flights and also earn Eastern Miles points on eligible Qantas flights Clubs & Lounges •• Eligible passengers can relax in the SkyTeam Lounge in Sydney, plus Qantas lounges in Melbourne and Brisbane. Prior to their return to Australia, eligible passengers can relax in China Eastern VIP lounge 36 in Shanghai or our business class lounge in Beijing •• China Eastern Platinum or Gold Eastern Miles members can also access Qantas business class lounges if they hold an economy class boarding pass for a Qantas operated Australia to China flight

Key Destinations •• China - Direct flights to Shanghai, Beijing, Hangzhou, Wuhan, Xian, Kunming, Nanjing •• Japan - Tokyo, Osaka, Sapporo & 7 other cities •• Europe - London, Frankfurt, Rome, Paris, Moscow, Amsterdam, Stockholm, Madrid, Prague, St Petersburg •• North America: New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Hawaii, Chicago, Vancouver, Toronto contact details Sydney phone: (02) 9373 8600 Melbourne phone: (03) 8635 1000 Brisbane office phone: (07) 3232 9500

CHINA SOUTHERN AIRLINES (CZ) operates one of the largest fleets, currently at 770+ aircraft, the most extensive network and the largest passenger capacity of any airline in The People’s Republic of China.

In 2017, China Southern carried more than 126 million passengers, ranking the carrier 1st in Asia and 4th in the world.

China Southern operates more than 2000 daily flights to over 224 destinations in 41 countries and regions, and is a vital member of the SkyTeam Airline Alliance which then extends the network to 1062 destinations in 177 countries & regions and 1900+ departures daily throughout the world.

Identified as a 4 Star Skytrax Airline, in 2018 China Southern achieved “The World’s Most Improved Airline” award and has also received the top operational safety award “The Diamond Safety Record in China”.

First Class Seat Specifications A380 - Platinum Private Suite •• 8 Luxurious private and comfortable suites, layout 1-2-1 •• Motor-driven seats - fully flat beds •• Each suite seat pitch: 83inch/2.11cm, seat width: 33inch/83cm •• 23inch/59cm digital Flat-screen LCD TV B787-800 •• Adjustable seatback range to 180 degrees lie flat, seat layout 1-2-1 •• Seat pitch 84inch/2.13cm, width 27inch/69cm B777-300ER •• Adjustable seatback range to 180 degrees lie flat •• Seat pitch 84inch/2.13cm, width 28.5inch/72cm •• Seat layout 1-2-1 Luggage Allowance •• Checked baggage: three pieces, max 32kg each •• Carry-on baggage: two pieces, max 5kg each Dining •• Choose from an extensive menu •• Pre-ordered menus available •• Air wine cellar •• Air tea house

Business Class Seat Specifications •• Adjustable deluxe seat to fully flat 180 degree bed at the touch of a button •• A380: 70 luxurious seats in a 1-2-1 configuration, seat pitch 84inch/214cm, width 24inch/62cm •• B787: 24 luxurious seats in a 2-2-2

configuration, seat pitch 74inch/188cm, width 21.5inch/55cm •• B777-300: 34 luxurious seats in a 1-2-1 configuration, seat pitch 44inch/112cm, width 22inch/56cm •• A330-200 and A330-300: between 12 to 30 comfortable seats, in a 2-2-2 configuration, seat pitch 75inch/190cm, width 20inch/50.8cm

All Classes Entertainment •• Personal touch screen TV •• In excess of 600 hours of audio/video “on demand” with selection of Chinese/ International movies, music and TV programs Loyalty Programs

Luggage Allowance •• Checked baggage: two pieces max 32kg each •• Carry-on baggage: one piece, max 5kg

•• Free Sky Pearl Club membership available •• Earn flight mileages and upgrade flight segments

Dining •• Choose from the extensive menu •• Pre-ordered Meal bookings available •• Air wine cellar •• Air tea house

Economy Class Seat Specifications •• A380: 428 recliner seats, pitch: 32inch/81cm, width:19inch/48cm •• Main deck layout 3-4-3, Upper deck 2-4-2 •• B787: 200 recliner seats, layout 3-3-3, pitch: 32inch/81cm, width: 17.5inch/45cm •• B777-300: 227 recliner seats, layout 3-3-3, pitch: 32inch/81cm, width: 17inch/44 cm •• A330-200 & A330-300: between 142258 recliner seats, layout 2-4-2, pitch: 32inch/82cm, width:17.5inch/45cm Luggage Allowance •• Checked baggage: two pieces max 23kg each •• Carry-on baggage: one piece, max 5kg Dining •• Enjoy a choice of either Chinese or Western meals 2019 Airline Guide

