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 takes more travellers to Asia
Qantas continues to add to its Asia network with additional flights on the Sydney-Hong Kong and Perth-Singapore routes.
As of December 2015, the airline will add a Tuesday and Thursday service between Perth and Singapore on a year round basis. Flights will be operated with the Boeing 737-800 and will increase services from five per week to daily.
Additionally, the carrier will operate a second service on a Friday between Sydney and Hong Kong from 11 December.
2. AirAsia flies back to Bali, Virgin offers free changes
It’s good news for passengers flying to Bali with AirAsia resuming flights to the destination today.
On the other hand, Aussies are still stranded in Australia, with both Virgin Australia and Jetstar cancelling all services for today.
While Denpasar Airport will reopen its doors today at 14:30 (GMT +8), the Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre says conditions are still unsafe for travel.
3. ‘Tourists should be fine’ in Maldives State of Emergency
Tourists are being told that their holiday plans to the Maldives shouldn’t be affected by the State of Emergency introduced this week.
The 30-day country-wide curfew was put in place on Wednesday ahead of a large anti-government rally.
The Government said in an official decree that the State of Emergency is designed to ‘guarantee the safety and lives of the Maldivian citizens after the National Defence Force discovered a cache of arms and explosives intended to threaten national security.
4. Air Canada doubles checked baggage allowance from Australia
Passengers travelling to Canada from Australia can now take advantage of Air Canada’s new doubled baggage allowance.
The increased checked baggage allowance of two 23kg bags applies to Economy Class passengers travelling to/from Australia and any of Air Canada’s destinations across Canada and the United States – including the daily, non-stop B777 service between Sydney and Vancouver.
The new baggage policy will apply to tickets issued on or after 4 November 2015 for travel from 17 December 2015.
5. Join The TIME Mentorship Program
If you are committed to equipping yourself for the challenges of today’s dynamic travel and tourism and hospitality industry take the first step now and join the TIMEMentorship Program.
Due to a number of enquiries TIME is looking to launch another program later this month and is calling for any additional interested prospective mentees who wishes to join the program prior to the end of the year to contact Marie Allom Program Manager at time@travelindustrymentor.com.au.
6. Emirates is a real daredevil in this viral video
Emirates is flying high today with record breaking profits and a new viral video showcasing the carrier’s imagination, flight precision and unguarded ambition.
Let’s start with the newsy stuff first – the airline’s biggest half-year on history.
During the first six months of the 2015/16 financial year, the Emirates Group made a net profit of US$1 billion, up an incredible 65 percent over last year’s result.
7. helloworld Mackay & Mt Pleasant’s restructure
In an effort to strengthen their position in the industry and capitalise on a growing economy, helloworld Mackay & Mt Pleasant have made a host of internal changes – including seven promotions – over the last three months to end 2015 on a high and enter the new year with full confidence.
“The economy is already showing signs of strengthening and we know it will ultimately turn around. Our restructure is about planning for the future and ensuring that within three to five years, we have the steps and processes in place to capitalize on the next growth period.”
Steven Boxall, Managing Director.
Having been in the industry for over 29 years, the leading travel agency are focused on innovation and growth in the coming years, and are committed to building a strong business for the future.
8. Contiki and Creative Holidays incentives for agents
Win a trip to Thailand with three of your mates thanks to a new Contiki agent incentive.
Celebrating the launch of its 2016-17 Asia programme, the youth tour company is giving away eight of its popular Thai Island Hoppers, allowing two lucky agents and three of their friends to embark on a trip of a lifetime: three to four star accommodation, transport by local ferries, the expertise of an experienced Trip Manager and Local Guides and many meals included.
To be in the draw to win, agents need only book and deposit any Contiki Asia or Europe trip of seven days or more throughout November.
Creative Holidays are also in the giving mood with a new gift card agent incentive.
Agents will receive a $50 Coles/Myer gift card for every land or cruise booking over $500 plus wholesale airfares that departs prior to 31 January 2016. Land or cruise only bookings over $500 deposited by 30 November 2015 and departing before 31 January 2016 will receive a $25 gift card.
9. New Business Class airfare deals with APT
APT partner with Singapore Airlines and Qatar Airways to offer four new Business Class deals for its Europe and Asia River Cruising Tours.
For a limited time only, agents can book their customers on select APT river cruising tours in Europe and Asia for 2016 and save them up to $13,200 per couple on their Business Class airfares.
The partnership between APT and Business Class airfares with Singapore Airlines and Qatar Airways continues APT’s committment to providing a luxury travel experience for customers.
10. Canada Corroboree – Roadshow of the year?
Registrations are now open for the 2016 Canada Corroboree. The annual industry roadshow will showcase all the amazing experiences Canada has to offer, as well as give agents the chance to network with 29 Canadian destination and supplier representatives. There’s even a chance for agents to win one of four trips to Canada.
“Canada Corroboree is an outstanding opportunity for the Australian travel industry to gain first-hand information about the latest tourism products, which they can then pass on to their clients.”
Nathan McLoughlin, Director – Trade, Destination Canada GSA.
Registrations close 22 January 2016. Agents can register for the event here.
PS. Have your say on South America and win
Good news for film fiends. Boutique South America are offering travel agents the chance to win free Gold Class Movie Passes by completing a short survery where they will be asked about their knowledge and experience of the destination.
They will also be asked about their experiences selling South America.
The short survey won’t take longer than five minutes to complete, and the passes are valid at all Gold Class Cinemas nationwide.
Entries will close later today so get cracking! Click here for more information.
PPS. Turning Japanese in Darling Harbour this Saturday
Japan comes to Sydney this weekend for the annual Matsuri festival – a one-day, all-ages event celebrating all things Japanese, from music, food and dance.
Feast on takoyaki, yakisoba and chicken teriyaki before catching performances including taiko drums, traditional dances, karate and sumo demonstrations.
Held at Palm Grove in Darling Harbour from 11am to 7pm, Matsuri is Sydney’s biggest Japanese event, attracting over 25,000 attendees in 2014.
Apart from taking part in the festivities, visitors can speak to destination experts and learn about Japan, as well as receive free tourist information and maps for their next trip to the land of the rising sun.