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. Fiji Airways donates F$1-million to help those affected by Cyclone Winston
Fiji Airways Managing Director and CEO, Andre Viljoen.
The Fijian national carrier, Fiji Airways, recently donated the equivalent of $656,573 AUD to the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund in the wake of the destruction caused by Cyclone Winston.
Fiji Airways Managing Director and CEO, Andre Viljoen, handed the cheque over to Fijian Prime Minister, Rear Admiral (Ret’d) Hon. Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama, yesterday as the South Pacific island nation licks its wounds after 330km/hr winds damaged crucial infrastructure and killed 36 people.
The airline has also announced free carriage of relief supplies domestically and inbound from other countries coordinated through the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO).
2. APT to combine coach touring with cruise touring in NZ
APT – the luxury travel operator – have revealed a new 24-day itinerary that will take guests on an exciting journey through New Zealand’s North and South Islands, combing both coach and cruise touring.
The new 24-day New Zealand Voyager itinerary features in APT’s latest New Zealand 2016/17 brochure which became available today for agents across the country.
The coach/cruising itinerary is priced from $8,995 per person, twin share, and departs from Christchurch to Arthur’s Pass in the South Island aboard the TranzAlpine train before visiting the magnificent Franz Josef Glacier and Queenstown.
3. Cheapflights makes a move towards Aussie trade
Cheapflights may only be two years into the metasearch business, but it’s ready to expand and build its relationship in Australia, particularly with Aussie trade.
Managing Director of the travel search site, Andrew Shelton, told KarryOn that the company has spent the last year building the product to a point where it’s ready for more trade involvement.
In addition to designing a clean and user-friendly site, he said Cheapflights has also focused on ensuring it’s working in favour of agents and airlines.
4. INCENTIVE: Colossal Royal Caribbean offer
Royal Caribbean has extended its colossal European travel agent incentive until the end of March due to popular demand and announced all Celebrity 2016 Europe bookings will receive double entries.
Say what?!!
Agents have the chance to win one of three incredible cruise prizes across each of RCL’s three cruise lines, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises and Azamara Club Cruises, as well as the two entries in the competition for Celebrity bookings and bonus commission on all European bookings made by 31 March 2016.
To enter, simply book your client on any Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises or Azamara Club Cruises 2016 Europe sailing by 31 March 2016 and automatically go into the draw to win a European cruise holiday for two on the same cruise line booked.
Click here for more information.
5. Brazil wants a relationship with YOU!
The Consulate-General of Brazil in Sydney, in collaboration with the Brazilian Tourist Board (EMBRATUR), has launched a new campaign to further promote Brazil as a destination for Australians.
In a bid to attract more Australian visitors and to encourage a longer stay in Brazil to fully enjoy what the country has to offer, the campaign focuses on highlighting tourist destinations beyond Rio de Janeiro, where the 2016 Olympics and Paralympics Games will be held.
The campaign’s first event will take place on Wednesday 6 April in Sydney. This first trade and media event will immerse the travel industry in this beautiful Latin American country. Apart from meeting different Brazilian travel representatives, guests will also enjoy traditional music, food and national drinks. Top travel wholesalers and their Latin American teams have been invited to familiarise themselves even more with the country.
6. Coral Expedition unveils Myanmar itineraries
Myanmar will become a key feature of Coral Expeditions’ new Asia itineraries during the 2016-17 wave season.
The pioneering cruise line recently launched seven itineraries exploring the diverse and culture rich coastlines of South East Asia on their flag ship Coral Discoverer.
Keeping with Coral Expeditions’ highly-personalised style, activities and off-shore excursions are suitable for guests of all ages and fitness levels, and slower-paced alternatives are always catered for. These voyages will be popular with Coral Expeditions’ long-standing clientele in Australia, Europe and North America.
The jewel in the crown is the 12 day exploration from Singapore to Yangon (or vice versa) of the enchanting coastlines of Malaysia, Thailand and Myanmar, accessing places only Coral Expeditions’ small ships can.
The highlight of this expedition will be a full 6 out of the 12 nights spent exploring the remarkable coastline of Myanmar, incorporating the Irrawaddy River and the Mergui Archipelago in the Andaman Sea.
Coral Expeditions’ South East Asian itineraries will begin immediately after Coral Discover undergoes a significant refurbishment which adds an entirely new level of accommodation – Bridge Deck Balcony Staterooms – as well as upgraded interiors, Sun Deck bar-lounge and exercise equipment.
7. The latest snaps from TIME
Another round of graduates received their certificates and inspiration during the latest TIME graduation.
Held earlier this week at the Parkroyal Darling Harbour, it was the 19th program for the mentor experience.
Speakers on the evening included two graduates as well as Etihad’s local sales rep.
CONGRATULATION graduates!
8. Hawaiian Airlines is ready to rock the Sydney Harbour Challenge
Team Kokua, Hawaiian Airlines’ own all-employee team of outrigger canoe paddlers, landed in Sydney recently ahead of this weekend’s Sydney Harbour Challenge.
Currently in practice mode in Manly, Team Kokua will join over 120 teams of six paddlers each in one of Sydney’s premier water sport events.
The Sydney Harbour Challenge, presented by Hawaiian Airlines, is the biggest six-person canoe race in the Southern Hemisphere. It is held in partnership with the Australian Outrigger Canoe Racing Association.
9. itravel agents get to know Globus
There’s nothing like a few drinks to really get to know who you’re working with.
The staff from Globus got to know itravel’s head office staff and some of their mobile travel agents at a round of Get To Know Us drinks held at the Globus head office on Kent Street.
Globus’ Area Sales Managers Shannon Morgan and Mary-Ann Pontifex, Inside Sales Coordinator Kelly O’Connor and NSW Groups Coordinator Karen Arnold were kind enough to show itravel their hospitality as the iteam were given the run down on the newest brochures, offers and tours and treated to a quick excursion of the office while enjoying drinks and snacks and getting to know the team at Globus.
itravel’s Get To Know Us drinks are part of their training initiative to ensure that agents can get to know the face behind the email. Networking is an important part of training and giving agents the opportunity to get to know who they’re working with both inside and outside the company is great for building relationships.
10. United says RELAX!
Left to right: Sarah Thornton & Danielle Tuffield (Gate7)
United Airlines last night celebrated 30 years of flying to and from Australia with a ‘Back to the 80’s themed party at The National Maritime Museum in Sydney. Over 250 invited guests rocked up (many in 80’s attire) to eat prawn cocktails and other 80’s inspired dishes as we all as shake their groove thangs and celebrate a consistent service from the U.S.
United will commence an all Boeing 787 Dreamliner service to and from Australia in March with additional product upgrades and features.
PS – Castaway Island slated to reopen 1 June
Great news for Fiji tourism today with the announcement that Castaway Island – a popular 4-star resort located in the heart of Fiji’s Mamanuca Island group – will reopen on 1 June following repairs made to the resort caused by Tropical Cyclone Winston.
According to Darren Edmonstone, Managing Director of Outrigger Resorts Asia Pacific, it’s possible that the resort could even open earlier – a further announcement would be advised if this occurred.
“The comfort and safety of our guests is our priority and Castaway Island will again be offering the high standard of holiday experience for which it is so well known with a target date of June 1.”
Darren Edmonstone, Managing Director of Outrigger Resorts Asia Pacific
Agents are advised to contact Director of Sales & Marketing, Ben Johnston, via email – ben.johnson@outrigger.com, or call their Reservations Centre hosts on 1800-608-313 (Toll-free in Australia) if they have questions regarding existing bookings at the resort.