Australian arrivals to Japan continue to increase

Australian arrivals to Japan during November and December 2009 have increased 20.7 percent and 9.4 percent, respectively, on 2008 figures, according to a preliminary report released by the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO).

Total Australian arrivals for the month of November 2009 numbered 17,300 compared with 14,334 in November 2008, and for the month of December 2009 were 24,200 compared with 22,114 in December 2008.

Total Australian arrivals for the January to December 2009 period reached only 211,600 – a decrease of 12.6 percent on 2008 figures: though, a good result considering 2009's economic climate, according to the JNTO Sydney office.     

Australia has retained its position as the sixth major Japan inbound market for the third year running, with its position currently ahead of the UK, Thailand, Canada and Singapore and behind South Korea, Taiwan, China, USA and Hong Kong.

The JNTO report said a number of factors, including the steady appreciation of the Australian dollar against the yen, an increase in online media promotions targeting the Australian market, and the Visit Japan Year 2010 Campaign marketing effort which was launched in late November 2009, are seen to have contributed to the increase in Australians travelling to Japan.

Furthermore, with Japan's ski season now in full swing and the popular cherry blossom season following in early spring, JNTO is optimistic that Australian arrivals will continue to increase.

The figures released by JNTO are based on arrivals of Australian passport holders and include business, leisure and stopover visitors.

Visit Japan Year 2010 Campaign web             www.jnto.org.au/2010

 

American Express and Webjet join forces to shake up the loyalty market and open the skies to travellers

Webjet and American Express join forces to intensify competition in the loyalty landscape and make travel more affordable for consumers.    

From the 2nd February, American Express Cardmembers enrolled in Membership Rewards will be able to use their points to book flights online, accessing the full flight inventory available on Webjet - Australia's leading online travel agency1.  This gives travellers the opportunity to search, compare and select competitive travel offers across airlines.  

Travellers don't have to accumulate the full amount of points to pay for their travel booking on Webjet.  As long as they have 7,500 points, which equates to $75, they can pay the remainder with their American Express Card.  

Webjet CEO, Richard Noon says, "This is the first time that points have been offered as a form of currency on Webjet.  Our partnership with American Express succeeds in removing the frustrations commonly associated with other loyalty travel programs such as limited availability, long lead times for bookings or having to pay fees for redeeming a reward.

"Now, for instance, a traveller flying from Sydney to Melbourne return doesn't have to be locked into one airline's loyalty program and to the rates it charges.  Instead using Webjet they can use their points on Qantas, Jetstar, Virgin Blue or Tiger Airways or even mix and match airlines using fewer points.  

Using Webjet, a traveller can clearly see what the best fare is and can select any available seat.  This is a huge win for consumers and we're delighted to be part of it."

Corrina Davison, American Express Vice President of Brand, Loyalty and Rewards says, "This partnership is a world first for American Express.  We're thrilled to be working with Webjet to create some healthy competition in the market and to make it easier and more affordable for people to fly.  Our research tells us that customers want to be able to use their points to travel where they want, when they want, without restriction.  Now they can use their points to see the world with more than 30 airlines via Webjet."

Analysis by Hitwise reveals that between 12 September 2009 and 16 January 2010, Webjet recorded the highest number of visits based on Australian usage when compared to other popular Australian travel websites.
  

Facebook Important Relationship Tool for Byron Bay Resort

The Byron at Byron Resort and Spa is one of Australia's first resorts to launch its own Facebook page and the results have been instant.

Now also linked to its Twitter account, The Byron at Byron Facebook page gives consumers and media instant updates on resort news as well as first access to events and specials.

"Facebook allows us to communicate with our guests and potential guests on their terms" says Holly Galbraith, Director of Marketing for The Byron at Byron Resort and Spa. "It's quite personal as guests share comments or stories from their stay here. The online community really helps us to keep on top of our guests' experiences and needs.

"I think many businesses are scared to enter these 'uncontrollable' marketing spaces, but if your product is transparent and you want the truth from your customers there is so much to be gained. The Byron at Byron's philosophy is very much about personal care and attention to detail so receiving feedback is vital. Guests may not call reception or walk up to the front desk to provide a compliment or make a suggestion, but they will do it online."

There are over seven million Facebook users in Australia, with 25 – 34 year olds accounting for the largest segment. The 35 years + segment is the fastest growing, accounting for 30.4% of Australia's Facebook population. With its links to blogs and online accommodation reviews, more and more consumers are using Facebook to research their travel options.

"Whether it's their honeymoon, babymoon or time out for health reasons our guests' stays are meaningful. Many of our guests become very connected to this resort and online tools such as Facebook helps us to further our relationships with them. We were one of the first resorts to have a direct feed from trip advisor to our own website and that was launched eighteen months ago".

To keep up to date with events, news and specials become a fan of The Byron at Byron Resort and Spa on Facebook or follow on Twitter http://twitter.com/hollygalbraith

VIRGIN BLUE TO LAUNCH FLIGHTS TO CHRISTMAS AND COCOS (KEELING) ISLANDS

Virgin Blue will celebrate 'Christmas in April' this year as the airline confirms its intention to commence non-stop services between Perth and Christmas and Cocos (Keeling Islands) with fares from as little as $464* one-way on the net.

The three weekly flights to Christmas Island are set for take-off on Thursday 1 April 2010 (no joke!) with services between Perth and Cocos Island commencing shortly after on Saturday 3 April.  Flights between Cocos Island and Christmas Island will also commence on 3 April.

