executive summary - south dakota visitor · pdf fileprepared for the real america states of...

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Prepared for the Real America States of Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, & Wyoming RMI-US [email protected] 2232 Dell Range Blvd Stephen Nelson, Ste 112 Cheyenne, WY, USA 82009 Tel: (307) 637-4977 Ext 205 | Fax: (307) 634-8334 www.RMI-RealAmerica.com | www.RockyMtnIntl.com RMI-Australia Caroline Davidson — [email protected] Suite 13/28 Roseberry St, Balgowlah, NSW Australia 2093 t: +61 2 9907 0020 | m: +61 (0) 418 290 163 www.RealAmerica.com.au | www.RealAmerica.co.nz Executive Summary Australia/New Zealand Mission October 10-20, 2015 Newcastle, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, & Auckland

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Page 1: Executive Summary - South Dakota Visitor · PDF filePrepared for the Real America States of Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, & Wyoming RMI-US ... Tony Laskey Tour Operator New

Prepared for the Real America States of Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, & [email protected] Dell Range Blvd Stephen Nelson, Ste 112Cheyenne, WY, USA 82009Tel: (307) 637-4977 Ext 205 | Fax: (307) 634-8334www.RMI-RealAmerica.com | www.RockyMtnIntl.com

RMI-AustraliaCaroline Davidson — [email protected]

Suite 13/28 Roseberry St,Balgowlah, NSW Australia 2093

t: +61 2 9907 0020 | m: +61 (0) 418 290 163www.RealAmerica.com.au | www.RealAmerica.co.nz

Executive SummaryAustralia/New Zealand

Mission October 10-20, 2015

Newcastle, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, & Auckland

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Australian/ New Zealand Mission 2015 2

Participants:Kim Birrell, Montana Office of TourismFred Walker, North Dakota TourismMaureen Droz, South Dakota Office of TourismJames Scoon, Wyoming Office of TourismStephen Nelson, RMI-USCaroline Davidson, RMI-Australia

2015 Australian/ New Zealand Mission Summary:The 2015-16 travel season was off to a busy start this season. The Real America traveled down under for a full-blitz sales mission in Australia and New Zealand from October 9-20.

Over the course of 12 days, the four-state region journeyed between Newcastle, Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane before heading across the Tasman Sea for a brief stop in Auckland.

The fast-paced itinerary included 20 appointments at tour operators’ offices, where the states distributed hundreds of brochures, trained more than 120 product managers and front line sales/reservation staff and recorded webinars for future training to hundreds more

The Real America four-state consortium also hosted evening functions in Sydney, Melbourne & Auckland, with 85 tour operators, media and US delegates attending the three events.

A number of considerable developments resulted directly from this year’s AU/NZ mission and the efforts of RMI and the four-state consortium. A highlight would be Gosford-based Relaxaway Holidays, who are in the process of finalizing a brand new 20-page catalogue insert directly resulting from 2015 Roundup in Sioux Falls.

The consensus from the mission is our region is vastly gaining traction in this market. The interest and consumer inquiries have grown

incrementally and the operators are looking for ways to bundle experiential packages – a common theme in all markets. As to be expected, the region's National Parks are the primary drivers of demand. The Real America's strengths certainly have a competitive advantage in this regard - in addition to our National Parks, the history, culture, wildlife, scenery and wide variety of outdoor activities make this region an ideal world-class destination that is worth the repeat visit.

Australia and New Zealand are growth markets for the Real America, substantiated by the sizeable increase in arrivals over recent years.; in 2014, 1,276,124 Aussies and 260,601 Kiwis visited the United States – a 6% and 25% increase over 2013, respectively. Total travel & tourism exports to the U.S. from Australia alone totaled $6.139 billion alone ($5.323 billion excluding airfare).

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Australian/ New Zealand Mission 2015 3

Moreover, Australians and New Zealanders utilize their time in the US, spending an average of 14-21 days and visiting 2.1 states per US holiday. Compounded with the fact that Aussies and Kiwis spend an average of nearly $300 per day makes this market a strong target for future growth and sales potential.

The expense of traveling to this market is relatively high, and the sales network is vast. Training webinars, joint marketing, multichannel campaigns and a heavy focus on media inspiration through fam tours and co-ops are recommended strategies for continued growth in this market. *Source: US Department of Commerce Office of Travel & Tourism Industries (2014)

Respectfully submitted,

Stephen Nelson, Global Marketing Manager

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Australian/ New Zealand Mission 2015 4

Company Contact Type Country

Adventure Destinations Karryn Papenfus Tour Operator Australia

Adventure World/Creative Hol-idays/Travel Corporation

Kristy Prince, Michael O'Leary, Sarah Pollard

Tour Operator Australia

Collette Tours Alison Mead Tour Operator Australia

Contiki Holidays/Adventure World/Travel Corporation

Tony Laskey Tour Operator New Zealand

Defence Escapes Travel Shane Nelson Tour Operator Australia

Driveaway Holidays Chris Hamill, Caroline Raffoul Tour Operator Australia

Evergreen Tours Justin Ewin Tour Operator Australia

First Travel Group / Lifestyle Holidays

Suia Perry, Ruby Tai Tin Tour Operator New Zealand

Flight Centre Limited/Infinity Holidays

Corina Bonello Travel Agency Australia

Flight Centre Limited/Infinity Holidays

Louise Sutton Tour Operator New Zealand

Flight Centre Limited/Infinity Holidays

Kate Rosenthal Tour Operator Australia

Flight Centre/Infinity Holidays Caitlin Mitchell Tour Operator Australia

Helloworld/Go Holidays/JTG Millie Toal Tour Operator New Zealand

HOOT/ Holliday Specialists Samantha Seager, Tammy Gravenmaker Tour Operator Australia

