Tạp chí du lịch TRAVEL tháng 11 năm 2012

NOVEMBER 30, 2012 | ISSUE 198 | $6.95
DISCOVER OAHU’S
UNTAMED INTERIOR
blue
Into the
CHINA AS YOU’VE NEVER
SEEN IT BEFORE
VOYAGES
REVAMPS AN
ICONIC ULURU
PROPERTY
TWY.NOV30.PG001.pdf Page 01 27/11/12, 5:11:50 PM
Privacy. The ultimate luxury.
Closer than you think.
TahitiNow.com.au/Trade
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AD_TWYRTENOV11_12.pdf Page 1 21/11/12, 4:40 PM
Editorial
Managing Editor: DAN UGLOW
Tel: (02) 9422 2373 Fax: (02) 9422 2863

Production Editor: RICHIE KENZIE
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rEPortEr: TARA HARRISON
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art Editor: NICOLLE LAWSON
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travEl today rEPortEr: ANNE MAJUMDAR
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Contents
RegulaRs
travel weekly • friday 30/11/2012 03
Average Net Distribution
Period Ending Sept ‘12
5097
Published by Reed Business Information Pty Ltd,
Tower 2, 475 Victoria Avenue, Chatswood, NSW 2067
Tel. (02) 9422 2999 | Fax: (02) 9422 2977
ISSN: 1833 - 5179
24

Features
10 River Cruise
Your ticket to some of the world’s nest cultural sites
16 Hawaii
Exploring stunning Oahu via highway and horseback
20 China
Five wonderful scenic regions that defy all the stereotypes
24 Technology
How big name providers are embracing a mobile future
04
lightroom
06
editor’s letter
07
product
08
mystery shopper
26
classifieds

1300 133 001



12 day tour of Japan
beginning in Tokyo on 3 April, 2013, and visiting
Kamakura . Hakone . Matsumoto . Takayama . Shirakawago .
Hiroshima . Miyajima . Okayama . Himeji . Kyoto . Nara . Osaka
$5684
per person, twin share, land only

Explore the traditions and culture of the land of the Samurai
warrior, the exquisite Geisha and the Tea Ceremony, against a
backdrop of glorious cherry blossoms and complemented by
some tantalizing dining experiences.

See our website for more group tours,
our sensational private tours and
river cruise options in Asia.
Member IATA/AFTA/TCF Lic 32572



Your Asia travel specialist since 1989.

Cherry Blossom Time
AD_TWYI TI NOV30_12. pdf Page 1 19/ 11/ 12, 1: 58 PM
20
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Lapland
TWY.NOV30.PG004.pdf Page 04 27/11/12, 2:53:20 PM
With the
festive season
upon us, feW places evoke the
SPIRIT
of this time of year as much as
LAPLAND.
this region, Which
covers parts of
finland

and
SWEDEN,
is located almost entirely
Within the
freezing Arctic Circle,
Where december
USHERS IN PICTURE PERFECT
yuletide scenes.
it is a veritable
winter
wonderland
of White landscapes, With trees
boWing under the Weight of
ENCASING
SNOW
and
WILD
REINDEER
cavorting in the icy terrain.
this northern region of the
globe is very sparsely populated,
With just
280,000
people inhabiting a region that
extends nearly
300,000
square kilometres – meaning
ISOLATION
is a reality of life. but
remoteness

is nothing neW to the
indigenous
Sami people.
for thousands of years
they have lived in harmony
with the open plains and sea,
subsisting on
fishing,
TRAPPING
AND REINDEER HERDING.
but for the traveller, the
STARK BEAUTY
more than makes up for the
BITTER WEATHER.
those Who have marvelled at the
stunning green and red
hues of
aurora
Borealis,
otherWise knoWn as the
Northern Lights,
Will certainly attest to that.
if you Want to see lapland for
yourself, bentours has a five-day
CHRISTMAS IN LAPLAND
tour starting from
$1884.
All images: Thinkstock
TWY.NOV30.PG005.pdf Page 05 27/11/12, 2:56:22 PM
A

t this time of year Christmas decorations
start popping up in shopping centres around
Australia, mince pies start lling cupboards and
New Year’s Eve plans begin to take shape.
Here at Travel Weekly though, we’ve been planning for
2013 since long before Santa even thought about taking
his big red suit to the dry cleaners.
The ever changing media landscape has seen your
reading habits shift at an incredible pace over the
past 12 months. For instance, nearly 20% of visitors
to www.travelweekly.com.au now read our exclusive
stories on a mobile device. But that’s not to say print is a
dead medium. Just take a look at the shelves of your local
newsagent for proof of that. The key is simple – remain
relevant and provide content, stories and images that
readers can’t do without. That’s exactly what we aim to
do at Travel Weekly and that’s why we continue to be the
most respected print magazine in the industry.
Innovation and creativity are the things that have kept
me in journalism for over 15 years. So, with the New Year
approaching, I have some exciting resolutions to share.
In January Travel Weekly will expand its reach and
readership by dramatically ramping up its online presence
with a new mobile-friendly website. In addition, a sustained
social media strategy across Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest
will be launched, as will an innovative new design for our
email newsletter and sister title, Travel Today.
Meanwhile, in response to reader demand, the
magazine itself will move to a monthly frequency,
increasing in size and offering you all the trusted features,

analysis, cutting-edge design and agent-friendly content in
a format that gives you more time to enjoy it.
These changes are the result of months of reader
research – both qualitative and quantitative. We’ve
been busier than Santa’s elves working to provide you,
the reader, with a variety of channels to access our
ground-breaking content, be it in print, online, through
email or across social media.
Now that I’ve seen the prototypes, I’m positive you’ll
love them as much as we all love a mince pie and a
present under the tree. See you in the New Year.
Ed’s
Letter
river cruise
Some of the world’s greatest
monuments and architectural triumphs
can be taken in via waterways like
the Nile, Volga and Yangtze. Check
out which ones caught our eye.
PICK OF THE ISSUE

PAGE
10
Dan uglow
Travel weekly eDiTor
Getting stoned. More fun in the
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FrOnTlInE
06 friday 30/11/2012 • travel weekly
TWY.NOV30.PG006.pdf Page 06 27/11/12, 3:59:18 PM

