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The Daily Travel Agent Bite: Fri 13 Jan

Skill up on all you need to know with bite sized travel news designed specifically to help you, the Travel Agent, be your best today and tomorrow.

Skill up on all you need to know with bite sized travel news designed specifically to help you, the Travel Agent, be your best today and tomorrow.

1. Qantas’ Alan Joyce was treated like any other Joe Blow in New Year’s delays

Qantas happy

Qantas’ CEO Alan Joyce practically owns the aviation throne for turning around the airline’s financial situation, fighting for direct flights to Europe and maintaining the carrier’s #1 worldwide safety record for four years running.

But don’t ever expect the airline boss to ever accept royal-like treatment, no matter how tempting it may be.

On New Year’s Eve, when millions of people worldwide were celebrating the start of 2017, a few Qantas passengers were ‘stuck’ in Dubai (how ‘stuck’ can you be in such a gorgeous city with an equally gorgeous Prince… 🙂 hi Faz), patiently waiting for a ride home after their Airbus A380 experienced a technical glitch.

Read on

 

2. Discounted domestic airfares aren’t so discounted in Australia

Travel Agent plane 2

Discounted domestic airfares aren’t as cheap as what they once were, according to a new study, which found price reductions haven’t been all that favourable over the last few months.

Research conducted by Australia’s Bureau of Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Economics (BITRE) found discount airfares have risen from September last year – meaning that while flights are on sale, the reduction percentage is higher than previous periods.

The rise comes after a steady for years, in which Aussies were treated to generously discounted domestic airfares that had little to no growth.

Read on

 

3. 36 dead in Thailand floods

Thai authorities have started to clean up after major floods in the southern district of Bang Saphan, which killed 36 people this week.

Some 43,000 businesses are believed to have been affected, 19 highways are impassable and the local Nakhon Si Thammarat airport is closed, ABC News reported.

Bang Saphan is usually used by tourists as a departing point for access to resort islands such as Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao, however, arecent update from the Tourism Authority of Thailand said catamarans and ferries for the three islands are running as normal and few international visitors should be affected.

 

4. A little haven of exclusivity inside the Hyatt Regency Sydney

Travel Agent Hyatt Centric Hotel

Agents can treat their clients by booking them into the Hyatt Regency Sydney’s Regency Club Lounge room where they’ll be able to access the new Regency Club Lounge.

The executive lounge was added as part of a $250 billion redevelopment of the Darling Harbour property and features a range of privileges such as exclusive check-in, concierge and complimentary continental breakfast, all day refreshments, evening canapés and beverages.

The lounge was inspired by the luxurious ocean liners that regularly frequent Darling Harbour, with individual and spacious ‘cabins’ for guests to relax and revitalise. The Regency Club boardroom is also available to business guests as an energising place to connect for onsite meetings.

 

5. Travelmarvel packs more of India in new brochure

TravelMarvel

Travelmarvel has released its India and Sri Lanka 2018 program featuring trips stretching into the Himalayas and cruising on the Ganges.

Released this week, the brochure features itineraries that take guests to breathtaking sites across India, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Bhutan.

The most popular itinerary inside is the 16-day Colours of India, which includes Delhi, Agra (the city of the Taj Mahal), Jaipur and a seven-night lower Ganges cruise from Kolkata to Farakka on the boutique RV Rajmahal. Plus there’s the 14-day Darjeeling & the Last Himalayan Kingdom Great Rail Journeys tour, which includes a ride on the famous Darjeeling Himalayan Railway.

 

6. Newly refurbished Regent ship sails into Sydney

Travel Agent Seven Seas Voyager

Regent Seven Seas Cruises returned to Sydney’s harbour this week when its newly refurbished Seven Seas Voyager ahead of a 14-night cruise to Auckland.

The ship arrives after completing a 25-day refurbishment, which saw the ship receive the same elegant style and indisputable attention to detail on the line’s Seven Seas Explorer.

Deepening the brand’s commitment to the Australia and New Zealand region, the also newly refurbished Seven Seas Navigator will soon follow Seven Seas Voyager visiting local shores in February and March 2017.

 

7. A night at Atlantis, The Palm Dubai from AU$280

Atlantis Dubai

A night at Atlantis, The Palm Dubai is at its lowest ever direct starting rate from only AE$762 or AU$280.

The offer is only available on bookings made between 12 January and 16 January for stays between 12 January and 29 December.

In addition to the room, the rate is inclusive of unlimited access to one of the best waterparks in the world Aquaventure, and The Lost Chambers Aquarium.

Click here for more information.

 

8. Crystal Lagoons takes its water innovation to Qatar

Travel Agent Qatar

The company behind Egypt’s Sharm El Sheik, Crystal Lagoons, is working with Qatari real estate developers to capitalise on the growing tourism sector by bringing something new and exciting to the country.

According to Regional Director of Middle East, Carlos Salas, developers are looking for developments with a point of difference and features “such as Crystal Lagoons’ ability to bring the idyllic lifestyle of the beach anywhere in the world”.

The new developments are expected to include residential units comprising apartments, villas and condominiums, a range of hotels, a business park, medical facilities, a range of universities and schools, an extensive retail offering and a cultural centre.

 

9. Agents hit the slopes in British Columbia

Travel Agent

Two nights in Whistler, zip-lining across the Alps, gliding between mountains and more – what an incredible winter treat for a lucky group of Infinity Holidays staff in British Columbia.

The group was taken on a six-night famil supported by BC Tourism bodies, to Canada where they enjoyed a full itinerary in the snow including visits to Whistler, Vancouver and Sun Peaks.

Highlights of the trip included learning the fine art of Champagne sabering at Bearfoot Bistro, skiing/snowboarding in Sun Peaks and visiting the Capilano suspension bridge.

Click here for more information.

What are your thoughts on today’s travel news?