Clubs & Lounges China Southern VIP and SkyTeam lounges •• Guangzhou Baiyun Airport Terminal 2 – Domestic & International China Southern VIP & Sky Team Lounges •• 7 SkyTeam Lounges – Sydney, Beijing, Hong Kong, London, Istanbul, Dubai & Vancouver China Southern passengers access Lounges in Australia •• In Melbourne, Perth & Adelaide – Qantas Lounge •• In Brisbane – Plaza Premium Lounge •• In Cairns – Reef Lounge •• China Southern Lounges available in most Chinese cities

Key Destinations •• Guangzhou, Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen •• Bangkok, Seoul, London, Paris, Amsterdam, Rome, Frankfurt, Moscow, Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, Vancouver, Toronto, Mexico contact details Australia Customer Contact centre: 1300 889 628 China Customer Service Hotline: (+86)40086 95539 Website: www.csair.com.au

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Fiji Airways has connected the Pacific for over 65 years and continues to be the airline that connects the world to our beautiful home, Fiji. Whether flying on one of our Airbus 330s or on one of our Boeing 737s, your Fiji experience begins with a welcome Bula (Hello in Fijian) and a warm smile upon boarding. Our Economy Class offers complimentary entertainment, full meal and beverage service all in the natural, warm ambience of our cabin. Upgrade to Business Class and enjoy a taste of Fijian high life with Premium Check-In, access to business lounge facilities, award-winning wines and menu, personal in-seat entertainment, all in the comfort of your angled lie-flat seat, complete with pillow, blanket and duvet.

Business Class Seat Specifications •• B737-700 & B737-800: 122cm pitch, 46cm recline •• A330-200 & A330-300 : 152cm pitch, lie flat 180° bed Luggage Allowance •• Checked baggage: 40kg* with priority tag •• Carry-on luggage: 10kg *All destinations (except to/from USA/CANADA) – 3 pieces at 30kg. To/from Honolulu – 1 piece at 30kg

Economy Class Seat Specifications •• B737-700 & B737-800 : 73-81cm pitch, 15cm recline •• A330-200 & A330-300 : 78-81cm pitch, 19cm recline Luggage Allowance •• Checked baggage: 23kg* with priority tag •• Carry-on luggage: 7kg *All destinations (except to/from Honolulu) – 23kg allowance equating to 1 piece

All Classes Loyalty Programs •• Priority reservation •• Priority check-in •• Free access to 12 airport lounges.

•• Extra baggage allowance •• Earn free upgrades to Business Class •• Transferable Credits to direct family members •• Discounted guest pass •• Earn frequent flyer points or status credits •• Premium personal service at Nadi and Suva Airports Clubs & Lounges

Dining •• Indulge in the Fijian high life with a 3-course fine Pacific cuisine designed by Culinary Ambassador and Celebrity Chef Robert Oliver, served with award-winning wines and signature cocktails. Snacks available throughout your flight, on-demand Entertainment •• Gate-to-gate entertainment •• B737-700 & B737-800: IPad with 6 video channels and 10 audio channels •• A330-200 & A330-300: In-seat video with 39cm monitors, in-seat power and entertainment on demand

Dining •• Enjoy Fijian hospitality onboard your flight, with complimentary hot meals and beverage service (hot, cold and alcoholic drinks) Entertainment •• Gate-to-gate entertainment •• B737-700 & B737-800: Drop down screens every 3 rows, with main screen video and 10 audio channels •• A330-200 & A330-300: In-seat video with 27cm monitors, in-seat USB power and entertainment on demand

•• Relax and enjoy complimentary food and beverages before you fly, not just at our Fiji Airways Lounge at Nadi International Airport but also 12 affiliated airport lounges across the Fiji Airways global network •• Tabua Club membership available for purchase in three tiers with each tier giving customers full access to lounges

Key Destinations •• Fiji, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Hawaii, Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Hong Kong, Narita, Singapore and Pacific Islands namely, Kiribati, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu contact details Phone: 1800 230 150 Website: www.fijiairways.com

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2019 Airline Guide

FINNAIR, the leading Northern European airline and oneworld airline partners offer to Australian passengers connections to Europe via a choice of Asian gateways. Finnair’s fastest routes between destinations in Asia and major cities in Europe connect smoothly through Helsinki, at an average of 45 min. Finnair’s modern fleet of Airbus A330 and A350 XWB aircraft with Marimekko for Finnair interior design offer the highest standard in seat comfort, excellent food service, entertainment and amenities.

