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. Travel agency closure leaves travellers out of pocket
Travellers say they’ve lost thousands of dollars in the recent closure of Western Australian agency, Global Plus Holidays.
The company shut its doors last month, with the Director telling the Australian Department of Commerce’s Consumer Protection that the business “was facing financial difficulty”.
A statement from the government group said the agency is seeking advice from insolvency accountants.
2. LATAM’s plan for on-time & safe operations during the Rio 2016 Olympic Games
Demand will be high, more flights will be in operation but how does South America’s largest airline, LATAM, plan on managing all that extra Olympic Games capacity while assuring on-time services and safety?
With 100 special operational initiatives.
The carrier this week officially kicked-off its special operation for the Rio 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games designed to serve sports fans and delegations travelling to and from Brazil throughout August and September.
3. Who wants to win a brand new car? AccorHotels is giving one away
Oh-em-gee! The AccorHotels Showcase is fast approaching and you know what that means… someone is winning a free car!
Which lucky son of a gun do you think it’ll be this year?
The hotel group will ‘showcase’ its support for Agents on 8 September by giving them the chance to WIN a brand new car, more specifically, a Peugeot 208 worth over $30,000.
4. Travellers will soon be able to sleep where Australia’s infamous ‘Chopper’ once slept
It was once home to Australia’s most notorious criminals, including Mark ‘Chopper’ Read, but come 2020 and the historic Pentridge Prison will reopen with a much lighter and luxurious-feel.
TFE Hotels is taking the 166-year-old property and transforming it into an accommodation and lifestyle precinct where travellers can literally spend the night under the same roof that sheltered some of the country’s worst offenders.
The dark and gloomy hallways of the prison, which sealed its gates back in 1997, will be converted into a light and relaxing 120-room Adina Apartment Hotel.
5. YOU’RE INVITED: Indonesia Cruise & Yacht Mission
Australian cruise operators, yacht operators and travel agencies interested in cruise are invited to learn about Indonesia’s plans to tap into one of the fastest growing travel segments.
Being held on 12 August at the Hilton Hotel, the event will start from 5pm with briefing, tabletop sales mission and a dinner to follow.
Among the things to be discussed on the evening include Indonesia’s marine offerings, the 10 top destinations beyond Bali, a new legislation to create easier access for cruise ships and yachts and more.
Click here to RSVP.
6. Scenic extends its Africa program to Mozambique
Awwww, imagine coming across this adorable little creature during your Scenic adventure through Africa.
Scenic has launched its 2017 Africa program which includes the addition of Mozambique in the five-day extension ‘Mozambique Escape’ itinerary from Johannesburg to Bazaruto Island.
Guests on the trip will stay in Anantara Bazaruto Island Resort & Spa, where they’ll have access to a luxury beachfront villa to horse-riding along the beach.
Click here to check out the brochure for more information.
7. Idaho Tourism gets virtual
Idaho Tourism has ventured into the world of virtual reality (VR) to offer viewers a chance to virtually experience a variety of the state’s most popular summer outdoor recreation activities.
The first installment of videos are now available and include rafting the Payette; Snake River Canyon experience; Boise summer experience; North Fork Championship; and Adrenaline Rush.
According to Idaho Tourism Manager, Diane Norton, Idaho is one of only three US tourism offices utilising the VR experience to market the destination by allowing users to have an immersive experience.
How can you use it? Order yourself some Google Cardboard or Gear VR headseats, then visit Idaho’s YouTube Channel to watch the videos. Click here for more information.
8. The ‘Cirque’ comes to town with TravelNevada
Nevada’s tourism leaders gave the Australian travel industry a taste of the US state during last week’s TravelNevada’s sales mission.
Media, consultants and more mingled with Nevada representatives, including the state’s Governor Sandoval, while learning about the destination beyond the popular city of Las Vegas.
Of course, there were also prizes to giveaway, and two attendees walked away with a trip in October to attend The Governor’s Global Tourism Summit in Reno, Nevada. The prize winners will fly United Airlines and have their choice of pre-fams before The Summit.
Click here for more images.
9. WIN a spot on the ‘Ultimate Abu Dhabi famil’
If $999 flights to Abu Dhabi weren’t enough to encourage you to sell Etihad Airways to your clients, then how about a trip to Abu Dhabi?
Etihad Airways along with Virgin Australia and Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority has just launched an Agent incentive, giving consultants the chance to WIN a spot on the ‘Ultimate Abu Dhabi’ famil running this October.
To be one of 50 on the captivating, cultural and adventurous trip, Agents simply need to book Etihad Airways or Virgin Australia to Abu Dhabi or as a stopover to Europe.