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. Qantas network changes
Qantas is moving its Boeing 737-800 aircraft off the QF71/72 service between Perth and Singapore from 15 December to 22 January and replacing it with the Airbus A330-200 to add 3,390 seats between the two destinations.
Additionally, Qantas will increase capacity on the Melbourne-Los Angeles route from nine flights per week to 10 per week during the March-April and June-July holiday periods in 2017. These additional seasonal services (carrying the flight codes QF95/96) will be operated by a Boeing 747-40.
Beginning 30 January, capacity at other times will be reduced from nine flights per week to daily (A380) flights. This change will allow the airline to increase capacity on the Melbourne-Hong Kong route, which from 30 January 2017 will be operated daily by the Boeing 747-400 rather than a mix of 747s and A330s.
2. Travel is a top profession for cheaters
You’ll be giving your co-workers and contacts (even bosses eek) the side-eye for the rest of the day, after learning that the travel industry is high (very high) on the list of cheating professions.
Uh oh, are you starting to think there’s some truth to that water cooler gossip you overheard last week?
Well you can stop analysing all the rumours, because when we say travel industry we actually mean those working in the aviation sector – (cue the collective “oh yeah, makes sense”).
3. Guy Sebastian brings the X-Factor to AirAsia
Maybe it was angels that brought them together (anyone else feeling old?), or (more likely) one really great marketing team, but AirAsia has landed Guy Sebastian as its ambassador for Australia.
The budget airline received more than three ‘yes’s’ from trade and media last night in Sydney when it announced its new partnership with the pop singer (it helped that Guy played a little sumthin sumthin for attendees).
As part of the arrangement, Guy will promote the AirAsia brand and its services from Australia, while also showcasing some of his favourite Asian destinations (mainly those in the AirAsia network).
4. Did you know, you don’t need to fly Business Class to access ANA’s lounges?
What does it take to get inside one of All Nippon Airways’ (ANA) airport lounges?
Flying in Business Class traveller will definitely get you there, as will being on the right tier in the airline’s loyalty program, but there’s also one other way to access to ANA’s lounges…
… book a Premium Economy ticket.
5. WIN a Sony Action Cam from Avalon Waterways
Avalon Waterways invites travellers to experience the views they deserve when sailing Europe’s rivers and they are now giving you the chance to WIN a Sony Action Cam.
Arrive in a new port each day, Avalon gives you the freedom to cruise your way and unlike other cruise ships, Avalon Waterways has designed its staterooms so beds face the window and the incredible sights river cruising is famous for.
What’s new for 2017?
6. WIN 3x Cheese Hampers or 20x double passes to Heidi
The world famous and all-time favourite children’s story, Heidi, is coming back to the big screens and Switzerland Tourism is giving you a chance to WIN a double pass!
A film by Alain Gsponer based on the novels written by Swiss author, Johanna Spyri, Heidi is about an orphaned girl who spends her happiest childhood days with her eccentric grandfather Alpöhi in a remote alpine cabin in the mountains of Graubünden in eastern part of Switzerland.
Along with her goat-herder friend, they look after her grandfather’s goats and enjoy the freedom in the mountains.
7. New & exclusive beach-side address on the Gold Coast
Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Gold Coast has raised the bar once again with the introduction of its newly-renovated Pacific Mirage Villas.
Developed by award-winning architects, DBI Design, the Pacific Mirage Villas have a new, open plan design that showcases the villas’ surrounding views and are finished with luxurious furnishings and fittings. Filled with natural light via the floor-to-ceiling windows, the new look villas have been carefully designed to embody sophisticated, beach side living and immerse guests in the resort’s lush, tropical setting.
Providing the ultimate accommodation option for friends and families, the Pacific Mirage Villas offer two spacious bedrooms, two bathrooms, open plan lounge and dining area, and fully equipped kitchen, as well as a veranda providing a relaxing outdoor area for guests to unwind and enjoy the striking surroundings. At the heart of each villa is a master suite, furnished to a modern standard, featuring the renowned Sheraton Sleep Experience King bed and a sleek ensuite.
The second bedroom offers flexible configuration options to accommodate either two single beds or a king bed subject to the individual reservation requirements. Secure undercover car parking is included in the villa complex with direct access from Sea World Drive.
8. STA Travel releases powerful new video to raise awareness of youth cancer
Grab a couple of tissues because this will likely be the most heart breaking and powerful thing you see all day.
STA Travel has teamed up with UK-based hip hop group, ‘Along Came Shifty’, to release an emotional music video designed to raise awareness of young people that are either fighting or have lived through cancer.
