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. “This isn’t something we can sit and watch”
Who would have thought that one day the travel industry would be in moral conflict with the leader of one of the world’s most powerful nations over a decision that goes against everything travel stands for?
As industry professionals we not only promote and sell travel, we also appreciate its contributions and impact on the world, particularly its power to change people’s perceptions by exposing them to new cultures, languages and living situations.
For Intrepid Travel this ‘change the world’ stance isn’t a saying or “marketing line”, it’s woven into everything the company does, which is why Managing Director James Thornton says the business can’t “sit and watch” those ideals come under threat.
2. World tourism leader says Trump has removed people’s ‘freedom to travel’
The backlash continues against Donald Trump’s temporary ban on select nationalities from entering the United States, with one of the world’s leading bodies in travel describing it as “wrong”.
World Travel & Tourism Council’s (WTTC) President and CEO, David Scowsill, has urged the US government to reverse the Executive Order, which stops people from seven countries (Iran, Yemen, Iraq, Syria, Somalia, Libya and Sudan) from travelling to the US, saying it not only creates confusion among travellers, but it goes directly against “the fundamental right of Freedom to Travel”.
In a statement, the tourism leader described the ban as “wrong”, saying he believes it flies against US principles and is ultimately removing people’s freedom to travel.
3. Flight Centre launches UK Agent ad
Flight Centre has launched its first ever UK TV ad featuring it’s own consultants from the red and white army and it’s a winner for agents.
Following on from the Australian version last year, the 30-second ad features a variety of millennial aged Flight Centre agents talking up a range of destinations in-store and on the phone.
Asking the question “Where do you want to go?” The ad follows on with “For a great price and expert advice. We’re here 24/7”.
4. Booking frenzy! Flights to Europe selling from $369
This is real guys, it actually happened – ridiculously low airfares to Greece were selling from $349 but only for a few hours!
Holidaymakers had to get in real quick to secure cheap-as flights from Australia to Athens during Scoot’s eight-hour ‘Escape the Ordinary’ sale.
The budget airline gave the world a reason to smile in the midst of this Trump drama with the massive sale on its Asia and Europe flights that saw Aussies secure flights from Perth to Athens from just $349!
5. Travel jobs opening up as this business booms
WorldVentures had a long term plan for Australia when it set up in the market four years ago – open a small office, build clients over time and one day open a larger space to accommodate dozens of staff members.
But a 400 percent spike in memberships over the last two years pushed those long-term plans forward a few years, forcing the company to make changes sooner than expected.
Speaking to KarryOn, the company’s General Manager of Asia Pacific, Anthony Fitzgerald said the response Down Under exceeded predictions, with some 100,000 Australian members signing up to the invitation-only travel club in four years, making Australia one of the fastest growing markets for the business.
6. Buffalo Tours is giving you a free guide to responsible travel
Inbound Destination Management Company, Buffalo Tours has released an inspirational free Responsible Travel Guide for Asia – Made just for you.
Most of us us don’t know where to start when it comes to travelling more responsibly.
All too often, it all feels too hard.
7. YOU’RE INVITED: Indonesia Sales Mission with ‘cool & contemporary’ hotels
Contemporary hotels with a cool or cultured edge will be meeting Travel Agents in Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne and Perth this February at the Badung Region hotel sales mission.
Over 20 hotels, boutique hotels, eco-resorts, private and themed villas will be represented from across the island including The Seminyak Beach Resort and Spa, a Luxury Hotel Awards Winner; Double-Six Luxury Hotel; Karma Kandara Resort; and Nandini Jungle Resort & Spa.
Sales Mission dates are: Sydney – 3 February, Sofitel Wentworth Hotel 9.00am-12.00pm including lunch; Brisbane – 6 February, Sofitel Brisbane Hotel 6.00-9.00pm including dinner; Melbourne – 7 February, Sofitel Melbourne on Collins 6.00-9.30pm including dinner; and Perth – Pan Pacific Perth 6.00pm – 9.30pm including dinner.
To attend, send your RSVP to is@varatrip.com or contact Miriam Tulevski at the Visit Indonesia Tourism Office for more information: mtulevski@apmd.com.au
8. Get to know Nanuku with this special offer
Australian Travel Agents have the chance to stay at an award-winning all-villa boutique resort at a discounted price as part of a ‘Get to Know Us’ offer.
From 1 April 2017 until 31 March 2018, consultants and a plus one can stay in a suite at the Nanuku Auberge Resort Fiji for a minimum for three nights from FJ$1,164 per night.
Alternatively, a stay in one of the resort’s villas leads in at FJ$2,168 per night and any extra adult costs are FJ$400 per night while extra children 12 years and under pay FJ$200.00* per night.
Email nan.reservations@aubergeresorts.com for more information and use the booking code NANIND17 at the time of booking.
9. Singapore, Malaysia & The Philippines in one brochure
Infinity Holidays is enticing travellers to book Singapore, Malaysia and The Philippines with its new brochure.
Holidaymakers can picture themselves exploring the lush jungles of Borneo, island hopping through The Philippines’ amazing archipelago, and tasting all the delicious street delights of Singapore’s China Town.
The brochure is online now and will be in stores soon. Click here to view the program.
10. Experience Fiji in Sydney
Sydneysiders and visitors will be able to experience a slice of Fiji this month as ‘The Golden Fijian’ pop-up pub opens in Sydney thanks to Fiji Airways.
Opening from 3-5 February, the Fijian-themed bar is being opened by the world champion Fiji Sevens team. The opening coincides with one of the most exciting global rugby tournaments taking place a stone’s throw away at the Moore Park Stadium.
As well as having Fiji Bitter and Vonu Pure Lager on offer, The Golden Fijian at The Olympic Hotel will offer a lunch and dinner menu of Fijian holiday favourites over the weekend. Fiji Airways’ delicious coconut rum-infused Business Class Signature Cocktail will also be on sale and there’ll be prize giveaways for those who turn up in the best fancy dress on Saturday and Sunday afternoon at 3.50pm.
Entry is free and the bar will be located at The Olympic Hotel – 308 Moore Park Rd, Paddington. Opening times are 3 February 11.00am-midnight; 4 February 11.00am-midnight; and 5 February 11.00am-10pm.
11. Lindblad’s new ship is called…
Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic has named its newest ship, National Geographic Venture, which will launch in June 2018 as the second-ever newbuild vessel for the expedition line.
The ship, currently being built in Seattle, was designed from scratch in the USA just like her sister-ship National Geographic Quest (launching June 2017) and will feature 50 cabins – 22 with step out balconies – and six sets of connecting cabins for families and groups.
Expedition cruisers will have access to 24 sea kayaks, paddle boards, snorkelling equipment, and Zodiacs, all of which are geared to get guests out and into the wild, remote places being explored.