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. Agents can buy off Flight Centre now
The Flight Centre Travel Group (FLT) has unveiled plans to give the Australian travel agency sector broad access to its products.
The company has today announced a new partnership program that has been designed to give external travel agents and chains the opportunity to secure better products and deals by tapping into FLT’s global negotiating strength via an unbranded buying group.
FLT Australia General Manager Melanie Waters-Ryan said the partnership program would complement the Escape Travel franchise offering and deliver exciting new product buying options to Australia’s agency community.
2. What on earth did Singapore Airlines do to nail this financial result?
This financial year could very well be the most profitable ever for Singapore Airlines, with the Group close to doubling its earnings during the first three quarters.
Last year, the company revealed a first half year net profit of $305 million – up $179 million on the corresponding period the prior year.
Now, the Group has welcomed a 95.9 percent year-on-year growth in operating profits during the three month period from October-December 2015 of $288 million – an HUGE jump from just $147 million the prior year.
3. Virtuoso’s big investment in the local market
Virtuoso stepped up its local investment in the Asia Pacific region this month with a new dedicated regional office based in Sydney.
Opening last week, the office marks the company’s faith in the local market and its growing interest in luxury travel.
According to Virtuoso, over the last year the number of regional advisors increased by 47 percent compared to the prior year.
4. Taiwan’s tourist areas untouched by quake
http://twitter.com/NewsJuan/status/695708018957103104/photo/1
Taiwan Tourism’s local representative says the country’s tourist areas have not been affected by the weekend’s quake in the residential city, Tainan.
Pearl Lee, Taiwan Tourism Market Representative of Australia and NZ, told KarryOn that so far there have been no reports of damage or injuries in the popular tourist city of, Taipei.
“We haven’t heard of any severe damage in Taipei, it’s so far away from Tainan that it hasn’t been affected by the quake.”
Pearl Lee, Taiwan Tourism Market Representative, Australia and NZ
Meanwhile,according to The Guardian, the death toll in Tainan is expected to reach 100 with additional people believed to still be missing inside the toppled Wei-guan Golden Dragon building.
The complex was home to hundreds of family.
5. The best Australian tourism products are…
Twenty seven of Australia’s tourism products and experiences were recognised for being among the best in the industry at the Australian Tourism Awards.
Held on Friday evening, the event recognised operators bringing in new business as well as those offering guests unique experiences.
NSW was awarded in 12 of the categories, which Destination NSW Chief Executive Officer, Sandra Chipchase said showed the range and quality of experiences on offer for visitors in NSW.
6. airberlin feels the love from Australia
airberlin says it has seen ‘leaps’ in the growth on its weekly non-stop service from Australia to Abu Dhabi.
According to the line’s latest figures, 46 percent more passengers booked with the carrier in 2015 compared to the prior year.
The carrier’s chief executive, Stefan Pichler, attributed the rise in passengers to its partnership with Etihad Airways and its codeshare relationship with Virgin Australia.
To commemorate growth, airberlin has painted one of the A320 aircraft with a kangaroo peering from an additional cockpit window and the hashtag #seeaustralia on the side. The aircraft will be deployed to Australia for at least one year.
7. Luxury river cruising in Asia
Uniworld has released its 2017 Asia Cruises and Tours in India, China, Cambodia and Vietnam brochure, featuring five itineraries of hidden gems, exotic lands and all-suite luxury.
Uniworld’s 15-day ‘Timeless Wonders of Vietnam, Cambodia & the Mekong’ presents a deep exploration of two worlds joined by one river. New for 2017, Uniworld introduces the 68-passenger, all-suite Mekong Navigator. Fashioned in the spirit of the French Colonial-era manor homes of Old Saigon, this is the most luxurious ship sailing the Mekong.
Travel in style through the land of the dragon, China, onboard the Century Legend, with Executive Suites measuring 415 sq. ft., and stay at world-renowned properties onshore such as the Ritz Carlton Beijing and the Waldorf Astoria Shanghai.
Uniworld offers 11-day “Highlights of China & the Yangtze”; 14-day “China, Tibet & the Yangtze”; and 18-day “Grand China & the Yangtze.” Excursions range from the man-made marvels—Great Wall, Xi’an’s Terra Cotta Warriors, the Forbidden City and Tibet’s Potala Palace—to its natural wonders—the Yangtze Three Gorges, Guilin’s Reed Flute Caves and Hangzhou’s Westlake.
Uniworld’s 13-day “India’s Golden Triangle & the Sacred Ganges” includes five nights onshore at three award-winning Oberoi Hotels & Resorts in Agra, Jaipur and New Delhi, and seven nights on-board the newly launched 56-passenger all-suite ship Ganges Voyager II. Highlights include: the Taj Mahal; Jaipur’s City Palace; New Delhi’s Humayun’s Tomb; Gandhi’s black granite memorial and Mother Teresa’s tomb; India’s “Temple City,” Kalna; and the Temple of the Vedic Planetarium.
8. Aircalin’s Summer Sale begins
Aircalin is offering flights to New Caledonia from $549 return including taxes.
The limited time offer is part of the carrier’s Summer Sale, running until 27 February 2016.
Australians travelling between 6 February until 30 August can fly Sydney and Brisbane to Noumea from just $549 return, while Melbournians can travel to the island nation from $599 return. Email, brett.walsh@aircalin.com.au, for more information.
9. Scenic European pre-release is here
Agents can secure their clients limited time offers available in Scenic’s 2017 pre-release Europe river cruising brochure.
Among the deals is a book now and travel in 2017 for 2016 prices; or there’s the fly free to Europe all-year round when booking a Standard Suite on a cruise of 11 days or more.
Clients can also fly to Europe for $995 including taxes when booking a Balcony Suite on a cruise of 11 days or more and travelling between May to September.
Plus, for a strictly limited time guests can save 50 percent off Diamond Deck upgrades when booking a top deck balcony suite. This is only available until 23 March 2016 unless sold out prior.
Those who book now and pay the cruise in full by 31 May 2016 will also secure an additional $600 per couple discount when booking cruises of 15 days or longer, and $300 per couple when booking cruises of 14 days or less.
10. Batman & Lex Luthor fly with Turkish Airlines
Turkish Airlines is jumping on the pop culture bandwagon with its new Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice ads.
Ahead of the highly anticipated DC movie’s release next month, Turkish Airlines has recruited The Dark Knight (Ben Affleck) and Superman’s foe, Lex Luthor (Jesse Eisenberg), to help promote the carrier’s services between Europe and the US.
Some 111.9 million people witnessed the comic-inspired commercial during the big Super Bowl 50 game yesterday – and that’s just those watching on TV.