Product
“Customers often
complained that
it was old and run
down, that it did
not offer value
for money, and
that there was no
connection with
the local culture.”
Koos Klein, Voyages
Indigenous Tourism
managing director
Voyages Indigenous
Tourism vowed
to step up its
commitment to the
local Aboriginal
community this
month as it revealed
a $30 million
transformation of
Ayers Rock Resort’s
agship Sails in
the Desert Hotel.
Managing director
Koos Klein admitted
there had been a few
teething problems,
but he is committed

to making it work,
as Louise Wallace
recently discovered
Revealing a $30 million overhaul
of the resort’s agship Sails in the
Desert Hotel and conference facilities
earlier this month, Voyages Indigenous
Tourism managing director Koos Klein
explained that the changes follow
years of mismanagement and ongoing
complaints from visitors who stayed at
the resort without seeing one indigenous
person on their journey. Re-emerging from
retirement to take on the project, Klein
also identied the need to repair the
resort’s agging reputation and reconnect
with the local community, who had long
regarded Ayers Rock Resort as a foe.
“When we took over the resort, it
needed some tender loving care to
put it nicely,” he told Travel Weekly
in Uluru this month. “Customers often
complained that it was old and run
down, that it did not offer value
for money, and that there was no
connection with the local culture.”
In just 18 months, Voyages has turned
the resort around. There’s new rooms and
restaurants, and a long list of activities
such as indigenous storytelling, dot

painting and dance performances.
There are also guided cultural
experiences and indigenous employees
visible at every turn.
Klein admits it has been a “sensitive”
transformation with many teething
problems, but has faith that the changes
will repair the wounds of the past. Voyages’
track record is good, with its Mossman
Gorge property now boasting 90%
indigenous employment. And the bottom
line is promising, with forward bookings
also showing healthy growth.
The transformations will continue over
the next two years, but Klein is committed
to embracing indigenous culture as he
promised that ownership has “nally come
into the right hands”.
Europe has architecture, Asia is home to
some of the world’s greatest temples, and
yet Australia’s cultural heritage is a mixed
bag. We’ve adopted cricket and meat pies
into our national identity, but indigenous
culture is one of the few things we can
claim as our own. And it remains one of the
biggest drawcards for tourists.
On the doorstep of the country’s largest
indigenous population, Ayers Rock Resort
has played a key role in indigenous tourism
since it was rst established in the 1980s.

But more recently, the resort has stepped up
its commitment to Aboriginal communities as
it looks to give something back to the locals.
Breaking a three decade stint, during
which time only two Aboriginal people
were employed at the resort, indigenous
engagement is now top of the agenda since
Voyages Indigenous Tourism commenced
management of the property in May last year.
There are now 171 indigenous staff on
the books and a national indigenous training
scheme. Management has also added a
bevy of free cultural activities that allow tourists
to explore the local Anangu way of life.
Voyages has also committed to hire at least
250 Indigenous staff over the next ve years.
travel weekly • FRIDAY 30/11/2012 07
frontline
VOYAGES PLEDGES INDIGENOUS SUPPORT
Top left: Artworks by local Anangu artists
decorate the walls of the refurbished Sails in
the Desert Hotel
Above left: Local Anangu women gathered
in traditional dress for the ofcial launch of
Uluru Meeting Place last month
Above: Cultural tours and bush storytelling
are now on offer for guests
All photos: Voyages Indigenous Tourism
TWY.NOV30.PG007.pdf Page 07 27/11/12, 3:36:07 PM
MysteryShopper

Recommend your clients take the
Yarra Valley Wineries and Pufng
Billy tour. Comprised of a ride
aboard Australia’s oldest operating
steam train, Pufng Billy, guests
will also travel through the valley to
three of Victoria’s premier wineries
including Domaine Chandon for
tastings and wine appreciation.
Victoria is lled with cultural
experiences and many involve
close-knit aboriginal communities.
Only a short distance out of
Melbourne, your clients can visit
the cultural centres Kirrit Barreet at
Ballarat and Narana Creations at
Geelong. Travelling further, there
is also the Barmah State Park and
Barmah State Forest on the Murray
River oodplain – an area rich with
indigenous heritage.
Melbourne is renowned for its art,
music, theatre, shopping and cuisine
and with Creative Holidays’ Australia
brochure you can easily book all
your clients’ accommodation, tours
and transport via this one-stop shop.
Also worth a visit is the Wilsons
Promontory National Park, in the
Gippsland region of Victoria,

157km southeast of Melbourne
and home to the most pristine
wilderness in Victoria.
Top Tips
The purpose of Mystery Shopper
is to raise standards across the
industry. No information will be
given out regarding visits.
KEY TO GRAPHS
PR PRESENTATION
CC CUSTOMER COURTESY
SS SELLING SKILLS
OA OVERALL
Top 5 places in Victoria to take your Campervan
1. Melbourne – Have a coffee and shop in
the world’s most livable city
2. Wilson’s Promontory – Discover the most
pristine wilderness in Victoria
3. The Yarra Valley – Home of Victoria’s wine
producing grape vines
4. The Great Ocean Road – Stop at the
amazing beaches and beautiful
seaside towns
5. The Mornington Peninsula – Drive past the
vineyards, olive groves and seaside villages
AD_TWYCRENOV30_12. pdf Page 1 26/ 11/ 12, 9: 24 AM
A SELF DRIVE HOLIDAY IN VICTORIA
Mystery Shopper and their partner would like to hire a campervan and explore Victoria. They wish to
drive along the Great Ocean Road to see the 12 Apostles and spend some time in the Yarra Valley.
They are looking for some advice on route options and campsites. A few days in Melbourne before or

after the campervan trip are also sought after, along with activities available in major cities. They plan to
make it a 14-day trip with a budget of $4000 in total.
WAnTEd!
BROUGHT TO YOU BY
FROnTline
08 friday 30/11/2012 • travel weekly
CHERMSIDE, QLD
TWY.NOV30.PG008.pdf Page 08 27/11/12, 11:21:03 AM
Escape Travel, Westeld Shopping Town, Chermside, Qld
On entering I was immediately greeted by Nicola who offered her assistance. I asked what
information she had regarding travel to Victoria. Nicola asked where in Victoria I wanted to visit
and I explained what we wanted to go campervanning around, stopping here and there along the
Great Ocean Road, seeing the Twelve Apostles and the Yarra Valley. Nicola retrieved an Innity
Holidays Victoria brochure and explained that everything was listed in there before asking if I would
like to go through the options with her. I agreed and took a seat. I was asked my budget, which
Nicola said she could easily meet. I was then asked a series of questions to better understand my
requirements. It was suggested we stay in Melbourne for two of the nights as that was where we
would pick up the campervan. I was told that Mighty Campervans Australia is a good company
and it was determined that I would not need a shower and toilet as I would be stopping mainly at
caravan parks. A Britz campervan was also suggested as it included crockery and cutlery, along
with linen and bedding, plus a camping table. Nicola got on the phone and began arranging a
quote while I looked through the brochure. There were a lot of pauses in her phone conversation,
so I was able to chat with her. We settled on Jetstar
ights for their value and convenient ight times as
well as accommodation at the Great Southern Hotel
in Melbourne. The quote was then printed and Nicola
suggested moving on it fast as the prices wouldn’t stay
the same for long. Nicola also asked if I wanted to book
it now and I explained that I would have to speak with
my partner rst. I was thanked for my inquiry and given a

