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Mon 27 July: 10 travel news stories you need to know

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.

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. Search is on for Australia’s most customer-driven agent

Avis

Know a travel agent that goes out their way to deliver outstanding customer service? Or are you the one in the office the really goes the extra mile for clients?

If you answered yes to either of the above, then you may want to fill out a form for this year’s Avis Travel Agent Scholarship, which officially opened for entries today.

The annual scholarship recognises and rewards consultants for delivering high standards of customer service on a daily basis.

Read on

 

2. Nepal major tourist trek deemed safe

Nepal trek

Clients considering a trip to Nepal will be happy to hear that the country’s most popular trekking track has been cleared and deemed safe for tourists.

The greenlight on the Annapurna region was handed down late last week and comes less than three months after the country was hit by two powerful earthquakes, which killed more than 9,000 people and injured more than 23,000 others.

While the earthquakes had a devastating impact on locals, tour operators say reports of damage to major tourist attractions have been widely exaggeratedly and Nepal is still open for travellers.

Read on

 

3. helloworld agents go ‘above & beyond’ for clients

helloworld 3

helloworld says its agents have been working around the clock to assist customers affected by Bali flight delays and cancellations.

Flight were affected over the last two weeks as ash from Java’s Mount Raung hovered over Bali’s international airport.

CEO Elizabeth Gaines said agents had gone to ‘extraordinary lengths’ to find solutions for their customers both here in Australia and those in Bali.

This included continuous liaising with customers stuck in Bali to ensure they were in suitable accommodation. It also involved getting them on flights home in a reasonable time frame.

“We had a number of clients impacted by the ash cloud but our team has worked hard and managed to get people home via Singapore.”

Karen Way, helloworld Alexander Heights WA

“Many of them had listened to our advice and taken out the right travel insurance which allowed them to claim their out of pocket expenses.”

“We worked all weekend fielding calls and advising clients what to do to get on flights.”

 

4. World Journeys launches in Aus with 2016 brochure

travel news World Journeys

World Journeys has marked its entry into the Australian market with the release of its 2016 small group hosted travel brochure for Ethiopia and Sudan.

New for 2016 we will be a 19 day hosted journey from 6 – 24 October 2016 which will include visiting the nomads of Ethiopia’s Bayuda Desert, the pyramids of Meroe, tea with a Nubian family in Old Dongola, sipping traditional honey wine whilst enjoying Ethiopian music and taking part in an Ethiopian coffee ceremony.

There is also Simien National park with its spectacular landscapes and rare animals, the rock hewn churches of Lalibela and the imperial city of Fasilidas, Gondar, the Camelot of Africa.

Sudan offers the Blue and White Nile, colourful Omdurman souks and Whirling Dervish Ceremonies of locals adorned in patchwork chanting in the dust.

There is a temple dedicated to the Pharaohs of the New Reign and their patron Amon, Wadi Muqaddam with its acacia trees and Coptic Christian temples.  This is a truly exotic journey.

Ethiopia and Sudan is priced from $10,895 per person and includes all domestic travel, accommodation in four star (or best available) authentic hotels, transfers, sightseeing and entrance fees, most meals and gratuities.

Click here for more on World Journeys.

 

5. It’s a South American first for Globus

Globus South America

Felicidades to Globus, which has officially released its first brochure dedicated to South American holidays.

Globus South & Central America 2016 is packed with more than a dozen different adventures across the continent – from the ruins of Machu Picchu to the beaches of Rio de Janeiro and the remote wilderness of Patagonia.

It also includes itineraries from Globus sister brands – affordable touring options from Cosmos and cruises from Avalon Waterways.

Plus, the sporting fans will love the selection of itineraries in Brazil timed in the weeks before and after the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

Tours range from seven-19 days and include the new Globus Costa Rica Explorer – a seven-day adventure among the jungle wildlife, soaring volcanoes and tropical coasts of Costa Rica.

Also new is the Globus Patagonia: Journey to the End of the World – a 13-day journey in Chile and Argentina, combining Santiago and Buenos Aires with some of the world’s most spectacular mountain landscapes in Patagonia.

 

6. AA reports highest quarterly profit

travel news American Airlines plane

It’s been a busy start to the year for US-based airlines who are reporting record growth.

Last week, United Airlines revealed a $1.3 billion net income for the second-quarter of the 2014/15 year – a record figure for the period.

Now, American Airlines says it recorded $1.9 billion between April to June – also its highest recorded net profit.

The rise came despite a 4.6 percent decrease in total revenue compared to the same quarter 2014.

However, the airline did experience a 1.9 percent increase in total available seat miles.