Business Class Seat Specifications •• A330: 1-2-1 & 2-2-1 configuration •• A350: 1-2-1 configuration •• All long haul routes on a fully flat bed •• Light and spacious cabin with mood lighting on new A350 XWB •• A330 - seat pitch: 114cm, seat width: 44cm, seat length: 198cm - 206cm •• A350 - seat pitch: 107cm, seat width: 52cm, seat length: 190cm •• Direct aisle access from each seat on A350 •• 40cm multi-touch screen for entertainment •• Features: lumbar support, adjustable headrest, private reading light, legrest (not in A350), coat hook, storage for personal items, storage for laptop (A350), foldable table, cocktail table Luggage Allowance •• Checked baggage: two pieces, max 23kg each •• Carry-on baggage: two pieces max 10kg total, including personal item such as laptop, backpack or handbag Dining •• Our Nordic Business Class meals are designed by famous Signature Chefs to please leisure and business travellers alike. Our food philosophy emphasises fresh, crisp flavours and local produce to pamper your palate with the finest Nordic delicacies. All of our menus are accompanied by carefully selected highquality wines, and the Marimekko for Finnair collection of exclusive tableware and textiles top off your dining experience.

Economy Class Seat Specifications •• A330: 2-4-2 configuration

•• A350: 3-3-3 configuration •• A330 - seat pitch: 80cm, seat width: 43cm, 6º recline •• A350 - seat pitch: 80cm, seat width: 46cm, 6º recline •• 28cm multi-touch screen for entertainment Luggage Allowance •• Checked baggage: one piece, max 23kg •• Carry-on luggage: one piece, max 8kg total, including personal item such as laptop, backpack or handbag Dining •• Choice of meal and mid-flight snack •• Appetizing meals, snacks and beverages – including sparkling wine •• Marimekko for Finnair collection of tableware bring fresh Finnish design to the on-board experience

Economy Comfort

All Classes Entertainment •• Personal entertainment system and video screen on all seats on intercontinental flights •• USB power outlets •• 72 movies, 15 TV shows •• Access to wide range of movies, TV series, music and games on intercontinental flights •• Purchase internet access, read newspapers and magazines, get destination information and book services in your destination or shop at www.nordic-sky.finnair.com •• WI-FI on-board, available complementary for 1 hour for Business class and Economy Comfort passengers. The approx. cost for additional 1h - ¤7.95 or entire flight - ¤19.95.

Loyalty Programs •• Finnair Plus: earn points for Finnair and our oneworld partners’ flights Clubs & Lounges

Seat Specifications •• A330: 2-4-2 configuration •• A350: 3-3-3 configuration •• Located in the first five rows in the Economy Class cabin •• Seat is standard Economy Class with 8-13cm of extra leg room •• A330 - seat pitch: 86cm, seat width: 43cm, 6º recline •• A350 - seat pitch: 89cm, seat width: 46cm, 6º recline •• Noise cancelling headphones •• Priority boarding and fast exit for the flight in question •• Marimekko for Finnair amenity kit including a sleeping mask, earplugs, socks, toothbrush and toothpaste •• 28cm multi-touch screen for entertainment 2019 Airline Guide

•• Free access to oneworld and Finnair lounges for business class passengers •• Access at a fee for economy class pax in Helsinki lounge, depending on the availability Key Destinations •• Asian gateways: Singapore, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Tokyo, Osaka, Delhi, Shanghai, Beijing, Seoul, Guangzhou, Chongqing, Nagoya, Xi’an and Nanjing •• USA gateways: New York, Miami*, Chicago*, *seasonal San Francisco*, Los Angeles* •• Europe destinations: Helsinki, London, Paris, Rome, Frankfurt, Oslo, Stockholm, St Petersburg and over 60 destinations contact details Phone: 1300 132 944 Website: www.finnair.com/au 21

The Jetstar Group has airlines in New Zealand, Australia, Singapore, Japan and Vietnam. Since launch in 2004, we have grown from a team of 700 to 7,600 and have flown more than 250 million passengers. Collectively we now offer more than 5,000 flights a week to more than 85 destinations in 18 countries across the Asia Pacific region, with a fleet of more than 133 aircraft. Jetstar operates domestic and international flights with four aircraft types, including the Airbus A320 and A321, Boeing 787 Dreamliner, as well as Bombardier Q300 aircraft on its regional New Zealand network.