House of Travel Bridget Fogarty Tour Operator New Zealand

Intrepid Travel Claire Baxter Tour Operator Australia

Pinpoint Travel Group Susan Bordin, Lauren Grech Tour Operator Australia

Qantas Holidays/Viva Holidays Michelle Radnidge, Mary Stewart Tour Operator Australia

Relaxaway Holidays Lisa Robinson, Craig Robinson Tour Operator Australia

Scenic Tours Heidi Bullough, Nicole Henry, Liz Glover

Tour Operator Australia

2015 Australian/ New Zealand Mission Leads

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Australian/ New Zealand Mission 2015 5

2015 Australian/ New Zealand Mission Notes

89a Orange St.Bentleigh EastAustralia

011 61 03 9570 4466Phone

011 61 03 9570 6600Fax

AU/NZMission15: Gave full 1-hour presentation to Karryn + 2staff/left promo/info materials. Will follow-up as needed. Caroline,please invite to RU/MF. Discussed growing popularity of Nat'lParks, especially in our region. Expect sales growth in comingyears.AUS08/15: Solved communication problem- received update andbooked training with AD for sales mission. Karryn Papenfus hasprovided a new co-op proposal to continue to develop the RealAmerica product in 2016- submitted for considerationAUS15: Met w/ Karryn. Advertising campaign featuring RMI statesin 2014. Good inquiries but not many bookings. May be improvingas bookings increased over last 2-3 weeks. Offers both f/d andcoach tours to our region....self drives are primary interest.AUS01/15: Adventure Destinations will provide updated co-opprop for marketing product as for last year.AUS09/14: • RMI project is progressing well – the brochurehas been finalised and approved (copy attached) and thefollowing supporting advertisements all approved (attached):Sydney Morning Herald NSW Sunday Escape 90mm x 126mm (2insertions full colour); Sunday Herald Sun Victoria Escape 5cm x2 column (2 insertions full colour); Sunday Mail Brisbane Escape5cm x 2 column (1 insertion mono – due to cost); The AgeTraveller Saturday 5cm x 2 column (2 insertions full colour)AU/NZMission13: Met with Karryn. Travel specialists in Canada,Alaska, USA, Africa, Borneo, Malaysia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos,Myanmar, Egypt, Turkey & South America. Trained six peoplewith a 10-minute video and presentation. Caroline, please followup with a list of group receptives to fill brochures as well assample itineraries. Interested in any tours that they can buy into.Clients are concerned about driving in the US.PW13: Met with Karryn Papenfus. Tour operator who works withATI as receptive. Is interested in staff trainings when we're inAustralia for Sales Mission. Their office is located 40 minutes outof Melbourne City so would require a bit of travel to get there.Could tie in with APT, who is another operator outside of town(Mathias will confirm who APT is). Is looking at expanding catalogand going with a new look with more US product to be added.Would tie in with strong Canadian product. Does not currentlyoffer RMI region in their current catalog. Referred to RMHToursand A4Y for group that is coming to our region. Works with Virgin,United and Delta airlines primarily. Clients do not want to do selfdrive, and prefer group or escorted tours. Discussed Amtrak

Tour Operator

[email protected]@adventuredestinations.com.au

E-mail

VIC 3165Postal Code

Ms. Karryn Papenfus, Managing DirectorAdventure Destinations

www.adventuredestinations.com.auWebsite

Adventure Destinations is a tour wholesaler specialising in“Affordable and Flexible Holidays” for independent and grouptravellers. Tours offered range from stopover packages to extensivepre-booked and tailor-made itineraries.Product includes self drive itineraries, cruising, wildlife viewing, car

Company Profile

Travel House, 35 Grafton St.Bondi JunctionAustralia

011 612 8913 0611011 612 8081 0120+612 9028 5655

Phone

011 612 9956 7707011 612 9925 0949

Fax

AU/NZMission15: Met Kristy Prince from AdventureWorld/Michael O'Leary & Sarah Pollard from Creative Holidays.Maria Ferro was on a call during our visit. Presented video andgave 30 minute presentation. High ranch inquiries; looking for mixof working/dude/luxury. Primarily focused on traditional USdestinations (NYC, Vegas, LA, etc.), looking to develop moreinterior US product due to demand. Will be developingAlaska/Canada and US brochure w/ BUSA in 16-17. Looking forreceptives, Gary/Marita please follow-up. Hoping to be featuredTO for BUSA NPS multi-channel campaign. Leftmaterials/information and will follow-up as needed.AUS06/15: Neil Rodgers promoted to GM of Adventure World.Meeting with him confirmed to assist development of product, postmeeting with Jacqui Browne at Travel Corp.AUS05/15:Offer to train the Adventure World new team membersprior to the October Sales Mission- tbc. Sharmila ( mktg Mgr ) willprovide co-op proposal for April Summit including NGT). Heidi hasdeclined to attend RU but keen for 2016. Probable attendance atmegafams.AUS15: Met w/ Heidi Bullough who also attended our reception.Offers 3 product focuses-culture & heritage, active adventures(more extreme is ok) and wildlife & wilderness. Currently do notoffer motorcycle trips. Is highly interested in having us preparetraining modules for their agents. Gave RMI USB. States pleasesend upcoming event dates/info.AUS01/15: Offer to train the Adventure World new team membersprior to the October Sales Mission- tbc. Sharmila ( mktg Mgr ) willprovide co-op proposal for April Summit including NGT). Heidi hasdeclined to attend RU but keen for 2016.AUS12/14: Offer to train the Adventure World new team membersprior to the October Sales Mission- tbc.AUS11/14: Sent information to Heidi Bullough Adventure World reRU 15. Spoke with Heidi and offered international flights for rep toattend as this is only way they will consider. Also offered newtraining opp for their new staff and flagged our sales mission forfurther training opp in Oct.AUS10/14: Sent information to Heidi Bullough on WY Ranches.AUS07/14: Heidi Bullough has returned from maternity leave atAdventure World, Sydney, resuming her role as North AmericanProduct Mgr (which was managed in her absence by Helen Fish)[email protected] .The North AmericaProduct Co-ordinator team, Kristy and Lisa, remain on their team

