Skill up on all you need to know with bite sized travel news to help you be your best today and tomorrow.
1. Jetstar gives Adelaide a direct connection to the Sunshine Coast
Adelaide is not only opening up to the world, it’s also opening up domestically with Jetstar announcing new direct flights from Adelaide to the Sunshine Coast.
The announcement of the new flight comes less than three weeks after the City of Churches welcomed its first direct service to Qatar through Qatar Airways.
Commencing on 30 September this year, it will be the first direct Adelaide-Sunshine Coast connection since 2008 and will operate three times weekly on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.
2. The one fact about the USA everyone is getting wrong
Do you pride yourself on being a bit of a United States expert? Think you could slaughter the competition in trivia? Or maybe you just remember the American basics from high school.
Either way, the majority of you (even us here at KarryOn) have been wrong about one pretty important US fact. You’re going to kick yourself.
Answer this, where is the Pentagon (the headquarters of the United States Department of Defense) located?
3. Solomon Airlines temporarily suspends Sydney services
A change in demand on the Sydney-Honiara route due to ongoing issues with aircraft has led to the temporary suspension of Solomon Airlines’ Sydney services.
Effective 17 May 2016, the airline will cease its weekly Sydney flight until further notice.
The announcement comes a little over three months after the carrier initially paused the service due to planned maintenance of its flagship A320.
4. Helloworld confirms Egglestone’s departure
Helloworld has confirmed the resignation of Peter Egglestone, saying he will depart the Company to pursue new opportunities.
Egglestone will remain with the business until the end of June while the company searches for a new Managing Director and Head of Qantas Holidays Wholesale.
In a statement, Egglestone said while his immediate focus was personal, he intended to remain close to the travel sector and looks forward to the next state of his career.
5. Steve Odell appointed Chairman of CLIA Australasia
Not only is Steve Odell heading up Norwegian Cruise Line’s expansion in Australia and New Zealand, he’s also stepped in to manage overall Australasian cruising as the new Chairman of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Australasia.
Odell replaces Gavin Smith, who has relocated to the UK following his recent appointment to Senior Vice President International for Royal Caribbean.
The announcement was made at this week’s Annual General Meeting in Sydney, during which three new members were added to the executive committee: Princess Cruises Vice President Australia and New Zealand Stuart Allison; Royal Caribbean Managing Director Australia and New Zealand Adam Armstrong; and Carnival Cruise Line Vice President Australia Jennifer Vandekreeke.
6. Best of Japan Snow comes to Sydney & Melbourne
Travel Agents can skill-up on their Japan snow and ski knowledge by chatting to representatives from Japan at this year’s Snow and Adventure Travel Mart.
Held on 23 and 30 May at Sydney and Melbourne, the event brings together delegates from Japan’s major snow resorts to engage with Australian travel agents and ski operators.
The aim of the travel mart is to provide travel agents an opportunity to network and get information directly from the Japanese Ski Resorts through one-on-one discussions. The event will also give attendees the opportunity to wins prizes such as hotel vouchers and a Sony digital camera.
The event will be held during daytime in Melbourne at the Novotel Hotel on Collins on the 23rd May, and at the Intercontinental Hotel in Sydney on the 30th May. To RSVP, email your name, company name, position and contact email to: jntoinfo@jnto.org.au.
7. itravel experience the mighty Indian Pacific
There’s no better way to learn than to experience it yourself and itravel have adopted this wholeheartedly to their famous Masterclasses. The itravel team hopped on-board the AAT Kings coach and the Indian Pacific to experience the products just as guests do.
AAT Kings Product Manager, and previous Tour Director, Lauren Walker presented an insight into the fun life of a Tour Director, and shared her experiences. The group received a thorough product update before boarding the AAT Kings coach bound for Central Station.
Stepping aboard the mighty Indian Pacific, itravel agents were treated to a walkthrough, visiting the various dining rooms and cabins, including the Platinum and Gold Class cabins – where clients can really wine & dine in style.
8. Agents live it up in Las Vegas
There was no shortage of luxury on a recent Las Vegas famil organised by The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) and United Airlines.
Twelve Flight Centre frontline agents were flown to the entertainment capital of the world for five days of premium entertainment, dining and accommodation.
The trip kicked off with the group flying on United’s new Dreamliner aircraft. Unpacking at the Bellagio and The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, their trip also featured a performance car racing at Exotics Racing; a flight over the Las Vegas strip; and a Cirque du Soleil show.
Click here for more images.
9. Which Olympic decal do you prefer?
Qantas is letting its fans pick their favourite Boxing Kangaroo design to feature on the decal of the B747 aircraft bringing the Olympians home from Rio.
Travellers can enter by voting for their favourite aircraft design on the airline’s website before 27 May 2016.
The winner will win two business return day flights from the winners closest Australian city to Sydney, one-night twin share accommodation in Sydney and two tickets to Qantas’ Olympic Welcome Home VIP event.
Click here to check out the other designs.