Jetstar has more than 50 codeshare and interline partners including a QF codeshare across most of the Jetstar network. Codeshare and interline passenger’s bags are through checked between INT to INT connections and receive connecting boarding passes for INT to INT connections with QF, EK, UL, AA, LA, AY, 9W, FJ, AK & KL.

Business Class •• Jetstar Business Class is the luxurious way to travel on our 787 Dreamliner. With a generous carry-on baggage allowance (2 x 7kg bags), an extra-wide seat and dedicated cabin and service, you’ll fly and arrive in style Seat Specifications •• 21 seats in a 2-3-2 configuration •• Wide leather seats with 96.5cm pitch, head rests with wings, fold out footrest and inseat power Luggage Allowance •• Checked baggage: 30kg included, additional 10kg can be purchased •• Carry-on baggage: two pieces, max 7kg each

Luggage Allowance •• Up to 40kg of checked baggage per person can be pre-purchased •• 20kg checked baggage included in the Starter Plus and Starter Max bundle •• Carry-on baggage: one piece plus one additional small item, max 7kg total* *10kg combined carry on weight applies to customers who have purchased a Flexibiz bundle

Dining •• Selection of meals available for pre-purchase on long haul flights. Extra-long haul sectors will offer a second meal service •• Snack and beverages available for purchase on-board •• Hot meals are included for those passengers travelling on a Plus or Max bundle Inflight Experience

Dining •• All meals and snacks included for the duration of your flight •• Deluxe meals, gourmet snacks on demand and premium drinks •• Specially designed Japanese menu available on flights to/from Japan

•• Jetstar is all about choice – pay only for what you need. Hot meals must be pre-purchased •• On board, customers can expect a selection of drinks and snacks available for purchase •• Children’s meals and activity packs, Seat back Inflight entertainment and comfort packs are also available for purchase on long haul Jetstar services

Entertainment •• Personal seat back entertainment unit with noise reducing headset, featuring a wide range of movies, TV programs music videos and children’s programs

Economy Class

All Classes

•• Lounge access is available to passengers travelling on a Business Max fare, departing on international flights, subject to availability Corporate Customers •• Jetstar’s Flexibiz fare bundle is designed to make it easier for customers to change travel plans when they fly for business •• Flexibiz features include: same day free flight change, ability to place fares into credit, seat selection and additional carry-on baggage Group Sales •• Jetstar provides fast and competitive group fare quotes for bookings of 10 or more passengers •• Group fares have flexible payment terms, unlimited name changes and checked baggage •• Get a fast quote today at www.jetstar.com/groups

Disclaimer: Information and images reflect the Boeing 787 Dreamliner services. # Terms and conditions apply to Qantas Club and partner airline lounge access.

Only members of the nominated frequent flyer programs can earn points, status credits or miles. A joining fee may apply.

Loyalty Programs •• Earn Qantas Points and status credits with the Qantas Frequent Flyer program# or miles with the Emirates Skywards program# when you select an eligible Plus or Max Jetstar airfare

Seat Specifications •• 314 seats in a 3-3-3 configuration •• Seat pitch: 76cm

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Clubs & Lounges

2019 Airline Guide

Key Destinations •• Denpasar-Bali, Phuket, Honolulu, Ho Chi Minh City, Nadi-Fiji, Tokyo contact details Live Chat with an Industry Support team member Agent Hub: www.jetstar.com/agents Email: sales@jetstar.com Phone: 1300 042 394

KLM OFFERS over 543 weekly connections to Europe in cooperation with its codeshare partners Etihad Airways, Malaysia Airlines, China Southern, Garuda Indonesia, Delta Airlines and its interline partners, Qantas, Air China, Singapore Airlines, Jetstar, Korean Air, Cathay Pacific, Asiana Airlines, Hong Kong Airlines, China Eastern and Virgin Australia. KLM believes that they can make a difference by creating memorable experiences for customers. Genuine attention to customers making each of them feel recognized, at ease, comfortable and touched is KLM’s core belief. The World Business Class (WBC) cabin has full-flat seats and offers a warm and friendly atmosphere. Business Class passengers receive one of KLM’s signature souvenirs the famous miniature Delft Blue houses filled with genuine Dutch gin on every business class flight.

