Carrying this theme into this monthly newsletter, you may have noticed our updated style. We’re keeping it simple here too. Giving you short, sharp, relevant updates. You don’t have to click out or read long articles to get the business travel news you need.
If you want more updates throughout the month like this, connect with us on LinkedIn. See you there.
Regards,
Jenny Miller
APX Head of Partnerships and Product
Sudima Christchurch City Opens
Sudima Hotels’ brand new 5-star boutique hotel, Sudima Christchurch City, opened its doors last month. The hotel boasts 86 stylishly decorated rooms, as well as one-bedroom and executive apartments. The new property also features a restaurant & bar, spa and is located only a short walk into the CBD. More information and images are available on their website.
Book now with your APX Consultant and receive 20% off the best available rate on new bookings until 30 September 2019.
For more information on the APX local hotel program, partners and benefits, view the flyer here.
Air NZ Change Frequent Flyer Benefits
As a result of member feedback, Air NZ has announced the following changes effective 1 August:
- Status Boost: Airpoints Elite members will earn an additional 30 bonus Status Points and Airpoints Gold members will earn an additional 15 Status Points for every 10 journeys, including with qualifying partner airlines. Find out more here.
- Parental Status Hold: Airpoints Gold and Elite members will be able to put their membership on hold for 12 months and take some time out while maintaining their current tier status. Find out more here.
- Child Guest Access: Children of up to 17 years will be able to join eligible members in Air New Zealand lounges. Find out more here.
- Lounge Guest Access: Elite members will only be able to bring three guests into Lounges, except for Regional Lounges which remains at one guest for all members. The guest allowance for Airpoints Gold, Elite Partner and Koru members remains unchanged at one guest. Find out more here.
New Inbound Visitor Charges
From 1 October 2019, all air travellers from 60 visa waiver countries will need to hold an NZeTA (Electronic Travel Authority) before travelling to New Zealand. Issued NZeTAs will last up to 2 years and cost $9 for mobile application requests and $12 for web browser requests. Also, the recent International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) of $35 is now in place and may also have to be paid with NZeTAs.
Jetstar Checking Carry-On Luggage
Jetstar’s airport teams are keeping a close check on carry-on luggage to ensure customers are complying with the 7kg standard allowance. The airline reminds passengers that the standard allowance is 7kg total weight, across a maximum of 2 items. This is for Starter, Plus & Max fares; size limits also apply. Find out more about their carry-on allowances here.
Failure to comply with the weight, size or piece limits will often mean customers will be charged with excess baggage fees. Passengers who wish to take a little extra should either upgrade to a Flex fare, which allows a total combined 10kg carry-on, or buy their +3kg carry-on product in addition to the 7kg allowance.
Stuff Speak to APX About Carbon Offsetting
Stuff asked APX to comment on a story discussing New Zealander’s low rate of carbon offsetting in air travel. Jenny Miller, APX Head of Partnerships and Product, said “government agencies are showing interest and we've had a few inquiries lately on how we can assist but it's early days.” Read Jenny’s comments and the full article here.
Qantas Dreamliner to Fly Trans-Tasman
From 4 December 2019 to 28 March 2020, customers travelling on one of Qantas’ five daily flights between Auckland and Sydney will experience the Dreamliner’s next generation Economy, Premium Economy and Business cabins. The flights are an opportunity for Qantas to showcase the 787 across the Tasman before more Dreamliners arrive and begin operating across the airline’s long-haul international network in 2020.
Fares are now available to book, with a special sale for seats in Premium Economy from $299 one-way for Qantas flights QF144 and QF141 between Auckland and Sydney. For more information, visit the Qantas Newsroom.
Mevo Expand Wellington Home Zone
Mevo’s home zone now includes Mt. Victoria and Oriental Bay. This gives users of the car sharing service even more flexibility in pick up, drop off and parking location. For more information, visit the Mevo website.
Fiji Airways Scoops Awards at Skytrax
Fiji’s National Airline was awarded the coveted Skytrax 4-Star rating at the 2019 Skytrax World Airline Awards in Paris, joining a select group of elite airlines in this prestigious category such as Air NZ, Emirates and BA.
