The Melbourne Food and Wine Festival
The Melbourne Food and Wine Festival is cooking up plenty of new ideas for Festival 2016, including a brand new look as well a short and sharp ten day program 4 - 13 March.
If you're a foodie (I am) and if you love Melbourne (I do) then you should definitely start to plan for this.
Target Travel can help you with flights and accommodation. Give us a call to start the ball rolling.
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American Airlines brings its premium service to New Zealand
American Airlines will add new nonstop service between Auckland Airport (AKL) and its trans-Pacific gateway hub at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) in June 2016, pending regulatory approvals.
The new route will give customers of American, the largest airline in the world, direct access to a renowned travel destination. New Zealanders will gain more flight options and convenient connections to the world’s top financial centres and cities throughout the U.S., Mexico, the Caribbean, Central and South America from American’s long-standing LAX hub.
“Auckland is a thriving destination for business and leisure travelers, and it adds to the growing strength of our global network across the Pacific,” said Doug Parker, American’s chairman and CEO. “We know tourism is an important industry for New Zealand and our new service will provide greater access for more American travelers to visit and appreciate all the country has to offer. Our 100,000 employees are excited to be the first U.S. carrier to offer a truly premium experience between Los Angeles and Auckland.”
Qantas Group Chief Executive Officer, Alan Joyce, said the new Auckland-Los Angeles service, which will codeshare with Qantas, would join together networks on two continents. “Customers can fly to more than 150 US destinations with American Airlines and more than 70 destinations across Australia and New Zealand with the Qantas Group and we’re very pleased to now be adding this new route to the list.
“American’s new non-stop Auckland-Los Angeles service is supported by Jetstar’s domestic connections to eleven destinations within New Zealand and Qantas Group’s nearly 40 daily flights to Australia. When you join our great networks with our new service, customers will be able to fly from Dunedin to Disneyland, Napier to New Orleans and Wellington to Washington,” said Mr. Joyce.
The two CEOs met earlier today with New Zealand Prime Minster John Key to present details of American’s planned service that is expected operate on the following daily schedule (all times local):
American plans to operate its new daily service between LAX and AKL with the newest addition to its fleet, the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft. The Dreamliner features a state-of-the-art onboard travel experience including international Wi-Fi, as well as higher humidity and pressurization closer to sea level conditions, leaving customers more refreshed after their flight. Every seat has a touchscreen monitor equipped with up to 260 movies, 240 TV shows, 13 radio channels, 350 albums and 20 games, along with universal AC power outlets and a USB connection. The aircraft is configured with 28 fully lie-flat Business Class seats, each with direct-aisle access. There are an additional 55 Main Cabin Extra seats with extra legroom, and 143 Main Cabin seats.
The flight is a part of American’s expanding joint business with Qantas, which remains subject to regulatory approvals. Earlier this year, the two airlines announced increased flight options as a part of this strategic partnership between the U.S. and Sydney Airport (SYD). Starting this December, American will launch a new nonstop flight from LAX and Qantas will add a new flight from San Francisco International Airport (SFO).
Through their enhanced relationship, American and Qantas intend to provide increased connectivity to markets beyond their key gateways. As the leading airline with the most daily flights in Los Angeles, American’s extensive network from its LAX hub can connect customers traveling from New Zealand to more than 50 destinations. These destinations include convenient connections to the world’s top financial centers, including New York City and London, in addition to other top markets throughout the U.S., Mexico, the Caribbean, Central and South America. American has a rich history as Southern California’s premier carrier, including 80 years serving Los Angeles. American has nearly 200 daily departures at LAX, the only three-class transcontinental service and unrivalled customer service on the ground and in the air.
AKL-LAX
Starting June 2016
Departs AKL at 1:20 p.m.
Arrives at LAX at 6:30 a.m., the same day
LAX-AKL
Starting June 2016
Departs LAX at 10:45 p.m.