Business Class Seat Specifications •• Sleeper Seat: 190 cm long, •• Full-flat sleeper seat equipped with a massage unit •• Privacy canopy •• Personal entertainment system •• In-seat power •• World Business Class comfort kit designed by Dutch designer Jan Taminiau •• B777-200/300: 34 seats, in a 2-2-2 configuration •• B787-9: 30 seats with direct aisle access. (1-21 configuration)

Economy Class Seat Specifications

Entertainment

•• Ergonomic design with recline •• 76 to 81 cm of legroom •• 9 cm recline •• Economy Comfort seats (paid option): up to 89cm more legroom, up to double the recline (not on KLM Cityhopper flights) Luggage Allowance •• Checked baggage: one piece, max 23kg •• Carry-on baggage: one piece max 12kg Dining

Luggage Allowance •• Checked baggage: two pieces max 32kg each •• Carry-on baggage: two pieces, max 18kg each plus one accessory Dining •• WBC meals are prepared exclusively by Michelin awarded Dutch chefs and premium and award winning wines are selected from all over the world •• Famous Dutch designer, Marcel Wanders crafted its unique tableware taking environmental impact into consideration, resulting in a 30% less weight

All Classes

•• Enjoy a delicious meal prepared by top chefs onboard •• Choose between 5 delicious paid à la carte meals - Bella Italia, Champagne delight, Japanese delight, Indonesia Rice dishes or Captain’s Choice. Only available on intercontinental KLM flights departing from Amsterdam •• Wide selection of beverages and snacks on board every flight •• Hors-d’oeuvre, a choice of one of two Tasty Blue hot meals and a dessert with fresh bread roll with butter and cheese.

After dinner, complimentary coffee, tea or a liqueur is offered

•• More than 1,200 hours of entertainment on HD quality touch screens with a ‘seat chat’ app •• The latest box office hits, brilliant music, powerful drama, exotic nature documentaries, and much, much more •• The free KLM Movies & more app lets you view the inflight entertainment offerings for the current month for every intercontinental KLM flight Loyalty Programs •• Flying Blue is the joint frequent flyer programme of Air France and KLM with over 27 million members •• More information: www.flyingblue.com •• KLM is a member of SkyTeam and along with SkyTeam partners offers SkyPriority - an exclusive and seamless priority service at more than 1,000 airports worldwide Clubs & Lounges •• KLM Crown Lounges at Schiphol Airport feature Dutch design are spacious, stylish with a modern décor

Key Destinations •• A network covering 314 destinations in 116 countries thanks to its five brands Air France, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Joon, Transavia and HOP! contact details Phone: 1300 391 191 Website: www.agentconnect.biz

2019 Airline Guide

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Singapore Airlines (SIA) has proudly operated services to Australia since 1967. Over more than 50 years, SIA has grown to become one of Australia’s largest foreign carriers with over 135 weekly flights to Singapore. Servicing six cities in Australia, SIA offers seamless connectivity through their Changi Airport hub across a global network.

Alongside regional wing SilkAir, and low-cost carrier Scoot, SIA provides Australian travellers access to 137 destinations in 37 countries and territories. With a fleet that is amongst the youngest and most modern in the world, customers can enjoy international gourmet cuisine, wines that have been hand-picked by discerning connoisseurs, state-of-the-art in-flight entertainment, and unprecedented levels of comfort which will make them feel right at home. All around the world, Singapore Airlines is a great way to fly.

Suites & First Class Seat Specifications •• A380*: the latest Suites feature a luxurious seat upholstered by Poltrona Frau and separate bed for each passenfer, with the first two Suites on the aisle able to convert to a double bed for couples •• B777-300ER & B777-300: full flat bed & up to 130° seat recline, seat width 90cm Luggage Allowance •• Checked baggage: max 50kg •• Carry-on baggage: two pieces, max 7kg each Dining •• Reserve main course up to 24 hours prior to flight with Book the Cook menu and dine in a restaurant setting at 30,000ft, with full table service and wines to match the food and altitude

Business Class Seat Specifications •• A380*: leather upholstered seat reclines into a full-flat bed; centre seats convert into a double bed for couples or are equipped with a full height divider for privacy •• A350-900, B777-300ER & refitted B777200ER: full flat bed & up to 132° seat recline, 1-2-1 configuration •• B787-10 & A350-900 medium-haul: featuring a seat that reclines into a full flat bed, 1-2-1 configuration •• B777-300, A330-300, & B777-200: 8° incline flat, 2-2-2 configuration

