Hello to a New Dawn in Travel
APX is proud to be part of Helloworld Limited, and welcomes the launch of the helloworld retail travel brand in New Zealand.
With its beginnings in Australia, helloworld is a fresh and innovative travel brand creating inspirational holidays. Helloworld New Zealand is the coming together of Harvey World Travel, Air New Zealand Holidays and some United Travel stores.
The wider Helloworld group includes wholesale, specialist, broker, inbound, destination management, airline consolidation and of course corporate travel. This integration of the group of businesses now makes Helloworld the largest integrated travel business of its kind in New Zealand.
We look forward to bringing APX customers some fantastic holiday specials in coming months!
2016 Trends for Kiwi Business Travellers
As 2016 gets underway it is becoming clear that this will be a landmark year for business travel. With traveller numbers at record highs around the globe, it is being dubbed the "golden age of travel". And New Zealand has never been more connected to the world via airline routes.
Read our recent APX Blog post to discover the trends affecting Kiwi business travellers this year.
Air New Zealand Changes to Domestic Schedule
Air New Zealand has announced a new, simplified schedule for main trunk domestic flights, which will take effect from May onwards. This includes:
• Services on the hour every hour between Auckland and Christchurch, and hourly flights between Auckland and Wellington from 2 May.
• Half hourly services at peak business times on both routes (AKL-CHCH and AKL-WLG).
• Dunedin-Auckland schedule changes from 2 May to allow for better international connections and an extended business day.
• Three extra Dunedin-Auckland services per week from 3 July.
Further Changes to US Visa Waiver Programme
In last month's edition of APX Inform, we covered changes to the US Visa Waiver Programme whereby travellers who are nationals of Iran, Iraq, Sudan or Syria – or have been present at any time in these countries on or after March 1, 2011 – must now apply for a non-immigrant visa and cannot travel under the US Visa Waiver Program.
This has now been extended to travellers who have been to Libya, Somalia and Yemen during this same period.
Zika Virus Update
Concerns around the Zika virus remain high worldwide, and the latest travel warnings continue to recommend that women who are pregnant should consider putting off travel to areas known to be infected with the Zika virus as a precautionary measure.
For all travellers, the best protection is to prevent mosquito bites. This can be done by using insect repellent, wearing clothing that covers as much of the body as possible, and using physical barriers such as sleeping under mosquito nets.
Symptoms for people with Zika virus usually include a mild fever, skin rash and conjunctivitis. These symptoms normally last for 2-7 days.
Vanuatu Runway Update
While Air New Zealand and Virgin Australia continue to suspend flights to Port Vila, there is movement in the works as New Zealand civil contracting company, Fulton Hogan, have been awarded the contract to conduct emergency repairs to Vanuatu's Bauerfield International Airport.
The company will aim to complete repairs by 6 April, and Virgin Australia is currently taking bookings from April onwards.
Skywards Upgrade Offer with Emirates
Emirates will launch their daily non-stop flight from Auckland to Dubai from 2 March this year.
And to celebrate this new direct service, Emirates is running a promotion for travellers who purchase Business Class or First Class tickets on the direct route to Dubai between 5 February and 30 April 2016. Skywards members who purchase tickets can ask their APX Consultant to nominate them for a free upgrade to Skywards Gold Status. Availability is limited – first in, first served.
Talk to your APX Consultant for more information or call us on 0800 TRAVEL (872 835).
Unforgettable Conference and Incentive Trips for 2016
Dreaming up ideas for your team getaway in 2016?
Our sister company GO Conference & Incentive have just released their 'Backyard Collection' featuring envy-inducing 2-3 night itineraries for conferences, retreats and group incentives. Contact APX to book on 0800 TRAVEL (872 835)
APX Blog: A Guide to First-Class Flight Etiquette
Air travel can provide valuable uninterrupted hours to relax and unwind, to get work done, or to do some strategic thinking away from your desk.
However your experience can greatly depend on the courtesy of others on board your flight. So here's our guide to travelling the skies with grace.
