Hello,
Business is about relationships. We focus on building great relationships with our clients and suppliers which result in benefits for both. You’ll see in this month’s Inform a new partnership with NZ Business Traveller, New Zealand’s leading corporate traveller website. We’re bringing you their top stories to keep you updated with news from across the industry.
Our strong supplier relationships also earn our customers leading rates and benefits. You’ll see some of those offers in this email. Our local hotel programme is another example, with discounted accommodation options and benefits like with free WiFi and parking for our customers.
Every relationship matters to us and we look forward to continuing to grow our relationship with you.
Regards,
Jenny Miller
APX Head of Partnerships and Product
NZ Business Traveller Top 10 Stories
In partnership with NZ Business Traveller, APX presents the top stories from the industry over the month:
- Qatar Airways launched 'Beyond Business' - a dynamic new frequent flier programme aimed at small to medium sized businesses. Read article.
- Iconic Raffles, Singapore is open for bookings after major refurbishment. Read article.
- Delta Airlines next-gen inflight entertainment system - top five changes. Read article.
- Cathay Pacific to be the first airline to operate the Airbus A350-1000 to New Zealand. Read article.
- The World's Best Business Class on the World's Best Airline is now flying from Auckland. Read article.
- Dining discounts with IHG rewards. Read article.
- Review: Bass heavy Sony WH-XB900N wireless noise cancelling headphones. Read article.
- Melbourne's latest hotel Shadow Play by Peppers opens. Read article.
- Care for a bit of yoga on your layover in Hong Kong? Try The Sanctuary by Pure Yoga at The Pier, Hong Kong. Read article.
- Hotel Review: Four Points by Sheraton, Auckland. Read article.
Distinction Hotels: Product of the Month
The Distinction Hotel Group prides itself on providing an international standard of hotel accommodation for discerning travellers. Distinction Hotels NZ include twelve premium 4 - 4.5 star hotels and apartments throughout New Zealand. For more information, visit their website.
Most of their properties are part of the APX local hotel programme. This programme gives APX customers access to discounted room and breakfast rates, and benefits like with free WiFi and parking in most properties. For more information on the APX local hotel programme, view the flyer.
Aelia Duty Free Discount
As part of APX’s partnership with Aelia Duty Free, enjoy 5% off liquor, fragrance, beauty and confectionary departments in store. Download the voucher and present it in store or on your device. Conditions apply.
SO/Auckland to Host Michelin-Starred Chefs’ Event
From 30 September to 5 October, six Michelin-starred chefs will take over lunch and dinner services at SO/Auckland’s Harbour Society restaurant. Across the six days, the award-winning chefs will take diners on a gastronomic journey combining local produce with amazing flavours from across the globe. Masterclasses are also provided by these culinary maestros each weekday. The week culminates with a 12-hand dinner featuring all the chefs and SO/Auckland’s own Michelin-starred chef, Marc de Passorio. To view the SO Amazing Chefs programme or to book, visit their website.
NZeTA Applications Open
Applications for a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) are now open at immigration.govt.nz/nzeta or via the iOS App and Android App.
From 1 October, the NZeTA will be mandatory for visitors from visa-waiver countries. New Zealand and Australian passport-holders or visitors who have a valid New Zealand visa will not be required to complete an NZeTA. The application process takes less than 10 minutes but applicants should allow up to 72 hours for processing. Visitors who do not hold an NZeTA for their travel and are required to do so will not be able to board from 1 October.
Full information can be found in this info sheet. This sheet is also available in 10 other languages.
Crowne Plaza Queenstown Exclusive Offer
Exclusive to corporate partners like APX, Crowne Plaza Queenstown are offering room rates from $179 until 20 December 2019. Guaranteed upgrades, valet parking and late checkout are included. To find out more or to book, contact your APX consultant or view the flyer. Conditions apply.
Qatar Wins Airline of the Year
Qatar Airways was awarded Airline of the Year for the fifth time at the 2019 Skytrax Airline Awards. This is a first for any airline. They were also awarded World’s Best Business Class, Best Business Class Seat and Best Airline in the Middle East.
