Africa

Have you been thinking about having a Trip of a Lifetime to discover Africa? Target Travel can help you put together a holiday package that you'll remember forever.

Spend some time among the people in their villages. Get to experience their oral history and tribal rhythms.

There are many ways to get to the Continent. Direct flights but also flights routed through other key hubs. Some even arrive around 12:30.

Yes, it's a long journey from New Zealand, but we partner with all the best carriers so your time spent in airports and in the air is as comfortable as it can be.

If you're a traveler that likes to interact with the locals, then Africa is for you. From the cities to the villages. There are many different countries with many different pulses.

How many stories could you uncover?

Clients of ours who have made this journey have told us that Africa was a destination that they've struggled to leave when the time came to return to New Zealand.

Most travelers to this magical place want to get among the wildlife. There are many Safari operators, and many options depending on your budget. You will be able to see these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.

You will be able to hear the lions roar and the wild dogs crying out in the night.

An African experience is one never forgotten. It'll reset you. It'll take you out of your comfort zone and your routine and will refresh you and give you an entirely new perspective of life.

Think about taking some time to do the things you don't get to do often.

And yes, if you haven't quite worked it out:

Note: Photos are credited to Great Plains Conservation and show aspects of Botswana and Kenya.

Tourism Malaysia

Target Travel recently attended a Tourism Malaysia event to learn more about this destination. Most people only really think of Kuala Lumpur, but Malaysia is so much more. Since achieving independence it's grown in the hearts and minds of travelers. There has been a steady growth in tourist numbers from New Zealand year-on-year. There are reasons!

The Malaysia Year of Festivals 2015 is underway. They are heralding the country's endless celebrations of festivals, events and happenings. The year-long calendar is packed with festivities of every genre; for instance cultural festivals, shopping extravanganzas, international acclaimed events, eco-tourism events, arts, music showcases, food promotion and other themed events.

Malaysia is a shopping destination. Oh yes. Malaysia is home to three of the ten largest shopping malls in the world. These malls are experiences. You're able to check your kids in to supervised  play-gyms whilst you shop. The 1Utama Shopping Centre even has a rainforest inside. There are many artisan and craft markets, food markets and more where you can get amongst the locals and experience Malaysian life. The 1Malaysia Mega Sale Carnival is on right now!

Here are some specific regions worth considering as destinations.

Kuala Lumpur:

We all know and love this city. A few key things to remember. The Showcase KL transit tour programme is an inexpensive way to get from the airport, use the hop-on, hop-off buses at 23 stops around the city, and get back to the airport. The KL Pass lets you enjoy, without further payment, access to multiple attractions across the city. One experience that is highly recommended is MUD - a musical that introduces visitors to the history of Malaysia. And of course, don't forget the Kuala Lumpur Food Trails. KL has produced a guide to help you eat your way around the city!

Sabah:

Situated on the beautiful island of Borneo, Sabah is one of the thirteen states which Malaysia is made of. Sabah is the second largest state in Malaysia and shares the island of Borneo with Sarawak, Brunei, and Indonesian Kalimantan.

Sabah is richly blessed with nature diversity, unique cultures, fun adventure, beautiful beaches, and fantastic cuisines for the adventurous taste buds. They have it all, from the world’s largest flower - the Rafflesia, one of the highest mountains in South East Asia - Mount Kinabalu, to one of the world’s top dive sites - Sipadan Island. Sabah is also known for her great natural treasures which include the world-renowned Danum Valley Conservation Area and Tabin which is Sabah’s largest wildlife reserve.

Keep an eye on what is happening in Sabah through their 'Love Sabah' Facebook page.

* photos supplied by Sabah Tourism and used by permission.

Terengganu:

Terengganu is endowed with unmatched natural beauty. Having the longest coastline (244km) of wonderful beaches, the lush tropical rainforests, a hidden paradise unmoved by time and stunning islands with its tranquil emerald waters turn magnificently golden hues at the touch of the sun’s first rays.

Terengganu is also rich with its customs and tradition, upheld through generations and visible in its way of life, its arts and handicrafts, its tradition culinary and its heritage. Terengganu is in a league of its own as a vibrant tourist destination.

* images provided by Tourism Terengganu and used by permission.

Medical Tourism is on the rise in Malaysia. We met Malaysia Healthcare who puts together packages for those wanting to have dental treatment or other procedures. The simple fact is that the cost comparisons are amazing. You will need to do your research of course. This is an initiative by the Ministry of Health of Malaysia.

We enjoyed meeting with Discovery Overland Holidays:  who is a holiday/tour package operator that has been creating experiences for travelers for 15 years. They're able to handle everything in-country: sights, activities, destinations, hotels, transfers, tipping - the lot. Target Travel can partner with them to ensure satisfaction from the moment you get to Auckland International Airport.

* photos supplied by Discovery Overland Holidays and used by permission.

Malaysia is well serviced by many hotel groups and operators. Here are some details from those we met.

