We’ve done all the hard work, so you don’t have to! Read on for the top ten travel news stories we think you need to know today.
1.helloworld reports results for FY15
Australian Travel Agency Group helloworld has reported an adjusted profit before tax of $6.9 million, amid winning the entire Australian government travel contract.
The Group achieved an adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortisation and impairment (EBITDAI) of $27.5m, a result within the range of its previously-stated market guidance.
2. TravelManagers head to the City of Churches
An Aussie race car legend, cooking classes, awards and new tech – they’re just some of the perks TravelManagers will enjoy at this weekend’s TravelManagers Conference.
Around 175 of the group’s home-based consultants have stepped out of their home offices and headed to Adelaide today to kick start the annual event, which officially starts at 2.00pm.
In addition to hearing from a lineup of industry leaders and keynote speakers such as Australian Olympic gold medalist, Alisa Camplin-Warner, agents will be updated on the group’s position and even introduced to new company advancements.
3. Flight Centre boys prepare for major charity trek
Flight Centre is calling on travel industry friends to show their support for four of its team members who will embark on a gruelling charity hike of the Kokoda Trek.
Andrew Malon, Adam Sheehan, Bobby Hale and Jason Nooning have spent the last eight months training six times a day to build up the strength to embark on the trail.
Swapping their desks for kayaks on 12 October, the men will kayaking 200 kilometres across the sometimes treacherous Torres Strait, followed by a short plane trip to commence the momentous task of trekking the notorious Kokoda Trek in only three days.
4. ATAS renewals are ‘strong’
AFTA CEO, Jayson Westbury, says ATAS renewals have been strong with around 79 percent of participants accredited agents in the first year signing up for another 12 months.
Additionally, Westbury says the number of unaccredited agents lodging an application is growing and driving up the number of ATAS accredited agents around the country.
“It is pleasing to see that our industry is supporting one another, each playing his/her part to educate the consumer that ATAS accredited travel agents stand apart as reputable, professional, trusted businesses and that booking with an ATAS travel agent is more valuable than booking directly.”
Jayson Westbury, AFTA CEO
5. The APT Group focuses on MICE market
The APT Group has announced it is proactively targeting the Meetings, Incentives and Corporate Events (MICE) market, with a three tiered offering now available across four of its brands.
Business events buyers will be able to choose the travel experience to best suit their needs from a wide range that includes private jet journeys with Captain’s Choice, award winning luxury touring and cruising options with APT, specialist gardening and gourmet itineraries operated by Botanica World Discoveries and a wide range of premium cruise and tour options available through the Travelmarvel brand.
Building on the success of an already strong Groups travel business, APT Group Channel Strategy Manager Damian Borg said the MICE market represents a natural partnership for the various travel brands within the portfolio.
The new MICE proposition offers a choice of three flexible options:
- Groups allocation: for those looking to book groups of 10 passengers or more, brochure pricing and market deals will be available alongside the ability to hold an allocation of up to 20 cabins across all cruises. In addition a FOC* policy is offered after 10 cruise passengers are booked;
- Part charter: for groups or bookings of 20 cabins or more, preferred pricing is available, with tailored and exclusive activities offered;
- Full charter: take out a full charter and as well as preferred pricing and total exclusivity, the cruise or tour will be exclusively tailored with special events and highlights included to reflect the needs of the group or organisation.
6. Agents get a sneak peek at Excite-ing new tech
Excite Holidays held a secret focus group in Bondi Junction this week, giving a group of its top agents a first look at some of its brand new technological innovations due to be released this year.
The session was led by Excite Holidays’ CTO, Damian Sutton who introduced the agents to a number of new features which will soon be revealed to the industry.
CEO, George Papaioannou, said hosting focus groups ensures the company’s technology is ‘made for agents’.
“[Agents] give us feedback as to how we can improve or modify our site so that it works best for you.”
George Papaioannou, Excite Holidays CEO
7. Azamara gets app-y
Azamara Club Cruises has launched a new App featuring the cruise industry’s first-ever series of 360-degree virtual reality video experiences.
The video series, known as ‘Azamara 3di’, features a dedicated website www.azamara3di.com, that uses virtual reality technology to help immerse future guests in what it’s like to be onboard Azamara Journey via ship tours and to experience destination excursions in South and Central American ports of call.
Azamara says it brings potential guests as close to ‘being onboard’ as possible.
For now, the App is available on iPhones, iPads and iPods that run iOS 6.0 or above.
Android users can get the same experience by clicking here.
8. The highlights of Africa in a brochure
Travelmarvel has released its new Africa 2016 program, offering a range of itineraries covering South Africa, Zambia, Botswana, Kenya and Tanzania.
In 2016 travel agents can offer clients a choice of seven tours ranging from 11 to 29 days in length, all of which offer the flexibility to be extended with a two night stay on the elegant Blue Train, four nights discovering mountain gorillas in Rwanda or four days enjoying the white sands and history of Zanzibar. Travelmarvel also offer the chance to upgrade to a two night stay aboard the Chobe Princess Safariboat in Botswana’s Chobe National Park.
Travelmarvel accommodation throughout Africa comprises hand-picked lodges, camps and hotels, the latter of which are all centrally located. Highlights include the chance to stay at the Zambezi Sun Hotel which is walking distance to the Victoria Falls and the Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge set against the backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro.
New to Travelmarvel’s special stays portfolio for 2016 is the chance to enjoy glamping Africa-style at the Kubu Kubu tented camp in the Serengeti National Park. This joins the Shishangeni Lodge at a private game reserve in the Kruger National Park and the Kati Kati Camp, also in the Serengeti.
Included in core itineraries are all flights within Africa, and the services of a dedicated Travelmarvel Tour Director for the entire journey, taking care of all the details to ensure the tour is comfortable and seamless. Additional services of English-speaking local guides and expert game trackers, game drives, Insider Experiences, all accommodation with ensuites as standard, many meals, game viewing by land and boat in the Chobe National Park, tipping, game park fees and transfers are also included in the price.
9. Metro Hotel on Pitt asks ‘RUOK?’
The team at Metro Hotel on Pitt took to the streets of Sydney to raise money for Oz Harvest in this year’s City2Surf.
Over one and a half thousand dollars was raised, enabling the charity group of make over 3,000 meals for people in much needed assistance.
In addition to their work for Oz Harvest, the team say they’re also great devotees of the ‘RUOK?’ Day on 11 September. To commemorate the day, the property will hold a series of event to encourage conversation, promote friend and comradery throughout September.
10. Gulet deal for Agents
World Journeys have a late availability Agent + Partner special on their two-week Traditional Gulet Cruising package in Turkey and Greece departing Bodrum 6 September 2015.
Now priced at AU$1,750 per person share twin, this represents an incredible saving of $2,645 per person.
Entirely subject to availability, the price includes the services of a Captain, Chef and Steward, 13 breakfasts, 12 lunches and 10 dinners, harbour fees, four hours motoring daily, gratuities and use of the gulet’s tender boat.
For further details, terms and conditions call World Journeys 1800 155 044 or email kate@worldjourneys.com.au.
NTK Extra: The list desirable celebrity travel buddy is…
Miley Cyrus would come in like a ‘Wrecking Ball’ and destroy around nine percent of the Australian population’s holidays, according to a new study.
Research conducted by HotelClub.com found the pop sensation along with Justin Bieber, Kim Kardashian, Caitlin Jenner and Kanye West were among the least desired celebrity travel buddies.
Other on the other side, Aussies clearly have much-love for members of the royalty family and say they’d love to hit the road with Prince Harry and Kate Middleton.