Luggage Allowance •• Checked baggage: max 40kg •• Carry-on baggage: two pieces, max 7kg each Dining •• Reserve main courses up to 24 hours prior to flight with the Book the Cook menu

Premium Economy Class Seat Specifications •• A380 and select B777-300ER & A350-900: 125° seat recline, seat pitch of 95cm, seat width up to 49cm, 2-4-2 configuration and in-seat power supply

•• Checked baggage: max 30kg •• Carry-on baggage: one piece, max 7kg Dining •• Meals created by an International Culinary Panel of renowned chefs, inspired by cuisines and cultures from around the world

All Classes Entertainment •• Enjoy KrisWorld with over 1,800* on demand options including movies, television, music, games, and apps. On our latest A380, Krisflyer members can sync movies and playlists across their flights in myKrisWorld

*available on most aircraft

Luggage Allowance •• Checked baggage: max 35kg •• Carry-on baggage: one piece, max 7kg Dining •• Choose from the three main course options, or pre-order from exclusive Premium Economy Book the Cook menu •• Champagne served throughout the flight

Economy Class Seat Specifications •• 115° seat recline, seat pitch of 81cm, seat width up to 47cm •• A380, A330-300, B777-300ER, & A359 long/medium-haul: In-seat power supply (availability varies per aircraft)

*Available on new A380 aircraft, and progressively being retrofit to existing A380 in fleet

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Luggage Allowance

2019 Airline Guide

Loyalty Programs •• KrisFlyer is free to join •• Earn and redeem miles for flights with SQ, MI, TR, VA, LH and Star Alliance partners •• Mix miles and cash for redemption Clubs & Lounges •• SilverKris lounge available in SIN, SYD, BNE, MEL, ADL, PER, and select global destinations •• Access to worldwide partner lounges Key Destinations •• Bangkok, Beijing, Delhi, Dusseldorf, Frankfurt, Hong Kong, Jakarta, Johannesburg, London, Mumbai, Munich, New York, Osaka, Paris, Shanghai, Singapore, Stockholm, Tokyo, Zurich contact details Phone (reservations): 13 10 11 Website: singaporeair.com

UNITED operates daily nonstop services from Sydney to Los Angeles, San Francisco and Houston and from Melbourne to Los Angeles with convenient connections across the Americas.

All flights from Australia to the US are operated by Boeing Dreamliner 787–9 aircrafts offering United Polaris® business class and United Economy® and United Economy Plus® with up to 12.7 cm extra legroom. All seats have access to power outlets and customers can enjoy satellite–based WiFi throughout their journey.

Business Class Seat Specifications •• 48 flat-bed seats •• 198cm (6’6”) sleeping space •• Custom-designed bedding by Saks Fifth Avenue •• Additional in-seat stowage space Luggage Allowance •• Checked baggage: two pieces max 32kg each •• One carry-on bag plus one personal item free of charge •• Carry-on dimensions (max): 22 x 35 x 56 cm Dining •• The United culinary team has truly redefined the inflight dining experience in partnership with the Trotter Project, an organization committed to mentoring and inspiring culinary minds •• Highest-quality wine options curated exclusively by United’s Master Sommelier •• Fresh fruit, snacks and sandwiches available at the walk-up bar •• Hot mid-flight snack options are available upon request

Economy Class Seat Specifications

All Classes Entertainment

•• Seat pitch: 81cm (32”) •• Seat width: 41.4cm-43.9cm (16.3”-17.3”) •• Personal touch screen IFE with USB and power outlets United Economy Plus •• Seat pitch: 88cm (35”) seat pitch •• Seat width: 43.9cm (17.3”) •• Personal touch screen IFE with USB and power outlets Luggage Allowance •• Checked baggage: two pieces max 23kg each •• One carry-on bag plus one personal item free of charge •• Carry-on dimensions (max): 22 x 35 x 56 cm

•• Gate-to-gate HD touch screen entertainment system in widescreen format with a wide variety of TV shows and movies, including early releases.

•• In seat power and USB capabilities.

