We’ve done all the hard work, so you don’t have to! Read on for our top ten travel news stories we think you need to know today.
1. Sabre acquires Abacus – what does this mean for agents?
The news is out, Sabre Corporation has expanded its business with the full acquisition of APAC’s Abacus International – but what does that mean for the company’s clients?
Announced overnight, Sabre, which already held a 35 percent share in Abacus, entered a definitive agreement with the other 11 shareholders to purchase the remaining portion for some $411 million.
Still subject to regulatory approval, the transaction is expected to be complete by the third quarter of this year.
2. Who got the most NTIA nominations?
It’s the one night that travel professionals across the country meet in Sydney dressed to the nines to recognise the best of the best in the travel industry.
That’s right, it’s almost time for the Australian Federation of Travel Agents (AFTA) NTIA Awards.
And with the big night only 63 sleeps away, AFTA has unveiled the companies and agencies that could be taking home the travel industry’s version of a Grammy award.
3. Agents get ready! Ecuador famils could be coming
Ecuador is stepping up its marketing efforts in Australia, by not only appointing new local representation but by working closer with trade.
And we all know what working closer with trade means – famils!
Overnight, the Ecuador Ministry of Tourism announced the appointment of Aviareps to represent and market the country here in Australia, China and Japan.
4. INCENTIVE: Sell to spend with Aurora Expeditions
Agents win every time they make a select Aurora Expeditions sale during the month of May as part of the adventure line’s Antarctic Agent Incentive.
From now until the 31 May 2015, travel agents will receive a $250 cash card for every Aurora Expeditions Antarctic booking made on select 2015/16 departures.
To be eligible, agents simply need to return their client’s completed booking and pay deposit by 31 May 2015 on the following departures.
4. Want to win flights to the Solomons?
If the answer to the question above is yes, then here is your chance.
Travel agents have the chance to win flights to the Solomon Islands simply by attending a Solomon Airlines educational update cocktail function.
The two events will take place in Wollongong and on the Central Coast.
Agents who attend a function will go in the running to win a holiday for two to the island nation courtesy of Solomon Airlines.
This comes as the airline prepares to launch its inaugural Honiara-Sydney direct service on 1 June this year. Click here for more information.
The Wollongong function will be held on 20 May from 5.30pm at the Novotel Northbeach and the Central Coast function will be held on 21 May from 5.30pm at Kooindah Waters Golf & Spa Resort.
RSVP to Richard Hankin: solomons@tropicsmarketing.com.au
6. Highlights from the Hawaii roadshow
Travel agents from around Australia and New Zealand are embracing the ‘Aloha Spirit’ this month, as Hawaii Tourism travels around the two countries for their annual roadshow.
Some 200 agents turned up to the Sydney event at the Westin on Wednesday night, while around 240 agents hula’d to the Auckland and Melbourne shows earlier this month.
Now with only Brisbane and Gold Coast left, Ashlee Galea, Country Manager Australia at Hawaii Tourism Oceania says the roadshows gives agents the opportunity to get more information on the destination and even experience a bit of Hawaii themselves.
7. New ship sets sail in Europe
History was made last week not only because a new river ship was launched on European rivers, but the riverside town of Würzburg in Germany played host to its first ever vessel christening.
And the vessel was, APT’s MS AmaVenita.
The town’s mayor, Christian Schuchardt turned up for the event as did APT’s founder Geoff McGeary and his son Group Director Robert McGeary.
8. Award-winning vessel heads to Nice
This June, yacht charter company, The Moorings will debut all-inclusive crewed yacht vacations on the award-winning Moorings 4800 catamaran in Nice, France.
Aboard The Moorings 4800 – named “Boat of the Year” by Cruising World Magazine – guests will discover a luxurious layout including three double cabins with en-suite baths, a well-appointed saloon with plush seating and a full entertainment center, as well as an aft cockpit where one can dine and drink to a panoramic view of the surroundings.
Before departure, Moorings chefs make it a point to learn their passengers’ dining preferences, then craft a variety of customized meals, hors d’oeuvres and drinks over the course of their charter.
From classic French fare to modern culinary favorites, this all-inclusive experience is an ideal complement to the rich culinary traditions of France.
Available for booking now, Moorings 4800 Crewed charters in Nice will begin this June.
9. Agents explore Australia
UK and European agents in the Whitsundays.
Nearly 300 UK and European travel agents travelled to our little part of the world this month for the annual Corroboree Europe.
Held in Adelaide this year, agents met with over 100 Australian sellers to learn all about the country and its travel opportunities.
The group also had the chance to explore Australia on 27 different famil trips.
Famils available included trips to Queensland, Byron Bay and the Whitsundays.
Tourism Australia hosted the event in partnership with South Australian Tourism Commission, Singapore Airlines, Virgin Australia and with the support of all State and Territory Tourism Organisations.
10. Cheers! Mexico opens world’s first underwater bar
Ice bars like Sydney’s ‘Minus 5’ are sooo last decade! Mexico has upped the ‘drinking game’ with the world’s first underwater oxygen bar.
Take a deep breathe and get ready to go under with this new fad.
Apparently just sipping on cocktails (or when in Mexico doing tequila shots) with friend isn’t enough for tourists, because this week Carnival Corporation’s Puerta Maya port in Cozumel has opened the doors (or sea) to the new underwater bar.
