Ruth Hilton, Head of Sales Gold Medal Travel
What are the challenges/rewards when selling the South Pacifi c? The South Pacifi c is a daunting prospect – it takes 21 hours’ fl ying time to get there and
there are so many island choices. Also, it is not the cheapest of destinations. However, travellers are guaranteed the experience of a lifetime and will come as close as they can get to discovering the true meaning of paradise. All bookings with Gold Medal earn Farebank Rewards, which can be redeemed on the high street or against an agent’s own holiday.
Paris-Los Angeles-Papeete fl ights from one to three weekly from April 2014. The carrier has re-fi tted its A340-300 aircraft with brand-new seating and in-fl ight entertainment. REALtonga (
realtonga.to) has expanded
its fl eet and frequencies and is now The Friendly Islands’ only domestic carrier following the withdrawal of Chatham Pacifi c Airlines. The recently re-launched Air Samoa
(
samoair.ws) has introduced what is claimed to be world’s fi rst ticket scheme by which passengers pay according to their own weight as well as the weight of their luggage. Hotels: St. Regis Bora Bora
(
stregisborabora.com) has a fi ve nights, pay four package for honeymoon or anniversary couples. Priced from
about £900 (Code rate ‘CPL’) the package includes an upgrade from a deluxe to premier overwater villa, welcome champagne ceremony, complimentary daily breakfast, couple’s massage at Miri Miri Spa by Clarins, tropical fl ower turndown and fl ower bath. Sofi tel Moorea (sofi
tel.com) has introduced a new luxury villa option. The beachfront, two-bedroom Villa Ravello is sited away from the main resort to ensure privacy. Saletoga Sands (
saletogasands.com) is
due to open next month (October) on the southern coast of Upolu in Samoa. The ‘barefoot luxury’ retreat is aimed at the wedding and honeymoon market. Also scheduled to open on Upolu in
“Spend a little more and you will be rewarded with the best of the South
Pacific” AARON JENNINGS, AREA PRODUCT MANAGER, COX & KINGS
November is the 55-room, four-star Return to Paradise resort geared to holiday ‘indulgence and luxury’. Bora Bora Pearl Beach Resort & Spa (
spmhotels.com/resort/ bora-bora) has a new bungalow category featuring nine end- of-pontoon overwater bungalows overlooking Otemanu Mountain. Le Taha’a Island Resort & Spa
(
letahaa.com) has refurbished its Beach Villas, Royal Beach Villas, Bora Bora Overwater Suites and gardens.
www.sellinglonghaul.com
Clockwise, from left: one of Fiji’s many beautiful islands; jumping for joy in Papua New Guinea; and happy days in the Cook Islands
Who should agents target? The idyllic islands are a perfect choice for honeymooners or
those looking for a luxury holiday a little out of the ordinary. The South Pacifi c is a great addition to those travelling to Australasia, especially if they’re looking to add a beach break with a relaxed atmosphere and warm hospitality. Alternatively, fl ying via Los Angeles is becoming an increasingly popular choice.
What’s selling right now?
We feature Fiji, French Polynesia and the Cook Islands and, due to growing interest, there will be more of a focus in our upcoming brochure. The Cook Islands are a new favourite, particularly
Rarotonga resorts, like the family- friendly Pacifi c Resort Rarotonga.
Sample Package Seven nights at the four-star
Pacifi c Resort Rarotonga,
with breakfast, is from £1,899pp (save £190). This includes fl ights from Heathrow with Virgin
Atlantic and transfers and is valid for departures until November 30.
goldmedal.co.uk
September 2013 53
Meet the Operator
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