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. Is it the government’s responsibility to protect your clients?: Travel Counsellors
In the ongoing consumer protection debate, Travel Counsellors’ local boss has stepped in to say agency groups need to play a bigger role in protecting their own clients.
In a statement sent to media, Managing Director, David Hughes, said all travel companies should offer full financial protection “and not expect the government to cover the slack”.
His comment comes two months ahead of the two year anniversary since the demise of the Travel Compensation Fund (TCF) in favour of ATAS accreditation.
2. Virgin cuts back on domestic capacity
Virgin Australia is following in Qantas’ footsteps and reducing domestic capacity after reporting a statutory loss after tax of $18.6 million during the first quarter of the year.
Capacity across the group will be reduced by 5.1 percent over the next quarter, with domestic reductions (focused on regional routes) being made due to weakness in consumer demand.
CEO John Borghetti said the carrier was operating in a “challenging operating environment” and changes will provide “significant cost savings”.
3. Contiki smashes Japan target
There’s a larger than expected number of young people keen to experience Japan’s culture, food, tradition and entertainment, according to Contiki.
The young holiday specialist revealed that its Japan Unrivalled itinerary sold out last year, despite only being in its first year of operation.
Numbers don’t seem to have slowed down for 2016, with Contiki confirming demand is so high that it has decided to double capacity in the country.
4. Up to 30% off select Europe, North America & Asia trips
Youth travel brand Topdeck are delighted to introduce their Mega Sale, where adventure loving travellers can find up to 30% off some incredible European, North American and Asian trips.
Topdeck offer awesome trips jam-packed with cultural experiences for 18-39s. Whether you see yourself tucking into a delicious picnic in front of the Eiffel Tower or exploring the tranquil world of Yosemite National Park – no matter where your travel dreams lead, this is your final chance to secure a deal of a lifetime.
5. VisitBritain brings the UK to Australia
VisitBritain is preparing to kick off its first travel trade mission in Australia since 2006, bringing some 19 UK tourism suppliers on a three-city roadshow this week.
Starting in Sydney on 3 May, the roadshow will travel to Melbourne and Brisbane showcasing the best of the destination to more than 500 Aussie agents.
According to VisitBritain’s Director Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa, Sumathi Ramanathan, the roadshow will help build on the growing travel market from Australia, which is currently in the top five for the UK.
6. Hurtigruten sets out to lead adventure cruising
Hurtigruten is setting out to lead the world of adventure cruising with an order for four new ships that will “open-up the polar waters” and create new adventure opportunities.
Placed last week, the order includes the construction of two new state-of-the-art ships designed specifically for adventure-rich expedition voyages in the Arctic and Antarctic regions.
Scheduled for delivery by 2018/19, all four ships will have advanced environmentally-friendly technology to reduce emissions. They will also offer lectures on topics relevant to the destination they sail from experts such as zooligists, biologists and environmental scientists.
7. Velocity wins big at the Freddies
Velocity Frequent Flyer has been named ‘Program of the Year in the Middle East & Asia/Oceania’ for the fourth consecutive year at the 2016 Freddie Awards in Las Vegas.
The Virgin loyalty program also took home the title of ‘Best Redemption Ability’ and ‘Best Customer Service’.
Velocity Frequent Flyer CEO Karl Schuster accepted the award and announced that the program has reached six million members.
8. HOOT Holidays team donate incentive rewards to Vanuatu
Instead of putting their incentive rewards towards new clothes or a holiday, Hoot Holidays employees decided to pull their latest incentive cash together and donate it towards Vanuatu’s recovery post-Cyclone Pam.
Around $3,000 received in recognition of achieving their sales target, will be put towards helping Pango Center School, a local Vanuatu school where there’s a shortage of school chairs and tables, damaged classrooms and an incomplete toilet system.
The company’s Chief Executive, Joe Araullo, said it was heart-warming to see the entire team keen to support the island nation.
9. Cowboy shots, sausage sizzle, golf & charity
itravel agents and dozens of their closest industry friends raised over $28,000 for the National Breast Cancer Foundation at the agent group’s Charity Golf Day.
Some 145 participants dressed in pink to take part in the annual charity event, which included an APT Australian gourmet BBQ, a pink candy bar from Globus, and the hole in one competition.
Attendees were also invited to take in the annual auction featuring hampers, vouchers, magnums of champagne, a trip for two to New Zealand with Emirates and more.
“I feel so proud to have so many generous people attend who helped raise $28,000 for the NBCF.”
Steve Labroski, itravel Managing Director
10. Treasures of the South Pacific kicks off on a high
More than 120 travel agents from Melbourne and 60 from Hobart helped kick off the Treasures of the South Pacific roadshow last week.
The first two events of six being held around the country saw consultants gain knowledge and insights into the popular region.
Four more events will take place over August and October in Sydney, Canberra, Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast.
Full events dates are: Sydney – 2 August; Canberra – 3 August; Brisbane – 11 October; and Sunshine Coast – 12 October.