fond farewell. In terms of meeting budget, discovering my
needs and tailoring a trip to suit my personality, Nicola
did a superb job.
SUBSCRIBE NOW
www.thenibbler.com.au
The Nibbler is Australia’s newest, best
and most innovative online newsletter
aimed at business event professionals.
TopAgent94%
Nicola Carrington, Escape
Travel, Westeld Shopping Town,
Chermside, Qld
How long Have you worked as a travel agent? 14 years. How
long Have you worked at your present agency?
Two and a
half years. wHat’s your favourite destination to sell and wHy?
Japan and the Cook Islands. Japan for the culture and UNESCO
World Heritage areas, particularly Gifu and Takayama, and the
Cook Islands and Aitutaki Lagoon for its beauty and the people.
if you could book yourself a Holiday rigHt now (money is no
object) wHere would it be and wHy?
I would travel to South America and the Galapagos Islands
with a cruise to boot. wHat destination do you sell tHe most of? Europe and Thailand probably.
wHat was tHe last famil you went on? I can’t actually remember the last one, it was a couple of
years ago. wHat’s tHe most embarrassing tHing tHat’s Happened to you wHile travelling? I
was travelling with my family and thought we had missed a ight from Singapore and was running
with all the passports saying the gates are closing. I went straight through to the attendant who said
they hadn’t called the ight yet. wHicH four famous people (dead or alive) would you invite
to a dinner party?
Marilyn Monroe, Nelson Mandela, Michael Jackson and Leonardo Di Caprio.

wHo is your dream travel partner? My boyfriend. wHat is tHe strangest place you Have
ever travelled to?
I haven’t visited any strange places really. if you were stranded on a desert
island and only allowed one item, wHat would it be?
A cigarette lighter.
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travel weekly • FRIDAY 30/11/2012 09
frontline
65%
Harvey World Travel,
Westeld Shopping
Town, Chermside, Qld
Soon after entering I was offered
assistance and promptly made
my inquiry. The agent retrieved a
Sunlover Melbourne and Victoria
brochure and handed it to me.
I asked a few questions and was
told that I would nd it all in the
brochure. I then asked about
ights, adding that we knew when
we wanted to go. I was told this was
best assessed online during sale time
between 4pm and 5pm every day. I
asked if they would get a better price
on ights and was told they couldn’t
and I would be better organising it
myself. I then asked about caravan
parks and the agent explained that
they don’t do those and I would

be better off looking at RACQ’s
recommendations. Finally, I asked
directly for a quote, explaining that
we had a good idea already of what
we wanted to do. We discussed the
type of campervans we could hire
and some other details about where
to visit. The agent again made it
clear that I could nd out everything
I needed to know in the brochure.
The quote I received via email did
not include ights.
91%
Flight Centre,
Westeld Shopping
Town, Chermside, Qld
As I entered an agent looked up
from their paperwork and warmly
greeted me before asking if I
needed any assistance. I explained
my desired holiday and said that
I wanted to get a quote. The
agent offered me a seat before
retrieving an Innity Holidays’
Victoria brochure for me to look
at. I was then asked a series of
open questions. The agent said
the Great Ocean Road was lovely
and suggested a stop at Apollo
Bay along the way because they

had some excellent cafes. I was
encouraged to talk about the
campervan we wanted to hire for
the majority of the visit. The agent
said that Maui Motorhomes were
the best value as they included
extras, such as bathroom facilities,
linen and proper cutlery. Most of
our conversation took place while
they were on the phone with the
wholesaler establishing prices. I was
given a print out of the quote and
asked if I needed to check with my
partner before making a booking.
I found the agent to be friendly,
professional and efcient. This
was a high quality consultation.
TWY.NOV30.PG009.pdf Page 09 27/11/12, 11:21:36 AM
10 friday 30/11/2012 • travel weekly
DEPARTURE LOUNGE – RIVER CRUISE
A river cruise allows you to take in a
history that was fed by the very water
you oat upon. Tara Harrison takes
a room with an uninterrupted view of
monuments that have shaped the world
CRUISING
THROUGH
THE AGES
T
he sights come to you on a river cruise,

as your bedroom sways with the tide,
your luggage stays static and your window
is parked in front of the emblems of
religion, civilisation and war.
These are three river cruises that voyage through
the stuff of history text books, from the exoticism of
China’s Yangtze River to the antiquities of Egypt’s Nile
River and the culture of Russia’s Volga River.
RUSSIA: Volga
START: MOScOw
Before you board your vessel, you may want to get the
lie of the land, literally. This may sound bizarre, but
bear with me – if you lie at on the cobblestones at the
corner of Moscow’s Red Square you will see the earth’s
curvature. Yes, it’s that big.
Another communion with earth is possible if you
stand on the brass plaque set in the middle of the
cobblestones. This marks the centre of the square and
the symbolic heart of Russia. Look up from this spot
to be enthralled by the cupcake domes that dominate
the World Heritage listed square.
ThE JOURNEy
This is a country that has evolved from tsarist to
communist greyness and beyond. The Volga River
is the longest river in all of Europe, and the perfect
liquid avenue from which to make sense of the
enigma that is Russian history.
The Volga is crucial to the country’s mentality and
has been called the main street of Russia but you won’t
face any trafc as you oat past the touchstones of the

country’s tumultuous political history. Citadels called
kremlins sit beside communist era structures and wooden
peasant cottages. The Old Russia is found en route at
Yaroslavl, a golden ring city which dates back to the 11th
century and feels like a lived-in museum. Street markets
are book-ended by ancient churches and walkways are
shadowed by the iconic onion domes. The uniquely
Russian domes are also found in the ancient town of
Uglich, marked by a sharp turn in the river where you can
see the renowned architecture from the water.
FiNiSh: ST PETERSbURG
Called the Venice of the North for a reason, the
European feel of this city comes courtesy of Italian
architects who constructed baroque buildings around
the network of canals. Renowned for its bohemian
attitude, the best time to visit is during the white nights,
when the sun never sets on the city.
St Petersburg’s Church of the Saviour on Spilled
Blood might sound grim but it contradicts its severe
name with a gingerbread house design complete
with confectionary coloured tiles. Inside the church
decadent religious paintings cover every surface, even
the supporting beams.
TWY.NOV30.PG010.pdf Page 010 27/11/12, 12:16:07 PM
travel weekly • friday 30/11/2012 11
river cruise – DEPARTURE LOUNGE
CHINA: Yangtze
START: ChONGqiNG
It’s likely that your river boat will be shrouded in an oriental mystique as
you depart this city that is distinguished by a frequent fog.