On the win, the airline said, “our passengers are our first priority and are at the heart of everything we do.” The World’s Best Business Class Seat was won for their Qsuite business class product which now operates daily on their Auckland to Doha service.
IHG Transitions Away from Bathroom Miniatures
InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), one of the world’s leading and largest hotel companies, has announced that its entire hotel estate of almost 843,000 guest rooms will switch to bulk-size bathroom amenities. This pledge makes IHG the first global hotel company to commit all brands to removing bathroom miniatures. The transition is to be completed by 2021, building on IHG’s efforts to reduce plastic waste as part of a broader sustainability agenda.
International SOS Discuss Cyber Risk
In today’s hyperconnected world, when people travel, what risks are they exposed to? Security Specialist, Louise Hogan, discusses Cyber Security and what travellers can do to best protect themselves and their devices.
“Cyber security is often highlighted as one of the top risks to organisations today, yet only 33% include it in their travel policy. Mobile employees present a particular weakness for a company’s cyber infrastructure due to their reliance on mobile devices and unsecured networks,” says Hogan.
For some of the key issues affecting mobile employees and how to plan ahead, continue reading their article.
APX Raffle Fundraises for Charity
Last month, APX raised $1,718 for Camp Quality New Zealand through the winter warmer raffles. APX are official sponsors of the charity which provides annual camps, family reunion days and positive experiences for children living with cancer. As part of APX’s CSR Policy, the funds raised by staff across the three offices were matched dollar for dollar. To get involved or donate, visit their website.
Pullman Apartments Long Stay Offer
Pullman Auckland offers premium one and two bedroom apartments in a quiet CBD address, ideal for those on a secondment for business or looking for central, longer term accommodation. Each apartment has access to 5-star amenities and exceptional service.
For stays longer than two weeks, one bedroom apartments are available from $265 per night, including parking. Monthly rates are also available. To find out more or to book, contact your APX consultant. Conditions apply.
GO C&I Behind Helloworld’s Frontliners Conference
Last month, GO Conference & Incentive (GO C&I) organised the Helloworld Travel Frontliners Conference at SkyCity. Over the 2 days event, delegates heard from high calibre keynote speakers and enjoyed world-class entertainment.
GO C&I were praised with great feedback on the use of their event technology. This particularly enhanced the quality of supplier and delegate networking. Prior to the event, delegates had the opportunity to schedule meetings during conference breaks. As the conference commenced, delegates could see their personalised schedule on their event app, which also supported GO C&I’s mission to make their events more environmentally friendly.
To see highlights from the event, watch the video. If you are planning an event, or want to talk to GO C&I about what they do, visit their website.
Etihad Increases Heathrow Services
Etihad Airways is to boost its services from London Heathrow by adding a fourth year-round daily service, launching on 27 October. The new service introduces a convenient connection over Abu Dhabi from New Zealand via Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, as well as a late evening departure from London Heathrow. The airline will introduce a next-generation Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner on the London services, complimenting the three other services operated by their Airbus A380s.
Cordis Wins Luxury Spa Award
Chuan Spa, at Cordis Auckland, has been awarded Luxury Day Spa of the Year in New Zealand. Their Spa Director, Victoria Nathan, was also awarded Best Spa Manager for Australia & Oceania. The awards showcase the pinnacle of service excellence for luxury spas around the world.
Franz Mascarenhas, Managing Director at Cordis Auckland says, “we are immensely proud of Victoria and the team at Chuan Spa for the superior service and dedication they have shown to all their customers.”
Emirates Launches New Mexico City Route
Effective 9 December, Emirates launch a new daily service from Dubai to Mexico City. The Emirates’ Mexico City flight will be a linked service via Barcelona, meaning that customers can now travel between the two cities in unprecedented style and comfort. The new route will be operated with a two-class Emirates Boeing 777-200LR.
Vibe Darling Harbour to Open in November
Vibe Hotel Darling Harbour is the latest lifestyle hotel in the heart of Sydney, set to open on 1 November. The hotel features a heated rooftop pool, vibrant rooftop bar, and an enviable location close to Sydney’s premier entertainment precinct and CBD. The property has 145 rooms, each with contemporary, Manhattan-inspired features.
