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. Chile earthquake update
Photo Credit: What is US
According to the Smartraveller, Chilean authorities have confirmed that the death toll has risen to ten over night – three dying of heart attacks and two crushed by falling rocks.
Coastal cities have experienced major flooding and around one million people have been evacuated, including those from Coquimbo, which was struck by waves reaching 4.5 metres high.
Qantas has confirmed that there are no flight delays and their service is operating as normal.
LAN informs that some of its normally scheduled flights have been delayed due to the earthquake that impacted Chile on the evening of September 16th. The Santiago International Airport remains open.
2. Magellan’s night at the MCG
MCC NSM Virgin Aust with Jack Watts
Magellan Travel Group hosted it’s Members Dinner, sponsored by APT, in the iconic member’s Dining Room at the MCG on Thursday night as part of its’ National Conference held in Melbourne.
The Dinner, sponsored by Etihad and Virgin Australia was preceded by a fantastic tour of the National Sports Museum and the ground.
The Conference continues today with an address from Jayson Westbury, AFTA CEO and Michele Levine, CEO of Roy Morgan Research presenting on Travel & Tourism in the 21st Century, sponsored by Amadeus, Magellan’s preferred technology partner.
3. New Excite-ing website & blog for agents
Excite Holidays has officially entered a new phase of technology growth to better accommodate agents and assist in more sales.
The first step in the new direction was the launch of its new training and information portal.
Created with agent feedback in mind, the online travel wholesaler has responded to agents’ calls for more in-depth industry knowledge by launching a portal to provide travel agents with destination information and travel guides which agents can utilise to improve their own knowledge, or pass onto their clients to add value to a booking.
4. WIN $1,800 in vouchers with Intrepid Travel
‘What does travel mean to you?’ the question elicits a range of responses and sharing some of them could help you WIN big with Intrepid Travel.
The tour company has launched a new incentive, inviting agents to share their thoughts on what travel means to them at live.intrepidtravel.com for a chance to win one of five $1800 Intrepid Travel vouchers.
All you have to do is choose a beautiful travel photo and match it with some inspirational words that respond to the question, ‘what does travel mean to you’? to generate their very own personal mantra on the meaning of travel.
5. You’re invited to ‘The Age of Traveller Power’
Travel agents are invited to the fourth consecutive Discover Amadeus showcase highlighting the changing role of the travel agent and showcase the technology innovations set to redefine the travel landscape over the next 15 years.
Amadeus will also offer a glimpse into the exciting innovations in the Amadeus product pipeline and showcase award-winning technology including its industry-first fully online and mobile solution Amadeus Selling Platform Connect and the NTIA award winning Amadeus Ticket Changer.
Tony Carter, Managing Director of Amadeus IT Pacific said the event distinguishes itself from other trade shows by placing a greater focus on innovation and meeting the changing needs of the end-traveller.
“We are living in an age of traveller power whereby the biggest industry disruptor is the traveller themself.”
Tony Carter, Amadeus IT Pacific Managing Director
“Discover Amadeus presents a unique opportunity for travel agents to learn how to embrace and adopt leading technology faster so they can meet the changing needs of tomorrow’s traveller.”
The event starts in Sydney on 23 September followed by Canberra on 24 September, Auckland – 30 September; Perth – 6 October; Adelaide – 8 October; Brisbane – 14 October; and Melbourne – 21 October.
6. A record month for Cathay
Cathay Pacific and its subsidiary Dragonair carried a record number of passengers during August this year, with a total of 3,091,478 passengers – an increase of 8.5 percent compared to August 2014.
This is the first time that the two airlines have carried more than three million passengers in a single month. The passenger load factor grew by 1.4 percentage points to 88.6 percent while capacity, measured in available seat kilometres (ASKs), grew by 6.1 percent. In the year to the end of August, passenger traffic rose by 8.5 percent while capacity increased by 6.4 percent.
Cathay Pacific General Manager Revenue Management Patricia Hwang said during the month there was strong demand for leisure traffic to key destinations.
7. More tourists head to Germany
Are your clients booking Germany more than usual?
The figures say it’s a fast growing destination for travellers, particularly Aussies, with international overnight visitors increasing to 44.8 million between January and July. That amounts to 2.5 million overnight stays more than in the same period in the previous year.
Australians particularly continue to travel to Germany in growing numbers, with the current data showing 294.254 overnights for January – June, an increase of 5.2 percent since same period last year.
Petra Hedorfer, CEO of the German National Tourist Board (GNTB), explained that the month of July was one of the strongest months with a growth of nine percent to 10.3 million overnight stays by foreign visitors.
In addition, July 2015 is now the 69th consecutive month in which we are seeing growth in incoming tourism.
8. Rent an Audi car? Yes please!
The Hertz Corporation has expanded its Prestige Collection in Australia with four luxurious Audi models. The high-end Audi A3 Sportback, A4 Sedan, Q5 SUV and the Q7 SUV are now available to rent exclusively with Hertz at airport locations in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth.
The Audi A3 Sportback is for the small-car renter looking for added style, prestige and slick performance. The compact-sized, five-door hatchback includes class-leading space allowing for a flexible arrangement of either passengers or possessions – the perfect rental option for a weekend getaway or a city break.
Ideal for small families, or those after a slightly larger rental option for longer trips, the spacious A4 sedan is the ideal combination of comfort and practicality.
Meanwhile, the Audi Q5 SUV offers renters the ideal versatile mid-sized mode of transport with outstanding levels of safety and performance – a great option for larger groups and families. quattro permanent all-wheel drive makes this vehicle the perfect go-anywhere choice for the beach, the mountains or even the snow.
The Audi Q7 offers designer looks and unbeatable performance. As chic as it is spacious this is among the most luxurious family-friendly vehicles available on Australian roads. Also offering quattro all-wheel drive, the Q7 is as rugged as it is stylish.
9. DMS takes agents to Seoul
Destination Marketing Services (DMS) recently took a group of lucky agents on a famil to explore South Korea’s incredible city, Seoul.
The escorted group of Australian conference and incentive organisers was both an educational through technically advanced yet deeply traditional Seoul with Pacific World.
Partnering with Asiana Airlines and IHG, the group uncovered the unexplored delights of South Korea.
10. Flight Centre and Sunrise made it to Cancun
Sunrise’s trip around the world continues and Flight Centre’s Social Media Specialist, Millie Yervantian is right along side them reporting directly from Cancun.
We made it to Toronto by 5 cabs, when our transfer company was unable to cross the US/Canada border to check into the charming Sandman Hotel. After a quick bite at Denny’s it was off to bed.
5am we left the hotel to make our 8am flight from Toronto to Cancun, however when we went to check in we found out it was an overbooked flight, so 5 of the 20 of us were told we would not make it on that flight.