Tour Operator

[email protected]@[email protected]

E-mail

NSW 2022Postal Code

Ms. Kristy PrinceAdventure World/Creative Holidays/Travel Corporation

www.adventureworld.com.auwww.creativehokidays.com.auWebsite

Adventure World annually books over 43,000 tailored trips visitingover 91 different countries. Adventure World has a 100% preferredpartnership agreement with all of Australia's leading retail travelchains.

Company Profile

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Australian/ New Zealand Mission 2015 6

Level 3, 263 Clarence StreetSydneyAustralia

1300 792 1950421 744 103

Phone

Fax

AU/NZMission15: Met w/ Allison Mead + 2 res staff. Gave 1 hourpresentation and showed video. Left materials/information forfuture reference. Caroline, please invite to RU/MF.AUS15: Met w/ Allison Mead. Wants to develop more tours forAussie market. Have a couple itineraries in catalogue: 8 days-Jackson, YNP, Sheridan, Black HIlls; 14 days: AZ, UT, YNP, WY,BH, Denver. Presented itinerary idea further into MT incl. Glacierw/ YNP. Use 4-4.5 star but not required. Talked about where toovernight between YNP/GNP. Suggested Bozeman or Helena.Discussed VA/NV Cities. Caroline, please invite to RU16. GaveRMI USB.

Tour Operator

[email protected]

NSW 2000Postal Code

Alison Mead, AU Business ManagerCollette Tours

www.gocollette.comWebsite

Collette is a large, multi-market tour operator in operation since 1918.Feature comprehensive catalogue offering land tours, river cruises,rail journeys, small group tours, garden holidays and more.

Company Profile

131 New North Road, Eden TerracePO Box 68640AucklandNew Zealand

64 (9) 300-1601+64 9 300 1536

Phone

64 (9) 379-2372Fax

AU/NZMission15: Met w/ Tony Laskey. Contiki offers coachtours; sourced through New Jersey (details?). Offers 26-dayUS/Canada tour starting in Boston/moving west. Stops in ourregion: Sioux Falls; Badlands NP;Mount Rushmore/CSP/RC (2nights); Cody/YNP (2 nights); Jackson Hole. Gave two 30 min.presentations + video to sales staff (1 w/ Contiki: 11 total; 1 w/Adventure World: 4 total).AUS13: Attended Discover America Seminar

Tour Operator

[email protected]

DX XC10202Postal Code

Tony Laskey, General ManagerContiki Holidays/Adventure World/Travel Corporation

www.contiki.comWebsite

Company Profile

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Australian/ New Zealand Mission 2015 7

PO Box 2122NoosavilleAustralia

1300 789 824Phone

Fax

AU/NZMission15: Met w/ Shane at hotel in Brisbane. Shane wasin AU Air Force for 15 years. Developed company selling to publicservants (300k+) and military (100k+) in Australia. In operationsince '07. Database of approx. 6,000. Have unwritten agreementwith AU military to distribute catalogue on bases. Primarilycontracts directly, but would like to look into A4Y and RMHTours.Marita/Gary, please follow-up. States/Caroline, please send logos.Gave presentation/discussed lodging in Nat'l Parks (YNP, CedarPass, Glacier, Tetons). Also sells a lot of motorcycle tours (ER).Has agreement w/ Eaglerider and Hawaiian (air). Looking todevelop context behind product - states, please send follow-up renuts and bolts on historical figures & authentic Native Americanexperiences.MF15: Shane Nelson was to attend ND/SD and MT Mega Fambut canceled because of family illness.AUS08/15: Booked to attend ND/SD, Denver and MT megafams.Shane now also has family problem. Has cancelled attendingND/SD but will try to attend the other two- to advise on Tuesday 8Sept further update.AUS07/15: Attending MT, Denver and ND/ SD megafams.Carolyn Nelson ( formerly attending MT fam) now cancelled-Shane now attending in her place.

Tour Operator

[email protected]

QLD 4566Postal Code

Shane Nelson Owner/Product Manager, Carolyn NelsonDefence Escapes Travel

www.defenceescapes.comWebsite

Small tour operator specializing in sales to Australian armed forces.Company Profile

