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. Death toll expected to climb in Italy post-quake
The death toll in Italy’s Abruzzo region is expected to climb today as rescue teams make their way through the aftermath of last night’s 6.2-magnitude earthquake.
So far, around 120 people have been reported dead and another 368 injured in the “shallow and strong quake”. The worst hit villages were Amatrice and Accumoli, where buildings have turned to rubble.
Italy’s Prime Minister Matteo Renzi said the current “death toll is not final” and fears the dozens of people still missing may be trapped under debris.
2. Turner says 2017 will be another “important year” for Flight Centre
Flight Centre’s profits may have slightly dipped during FY16, but the group’s Managing Director is hoping for a brighter future, which will be paved by actions and initiatives over the next 12 months.
The company’s latest financial report revealed that the travel giant made $352.4 million in underlying profit before tax during the year to June 2016, a 3.8 percent drop compared to the $366.3 million earned in the prior year.
The decrease was attributed to a number of factors including airfare price wars, which resulted in a four percent decrease in value of tickets sold to the US despite 6.2 percent more fares distributed during the 12-month period.
3. Millennials are spending HOW MUCH on int’l ATM fees? What a waste!
$70 may not sound like much after booking flights, accommodation and tours, but it’s still not the amount you want to be wasting on something like international ATM fees.
Apparently that’s exactly what millennials are doing when they head overseas, because they’re yet to realise just how much their banks are charging them for withdrawals.
A study conducted by Westpac found those younger holidaymakers think their international ATM fees are around $3 per transactions, but it’s actually more like $7 per transaction.
4. 14 unforgettable moments from the 2016 TravelManagers Conference
It went by like a blur (or as fast as The Flash), but the 2016 TravelManagers Conference in Bangkok was an unforgettable one.
Attendees were able to learn a whole lot of interesting stuff, like how adding value can be more important than focusing on money or discover TravelManagers’ plans to focus on cruise, corporate and kids.
Plus they were the first to check out the group’s new website and marketing campaign and find out who the top TravelManagers were over the last 12 months.
5. REVEALED: Luxperience exhibitor & tourism destination award finalists
Luxperience has announced the exhibitor and destination finalists for its second annual awards evening, held on the last night of the conference.
The prestigious awards acknowledge excellence in the development and promotion of the finest products that the luxury travel industry has to offer and are judged by an esteemed panel of travel industry experts.
The finalists are…
6. INCENTIVE: Sell Coral Expeditions & receive a cruise
Coral Expeditions is celebrating its first season sailing in Myanmar with the offer of a free cruise to every Agent who sells two bookings of four or 10 guests on selected sailings.
A 12-night Singapore to Yangon expedition for two adults is up for grabs for Agents who books in 10 guests for Myanmar sailings departing in November and December 2016 on Singapore/Yangon routes.
By booking in just four guests for the same Myanmar departures, consultants will receive a three or four-night Great Barrier Reef cruise for two adults on board the Coral Expeditions II.
Click here for full itineraries and pricing in the Asia brochure.
7. Tok Tok kicks off in Vanuatu
Vanuatu’s tourism industry trade show, Tok Tok 2016 kicks off yesterday at Iririki Island Resort & Spa on the main island of Efate.
Wholesalers from Australia, New Zealand, New Caledonia, Europe, USA and Asia will meet with local suppliers to exchange ideas and learn about upcoming opportunities in Vanuatu.
International buyers have spent the start of the week on pre tours experiencing the culture and scenery of the outer islands and learning more about what Tanna and Espiritu Santo can offer visitors.
8. Carnival brings the blue, white & red to the Colour Run
Showing it can offer as much fun on land as it does at sea, Carnival Cruise Line officially embarked on its first Color Run in Sydney last weekend, partnering with the organisers to sponsor the Tropicolor zone at the colourful event.
Led by Carnival Cruise Line Vice President Australia Jennifer Vandekreeke, a Fun Squad of Carnival staff along with travel partners, family and friends, zoomed around the Centennial Park course.
The cruise line also provided a special Carnival ‘Fun Spot’ at the Finish Festival, with an inflatable jousting arena offering hours of gladiatorial fun.
9. Are you G Adventures first Responsible Travel Ambassador?
A nation-wide quest is currently underway for a Responsible Travel Ambassador, and G Adventures and KarryOn are coordinating their search efforts as we speak.
The winner will not only win full bragging rights at the appointment of such a title, but they’ll also score an epic G Adventure 10 day Nepal Adventures Tour – plus flights – where they’ll experience the colourful chaos of Kathmandu, the serenity of the Himalayan walking trails, and a 4×4 expedition in search of tigers.
10. WIN a spot on the ‘Ultimate Abu Dhabi famil
Etihad Airways along with Virgin Australia and Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority has just launched an Agent incentive, giving consultants the chance to WIN a spot on the ‘Ultimate Abu Dhabi’ famil running this October.
To be one of 50 on the captivating, cultural and adventurous trip, Agents simply need to book Etihad Airways or Virgin Australia to Abu Dhabi or as a stopover to Europe.