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. United to operate Dreamliner on all Australian routes
United Airlines today announced that it will introduce the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft to replace the Boeing 777-200 on its daily Sydney–San Francisco and Sydney–Los Angeles services, effective March 27, and March 28, 2016 respectively (eastbound).
United currently has 19 Boeing 787 Dreamliners in its fleet and expects to take delivery of six more 787 Dreamliners by the end of 2015.
2. Who are TravelManagers’ best agents?
It was tri-celebration for TravelManagers on the final day of the group’s annual three-day conference held in Adelaide this weekend.
Bringing days of supplier meetings, keynote/motivational speeches and information updates to a satisfying end, the group of agents cheered with delight when Executive General Managers closed the formal part off the conference by revealing that in 2016 the annual gathering will be held in… Thailand.
Find out who took home this year’s awards here.
3. Qantas’ CEO Joyce brings home the bacon
I’ve never wanted to use the hashtag #WishIWasHim more than I do right now.
We were a little envious last month when we heard staff across the Qantas network would receive a portion of the $90 million set aside for staff bonuses.
But now this new bit of news has us wishing we were the company’s CEO – without the stress of the job of course.
4. TravelManagers raise the bar with new app
TravelManagers has unveiled a revolutionary new agency app that is set to enhance its consultants’ relationships with their clients before, during and after they travel.
Unveiled at the 2015 TravelManagers Conference held in Adelaide this weekend, the TravelManagers app is designed to bring Personal Travel Managers (PTM) closer to their customers by making them a continuous presence through their phones.
What does this mean?
5. Argentina’s three-city Australian mission begins
Get to know Air New Zealand’s new destination during Argentina’s roadshow, hitting Australia from 2 September.
The event will give wholesalers and agents the chance to interact with Argentinian destination management companies (DMCs) and meet with local operators.
Business to business (B2B) events will run each day from 2-5pm and the Industry ‘Empanadas and Tango’ event from 6-9pm in each city.
Enjoy Argentinean themed food along with a Tango lesson, entertainment and your chance to win a return trip for two to Argentina with Air New Zealand, including ground arrangements.
The Melbourne event will be help on 2 September followed by Brisbane on 3 September and Sydney 4 September.
Places are limited so email Kristin Hellmrich at Kristin.hellmrich@walshegroup.com to register for the B2B event or click here for the industry event.
6. Oman’s Mega-Fam registrations are open
Retail, mobile and home-base agents have the chance to finally tick Oman off the bucket list by being in the running to join the 2015 Oman Tourism Agents Educational.
Flying Qatar Airways, agents will be swept away to the best kept secret of Arabia where they will experience the very best of Muscat, the Jebel Akhdar (Green) mountains, the sparkling coastline and the dhow yards of Sur, the sweeping golden dunes of Sharqiah, as well as the forts, castles and history of Jabrin, Bahla and the ancient capital of Nizwa.
Click here to find out how you can be in the running.
7. WIN $500 cash thanks to Visit USA
Have a great USA travel tip? Then share it with Visit USA and go in the running to win $500 in cash.
The competition is to promote a new free-of-charge downloadable guide designed to help travel agents sell the USA with snippets of wisdom and crucial tips about the destination.
To be in the running, agents tell Visit USA what their own favourite tips for travelling in the USA are. The best tip will win the prize.
Visit USA Facebook page and through its Twitter account.
8. BA’s special Xmas fares
British Airways is making it cheaper for people to fly home to Europe during the holidays with the launch of special premium cabin fares, available for booking from now until ]21 September.
The award-winning Club World business class is available to Europe from $7,212; London from $7,381; and Singapore from $3,216.
British Airways’ First can be experienced from $10,212 to Europe; from $10,381 to London; and from $4,216 to Singapore.
The special fares are available for travel between 12 September to 16 March 2016.
To take advantage of the fares, those looking to fly Club World are required to make their ticket purchases at least 21 days before travel, three days in advance if travelling in First, and seven days ahead of any visit to Singapore.
9. APT launches a new ship on the Mekong
APT has expanded its Asia river cruise fleet with the inaugural sailing of the new 124-passenger RV AmaDara along the Mekong River.
The ship joins sisters RV AmaLotus, the AmaDara in featuring innovative design such as 62 extra-spacious staterooms and luxury suites, as well as a new specialty restaurant.
Each well-appointed stateroom includes a private ‘Twin Balcony’ comprising a French Balcony with a second full-sized step-out balcony. The ship’s interior is reflective of elegant French colonial décor, while inspired by Southeast Asia with authentic Mekong artifacts and accents.
Guests sailing aboard AmaDara will enjoy an array of comfortable amenities including air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, a spa, a fitness centre and a refreshing sun deck with swimming pool.
The ship’s itineraries include the 12-day Vietnam and Cambodia Highlights, which commences with a two-night stay at the Sheraton Saigon Hotel and Towers in Ho Chi Minh.
10. Road Show winners set off on South African adventure
The South African dream has come true for 10 lucky agents who were whisked away on a trip of a lifetime thanks to South Africa Tourism and South African Airways after winning their spot on the familiarisation at South Africa’s Road Show events last October.
The 10 agents from varying agencies across Australia and New Zealand were treated to a 13 day trip visiting some of the most scenic and inspiring locations on offer in South Africa.
Lalie Ngozi, General Manager Australasia, South African Tourism said it’s always great to have travel agents experiencing South Africa for themselves.
“We were very proud to be able to host this talented group of industry professionals and showcase South Africa’s diversity so they can see first-hand why it is a world-class tourism product. It is first hand experiences like these that allow people to truly appreciate the beauty and warmth of our country”
Lalie Ngozi, General Manager Australasia, South African Tourism