Arrives at AKL at 6:35 a.m., two days later
United Eliminates 2nd Checked Bag Charge for Australia and New Zealand Customers
The 2nd checked bag charge for all customers traveling to/from Australia and New Zealand will be eliminated, regardless of point of origin (POO) or point of sale (POS). Effective for booking and ticketing on/after November 4, 2015 and for travel on/after December 17, 2015, all passengers will receive two free checked bags.
Why are they changing?
"Our corporate and agency customers have provided valuable feedback indicating that a 2nd bag charge increases book away to other airlines. We listened and we are responding by removing the 2nd bag charge for all customers traveling to/from Australia and New Zealand. "
This is good news for our customers wanting to fly United.
United Airlines To Launch SFO-AKL route
United Airlines is set to commence flights between San Francisco and Auckland from Jul 2016, in cooperation with Air New Zealand.
Subject to regulatory approvals, UA will commence a thrice-weekly 787-8 service SFO-AKL from Jul, moving to a larger 787-9 aircraft on the route from Nov 2016. The new UA flights will complement NZ's current daily service on the route.
NZ boss Christopher Luxon says UA has supported NZ's Houston service launch and adds that today's announcement is another important step in expanding the partnership between the pair.
* source - Travel Today
The American Queen Steamboat Company
I was in the Target Travel office the other day and happened across a brochure for the American Queen Steamboat Company.
American Queen - photo supplied by the AQSC
American Exmpress - photo supplied by the AQSC
How would you like to do a cruise on a Paddlesteamer? On the Mississippi River and its tributaries? There are cruises available on the Lower Mississippi, The Upper Mississippi, the Ohio and Tennessee rivers, and the Columbia and Snake rivers.
These areas are immersed in American history and you will be transported back in time. How would you like to voyage from New Orleans to Memphis? In pure opulence and Southern hospitality? How about exploring the world of Mark Twain?
Experience early American history and picturesque river towns, as well as some of the AQSC most popular themed cruises: Big Band Swing, Delta Blues, Gardens of the Rivers, Elvis, and Southern Culture.
American Queen - Balconied Grand Saloon - photo supplied by the AQSC
Time your voyage around events such as Mardi Gras, New Years Eve or Thanksgiving.
Premium Tours are also available as options. Follow more closely the Lewis & Clark Expedition or explore the wineries of Walla Walla.
Two vessels are operated - the American Queen (the largest riverboat ever built) and the American Empress. Click the links for more information on these watercraft.
American Empress Grand Saloon - photo supplied by the AQSC
Target Travel can organise your cruise and get you to the USA. If you are interested in learning more about this and other holidays, call us at the office.
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India
One of my colleagues has recently visited India. Following her progress on Facebook woke up my adventurous spirit. I'm a bit restless now.
I was always a bit leery of visiting India. As a child the only images of this continent I saw were of poverty and dust and the Taj Mahal. Over the years I have come to understand more of India, its people, culture and its history. I have learned to cook Indian cuisine and that has unlocked a desire to get amongst the crowds and markets. To smell the aromas and watch the street food being prepared.
I need to visit.
One of our partners, the Innovative Travel Company has just released some India Tour Packages, and the pricing is really great. Call us in the office for details and have a chat to Twee about her experiences.
The Golden India tour - 6 days
Explore bustling Delhi, admire the awe inspiring Taj Mahal and have a taste of Rajasthan in the Pink City of Jaipur. It is designed to give you an insight into the rich Indian heritage, and is offered with two detour options : the charming town of Pushkar OR Ranthambore National Park for a chance to see the elusive Asian tigers. This is a small group tour (minimum 2/maximum 16)
You'll get to see Old and New Delhi, the awesome Taj Mahal in Agra, The Pink City of Jaipur, have an elephant ride up to the entrance of the Amber Fort.
The Royal India tour - 14 days
Explore the contrasts of Old and New Delhi, be amazed by the beauty of the wondrous Taj Mahal, explore the sacred lakeside temples of Pushkar, ride an elephant in Jaipur and a camel in the Jaisalmer Desert. You'll stay in superior first class hotels and palatial heritage properties. This tour will provide some intense cultural experience and memories of a lifetime. Again, this is a small group tour (minimum 2/maximum 16).