Level 1, 157 Walker StreetPO box 1321North SydneyAustralia

61 (0) 2 9900 9307Phone

61 (0)2 9922 7944Fax

AU/NZMission15: Met with Caroline Raffoul, OperationsManager. Jane Shute recently left company. Working with ChrisHamill (GM) for FY16 digital ad co-op. Gave full 1-hourpresentation to 25 sales/res staff. Caroline, please invite to RUand MF.AUS08/15: Sent Jane a selection of sample single and multi-stateitineraries with Native American focus for a new Top Drivefocusing on the Native American sites with a Cowboy spin for ourregion. Supplied image and logo. Product is wip and she will sendthrough link when done. site www.driveaway.com.au/topdrives / www.driveaway.co.nz/topdrivesAdvised Jane we are proceeding with full back page of guideadvertising. Requirements are:As it is a digital guide, I simply require an A4 sized advert in HiRes JPG format as soon as it can be supplied.AUS07/15: Spoke with Jane about assistance with puttingtogether a Top Drive focusing on the Native American sites with a(Cowboy spin if possible) drive for our site www.driveaway.com.au/topdrives / www.driveaway.co.nz/topdrivesAUS06/15: Some exciting news is that Driveaway’s USA Self-drive digital overhaul is complete. Please check out the guides outthat now after our work with them, include the Real America asone separate region- here: AU https://www.driveaway.com.au/guides/au/usa-guide-au.pdf andNZ https://www.driveaway.co.nz/guides/nz/usa-guide-nz.pdf•Working with Jane Shute – Driveaway to arrange training onsales mission- now confirmed. Unable to attend megafam.AUS05/15: Working with Jane Shute – Driveaway to arrangetraining on sales mission and person attend megafamAUS15: Gave Caroline's contact info interested in scenic drives &itineraries. Caroline: Trainings for staff in Oct-15-20 ppl. Going tothe Sun Road featured in their brochure-"top drives." Top Drivesalso featured on their website-looking for info/images. Carolineplease follow-up. Looking for info/images on events, attractionsand scenic drives. Looking to develop "Real America" regionfeaturing all 4 states.

Tour Operator

[email protected]@driveaway.com.au

E-mail

NSW 2060Postal Code

Chris Hamill, Managing DirectorDriveaway Holidays

www.driveaway.com.auWebsite

DriveAway Holidays specializes in fly/drive & motorhome tours inover 130 countries.

Company Profile

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Australian/ New Zealand Mission 2015 8

Level 14, 56 Pitt StreetSydneyAustralia

011 61 2 8274 1313Phone

011 61 2 8274 1333Fax

AU/NZMission15: Met with Justin and Heidi (Scenic). Gave 30min. presentation and discussed business. Exchange rate notbeneficial (US sales down approx. 50%). Evergreen selling a lot ofCalgary > Glacier/MT>YNP. Stays at 320 and Grouse MountainLodge. Scenic sells a lot of SD into WY. Looking to revampcatalogue beginning of next year. Looking for high-efficiencygroup accommodations, restaurants, activities, etc. Also met withNicole and Liz (marketing) in regard to possible co-op w/ Scenic.Looking into possible FY17 promotion; would need to allocatefunds immediately after Summit; promo would run from June-July.Caroline to follow-up re current product offering; adding ND.States, please follow-up with group info.PW15: Met w/ Justin. Just opened US program 2 yrs ago; 150-350 pax to our region (group departures; max 50; seniors). 1sttour into our region has 9.4/10 rating. '16 difficult to get rooms/lessallotments. Share reservation system with Scenic. Has agenttraining agreement w/ Flight Centre/Helloworld. Does a ton ofadvertising/promotional giveaways.AUS15: Met w/ Justin & Yumi; business to US +40%; offering new21-day ultimate western USA tour. Scored 9.3/10 w/ clients.Caroline-looking for marketing proposals to promote our region.AU/NZMission13: Met with Yumi and Justin. Angus briefly camein to say hello. Evergreen is the slightly less high-end division ofScenic Tours - they are tour operators who operate coach toursand contract directly - do not use receptives and currently areadding WY/SD and Denver itineraries for 2014 - very successful inCanada and open to developing into the region in the future andcross-border tours.This year was the first time offering USA. Is looking to expandmore in-depth. Is using ATI, but not seeing good numbers and sobooks everything direct. All product is escorted touring with clients50+. Both itineraries for our region are 21 days. Scenic Tours isthe parent company of Evergreen with Evergreen being thesmaller of the two. Passengers have very high expectations atboth companies. Markets their product extensively using both printand TV. Preliminary bookings for USA look good with 200+ tripsbooked for 2014. Scenic probably has double that. We wentthrough a presentation focusing on senior group opportunities inthe region. Maureen, please follow up with Bear Country USAinformation and Badlands. Fred, follow up with TRNP and Medorainformation as well as contacts for Bismarck and Abraham LincolnState Park. Marlee, please follow up with Glacier National Park as

Tour Operator

[email protected]@[email protected]

E-mail

NSW 2000Postal Code

Mr. Justin Ewin, Product ManagerEvergreen Tours

www.evergreentours.com.auWebsite

Evergreen Tours is a premium tour operator successfully runningtours for over 32 years. Purchased by Scenic Tours in 1998,Evergreen Tours is now one of the fastest growing premium escortedtour operators in Australia and offers a wide range of escorted coachtours and cruises worldwide. Accommodation is 4-5 star, coaches

Company Profile

Level 4,187 BroadwayNewmarket 1023, PO Box 2926AucklandNew Zealand

+64 9 524 0524Phone

+64 9 523 5642Fax

AU/NZMission15: Met with Suia and Ruby. Brief meeting;showed video + 40 min. presentation. Left brochures/information.Will follow-up as needed.AU/NZMission13: Met with Suia, Ruby and Sharon. Haven't solda lot of our region. Introduced the region with a video andpresentation. First Travel Group are brokers for at home workers.Lots of business travel. Caroline, please follow up.FIRST New Zealand's leading independent travel alliance.Formed in 1999, FIRST is made up of over 40 long established,independently owned, professional travel businesses that haveoffices throughout New Zealand.Locally owned and operated, the collective volume of FIRSTmembers is in excess of $500 million, enabling FIRST HeadOffice to negotiate fantastic tier one deals with all major suppliersboth in New Zealand, and around the world. FIRST is a keypartner of all major airlines, including Air New Zealand, Qantas &Singapore Airlines and also has deep relationships with a numberof global players, such as Expedia.

