Skill up on all you need to know with bite sized travel news to help you be your best today and tomorrow.
1. Cities light up in rainbow colours for Orlando
Cities around the world, including Sydney, are lighting up with the colours of the rainbow to mourn the victims of the Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando.
At least 50 people were killed and 53 others injured at the gay venue over the weekend, making it the deadliest shooting in US history.
Thousands of people turned to social media to show their support for the shaken LGBT community, including several celebrities who called for more awareness and a change in gun laws.
2. This could be YOU!
Five lucky Travel Agents kicked off the long weekend on a high last week after finding out they were the first winners in Etihad’s ‘Your Flight, Our Shout‘ incentive.
The consultants and their clients won back the cost of their flight purchased, and rumour has it, one pair even won back the cost of a Business Class flight to Europe. Etihad says it has distributed $37,000 in cash.
The incentive runs until 4 July, so there’s still time for you or your clients to win in the next three weeks.
Click here for more information.
3. Queenstown ski season kicks off with Qantas services
Queentown’s ski resorts, including Coronet Peak, kicked off over the weekend with some good news – Qantas is adding more seats to the destination over winter.
The Flying Kangaroo announced 13 extra services from Sydney to Queenstown during July and August, after experiencing strong demand.
According to Coronet Peak, good ski conditions have attracted strong numbers, including 100 people who arrived on opening day on 11 June.
4. Citizenship of the GBR is up for grabs
Tourism Tropical North Queensland (TTNQ) is hoping a little emotional ownership between tourists and the Great Barrier Reef will help save the iconic attraction.
The tourist bureau has unveiled a new global campaign to be launched in December, which invites tourists to become citizens of the Reef.
Chief Executive, Alex de Waal, said the campaign is designed to help promote the health of the Reef by creating a “symbiotic relationship” between the attraction and visitors.
5. Countdown begins to Canberra’s first int’l flight
There’s only 99 days left until Canberra Airport welcomes its first international flight, when Singapore Airlines launches its ‘Capital Express’ in September.
The daily Singapore to Canberra to Wellington service will commence on 21 September,
To hype locals up for the new service, Singapore Airlines has teamed up with Canberra Airport and Wellington Airport to set up a ‘countdown’ clock in the departure area of Canberra Airport, near to where the new international gates will be located.
6. Sheraton Noosa Resort & Spa rebrands to Sofitel
AccorHotels has signed a management agreement with owners of Noosa Pacific Hotel Pty Ltd, to take over operations of the iconic Sheraton Noosa Resort & Spa and rebrand the property under its luxury Sofitel Hotels and Resorts brand.
The 176-suite property will be the first Sofitel resort in Australia when it rebrands on 13 June with the brand’s distinctive style, which blends local culture with the art of French living.
Guests at Sofitel Noosa Pacific Resort can expect to be greeted with a ‘Bonjour’, along with tailor made services that complement local Noosa ambience with French touches, from luxury amenities to food and wine offerings.
7. Seabourn cuts the first piece of Ovation
Seabourn has taken a giant step forward toward the launch of its next new vessel, Seabourn Ovation, with the commemorative cutting of the first steel.
The ceremony, held on June 7 at the Fincantieri shipyard in Genoa, Italy, was the first step toward building the line’s new ship, which continues the evolution of the Seabourn fleet with “enhanced accommodations and innovative amenities”.
Seabourn Ovation will feature modern design elements and innovations consistent with the line’s reputation for understated elegance. The 40,350-GRT ship will be configured with one additional deck and new expanded public areas, and is expected to carry just 600 guests, based on double occupancy. In addition, every suite will feature a private veranda.
8. Aussie agents escape to Tahiti
A lucky group of consultants were swept away to Tahiti’s famed Society Islands for a five-day taster trip with Island Escape Cruises.
The trip commemorated the tour group’s first season in French Polynesia and saw Agents experience Raiatea and Bora Bora via Huahine and Taha’a.
The group enjoyed scenic lagoon cruising and fine dining onboard the 42-metre-long vessel as well as a river safari in Raiatea, a 4WD eco-tour of Huahine, and snorkelling safaris in the pristine lagoons of Taha’a and Bora Bora.
