Hot Topics
QLD tour operator: Time to look at way distribution works
The Covid crisis and lessons learned from it open up new opportunities to look at the way the trade and distribution channel works for ground operators, says James Dixon, Cairns based managing director of Down Under Tours.
Crowded destinations likely to be avoided in ‘social distancing travel’
Travellers are likely to avoid ‘crowded, crazy’ cities, at least in the early stages of a return to travel post Covid-19, according to Chris Flynn, president and CEO of the World Tourism Association for Culture and Heritage (WTACH).
Early specials – then prices will probably rise
Early early birds could be one way to revive cash flow within the travel industry, says Dr David Beirman, a member of PATA's Tourism Rapid Response Taskforce.
‘Maintaining and developing cash flow is a key to survival. The market is familiar with early bird offers so maybe extra early bird offers may work at this stage.’ That said, Beirman, senior lecturer – tourism at University of Technology Sydney, feels in the long term travel sectors will have to take a new look at its profit margins post Covid.
Trade on ‘life support’
Finding new services to offer and products to sell, focusing on cashflow, and being ready to take opportunities as they arise were highlighted as key tactics to survive the current crisis during an international travel and tourism webinar this week.
TAANZ, brands submit to govt
The Travel Agents’ Association of New Zealand (TAANZ), with contributions and endorsements from Flight Centre, Helloworld, House of Travel and First Travel Group, has presented a submission to government on travel supplier credits – remedies and protections for travel agents and consumers.
TAANZ chief executive Andrew Olsen says the submission laid out the inherent risk in credits, supplier failure and consumers seeking refunds, and the travel agent bearing the brunt of chargebacks and collapse.
More from our Covid-19 survey
What travel trends do you think you will see post Covid-19?
TAANZ cuts costs, awards
The Travel Agents’ Association of New Zealand (TAANZ) has cancelled this year’s National Travel Industry Awards.
TAANZ on Comm Comm advice
The Travel Agents’ Association of New Zealand (TAANZ) has passed on comments and guidelines from the Commerce Commission, saying they are a reminder to make sure agents are clear and consistent on any fees policy.
The commission says it has received ‘more than 100’ complaints about travel subscription and events cancellations and refunds related to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Corp travel will bounce, a portion may not return
A new study says corporate travel will bounce back as a key part of economic recovery, but warns that ‘a portion of business travel will never return.’
The Flight Plan 2020: Eight ways travel will be different a few months from now, says adaptation to new technology could change how we approach corporate meetings in the future. It says most regular travellers will be keen to get back into the real world, replacing the virtual meetings and webinars that have dominated over the past two or three months.
Agents’ dilemma: To hibernate or move on
Travel agents looking to survive through tough times with no fixed date of remedy are increasingly looking at putting their business into ‘hibernation’ and the various ways they can fund this.
Paul Davies, of Oneteam Chartered Accounts / TA Accounting, says agents are faced with making the tough decision between shutting down the business or keeping it in survival mode.
TAANZ: ‘Consumer in this with us’
The Travel Agents Association of New Zealand (TAANZ) is hoping to present a firm recommendation on its stance around airline refunds and credits to appropriate government ministers early next week.
Domestic ‘spike’ plus short haul, then pent up demand all rays of hope
Some New Zealand agents are optimistic that they will be able to benefit from selling domestic travel once restrictions around Covid-19 ease, and before anywhere else in the world opens up to Kiwi travellers.
Covid-19: The trade survey
With New Zealand’s lockdown nearly half way through its one month current life expectancy we’d love to hear from travel agents in our special ‘Covid-19 survey – version one’.
TAANZ responds to Consumer NZ
TAANZ has come out swinging in response to comments made by Consumer NZ's Jessica Wilson on Radio NZ on Monday of this week. CEO Andrew Olsen has written to both Radio NZ and Consumer NZ – here's his letter in full to Consumer's Jessica Wilson.
Tell us what you’re up to...
At TRAVELinc Memo, we’d like to hear what are you doing on a personal level during the lockdown?
TAANZ: ‘Share your Covid stories with us’
Travel agents are being asked to submit their Covid-19 experiences to the Travel Agents Association of New Zealand (TAANZ) so that it can be part of industry messaging ‘on the other side’.