“Reporting the highest quarterly profit in our history is another indication that our team is on the path to restoring American as the greatest airline in the world.”

Doug Parker, American Airlines CEO

“These results are especially remarkable considering the significant and successful work underway to integrate two airlines.”

“The more than 100,000 dedicated team members of American Airlines are doing a phenomenal job and we are grateful for their commitment to our customers.”

 

7. New digital platform for regional NSW

travel news Inland Tourism

Leaders of regional NSW have launched a new digital platform aimed at growing overnight visitation and expenditure to the State’s inland communities.

‘Travel In’ provides travellers with the ability to build personalised itineraries to various NSW towns using rich content and a powerful booking engine.

It also features essential destination information and showcases local characters.

“Think ‘Gourmet Traveller’ meets ‘online travel agent’.”

Graham Perry, Inland NSW CEO

“Travel In brings together publishing level content with a booking functionality to provide the complete package – information and inspiration coupled with the ability to book.”

 

8. More loyalty with MSC

MSC next generation 5

MSC Cruises has launched a new loyalty programme to reward experienced travellers and reinforce the Company’s commitment to guests.

MSC Voyagers Club is free of charge and is available to join before taking a cruise – all that is required is a confirmed booking.

Personalised cruise cards will be made available to MSC Voyagers Club members at the beginning of each sailing.

MSC Voyagers Club points are earned according to the onboard experience that guests opt for when cruising with MSC Cruises: Bella, Fantastica, Aurea or MSC Yacht Club. In addition, prepaid onboard services and expenses will earn additional points.

The range of privileges extended to MSC Voyagers Club members includes, among others, dedicated events, milestone rewards, and exclusive onboard offers. Exclusive events, complimentary gifts, and a special booklet with onboard offers on every cruise – or priority boarding and late cabin check-out for top tier members – can also be enjoyed by MSC Voyagers Club members.

 

9. A Splendour surprise from Contiki

Meg Mac contiki

Contiki’s guests received a private performance from Meg Mac.

Those who purchased their Splendour ticket through Contiki were given a little treat over the weekend.

Guests were awoken on Sunday morning to a surprise performance by Aussie singer, Meg Mac.

Initial confusion turned to excitement as the 18-35 year music-lovers realised that this was not something they had accidentally skipped over in their event overviews but rather an exclusive sideshow open only to them.

Contiki feature

Carissa Walford from Channel V and Katrina Barry from Contiki join Meg, offering backup vocals.

The 2014 Triple J Unearthed Winner performed four of her hits including Be My Friend, Every Lie, St Philomene and Roll Up Your Sleeves on a makeshift stage set up right within the Contiki Campsite, conveniently located right next to the main stage of the North Byron Parklands venue.

At one point Channel V presenter, Carissa Walford, also took to the stage to lend some back-up vocals.

 

10. MTA ambassador visits Middle East refugees

travel news Jessica Watson NTK

MTA Brand Ambassador talking to Syrian children.

MTA’s – Mobile Travel Agents – co-Managing Director,  Karen and Roy Merricks, say they’re proud of the company’s long-time brand ambassador, Jessica Watson OAM following her recent visit to the Middle East.

As part of her role as Youth Ambassador for the United Nations’ World Food Programme (UNWFP), Watson visited Azraq refugee camp in Jordan and the Qab Elias Refugee Informal Settlement in Lebanon.

Watson said her experience was ‘special’ and ‘wonderful’ while humbling at the same time.

“In Lebanon you have about one quarter of the population as refugees – it’s inconceivable.”

Jessica Watson, MTA Brand Ambassador

 

NTK Extra: ‘Stop! Stop! That’s the airport’

travel news Crashed car

Image: Photo: 7News

Travellers flying to and from Gold Coast Airport on Friday would have received quite the surprise when a stolen white sedan crashed into the terminal.

According to the Brisbane Times, a 34-year-old, who had taken the vehicle at gunpoint, drove into the gateway while trying to escape the local police.

Authorities say the accident didn’t cause enough damage to affect operations, however, it did create a bit of a stir at the gateway.

A former Victorian police officer, Jeff Kremer, who happened to be present at the time, said he heard someone yell out ‘stop, stop’ at noon. That’s when he saw a police officer running after the vehicle, which at the time was careering down the footpath.

“People were literally jumping for their lives.”

Jeff Kremer

The driver brought the car to a stop when the police officer lunged through the car trying to snatch the keys.

Unfortunately he failed and the driver sped up again, slamming into the terminal walls and windows.

The crash gave the officer an opportunity to pull the driver from the car and restrain it.

What are your thoughts on today’s travel news stories?