Chongqing dates back 3000 years and used to be the capital of a
Chinese dynasty in 316 BC. Steep staircases wind between houses in this
mountain city which overlooks the end of the river, as the Yangtze meets
the Jialing River. From this point you will journey upstream towards
China’s second largest city, Shanghai, with tapered mountains rising from
out of the mist along the way.
ThE jOURNEy
Fengdu is a ghost city built 1800 years ago and lled with temples to
the demon world. Two men came to Fengdu thousands of years ago to
practice Taoism and they became immortal by self-cultivation, which
sounds gory, but simply means an adherence to Taoist principles.
The temples here are themed by the punishment of specic sins with
names like ghost torturing pass, no way out bridge and river of blood.
You’ll be in need of a drink after facing the Chinese version of hell
and your river cruise will be well stocked to accommodate this desire,
rocking you to a sleep that is hopefully free from nightmares.
Further along the river lies the Three Gorges Dam – a superhuman feat –
and you are in the best place to view it onboard this river cruise. It is the world’s
largest power station, standing 185 metres high with a 600km long reservoir.
FiNiSh: ShANGhAi
This pearl of the orient is the second city in China and it displays all the
hallmarks of progression that have made the country the prosperous land
that it is today. History can still be found in Shanghai however, if you head
to the neighbourhood of long tangs; old-fashioned terrace style houses that
hark back to the turn of the 20th century.
Here, bicycles lean against narrow laneways and washing hangs
overhead from power lines. It is easy to get lost here, but if you look
above the stone archways and wooden doors, the steel buildings loom
large, blinding you as they refract sunlight. The neighbourhoods are
crowded but intimate with some residents relaxed enough to stroll

around in their pyjamas.
iN ThE
PiCTURE

Left: The Church
of the Saviour on
Spilled Blood in
St Petersburg

Above: Junk
boats on the
Yangtze River

Below: The
narrow long tang
alleyways of Old
Shanghai

All photos: Thinkstock
TWY.NOV30.PG011.pdf Page 011 27/11/12, 12:16:47 PM
12 friday 30/11/2012 • travel weekly
DEPARTURE LOUNGE – river cruise
EGYPT: NILE
START: ASWAN
The little known departure port of Aswan is one of the most striking
cities in Egypt. Ideally located on the banks that line the famous river,
Aswan is home to the Nile cataracts – rock formations in the river that
has sunk many a ship in its time. But for your river cruise captain these
are a navigational piece of cake and you will learn how the obstacles
made Aswan a natural fortress. Green islands ecked across the river

add charm to a backdrop of sand dunes. Tombs of the nobles are
lodged into the sandy west bank of the city and they date back to more
than 2000 years before Christ.
THE JOURNEY
It’s easy to argue that the Nile is one of the most iconic rivers in the world.
Just the name conjures images of pyramids, pharaohs and sphinxes.
The journey between Luxor and Aswan takes in palm trees that rise from
the sand and breeze-blown feluccas – wooden sailing boats which channel
the wind but won’t match a cruise ship for speed.
This river enabled the ancient civilisations along it to thrive and prosper.
The symbol of ancient Egypt, the key of life, represents the Nile with its
loop at the top symbolising the Nile delta and the crossover representing
the east and west banks. Most river cruises along the Nile have an
Egyptologist on board to interpret the ancient sites and the boggling
pictograms that are hieroglyphics. A highlight of the journey is the Temple
of Horus at Edfu with its instantly recognisable black falcon god that was
built in the time of Cleopatra.
FINISH: LUXOR
Luxor has been dubbed the world’s greatest open-air museum and 4000
years ago it was the ancient city of Thebes. The west bank of the city is often
called the land of the dead, as it holds the Valley of the Kings and the
Queens, where generations of pharaohs are entombed beneath deserts of
sandstone and secreted doors.
On the east bank are Luxor Temple and the Temples of Karnak, where
the imposing Temple of Amun sits amid a bustling urban centre. Thankfully,
you’ll be smack bang in the middle of both drawcards on your Nile cruise.
IN THE
PICTURE

Left: The ruins of

Karnak Temple
Photo: Thinkstock

Below: A
traditional felucca
on the Nile
Photo: Thinkstock

Right: The Avalon
Afnity cruises
Europe’s rivers
Photo: Avalon Waterways

Centre right:
Bedroom views
onboard an Avalon
Waterways vessel
Photo: Avalon Waterways

Bottom right:
Getting up close
to landmark sites
in Paris

Photo: Avalon Waterways

TWY.NOV30.PG012.pdf Page 012 27/11/12, 3:29:21 PM
travel weekly • friday 30/11/2012 13
RIVER CRUISE – DEPARTURE LOUNGE
1. IN whIch REGIONs DO yOU RUN RIvER cRUIsEs AND

whAT ARE ThE mAjOR RIvERs ThAT yOU OPERATE ON?
In Europe we cruise along the Rhine, Main, Moselle,
Seine, Rhine, Saone and Danube Rivers. In Egypt we
cruise along the Nile, in China we cruise the Yangtze
and in South East Asia we cruise along the Mekong
River. Finally, we cruise the islands of the Galapagos
in South America and most recently have added
cruises along the Mississippi in the US.
2. hOw mANy shIPs DO yOU hAvE IN ThE fLEET?
We’ll have a total of 12 Avalon ships in European waters
for 2013. Along the Mekong River, we have one Avalon
ship and we co-share on two ships on the Yangtze River,
one on the Nile River, one of the Mississippi River and
one that cruises the Galapagos Islands.
3. hOw mANy ITINERARIEs wILL yOU RUN IN 2013?
55 itineraries for 2013.
4. whAT TyPE Of cLIENTELE DO yOU cATER fOR?
It’s primarily the baby boomer market with a slight
female skew and an average age of 63 years. Each
year the clientele get younger and younger, so a 40
year old would not feel out of place and a retiree
would not feel the pace is too much. Thus, the product
is most suitable for those aged 40 years and above.
5. whAT ARE ThREE kEy sELLING POINTs ThAT AGENTs
shOULD bE mINDfUL Of whEN TELLING cLIENTs AbOUT
yOUR PRODUcT?
A. Avalon Waterways is the only company that as
part of its eet features All Suite Ships. The design
of these ships has been inspired by feedback from
Australian travellers and as such has tremendous

