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. Are Australians the stingiest flyers?
Take into the account how far we are from the rest of the world and how expensive fares can be from our big island, and it shouldn’t come as a surprise that we are a little tight with air travel.
A new study conducted by Expedia found that Australians are the most reluctant nationality to pay for added extras, making us wonder how budget airlines such as Jetstar and Tigerair are keeping afloat Down Under.
Two in five (43 percent) of Australians would rather suffer in silence than fork over cash for amenities such as headphones on a short-haul flight. This is around 20 percent more than the global average of one in four travellers least willing to pay for any added extras.
2. DFAT adjusts travel advice for Jerusalem
Ahead of the busy Easter period, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has reduced its travel advice for the holy city of Jerusalem.
The advice is now ‘exercise a high degree of caution’ – down from ‘reconsider your need to travel’.
The change comes despite DFAT noting ongoing risk of violence in the city and other parts of Israel.
“Violence is still possible at short notice across Israel.”
DFAT
“You should pay close attention to the local news, avoid areas of reported trouble and observe instructions from local authorities (see Safety and security).”
The overall level of advice for Israel remains at ‘exercise a high degree of caution’, while the Aussies are urged to avoid travelling to the Gaza Strip.
3. Do you know someone who deserves an NTIA Award?
Do you have a hard-working colleague who deserves some recognition? Or do you think it’s about time your favourite cruise line and airline get a little love?
Now’s the time to submit their name to be in the running to win the ultimate travel industry recognition, an NTIA Award.
Nominations for the 2016 AFTA National Travel Industry Awards (NTIA) opened this week, allowing agents, suppliers and other industry representatives to put forth their favourite people in the biz.
4. KarryOn hits number 1 again
Thanks to all you wonderful readers out there, we’re pleased to share with you that KarryOn has again hit no.1 in the Alexa Rankings for travel trade sites in Australia for January 2016.
Needless to say, We’re extremely proud of this result – especially given we’re only two and a half years old and still a relative fledgling in the game.
Total visitors and traffic to KarryOn outreached all of our other industry friends again in January which is clear sign of just how much you are enjoying reading our content on a daily basis and how much you’re telling your industry friends about us.
5. The Travel Authority Group opens a new shop
‘Exponential’ growth in the Northern Beaches has inspired the owners of The Travel Authority Group to expand their business into another popular NSW beach area.
Last week, the company opened The Cruise and Travel Authority in Manly, adding to the company’s portfolio of stores in Sydney, Perth, and the Central Coast.
Managing Director, Peter Hosper, said Manly is the ‘perfect launch pad’ for expansion and hinted at additional stores opening later this year.
6. A new South Pacific destination opens up to Aussie cruisers
Isle of Pines, Mystery Island, Noumea, Vila, Lifou and now Honiara – Australians are getting a little more choice when cruising to one of their favourite regions, the South Pacific.
This year, the Solomon Islands’ capital city will welcome eight separate cruise visits – that’s a 100 percent increase in 2015. In less than a year, the island nation went from four ship visits to welcoming around 5,884 cruisers.
Ships scheduled to visit the destination vary from expedition such as Caledonia Sky and Silver Discoverer; luxury with Seabourn Odyssey; and mass market ships Sea Princess, Dawn Princess and Pacific Eden.
7. Rail Plus gives newcomers an Expert chance
Every travel agent has the chance to win a trip to Europe flying Qatar Airways as part of Rail Plus’ annual Global Rail Expert program.
For the first time this year, the program is open to every consultant in the country, even the newcomers who can now register and complete the course’s 10 training modules to be in the running.
Modules are already up online and agents have seven weeks to complete the course. It covers a range of rail topics including Eurail, European high-speed rail networks, the Swiss Travel System, Great Train Journeys and the latest products and services from VIA Rail, Rocky Mountaineer and Amtrak.
The highest-performing graduate will win a Eurail Pass and a return ticket on Qatar Airways to Europe. The second and third placed graduates will also be rewarded with Coles Group and Myer gift cards valued at $750 and $250 respectively.
Graduates will be judged by the number of questions answered correctly and overall time taken to complete the course.
8. Disney makes turning 60 look good
The smiles at Disneyland Resort will continue to shine bright like a ‘Diamond’ as the happiest place on earth extends its 60th Anniversary Diamond Celebrations through summer this year.
The three spectacular after-dark shows and other 60-year adventures created for the special anniversary will now continue to run until America’s Labor Day on 5 September 2016.
The highlight of the big 6-0 celebrations has been the three new nighttime entertainment spectaculars, which kicked off on 22 May and raise the bar on creativity and entertainment technology.
9. INCENTIVE: WIN one of two Apple Watches
Travel agents have the chance to win one of two Apple Watches by simply making and depositing any valid Hurtigruten Norway Coastal Voyage or Explorer Voyage with Discover Travel Shop.
The booking must be made between February and March this year to go into the draw.
One winner will be announced every month. Click here for more information.
10. Scenic’s guide just for the gals
Scenic is going straight to the main decision makers, with its new complete girl’s guide to river cruising.
Launching this week, the program is designed to help those travelling solo or in a group to under the river cruise experience from the various ships to the different onshore excursions.
It aims to answer all the questions women travellers may have and allow them to choose the cruise that is right for them.
“Over the past couple of years we have noticed an increase in the number of women travelling in groups – either with friends or family such as sisters or daughters.”
Aleisha Fittler, Scenic GM Journey Design
“A river cruise through Europe or South East Asia is the perfect opportuntiy for women to travel together offering a wealth of cultural and dining experiences plus relaxation and pampering on board.”
Agents can order their copies of Unforgettable Wonders – A Girl’s Guide to River Cruising from TIFS. It is also available online.
P.S. TravelManagers go to Hawaii
Experiencing the Hawaiian Islands just like a client would, was the highlight for TravelManagers’ personal travel managers who recently experienced the best the ‘Valley Isle’ of Maui and the main island of Oahu had to offer on a recent six-night exclusive TravelManagers educational.
Nigel Rodighiero from Viva! Holidays and Rachel Fitze from Hawaiian Airways hosted famil participants Michelle Thomas, Louise McCarthy, Kerrin Poupos and Sharon Wright from New South Wales with Lisa Leary and Aileen Collins from Queensland.
Having the ability to share personal travel experiences and product knowledge with clients is an absolute priority for Aileen Collins, representative for Carrara in Queensland.
Maui is famed for its beautiful beaches, but it was the views from Mt Haleakala, Maui’s highest peak at over 10,000 feet, that personal travel manager Lisa Leary, representative for Cedar Creek in Queensland found captivating.