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. 7 times Chris Hemsworth made us want to travel to his land down under
Oh Chris Hemsworth, how your mighty Thor makes us want to ditch an international getaway and remain down south where it can be warm, a little bushy and full of surprises.
The ‘In The Heart of the Sea’ actor is playing the part of Australia’s newest tourism ambassador so well, that he’s not only generated record interest from foreigners, he even has us Aussies considering an extensive exploration of our backyard.
While the country has had its fair share of celebrity ambassadors, Hemsworth seems to have all the right assets to target the modern traveller.
2. Qantas & Virgin’s new furry arrangements
Qantas and Virgin Australia are all about that animal life right now and it could have something to do with last week’s National Dog Day.
Whatever the reason, we’re totally wagging our tales over these new arrangements that make both carriers a little more animal friendly.
Let’s start with Qantas (because Q comes before V).
3. Dads are paying for their adult kids to travel with them
As adults we’ve ditched that teenage rebellious instinct for familial distancing and actually want to spend time with our parentals…
… but unfortunately sometimes life gets in the way or we simply don’t have the funds to visit (if they’re in different states/countries).
So mums and dads (mostly dad) have come up with a new way to see their sons and daughters – they’re paying for their kids to go overseas on a family holiday.
4. A new way to access live sporting events in the USA
Brand USA has revealed a new marketing campaign in the Australian market that will not only showcase popular US sports but make it easier for Agents and travellers to book sporting event tickets.
The 12-month marketing partnership sees the launch of www.ussportstickets.com website as a new, seamless booking method for a variety of sporting events including NHL, NBA, MLB, NFL, NASCAR, and Professional Bull Riding.
Users will have access to live ticket inventory with immediate email confirmations, pricing quote and it’s all transacted in Australian dollars. Additionally, it has a 24-hour support system for consumers whilst travelling.
5. AIME celebrates a quarter century
AIME will celebrate a quarter of a century of bringing the meetings and events industry together next year during the two-day event being held on 21-22 February 2017.
AIME 2017 is set to reflect on the industry’s past; the people, the places and the events that have shone, whilst also looking at the future of the industry; the up and coming leaders, the technologies impacting the industry, the new event styles and forms of global collaboration.
A revitalised awards program, new competitions, increased international participation, tightly qualified Hosted Buyers, a diverse range of exhibitors, an enhanced AIME Knowledge Program and a range of networking functions is setting AIME 2017 up to be the biggest and best year on record. Leading the show for the second year, Ian Wainwright, Event Director of AIME, Reed Travel Exhibitions has been designing a range of commemorative and future focused initiatives to engage the community and drive AIME to new heights in its 25th year.
6. Venture Holidays is now live with ROVE
Venture Holidays has rebranded its online booking engine Calypsonet, to ROVE and upgraded to the latest travel technology.
Managing director, Robert Mackay said the new and improved features allow the company to enhance the overall booking experience for Agents.
ROVE’s new layout is easy to use and now allows a travel agent to copy and change quotes, which will assist with time saving. This update also makes the online booking process much more intuitive.
7. Scenic launches 2017/18 Australia program
Scenic has launched its 2017/2018 Australia program which includes a new itinerary to Victoria plus new Freechoice activities, Enrich experiences and hotels.
The new 11 Day Victorian Discovery marks Scenic’s 30th anniversary which is being celebrated this year, and pays homage to the very first coach tour Scenic offered when it began operating in 1986. A round trip from Melbourne, the journey then heads south along the iconic surf coast via Geelong, Lorne and onto the Great Ocean Road – home to the Twelve Apostles – and Warrnambool. Then heading inland via the rugged landscape of the Grampians mountain range to the spa town of Daylesford and artistic Bendigo.
The 2017/2018 program also sees the launch of a new Enrich experience in Tasmania – a guided tour of the Convict town of Ross. New Freechoice activities include a walking tour of Perth and there are also two new hotels – Norfolk Island guests will now stay at the South Pacific Resort, and in Western Australia guests will enjoy a two night Scenic Special Stay at Pullman Bunker Bay.
Click here to check out the brochure.
8. Novotel Wollongong Northbeach gets a makeover
The beachside Novotel Wollongong Northbeach has unveiled fresh new-look coastal chic interiors, with a relaxed beach vibe.
The multi-million dollar refit – which extends across all 204 accommodation rooms & suites at the 4-star hotel – features new modern furniture in neutral tones, on trend lighting which takes advantage of an abundance of natural light. Plush mattresses and crisp new bedding add a luxurious feel to the rooms, which offer uninterrupted ocean views or mountain views, thanks to new glass balustrades.
New sleek modern bathrooms, offer luxe finishes featuring sophisticated tapware, a well-designed lighting scheme with mirrors to create a sense of space, and freestanding bathtubs (in some bathrooms).
9. United Airlines kicks off annual trivia nights
United airlines kicked off its annual trivia nights in Melbourne and Sydney earlier this month, with some 130 consultants attending to test their knowledge on US destinations.
A total of five lucky winners took home great prizes during the evening, including Jaclyn Schurmann from Corporate Traveller who won return tickets to Los Angeles and Las Vegas packaged with accommodation and entry into some local attractions.
Six more trivia nights will be held across Australia and New Zealand over the next two months, giving more Agents the chance to test their knowledge and win. Dates are: 7 September – Adelaide; 20 September – Christchurch; 21 September – Wellington; 22 September – Auckland; 28 September – Parramatta; and 5 October – Newcastle.