appeal to our market.
B. A group booking starts at just eight clients with
generous rebates for agents such as additional
commission and FOC cabins based on the number
of clients booked.
C. New for 2013 is the opportunity for clients to
pre-pay for select optional excursions in advance of
their cruise departure. For each optional tour that is
booked, travel agents will earn a commission based
on the sale.
6. IN 50 wORDs sUm UP ThE ExPERIENcE Of RIvER
cRUIsING wITh yOUR cOmPANy.
Away from the hustle and bustle of busy
highways, great rivers flow through some truly
beautiful landscapes.
Experienced travellers agree that an Avalon
Waterways river cruise is the most enjoyable and
hassle-free way to discover and explore the sights
of the old world aboard the youngest fleet. With
new ships, new itineraries and new destinations
continually being added, coupled with a 97%
satisfaction rating, it’s no wonder that clients return
to Avalon Waterways time and time again.
COMPANY PROFILE:
AvALON wATERwAys
TWY.NOV30.PG010_013.pdf Page 013 27/11/12, 3:31:01 PM
www.avalonwaterways.com.au
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AD_TWYGLONOV30_12_R.pdf Page 1 9/11/12, 9:37 AM
16 FRIDAY 30/11/2012 • TRAVEL WEEKLY
DEPARTURE LOUNGE – HAWAII
MUCH ADO
ABOUT OAHU
TWY.NOV30.PG016.pdf Page 016 27/11/12, 11:55:39 AM
TRAVEL WEEKLY • FRIDAY 30/11/2012 17
HAWAII – DEPARTURE LOUNGE
HAWAII’S FAMOUS BEACHSIDE STRIP OF
WAIKIKI TENDS TO OVERSHADOW THE REST
OF THE ISLAND. CAROLINE ADAM UNCOVERS
THE REAL OAHU AS SHE TRAVELS AROUND THE
ISLAND VIA ROAD AND HORSEBACK
T
he swaying palms, the sun-kissed shores, the
countless restaurants and bars – Waikiki’s
got it all. Why even bother exploring Oahu,
the island on which it’s located, when
there’s so much fun to be had at the world’s most
famous beach destination?

The answer is simple – you can be a tourist or you
can be a traveller. I try to be the latter. And that’s why,
after a couple of days of beachside bliss in Waikiki,
I’m heading to Oahu’s legendary North Shore to go
horse riding. Never mind the fact that my previous
memory of this activity was of being on a family
holiday in country Queensland and feeling scared
when my horse started cantering. Today’s experience
is extremely sedate – a 45-minute leisurely trail ride
along the beaches of the North Shore.
And I’m travelling there in style – in a shiny red Jeep
Wrangler with black leather seats and the all-important
GPS. As much as I love Waikiki, heading away from
the pedestrian-heavy streets and onto the freeway, with
greater Oahu suddenly fanning out either side of you, is
almost like a holiday within a holiday.
From our starting point, in the south-east of the
island, it takes about one and a half hours of driving in
a clockwise direction to the top of the island, where our
trail ride will take place. But we’ve also allowed time for
a much anticipated stop along the way at Haleiwa.
Picture the dusty main street of an old country
town, with colourful buildings from a bygone era now
housing charming little boutiques and eateries. That’s
Haleiwa. It’s the most popular town to visit on the
North Shore and is also known for its roadside shrimp
trucks. They’re located in a nondescript clearing of dirt
and grass near the centre of town.
At Giovanni’s Famous Shrimp I order the most
popular item, the shrimp scampi. It’s marinated in

olive oil, fresh chopped garlic, lemon and butter,
and sauteed in a pan. Minutes later, my hands are a
complete mess from greedily dipping the most delicious
shrimp I’ve ever had into the spicy yet tangy sauce.
It’s hard to think that I may never come back here again,
but I console myself by doing what nearly every visitor to
Haleiwa does – buying some shave ice. Sitting on a wooden
bench outside San Lorenzo Shave Ice and slurping the
multi-coloured slush, I must be inducing some kind of
sugar high. But this business of exploring the island is
surely more tiring than lazing on the beach in Waikiki, and
besides, I need the extra energy for horse riding. »
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AD_TWYAQUAPR20_12. pdf Page 1 11/ 04/ 12, 2: 01 PM
IN THE
PICTURE
Main: Oahu’s
North Shore offers
an idyllic setting for
horse riding
Photo: Turtle Bay Resort
Right:
Breathtaking views
from Pali Lookout
Photo: Chuck Painter
GETTING THERE
Hawaiian Airlines offers daily nonstop  ights from Sydney
to Honolulu and in late November introduced services three
times a week between Brisbane and Honolulu.
TWY.NOV30.PG017.pdf Page 017 27/11/12, 11:56:15 AM
18 friday 30/11/2012 • travel weekly
AD_TWYHYAFEB24_12. pdf Page 1 21/ 02/ 12, 4: 10 PM
DEPARTURE LOUNGE – hawaii
And that’s our next stop. Passing by the famous
North Shore beaches, we head on a little further to
Turtle Bay Resort, a massive luxury property that
offers a plethora of activities to both guests and

visitors, including horse riding.
The time has come for me to get back in the saddle.
My horse, a beautiful brown creature by the name
of Willy, doesn’t look like the kind to go cantering
off into the distance without my permission, so I’m
relaxed. Our guide is a local girl called Shelby, who
couldn’t be more than 20 – although she’s been riding
horses since she could walk.
Off we go, clip clopping along trails that run alongside
empty white sand beaches, which have that wonderfully
rugged and windswept look about them. We duck into
pockets of forest and pass a massive banyan tree that’s
been used a shooting location for several television shows
and lms including Lost and Pirates of the Caribbean.
At one bay we see turtles popping their heads up
from the water in the distance, while at a rocky point
between two beaches we see an old military bunker
from World War II. The experience is completely
relaxing yet surprisingly exhilarating for what is in
essence a leisurely ride.
Our ride over, we exchange one type of
horsepower for another, setting off again in the Jeep
to continue along the Kamehameha Highway.
Within 10 minutes we’ve made another stop, to
check out more roadside eateries. There’s Uncle
Woody’s BBQ Corn, from which tantalising smells
are emanating, while Yoon’s Korean BBQ operates
out of a whimsical looking yellow bus. But I go for
the huli huli chicken. In Hawaiian, huli huli means
turn turn – chicken halves are cooked on metal

