We’ve done all the hard work, so you don’t have to! Read on for the top ten travel stories you need to know today.
1. Mantra Group announces results for the half year
Mantra Group Limited (Mantra Group) today announced its results for the half year ended 31 December 2014.
The Group achieved period-on-period growth in each of its operating segments:
- CBD delivered revenue of $136.4 million and EBITDAI of $25.1 million representing a period-on-period increase in revenue of $16.2m, $12.1m of which was from new properties.
- Resorts delivered revenue of $95.1 million and EBITDAI of $15.0 million representing increases on H1FY2014 of 3.6% and 4.9% respectively.
- Central Revenue and Distribution (CRD) delivered revenue of $20.1 million and EBITDAI of $15.8 million representing increases on H1FY2014 of 21.1% and 20.6% respectively.
“I am pleased to report that for the half year ended 31 December 2014, the Group performed strongly in terms of revenue, profitability and cash flow. The Group delivered total revenue of $252.7 million representing a 9.4% increase on H1FY2014″
Bob East, Mantra Group Chief Executive Officer
2. Qantas expands loyalty data capabilities
Qantas has taken a 51 percent control stake in Taylor Fry – an Australian and New Zealand analytic and actuarial consulting business.
The acquisition gives the airline a new revenue stream – the company earned $12 million for the year to 30 June 2014.
It also expands Qantas Loyalty’s data and analytics capacities.
“Qantas Frequent Flyer remains at our core, but as part of our growth strategy we are pursuing opportunities to work in the emerging industry of ‘big data’ and data driven customer insights.”
Lesley Grant, Qantas Loyalty CEO
Taylor Fry will be run as a separate business and retain its existing name, branding and premises.
This week, the Flying Kangaroo announced its profits moved back into the black after earning an underlying profit of $367 million and statutory profit of $206 million for the six months to December 2014.
3. helloworld Wholesale’s smile grows 81%
A major contributor to Helloworld’s (HLO) improved financial results announcement yesterday came from their in-house wholesale brand portfolio.
With global brands including: Qantas Holidays, Viva Holidays, Insider Journeys (Previously Travel Indochina), Rail Tickets, Harvey’s Choice & The Cruise Team (Australia), Go Holidays (New Zealand), Qantas Vacations, Travel2 & Islands in the Sun (USA), and Insider Journeys (UK & Asia) the business continues to head in the right direction.
Impressively, adjusted EBITDAI for the wholesale segment for 1H15 was $3.8 million representing a sizeable improvement of $1.7 million (Up 81%) on 1H14.
4. Sydney benefits from Asian travellers
Image: Stuart Jenner/Shutterstock
International traffic into Sydney Airport continues to benefit from the booming Asia market, according to latest figures.
The gateway announced this week that its revenue for the first six months of the 2014/15 financial year increased to $1.1 million – 4.3 percent more than the corresponding period the prior year.
EBITDA grew 6.1 percent, which the airport says was driven by the 1.7 percent growth in passengers.
5. THL growing in a ‘smart manner’
The first six months of the financial year are proving to be profitable for Tourism Holdings Limited, which reported a 48 percent increase in profits.
During the first half of the 2014/15 year, the company saw its operating profit before financing costs and tax rise to $10.6 million – up from $3.4 million the prior corresponding period.
Net profit after tax doubled from $2.5 million to $5.6 million and the company’s net debt decreased to $85 million down $12 million year-on-year.
6. Announcement: India Tourism moves offices
India Tourism in Sydney is relocating its office to the CBD.
From 2 March, the bureau will be found in Shop 035, Level 1, Stockland, Piccadilly 133 Castlereagh Street, Sydney, NSW 2000.
The group’s phone number will remain the same (+61 2 92219555) and for any electronic inquiries email: info@indiatourism.com.au.
7. Starwood expands across APAC
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide is planning to open 30 properties in the Asia Pacific region this year, including sites in China, India and Southeast Asia.
The collection of new properties kicked off in January, when Starwood opened Sheraton Samoa Aggie Grey’s Resort, which marked the company’s entry into Samoa. This property will be accompanied with Sheraton Samoa Aggie Grey’s Hotel and Bungalows in October 2015.
Following its entry to Bhutan with Le Méridien Thimbhu, Starwood will open its second property in the kingdom, Le Méridien Paro, Riverfront later this year. The company is also set to enter a new destination – Sri Lanka, with the Sheraton Colombo Hotel in 2015.
Also on the plate for the hotel company is plans to grow its meetings venues in Asia, particularly building world-class meeting facilities in China’s secondary and tertiary cities.
Over in China’s Zhuhai, located on the waterfront with stunning views of the glittering Macau skyline, is the Sheraton Zhuhai Hotel, opening in April 2015 and which will be Starwood’s first hotel in the city.
It will add another 545 well-appointed guestrooms to Zhuhai and 2,070 square meters of flexible meeting space, the largest of which is a 1,000-square-meter grand ballroom.
Meeting planners will also see new meeting venues in the luxury space as Starwood’s luxury brands continue their expansion across Asia Pacific. The exclusive St. Regis brand is set to debut in both Macao and Langkawi this year.
8. New recruits a priority for TMs
TravelManagers offers new recruits extensive face-to-face training as well as ongoing support.
TravelManagers has reinforced its commitment to making new recruits feel at home from the moment they sign up, with the continuous evolution of the company’s comprehensive induction programme.
As part of the programme, all new Personal Travel Managers (PTMs) spend one day and a half with the team at the national partnership office in Sydney.
There they learn the ins and outs of the business.
Additionally, Executive General Manager Michael Gazal said the company offers everyday training support; numerous training webinars; and face-to-face training.
“A company that cares about its members, providing face-to-face training and the ability to create relationships with their entire support team right from the beginning of their new career.”
Michael Gazal, TravelManagers Executive General Manager
9. QT takes in-room beauty to the next level
QT takes in-room Body, Hair and Skincare to a new level with the introduction of botanical-based treatments from Malin+Goetz.
Found in the likes of esteemed beauty store such as Mecca Cosmetica, QT Hotels & Resorts is partnering with Malin+Goetz to provide the ultimate in-room body, hair and skincare amenities.
The unisex brand, created in New York’s fashionable Chelsea district, is based on simplicity – products are carefully edited and contain high-performance ingredients that multi-task and deliver the very best results.
10. Win a trip to Korea!
Korea Tourism Organization is a supporting partner of the ‘Win a six day trip to Korea’, a photographic competition being sponsored by Samsung NX Traveller.
The competition is open to photography enthusiasts and offers them the chance to visit Korea with to photograph the country’s many scenic locations.
On this trip which takes place from 13-18th April, 2015, the winner will not only get to experience the height of the cherry blossom season in Korea but also have a chance to discover the many hidden gems along the way.
To enter, amateur photographers must register online and explain why they would like to have the opportunity to join the trip.
Professional photographers are offered the chance to trial the latest Samsung NX camera and must submit a portfolio of their photographs online to be considered.
Selected participants will receive a six day all expenses paid trip to Korea.
The deadline for Australian entrants in the competition is 15 March, 2015.
Earlier this week, KarryOn shared our tips for the quirkiest ways to experience the destination.