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. Emirates opens first & business lounges to the average Joe
Here, hold my poodle. I’ve got an Emirates flight to catch and a FIRST CLASS lounge to access with my average man’s Economy ticket.
It’s happened. Airlines have spent the last few years adding so much space to their first and business class lounges that they’ve now got too much room and not enough of those fancy flyers to fill them. So they need us everyday folk to go in and give their lounge staff something to do.
2. These 10 Agents just won a trip to Argentina & Chile
We’re only halfway through January and there’s already 46 Agent famils up for grabs – thanks to Wendy Wu Tours, Excite Holidays and G Adventures – indicating 2017 is going to be huge for incentives.
If that wasn’t enough to convince you, how about how we’re only 18 days into the New Year and 10 Travel Agents have just learned that they’re heading to South America for a 10-day journey through Argentina and Chile.
Those lucky…
3. Gunman kills four in Cancun
Mexico’s Cancun is reportedly in lock-down after a gunmen opened fire at government offices, killing four people. The attack comes a few days after five people, including four foreigners, were killed in a shooting at a nearby nightclub.
According to local police, shots were fired at the state attorney-general’s office in Cancun, killing one policeman and three suspected gunmen.
Authorities are assuring visitors that the “state is under control and in order” and that they can go about “their lives as normal”, however, a Perth man caught up in the shooting told media that the city is now in emergency lockdown due to ongoing violence.
4. 3 new brochures from G
Agents have a whole lot of G to show off to their clients in the adventure operator’s newly released Earth, Active and Yolo brochures.
For the first time ever, the 2017 programs feature trips to Borneo, one of G Adventures’ newest destinations. There’s also an expanded tour selection of Patagonia, one of the most remote regions on Earth.
The new brochures include the new Jane Goodall Collection, which was unveiled last year – a selection of incredible wildlife-centric tours in the world’s most remarkable destinations that have been officially endorsed by the world renowned primatologist.
5. She’s gorgeous, she’s coming & she’s on sale
Cruisers keen to get onboard one of Seabourn’s new ships can secure themselves a room on Seabourn Ovation at a special price.
The sale is available on a variety of voyages throughout Northern Europe, the United Kingdom and the Mediterranean between May and November 2018, including an 11-day inaugural voyage from Venice to Barcelona departing 5 May, which is selling for $12,199 per person double occupancy.
Seabourn Ovation will spend most of its maiden season sailing the waters of Northern Europe, exploring the Baltic, Scandinavia and the United Kingdom. The ship will offer a series of seven-day Baltic and Scandinavia cruises between Copenhagen and Stockholm, which will include the line’s signature three-day stay in St. Petersburg, Russia. Seabourn Ovation will also sail on longer 14-day voyages, visiting the majestic Norwegian fjords and British Isles.
6. Club Med unveils two new snow resorts in…
Club Med is preparing to open doors to two new snow resorts in December this year – Hokkaido, Japan and the French Alps – with an early sale on the two properties.
A week at Club Med Tomamu is starting from $2,185 per adult and $875 per child for seven nights. The offer is based on departure from 17 March 2018 and in non-connecting Club Rooms.
Meanwhile, the Club Med Samöens offers 360-degree views of unspoilt Alpine mountains and is available to book from $2,135 per adult and $1,705 per child for seven nights, based on departure from 17 March 2018 and in non- connecting Club Rooms.
7. Metro Aspire Hotel looks brand-spanking new in Sydney
Metro Aspire Hotel Sydney has completed a full-scale multi-million dollar refurbishment, designed to capitalise on the growing demand for quality accommodation with the opening of ICC Sydney, the new convention, exhibition and entertainment precinct.
All the hotel’s guest rooms have been overhauled and transformed with a new fresh, contemporary design and upgraded to a 4-star standard. They were fitted with King zip beds, new furniture, flooring and bathrooms, as well as smart TVs, new VoIP digital telephone connections and high speed internet.
Also new is the Gumtree Restaurant & Bar, with capacity for 120 guests is open for breakfast and dinner in 2017. Plus, the conference and event space has been revamped to offer two function areas, one with a capacity for 60 people theatre-style, and the other a meeting room for up to 40 people.
8. A&K’s inspiring new partnership in Botswana
Image: Sanctuaryretreats.com
Australians travel to places like Africa to get a taste of the wildlife in a safe and life-changing environment.
Now Abercrombie & Kent is giving local school children staying at the Sanctuary Retreats Stanley’s and Baines’ Camps in Botswana a similar experience through a new partnership with The Elephant Outreach Program.
The initiative is designed to change the attitude and perception towards elephants in the country from one of resentment emerged from the accidental injuries they’ve inflicted, to one of understanding and respect.
The first of the educational and life-changing experiences is expected to take place next month.
9. Earthquake strikes but Agents still get the best out of Chile
They visited Easter Island, explored Atacama Desert and left us all extremely jealous with pictures taken in front of spectacular scenery – they were Travellers Choice Agents on recent famil to Easter Island and Chile.
The group were taken to the South American hot spot with Adventure World and LATAM Airlines where they had the time of their lives and the scariest one when a 6.4 magnitude quake hit on the day they arrived in Santiago.
Elaine Williamson from Jetaway Travel said they were enjoying some wine at Casas del Bosque Vineyard when the earthquake struck. They all kind of freaked out, but the locals kept them calm with the nonchalant attitude.
Other highlights of the trip were seeing San Pedro and exploring the Atacama Desert as well as staying in the luxurious Alto Atacama Desert Lodge & Spa, which was recently named one of the 10th best in Latin America.
Competition of the Week
WIN 1 of 3 copies of ‘New York: Through a Fashion Eye’
Fashionista’s of the world rejoice! Fashion illustrator Megan Hess is bringing New York fashion to you and we’re giving you a chance to WIN her latest book.
Click here to enter.