Tour Operator

[email protected]@[email protected]

E-mail

DX CX 10156Postal Code

Sharon Martin, MgrFirst Travel Group / Lifestyle Holidays

Website

Company Profile

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Australian/ New Zealand Mission 2015 9

Level 8, 234 Sussex StreetSydneyAustralia

011 61 431 659 633Phone

011 61 29236 5398Fax

AU/NZMission15: Recorded individual state webinars (~7.5min)+ regional overview for FC/affiliate staff trainings to be utilizedthroughout Australia.AUS08/15: We ( Flight Centre) are setting up a central library forthe whole of FCTG to assist in reducing the duplication ofrequests from the various brands which we know can be timeconsuming and frustrating. Ideally we are wanting to source asmany images as possible - we are looking for genericdestinational images that can be used across all the FCTG brandsand across multiple marketing mediums from online to in-storewindow banners as used in campaigns. In addition to images wewould also like to source videos and logos to house in this samecentral library.Our Product Merchandising Department will have the capacity toensure the logos are validated regularly and updated whennecessary plus maintain the image library so that the images arecorrect and current. We will require all images, videos and logosto be supplied in .jpeg format with a size of 200x200 pixels to thehead of our Product Merchandising DeptAUS01/15: Met with Sally McFayden. Content is king with FlightCentre, who recently launched their own individual platform oftravel publications. Robert Upe is visiting WY and MT in late Feb.to experience JHMR/Big Sky for the first issue of their Skimagazine.AUS12/14: Flight Centre fam for Robert Upe late Feb ( fam formtba- Flight Centre to cover intl flights).CD to attended Flight Centre market update briefing on Dec 11.Presentations received and will be sent through by email. FlightCentre presentation and update -17 December: See separateFlight Centre presentations from their December industry functionand update in Sydney- to be sent via Dropbox link. Trade news,source: http://www.travelweekly.com.au/news/flight-centre-drops-agents-commissions-downgrades : Flight Centre says it will be‘difficult’ for the company to achieve its initial target of $395 millionto $405 million for FY15 in the face of high costs, low margins anda lack of demand in the Australian leisure sector. According to thegroup, trading conditions in Australia remain “challenging”resulting in FLT sales people resorting to reduce commissions tolower ticket prices and stimulate demand. According to a FlightCentre spokesperson, the decision to lower commission is atstore-level and not a directive from head office. Bottom-line resultsin its Australian leisure business are “lower than initially expected”

Travel Agency

[email protected][email protected]

E-mail

NSW 2000Postal Code

Ms. Corina BonelloFlight Centre Limited/Infinity Holidays

www.flightcentre.com.auWebsite

Flight Centre Limited is one of the world's largest travel agencygroups, with more than 2300 leisure, corporate and wholesalebusinesses in 11 countries.

Company Profile

Level 1, 124 Vincent StreetAucklandNew Zealand

64 9 301 9201Phone

Fax

AU/NZMission15: Met w/ Louise Sutton. Discussed currentbusiness and presented video + training powerpoint. Year-roundcontracting based thru NJ (details?); Also contracts w/ATI/Eaglerider-discussed RMHT/A4Y; New air service from AKLto Houston opening new opportunities. NZ slightly behind AU interms of travel to US. Clients are more repeat travelers. Lookingat expanding into our region-primarily focused on learning how toeffectively package, incorporating activities/events, average lengthof stay, etc. to get things rolling.AUS15: Focus on their top 20 ( eg cities) for marketingcampaigns.Also partner with airlines for campaigns.Unlikely to attend RU but invite to mega fams.Focus via BUSA: cities/beaches/jouneys / motorhomes &Eaglerider itinsAU/NZMission13: Met with Louise and Julia who are the productteam. At this stage Louise is suggesting that it would be best forthe group to meet with she and her coordinator Julia Hindman, tointroduce each other and the region, discuss how we can worktogether, ask if some of our suppliers have direct contracts withNZ wholesalers or mainly receptives and what you we arecurrently selling in the NZ market.They were in the middle of their UK/Europe expos over that time,so they just can't couldn't get the reservations teams out to dotraining and as their business to the region is relatively small shethought it best to just touch base from a product perspective.

Just taken on Eaglerider to their product. USA product is mainlythe GW cities of SFO and LAX. Exchange rates and increasedtravel with clients are good an provide opportunities for our region.Works with Qantas, Hawaiian Air and Air New Zealand. PaulineCaninsky, who is based in New Jersey does the buying andcontracting. Is interested in Roundup. Caroline, please follow upwith Louise and Julia for Pauline's contact details. Please send aninvitation to Roundup.

Tour Operator

[email protected]@flightcentre.co.nz

E-mail

Postal Code

Louise Sutton, PM North America,Flight Centre Limited/Infinity Holidays

www.flightcentre.co.nzWebsite

Flight Centre is all about amazing travel at the cheapest availableprice. We have over 130 Flight Centre stores all around NewZealand, making us the largest total travel specialist in the country.Each store boasts Flight Centre travel consultants who areknowledgable, helpful and enthusiastic about travel, and who can

Company Profile

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Australian/ New Zealand Mission 2015 10

Level 5, 436 St. Kilda Rd.MelbourneAustralia

61413062092Phone

Fax

AU/NZMission15: Briefly met with Kate; will be receivingrecorded webinars from Sydney office. Gave brief presentationand left info materials. Primary contracting through Libery GoGoHolidays in NJ (Stephen to follow-up). Distributes to all FlightCentre retail centers-large portion of inexperienced sales staff inboth AU/NZ due to turnover. Infinity has less turnover/moreexperience; new hires must have prior travel industry experience.Sales consultant teams in Perth, Adelaide, Sydney, Melbourne &Brisbane. Difficult to schedule trainings w/ US destinations.Developing "Buzz Nights" - training event/evening function for soledestinations (6x / year). Also holds mini roadshows. Caroline,please follow-up re marketing opportunities.