Fiji Airways also leapfrogged from 4th to 1st place to take up “Best Airline Staff in Australia Pacific”, signalling the airline’s continued commitment to world class service and customer experience. The airline was also named fourth Most Improved Airline in the World, Most Improved Airline in Australia Pacific region and was ranked number 45 in the top 100 airlines; last year they were number 65.
Ramada to Open Three New Hotels
With a growing portfolio of accommodation options, Ramada is about to open 3 new properties:
- Ramada Manukau: Opens 28 August, 85 rooms, located next to the Vodafone Event Centre
- Ramada Queenstown Central: Opens September, 131 rooms, amazing views of Queenstown, full conferencing facilities onsite
- Ramada Victoria Street, Auckland: Opens in October, 47 rooms, close to the Spark Building and adjacent to the new NZICC
Hertz Expand Hybrid and EV Fleet
Hertz NZ have 15 Hybrid Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV’s across Auckland and Christchurch but will expand their fleet to 200 Hybrids by year end 2019. They will also introduce 5 Hyundai IONIQ EV’s in Wellington by the end of the year. This full EV has a range of 200km and the Hybrid PHEV’s have a range of 70km in battery before it switches to petrol.
Qantas Commit to More Environmental Initiatives
Recognising their responsibility as big business, Qantas announced:
- A goal to be the world's first airline to recycle at least three-quarters of general waste by the end of 2021
- They will cut 100 million single-use plastic items every year by the end of 2020 by switching to sustainable cups, cutlery and bags
- Customers will earn 10 Qantas Points for every dollar spent offsetting their travel from Australia
International SOS Release Whitepaper on Road Risks
Every year, road crashes kill over 1.35 million people which equates to over 3,700 deaths every single day. A staggering 40% of all road deaths globally are work related. On top of this, between 20 to 50 million people are injured each year. Global initiatives by the UN aimed to greatly reduce global deaths and injuries from road traffic crashes by 2020 are unfortunately not on track to be met.
The new whitepaper from the International SOS Foundation and Global Road Safety Partnership (GRSP) reignites the focus that is desperately needed for organisations to reduce road related deaths and injuries, a major risk to their mobile workforce. Read the whitepaper, Risks of the Road for the International Traveller here.
Cordis Concierge Awarded
Frédérique Irion, Concierge at Cordis Auckland, won the New Zealand Hotel Industry Concierge of the Year 2019. The awards, managed by Tourism Industry Aotearoa and Horwath HTL, celebrate excellence in the industry. Shane Jolly, Hotel Manager said, “Frédérique demonstrated the qualities that all Hoteliers look for in their colleagues – the caring and thoughtfulness that makes guests want to come back.”
Emirates Improve Chauffeur-Drive Service
Emirates appointed a new service provider for their Chauffeur-Drive service, offered to First Class and Business Class passengers. Along with this change of provider, the complimentary mileage radius to/from Auckland and Christchurch airports has increased from 40 driven kilometers to 80 driven kilometers.
SO/ Auckland Introduce Club Signature
Club Signature, SO/’s executive lounge, is a luxurious and vibrant haven with VIP service. Created by Benny Castle from SO/ signature design house WORLD. The creative aesthetic draws inspiration from the city’s volcanic landscapes and is furnished with rich textures and bold avant-garde designs.
According to Castle the iconographic use of the SO Auckland emblem and pattern throughout the Club Signature continues to tell the story of the hotel’s locality. The centrepiece of this eclectically decorated space is a WORLD Haute Couture installation created to match SO/ Auckland’s spirit of rebellious luxury.
Located on the second floor of the hotel, Club Signature offers breakfast, a signature afternoon tea and evening canapés along with refreshments available all day long – a peaceful and relaxing retreat. The Club Signature lounge is accessible to SO Club and Suite guests with an offering of complimentary Club Signature benefits.
Accor Open Pullman Nadi Bay
Pullman Nadi Bay Resort & Spa is idyllically positioned on a secluded corner of the locals’ favourite beach, Wailoaloa, a largely unexplored stretch of shore on Nadi Bay. Within a 10-minute drive from Nadi International Airport, the hotel boasts 236 rooms and suites, as well as four meeting spaces, ideal for hosting banquets for up to 320 guests. There are four vibrant restaurants and three bars available, offering all-day, casual or elegant dining options.