Some clients ‘testy’
The Travel Agents Association of New Zealand (TAANZ) is advising members to keep calm and stay on top of their BSP.
Coping with COVID-19
The Travel Agents Association of New Zealand (TAANZ) is engaging with government to get its short, medium and long term views around the ‘sustainable contribution of tourism and travel to the economy.
Customer comms critical
Staying in touch with customers is critical in time of crisis, according to human resources specialist, author and speaker Ann Andrews.
‘No gossip’ as crisis bites
Among the stories of colleagues and competitors coming together for the common good of the travel and tourism sectors, it is important that people don’t cause harm with conjecture, says business owner and TAANZ (Travel Agents’ Association if New Zealand) board member Keith Sumner.
‘Be ready for future rebound’
It is imperative travel agents get serious about planning now to deal with the business downturn caused by Covid-19 impact, says an accountant who specialises in the sector.
Adventure World for ‘animal warriors’
The role responsible tourism can play in the preservation and well-being of wildlife populations around the world was highlighted by Adventure World Travel at a trade function in Auckland late last week.
G founder: set example
Bruce Poon Tip, founder of G Adventures, has urged travel agents to ‘stay away from the front pages’ and give their clients credible information and actual data.
Take business seriously, but lighten up as well
Think like a CEO, but remember we are all human, so be easy to deal with.
Community contacts key
Active travel options continue to expand and offer growing opportunities for travel agents – especially those who make the right connections in their communities, according to a niche wholesaler dealing in the sector.
Don't mention the 'C' word
Don't Mention the 'C' word in the travel industry
by Phnom Penh-based Lonely Planet writer, Nick Ray
Coronavirus, or the exotically named Covid-19, is the new 'C' word, at least in the world of travel and tourism. Media and social media hype are combining to create a crisis in the industry that will have repercussions long after the immediate hysteria subsides.
Trade says business holding
It’s not quite ‘business as usual’ but New Zealand retailers and wholesalers say that their clients are still not only enquiring about travel but also booking despite the publicity around coronavirus.
World Expo ops for trade
Expo 2020, being held in Dubai from 20 October 2020 to 10 April 2021, has this week been ‘scouting’ for travel agencies to become authorised ticket resellers in the New Zealand market.
Coranavirus: CLIA measures; queries & updates
CLIA clarifies coranavirus measures
CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association) members have suspended crew movements from mainland China and will deny boarding to any individual, whether guest or crew, who has travelled from or through mainland China within the previous 14 days.
Kiwi travel steady despite virus
While the travel trade may experience some short-term impact from New Zealanders postponing bookings, the medium to long term effect of the current coronavirus remains unclear.
Tailor made boosts margins
Travel agents who design their own products and distribute them to their database continue to be among those that are leading the way in profitability, says an accountant who specialises in the travel sector.
NF embraces gender diversity
Air Vanuatu says it has already surpassed the target of the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) global initiative ‘25by2025’ to improve female representation across the aviation industry.
Air Monitor predicts slowdown
Political and economic uncertainty across the globe will contribute to a continued slowdown in demand growth for air travel in 2020, according to the latest Air Monitor published by American Express Global Business Travel (GBT).
Defending against supplier and agent failure
By Andrew Olsen – Chief executive, Travel Agents’ Association of New Zealand
As we come to the close of 2019, I have a quick reflection on a few emerging trends to keep an eye on in 2020.The agent-supplier-customer ecosystem mostly functions well but we’ve seen a few situations develop which can quickly upset that equilibrium.
Faces to become passports?
Facial pattern recognition systems will control passports and boarding cards, while virtual travel experiences will be the norm by 2040, according to a new report from Allianz Partners.
Trafalgar supports International Volunteer Day 2019
Since 2008 Trafalgar, alongside The Travel Corporation Family of Brand’s sister companies, has been offering staff members two paid volunteer days annually to support causes close to their hearts as part of their commitment to social responsibility.
Travel Media Ltd announces new travel podcast ‘Kiwi Tripsters’
Publishers of popular consumer travel media titles For the Love of Travel and NZ Business Traveller have launched a new travel podcast called ‘Kiwi Tripsters’.