grills and turned repeatedly over a charcoal fire.
We take the styrofoam box containing our meal and
rejoin the highway, on the lookout for a nice beach
where we can enjoy the food with a view. Randomly
turning into a town called La’ie, we somehow stumble
across a dramatic rocky point that extends out into
the ocean. We’ve inadvertently discovered La’ie Point,
which appears to be something of a hidden gem.
An old plaque explains the Hawaiian legend of
how the five small islands lying offshore came to be.
The most prominent is a 30 metre long slice of rock
with a gaping hole in the middle. Combined with
the wild waves crashing beneath us, it makes for a
pretty awe-inspiring experience, as we chow down
on our succulent chicken.
At sunset, we nd ourselves at one of Hawaii’s most
beautiful beaches – Kailua. It’s nice to once again have
my feet in the sand, although there’s so much more of
the island to discover. Luckily, we’ve got the Jeep for
another day. I’m hoping to tick off Pearl Harbour in
central Oahu, as well as Pali Lookout, which offers one
of the best panoramic views of Oahu. Hanauma Bay,
with its amazing snorkelling, also beckons.
But for now, as we cruise along in the shadow of the
mighty Ko’olau mountain range, I’m simply happy to
be heading back to buzzing Waikiki.
Oahu’s other side
Here are some truly unique options for
visitors to the island
•Get sustainable with a visit to

Mao Organic Farms
• Take an in-depth eco-tour of Oahu
with Hina Adventures
• Step back in time at Hawaii’s Plantation Village
in Waipahu
IN THE
PICTURE

Right: Driving
along Oahu’s
dramatic east coast
Photo: Caroline Adam

TWY.NOV30.PG018.pdf Page 018 27/11/12, 11:57:14 AM
travel weekly • friday 30/11/2012 19
Travel Weekly Australia,
Issue: Oct 19
Size: Half Page, 4C
(122mm x 215mm)
DUE: Oct 5
WHERE HIGH DESIGN MEETS BAREFOOT LUXURY
™
WWW.THEMODERNHONOLULU.COM
+1.808.954.7427 | GDS CODE: QU
HOME TO MORIMOTO WAIKIKI | THE STUDY
ADDICTION NIGHTCLUB | SPA AT THE MODERN HONOLULU
TheModernHonolulu @ModernHonolulu
AD_TWYAQUOCT19_12. pdf Page 1 9/ 10/ 12, 10: 47: 30 AM AEDT
hawaii – DEPARTURE LOUNGE
Hotel

Check
welcome:
8/10
Staying at a Trump property, I had certain expectations
ahead of my stay, and wasn’t disappointed. The lobby
on the sixth oor was a stylish al fresco affair. Check-in
was straightforward and I was given a cool beverage and
face towel to combat the heat.
Trump inTernaTional hoTel, waikiki Beach walk, oahu
amBience:
9/10
Trump Waikiki clearly speaks the language of luxury,
but the sophistication is accompanied by a relaxed
vibe. Opened in 2009, the property’s fresh feel gives
it something of an edge over some of the area’s more
dated hotels.
Service:
9/10
The hotel likes to make its guests feel well looked after,
especially through its Trump Attaché service. I made
good use of the beach bag with towel, sunscreen and
fruit, with other services on offer including an in-room
personal chef and a personal trainer. I found the hotel
staff friendly and efcient during my stay.
accommodaTion:
8/10
My Superior Studio City View was impressively spacious
and came with a fully-equipped kitchenette. Other features
included a large at screen television, iPod docking station
and pillow menu. I liked the deep soaking tub in the

bathroom, although when I used the shower the water
owed out onto the oor as it was designed with no screen.
FaciliTieS:
8/10
A highlight of my stay was experiencing Wai’olu Ocean
View Lounge one evening for tapas and their signature
Mai Tai. The hotel’s standard hot breakfast my partner
ordered was mediocre though. Other hotel features
include an innity pool and The Spa at Trump.
overall:

84%
Staying at a Trump property has a certain cache, but for
good reason, as this property is one of Waikiki’s best.
An overnight stay in Studio accommodation at Trump Hotel
Waikiki starts from $US359 ($343) per night. For more
information, visit www.trumphotelcollection.com/waikiki
This relatively new entrant to the Waikiki hotel scene has all the trimmings
you would expect of a Trump property, but is also unpretentious, as
Caroline Adam writes
TWY.NOV30.PG019.pdf Page 019 27/11/12, 11:58:09 AM
20 FRIDAY 30/11/2012 • TRAVEL WEEKLY
DEPARTURE LOUNGE – CHINA
OTHERWORLDLY
OTHERWORLDLY
OTHERWORLDLY
OTHERWORLDLY
OTHERWORLDLY
OTHERWORLDLY
CHINA

CHINA
CHINA
CHINA
CHINA
TWY.NOV30.PG020.pdf Page 020 27/11/12, 3:06:10 PM
travel weekly • friday 30/11/2012 21
china – DEPARTURE LOUNGE
a wealth of surprising natural
wonders can be found in
china. tara harrison discovers
a mini hawaii, avatar-inspired
floating mountains and the
land that created the legend
of shangri-la
FANTASY: JIUZHAIGOU
The lakes in Jiuzhaigou Valley are the colour of a
mermaid’s tail, and the scenery is as intricate and
dainty as your grandma’s lace doily.
Transparent turquoise water, more likely to be
found off a tropical island, looks even bluer in the
mountainous landscape. The russets and oranges of
autumn make this park so vibrant that the photographs
you take will look Photoshop enhanced. But it’s all real,
thanks to natural calcium carbonate that keeps the
water clear and enables you to peer to the bottom.
At Five Flower Lake thin fallen trees lattice the
lakebed. Submerged trees eerily branch out below
the surface and it’s hard to tell if it’s reection or
reality. The waters here are more likely to reect the
snow-collared mountains that surround the pools.

