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. Helloworld to buy half of MTA
MTA-Mobile Travel Agents has announced it has accepted an offer from Helloworld to create a new partnership.
MTA Co-Managing Directors, Karen and Roy Merricks said under the terms of the partnership Helloworld would acquire 50 percent equity in the company.
“We have thought about this for a long time and while it was not any easy decision to make however we believe that it was certainly the right one.”
MTA Co-Managing Directors
2. Qantas grounds flights to Hong Kong as typhoon approaches
Qantas has cancelled all flights to and from Hong Kong today as Typhoon Haima brings winds of up to 145km/h and heavy rain to the city.
The storm, which killed around eight people when it passed through the Philippines earlier this week, has been described as Southeast Asia’s strongest storm since 2013’s Haiyan.
Residents in Hong Kong have taken shelter and closed all schools, while airlines have grounded services until the typhoon passes.
3. Helloworld looks to buy into some of its franchise network
Franchisees currently under the Helloworld Limited umbrella may receive a purchase offer from the company as the group looks to further invest in its network.
In an ASX update, the group unveiled a strategy to co-invest in its franchise network around Australia and New Zealand.
This means that if a franchisee business qualifies for purchase, the company will offer to buy 20 to 25 percent of the business.
4. South China’s history opens to Aussies with new China Eastern flights
Eighth Century Buddhist temples, stone bridges, ancient parks and more of China’s south history will be easily accessible to Aussie travellers through China Eastern’s new services from Sydney.
Starting next month, the carrier will launch three-times weekly flights between Sydney and Kunming – capital and largest city in China’s Yunnan Province.
The airline will utilise its A330-200 aircraft on the route, providing around 234 seats between the two cities.
5. Thailand update: arrive at the airport early
Travellers are being urged by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) to arrive at Thailand airports at least three hours before their scheduled departure time as the Airport Authority of Thailand increases security measures at international gateways.
The move comes after the recent passing of the country’s King, which has triggered a nation-wide period of mourning, during which several major Thai events have been cancelled and travellers have been advised to be respectful of locals.
“Due to increased security measures in place at international airports, the Airport Authority of Thailand recommends that passengers arrive three hours before their scheduled departure time,” DFAT said.
6. IHG brings new lifestyle brand to Australia
IHG and international investment company Pro-invest Group have announced an exclusive agreement to develop a portfolio of EVEN Hotels across key Australian and New Zealand capital cities and economic hubs.
The brand is described as ‘no other hotel brand’, with holistic wellness at its core and a focus on Eat Well, Rest Easy, Keep Active and Accomplish More.
IHG Chief Executive Officer of Pro-invest Group, Ronald Barrott, said the launch in Australia and New Zealand comes at a time when locals are looking at personal health and well-being during their trips.
Click here for more pics of the brand’s Brooklyn hotel.
7. Fiji Airways makes it easier to travel through Melbourne Airport
What’s the next best thing after online check-in? That can speed up the airport experience and reduce those lengthy lines? Self check-in kiosks!
Fiji Airways is giving travellers through Melbourne Airport more independence and choices by introducing new self check-in kiosks at its counter in International Departures at Melbourne’s Tullamarine Airport.
While the carrier says it’s still focused on providing its traditional personalised guest experience through Fijian friendliness, it’s also keen to offer customers more convenience.
8. WIN a Sony Action Cam from Avalon Waterways
Avalon Waterways invites travellers to experience the views they deserve when sailing Europe’s rivers and they are now giving you the chance to WIN a Sony Action Cam.
Arrive in a new port each day, Avalon gives you the freedom to cruise your way and unlike other cruise ships, Avalon Waterways has designed its staterooms so beds face the window and the incredible sights river cruising is famous for.
What’s new for 2017?
9. WIN 3x Cheese Hampers or 20x double passes to Heidi
The world famous and all-time favourite children’s story, Heidi, is coming back to the big screens and Switzerland Tourism is giving you a chance to WIN a double pass!
A film by Alain Gsponer based on the novels written by Swiss author, Johanna Spyri, Heidi is about an orphaned girl who spends her happiest childhood days with her eccentric grandfather Alpöhi in a remote alpine cabin in the mountains of Graubünden in eastern part of Switzerland.
