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. Qantas’ network just got a WHOLE lot bigger
The title is not an understatement – Qantas has extended three existing codeshare agreements and added 40 new codeshare routes to its network.
Announced this morning, the carrier expanded agreements with American Airlines, Alaska Airlines and WestJet to add more connections across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Subject to regulatory approval, the carrier will connect travellers from Australia to Los Angeles onward with American Airlines to Charlotte (CLT), Columbus (CMH), Philadelphia (PHL), Pittsburgh (PIT), Raleigh Durham (RDU), Vancouver (YVR) as well as Mexico City (MEX), Guadalajara (GDL) and San Jose de Cabo (SJD).
2. The Bachelorette finds love in New Zealand
Australia’s very first Bachelorette, Sam Frost, is taking her potential hubbies across the ditch for a romantic adventure in the Land of the Long White Cloud.
The gorgeous gal will make her final decision after exploring New Zealand’s North Island from the geothermal wonderland of Rotorua to the biggest, smallest city, Auckland.
Can’t wait to see who she picks – eeee.
3. Qantas Holidays’ Global Achievers arrive in Darwin
The outback cork hats are packed along with additional sunscreen and a few stowaway bottles of alcohol (let’s be real) for Qantas Holidays’ annual Global Achievers weekend away.
Around 170 of Australia’s top travel consultants arrived in Darwin this week for the annual celebration culminating with a 1940’s themed Gala Awards Dinner at SKY CITY Beach Pavilion this Saturday 17 October.
Global Achievers is the pre-eminent industry reward and recognition program for Qantas Holidays, Viva! Holidays and their associated brands Rail Tickets, Ready Rooms for Agents, the Cruise Team and Insider Journeys.
4. Set your own price with Excite
Excite Holidays says it’s meeting demand for more flexibility and tailored bookings with a new tool that lets consultants set their own sale price.
Revealed this morning, Excite says FlexiComm offers the ‘ultimate flexibility’ because it gives agents the freedom to adjust bookings and prices to meet their diverse client base.
Agents using Excite can now choose to increase, forfeit or reduce their commission during the search process as well as during the time of payment, making them more competitive throughout the entire sales process.
5. Spencer Travel sticks with Sabre
Spencer Travel has extended its agreement with the Sabre Corporation for ongoing use of the the company’s technology to power its retail business.
The agency’s technology agreement incorporates industry-leading Sabre Red Workspace used by travel agents to shop, book and manage travel, together with a range of Red Apps including Clipboard, Seat Guru and Event Finder. It has also deployed TripCase, the popular mobile itinerary management app.
Founder and Managing Director, Penny Spencer, said Sabre had strengthened the agency’s operations and increased access to a ‘much wider community’.
6. Congratulations to FCm Travel Solutions Brisbane
The guys over at FCm Travel Solutions Brisbane has a lot to celebrate this week after being named the winning team in Mantra’s latest incentive.
Over 130 teams participated in the challenge, but it was Tania Mansell, Jane Stower, Lindsay Johnson and Penny Hele (she was absent the day the photo was taken) that managed to achieve the highest increase in sales to Mantra’s Brisbane and Perth hotels.
For their hard work, the foursome won flights to Bali and accommodation at Mantra Sakala Resort & Beach Club in Nusa Dua.
7. Destination NSW embraces ‘A Whole New World’
Sydney is truly on its way to becoming Australia’s capital for events after securing the Australian premiere of Disney’s blockbuster musical, Aladdin.
Coming in August 2016 to the Capitol Theatre, the show is expected to bring around 120,000 visitors to Sydney and generate some $39 million in visitor spend.
Minister for Trade, Tourism and Major Events Stuart Ayres said the announcement is a sensational coup for NSW, showing once again that Sydney is Australia’s home of live performance and first run musicals.
“Disney’s Aladdin is sure to be another great success for our State, having enjoyed critical acclaim on Broadway since it opened in March 2014.”
Stuart Ayres, Minister for Trade, Tourism and Major Events
Aladdin the on-stage production is based on the Academy Award®-winning animated film, Aladdin and features Disney classics such as ‘A Whole New World’ and ‘Prince Ali’.
8. Queen Mary 2 will be fit for solos
Cunard continues to cater to the growing solo market with the announcement its iconic Queen Mary 2 will receive single cabins.
The all-new Britannia Single staterooms will be fitted into the ship during a 25-day refit.
In addition to new modern and elegant single cabins, the ship’s Britannia Club Balcony staterooms will be renovated along with comprehensive refurbishing of all pre-existing Britannia Club Balcony cabins.
Cunard Director Angus Struthers said the number of cruisers choosing to travel alone was increasing and Cunard continued to focus on this expanding market.
“Having already been introduced on Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria, when our flagship re-enters service in June 2016 all three Cunard ships will offer single cabins.”
Angus Struthers, Cunard Director
Refreshed designs for Britannia Club and the new Britannia Single staterooms will include softer colour tones to enhance the feeling of space, as well as new contemporary carpet patterns inspired by the geometric diamond designs seen on the original Queen Mary.
9. What a Legend
Everyone was onboard (even Carnival Cruise Line’s VP in Australia, Jennifer Vandekreeke) as Carnival Legend sailed into Sydney this morning for her second season cruising for Australia.
According to the cruise line, the vessel will make 21 cruises from now until April, carrying some 50,000 holidaymakers.
Carnival Cruise Line Vice President Australia Jennifer Vandekreeke said the same crew who Aussie guests had come to know and love last summer, had returned with the ship.
“With the jacarandas in full bloom and the sun shining, Sydney really turned it on for Carnival Legend’s return.”
Jennifer Vandekreek, Carnival Cruise Lines Vice President Australia
“We’re so excited to have Carnival Legend back for the summer and know the crew are thrilled to be cruising from Sydney again.”
10. She’s a Barbie girl, in a Qantas world
She’s a Barbie girl, in a Qantas world. Life in aircraft, it’s a real laugh. You can brush her hair, and suit her anywhere. Willmott’s imagination became Qantas’ creation.
Qantas has done something completely unexpected and unbelievably amazing – recruited the iconic couple, Barbie and Ken, to model its uniforms across the decades.
As part of the airline’s 95th birthday celebrations, the airline has launched a pop-up exhibition at the Sydney Qantas Club featuring a collection of 44 Barbie and Ken dolls all wearing their own bespoke Qantas uniforms.