‘Need to understand rainbow travellers’
Queenstown travel agency xtravel is the official partner of Queenstown’s Winter Pride Festival.
Brokers urged: ‘Relax about competition’
Travel brokers have been urged to chill out and be realistic about competitive forces, many of which are beyond their control anyway.
TAANZ: 2020 and beyond
Having new faces on the board is one of the factors giving the Travel Agents Association of New Zealand (TAANZ) a chance to refresh its thinking, says recently elected president Brent Thomas.
Product expertise not enough
Building understanding of a client just like they may build up understanding of a destination is the key to travel professional’s success in the future, the NZ Travel Brokers Conference heard over the weekend.
Meetings win hands down
Meeting face to face is still the most efficient way to do business, but travel agents are increasingly being asked not only how to reduce costs but also environmental impact.
Old school ways still work
Though social media and other opportunities through technology are increasingly important for travel brokers, a successful practitioner out of Frankton, Queenstown, still advocates for old school methods.
OK Boomer: your succession plan?
Succession remains a big issue in the travel industry as baby boomers look for exit strategies that reflect successful businesses, says an accountant who has a close relationship with the travel and tourism sectors.
Connections crucial
Making an effort to increase personal connections and extend networks is a key strategy for broker Anna Rowbotham.
Key aim of Fuzion conference
Being at the heart of the customer’s journey and having more meaningful touch points along the way has been a key theme at Fuzion Travel’s first educational and offshore conference over the weekend.
Insurance for domestic...
While clients may think taking out insurance on domestic travel is unnecessary, it is something agents should at least discuss with their customers, according to a tour company that specialises in New Zealand tours for mature travellers.
Offer more, be innovative
Retail travel employers need to either lift salaries or get more innovative with their salary packaging options to attract and retain quality staff in a time when the sector continues to experience a skills shortage, according to a report released today.
On travel agents’ minds?
Fixing the sector’s skill shortage, building on warning procedures in the event of likely supplier collapse, and an update on New Distribution Capability (NDC) were among the raft of subjects addressed at the Travel Agents Association of New Zealand (TAANZ) Summit in Auckland on Friday.
New president, more gender diversity for TAANZ Board
Brent Thomas of House of Travel is the new president of the Travel Agents Association of New Zealand (TAANZ)
Sarah Hunter, general manager of GO Holidays was a nomination from the floor at the TAANZ Board meeting this morning and three other industry leaders are being co-opted onto the board - Jayne Alldred, House of Travel and Jackie Bell, Helloworld Travel (The Travel Brokers), plus one to be advised from First Travel Group.
Beware of fads
Sellers and organisers of luxury travel have been warned against leaping on every new trend they see or hear about in the market.
Time to regenerate
Luxury travel needs to move from sustainable to regenerative experiences, according to a keynote speaker at this week’s Luxperience conference in Sydney.
‘Industry...can still do more together’
More consultation and work between the travel and tourism industries and educators is necessary to make real change in the teaching of the subject in schools – and in the perception people hold towards travel and tourism as a career path, the SKAL Auckland club heard yesterday.
Make Travel Matter
The Travel Corporation (TTC) has announced its new Make Travel Matter Pledge, in celebration of World Tourism Day.
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World On A Plate – Singapore
The Travel Corporation and Air New Zealand have revealed the lunch destination for the World On A Plate sales incentive – Singapore. Known as ‘food heaven’, the city-island-nation boasts a fusion of Chinese, Malay, Indian and Peranakan cultures that have created Singapore’s local cuisine and food traditions.
TAANZ on Tempo collapse
The Travel Agents Association of New Zealand says it has been ‘inundated’ with calls from agents looking for clarifications and assistance since it sent out an update on the failure of Tempo / Bentours early this week.
NZ’s ‘biggest sales incentive’
World On A Plate, the sales incentive from The Travel Corporation and Air New Zealand, launched yesterday.
Responsible approach to tourism
Everyone in the travel industry has to take the problem of ‘over tourism’ seriously and address the issues involved, says Gavin Tollman, CEO of Trafalgar.
