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. International airfares are going down, down & down
Domestic travel could have a hard time keeping up with international as increased competition and cheaper fuel sends global airfares plummeting to an all-time low.
According to industry experts, flights out of Australia are expected to continue their downward spiral over the coming months, to reach their lowest in around 30 years.
International travel will be on par, if not cheaper, than domestic travel in some cases like flights from Adelaide to Bali, which are expected to reach around $277 return this year.
2. Virgin Australia’s CEO isn’t going anywhere
Virgin Australia’s boss, John Borghetti, has gone of the defense and assured the aviation industry that he has no plans on leaving his post anytime soon.
The CEO’s comment comes after turbulence hit Virgin last week when its largest shareholder, Air New Zealand, flagged plans to sell all or parts of its 26 percent stake in the airline.
The Kiwi carrier said it wanted to use the cash to invest in its own future and growth.
3. Staff at the centre of Qantas’ new ad series
Qantas is bringing its staff to the forefront in a new advertising campaign, which showcases the various roles and people that make up the Flying Kangaroo.
The new Qantas ad series follows on from the Feels Like Home Brand campaign and features a Qantas pilot, engineer, ground handler and a lounge host.
Videos will be progressively rolled out with each staff member explaining in their own words why they love their job and their personal passions.
4. Join the TIME program
Thinking about getting ahead in your career? Why not get the information you need from an expert.
The next Intake of Mentees commences on 27 April 2016. TIME is designed to help equip travel industry professionals for the challenges of today’s dynamic travel and tourism sector.
Get your expression of interest in and be part of the next intake by clicking here or emailing: Marie Allom at time@travelindustrymentor.com.au.
5. Register for Aloha Down Under Workshops
Hawai‘i Tourism Oceania invites travel agents to register and attend the Aloha Down Under Workshops taking place 3 – 6 May 2016 in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and the Gold Coast.
The Aloha Down Under Workshops give agents the chance to gain in-depth destination and product training on the Hawaiian Islands. There’ll be informative workshop sessions as well as a speeches from HTO’s Hawaiian industry ohana (family).
Around 32 Hawaii partners will be attendance, including those from airline, accommodation, activities and attractions.
Click here to register before 15 April 2015.
6. Scenic pre-release for Canada, Alaska & USA
Scenic has launched its 2017 pre-release on its luxury tours to Canada, Alaska and USA, featuring the best prices available for travel next year.
Fly Free offers are available on April departures of 18 Day The Canadian Rockies and Alaskan Cruise – a saving of up to $5,160 per couple or fly for $995 on any Western Canada journey of 19 days or longer travelling from May to September, a saving of up to $6,030 per couple. Guests can also choose to upgrade to business class from only $5,995 per person when travelling to Western Canada for 19 days or longer from April to September.
Guests who book early will also benefit from the freedom to choose and secure the date that suits them the best from the entire touring season plus a guarantee that they will receive any brochure upgrades released in the main Canada, Alaska and USA 2017 brochure.
7. Holland America takes delivery of its newest ship
Holland America is officially in possession of ms Koningsdam, the first Pinnacle-Class ship in the fleet.
The ship was delivered to the line last week and is currently making its way to Civitavecchia in Italy for its inaugural voyage and following naming ceremony to be held in Rotterdam on 20 May.
Orlando Ashford, Holland America President, said the arrival of Koningsdam marked a “milestone” for the company.
Following the naming festivities in May, the ship will head to its summer home port of Amsterdam, the Netherlands, and sail a series of northern Europe and Baltic cruises before returning to the Mediterranean in September. The ship will then head across the Atlantic Ocean to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where it will homeport at Port Everglades and spend the season exploring the Caribbean.
Koningsdam carries 2,650 passengers and features new public spaces and dining venues as well as the line’s first purpose-built staterooms for families and solo travelers.
8. TFE Hotels Collection hosts special heritage tour
ACT National Trust Office has partnered with the TFE Hotels Collection to host a public tour of the historical Hotel Kurrajong on 14 April during Canberra’s Heritage Festival.
Built in the 1920s, Hotel Kurrajong is immersed in Canberra’s history and the tour will provide festival-goers the opportunity to learn of its interesting political past. For example, the hotel was one of the first to welcome guests to the new capital and was formerly named ‘Hotel No. 2’. It is also best known for being the residence of choice for Prime Minister John Curtin and his Treasurer Ben Chifley during the dark years of the Second World War.
Taking place over one hour, the tour will be hosted by Dr Peter Dowling, the National Trust’s Heritage Officer in Canberra. The tour will include a visit to the room that Chifley made home whilst PM, as well as Chifley’s Bar & Grill, the hotel’s on-site restaurant named after the esteemed former resident. Overlooking the hotel gardens, the restaurant today offers a unique dining experience, fusing 1920s style and glamour with top class cuisine.
Entry fees are by gold coin donation.
9. Agent incentive pays off for G Adventures
G Adventures says it experienced a 27 percent increase in Africa bookings during November and December last year, thanks to its joint South Africa Tourism incentive for agents.
The nine agents represented the top sellers of G Adventures product along with randomly picked agents for the months of November and December and were rewarded with flights and a place on G Adventures brand new National Geographic Journey, Explore Kruger National Park.
The adventure travel company notified the winning group of agents in January and they have just returned from the South African trip, more inspired than ever to sell African product to their customers.
The seven-day tour, departing from Johannesburg, saw agents explore the Greater Kruger area, getting to know the kids at the G Adventures-supported Children’s Day School and, of course, spotting all of the Big Five up close and in person on safari game drives.
Global Purpose Specialist (GPS) Dan Coleman accompanied the agents and said the level of excitement and enthusiasm on the trip was contagious.
Agents said the highlight of the trip was seeing two leopard cubs playing up close near the group on safari.
10. Lucky agents return from a Cook Islands mega famil
The inaugural mega famil to the Cook Islands is complete, with agents reluctantly returning from the destination late last month.
The famil saw 37 top selling agents and wholesalers travel to the island nation from 19-26 March to experience the local culture, activities and food.
Cook Islands Tourism Corporation General Manger, Kerryn Cook, said the mega famil was an opportunity to give agents the “right selling tools and knowledge about the destination”.
“It was also a way to say thank you for the incredible job they have done so far selling the Cook Islands! Once you’ve been to our little paradise, it’s not difficult to fall in love with it.”
Kerryn Cook, Cook Islands Tourism Corporation General Manager