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. The world’s tardiest airline is…
Would you choose to fly with an airline knowing that the chance of your flight being delayed was around 56 percent?
Doing a little research and selecting the right airline can go a long in reducing flight delays, according to global flight tracker website, FlightStats, which this week released a study on the world’s best and worst performing carriers.
According to the site, last year a little over half the flights scheduled by Israel’s El Al were either delayed or cancelled – making it the worst performing international carrier over the 12 months.
2. Flights, tours & cruise – New Year, new travel deals
There’s no better time to plan the next getaway than when you’ve just returned from one and lucky for everyone, travel companies agree.
That’s why a fair few airlines, cruise lines and tour operators have moved into the post Christmas and New Year period with a range of new travel deals.
Everything from flights to the Cook Islands, river cruises in Europe and adventures in South America are up for grabs at special prices but only for a limited time.
3. roomsXML’s Q-Push gets a handy upgrade
Travel Agents will have an easier time getting their customers across the booking line with roomsXML’s recently upgraded Q-Push technology.
The latest version was released by the online accommodation specialist this week and allows Agents to send customised hotel information direct from roomsXML to their customers’ emails.
The digital delivery comes with information on the property and quotes as well as agency logo and Agent contact details to ensure clients know exactly who and where the quotation came from.
4. The 3 best kept secrets in Malaysia that Aussies are being told to visit
Aussies are being told to break out of their Malaysia travel habits and visit three up and coming states described as the country’s ‘best kept secrets’.
According to tourism leaders, Aussies visitors tend to have their three favourite spots – Penang, Sabah and Langakwi. These people are now being steered towards three new appealing destinations, each with their own unique attractions.
These are Pahang, Perak and Terengganu, which are ideal for travellers who love visiting destinations while they’re still untouched by mainstream tourism aka Australians.
5. Insider Journeys releases two new brochures
Insider Journeys has released two new 2017/18 brochures from Indochina and Thailand/Myanmar.
The new programs feature content covering Small Group Journeys, private travel itineraries and small boat river cruising.
Inside the 92-page Indochina brochure (covering Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos), Agents and clients will find tours such as the new eight-day ‘Vietnam Express Getaway’ visiting Ho Chi Minh and Hoi An, as well as in-depth destination information, city tours and accommodation options.
The 92-page Thailand and Myanmar guide features new unforgettable sailing experiences and all-inclusive wellness retreats, as well as the new 15-day ‘Thailand Cities and Beaches’ itinerary incorporating Chiang Mai, Phi Phi and Khao Sok.
Click here to check out the brochure.
6. Happy New Year! Here’s a brand new car
Jennifer Smith from Helloworld started 2017 on a high, when she won herself a free car.
The Helloworld Devonport, Tasmania consultants won the Peugeot 308 through a special Helloworld and DriveAway incentive, which Agents could enter by selling a car, motorhome, motorcycle or Peugeot lease between 1 April and 30 September last year.
Ms Smith said she was in shock at winning and is very thankful to DriveAway Holidays for the opportunity to win such a wonderful prize.
7. Jetstar gets milky in new amenity kits
Jetstar has hooked up with Australian-owned skincare company, Milk & Co, to take care of its guests skin.
The brand’s skincare range, made up of 95 percent naturally derived ingredients, will feature in the carrier’s Business Class amenity kits handed out to all Business Class passengers on the carrier’s international flights.
Products in the kits include the Milk & Co Hand Quench and Lip Balm.
8. New General Manager steps in at Sydney’s Tank Stream Hotel
The Tank Stream Hotel in Sydney has announced the appointment of a new General Manager and new Director of Sales & Marketing.
Klaus Kinateder brings over two decades of hotel management experience to The Tank Stream. A true hotelier with a keen eye for detail and commitment to providing a great guest experience, Klaus spent over a decade with Accor in executive and General Manager roles in Sydney, Wollongong and Cairns. Most recently he was Group General Manager Accommodation with the Iris Hotel Group.
The Tank Stream hotel’s new Director of Sales and Marketing also comes from Accor. Div Grover worked with Klaus at the Mercure Sydney Potts Point. Prior to joining Accor, Div worked for the Metro Hospitality Group as Business Development Manager.
9. Crystal cuts the first steel on its first river ship
Crystal Cruises continues its foray into river cruising, with the steel of two new river yachts cut during a ceremonial start of construction.
Crystal Debussy and Crystal Ravel are scheduled to debut in 2018 and will measure approximately 135 metres long and 11 metres wide, making them ideal for cruising along the Rhine, the Danube, the Main and the Moselle.
When they debut, the two vessels will be Europe’s only all-balcony all-suite river ships. They will accommodate 106 guests each and offers luxurious services and amenities such as butler service for every suite, plush king-sized beds that face toward the Panoramic Balcony-Windows, walk-in closets, and wall-mounted flat-screen HD TVs.