Millennia ago the lake bed was a seabed.
The surrounding spruce and maple trees are lithe
and match the skinny bamboo forests. Bamboo Falls
is fairy-sized, reaching only seven metres in height
but extending outward for 152 metres; the light
waterfall like a drizzly cobweb.
Jiuzhaigou Valley is home to the two most loved and
most endangered species of China, the giant panda
and the golden snub-nosed monkey. Legend has it
that the Tibetan goddess Semo washed her face in Five
Coloured Pond and her cosmetic pigments stained
the water. There is also a Tiger Lake, a Sparkling Lake,
Rhinoceros Lake, Double Dragon Lake and Panda
Lake. Each pool feeds mythology and the place is
ripe with possibility and mysticism. The water literally
reects heaven and earth.
OUT OF THIS wORLD: ZHANGJIAJIE
Mist swarms around the base of these mountains making
them look like they are oating. The pillars rise over 1000
metres high and a rainy day is the best time to see the
mountains as they seem to seep out through a mystical fog.
If it looks familiar, you’ve probably seen the lm
epic Avatar. The world of Pandora was inspired by this
mirage-like environment. They appear to be suspended
because thick green vegetation overtakes the bottom
of the pinnacle, and when the sandstone is exposed it
appears disconnected from the jungle below. Because
trees and plants grow on the top of these tall rocks,
they look like gardens in the air. >>
TWY.NOV30.PG021.pdf Page 021 27/11/12, 3:07:11 PM

22 friday 30/11/2012 • travel weekly
DEPARTURE LOUNGE – china
Zhangjiajie has been a UNESCO World Heritage
listed national park since 1992 and has 243 peaks.
A cable car dangles you 800 metres above the
ground, and at more than 2000 metres long, there
is no other way to see this dizzying spectacle unless
you are a hard core mountain climber.
Serpentine wooden walkways cling to the side
of the mountains and will send any height-phobic
into a tizz, especially when they see the latest
walkway which is a glass plank. But it’s worth
the death deance for the photo opportunity
and the superman sensation. There is also the
Bridge under Heaven, a 25 metre natural stone
span loaded with greenery that connects two
mountains at a height of 357 metres.
SPIRITUAL: SHANGRI-LA
This area of China spawned an ideological
retreat from life, a veritable utopia where the
world-weary can nd peace and harmony. The
novelist James Hilton coined the name Shangri-
La in his 1937 novel Lost Horizon. It is believed
to have been inspired by travels in Tibet and
one of the communities in the book closely
resembles what was the town of Zhongdian, now
named Shangri-La.
The streets of Shangri-La are paved with
natural stone while the buildings are wooden
and the tiles hand-crafted. Steep stairs lead to

a Buddhist temple that overlooks the old town.
Here, incense wafts from the altars while chanting
monks practise their devotional rites.
Outside Shangri-La is an even more ornate
shrine to Buddhism, the Songzanlin Monastery.
It looks more like a village on a hill, such is
the extent of the religious complex. Modelled
on the Potala Palace in Lhasa, the monastery
contains watchtowers, ornate gates and hundreds
of rooms. 146 steps take you to the main prayer
hall which is more than 3000 metres above sea
level. But be grateful you can use your legs –
some Buddhists pilgrims prostrate themselves on
their journey, meaning they slide from knees to
forehead to reach the monastery.
According to Buddhist scripture, there is a
lost city in the Haba Snow Mountains called
Shambhala in the shape of an eight petal lotus.
Tiers of miniature innity edged pools occur
naturally at the base of these mountain. The
albino terraces at Baishuita are made from
deposits of travertine and make for a surreal
snapshot. Look out for furry yaks that are known
to immerse their feet in the mineral rich water.
TROPICAL: HAINAN
A tropical island with sand beaches and an azure
ocean that is warm year round with no winter is
such a surprising nd in China that this island is
known locally as a mini Hawaii.
It is after all located on the exact latitude

of Hawaii, making it an Asian doppelganger.
Hawaiian shirts and shorts worn by many add to
the identikit appeal.
Hainan is also the base for China’s submarine
operations, so don’t be surprised to see a periscope
pop up beyond your paper-umbrella cocktail.
Experience the difference with Travman
Toll free 1800 338 007 www.travman.com.au




AD_TWYTRAJUL13_12. pdf Page 1 4/ 07/ 12, 1: 01 PM
China Highlights Cycling Tour
Discover the highlights of China with unique
cycling experiences in the historical sites
and the picturesque towns.
Visiting: Shanghai,Hangzhou,Guilin,Xian & Beijing
12 days land only from $2,605 pp
Discover China with Harbin Ice & Snow Festival
Visit one of the four largest international snow
festivals in Harbin, and see the icons like the
Great Wall, Terracotta Warriors during the tour.
Visiting: Harbin,Beijing,Xian,Shanghai & Suzhou
15 days Air & land from $3,175 pp
The China Specialist since 1976.
AD_TWYTRAOCT19_12. pdf Page 1 10/ 10/ 12, 11: 59 AM
Previous
pages: Five
Flower Lake in

Jiuzhaigou
Above: Snow
adds to the
mystique of
the Zhangjiajie
Mountains
Right: White
water terraces
found outside
Shangri-La
All photos: Thinkstock
TWY.NOV30.PG022.pdf Page 022 27/11/12, 3:07:53 PM
travel weekly • friday 30/11/2012 23
china – DEPARTURE LOUNGE
AD_TWYAI ROCT19_12. pdf Page 1 10/ 10/ 12, 12: 05 PM
This island has mainly been reserved for local
Chinese travellers and even now remains under the
radar for most international visitors to the country.
The beach at Asian Dragon Bay is three times as long
as any in Hawaii and Yalong Bay is known as China’s
champagne coast and runs for eight kilometres. What
Hainan does not have, however, are the high rises
that typify Hawaii. The island city of Sanya has the
cleanest air of any city in China, while the capital
Haikou comes in at second place.
There is also a tropical take on your typical Chinese
food, with the island’s fresh produce and fruit making
meals that much tastier. The dishes are seafood heavy
and instead of noodles and dumplings, street vendors are
more likely to sell oysters, lobsters and prawns avoured

with coconut and mango. Hainan chicken is the island’s
most famous dish and the farmers feed the chickens
on peanuts and coconut, which creates the much-loved
avour of the dish.
MINI-THAILAND: JINGHONG
This region has all the markers of Thailand with rubber
trees, Buddhist temples, palm trees, rice paddies and
banana trees all evoking South East Asia, not China.
The town of Jinghong is littered with Thai style pagodas
and the local Dai people have a script that resembles
Thai lettering with its icks and twists.
The Mekong River runs through this town
in China’s Yunnan Province, which is in part
responsible for scenery typical of Cambodia and
Thailand. Once the Mekong reaches China it is
named the Lacang River.
Like Thailand, there is an annual water festival here
– equivalent to Songkran – and held at the same time
as the Thai and Dai New Year from April 13 to 15. Like
northern Thailand, there are rocket festivals and
boat races too.
Theravada Buddhist monks wear saffron robes that
create a distinctive Thai ambience. There are numerous
wats – old style Thai temples – in the area including Wat
Ban Suen Men, which is more than 700 years old.
Jinghong is situated in the Xishuangbanna region, a
place with a rich ethnic mix and it’s likely that Chinese will
not be understood by some communities. Rural villages of
various minority groups are scattered, including Hmong
people, more often found in the hill tribes of Thailand.

