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. Vietnam considers visa-free entry for Aussies
Industry leaders in Vietnam are urging the government to offer visa-free entry for travellers from key markets – including Australia – after a recent fall in international visitors.
Currently Vietnam only offers visa-free entry for travellers from Japan, South Korea, Finland, Denmark, Sweden and Russia.
However, a group of travel experts has asked the government to consider expanding the offer to citizens from Australia, France, the UK and Germany.
2. helloworld brings ‘Power’ to agents
helloworld has announced global training expert and CEO PeopleInProgress, Terry Hawkins will be bringing the ‘Power’ to delegates at this year’s helloworld Frontliners Forum in Cairns.
Starting on 31 July and finishing up on 2 August, the forum will bring agents together to discuss new ways to build relationships and sell.
As part of her role, Hawkins will present a new workshop at the event called ‘Power of You’.
3. Children ride free
Rail Plus is catering to more travelling families, by offering free rail travel for children aged 15 years or younger.
The offer was previously available to children under five and is valid on the London Heathrow Express – a non-stop 15-minute rail service between Heathrow Airport and Paddington Station.
Effective immediately, the free trip is only available to all children from five to 15 years travelling with an adult.
Rail Plus Chief Executive James Dunne said the new kids-travel-free rules are a welcome development for Australian families.
“With children now free the Heathrow Express is an even more convenient and cost-effective way for travellers to enter or exit one of the world’s busiest and most congested cities.”
James Dunne, Rail Plus Chief Executive
Prices for the Heathrow Express start from $49 per adult for a one-way journey between London Paddington Station and London Heathrow.
Return journeys are priced from $79 per adult.
Each child will still need a ticket as a reference. If a child boards the Heathrow Express without a ticket, however, the staff on board will simply issue the ticket for free.
4. Meet your ‘Elite’ travel agents
Famils, ongoing support, exclusive deals and more – being a member of Scenic’s ‘Elite’ program is as rewarding as it sounds.
Launched in 2007, the program has been a hit amongst agents and now has over 300 consultant signed up from Australia and New Zealand.
As part of the program, agents have access to exclusive information, marketing material, unique training support and best of all famils!
5. AFTA takes a Road Trip
AFTA is going on a road trip next month to show its support for agents and assist with ATAS accreditation.
Sponsored by Avis, the Road Trip will launch this Friday at Anywhere Travel, in Kingsford NSW.
As part of the group’s commitment, it will be visiting travel agents across Australia throughout June to assist agents complete their ATAS accreditation process and promote the benefits of being ATAS accredited.
“AFTA is committed to supporting travel agents across Australia and ensuring that Australian travel standards are elevated.”
AFTA
6. Salsa your way to Spanish roadshows
Rail Europe GSA Rail Plus, have partnered with the Tourist Office of Spain to take the hot destination to travel agents in Australia and New Zealand.
Commencing in June, the 2015 Spanish Roadshow will kick off in Auckland on the 15th before continuing in Melbourne on 17 June and concluding in Sydney on 18 June.
The roadshow will include presentations and product updates by the Spanish tourist office, Rail Plus, Emirates and Galacia.
There will also be an exclusive B2B session for agents interested in working with Australasia’s premier Spanish suppliers.
Attendees will also have a chance to win a trip for two to Spain.
Space is expected to be limited to be sure to register by clicking here for Auckland, Melbourne and Sydney.
7. Wendy Wu moves
A week after announcing the opening of the company’s fifth office in Auckland, Wendy Wu Tours has revealed the company is relocating its Sydney base to accommodate increased staff numbers.
The Asia group specialist, is moving to Level 6, 20 Hunter Street, Sydney.
Managing director Alan Alcock said the growth of both Wendy Wu Tours’ business and its operation of Singapore Airlines Holidays, has demanded a larger premises.
The move will take place on Friday 29 May.
The reservation team will work on skeleton staff during the day, with limited access to the system.
This may result in longer than usual hold time.
“We appreciate your patience and understanding during this time.”
Wendy Wu Tours
Telephone and fax numbers for both Wendy Wu Tours and Singapore Airlines Holidays will remain the same when the company opens at the new address on 1 June.
8. The P&O countdown is on
P&O Cruises’ executive team counts the days: (l to r) Market Planning Director Matthew Rutherford; Senior Vice President, P&O Cruises Sture Myrmell; Customer Sales and Service Director Amanda McClelland; Hotel Operations Director Ken Flavell; Entertainment Director Brett Annable and Food & Beverage Director Thomas Karlsson.
The countdown is on at P&O Cruises, with just under six months to go until its latest ships – Pacific Aria and Pacific Eden – debut in Sydney.
The two ships will be welcomed into the P&O Cruises’ fleet during a five-ship spectacular on Sydney Harbour on 25 November.
P&O Cruises Senior Vice President Sture Myrmell said the event would be a day to remember.
“The maiden visit of one ship is always a big occasion, but to have two ships make their first Sydney call together, accompanied by their three big sisters, will make history. It’s going to be amazing.”
Sture Myrmell, P&O Cruises Senior Vice President
Featuring a new look and feel for P&O Cruises, Pacific Aria and Pacific Eden have been inspired by modern Australia and will offer a resort style atmosphere, with stylish features and a relaxed vibe.
Both ships will feature a range of dining options including the revolutionary new Pantry, which will replace the traditional ship’s buffet with an international food market showcasing eight delicious outlets.
Other onboard offerings unveiled by the cruise line include stylish new lounges and bars, a stunning poolside area, new Pandora jewellery boutiques and a range of entertainment options including Bianco, the new P&O White party.
9. MTA agent wins Solomon getaway
Hapi days indeed for MTA – Mobil Travel Agents’ Melissa Pointon who scored the major prize on offer at the Solomon Islands product update at the Mercure Kooindah Central Coast Wyong (NSW) last week.
Her prize includes return airfares flying Solomon Airlines to the ‘Hapi Islands’ where she will stay at the King Solomon Hotel in Honiara and also the fabulous Fatboys Resort in Gizo.
A beaming and obviously thrilled Melissa is photographed above receiving her prize from the airline’s Honiara-based marketing officer Edmund Devisi while members of the Hageulu Panpipe Group from the Solomon Islands’ Isabel Province look on.
10. 10 surprising facts about Australian cruisers
Here’s a fact your already know – Australians have a very deep and very real love affair with cruising that isn’t going away anytime soon.
There’s no doubt that this love for cruising has been responsible for the evolution in the local industry over the last decade.
This is evident alone in the number of cruise lines and vessels visiting our shores during and even out of the wave season.