Tour Operator

[email protected]

VIC 3004Postal Code

Kate Rosenthal, Learning & Development Manager VIC/TASFlight Centre Limited/Infinity Holidays

www.infinityholidays.com.auWebsite

Flight Centre Limited is one of the world's largest travel agencygroups, with more than 2300 leisure, corporate and wholesalebusinesses in 11 countries.

Company Profile

Level 12, 316 Adelaide StreetBrisbaneAustralia

Phone

Fax

AU/NZMission15: Held brief walkthrough with Flight Centre's 6 USres teams. Dropped off brochures and information for referencetools. Will follow-up as needed.

Tour Operator

[email protected]

Postal Code

Caitlin MitchellFlight Centre/Infinity Holidays

Website

Sales center for Flight Centre networkCompany Profile

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Australian/ New Zealand Mission 2015 11

Level 4, Gen-I Tower, 66 Wyndham St.PO Box 505Auckland 1146New Zealand

Direct -011 64 9914 4016011-64 9914 4000

Phone

011-64-9523 6821Fax

AU/NZMission15: Met with Millie Toal & showed video/gave 60minute presentation to 12 total sales staff. Left brochures andinformation further development and inquiries. Caroline pleasefollow-up as needed.AU/NZMission13: This company includes Qantas Holidays, VivaHolidays, GO Holidays (NZ), Harveys Choice Holidays, TheCruise Team, Rail Tickets, Travelscene Holidays,Travel2Australia, Jetset Holidays & Travelworld Holidays. Met withMillie and Sheralyn. Did a training for 20 pax. Played a 15 minutevideo and presentation. They don't sell a lot of our region. Workswith ATI and Bonotel. Was very interested in our region. Caroline,please follow up and send Roundup invitation.AUS12: NZ Met with Peta. We have nothing in their Canada/USAcatalog. Barbara, contact Peta about adding us to their catalog.Send sample itineraries, especially cross borders.

Tour Operator

[email protected]@[email protected]

E-mail

Postal Code

Millie Toal, Product Co-ordintor NAHelloworld/Go Holidays/JTG

www.gogogo.co.nzwww.goholidays.co.nzWebsite

Company Profile

Level 6, 59 Gouburn StreetPO Box 20006, World SquareSydneyAustralia

011 61 2 9080 1698Phone

011 61 2 9080 1699Fax

AU/NZMission15: Met with Samantha Seager and TammyGravenmaker. Gave 45-min. presentation and left information. Willfollow-up on request. Caroline, please invite PM to RU/MF.AUS15: Met with Stephanie Jones and Nina Henderson. Mostclients visit CA, NYC and Vegas. Most clients are 35+FIT/families. Works with ATI. Asked about where to fly into in MT,things to do between YNP/GNP. Discussed opening/closing datesof parks and best time to visit. Caroline please follow-up.AUS12/14: CD to meet with HOOT Nina Henderson AustralianUSA Destination Manager, requested meeting, date tbc Mtg withExcite Holidays’ Walter Nand to be scheduled. Wip.AUS11/14: CD to meet with HOOT Nina Henderson AustralianUSA Destination Manager, requested meeting, date tbc.AUS10/14: CD to meet with HOOT Nina Henderson AustralianUSA Destination Manager, date tbc.AUS08/14: CD to meet with Farid ( HOOT) / Nina HendersonAustralian USA Destination Manager, before his departure.AU/NZMission13: Met with Celeste and Cory. Farid stopped byas well to say hello. Trained five reservation people from House ofTravel, Travel with Kidz and Canada & Alaska Specialists.Canada & Alaska Travel Specialists sell and recommend self-drive tours of our region. Played the 5-minute video followed bythe five-state training. Caroline follow up to stay in touch.AUS12: (B2B) Met with Mr. Farid Hacene, General Manager, Ms.Nina Henderson, Destination Manager, and Ms. Celeste Arthur,Product co-ordinator. We worked with Celeste when she was atCreative Holidays. They are part of "House of Travel" based inNZ. They are a Travel Management company that works with 310home-based travel consultants. Kind of the Tupperware of travel.They launched into US market in October offering product inCalifornia, NY and Vegas. Follow up: Barbara send them trainingPP that they can add to their website.AU11: (B2B) Met with Farid, General Manager - Marketing &Business Development. SH is owned by House of Travel a majortour operator in NZ. They advertise each Sunday in 4 majornewspapers throughout AU. Melbourne (VIC) Herald Sun, NSW:Telegraph and Sun Herald, Brisbane (QLD) Courier Mail. Theyare not offering anything in US yet and were at the Expo to get afeel for what US has to offer their customers.

Tour Operator

[email protected]@[email protected]

E-mail

NSW 2000Postal Code

Ms. Samantha Seager, Product CoordinatorHOOT

www.hootholidays.com.auWebsite

House of Travel is a major New Zealand based travel businessemploying over 1,000 staff. It entered the Australian market in 2007by purchasing two self-sufficient travel companies - SpecialistHolidays and TravelManagers Australia. In 2012 Specialist Holidayswas rebranded as Holiday Specialists and more recently as Hoot.

