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. One dead & several injured in Thailand resort bombing
One person has been confirmed dead and 23 others injured in twin explosions at the Thai resort town, Hua Hin.
Two explosions hit the popular seaside town, located around 200km outside of the Bangkok capital, during the evening.
Witnesses say the first bomb went off near a bar and a temple, while the second bomb was in the centre of a “tourist area”, RT.com reported.
2. Travelling in or out of Australia? Expect delays
Flying or cruising to or from Australia today? Then you might want to factor in a little extra time because the customs and immigration team will be on strike.
Staff for the Department of Immigration and Border Protect walked off the job for 24 hours at midnight as part of a three-year conflict with the government over working conditions and pay.
Organised by the Community and Public Sector Union (CPSU), thousand of workers are expected to take part in industrial action, including those working at airports, ports and other facilities.
3. Gateway capacity between Australia & China to triple by the end of 2016
Travellers can not only expect more flights between China and Australia, but access to new gateways as part of a recently signed aviation agreement.
According to Australia’s Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Steven Ciobo, the two governments agreed to triple gateway capacity between the Land Down Under and the Middle Kingdom before the end of this year.
The Minister told attendees at the 2016 China Tourism Night in Sydney, that the process of increasing capacity is already underway, with at least three airlines opening up new gateways over the last 12 months.
4. Qantas’ wi-fi is going to be free, fast & will reduce turbulence
Free and fast – two words that’ll make most travellers smile when talking about inflight wi-fi.
It’d be nice if it was ‘free and fast air travel’ right?
But no, this time we’re talking Qantas’ free and fast wi-fi, which is scheduled to start rolling out across the airline’s domestic fleet soon.
5. Sydney’s Opera House changes pitch with $202m upgrades
The historic and famous Sydney Opera House is set to undergo a massive $202 million upgrade to ensure the attraction meets visitor expectations.
This week, designs were unveiled for the iconic site’s first upgrade since 1973. They show an enhanced Concert Hall, improved public spaces and the introduction of a Creative Leaning Centre for families, children and young people.
According to NSW Deputy Premier and Minister for Arts, Troy Grant, the upgrade will ensure the Opera House meets its title as the country’s leading tourist destination and busiest performing arts centre.
6. STA makes a run for it at City2Surf
This Sunday at the City2Surf, STA Travel will be supporting youth cancer charity, CanTeen, through a joint initiative to raise vital funds and raise awareness for the organisation.
People in attendance can find an STA Travel volunteer at the CanTeen marquee and write a special message to a friend or family member living overseas on one of the ‘Postcards to the Planet’. They can then upload the picture to social media using #WinTheAdventure to go in the draw to win $1,000 travel credit to visit their loved one.
STA Travel is raising money for CanTeen through a number of fundraising activities, including giving travellers the opportunity to donate $2 with their booking.
Click here for more information or to donate.
7. Visit USA impresses Campbelltown region
On a dark, stormy night over 60 travel agents braved the conditions to attend the Visit USA Australia Campbelltown Agent Expo recently. Agents came from as far afield as Wollongong, Emu Plains and the Southern Highlands to learn about the USA from the experts.
Guests enjoyed a sit down two course dinner and the ever popular prize draw had many people heading home with smiles. Especially Melissa Gray of Chisolm and Turner in Camden as she won the Fijian Airways ticket to Los Angeles, Alamo car rental, $100 from Pinpoint and $200 from Expedia for spending money. A worthy recipient as she has never been to America before.
Next month the Visit USA Expo will be in Perth and October it will be in Far North Queensland – Cairns and Townsville. RSVP’s will be happily accepted through the Visit USA website.
Click here for more information.
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.
