Skill up on all you need to know with bite sized travel news to help you be your best today and tomorrow.
1. Richard Branson is here to save the Great Barrier Reef
When he isn’t expanding his empire and taking pictures with sleeping employees (how funny is that top pic), Sir Richard Branson is saving one of our most precious icons.
The entrepreneur has joined forces with Greening Australia and Virgin Australia to launch a new initiative called ‘Reef Aid’ that aims to reduce soil erosion and restore water quality on the Great Barrier Reef (GBR).
Step one of the partnership is raising around $10 million for the projected $100 million restoration project. This will be done through a Greening Australia organised public appeal. The Australian Government Reef Trust will match private contributions dollar for dollar up to $2 million.
2. Find out which Travel Agent won $50,000 from TTC
The Travel Corporation’s (TTC) ‘Great $1,000,000 Cash Giveaway‘ is officially over, with the final winner receiving his $50,000 cheque this week.
And the winner was…
Barney Gordon from Global Travel Directors NSW.
3. Comedy duo, Hamish & Andy head out to sea with Carnival
They travelled across Europe and South America, ticked off Asia and spent time in the UK, now it’s time for Hamish & Andy to conquer the big blue.
The comedy duo are heading out to sea next month to broadcast live from Carnival Cruise Line‘s Carnival Spirit, and they’re taking 110 listeners with them.
Dubbed ‘The People Cruise’, the arrangement will see the comedians and their guests experience the ship’s many activities as it takes from Sydney to Vanuatu.
4. Etihad’s new First Class lounge is better than some prestigious hotels
Etihad is well on its way to completely reshaping the aviation industry into one that resembles the comfort and luxury of a prestigious hotel.
Flying tends to draw mixed emotions from holidaymakers, with some saying they love it (why?) and others declaring it an exhausting necessity to reach their desired destination.
Despite airline efforts over the years to introduce more comfort and additional in-flight options, they haven’t seem to be able to completely shake the negative for an entirely pleasurable experience.
5. Buffalo Tours receives a TripAdvisor Certificate for Excellence
Buffalo Tours has been awarded a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence for the third year in a row.
The award is given to operators who receive consistently high feedback from TripAdvisor users. Over the past few years, Buffalo Tours has received 847 reviews on the site, with 88.3 percent rating the business as ‘Excellent’ or ‘Very Good’.
Regional Operation Manager, Trang Kim Tuong, said feedback has allowed the company to focus on customer service and improve operations based on their expectations.
6. Aussies tempted to chase the sun to Samoa
Samoa tempted Aussies to escape the winter with images of its gorgeous beaches and sunshine at the Beautiful Samoa Australia Roadshow.
Held earlier this month in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney, the event saw 14 suppliers and service operators travel with the Samoa Tourism Authority to meet with Agents and showcase the beauty of the destination.
The Roadshow targeted improved destination and product awareness and interest among retail travel agents, reservations consultants and travel trade media representatives who are at the ‘frontline’ in selling Samoa in Australia.
7. MTA reaches out to Fiji with generous donation
MTA – Mobile Travel Agents’ co-managing directors Roy and Karen Merricks have personally delivered more than 250 kilos of clothing, toys and school materials donated by the Merricks and MTA Members to the children of Naqalimare District School in Sigatoka on Fiji’s big island of Viti Levu.
The area was one of many regions of the destination severely affected by the ravages of Tropical Cyclone Winston which smashed into the Fijian archipelago with deadly effects in late February.
The Fijian people’s plight was very much in focus at the recent MTA National Conference on the Gold Coast in March when high profile Fiji-based celebrity chef Lance Seeto, a close personal friend of the Merricks, addressed the members and called on them for their help.
8. FAB Four Roadshow educates Agents
The FAB Four team – Rail Europe, Viking Cruises, Qatar Airways and the Germany National Tourist Office recently held a series of educational events for the travel trade industry in Canberra, Wollongong and Bowral.
Participants learned about the latest news and offers in relation to Destination Germany, river and ocean cruise, rail options, and accommodation and airfares and were given the opportunity to win many exciting prizes.
