We’ve done all the hard work, so you don’t have to! Read on for the top ten travel news stories we think you need to know today.
1. Qantas flies the ‘Dream’ with pre-GFC profits
Qantas is slowly making its way back to those financial glory days, with the announcement of its strongest profit since before the Global Financial Crisis.
Today, the Flying Kangaroo announced an Underlying Profit Before Tax of $975 million – just under the desired $1 billion mark.
Achieved during the 2014/15 financial year, the figure was a turnaround of $1.6 billion compared to the prior 12 months.
2. Webjet transactions take-off
An increase in online flight bookings, mobile bookings and the acquisition of a new business have contributed to a huge increase in Webjet’s total transaction value (TTV).
In total, the online booking platform saw its TTV rise to $1,226 million for the latest financial year – up 31 percent on the prior 12 months.
According to Chief Executive John Guscic, the company reported record transaction values every month last year, which was delivered by ongoing focus on ‘exceptional service and delivering customers greater convenience’.
3. Adventure World’s first foray in Japan
Adventure World has expanded its Asia product into the ‘Land of the Rising Sun‘ with its first Japan itinerary called ‘Handpicked Japan’.
The new 13-day trip gives Adventure World guests the opportunity to tick Japan’s renowned culinary experiences, ancient culture and unique sights off the bucket list.
The new itinerary comes after latest figures revealed a 24 percent increase in Australian visitors to Japan during peak month December last year compared to the same month in 2013.
4. One last ‘Women in Tourism’ lunch for 2015
Hey ladies (and gentlemen) it’s time to get your RSVPs in for the third and final Women in Tourism Leadership Lunch for 2015.
The event follows on from two successful lunches held this year, which saw dozens of women from around the industry meet for a couple of hours to share success tips and tricks for a successful life/work balance.
KarryOn is a proud sponsor of the third lunch, which will be held on 30 October in Walsh Bay, NSW.
5. New insurance provider for Aus
Multitrip.com.au is the latest insurance provider to join the Australian travel insurance market with quotes available through insurance comparison website comparetravelinsurance.com.au.
Natalie Ball, Director, Comparetravelinsurance.com.au said it was great to have another player join the market to provide customers with greater product choice.
“Until now our focus has predominantly been in Ireland and the UK.”
Maeve Slamon, Multitrip.com.au Operations Manager
“So we’re very excited to have launched our new travel insurance product in Australian through Comparetravelinsurance.com.au.”
“We have plans to suit all types of travellers whether you’re looking to for a policy that covers golf equipment or cross country skiing, our policies have benefits to suit all.
“Our aim is to provide the Australian public with low cost travel insurance designed to meet their needs.”
6. INCENTIVE: WIN a spot on a Vanuatu educational
Travel agents have the chance to win one of nine spots on a weekend educational to Vanuatu departing in November.
To be in the running to win, agents need to make a booking that includes Sunset Bungalows or The Havannah. BONUS entries can be make by booking clients on Air Vanuatu. All bookings must be confirmed and deposited before 15 October 2015.
Vanuatu Educational Weekender departs 20 November and includes return flights with Air Vanuatu; three night accommodation; all meals and tours as per itinerary.
The winners will be drawn and announced 21 October 2015
7. Mark Best sails with Holland America
Food lovers will have a chance to cruise with renowned chef and Holland America’s Culinary Council member, Mark Best when he joins a seven-day Roundtrip Vancouver Alaska sailing on ms Noordam.
Departing 19 September, the chef will appear in the ship’s Culinary Arts Center to demonstrate a selection of his favorite dishes.
Guests will also have the opportunity to dine at the Pinnacle Grill and enjoy an exclusive dinner featuring Mark’s signature dishes.
Mark joined Holland America Line’s Culinary Council in 2014 and has been providing recipes and guidance to the Council ever since.
His dishes are offered on the Main Dining Room menu and include sweet breads with roast cos lettuce, burnt bread sauce; and quail with pumpkin ‘tofu’, roasted Brussels sprouts, pork crackling, button onions.
8. Is it possible for Etihad’s ‘Residence’ to be more luxurious?
Apparently so.
The airline has teamed up with concierge service provider, Ten Group, to offer its Residence guest more than just a high-standard of service in the sky.
For those who haven’t yet heard about The Residence – it’s a three-room private suite onboard Etihad’s Airbus A380s. It sells for around $27,000 per flight and includes a living room, a bedroom, a private butler and more.
9. Throwback Thursday: Meet P&O’s Orcadeans
P&O Cruises’ Pacific Jewel played host to a special reunion celebrating a golden anniversary of friendship between the P&O ‘Orcadeans’.
The Orcadeans met 50 years ago aboard the liner Orcades and became lifelong friends sailing from Australia to England.
The group – still very much young at heart – boarded Pacific Jewel with lots of photo albums to reminisce about the original voyage and their lives since then.
10. 5 reasons TravelManagers will love the 2015 conference
It’s that time of the year again, when hundreds of Personal Travel Managers from around the country gather in one location for the annual TravelManagers Conference.
While some agents are still on a high from last year’s whirlwind three-day event in Singapore, this year the agency group is keeping things local and giving agents (and KarryOn) the chance to explore their very own backyard.
Kicking off on 28 August with the theme of ‘Focus’, consultants will spend the weekend learning how to stay on topic and eliminating time-consuming distractions that do not add value.