2 stop destinations
When it comes to organizing events that extend beyond what our national carrier offers, the concept of stopovers always raises concerns among Kiwi clients. It's a bugbear, seen as a waste of time, a hindrance, or sometimes feared as clients believe they will lose people mid-flight.
Air New Zealand has consolidated its routes in recent years, unfortunately eliminating those more obscure destinations. For Kiwi events and travelers, the "One Stop Issue" tends to come up more regularly now because of this.
Let’s take Vietnam as an example. This used to be a great direct destination with multiple airlines flying there, but now, sadly, it involves a stopover in Australia, Singapore, or Kuala Lumpur for Kiwis. The key here is to consider the people you are bringing and what you want them to feel, where they have been prior, and what unforgettable experiences an obscure destination might offer. Instead of opting for a nearby stopover destination like Sydney, imagine the thrill taking the time to stop and hiking the Himalayas in Nepal or climbing Machu Picchu.
Embracing the challenge of a unique adventure and the travel around it can leave a more lasting impact on your group. Remember: no one will remember the two hours in the airport – they will remember the destination.
Here are some reasons to choose destinations with stopovers:
Exploration Opportunity: It’s a chance to WOW your travelers. Travel to that DREAM location, see a wonder of the world, explore a new city, or country that they might not have considered visiting before. The further you go, the more inspiration and adventure your journey will guarantee, leading to a richer overall travel experience.
3. Reduce Arrival Travel Fatigue: Breaks in the journey can help reduce travel fatigue and jet lag. Participants can stretch their legs, relax in a different setting, and rejuvenate before continuing their journey to the main event destination.
2. Cultural Immersion: Stopovers can provide a glimpse into the local culture and lifestyle of the layover destination. Participants can indulge in local cuisine, like Singapore, which offers tour buses to explore landmarks and interact with the community, adding more depth than just sitting around in a flight terminal.
Here are some great two-stop destinations to consider:
Darwin, Australia: Experience the rich Indigenous culture, breathtaking landscapes, and unique wildlife indigenous to Australia. With connections to all major ports in Australia, you could have an unforgettable trip!
Vietnam: Explore historical charm, culinary delights, and stunning landscapes from bustling cities to serene beaches. This destination was an absolute hit when we had direct flights, so is a tried and tested location. If you’re looking for an easy stopover, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur are major hubs with lots to do in the airport.
Buenos Aires, Argentina: Immerse yourself in the passionate world of tango, discover architectural marvels, and indulge in gastronomic delights. Buenos Aires was another firm favourite for NZ groups pre covid. It is still easy to get to without the direct flight, but you are now instead travelling with LATAM with a quick and easy stop in Santiago.
Consider the following steps when planning a stopover:
Ensure you have a team familiar with flight routes, airlines, T&C's, and a reliable Global Distribution System (GDS) to facilitate smooth group transfers.
Work with providers to choose the best routes and services known for running on time. Consider flying to reliable ports such as Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, or Singapore which have a variety of airlines and connections.
Plan for small delays but avoid excessive wait times. 2-3 hours on the ground is usually sufficient if you’re not planning on a proper stop.
Consider engaging an event team to provide airport assistance, especially for less experienced travelers, to guide them through terminals and offer support in case of emergencies.
Ideas for engaging travelers during stopovers include team-building exercises, brief work updates, exclusive offers at airport outlets for VIP groups, and thoughtful corporate gifts.
By understanding your group's preferences, exploring new destinations, and approaching stopovers with an open mind, they can become valuable additions to the overall travel experience. Here at Motive we have tools, teams and systems to support you so never fear the unknown - embrace it with us!