Along with her goat-herder friend, they look after her grandfather’s goats and enjoy the freedom in the mountains.
10. Visit USA heads to Tropical North Queensland
Visit USA Travel Agent Expos is heading to Tropical North Queensland for its first show in Cairns on Tuesday October 25 and Townsville on October 26.
Agents will have an opportunity to meet and chat with key over 15 product and destination representatives, while also pick on some useful selling tips, current information and provide collateral. Informative destination presentations and videos will be shown across the evening event.
Some lucky Agents will go home with some incredible prizes, including an air ticket to Los Angeles with Fiji Airways. Click here to RSVP to attend.
11. Scenic’s 30 wonders of the world & 30th birthday sale
You only turn 30 once, and to celebrate Scenic’s third decade this October as Australia’s leading travel company, they’re pulling out the party poppers and streamers and throwing one massive party!
And both consumers and agents are invited to take part in some of this birthday love – thanks Scenic!
For example, the agent that books and deposits the most Scenic luxury cruises or tours before 16 December will win 30 days of travel with Scenic, which includes a 21 day Gems of the Seine & Beautiful Bordeaux River Cruise, an 8 day Luxury Mekong River Cruise, and one night pre or post hotel night in Asia.
12. 5 things I learnt about Switzerland watching Heidi
Heidi, one of the most famous children’s books ever, has been reinvented for the screen again, with the latest version of the story once more flaunting Switzerland’s stunning natural assets and that Swiss spirit!
Based on the novel by Johanna Spyri, Heidi tells the story of an orphan girl (Heidi) brought to live with her grandfather (Alpöhi) up in a remote alpine cabin in the mountains of Graubünden.
Although the pair get off to a rocky start, Heidi and her grandfather soon become inseparable, and when Heidi is forced to travel to Frankfurt by her aunt (Dete) to be a playmate for a wheelchair-bound girl (Klara) who belongs to a rich family, Heidi yearns to return to the Alps and the embrace of her grandfather.
13. River cruising from a unique point of view
Imagine waking up every morning to some of the most gorgeous riverside vistas in the world, whether it be in Europe or Southeast Asia. And imagine being surrounded by pure luxury and comfort.
Avalon Waterways have perfected river cruising in relaxed luxury, offering guests a unique holiday experience that caters to them. And unlike other cruise companies, their beds face the view, not the wall.
Plus Avalon Waterways offers a $4,000 per couple air credit on selected cruises that can be used on an airline of their choice, and on dates of their choosing.
14. 4 reasons why it’s totally normal to be excited about TMS talent
TMS Talent have been serving the Aussie travel industry for over two decades, but an injection of new ideas and technologies into the company within the last two years heralds an exciting new period of expansion.
Having the support and expertise of a leading recruitment and HR firm behind you – who specialise in the travel and tourism industry – is vital in helping you find the right job.
But nothing ever stands still in the travel industry, and sometimes an injection of new ideas, technologies and experienced personnel is needed to take things to the next level – especially when it comes to the world of HR and recruitment.
15. Los Angeles 3.0: These new hotels will suit every kind of traveller
Nothing ever stays the same in the City of Angels, and the USA’s second largest city is currently in the midst of a hotel revolution, with scores of new hotels – over 30! – opening in LA in the next few years.
Los Angeles has something for everyone – you just need to know where to go! From Hollywood, to Downtown, to the beach neighbourhood of Venice Beach, you certainly won’t be running out of hotel options anytime soon…
Here’s a guide on where your clients should stay in LA depending on what they’re interested in.
16. 5 reasons discerning travellers choose Barge Travel Connection
Step onboard a luxury barge and cruise past quaint medieval villages and scenic vistas along some of Europe’s most spectacular canals, having an experience you’ll never forget!
There’s your stock-standard river cruising, and then there’s luxury barge cruising – a unique way of sailing through the heart of Europe on charming barges that are small enough to accommodate between just four and 24 passengers.
Barge Travel Connection, the newest brand from travel wholesaler Entire Travel Connection, specialise in crewed canal cruises in Europe, partnering with hand-picked local suppliers to take guests on an intimate journey through France and the rest of the European continent as they sip on exquisite wine, feast on high-end cuisine, and explore Europe’s cultural landscape – it’s a floating paradise par excellence!