Virgin Blue has committed one of its executive-style Embraer E-190 jets onto the new routes, an aircraft which has the capacity to carry 104 Guests on each sector, upload more freight and reduce the overall flying time to and from the mainland.

Virgin Blue Airlines Group Chief Executive, Brett Godfrey, said Virgin Blue was pleased to have been awarded the contract to provide services to Christmas and the Cocos Island, boosting its domestic network to 30 Australian destinations.

"The secret is finally out! Being literally only a few hours from Perth, Christmas and Cocos Islands are hands down two of the best, unspoilt and truly unique island holiday destinations our region has to offer.  As with other markets we've entered we're confident our new services will further stimulate tourism to these most remarkable jewels in the Indian Ocean and also help to strengthen relations with the mainland."

"It's also great news for the people of Perth, who now have the option to fly domestically or internationally non-stop to 13 unique destinations on the Virgin Blue Airlines Group network," he added.

The World Heritage Listed Christmas Island, which is renowned for its red crab migration in October and November, is the Galapagos of the Indian Ocean, boosting an incredible 35 endemic species and acting as a breeding station for over 80,000 tropical sea birds.  Surrounded by a narrow tropical reef which plunges into a bottomless abyss, Christmas Island is an oasis for marine life, teeming with hundreds of species of coral and tropical fish, dolphins and majestic whale sharks.

The Cocos Islands is made up of two flat, low laying atolls and 27 coral islands surrounded by azure blue waters.  Offering a secluded, tranquil and uncomplicated holiday experience, Cocos Island is a true nature and water lover's paradise.  Be it snorkelling, diving, island hopping, reef walking or fishing, bike riding, beach combing, bird watching, or golf, the Cocos Islands has something for everyone.

While the new flights are within the Australian domestic network, all services to and from Australia will arrive into and depart from Perth International Airport.

* All fares are one way for flights booked on the internet or $15 more when booked by phone. Fares are subject to availability and may not be available on all flights or peak times. For Virgin Blue bookings log on to www.virginblue.com.au or phone our award winning Guest Contact Centre on 13 6789 or contact a travel agent.  Checked baggage charges apply to all Blue Saver and GO! Fares. Pre-pay $10 online for up to 23kgs of checked baggage per person one way flight, or pay $20 at the airport for the same allowance.

Air New Zealand Raises Ire with New Cougar Campaign

Air New Zealand, Rex named Airlines of the Year

Air Transport World has named Air New Zealand as its Airline of the Year for 2010.

The aviation magazine said the airline was being honored “for its superb commitment to safety and operational excellence, typified by the use of Performance Based Navigation cockpit technology at weather and terrain challenged destinations, and for its superb and groundbreaking customer service that combines high-tech, passenger-friendly IT systems with high-touch and caring staff”.

The editors further cited, “Air New Zealand's sterling financial performance and fiscal management during one of the most turbulent periods in aviation history”.

They also were strongly impressed with the airline's leadership role in addressing environmental challenges facing the industry, including conducting the world's first sustainable biofuel flight.

“As most of our international visitors travel to New Zealand by air, it is a huge advantage for a country like New Zealand to be served by an airline that is recognised as offering a top quality service,” said Tourism New Zealand acting chief executive, Tim Hunter

In another coup for Australia, Regional Express was named Regional Airline of the Year.

“Rex, as it is known locally, is recognised for its superior safety record and operational excellence, demonstrated by outstanding punctuality and flight completion,” said ATW.

The editors also applauded the "Rex Virtuous Cycle" model in which Rex competes against itself by adding capacity as load factors rise, causing fares to fall.

“As a result, enplanements have doubled over the past five years, while airfares have dropped 30 percent, excluding fuel levies; and it earns consistently high marks in consumer polls.”

"Rex's strategy rewards shareholders, too: It has been profitable for the last six years," said ATW.

Leisure more than just lazing around - UQ Report

Leisure is becoming a forgotten word and academics from The University of Queensland want to put it back into people's lives.

UQ School of Tourism Associate Professor Ian Patterson (pictured) wants people to put leisure alongside family, work and sleep as important parts of their lives.

Associate Professor Patterson will make the point when he speaks at the 9th ANZALS Biennial Conference at the Hilton Hotel from February 2-4, 2010.

He said many universities around the world were reducing the content of leisure studies in favour of event, sport and hotel management.

But this sent out the wrong message, he said.

"A lot of people don't know how to effectively use their leisure time,'' Associate Professor Patterson said.

"We want people to be aware of the importance of leisure, look at the health benefits and integrate leisure into their lifestyles.

"People get caught up in work commitments and they don't take the time for leisure.

"When executives doing 80 to 100 hours a week are dropping dead in their 30s and 40s, it is an indication they need a better balance between work and leisure."

Leisure was important to help people recuperate from busy work lives, reducing stress and allowing them to rejuvenate, Associate Professor Patterson said.

"It is more than just relaxing at home, watching the TV. People should participate in more activities and experiences.

"Leisure experiences provide people with feelings of satisfaction and enjoyment that they cannot achieve through work.''

Leisure was also important for retirees and people with a disability who did not work, Associate Professor Patterson said.

"It is more than just filling up time. It can replace work. They can become volunteers or join amateur groups such as theatre companies, play a sport such as tennis or take on a hobby such as woodwork.''

Visit www.staff.vu.edu.au/anzalsconference