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. MTA consultant Belinda van Tholen bags 2015 Avis Scholarship
The winner of the 2015 Avis Travel Agent Scholarship was announced last night in Sydney in recognition of outstanding customer service.
Tasmanian native Belinda van Tholen (MTA) was chosen as the winner of the retail travel industry’s most prestigious award by a panel of judges against another four worthy contenders.
Belinda, who worked for Flight Centre for eight years before starting her own business 18 months ago as part of the MTA Travel group, impressed the judges with her determination to develop an ever more detailed and nuanced appreciation of her customers’ individual needs.
2. Another agency giving the industry a bad name goes bust
Around 200 people have been denied boarding at Sydney Airport with cancelled tickets as Value World Travel falls into administration.
The agency – which mainly dealt with travel to India – are no longer answering their phones and have pulled down their website and Facebook page.
An estimated $3 million in customers’ money may be lost. Many of the affected customers were a part of Sydney’s Indian community and had purchased their flights with the failed agency to return home for Diwali and Christmas. The average ticket price was between $1200-$1400.
3. American Airlines to begin direct flights between US and New Zealand
American Airlines (AA)and Qantas have just confirmed that AA will launch direct flights between Los Angeles and Auckland next year.
The new non-stop service is set to begin in June 2016 (pending regulatory approvals) and will give customers of American Airlines – the largest airline in the world – access to one of the most beautiful countries in the world, New Zealand.
The new service, which will codeshare with Qantas, will also open up a world of new and exciting travel possibilities for Australian and New Zealand natives, giving them more flight options and convenient connections to top financial centers and cities throughout the U.S., Mexico, the Caribbean, Central and South America.
4. Royal Caribbean launches biggest sale of 2015
To coincide with the maiden arrival of Australia’s newest and largest cruise ship, the Explorer of the Seas on Friday 13 November, Royal Caribbean have launched their biggest sale of the year yet.
All new worldwide bookings (excluding China) booked by 5 December 2015 will receive up to 50 per cent off the cruise fare of the second guest. They’re also offering free upgrades on local cruises, or up to US$300 of onboard credit on international sailings, depending on the cruise destination.
Just as an example, passengers can book a couple of spots on the eight-night South Pacific cruise onboard the Radiance of the Seas and pay just AUD$1,499 for the first guest and AUD$749.50 for the second – with a free balcony room upgrade.
Contact Royal Caribbean for more information.
5. Queensland agents updated on Cathay Pacific and Hong Kong
Cairns Airport, in partnership with Cathay Pacific and the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), gave Cairns and Townsville-based agents a healthy dose of knowledge in late October on all things related to the airline and the destination.
Cathay Pacific were keen to promote their new fares and routes – including the direct service from Cairns to Hong Kong, whilst the HKTB updated the agents on the attractions and new developments in the Pearl of the Orient.
One lucky travel agent, Elena Gualtieri from Endeavour Travel and Cruise, won free return flights to Hong Kong, a Hong Kong Island Tour and transport passes.
6. MSC Cruises to partner with Cirque du Soleil
In a world first, MSC Cruises has partnered with the Quebec-based Cirque du Soleil to offer guests aboard its next-generation Meraviglia ships a truly magical entertainment experience.
MSC Cruises guests will be able to enjoy brand new, exclusive Cirque du Soleil shows six nights a week, two performances per night, while enjoying an extraordinary MSC Cruises culinary experience.
The first ship is set to start its inaugural season in the Mediterranean from June 2017.
7. AIME 2016 visitor registrations now open
Registrations for the annual Asia-Pacific Incentives and Meetings Expo (AIME) held at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre on the 23-24 February 2016 are now open.
The two-day event is the perfect chance for leading travel and business minds to receive updates on new trends and innovations, access quality education, and network with key players in the industry.
Over 700 exhibitors and 4,000 people are expected to attend AIME 2016.
8. APT to offer luxury cruising in Antarctica in 2017
Those looking for a little luxury when exploring the Antarctic Peninsula will be happy to know that APT are set to offer cruise expeditions in 2017 aboard the Le Boréa – a privately chartered vessel fully equipped for exploring glacial waters and featuring innovative eco-friendly technology, two lounges, gym, theatre and a range of dining options.
Featured in their Antarctica Luxury Expedition Cruising 2017 brochure, guests can cruise the Antarctic seas and have a once-in-a-lifetime experience on a 10-night luxury expedition cruise. There are 12 different itineraries to choose from.
The Le Boréa can accommodate up to 200 guests and many of the luxury staterooms feature private balconies. All offer individually controlled heating.
9. Scenic rewards top agents with France river cruise famil
The top 20 agents from Australia and New Zealand were recently rewarded for their hard work selling Scenic’s range of products with a river cruise famil in the south of France.
After flying into Paris the group of agents headed south to Chalon-sur-Saone where they boarded their ship to begin their cruise. Over the next 12 days they visited Lyon, the famous wine region of Chateauneuf-du-Pape, the spectacular La Camargue National Park and the ancient city of Arles before disembarking in Tarascon.
France river cruising remains one of Scenic’s top selling tours.
10. Woman with dementia left on plane that flew away
An 82-year old woman with dementia was mistakenly left on a Southwest Airlines flight from Dallas to Houston, turning a would-be 4-hour flight into a 14-hour nightmare.
The airline mistake has enraged the elderly woman’s daughter who is seeking a full apology from the airline.
The family is also seeking that the airline change its policy so this never happens again.
