Skill up on all you need to know with bite sized travel news designed specifically to help you, the Travel Agent, be your best today and tomorrow.
1. Qantas returns to Beijing & eyes new aircraft
The Flying Kangaroo, Qantas, has hopped back on over to Beijing for the first time in eight years after recommencing daily flights to the city earlier this week.
The great financial crisis forced Qantas to scrap flights to the Chinese city back in 2009, however, a recent boom in travel between Australia and the Asian nation has created an opportunity for the airline to resume services and increase its share of the major market.
Resuming flights on Wednesday, Beijing becomes Qantas’ third destination in Greater China, joining Shanghai and Hong Kong.
2. The world’s busiest airport is… you won’t want to lose any travel buddies here
New airlines plus new destinations have helped make Dubai International Airport the number one gateway for international passengers, again.
The UAE gateway took the top spot from London’s Heathrow Airport back in 2014 when it surpassed the long-reigning airport by two million international passengers.
It continued to lead in 2015 and again last year when it handled a record of 83.6 million passengers, up 7.2 percent on the prior year.
3. What does Virgin Australia’s John Borghetti have in common with Julia Gillard?
Virgin Australia’s CEO, John Borghetti, who led the airline through the great financial crisis, a complete brand overhaul and an ongoing network expansion, has received one of Australia’s highest honours.
The airline boss was named a Companion of the Order of Australia on Australia Day, along with 957 other recipients from various industries and communities including Australia’s first female Prime Minister, Julia Gillard.
The Companion of the Order of Australia is only bestowed upon Australian citizens for certain achievements or meritorious service. Receiving it is a pretty big deal and deserves a very loud round of applause.
4. Tourism revenue reaches new records in Thailand
A 10 percent increase in European visitors and 13 percent rise in arrivals from the Americas has contributed to a record year in tourism revenue for Thailand, with some US$46 billion poured into the country last year, up 12 percent on the prior year.
Tourism Authority of Thailand is anticipating 2017 to be even bigger for tourism thanks to new marketing campaigns which focus on immersive experiences within the country such as wellness retreats, culinary experiences, eco-tourism and agro-tourism.
The increase in tourism figures comes despite the death of Thailand’s much beloved king last year, which caused a temporary pause in the nation’s year-round festivities. Since, many festivities have now resumed, with the first big event of the year about to take place – The Thailand Tourism Festival (TTF), which coincides with Chinese New Year (25-29 January), returns to Bangkok’s Lumpini Park to highlight the fun and fascinating attractions that can be enjoyed by tourists travelling in the kingdom.
5. Bunnik Tours combines Egypt & Cyprus in new Middle East brochure
Small group touring specialist, Bunnik Tours has unveiled its new middle East touring program for 2017/18 featuring new programs such as two brand new small group tours that combine Egypt and Jordan with the idyllic Mediterranean island of Cyprus, plus nine returning favourites.
Itineraries stretch from Cyprus, Israel and Jordan to Egypt, Oman and Kenya and range from 12 days to 25 days in length with the small group concept ensuring plenty of one-on-one time with expert Egyptologists and local guides to learn about the ancient monuments and cultures.
Brand new for the 2017-18 season is the Egypt & Cyprus tour, during which clients will see the Great Pyramids, cruise the Nile, taste traditional delicacies and discover both the Greek and Turkish sides of fascinating Cyprus. The best-selling Egypt in Depth and Highlights of Egypt & Jordan tours are expected to be popular again for the upcoming season.
6. Up to 12% commission available for Agents when they book…
The Travelling Tenor is offering Agents up to 12 percent commission AND the chance to win a three-day Sydney Operatic Experience when they book their clients on a two-for-one European and Sydney Opera adventure with The Travelling Tenor.
The offer is running from now until 28 February 2017 on packages such as the European Overture Tour running from 27 June to 7 July 2017 and covering Vienna, Oxford and London. The package includes return flights, 10 nights’ accommodation at boutique hotels, ‘A’ reserve seats at three operas (l´Elisir d´Amore in Vienna, Il Turco in Italia in Oxford and La Traviata in London); a backstage tour of London’s Royal Opera House an exclusive cocktail concert at the Chesterfield Mayfair Hotel, a personal trip concierge, private guide per every two people for city tour options, all transfers and much more.
The additional bonus for this booking is the ‘House, Hunter and Harbour’ experience, where travellers will be treated to 3D/2N in Sydney to enjoy Handa Opera’s Carmen on Sydney Harbour, staying at the Intercontinental Hotel.
Click here for more information.
7. How travellers can get two nights in central Dubai free
Dubai is offering holidaymakers a complimentary two-night stay in central Dubai when they book flights through the Emirates website between 24-31 January 2017.
The offer is only valid on flights departing between 1 February 2017 and 31 March 2017 on properties including Rove Deira City Centre, Rove Health Care city, Hotel Ibis Deira City Centre and Hotel Howard Johnson Bur Dubai.
For more information, click here to visit the Emirates website.
8. Japan Endless Discovery Seminar 2017
Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) is hosting a seminar for travel agents, airlines, and trade media professionals. Representatives from popular and up-and-coming tourist spots in Japan will be available to chat with as well as popular Brisbane travel blogger, Kerry Heaney from the blog Eat,drink+beKerry.
The seminar is being held at Brisbane City Hall on Thursday 9th February 2017, from 17:00 to 20:30. Attendees will have the chance to network with suppliers from Japan, and hear presentations on Japan updates from JNTO and travel blogger Kerry Heaney. Japanese food will also be served during networking time following presentations.
To register, email VisitJapan.bne@gmail.com with your name, job title and registration type (wholesale, retail, airline, media, other)
9. Princess Cruises’ ‘cool’ new talking point
This Aussie summer has been a complete stinker and Princess Cruises is hoping to help Agents cool down with a special personal desk fan that lights up with the words ‘Princess Cruises’ as well as ‘come back new’.
A few Agents around Australia and New Zealand were treated to the special present earlier this week including Flight Centre Raymond Terrace Assistant Team Leader Samantha Ward-Leroy, who said the fan made them “feel like princesses” and acted as a great talking point for customers.
In addition to keep Agents cool, the fan was also a reminder of the Princess Cruises ‘3 for Free*’ WAVE campaign, which includes free onboard spending money, free stateroom upgrade and free wine and dine on selected cruises.
10. Barnesy rocks on with cruisers on Australia Day
Some 5,000 cruisers aboard Pacific Eden were treated to a surprise concert aboard feasturing Aussie rock legend, Jimmy Barnes.
The rock legend boarded the ship in Sydney Harbourn on Australia Day where he played a range of songs from his music catalogue including Flame Trees.
Other highlights of the ‘Great Australian Deck Party’ included watching Australian movies and eating Aussie food – BBQ, green and gold pancakes and lamingtons.