The Great India tour - 24 days
Explore the ultimate highlights of North and South India on this once-in-a-lifetime grand tour which includes some of the world's most beautiful buildings, temples, sights and scenery. Witness the contrasts of New and Old Delhi and the wondrous Taj Mahal; ride on boats, an elephant and a camel, explore 1100-year-old stone carvings in UNESCO World Heritage sites, watch weavers create silk saris, visit magnificent palaces, take a jungle safari amidst exotic wildlife, learn about aromatic plants and spices, witness colourful dances, and unwind in a deluxe hotel in serene Kumarakom for a memorable conclusion to a fascinating tour. Simply breathtaking.
If you want to travel solo we can help with the must-see's. Being a highly spiritual country, festivals are at the heart of people’s lives in India. The numerous and varied festivals that are held throughout the year offer a unique way of seeing Indian culture at its best. The following popular festivals in India will provide you with a truly memorable experience. (Information provided from http://goindia.about.com/od/festivalinformation/)
1. Diwali
Diwali is a five day festival that represents the start of the Hindu New Year. It's known as the "Festival of Lights" for all the fireworks, small clay lamps, and candles that are lit during the celebrations. These lights are said to represent the victory of good over evil, and brightness over darkness. The candlelight makes Diwali a very warm and atmospheric festival, and it's observed with much joy and happiness.
2. Ganesh Chaturthi
The spectacular eleven day Ganesh Chaturthi festival honors the birth of the beloved Hindu elephant-headed god, Lord Ganesha. The start of the festival sees huge, elaborately crafted statutes of Ganesha installed in homes and podiums, which have been especially constructed and beautifully decorated. At the end of the festival, the statutes are paraded through the streets, accompanied by much singing and dancing, and then submerged in the ocean.
3. Holi
Holi is a two day festival that also celebrates the victory of good over evil, as well as the abundance of the spring harvest season. It's commonly referred to as the "Festival of Colors". People exuberantly throw colored powder and water all over each other, have parties, and dance under water sprinklers. Bhang (a paste made from cannabis plants) is also traditionally consumed during the celebrations. Holi is a very carefree festival that's great fun to participate in if you don’t mind getting wet and dirty.
4. Navaratri, Dussehra, and Durga Puja
The first nine days of this festival are known as Navaratri, and are filled with dance in honor of the Mother Goddess. The tenth day, called Dussehra, is devoted to celebrating the defeat of the demon king Ravana by Lord Rama. It also coincides with the victory of the revered warrior Goddess Durga over the evil buffalo demon Mahishasura.
In eastern India, the festival is observed as Durga Puja. Huge statues of the Goddess are made and immersed in the holy Ganges River. The festival is an extremely social and theatrical event, with drama, dance, and cultural performances held throughout the country.
5. Onam
Onam is a traditional ten day harvest festival that marks the homecoming of the mythical King Mahabali. It’s a festival rich in culture and heritage. People strikingly decorate the ground in front of their houses with flowers arranged in beautiful patterns to welcome the King. The festival is also celebrated with new clothes, feasts served on banana leaves, dancing, sports, games, and snake boat races.
6. Krishna Janmashtami/Govinda
Krishna Janmashtami, also known as Govinda, commemorates the birthday of Lord Krishna. An extremely fun part of the festival involves people climbing on each other and forming a human pyramid to try and reach and break open clay pots filled with curd, which have been strung up high from buildings.
7. Pushkar Camel Fair
An astonishing 50,000 camels converge on the tiny desert town of Pushkar, in India's state of Rajasthan for the Pushkar Camel Fair. For five days, the camels are dressed up, paraded, shaved, entered into beauty contests, raced, and of course traded. It's a great opportunity to witness an old, traditional style Indian festival.
8. Kerala Temple Festivals
The south Indian state of Kerala is filled with temples that are renowned for their exotic temple festivals. The large processions of elephants, resplendent in ornaments, are the main attractions of these festivals. The processions are accompanied by colorful floats, drummers and other musicians.
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.
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 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 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
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.
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
Check back often for updates