Skill up on all you need to know with bite sized travel news to help you be your best today and tomorrow.
1. “We’re not postponing the Olympics”
Brazil’s tourism leaders have taken a firm stand and stressed that they’re not even going to consider postponing this year’s Olympics, despite increasing fears over the Zika virus.
In a statement from Embratur, the Brazilian Tourism Board said there are no discussions of the possibility to postpone or cancel the 2016 Rio Olympic and Paralympic Games because “there is no reason to delay” them.
They said they, along with other Brazilian government agencies, are guided by the recommendations of the World Health Organisation (WHO), which said in May that a change in the Games due to illness “does not alter the spread of the virus”.
2. Air New Zealand is selling its Virgin Australia shares to…
It only took two months months for Air New Zealand to decide who it wants to hand its Virgin Australia shares to, and the winning party is… China’s Nanshan Group.
The Kiwi carrier just scored itself some $230 million in the sale (according to The Sydney Morning Herald), pending regulatory approval of course.
The sale will give Nanshan 19.98 percent stake in Virgin Australia, which when combined with HNA’s recent 13 percent purchase Virgin, means China will own 32.98 percent of the Australian carrier.
3. Three day weekend – here’s where you’ll find Aussies
It’s the last public holiday in parts of Australia for quite some time (*sighs*) and Aussies intend to make the most of it by taking a short break getaway.
According to research by Cheapflights.com.au, Australians are keen on getting away over the next three days, with flight searches increasing for today and tomorrow.
Nathan Graham, Regional Sales Manager for Australia and New Zealand, said the company has seen a “huge increase” in flights searches departing on Friday evening or Saturday morning and returning Monday evening.
4. Russia’s new plane is not what you’d expect
When Russia said it was building a new aircraft that would rival western planes, we didn’t know what to expect from the country’s aircraft industry, except our minds couldn’t help but conjure up images of worn seats and a dated cockpit, similar to the aircraft utilised by of North Korea’s one-star airline, Air Kroyo.
Maybe Russia’s friendly history with North Korea tainted our perception of the European country’s abilities (and determination to beat the west).
5. TAT Roadshow pics
Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) hosted its annual ‘Amazing Thailand Roadshow’ in Auckland, Melbourne and Sydney.
This year, up to 49 Thai hotels, tourism operators and airlines took part in the event, speaking to around 300 agents across the three cities.
TAT also took the time to present a marketing plan for 2016. which promises to focus on promoting the kingdom as a “Quality Leisure Destination through Thainess”, that will see tourism play a major role in enhancing social integration and preserving the environment.
2016 will also see a renewed focus on high-end luxury travel product as well as specialist and niche tourism interests such as golf, health and wellness, weddings and honeymoons.
Click here for more images.
6. This hotel brand is returning to Sydney
Fans of the Four Points by Sheraton in Darling Harbour only have a few months to get their fill of the property before it becomes a Hyatt Regency.
Hyatt has agreed to takeover management of the hotel from 30 November 2016, when it will be completely rebranded to Hyatt Regency Sydney.
The unexpected switch in management will mark the return of the Hyatt Regency brand in Sydney, and see the property undergo a $250 million refurbishment and extension to reflect new management.
7. Dream Cruises’ first booking in Australia came from…
Dream Cruises may have only officially entered the Australian market last month, but the company has already secured its first Aussie customer thanks to ecruising.
The very first booking in Australia for the luxury Asian cruise line included a suite cabin.
The Dream Cruises team stopped by the ecruising office to congratulate Agent, Kara Lane, with a special pamper package of Champagne & Dream chocolate.
8. Rydges Sydney Central gets an ‘Urban Surry Hills’ upgrade
Rydges Sydney Central is set to undergo a chic makeover designed to reflect the contemporary and ‘urban’ feel of the Surry Hills neighbourhood.
Two new floors of executive rooms and corner suites will be added to the property to create 38 new rooms, bringing total inventory up to 309 rooms.
Existing rooms will be completely refitted with new carpet, paint, lighting, furnishings, 50” LED TVs, artwork and corridors. The upgrade is expected to be complete by November 2016, while new executive rooms are expected to open by February 2017.
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10. Check out Etihad’s epic incentive
Incentives are a great way to entice Travel Agents to sell a product, but here’s one incentive that will not only encourage consultants but their clients too.
Etihad is giving agents and their customers the chance to win back the cost of their flights. Over a four week period, Etihad will be refunding up to $250,000 in airfares!
This will definitely make selling fares to Europe, the Middle East, Africa and the Americas A LOT easier.