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International Day of Happiness – here's how the travel industry smiled

Name one thing in the world we can all agree makes almost everyone happy – TRAVEL!

Name one thing in the world we can all agree makes almost everyone happy – TRAVEL!

 

 

So it should come as no surprise that earlier this week tour operators, airlines and cruise lines joined in on International Day of Happiness, a movement designed to make the world a happier place.

Here’s how the industry smiled:

 

1. Etihad handed out an assortment of gifts

To celebrate International Day of Happiness on 20 March, Etihad Airways spread a little happiness at its hub at Abu Dhabi International Airport offering an assortment of gifts and surprises to guests.

The airline captured on video the joy on travellers’ faces as staff presented them with discounts for duty free purchases, free Wi-Fi vouchers, complimentary lounge passes and spa vouchers and other gifts.

 

2. Free upgrades with Emirates

happiness 2

Emirates marked International Day of Happiness with small surprises for its customers and employees to spread a little extra joy to their daily lives through free Business Class upgrades!

HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline & Group said: “Happiness means different things to different people. Many find happiness in constantly challenging themselves to achieve new goals, learning new skills, or nurturing strong relationships in their personal and professional lives. Most times, all it really takes is to simply share a smile. It’s one of the most powerful human gestures. We’re fortunate that our leaders in the UAE fully understand the power of happy people.”

Employees of the Emirates Group were also given a little surprise, as the company announced that eligible employees would be given one free service-related ticket to any destination on the airline’s route network. Employees also participated in a 360 degree ‘photo’ and were encouraged to share it on Instagram using the hashtags #happyemirates and #happydnata.

 

3. AAT Kings cuddles with the world’s happiest animal

AAT Kings

When it comes to flora and fauna, Australia is home to a number of strange creatures which could leave you with anything but a smile on your face, so to mark International Day of Happiness earlier this week, AAT Kings celebrated the world’s happiest animal – the quokka.

Part of the marsupial family, this cheeky creature may look as if it’s been lifted straight out of a children’s story-book, but in fact they can only be found on the beautiful Rottnest Island.

AAT Kings guests can encounter the gorgeous animal during the four-day Short Break, Perth and Rottnest Island, which includes a stroll through Kings Park in the heart of Perth and a wander through the streets of historic Fremantle before relaxing on a cruise along the Swan River.

The tour operator was also kind enough to send out these delicious quokka-decorated treats to some of its media partners.

How did you mark International Day of Happiness?