APX Inform: February 2020

Hi there,

Hasn’t this weather been fantastic! And with good weather comes fun times and the desire to travel.

Business travel has well and truly started back this year and at APX we are always looking at ways to create value for our customers and help them get the most out of their travel spend. In this edition of Inform, you'll see that through some great discounts, an exclusive upgrade offer, chances to win, loyalty programme updates and more. Along with the latest news from the business travel industry.

While talking about great value, a reminder too about our hotel programmes which give APX clients discounted accommodation rates and extra benefits, both domestically and internationally. Click for more information on our Local Hotel Programme and Global Hotel Programme, or speak to your Account Manager.

Kind Regards,
Deborah Gyde
APX General Manager

A Sustainable Future with Avis

Avis has adopted the New Zealand Tourism Sustainability Commitment and is dedicated to improving and facilitating the world of sustainable tourism.

One of the key ways that Avis New Zealand honours this commitment is through its fleet. It is increasingly investing in its hybrid and electronic vehicles across New Zealand. Today, Avis is proud to offer Toyota Corolla hybrids (Group L) and Toyota Camry hybrids (Group K). With over 550 vehicles on fleet in the country, there is no shortage of more environmentally conscious options.

Seamlessly able to switch between electricity and fuel, hybrids deliver 30-40% savings in running costs, comparative to a non-hybrid vehicle of the same size. On a full tank, drivers can travel an impressive 1,000+ kilometres in a Toyota Camry hybrid and its self-charging system means it recharges as you drive.

Win with APX & Avis

Go in the draw to win a $250 Prezzy card when you hire any Avis or Budget vehicle through APX until 31 March 2020. To book, contact your APX Consultant or use your online booking tool.

Novel Coronavirus & Protecting Your Organisation

Over the past weeks, almost half (45%) of all the calls to International SOS’ Sydney Assistance Centre have been about the coronavirus outbreak. Organisations want to know the latest updates, what this means for their business, and how they can protect and communicate with travelling staff.

As this is a rapidly evolving situation, the International SOS medical and security teams are regularly recording Special Reports updates. They also have a dedicated webpage reporting on the outbreak which you can access here. This open source information includes webinar recordings, a new pocket guide on the symptoms, precautionary measures and business best practice. If you would like to learn more about pandemic planning and infectious disease response services for your organisation, please fill out the contact form found on the page.

Ramada Now Open in Auckland CBD

Ramada by Wyndham, Victoria Street West is now open in the heart of Auckland CBD. Boasting 5 room types from Deluxe rooms to Two-bedroom Suites, and convenient amenities like kitchenettes, washers and dryers in most rooms, this new hotel is well suited to long or short stay business trips. Plus, the central Victoria Street location means Sky City, The Viaduct Harbour, Wynyard Quarter and Queen Street are an easy 5 minutes’ walk away.

Free Upgrades for APX Clients with Ramada

A special offer for APX clients, receive a free of charge room upgrade for stays in March and April when you quote “APX Inform” at check-in, subject to availability at the time of check-in. Contact your APX Consultant or use your online booking tool to make your reservation.

NZ Business Traveller Top 10 Stories

In partnership with NZ Business Traveller, APX presents the top stories from the industry over the month:

1. Air New Zealand adjusts China capacity. Read the article.
2. Small Luxury Hotels' travel trends. Read the article.
3. Accor's commitment to removing single use plastic. Read the article.
4. British Airways' new AI powered cocktail maker in SFO lounges. Read the article.
5. Accor and Visa form global partnership. Read the article.
6. Rydges Sydney Airport gets a fresh fit-out. Read the article.
7. Tech review: Microsoft Surface Laptop 3. Read the article.
8. Singapore Airlines' affected flight details across its network. Read the article.
9. Marriott ups it Frankfurt Airport offering. Read the article.
10. Flight Check: American Airlines Auckland to Los Angeles. Read the article.

Test Drive and Be in to Win 500,000 Emirates Skyward Miles

Jaguar-Land Rover have partnered with Emirates Skywards to give you the chance to win big. Test drive any new Land Rover or Jaguar until 30 April and you could win 500,000 Emirates Skyward Miles. That’s enough to fly first class to Milan, Paris, or Buenos Aires; it’s your choice. Book your test drive here, with Jaguar or Land Rover. T&Cs apply.

QT, Rydges & Atura Extend Loyalty Programme to Corporate Guests

APX clients can now receive Priority Guest Rewards on their corporate rates at QT, Rydges and Atura Hotels’. Members enjoy benefits like 20% off food and beverage at their hotels’ restaurants and bars, the ability to earn and redeem points for hotel stays and rewards, plus VIP benefits such as late check outs, WiFi and welcome drinks. Sign up for free here. Then, when you make a reservation for QT, Rydges and Atura Hotels, advise your APX consultant of your membership number or add it to your traveller profile in your online booking tool.

South America Special Rates Flying LATAM Airlines

APX has a very special offer for travel to South America with LATAM Airlines. Fly to Santiago, Buenos Aires, Lima, Rio de Janeiro or São Paulo now from only $1034 economy class return plus taxes, or business class from $3650 return plus taxes. These sale rates are available until 28 February, for travel between 1 May to 31 August 2020. LATAM Airlines operates 787 Dreamliners non-stop Auckland to Santiago four times a week, with connections on to over 124 destinations throughout South America. Contact your APX Consultant to enquire or to book.

First Ever NZ to New York Non-Stop Service

A reminder that Air New Zealand commence their year-round, non-stop, three times weekly service between Auckland and New York (Newark Liberty International Airport) from 29 October 2020. This will be operated by their 787 Dreamliner, offering more premium cabin space. To book, contact your APX Consultant or use your online booking tool.

Singapore Airlines Fleet & Network Updates

In response to increasing demand for services from Wellington, Singapore Airlines increased the number of services between Wellington and Singapore, via Melbourne, to five flights per week. Along with the recent change in aircraft to the their modern A350, this results in a 14% increase in seat capacity.

For Auckland, Singapore Airlines will deploy its retro-fitted Airbus A380 aircraft to services from October. The aircraft will be configured to carry up to 471 customers across four classes, all featuring Singapore Airlines latest myKrisWorld inflight entertainment system and a new level of comfort and luxury in every class.

The airline has also added a new destination to their network. Brussels will become the latest European destination, when non-stop flights are introduced from Singapore to the Belgium capital in October, operated by the A350.

Air NZ Changes Credit Card Payment Fees

Air New Zealand credit card payment fees have changed for all travellers who use credit or debit cards as a form of payment for flights. The domestic NZ fee has decreased to $2.80, while international fees have increased to: $7.10 for Australia/Pacific Islands, $13.20 for Bali, $22.60 for Longhaul including Honolulu. These fees are charged per person per journey, when Air New Zealand is the merchant. Contact your APX Account Manager for more information, or to discuss our range of billing solutions such as an Air New Zealand Travelcard which offers zero merchant fees.

APX Holidays

APX have access to hundreds of leading holiday deals. Save time and get a great deal when you book with APX's dedicated team of leisure consultants across the country. Contact APX Holidays.

Duty Free Discount

A special offer for APX clients, enjoy 5% off liquor, fragrance, beauty and confectionary departments at Aelia Free stores in New Zealand. Download the voucher and present it in store.