The Danna Langkawi is fantastic. Situated on Langkawi Island. The main tourist attractions on the island are idyllic white sandy beaches with swaying coconut trees and crystal clear blue water. Langkawi is declared as a duty-free zone and more recently named World Geopark by UNESCO in June 2007. The three main conservation areas are Island of the Pregnant Maiden Lake, Kilim Karst Geoforest Park and Machincang Cambrian Geoforest Park.

* photos supplied by The Danna and used by permission.

Shangri-La runs many hotels and resorts in Malaysia. And some of their properties are simply spectacular. Once you've decided where you want to visit, do have a look at what they offer. I think my favorite has to be the Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa. It looks divine. Also on Langkawi is the Meritus Pelangi Beach Resort and Spa. Yet another property of high standard.

Malaysia Airlines and Air New Zealand both provide services to this region. There are many options around destinations and stopovers. Call us at the office to discuss what is best for you.

Serve For A Cause

A fun badminton event happening on the 18th of July. All proceeds go to Ronald McDonald House.

Malaysia Airlines Here For The Long-haul

TRADE RELEASE
2 June 2015

MALAYSIA AIRLINES HERE FOR THE LONG-HAUL

Strong Commitment to Servicing Australia and New Zealand
Malaysia Airlines Berhad (MAB) is the new company that will be managing the new Malaysia Airlines from 1st September 2015 onwards.

MAB is fully owned by Khazanah – the sovereign fund of Malaysia – and is fully committed to the rebuilding of Malaysia Airlines following the new business plan presented by Christoph Mueller, CEO, Malaysia Airlines, on Monday 1st June 2015.

Malaysia Airlines continues to operate as business as usual.

Customers and agents should have full confidence that all reservations and tickets are being honoured by the existing Malaysia Airlines and the new Malaysia Airlines after 1st September 2015.

By referring to Malaysia Airlines being technically bankrupt, the CEO was putting into context the position of the existing business (i.e. Malaysia Airlines Systems Berhad or MAS), which is currently loss-making, and how he intends to transform it over the coming years with a lower cost base and a clearer focus on improving efficiency and our guest experience.

The recent appointment of an Administrator will facilitate the transfer of selected assets and liabilities from Malaysia Airlines (MAS) to the new company (MAB), effectively by 1 September 2015.

The transition from MAS to MAB, which began in August 2014, is supported by conditional investment funding of RM6b by Khazanah, disbursed on a staggered basis and subject to strict conditions being met. The restructuring program is currently on track as outlined in quarterly progress updates issued by Khazanah.

Malaysia Airlines will provide further updates as it continues the transition into a profitable and sustainable business.

MEDIA CONTACT: Jackie Crossman Crossman Communications Tel : +612 9361 6099 Email : jackie@crossmancommunications.com.au

MARKETING CONTACT:
Julia Loong
Malaysia Airlines, Australia/New Zealand
Tel : +612 9364 3515
Email : jloong@malaysiaairlines.com

Auckland Airport welcomes Philippine Airlines to New Zealand

Auckland Airport and Philippine Airlines are excited to announce a new Manila to Auckland service, marking the first time the airline has ever operated in New Zealand.

The new Philippine Airlines service, scheduled to commence on 1 December 2015, will see an A320 operate four flights per week on the Manila to Auckland route, with a stopover in Cairns.

Norris Carter, Auckland Airport’s general manager aeronautical commercial, says he is delighted to welcome Philippine Airlines to New Zealand.

“This is great news for the New Zealand tourism industry and for our economy,” says Mr Carter.  “This new service will see 64,500 seats per year on the Manila to Auckland route, contributing an estimated $41 million per year to the New Zealand economy.”

“We have experienced solid growth from the Philippines market in recent years and the addition of a new carrier will certainly help to further stimulate this,” continues Mr Carter.

“Short-term arrivals to New Zealand from the Philippines have increased 9.4 per cent per year over the last five years.  Similarly, New Zealand travellers visiting the Philippines has been growing impressively at 11.6 per cent per year over the same period.”

“The largest market of visitors we have from the Philippines is travellers coming to New Zealand to visit friends and relatives, followed closely by travellers coming for leisure purposes,” continues Mr Carter.  “This new service will provide more options for these visitors when travelling to New Zealand and also for New Zealanders wishing to visit the Philippines.”

“As well as this, the stopover in Cairns is good news for Kiwis wanting to travel to Cairns or visitors from Cairns wanting to travel to New Zealand, as it increases the frequency of flights operating on this route.”

Philippine Airlines’ President and Chief Operating Officer, Jaime J. Bautista, says, “The route will stimulate passenger traffic along three travel streams - Manila and Cairns, Manila and Auckland as well as Cairns and Auckland.  The new service allows Philippine Airlines to cater to the travel needs of business and leisure travellers and showcase its distinct brand of service marked by Filipino warmth, charm and hospitality.  With close to 40,000 Filipinos residing in New Zealand, the new service is their convenient link to their home country - the Philippines.”

Flights on the new Philippines Airlines service will be available for purchase soon, subject to regulatory approval.  For more information, please visit www.philippineairlines.com

Houston on sale now!

Air New Zealand is pleased to announce its new Auckland – Houston service is now on sale!