Loyalty Programs •• MileagePlus, the world’s most rewarding loyalty programSM •• Access to one of the most extensive merchandise redemption programs in the industry •• Free membership •• Part of Star Alliance Clubs & Lounges

Dining •• Three-course meal service designed by United team of chefs •• Mid-flight snack •• Soft drinks, juices, tea and freshly brewed coffee •• House wines and beer on trans-Pacific flights

•• United Polaris business class customers have access to: –– Air New Zealand’s Koru lounges in Sydney and Melbourne –– Singapore Airline’s Silver Kris lounges in Sydney and Melbourne –– Polaris Business Class lounges in Chicago, Newark, Houston, San Francisco and Los Angeles (opens Q4 2018) •• More than 50 United Clubs in 31 airports worldwide

Key Destinations •• Los Angeles, San Francisco, Houston, New York, Denver, Chicago, Washington contact details Phone: 131 777 Website: united.com

2019 Airline Guide

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Vietnam Airlines is the national flag carrier of Vietnam, operating 93 routes to 21 domestic and 30 international destinations with an average of 400 daily flights and offering an extensive network connecting Asia, Europe and the Asia-Pacific region. Boasting a young fleet of 83 modern aircraft including the new generation Airbus A350-900 and Boeing 787-9, Vietnam Airlines, a SkyTeam Alliance member strives to become one of the best regarded airlines in the Asia-Pacific region.

Vietnam Airlines is currently servicing Australia, operating 17 flights per week from Australia to Vietnam, offering 3 classes of service, Business Class, Premium Economy and Economy. With the new thrice weekly non-stop service Sydney- Hanoi and its better connection times to Europe and North East Asia, Vietnam Airlines is now moving its passengers even faster to more corners of the world.

Business Class Seat Specifications* •• 28 seats with 1-2-1 configuration with generous 106cm seat pitch (B787-900) •• 29 seats with 1-2-1 configuration with generous 106cm seat pitch (A350) •• All seats with direct aisle access •• Full-flat seats can be reclined into comfortable bed, perfect for long-haul flights •• Lights system can be adjusted to suit your body clock •• Extensive full HD touch screens, a huge variety of entertainment, movies and useful information on your destination •• Self-service bar is offered on routes to Japan, Korea, Europe and Australia Luggage Allowance •• Checked baggage: max 40kg •• Carry-on baggage: two pieces, max 7kg each Dining •• Dedicated Business Class menu •• Delicious blend of Vietnamese and world class cuisine •• “Pho” is available for breakfast on flights from Vietnam to Europe, Japan, Korea and Australia •• Signature cocktail is currently available on flights to Australia, UK, France, Germany, Japan and Korea

Premium Economy Class Seat Specifications* •• 35 seats with 2-3-2 configuration (B787-900) •• 36 seats with 2-4-2 configuration (A350) •• B787-900: 106cm seat pitch and 18cm recline •• A350: 96cm seat pitch and 20cm recline

•• Checked baggage: max 40kg •• Carry-on baggage: two pieces, max 7kg each

•• All seats are equipped with personal full HD widescreen monitor, integrated smart entertainment system, including latest movies, music and games

•• Frequent flyer program: Lotusmiles •• Vietnam Airlines is part of SkyTeam alliance Clubs & Lounges

Dining •• Dedicated Premium Economy menu •• Delicious blend of Vietnamese and world class cuisine

Economy Class

•• Lotus Lounge in Vietnam for Business Class passengers and qualifying members •• SkyTeam Lounge in Sydney for Business Class passengers and qualifying members •• Qantas Lounge in Melbourne for Business Class passengers and qualifying members

Seat Specifications* •• 211 seats with 3-3-3 configuration (B787-900) •• 240 seats with 3-3-3 configuration (A350) •• B787-900: 81cm seat pitch and 12-15cm recline •• A350: 81cm seat pitch and up to 15cm recline Luggage Allowance

Dining •• Delicious blend of Vietnamese and world class cuisine

26

Entertainment

Loyalty Programs Luggage Allowance

•• Checked baggage: max 30kg •• Carry-on baggage: one piece, max 7kg each

Dreamliner Boeing 787-9, Business Class Seat

All Classes

*Configuration and number of seats may change depending on the actual aircraft

2019 Airline Guide

Dreamliner Boeing 787-9, Premium Economy Seat

Key Destinations •• Vietnam: Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi and Danang •• Europe: London, Paris, Frankfurt and Moscow •• Indochina: Phnom Penh, Siem Reap contact details Phone (Sydney): 1300 888 028 Phone (Melbourne): 03 8605 7888 Website: www.vietnamairlines.com

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