Snippets from over 100 interviews conducted with young cancer patients were edited into a six-minute clip and placed over a song titled ‘Forecast’, which was written and performed by the nine-piece music group.
9. Gorgeous sunsets, tropical paradise & more with Coral Expeditions
Coral Expeditions recently hosted an educational sailing for a diverse group of Australian domestic travel agents, managers and business owners on their immersive three-night Great Barrier Reef cruise departing from Cairns.
Some of the highlights from this trip were sunset drinks at Sudbury Sand Cay, exploring the marine playground of Nathan and Thetford Reef, visiting the tropical paradise of Pelorus Island, an alfresco breakfast on the sundeck whilst cruising the Hinchinbrook Channel, a rainforest walk on Dunk island followed by sunset sippers and Kilpatrick Oysters on Wheeler Island later that day.
The trip was finished off with a morning on Fitzroy island visiting the Turtle Rehabilitation Centre and snorkelling in coral gardens. A very nice way to start a Monday morning indeed.
Click here for more images.
10. River cruising from a unique point of view
Imagine waking up every morning to some of the most gorgeous riverside vistas in the world, whether it be in Europe or Southeast Asia. And imagine being surrounded by pure luxury and comfort.
Avalon Waterways have perfected river cruising in relaxed luxury, offering guests a unique holiday experience that caters to them. And unlike other cruise companies, their beds face the view, not the wall.
Plus Avalon Waterways offers a $4,000 per couple air credit on selected cruises that can be used on an airline of their choice, and on dates of their choosing.
11. 4 reasons why it’s totally normal to be excited about TMS talent
TMS Talent have been serving the Aussie travel industry for over two decades, but an injection of new ideas and technologies into the company within the last two years heralds an exciting new period of expansion.
Having the support and expertise of a leading recruitment and HR firm behind you – who specialise in the travel and tourism industry – is vital in helping you find the right job.
But nothing ever stands still in the travel industry, and sometimes an injection of new ideas, technologies and experienced personnel is needed to take things to the next level – especially when it comes to the world of HR and recruitment.
12. Los Angeles 3.0: These new hotels will suit every kind of traveller
Nothing ever stays the same in the City of Angels, and the USA’s second largest city is currently in the midst of a hotel revolution, with scores of new hotels – over 30! – opening in LA in the next few years.
Los Angeles has something for everyone – you just need to know where to go! From Hollywood, to Downtown, to the beach neighbourhood of Venice Beach, you certainly won’t be running out of hotel options anytime soon…
Here’s a guide on where your clients should stay in LA depending on what they’re interested in.
13. 5 reasons discerning travellers choose Barge Travel Connection
Step onboard a luxury barge and cruise past quaint medieval villages and scenic vistas along some of Europe’s most spectacular canals, having an experience you’ll never forget!
There’s your stock-standard river cruising, and then there’s luxury barge cruising – a unique way of sailing through the heart of Europe on charming barges that are small enough to accommodate between just four and 24 passengers.
Barge Travel Connection, the newest brand from travel wholesaler Entire Travel Connection, specialise in crewed canal cruises in Europe, partnering with hand-picked local suppliers to take guests on an intimate journey through France and the rest of the European continent as they sip on exquisite wine, feast on high-end cuisine, and explore Europe’s cultural landscape – it’s a floating paradise par excellence!
14. Uniworld’s regal journey along the dazzling Danube
Follow in the royal footsteps of the archduchess Maria Theresa in the heart of Europe in 2017, and celebrate the Austrian princess’ 300th birthday in true class and style along the Danube.
A floating princess’ castle, an exclusive ‘Morning with the Masters’ at Vienna’s Kunthistoriches Museum, and, of course, Uniworld’s reputation for being all-inclusive – if these reasons aren’t enough to convince you to set sail with the leaders in luxury Europe river cruising in 2017, then we don’t know what will!
Oh, wait, here’s one more reason: you’ll get return Economy airfares from just $899 and from $4,299 in Business class on cruises of 7-12 days. This deal is valid on Uniworld’s exciting 8-day ‘Enchanting Danube‘ itinerary from Budapest to Passau, until 31 October 2016.
15. Selling Asia has never been so easy with #TheNewWu
Exotic and alluring, excellent value-for-money, friendly people, and the food – my god the food! Asia offers just about as many travel experiences as there are scooters on the streets of Ho Chi Minh.
But there’s no reason why selling Asia should be as complex as trying to cross the street in a busy Vietnamese city.
Nuh-uh-uh!