The majority Dai population come from a Thai and
Laotian background. In fact, Han Chinese makes up only
one quarter of this population.
TWY.NOV30.PG023.pdf Page 023 27/11/12, 3:08:38 PM
DEPARTURE LOUNGE – TECHNOLOGY
24 FRIDAY 30/11/2012 • TRAVEL WEEKLY
THE DAWN OF THE
Agencies are dependent
on the software they use
every day, but the launch
of mobile products is
changing the game.
Tara Harrison investigates
what this means for
the industry and the
ubiquitous blue screen
T
he future of travel is undeniably changing
as the big three technology providers
invest in mobile platforms that work on
your smartphone, android, laptop or
tablet. Your nine to  ve work day could give way to a
24/7 cycle of accessibility and just like work emails
coming through on your smartphone, agents can now
make and change bookings anywhere in the world,
provided they have the right software.
Whether you see this transition as a blessing or
a curse, the technology industry is pulling out all
the stops to enable mobile and more user-friendly
interfaces to thrive.

Amadeus Mobile Access is a new mobile and
tablet based reservation tool released in November
while Sabre Pacific’s Abacus Mobile was announced
in September. Travelport has developed its mobile
product and has stated the release in Australia is
imminent. “The mobile space is where everyone is
going so nearly everything that we are developing
now is going to have to fit into that mobile space,”
Travelport Pacific general manager Alexandra
Fitzpatrick said.
TIME ON
YOUR HANDS
The advantages of mobile
technology are obvious for
home working agents and
those who spend time out
of the of ce. However, for the larger agencies, which have
established after-hours processes in place, it seems less
relevant. Sabre Paci c reports that this has not been the
case with their new mobile release. “Consultants from
larger agencies have expressed interest in having access to
Abacus Mobile to monitor urgent waiting lists and check
their queues while commuting to work,” Sabre Paci c chief
information of cer Mark Mison said.
Client relationships can be strengthened by the fast
response that mobile access enables and the response
of agents to Abacus Mobile has been positive. “Their
customers are enjoying better service while their agents
are experiencing enhanced freedom and  exibility in
the way they operate,” Mison said. “It allows travel agents

to provide a premium service to existing customers,
ensuring customer loyalty with no additional cost
24/7 AGENT
THE DAWN OF THE
24/7 AGENT
THE DAWN OF THE
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travel weekly • friday 30/11/2012 25
technology – DEPARTURE LOUNGE
Now even more airlines
are onboard Amadeus,
helping travel agents embark
on a journey of efficiency,
reliability and accuracy.
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AD_TWYAMANOV30_12. pdf Page 1 27/ 11/ 12, 9: 38 AM
involved,” Amadeus Asia Pacic Business Solutions vice
president Bruno des Fontaines said.
On the ip side, mobile access means heightened
customer expectations for an immediate response. “If
technology shapes consumer behaviour, then right now,
it’s all about using mobile devices to research, book
or amend travel plans on the y,” Amadeus IT Pacic
managing director Sari Vahakoski said.
Responsive, quick technology is crucial to the
success of travel agencies and Travelport intends to
tap into this by releasing a rapid re-price product in
the new year, which will allow agents to quickly re-
price and re-book a ight.
NO MORE

BLUE SCREEN?
The blue screen is synonymous
with the travel industry, with lines
of code that are mind-boggling to
non-agents. With a chunky HTML
font, it looks antiquated when
compared to other software applications.
So why has the blue screen interface lasted so long? The
reason is that it allows veteran users to sell content quickly.
Sabre Pacic has converged the old-school interface with
a graphical view, more akin to the user-friendly search and
book technology found online, to ease agents into the
transition. “We have done tests and the graphical view is
just as fast as the blue screen GDS,” Mison said.
The popularity of tablets over laptops has registered
with travel technology providers and this is driving the
development of new software. “Long term we will see a
convergence of interfaces and what we are seeing is that
the future is going to look similar to the experience a
user sees on a tablet or smartphone,” Mison said. The
tablet or smartphone experience is what pundits call
the graphical view and the future of desktop and mobile
GDS seems to lie with a graphical front-end taking over
from the traditional blue screen.
Sabre Red has a graphical view workow as a blue screen
alternative. Travelport has launched the Smartpoint App
which adds on to the Galileo desktop and allows agents
to use a click and point functionality instead of the codes
that are ubiquitous with the blue screen. This may mean
less training for agents as codes become redundant. “This

consumerisation of travel is much more logical for a rst
time user as it looks like a conventional website and for
someone new coming into the industry – and unfamiliar
with the cryptic codes – it’s much easier to use,” Mison said.
BEATING THE
COMPETITION
With the rise of travel
aggregator websites that are
free for consumers to use,
such as agoda.com and booking.com, can travel agency
GDS systems compete? For Travelport general manager
Alexandra Fitzpatrick, speed and convenience are the
greatest selling points of their Universal Desktop product.
“You can shop on one screen and you couldn’t have that
at home as you’d have to go through 10 different sites to
nd the best rate. It is much faster than you could do at
home,” Fitzpatrick said.
Booking tools are now expected to exhibit the
characteristics that agents are familiar with in their private
website use. “Primarily the experiences and the behaviours
and the trends that we’re seeing coming out of people’s
social and personal life are starting to translate across into
their business life,” Mison said.
Travelport’s Universal Desktop taps into online resources
as well as conventional GDS for one multi-source booking
platform. “You can book your air, cruise, travel insurance
and hotel content and keep all of that data in one place. It
brings everything together to one spot,” Fitzpatrick said.
The ability to search online platforms allows agents
to tailor their content searches and respond to bespoke

requests. “A lot of people want to book content that’s a
little bit out of the way, they may want to book boutique
hotels and there could be specic rail or some safari
lodge. They have done a lot of research and found that
it’s not that easy to book that, so the Universal Desktop
will facilitate that,” Fitzpatrick said.
Thinkstock
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