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. A ‘Top’ experience for Qantas Holidays’ Global Achievers
Qantas Holidays’ has dubbed this year’s Global Achievers a success with lots of culture, food and a 1940’s themed Gala Awards Night at SKY CITY Beach Pavilion.
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.
This year Qantas Holidays partnered with Tourism NT to organise a number of exciting itineraries for 170 of Australia’s top travel agents.
2. Ann Sherry is recognised for what she truly is
She runs Australians largest cruise company, manages hundreds of staff, contributes to numerous charities, advocates for more port space and still finds the time to run a household.
There’s no doubt Carnival Australia’s CEO Ann Sherry is an incredible (and busy) woman, but she’s finally being recognised for what she truly is – Australia’s most influential woman.
Over the weekend, Sherry was named as the 2015 The Australian Financial Review and Westpac 100 Women of Influence Awards overall winner.
3. A stopover or a 19-hour non-stop flight?
While Qantas and Emirates scrambled for the title of the ‘world’s longest flight’, Singapore Airlines has creeped up from behind and snatched it away.
Last week, the Southeast Asian carrier said it plans on welcoming seven ultra-long-range variant of the A350 aircraft to its fleet, which will give it the ability to resume non-stop services between Singapore to the United States.
Commencing in 2018, the airline expects to be able to fly a range of up to 8,700nm from Singapore to US cities – Los Angeles and New York.
4. WIN an ‘Adventure’ in Chile
If you’ve ever wanted to experience the best of the best in Chile here’s your chance.
Adventure World, LATAM Airlines Group and Tourism Chile have teamed up to offer travel agents the ultimate South American experience with a trip for two to Chile up for grabs.
To be in the running to win the trip, agents need to book their clients on an Adventure World South American trip including LATAM airfares anytime from now until 27 November, 2015. Agents who book their clients on an itinerary that includes three nights or more in Chile will also qualify for a bonus entry.
Total prize pack includes two return economy airfares from Sydney to Santiago, two return economy domestic flights from Santiago to Calama, transportation and sightseeing with local English speaking guides, twin share accommodation in four-star hotels and many meals.
Travelling on a seven night Adventure World experience, the lucky winner and their travel companion will savour some of the very best that Chile has to offer including bustling Santiago, the bohemian and colourful vibe of Valparaiso, the culinary delights of the Colchagua Valley, the geological wonders of Atacama and much more.
Adventure World will notify the lucky winner on 11 December, 2015.
Check out Adventure World’s website for more information.
5. FINAL DAYS to WIN a Portland Tax-Free Shopping Spree
There’s only a few days left to enter Brand USA’s Oregon incentive to win a Portland Tax-Free Shopping Spree at ‘Made Here in PDX’, valued at US$500.
The incentive was launched to celebrate a new specialist module on the USA Discovery Program, which focuses on providing an in-depth look at Portland, Oregon, located in the Northwest United States.
To be in the running, agents need to complete the Portland badge and unlock other Specialist modules. Agents who complete the Portland specialist badge after first completing the Regional Expert Badge will qualify to go into the draw.
There will be one winner from each market, and these lucky winners will be announced on 23 October 2015.
Click here for more information.
6. #APTtheBest competition winners are…
APT has revealed all the winners of its #APTtheBest trade campaign, which offered agents the chance to win two incentive prizes every week during September.
For agencies, APT granted special entry into a weekly draw for every booking made and deposited, with a $1,500 marketing voucher up for grabs for the weekly winner. Consultants were invited to send in their #APTtheBest photos and entries in a bid to win one of five luxury river cruises.
Agencies that received an APT $1,500 marketing voucher were: helloworld Camberwell, Flight Centre Birkdale, Spencer Travel Southside, Travel Associates Brice and Turner WA and Champagne Travel.
Consultants who received either a Europe or Mekong river cruise in return for their outstanding and creative #APTtheBest snaps were: Scarlett Trewavis – Flight Centre Watergardens; Jennifer Bishop – Your Travel & Cruise; Tegan McCarthy – We Know Travel Orange; Stacey Moffitt – RACQ Maroochydore; and Brigette Richards – Champagne Travel.
“We would like to say thank you to everyone that entered and to congratulate all our deserving winners.”
Susan Haberle, APT Commercial Manager Retail
To toast the fact that it was recently named Australia’s Best River Cruise Operator by the travel industry, APT has been offering a selection of some of its best deals across its best destinations. These celebration savings will end on 31 October 2015.
Click here for more APT news.
7. Carnival voted best for families
Young cruisers are loving Carnival’s Green Eggs and Ham so much that they’ve voted to name the line as the ‘Best Family Cruise Line’ in the annual Out & About with Kids Best of Family Travel Awards.
Jennifer Vandekreeke, Carnival Vice President Australia, said it was a honour to win the award because fun and families ‘are at the heat of everything’ they do.
“To receive this nod only a few years after moving into the Australian market is great recognition for our staff and crew.”
Jennifer Vandekreeke, Carnival Cruise Lines VP Australia
Click here for more on Carnival Cruise Line.
8. Going after the Grace-ful Chinese market
Sydney’s Grace Hotel has appointed Randall Marketing to broaden the property’s footprint in the growing China market.
General manager of the Grace Philip Pratley said the marketing company has the contacts and reputation to organise face-to-face meetings with clients and agents in the country.
“With offices in the source markets as well as here in Sydney means we can provide a seamless service across the board.”
Greg Parkes, Randall Marketing
Click here for a list of the most annoying hotel guest habits.
9. Agents chasing waterfalls in Chile
South America wholesaler Eclipse Travel treated a select group of travel agents to a 15-day famil to Argentina and Chile earlier this month, visiting must-see destinations including Buenos Aires, the Patagonian Lake District and the spectacular Torres del Paine.
Enjoying the untamed Chilean Patagonian rainforest under the majestic Andes mountain range, the agents visited Huilo Huilo Ecological Reserve and Petrohue Waterfalls, a chute-type waterfall in the upper reach of Petrohue River in Chile.
At Petrohue Waterfalls [L-R]: Devin Hunt – The Adventure Traveller; Leanne Flanagan-Smith – Backtrack; Liz Bridges – Travel Counsellors; Matt McMillan – Eclipse Travel; Justin Lawson – Malvern Travel & Cruise; and Lynton Jones – The Savvy Traveller.
Earlier this month, Qantas’ budget airline, Jetstar, signed a new codeshare agreement with LAN. Read on
10. How much does it cost to make your inflight meal?
It’s a lot less than you’d ever expect – around $3.50 for an economy dish.
The figure was released by Brahim’s Airline Catering in Kuala Lumpur – the company responsible for providing meals for around 30 international carriers including Malaysia airlines, Emirates, Etihad and Cathay Pacific.
The food factory said airlines are responsible for setting a budget on their meals and it can cost anywhere between $3.50 to more than $30 for First Class travellers.
Around 1,200 staff are responsible for producing the dishes and they’re churned out an average of 46 meals per minute.
WOW.
Each week, the company goes through at least 2.5 tonnes of seafood, 600 kilograms of beef and four tonnes of chicken.
