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. Tigerair flights to Bali have been cancelled, again
Just when it looked like the ‘Tiger-mare’ might be over, travellers were woken last night to text messages advising them that flights to and from Bali have been cancelled, again.
The cancellations come on the day Tigerair was scheduled to resume flights to Bali after a three-week suspension caused by a last minute change in administrative rules in Indonesia.
The carrier said it is experiencing “issues” in gaining final procedural approval from Indonesian authorities to fly to the popular destination and as a result has been forced to cancel all six flights between Perth, Melbourne and Adelaide and Denpasar scheduled to depart today.
2. G Adventures just purchased three travel brands, one is very iconic
G Adventures the adventure travel company, G Adventures the adventure cruising dealer, G Adventures the new touring business and now G Adventures the solo holidaymaker’s guide, the escorted touring firm and the small ship operator.
The multifaceted company has ventured into new territories with the acquisition of three brands, including the iconic, 60-year cruise line, Swan Hellenic.
The acquisition of the respected boutique cruise line was confirmed this week, a month after the brand’s parent company, All Leisure Group, which also owns Voyages of Discovery, went into administration.
3. This is how Travel Counsellors broke a 23-year-old record
Travel Counsellors has launched into 2017 in a big way – and we’re not just talking about any crazy New Year’s celebrations.
The agency group announced today that it had experienced a record month of sales for January with the value of its holiday bookings exceeding $80 million.
Travel Counsellors also enjoyed top-performing sales days that were so high, they met and exceeded records created when the company was first established in 1994.
4. Stop everything! Jetstar’s ‘Japan Return for Free’ sale is back
If Japan’s been on the bucketlist for sometime – we know it has been, who doesn’t want to experience these 36 crazy, unique, amazing things in person – now’s the chance to secure flights with Jetstar for less than the cost of an iPad 2.
What? How? Why?
Six words – Jetstar’s Japan Return for Free sale.
5. You can now become an Alberta expert
If you’re looking to set yourself up as a Canada expert, why not start by getting really familiar with one of the more popular regions – Alberta.
The destination’s tourism bureau, Travel Alberta, is launching a new special program for the Australian market which Agents can register to and learn about the famed Canadian Rockies including Banff and Jasper National Park.
After completing the program, consultants will become well-versed in things to see and do in Alberta including winter itineraries in the national parks such as dogsledding, snowshoeing, horse sleigh rides and winter wildlife tours. Plus the Northern Lights at Fort McMurray and year round activities in the vibrant cities of Edmonton, Calgary including food tours, brewery tours and nature experiences within close proximity to the city.
Consultants can learn more about the program at the 2017 Canada Corroboree roadshow where it will officially be launched.
6. Do you want to wake up in California this weekend? Here’s how you can
Racing around Universal, laughing with the kids in Disney, walking the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, enjoying local sounds at the casual hookah lounge or maybe even hitting those Mammoth slopes.
If waking up in California sounds like the perfect treat this weekend we know how you can do it without spending any money at all (unless you count electricity bills).
Just hop out of bed on Saturday and Sunday morning, sit in front of the telly, tune into Channel 7 and BOOM, California.
7. A new role has been created at PONANT
Luxury yacht cruise line, PONANT is taking advantage of the pending departure of Steve McLaughlin (Director of Sales, Australia) by restructuring and creating a new role within the business – Commercial Director Asia Pacific.
The person who fills the new role will report directly to Monique Ponfoort, VP Asia Pacific and will be responsible for sales planning and development, distribution, marketing and leadership of the sales and markerting teams in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Shanghai.
The appointment will be announced in a couple of weeks.
8. The 2017 Great Chimu Sale is on
Chimu Adventures is making it easier for Agents to sell Latin America and Antarctica to their clients with the launch of its 2017 Great Chimu Sale, offering 15 percent off select South American itineraries and up to 20 percent off exclusive voyages of Antarctica.
Greg Carter, Co-Founder of Chimu Adventures, said the sale is a commitment to valued agent partners by giving them and their clients access to great offers such as 20 percent off the 11-day MS Expedition Antarctica Class itinerary as well as the 20-day Spirit of Shackleton plus the 22-day Falklands, South Georgia and Antarctic Islands.
There’s also the nine-day ‘Highlights of Peru’ trip taking in Machu Picchu and Lake Titcaca prices from $1,899 per person as well as the 11-day Discover the Frozen Frontier itinerary exploring the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetlands on an exclusive charter from just US$6,712 per person.
Click here for the full list of itineraries. The sale ends on 28 February.
9. Excite says thank you with Brad Pitt
Excite Holidays treated its top-selling NSW Agents to an unforgettable evening under the stars that came with a slice of Brad Pitt.
The group watched the actor’s new flick ‘Allied’ at the St. George OpenAir Cinema where the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House acted as the perfect backdrop.
In addition to the movie, the group enjoyed a delectable buffet and bubbly experience at the InterContinental Sydney, one of the CBD’s most luxurious hotels, guests indulged in the flawless 5-star service and were even surprised with gift bags on arrival.
10. Corporates get a behind-the-scenes education in Delta
Account Managers from Corporate Travellers were invited to really get to know Delta Air Lines during a product familiarisation day hosted by Gate Gourmet’s airline catering centre in Sydney.
The group walked through the catering facilities and even tried lunch served from Delta’s inflight menu during the tour while also seeing first-hand the benefits executive travellers received when flying with the American carrier.
Kelly Thomas, Team Leader – Account Management at Corporate Traveller said the day helped her account managers better understand the Delta experience.