From 15 December 2015, Air New Zealand will begin operating up to five return services per week,  Tuesday through Friday and on Sundays using the airline’s newly refitted Boeing 777-200 aircraft as follows:

Flight #NZ28
From AKL
Dep (local time) 1830
To IAH
Arr (local time) 1315

Flight #NZ29
From AKL
Dep (local time) 2025
To IAH
Arr (local time) 0555

More detail about Air NZ's new Houston service

Air New Zealand is thrilled to share the news that they will start flying to Houston, Texas from December this year, opening up a direct connection between New Zealand and America’s South for the first time.

Today’s announcement means Air New Zealand will be offering direct services to five popular North American destinations – Los Angeles, San Francisco, Vancouver, Hawaii and Houston. With a flight time of approximately 13 hours, the new route is set to become the fastest way for Kiwis to get to popular East Coast and Midwest destinations, such as New York and Chicago.

They will fly their completely refitted Boeing 777-200 aircraft between Auckland and Houston up to five times a week, opening up the state of Texas as well as popular nearby tourist states such as Louisiana and Florida.

They are excited to add Houston to their list of international destinations, particularly as the move comes hard on the heels of their recent announcement that they will begin flying to Buenos Aires, Argentina, in December.

Houston offers their customers direct access into the heart of the American south and a world of new tourism experiences. It’s a great part of the USA for visitors to immerse themselves in. It will have tremendous appeal for travellers.

Not only is Houston home to NASA’s Johnson Space Center and Mission Control and one of the world’s largest livestock shows and rodeos, it’s a great jumping off point for the home of country music in Nashville Tennessee; the jazz capital of New Orleans; and the resorts, theme parks and beaches of Florida.

Houston is also a key gateway for Mexico, the rest of Central America and the Caribbean. Air New Zealand also looks forward to welcoming more visitors to New Zealand from the Southern and Midwest states and major East Coast cities where the option to connect through Houston will make New Zealand’s tourism proposition more accessible than ever before.

Air New Zealand will code share from Houston to other key USA domestic destinations as well as Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean with Star Alliance partner United Airlines, which has a large Houston-based hub. United will code share on the Air New Zealand flight from Houston to Auckland and points beyond.

Tickets are expected to go on sale next month, with flights commencing mid-December.

Have you thought about Cuba?

As you may be aware, the relations between the USA and Cuba are improving and it’s looking increasingly likely that the restrictions that closed off Cuba will be relaxed or lifted.

We have been putting together packages for clients wanting to visit Cuba in its current state before any change occurs.

If you like Culture, revolutionary history, Eco-tourism, Sailing and Cruising, Diving and Snorkeling, Classic American Cars, Architecture, Food, Coffee or Cigars, then this is a must-visit destination. Check out this site which showcases some things you should plan for and definitely not miss.

Personally, Cuba has been on my list for a very long time. It has everything I'm interested in. So much history is encapsulated in this land. And of course James Bond has been there in spectacular fashion.

Our friends at Adventure World have tour packages from 8 days to 15 days, and right now they have a promotion where you will receive a free Cuban Tourist Card (valued at $95) when you book an Adventure World trip.

We’d love the opportunity to organise a trip of a lifetime for you.

Give us a call and we’ll get started!

Target Travel - Adventure World Special Experiences

Do you want to travel a little bit differently? How would you like to focus on an experience rather than a destination?

Our friends at Adventure World have released Special Interest Journeys.

Would you like to go on a Cruise? Explore a country’s Culture & Heritage? Go on a walking or cycling tour?

How about discovering a magical Winter destination?

Or follow your palate on a Culinary trip?

There are Festivals and special Events to tick off your list. Perhaps a Safari or getting up close with Wildlife in their natural habitat?

If you’re a keen photographer there’s a trip for you as well.

I’ve spent some time on the site and would LOVE to do some culinary touring. Vineyards in California? Eating through Vietnam or Turkey? Amazing.

Target Travel partners with Adventure World and we can put together the perfect holiday for you.

Call us for some options!

Destination Singapore

Singapore is becoming more than a stopover for our customers.

Lonely Planet has named it the world's top destination in travel for 2015. And for very good reason. It is a bustling city, full of culture, life and colour.

I've had the opportunity to visit several times and have grown to love this place. It ticks all of my tourist boxes!

The Chinatown enclave is heritage-rich and has pretty much everything you can think of. From fascinating temples (Hindu, Buddhist and Islamic) to food hawkers and bars.

If you're in Singapore during February, Chinatown is where the Chinese New Year celebrations are centered.

Singapore boasts a world-class performing arts centre which has a year-round line-up of shows. You can take a walk 22m above the ground at the Supertrees vertical gardens. Sentosa Island is known as the State of Fun. Check out Singapore's museums, cruise down the Singapore river.

My personal favourite is walking the Botanic Gardens and discovering the National Orchid Garden.

If you're a foodie, you won't be disappointed. Singapore has everything. I loved the outdoor food hawker market - the Malay crab I tried was amazing.

Traveling around Singapore is easy. The train, bus and taxi network is world class. 

There are lots of promotions available at present so if you've ever thought about giving Singapore a try, call us, and we'll help you put together an incredible experience.