Company Profile

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Australian/ New Zealand Mission 2015 12

8 Tangihua StreetPO Box 2837 DX CX 10167AucklandNew Zealand

+64 9 358 8271Phone

+64 9 358 8272Fax

AU/NZMission15: Met with Bridget Fogarty, assistant destinationmanager. Held two 30 minute presentations (20 Auckland staff +Christchurch staff who dialed in). Showed video and gavepresentation/left brochures & info for both sales teams.AUS07/14: Gabrielle Brown [email protected] is the new NorthAmerica Destination Product Manager for House of Travel NZ(replacing Lisa Paulsen who is on maternity leave).AU/NZMission13: Met with Bridget and Lisa for staff trainings.First training was for five reservation staff in the office with fivecalling in remotely from Christchurch. Second training was forthree reservation staff in the office with five calling in remotelyfrom Christchurch. A total of 18 people were trained. Met withAmerica 4 You at IPW.

Tour Operator

[email protected], [email protected]@hot.co.nz

E-mail

1140Postal Code

Bridget Fogarty, Asst. Destination MgrHouse of Travel

www.houseoftravel.co.nzWebsite

Company Profile

Level 4, 380 Londsdale St.MelbourneAustralia

03 8601 4301Phone

Fax

AU/NZMission15: Met with Claire Baxter (attended '15 ND/SDMF). Recorded individual state + regional webinars for distributionto sales/res staff for training. Will be presented to approx. 100staff + online posting for future trainings via VUSA.MF15: Claire Baxter attended the ND/SD Mega Fam

Tour Operator

[email protected]

VIC 3000Postal Code

Claire BaxterIntrepid Travel

www.intrepidtravel.comWebsite

Company Profile

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Australian/ New Zealand Mission 2015 13

Pinpoint House, Level 3, 34 James Craig RoadRozelleAustralia

011 612 9556 8478Phone

011 612 9555 1703Fax

AU/NZMission15: Met with Susan Bordin and Lauren Grech.Recently acquired by Mastercard; now focus primarily on high-endreward travel for the Chinese and Japanese markets. Operationsstill based in Sydney, but outsourcing to Asian markets. Still in theintegration process, so aren't actively pursuing product at thistime; hoping to add add'l product by mid-Q2 in 2016. Has lookedat our 4-state itineraries and is working on sourcing hotels. Workswith ATI, Bonotel and Hotelbeds. States, please follow-up asneeded.AUS07/15: Advised: we have just being acquired by Mastercard,due to the time it is taking to integrate onto a new platform wehave decided not to add any new destinations for 2016 – couldnot attend Megafam but will meet during sales mission.AUS02/15: • Caroline Davidson to possibly accompany salescalls by Pinpoint (rep Leigh to clarify)AUS15: Met w/ Susan. Owned by Mastercard (purchased in June,took over in Oct). Markets to 3,000 travel agents. Opportunities toexpand product. Offer loyalty program for MC/Visa (redeem pointsfor travel). Attended Mega Fam in 14, still looking to add product.F/d itineraries-needs content to bundle. Lauren contacted Stephenin regard to online training modules-substantial return.AUS12/14: CD to possibly accompany sales calls by Pinpoint (repLeigh to clarify).AUS11/14: CD to possibly accompany sales calls by Pinpoint (repLeigh to clarify).AUS10/14: CD to possibly accompany sales calls by Pinpoint (repLeigh to clarify).AU/NZMission13: Met with Andrew and Geogina. Andrewadvised our region is not in their brochure currently- and theirfocus is southern US states next year due to Qantas flightsavailability and push into that region.Only had 30 minutesscheduled for a meeting. Gave an introduction to the RealAmerica Guide and website, followed by a five minute video andvery quick presentation.AUS13: Susan said things are really hopping for US travel.They are doing far more FIT than pre-packaged trips. They areworking with EagleRider (motorcycles) and Appollo (RVs...equipment in Denver). RV's are quickly becoming their mostpopular product for families. They work with ATI, Bonfitel asreceptives. We gave them RMHT and A4You info. Caroline,contact them in a few months. They want to link to our website,but want to add more product to our region before they do.

Tour Operator

[email protected]@[email protected]

E-mail

NSW 2039Postal Code

Ms. Susan BordinPinpoint Travel Group

www.pinpointtravelgroup.com.auWebsite

Offers industry website exclusively for travel agents. Agents candownload flyers w/ agency logo and contact details.

Company Profile

Ground Floor, 2-6 Railway PdeCamberwellAustralia

61 (3) 9835 6511Phone

61 (3) 9835 6599Fax

AU/NZMission15: Met with Michelle and Mary. Contractingprimarily through ATI. Michelle ~1 year into job. Looking forrecorded webinars. No longer owned by airline but use Qantasbranding; Viva Holidays division sources with Delta, Air NZ,United, etc. 3,500 agencies/approx. 7,000 consultants. Helloworldwholesaler, but also sells to Flight Centre if lacking availability.Contracting through NZ. Used to have ski product but restricted tosouth NZ; possibly looking at re-developing. New US brochure tobe released by Xmas. Looking to develop Nat'l Parks section.Gave 1-hour training presentation + video/left training materials &info. Caroline, please invite to RU/MF.AUS15: Met w/ Michelle. Books thru ATI & Bonotel. Wholesalersfor Helloworld retail. Increased f/d bookings to our region. GNPfeatured in brochure. Product offered on website.AU09: Met with Cecile Diebold, Brand Manager. She is a newemployee of Qantas Holiday Tours. They are currently offeringYellowstone in their catalog. Average tour or length of stay forFITs is 21 days. She would like to develop new cross borderitineraries and also tours of our region. Follow up: send crossborder suggestions as well as sample itineraries. Also send fullpackets of info.

Tour Operator

[email protected]@[email protected]

E-mail

VIC 3124Postal Code

Michelle Radnidge, Product ManagerQantas Holidays

www.qantasholidays.com.auWebsite

Qantas Holidays is a subsidiary of Qantas airlines, offering packagedtours around the world. Wholesalers for Helloworld retail.

