We’ve done all the hard work, so you don’t have to! Read on for our top ten travel news stories we think you need to know today.
1. Great news & numbers for Australian tourism
More and more travellers are heading to Australia for their international vacations, according to the latest international arrivals data.
Statistics released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) revealed a 7.6 percent rise in short-term visitors last year compared to 2013.
Around 6.9 million overseas travellers arrived in the country throughout the year – the highest it has been in over a decade.
2. This will make you wish you worked for Emirates
While other airlines turn to celebrities to promote their brands, Emirates has turned to its ‘globalists’ aka employees to be its ambassadors.
The airline has proved that working for the company is more than just wearing some of the classiest uniforms in the sky, it’s the chance to become a travel spokesperson.
The airline has just launched its newest global campaign ‘Be There’ featuring… it’s staff.
3. Buffalo Tours goes to Indonesia
Buffalo Tours has expanded its business with a fifth destination this year, by unveiling its first ever tours in Indonesia.
Earlier this year, the Asia tour specialist introduced new tours in Singapore, Malaysia, China and Hong Kong.
Now with Indonesia added to the business, the company offers travellers tour options across most of Asia, with tours already operating in Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand and Myanmar.
4. Could Brisbane be the next big Asia Pacific hub?
Development plans are said to be underway to make Brisbane a ‘mid-sized Southeast Asian hub’.
According to the Brisbane Times, Lord Mayor Graham Quirk has received a list of recommendation from the city’s economic development team, which are designed to make the city more appealing to international and cruise visitors.
In the Brisbane’s New World City Action Plan for 2022, the team chaired by Ian Klug recommended pursuing cruise ship terminal opportunities to attract more cruise ships.
Another key recommendation appointed a chief economist to bid for the 2029 Olympic Games and leverage the 2018 Commonwealth Games.
There’s was also the suggestion to explore new tourism funding models to increase MICE visitors as well as get Brisbane in the top 50 destinations list for international conferences.
The plan also identified potential Brisbane’s growth sectors, targeting tourism, small “start-up” businesses, education and agriculture.
These include knowledge-based and corporate services and accommodation and visitor economy.
5. Boomers goes after cruisers
As Australians’ passion for cruising continues to grow, Boomers Travel Insurance has introduced a special cruise insurance package designed to provide extra cover for holidaymakers at sea.
Available as an add-on to Boomers comprehensive travel policy, Boomers Cruise Pack provides even greater cover for a wide range of situations that can happen at sea, from the cancellation of pre-paid shore excursions due to illness through to the loss or damage of formal wear.
Also on offer is a special payment for travellers if their ship diverts from its scheduled course to assist in a marine rescue, as well as compensation for cabin confinement for cruisers who fall ill or suffer an injury during their holiday.
Available for domestic and international cruisers, Boomers Cruise Pack provides unlimited cover for the cost of medical services at sea as well as ship to shore evacuations.
Boomers General Manager Ian Jackson said the Cruise Pack was designed to help provide peace of mind to the growing number of over-50 travellers now enjoying holidays at sea.
The product can also be purchased by travellers aged under 50 years, and is priced from $10 as an add-on to a standard Boomers Travel Insurance policy.
6. RCL preps for Legend-ary Australian season
If clients miss out on sailing with Royal Caribbean this wave season, then there’s always the next. The line confirms all four of its Aus-based ships will return to our shores in 2016/17.
The cruise line has confirmed Explorer of the Seas, Voyager of the Seas, Radiance of the Seas and Legend of the Seas will once again call Australia home during the 2016/17 season.
They will be joined by the line’s third Quantum-class vessel Ovation of the Seas.
7. New booking system with DriveAway Holidays
DriveAway Holidays has launched a new motorhome quoting and booking system that has been designed to offer agents a user-friendly experience.
Featuring enhanced online prices and functionality, it allows clients to access detailed product information, download and access documents and allow you to customise quotes.
Other advantages to using the program include new upfront and estimated total costs, applicable one way fees, local fees and the costs for optional add on items; save multiple quotes online, which show detailed pricing; and booking requests made through the system.
There’s also the ability to customise your quotes online by adding Value Packs or turning the basic rate into an all Inclusive Package; amendments can be made online to your quote and booking requests; and you can download vouchers/travel documents with terms and conditions, local fees and the added BONUS of directions to the depot.
9. Special Scenic Getaway
Over the next few weekends, Australian viewers can enjoy three special half hour episodes of Getaway presenter Livinia Nixon’s Scenic trip along the Rhône River.
Airing Saturday 30 May, 6 and 13 June, viewers will see what goes on during a 13-day cruise in France.
From visits to the idyllic town of Chalon-sur-Saône, travelling to the little village of Beaune before moving on to Cluny to explore the beautiful 17th century Cormatin Castle.
The episode closes with Livinia learning to cook from the masters in France’s second largest city, Lyon, the gastronomic heart of France.
Tune in or tell your clients to view the episodes over the next three weeks on Channel 9 from 5.30pm.
Scenic is giving viewers the opportunity to win their own stunning adventure to the South of France – a 13 Day Spectacular South of France river cruise for two, worth over $22,900. Included in the prize is return economy airfares from Australia and all activities, sightseeing and exclusive events.
Click here to enter the competition, starting 29 May.
10. Caesars ‘Hooting’ for competition winners
Discover the World and Caesars Entertainment has announced the winners of the ‘Las Vegas is Calling’ promotion held in October through to December last year.
The promotion was established to reward agents that jumped on the opportunity to book the most rooms at any one of Caesars Entertainment Las Vegas resorts including Caesars Palace, Nobu Hotel Caesars Palace, The Cromwell, Paris, Planet Hollywood, Rio, Bally’s, Harrah’s, Flamingo and The Quad.
There were three winners, and the grand prize went to Christine Caruana of Hoot Holidays.
Christine is the recipient of airfares to Las Vegas, four nights’ accommodation at her choice of a Caesars Las Vegas resort, two tickets for the High Roller-World’s tallest Observation Wheel, US$200 dining credit, two show tickets, US$300 shopping gift card courtesy of Miracle Mile Shops and a strip flight for two, courtesy of Papillon Helicopters.
The second prize winner is Cory Edmondson also of Hoot Holidays.
Cory won four nights’ accommodation at her choice of Caesars Las Vegas resort, two tickets for the High Roller, US$150 dining credit, two show tickets, US$200 shopping gift card courtesy of Miracle Mile Shops and a strip flight for two courtesy of Papillon Helicopters.
And third prize was awarded to Claudia Lawry from Worldwide Travel and Cruise for the most creative answer to the ‘Play to Win’ component.
Claudia received three nights’ accommodation at her choice of a Caesars Las Vegas resort, two tickets for the High Roller, US$150 Dining credit and two show tickets.