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. Travellers told to watch out for ‘cunningly crafted’ airline email scam
The Australian government has issued a warning for Aussies to be cautious of a new email scan going around the country claiming to be Qantas.
The fake emails are offering rewards of cash and frequent flyer points for participating in a survey.
An update from the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) said the emails look similar to the real Qantas email, however, the subject line reads: ‘Customer Satisfaction Survey, Earn up to 95 AUD Plus 1,000 bonus Qantas Points’.
2. Where are Trafalgar’s top sellers going this year?
¡Ay dios mio! Esto es muy emocianante y estamos un poco celosos.
Don’t understand the above (hopefully that’s not because it doesn’t make sense – sorry I’m not Spanish but I try)? Well if you’re selected to be one of Trafalgar’s Acclaim Achievers this year, then you might want to brush up on your Spanish because the tour operator is taking you to South America.
¡Que afortunado!
3. These Agents are among the best at selling cruise in Australia
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Australasia has revealed the finalists for the 2016 Cruise Awards, making them some of the best cruise sellers in Australia and New Zealand.
Announced less than two weeks from the awards gala night, finalists were chosen for 19 categories including Cruise Agency of the Year and Cruise Consultants of the Year as well as the inaugural Plan a Cruise Month Agency promotion.
CLIA’s Managing Director, Joel Katz, said the Cruise Industry Awards were a great way for member cruise lines to recognise and reward Travel Agents “who are at the forefront of the industry’s impressive growth”.
4. Amadeus appoints Justin Montgomery to GM Australia
Amadeus has appointed Justin Montgomery as General Manager, Australia, a year after he joined the Amadeus IT Pacific’s management team as Head of Commercial.
Montgomery has held various senior roles in the Australian travel and aviation industries. In this new role, Justin will be responsible for growing Amadeus’ distribution business, leading the commercial team in Australia as well as supporting key industry partnerships.
Tony Carter, Managing Director, Amadeus IT Pacific said: “In order to grow our business further, we have made two key appointments in recent months. Firstly we appointed Andrew Gay as GM, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands, and now Justin Montgomery as GM for Australia. Justin has achieved excellent results as the Head of Commercial over the last year and this new role is a testament to Justin’s performance and our drive to keep growing in the Australian market.”
5. Last spaces for Wendy Wu’s Cherry Blossom tours
Image: JNTO
Lightening fast journeys on the Shinkansen, Mount Fuji scenery, traditional Shinto shrines and days of delectable Japanese cuisine are what travellers get when they book one of Wendy Wu Tours’ Cherry Blossom tours.
But be quick, because they’re selling fast. The tour operator says its down to only a few places on the Essential Japan tour departing Australia on 16 March.
The 12-day itinerary starts with three nights in Tokyo before heading to the natural beauty of the Fuji Five Lakes region to view Mount Fuji. Next, the enchanting city of Kyoto – home to tranquil temples and gardens and elegant Geisha. UNESCO-listed Himeji Castle makes for perfect pictures framed by the cherry trees, and a visit to Hiroshima and the holy island of Miyajima round out the trip.
Click here for more information.
6. Special Agents prices for Fijian resort
Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa is inviting the Australia travel industry to try out the new Waitui Beach Club with a special Agent-only discount.
The new facility is an exclusive, adults-only area where guests can dine, relax and be entertained.
In addition to gaining access to the Waitui Beach Club, consultants will also receive a dedicated arrival lounge and private check-in experience; upgraded in-room amenities; a Daily Beach Club welcome Pack; personalised pool butler service; healthy, balanced menus; exclusive gym sessions; complimentary healthy breakfast option; complimentary exotic sun downer cocktails daily; and more.
The offer is valid until 28 February 2017 for travel from 15 January to 9 April 2017 as well as 20 October to 24 December 2017. Use the booking code: SFAGENT2017
7. Europe is on sale with Globus
Globus is offering Australian travellers a 10 percent discount on all holidays to Europe and the American until the end of February.
The discount is available on new bookings on 2017 tours. Prices start from $2,033 for a seven-day tour of Costa Rica and can go up to $7,300 per person twin share on a 15-day Spirit of South America trip to Brazil, Argentina and Peru.
The discount is available for eligible bookings made and deposited by 28 February, 2017.
8. G Adventures packs in more trips in the new National Geographic Journeys brochure
G Adventures has added 20 new trips for 2017 inside the new National Geographic Journeys with G Adventures brochure released this month.
Among the new trips is the 10-day Alaska Journey, which includes coastline vistas, encounters with wildlife, and the towering majesty of Denali.
All the Journeys collection offers hands-on exploration and meaningful interactions with people and places at an accessible price point. With an emphasis on discovery, storytelling, local immersion and social good, all Journeys tours offer unforgettable experiences to travellers who appreciate having free time and flexibility, but value the structure and security that come with group travel.
9. Travelport hits the Australian Open with customers
Travelport and a few Agents were among the hundreds to watch Serena Williams take on Venus Williams live over the weekend at the Australian Open.
The tech-company invited a few customers to the annual sporting match where they witnessed top talents in the tennis world including Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.
The Australian Open has become an annual tradition for Travelport and its customers to celebrate and kick-off the new year together.