Skill up on all you need to know with bite sized travel news designed specifically to help you, the Travel Agent, be your best today and tomorrow.
1. Materialism VS survival: would you risk your life for your carry on?
Not much has changed since Madonna came out in 1984 to declare this a ‘material world’ where ‘cold hard cash’, or in this case certain objects, are the key to our heart.
We can try and deny it, but we all have a little materialism in us that leaves us borderline obsessed with certain objects from a brand new Louis Vuitton handbag, favourite pair of heels, comfy clothes or even something as small and simple as a mobile phone.
The passion for these items is sometimes so strong that we’ve all been guilty of saying, “I can’t live without” one or several of these things.
2. Where are Aussies more likely to go on an overseas holiday?
There’s one thing you can say for certain about Australian travellers – they’re consistent in the destinations they’re choosing to holiday in.
According to latest Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) figures, the majority of Aussies are still travelling to the same countries they were visiting a decade ago.
The top three most popular travel destinations for Aussies over the 2015/16 financial year were New Zealand, Indonesia and the United States. The same three countries, along with the UK, were also among the most popular travel destinations for Aussies back in 2006.
3. What’s Egencia?
It comes as a bit of a surprise that after eight years in the market, Expedia’s corporate arm is still somewhat of a question market to some people in the travel industry.
The company, according to interim Australia Managing Director Jacqui Timmins, is a mystery amongst a few Aussies despite experiencing significant growth since launching in 2002 and being the fifth largest TMC around the world.
In a Q&A with KarryOn, Timmins said the company aims to change Egencia’s position by building its presence around the country and the wider Asia Pacific region, which happens to be the fastest growing region.
4. Why Travelmarvel is encouraging Aussies to ‘Travel More’
Aside from the fact that it’s a whole lot of fun, Travelmarvel is encouraging Aussies to pack their bags and ‘Travel More’ as part of its new campaign.
Launched this week, the promotion includes a range of offers designed to encourage guests to travel in the next year and beyond.
Savings across a range of destinations including Europe, Vietnam and Cambodia are available for bookings made before 30 September 2016 on select itineraries. For example, there’s $2,600 per couple saving on the European Gems Amsterdam trips departing in 2017, while there’s free return flights plus a free cabin upgrade available on Vietnam and Cambodia trips of 12 days or longer.
For further information on Travelmarvel’s ‘Travel More’ savings call 1300 196 420.
5. ‘Meet Hawaii’ Roadshow is coming back
More than 15 of Hawai‘i’s MICE tourism suppliers will be in Australia later this month for Hawai‘i Tourism Oceania’s (HTO) second annual Meet Hawai‘i Roadshow.
Meet Hawai‘i, will run from 26 – 30 August 2016, visiting Auckland, Sydney and Melbourne and will run in a series of business-to-business meetings followed by a cocktail reception for the Australian events.
Kerri Anderson, Country Manager, Australia for Hawai‘i Tourism Oceania said the destination is highly sought after for meetings an events. She believes the Roadshow is a “great opportunity for the MICE sector”.
Click here for more information or to register your interest.
6. Your opportunity to be the best in the industry
Are you committed to equipping yourself for the challenges of today’s dynamic travel and tourism and hospitality industry? Do you want to be the best that you can be in travel?
This is your opportunity.
There’s still time to get your Expression of Interest in and be part of the next TIME intake, which commences on 7 September 2016.
As part of the program, mentees will gain the knowledge they need to further develop their management and leadership potential, strategic career planning and increase their knowledge of organisational culture, structure and processes.
Click here for more information, or email Marie Allom at: time@travelindustrymentor.com.au
7. Choice adds three WA properties to portfolio
Choice Hotels Asia-Pacific has announced three new properties for Western Australia – the Comfort Inn & Suites Goodearth Perth, the Quality Hotel Ambassador Perth and the Econo Lodge Karratha.
The two new Perth CBD hotels, are located on Adelaide Terrace, in the heart of vibrant East Perth. The Comfort Inn & Suites Goodearth Perth features 180 spacious hotel rooms and apartments and guests can enjoy the convenience of free WiFi and free secure car parking. The hotel also caters for conferences, meetings and events and is perfectly suited for the group market.
The Quality Hotel Ambassador Perth features 170 well-designed hotel rooms and suites that are ideally suited to the corporate business traveller. Guests have access to a gymnasium and sauna and can grab a bite to eat at Café 196 Restaurant and Bar. Businesses can also utilise the meeting and function space available at the property.
Choice’s third new property, located in Karratha in Australia’s North West, is the first Econo Lodge branded property in Western Australia and comprises of 41 guest rooms, set among lush green gardens and only minutes away from the town centre.
8. WIN a spot on the ‘Ultimate Abu Dhabi famil’
If $999 flights to Abu Dhabi weren’t enough to encourage you to sell Etihad Airways to your clients, then how about a trip to Abu Dhabi?
Etihad Airways along with Virgin Australia and Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority has just launched an Agent incentive, giving consultants the chance to WIN a spot on the ‘Ultimate Abu Dhabi’ famil running this October.
To be one of 50 on the captivating, cultural and adventurous trip, Agents simply need to book Etihad Airways or Virgin Australia to Abu Dhabi or as a stopover to Europe.
