We’ve done all the hard work, so you don’t have to! Read on for the top ten travel industry news stories of the day we think you need to know.
1. The travel news that made KarryOn headlines in 2014
Yes it’s true. 2014 is coming to end. But before we KarryOn into 2015 we thought we’d take a look back on what turned out to be quite an eventual year in travel.
Over the last 12 months we’ve seen major changes in the way Australian agents operate, particularly with the removal of the Travel Compensation Fund and the launch of ATAS. The new accredited scheme was designed to accommodate the industry in the new digital era and has since seen some 2,400 travel agent locations sign up to become accredited.
Helloworld continued its transformation into the new brand, which according to the company’s head has increased the group’s presence amongst Australian travellers.
2. KarryOn Travel Tips 1.0
Wouldn’t it be cool we thought, if there was a Travel Tips book created by the real experts in the travel industry?
It’d be a beautiful thing we reckoned. So we went and created one.
After asking the wider KarryOn community to give us their top tips the end result is a 40 page book full of useful gems and inspiring images to take on your travels.
3. Fiji Airways receives a new aircraft for Xmas
Fiji Airways received its second ATR 72-600 yesterday, just in time for the holidays.
The aircraft will be used by the airline’s subsidiary, Fiji Link on domestic routes.
Equipped with the latest in aviation safety and technology, as well as award-winning ergonomic cabin design and functionality, the new 600 series aircraft offers greater passenger capacity and connectivity in the region.
“The ATR 72-600 will help bring about enhanced connectivity in our regional network through the development of routes. It will also complement our current regional schedules operated by the 72-600, like Apia (Samoa) and Port Vila (Vanuatu) flights.”
Stefan Pichler, Fiji Airways managing director
4. New website to assist Sydney visitors
Travelling around one of the world’s most beautiful cities just got a little easier.
Beyond the Wharf has teamed up with Bound Round to launch a new, interactive travel website designed to help travellers, particularly parents, plan family itineraries.
beyondthewharf.com.au/kids showcases the best family-friendly activities in Sydney this Christmas and New Year.
There’s also access to video reviews, along with images and information about the city’s destinations and activities.
Content for the website is generated from real experiences of the Bound Round team in Sydney and expert tips from Beyond the Wharf’s ferry crew.
5. KarryOn will see you in 2015!
It’s finally arrived! The holidays are here and KarryOn is shutting its offices to celebrate.
Our headquarters will be closed from 25-4 January.
We will be back on 5 January and look forward to bringing you the latest, best and funniest travel stories in 2015!
Stay safe and happy holidays!
6. Brochures of the week
New tours, new destinations and early bird savings. The internet may have changed the way travellers do their research, but brochures are still one of the best and popular ways to obtain travel information.
See what’s new in the brochure world by clicking the link below.
7. Pre-Christmas present for this Travel Manager
TravelManagers’ recent State Meetings held around Australia were an opportunity for more than 300 personal travel managers to celebrate a successful year amid some Christmas festivity.
Following a day of business sessions and just prior to the start of the Christmas celebrations, partner supplier the Edwardian Group London sponsored a pre-Christmas party door prize.
Personal travel managers were invited to enter a nationwide business card draw, and on 16 December, the winner was announced. Shona Fairleigh representative from Wamberal in New South Wales’ Central Coast, was thrilled to receive her early Christmas present from the Edwardian Group London, in the form of an iPad mini.
“Being new to TravelManagers, I found the state meetings and Christmas party a great opportunity to get to know my colleagues better in both a business and less formal celebratory way. To know we also have these amazingly generous suppliers involved – it’s a huge added perk!”
Shona Fairleigh, Travel Manager
8. Which airline had the most cancellations in November?
If you guessed Qantas, then you’re kind of right.
New statistics showed Qantas’ regional subsidiary, QantasLink had the most cancellations in November this year – 252 in the 30 days.
The airline was well ahead of others, with the second highest coming from Virgin Australia – 123.
In total, Australian airlines cancelled 548 flights during the month, representing 1.2 percent of all scheduled flights.
According to the Bureau of Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Economics, figures were better than the long term average of 1.3 percent cancellations.
Regional Express performed the best in terms of on-time arrivals, with 87.2 percent of all flights arriving as scheduled. Virgin Australia Regional Airlines was the second most prompt carrier followed by Virgin Australia and Qantas.
9. Happy sinalei
Staff at Sinalei Reef Resort, Samoa are happy the holiday period is here and they’ve shared their enthusiasm in this great seasons greetings video.
Everyone from the chefs to diving and boating instructors got involved in the video set to Pharrell’s ‘Happy’.
10. Star Cruises shares Christmas joy with sick children
Star Cruises along with the Sabah Hotel Association recently organised a special early Christmas visit to the Children’s Pediatric Oncology ward at the Likas Hospital in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah (Malaysia).
The children at the ward were treated a special Christmas celebration by the crew members of SuperStar Aquarius and staff members from the Sabah Hotel Association.
During the visit to the Likas hospital, magician Leslie McKinney from SuperStar Aquarius put on a special magic show for the children at the ward, dazzling the kids with his tricks and illusions.
The festive celebration continued with Santa Claus stopping by to spread more Christmas joy all around the Children’s Pediatric Oncology Ward, giving out goody bags and Christmas cookies baked by SuperStar Aquarius’ Executive Chef Harald Markt and his team.
The executive chef also made a Christmas Log Cake for the children on the special occasion.
With the help of the Santa Rinas, Santa Claus also visited the children at their respective wards, surprising them with Christmas presents donated by the Sabah Hotel Association.