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. Flight Centre expands in Europe with a new purchase
Flight Centre’s global domination plans continue, with the company’s acquisition of a small privately-owned, Netherlands-based corporate travel agency.
The purchase of Business Travel Development (BTD) was announced this morning and is the Group’s first set up in Europe outside of the UK and Ireland.
Flight Centre’s UK boss, Chris Galanty, will oversee operations of BTD, which earned around EU10.3 million during its 2015 financial year.
2. Explosion shakes Turkey’s capital
Australian travellers are being advised to exercise a high degree of caution in Turkey after a bomb was detonated in the country’s capital overnight.
Around 32 people were killed and more than 100 were wounded in the explosion in Ankara’s Guven Park. It’s the second major attack in the city in less than a month and also follows the suicide bombing in Istanbul earlier in the year.
According to reports, several vehicles on the scene, including one bus, were burned in the explosion.
3. ‘Smarties’ attend their first orientation
Smartflyer Australia recently held a planning and orientation day at the Four Seasons Sydney for over 15 new Smartflyer Independent Contractors – known as “Smarties”.
The 15 new recruits joined the company a little over a year since SmartFlyer first announced it merger with Goldman Travel to launch the home-based brand down under.
Michael Holtz, CEO of Smartflyer based in New York, flew in for the occasion and spoke to the audience of over 25 about the power of the brand and plans for growth in the USA and Australia.
The group heard from Virtuoso and a number of preferred suppliers and discussed the company’s plans to become a force in the high-end leisure contractor market.
4. Toowoomba’s first services to Melbourne
Boarding for the first flight direct to Melbourne! What a great day to fly! #melbourne #wellcamp
Posted by Brisbane West Wellcamp Airport on Sunday, March 13, 2016
Brisbane West Wellcamp Airport celebrated a major aviation milestone over the weekend, with its first-ever regular direct jet service between Melbourne and Toowoomba.
Brisbane West Wellcamp Airport developer Mr John Wagner said, on behalf of his family, they were extremely proud and excited to celebrate another major aviation milestone for the region.
The first regular direct service comes four months after launching Queensland’s newest gateway.
Airnorth CEO Daniel Bowden said initial support and interest in the services had been fantastic with enquiries from various corporate and leisure markets.
He said the new flights would allow both outbound and inbound customers from Toowoomba and the wider Darling Downs, direct access to Melbourne and Cairns with the added Qantas codeshare travel options and associated benefits.
The gateway will also this week welcome its inaugural Cairns service.
5. Air NZ & Virgin Australia search for local biofuel
Air New Zealand and Virgin Australia are not only looking for new ways to fly green, they’re also looking for opportunities to inject profits into local businesses.
The trans-Tasman alliance partners are issuing a Request for Information (RFI) to the market to explore the opportunity to procure locally-produced aviation biofuel.
Air New Zealand Chief Flight Operations and Safety Officer Captain David Morgan said the airline recognises the impact aviation has on the environment and this RFI is a key initiative under its carbon management programme.
Virgin Australia Head of Sustainability Robert Wood concurred, saying the airline is committed to stimulating the development of a sustainable aviation biofuel industry in the region.
Both airlines are committed to ensuring that aviation biofuel delivers environmental, social and economic benefits, and respondents to the RFI are encouraged to address these principles.
Interested parties have until 30 May 2016 to express their interest.
6. The X-Factor winner to represent Australia at Eurovision
2013 The X-Factor winner, Dami Im, will showcase Australia’s multiculturalism and talent in front of millions of Europeans as a performer in this year’s Eurovision competition.
The Korean-born Australian singer was selected to perform her new song ‘Sound of Silence’ at the annual contest in May.
She’s the second Australian to compete in the singing competition and the third to take the Eurovision stage.
Dami says her new ballad is ideal for the occasion because “there are many ways to interpret the meaning around the song, but one theme that I relate to in Sound of Silence is that of disconnection and being away from the people in my life that I love”.
“We live in a world where it is easy to be connected every minute of the day but along with this connection you can feel alone and isolated. I can’t wait to perform it live in Stockholm and connect with a whole new audience,” she said.
7. AIME deemed a major success
Over 4,588 industry professionals gathered to learn, network and do business last month at the 24th annual Asia-Pacific Incentives & Meetings Expo.
There was much excitement on the exhibition floor which showcased 523 Exhibitors from 31 countries, including all Australian Convention Bureaux and international exhibitors from countries including Thailand, Singapore, LA, Korea and Turkey.
First time exhibitor Megan Linton, Sidekicker, was delighted with the quality of connections, commenting: “It was a great success for us. We got new qualified introductions and built up our relationship pool.”
Around 1,130 seats were filled in the successful free AIME Knowledge education sessions, which took place in new purpose built theatres on the show floor, including six full-capacity sessions with speakers from Saxton Speakers Bureau. A new addition to 2016 was the dedicated Hosted Buyer Program, powered by PCMA and held on Monday 22 February, prior to the show floor opening on Tuesday.
Networking events were also a highlight at AIME this year. The sold out Welcome Event hosted by Melbourne Convention Bureau on 22 February and the Hosted Buyer and Media Welcome Function at Melbourne Olympic Park on 21 February have both received glowing feedback.
8. INCENTIVE: Win a European river cruise
Travel agents have the chance to experience the recently named ‘Best River Cruise Line’ when they secure three or more 2016 Uniworld bookings.
The incentive runs until 15 May this year, and offers the opportunity to experience the pastel hues of Holland at tulip time, stepping back in time in a medieval German village or sampling some of the finest French wines in Burgundy.
The Uniworld tour runs from eight- to- 11-day European cruise with every three 2016 bookings or a 13- to- 15-day cruise for every six 2016 bookings.
For more details, please contact your Uniworld Sales Manager or Uniworld Reservations.
9. Travel Counsellor experiences chilly California
Laura Dobson of Upper Coomera, QLD recently got to experience the wonder of California’s epic ski scene on an exclusive famil tour hosted by American Airlines, North Lake Tahoe and Mammoth Lakes.
Joining a group of agents from all over Australia, Laura says she was blown away with what this part of America has to offer travellers who love snow sports.
Apart from inspecting many hotels, inns and lodges in the area, Laura also got to sample many memorable meals in the local cafes and restaurants including the multi award-winning eatery Jake’s on the Lake.
She also experienced the micro-brewing scene at Mammoth Brewery and hit the slopes with instructors for some quality mountain time.
“I had such a wonderful time on this famil. I can see this part of America becoming more popular with Australian travellers in the future.”
Laura Dobson, Travel Counsellor
10. Cunard treats top agencies
Management from some of Cunard’s top performing Australian agencies enjoyed a special lunch at Sydney’s stunning Aria restaurant last week, in the spirit of the cruise line’s legendary style.
Hosted by visiting Cunard executive, International Development Director David Rousham, the event provided an opportunity to update the agencies on Cunard’s upcoming programs for the Australian market including its popular Mediterranean and world voyage offerings.
As an added treat, Aria’s owner Chef Matt Moran popped by to welcome Cunard’s guests to his restaurant.