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. What’s the travel agent’s edge?
Travel agents were once revered as the gatekeepers of all travel data – they were the go-to for any material on anything air, cruise, rail or tour-related.
But in an age of almost instantaneous access to almost any information – what’s the travel agent’s edge?
There are two things, according to Virtuoso’s Chairman and CEO Matthew D. Upchurch – they’re the keepers of filtered information and humanity.
2. Here come Air New Zealand’s ‘Men in Black’
Air New Zealand has teamed up with Sony Pictures, the All Blacks and a couple of intergalactic creatures to release what could potentially be its best safety video yet.
The ‘crazy about rugby’ airline recruited All Blacks’ Captain Richie McCaw and Dan Carter to star in the new Men in Black (MIB)-inspired video as Men in Black Safety Defenders.
Looking slick and more handsome than ever in a suit, a tie and a pair of Ray-Ban RB 2030 Predator sunglasses the two fit players carry out their mission – keep passengers safe while on board.
3. AirAsia X fuels low-cost competition to Bali
AirAsia X is giving Virgin Australia and Jetstar a run for their money on flights to Indonesia, with a second route from Australia to Bali.
The airline announced this week it will launch direct flights from Sydney to Denpasar, with the first flight departing on 17 October this year.
The second route comes less than a week after Virgin Australia announced it was chasing the low-cost market between Australia and Indonesia by deploying Tigerair on flights to Bali.
4. Campbell steps in to manage Flight Centre’s finances
Flight Centre has appointed Adam Campbell to head up its finances in the recently vacated Chief Financial Officer (CFO) role.
Campbell, 40, steps in to replace Andrew Flannery, who last week accepted a promotion to the senior leadership role of Executive General Manager of Flight Centre’s Australian corporate travel business.
Formerly Flight Centre Australia’s CFO, Campbell has worked with the Travel Group for nine years across a variety of senior finance roles.
5. SNEAK PEEK: Peppers Docklands
A photo of the room design in Melbourne’s first five-star waterfront hotel, Peppers Docklands, has been released.
The hotel room is the first glimpse of what future guests can expect at the M Docklands project undertaken by Capital Alliance Investment Group, on track to open early 2016.
The $140 million, 19-level development will feature 186 residential apartments; 87 stylish hotel suites and 11 retail shops.
Inside the 87 suites [pictured], classic European lines will offer a calming effect. It will feel homely with rick dark timbers mixed with white stone and timber.
A timeless classic with a twist, the room includes bespoke lighting, sophisticated décor including luxurious chaise lounge and leather armchair and quality locally sourced merino wool fabrics.
6. Another hotel employs a robot ‘Botlr’
A.L.O’s younger sibling Dash has followed in his brother’s footsteps and commenced ‘Botlr’ hotel duties at the Crowne Plaza San Jose-Silicon Valley.
InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) took delivery of the mechanical worker this week to help staff with smaller tasks around the hotel.
Standing at three-feet tall, Dash is practically A.L.O’s twin, weighing less than 100 pounds and moving at a human walking pace.
7. New Oahu training webinar now available
Hawaii Tourism Oceania has released its fourth module on Hawaii, showcasing the island of Oahu.
The 10-minute Oahu destination training webinar is presented by Kainoa Daines from the Oahu Visitors Bureau and offers a detailed overview of the island.
Check out the webinar above.
8. Solomon Islands webinars
Get to know the Solomon Islands a little better during two destination webinars this coming Tuesday.
The first webinar starts at 8.30am (EST) on 18 August, followed by a second at 10.30am.
The webinars run for 20 minutes and include updates on the increasing number of travel options as well as a Q&A session.
Spaces on the webinars are limited and interested agents need to register as soon as possible.
9. AccorHotels supports the ‘R U OK?’ tour
AccorHotels is jumping on board and asking ‘are you okay’ in support of the ‘R U OK?’ campaign.
The campaign helps raise awareness of mental health and the positive impact of simply checking on someone’s well-being.
To galvanise the community, ‘R U OK?’ will travel the breadth of Australia to encourage people to say thanks and share their stories.
10. INCENTIVE: Win $5,000 for being the best dressed
Scenic is giving agencies the chance to win $5,000 as part of its 2016 Europe River Cruising season incentive.
To be in the running agencies simply need to be inspired by all things European focusing on rivers Scenic sails down – Rhine, Main, Danube and Moselle.
Ideas include the new enhancements to the 2016 program – Taste of ‘Oktoberfest’ or the ‘Best of the Sound of Music and Salzburg Show’.
Once you’ve got your costume set, take a photo or video of and post the entry to Scenic Travel Agents’ Facebook page.
The winning agency will win $5,000 plus there’s five runner up cash prizes.
Click here to check out the Facebook page.