Company Profile

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Australian/ New Zealand Mission 2015 14

P.O. Box 994Terrigal (via Sydney)Australia

61-2-4305-2299Phone

61-2-8030-2944Fax

AU/NZMission15: Held informal reception with Craig, Lisa + staffmember at hotel. Discussed launch of brand new 20 page RealAmerica catalogue (80% complete; based entirely off Craig'sattendance at RU15 in SF). Can be used as insert to UScatalogue (wip) and/or standalone piece. Looking for all unique-properties, sites/attractions, events/festivals, *Christmas events*,etc. Challenge is packaging experiential tours. URGENT:Relaxaway in progress of finalizing catalogues; statesreviewed/proofed catalogue during meeting. RMI has sentupdated Real America & state logos. States: please follow-upregarding the comments in your catalogues. Two agents joinedlater; presented video and gave presentation. Caroline, pleasestay in touch w/ Craig as brochure develops; invite to RU/MF.AUS08/15: Brochure including section for Real America will belaunched Oct 16.Sent introduction copy and requested opportunity to proof it priorto brochure going to print. Craig also working on inviting some oftheir agents for a light lunch / presentation in Melbourne duringthe mission and their Brisbane agents to after work drinks inBrisbane- wip. Craig to send through co-op proposal to promotetheir Real America mini brochure.AUS07/15: Brochure including section for Real America will belaunched Oct 16.AUS06/15: Working with Craig Robinson to arrange trainingduring sales mission- unable to attend megafamAUS05/15: Relaxaway provided a prop to accompany them totrain regional agents in QLD, NSW and VIC. Did not get budgetapproval. Have approached them to train during sales mission.Working with Craig Robinson to have person attend bothmegafams and arrange training during sales missionAUS04/15: Roundup fam completed and v successful. Both Craigfrom Relaxaway and Jacqui Browne indicate they will developproduct for our region.RU15: Craig Robinson attended RU15, Denver pre fam and SD I-90 post famAUS15: Small wholesaler, new to North American market.Specializes in niche, off-the-beaten path tripes. Mostly FIT, smallfamily groups. Is hopeful someone from her company will attendRU15.AUS01/15: Relaxaway will provide a prop to accompany them totrain regional agents in QLD, NSW and VIC.AUS12: (B2B) Met with Craig Robinson. He works with mostly

Tour Operator

[email protected]

NSW 2260Postal Code

Mrs. Lisa Robinson; Mr. Craig RobinsonRelaxaway Holidays

www.relaxaway.comWebsite

Relaxaway Holidays commenced wholesale operations nearly 20years ago, originally selling the South Pacific. North America is a newdestination for us and we have been working hard on our USAproduct line for release in 2012.We are a smaller but, experienced company with a good

Company Profile

Level 2 11 Brown StreetNewcastleAustralia

02 8274 131002 8274 1327

Phone

Fax

AU/NZMission15: Conducted two 45 minute training sessions (30total trained) for sales/res staff. Met with Heidi at Evergreen officein Sydney to discuss possible co-op/future plans.AUS08/15: Requested updated proposal for co-op. have beenadvised their North America promo is now ended and receivedoffer of a consumer promo which was essentially all aboutCanada- advised them this was not appropriate. Waiting on newproposal which will now be to co promote our region for theMay/June 2016 launch of 2017 tours, to be provided.AUS06/15: Heidi Bullough to join Scenic while Simone Bezzina onmaternity leave.AUS05/15: Simone Bezzina (Scenic) submitted a proposal for co-op marketing (for existing RMI based product – two separatetours) and with Travel Alberta for 2 country itin). Approached forinclusion of ND supplementary product- this to be developed if co-op goes ahead and sales result.Heidi Bullough advised she is taking over from Simone Bezzina atScenic Tours. The contact at Adventure World will be KristyPrince and also head of product Neil RodgersAUS04/15: Caroline spoke with Simone re adding ND product tonext year's programmeAUS15: Met w/ Simone; Introduced MT tour coming from AB in'15 but didn't sell well. SD tour had 1 departure in last 2 years.Used Adoba in RC, H/S to CH/MRush/Badlands. Best selling N/Stour is Edmonton to Grand Canyon/Vegas. Weakening XR hasaffected sales. Is not expecting to be at IPW, but will have staffattending.AUS09/14: • Simone Bezzina from Scenic Tours advisedsupporting promotional funds for their itineraries to the regionwould be best kept for 2016AU/NZMission13: Met at Scenic Tours headquarters inNewcastle for trainings. Played a 5-minute region video followedby 5-state presentation. We conducted three trainings withreservation staff that included 12 pax, 17 pax and 15 pax for atotal of 45 people. Only offers a tour through SD and WY,including Rapid City, Cody, YNP and Jackson before departing viaSLC. Is the #1 operator in Australia for Canada. Each state metwith Simone individually while trainings were going on. Carolineand Mathias met with Simone as well. She is open to individualtrainings throughout the year. Simone has been to the regionpreviously two years ago to scout the WY/SD tour. Asked aboutBrand USA coops. Is interested in working with us. Simone will

Tour Operator

[email protected]@[email protected]

E-mail

NSW 2300Postal Code

Ms. Heidi Bullough, Product Manager,Scenic Tours

www.scenictours.comWebsite

Company Profile

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Rocky Mountain InternationalStephen Nelson, Global Marketing Manager

Susie Pratt, Global Marketing ManagerMathias Jung, Executive Director2232 Dell Range Blvd, Ste. 112

Cheyenne, Wyoming, 82009, USAPh: (307) 637-4977 • Fax: (307) 634-8334

Email: [email protected]| [email protected] | [email protected]: www.rockymtnintl.com, www.rmi-realamerica.com