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. ¡Orale! The first Latin America Travel Week is coming
Eh, mamacitas and papis get your culos and cerebros ready because the first ever Latin America Travel Week is coming to Australia.
¿Cómo?
Due to fast-growing demand in Australia for holidays to South and Central America, the Australian Travel Association for Latin America (ATALA) has decided to give agents and consumers easy and direct access to information about the region by hosting the week-long event.
2. Virgin America has a buyer… Alaska Airlines
Virgin America is going once, going twice, GONE – sold to the Washington-based company and owners of Alaska Airlines, the Alaska Air Group.
Less than a week after the carrier went up for sale, Alaska Air has purchased the airline in a deal worth US$2 billion or AU$2.61 billion.
Both companies have approved the transaction, however, Virgin America shareholders still need to give their final vote.
3. Magellan celebrates a 30-year milestone
The Magellan Travel Group is celebrating its second milestone in two weeks, with another major anniversary.
Last week, Gerd Wilmer from Landmark Travel celebrating 50 years and this week, Cathie Rice of Cathie Rice Travel celebrates 30 years in the travel industry.
Rice opened her first store in Bunbury, WA on 1 April 1986 and Crandon Keddie joined her 10 months later.
4. Cunard cruises towards inclusive travel
Seabourn has it, Crystal Cruises offers it and Silversea is on top of it – more luxury cruise lines are moving towards fully inclusive travel and Cunard may be next in line to offer the convenient fare type.
Speaking to media earlier this year, Cunard’s International Development Director, David Rousham, said the line is in the process of creating all inclusive packages because it’s an “expectation” amongst luxury travellers.
He explained that feedback from passengers, especially those travelling in the line’s high-end Grill suites, revealed that there’s an expectancy that the fare covers almost everything onboard.
5. Australia gets more Ovation of the Seas
Royal Caribbean has not only extended Ovation of the Seas’ maiden visit in Australia with four extra cruises, but announced she’ll be returning for the 2016/17 season.
The cruise line’s local Managing Director, Adam Armstrong, said interest for the ship has “exceeded all of our expectations”, with over 90 percent of her first visit sold out.
“She is a true game-changer and such was the high demand for the ship that we’ve been able to secure four extra cruises from Sydney, which will extend the season into late February 2017.”
Adam Armstrong, Royal Caribbean Managing Director Australasia
Guests booked on the 23 January 2017 repositioning cruise from Sydney to Singapore will be contacted directly and offered first choice of sailings to rebook, including the revised repositioning itinerary scheduled for four weeks later.
6. Star Ratings launches Star Tripping
Star Ratings Australia has launched a series of star rated itineraries, giving travellers access to properties that meet the company’s quality accommodation standards.
So far there are three, four and five-star itineraries covering different types of getaways from outdoors and adventure to luxury and indulgence. A number of these itineraries will be brought to life using cutting edge 360-degree video technology to demonstrate how Star Ratings provides travellers with the full picture.
Star Ratings Australia’s CEO, Michael Reed, said with “widespread social media and self-ratings currently dominating the travel industry, independent ratings systems like Star Ratings are crucial for maintaining authenticity and accountability which is what Star Tripping aims to educate consumers about”.
7. INDUSTRY RATES at The Naka Phuket
The Naka Phuket is offering Australian and New Zealand travel agents special industry rates of AU$298 or NZ$331 per night in a one-bedroom Pool Villa.
The property is located on the West Coast of Phuket at Nal Yae and has been described as the perfect retreat for travellers seeking the unspoiled and idyllic in Phuket.
Agents who choose to spend a night at the property will have access to wellness facilities including the NAPA ‘Spa Tower’ where guests can treat themselves to a range of Thai signature treatments at 30 metres above sea level. There’s also the recently opened Meka Sky Lounge and Restaurant where guests can enjoy drinks or dinner enjoying picture perfect sunset views over Kamala Bay.
8. Ibis Styles Singapore on MacPherson opens
Your clients have another hotel option in Singapore, with the Ibis Styles Singapore on MacPherson opening its 298 guest rooms to the public this week.
The property is strategically located at the crossroads of MacPherson and Aljunied road and is part of a mixed use development and sits atop Macpherson Mall.
Inside, the hotel has rooms various room types, including Triple Rooms and Family Rooms fitted with plush bedding. Guests can take a dip in the 25m swimming pool in the pool garden or enjoy breakfast in the air-conditioned lounge beside the pool.
9. Third Hilton Sydney employee accepted into Les Clef d’Or Association
Hilton Sydney is now one of just four hotels across Australasia with three or more staff members accepted into the Les Clef d’Or association.
Concierge Ben Thomas was the latest to wear the prestigious crossed gold keys badge on his lapels.
The property’s General Manager, Ronald van Weezel, said having three members receive the accolade emphasise their “determination to deliver the highest possible standard in service”.
10. New campaign exposes the unknown in Hong Kong
Hong Kong Tourism Board has launched a new ‘#DiscoverHongKong’ Stories campaign, which focuses on promoting the lesser known elements of the city.
Through stories from influencers and visitors the ‘I Never Knew’ story talk of street art, the gastronomic scene, trendiest spots and family adventures.
The campaign also includes daily prizes, which can be won for sharing the best Hong Kong stories. To enter, visitors can post photos or videos on selected social media platforms, with the hashtag #DiscoverHongKong and a one-line caption that starts with “I never knew”. Entries close 24 April 2016.
P.S. Infinity’s hilarious face swap
At KarryOn we learned to both snap and chat earlier last month and immediately fell in love with the fun social channel so we were excited to discover that agents are sharing our new passion as well…
Yesterday we received a bunch of hilarious photos from Infinity Holidays featuring agents using the face swap function in Snapchat replacing their own faces with the faces of the people on the brochure cover pages.