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 makes a special delivery to NYC, it’s pretty gay & we love it
We’re torn between caring about how constructed this Qantas/Cornetto story is, and desperately wanting a cute Qantas pilot to deliver this new ice cream to us.
If you weren’t paying attention to the Flying Kangaroo’s Twitter and SnapChat accounts over the weekend, then you kind of missed out on a sweet and tasty story that involved a team of Qantas staff, an esky filled with Cornetto’s new Gaytime-flavour ice cream and one desperate Aussie living in New York City.
Let’s rewind back to the beginning.
2. Flight Centre’s 46-year-old Aunt Betty gets a new feature
Flight Centre tweaked its virtual Travel Agent, Aunt Betty, by giving her the ability to help travellers create their dream trip to Europe.
The online booking site, unveiled in January this year, has so far allowed travellers to search through air and hotel deals as well as book packages.
However, now users can turn to the 46-year-old virtual consultant to compile their dream trip to Europe.
3. Where in China are more travellers interested in visiting?
It’s a good thing China Eastern is opening up new routes to China’s Zhejiang province, because according to Wendy Wu Tours, the area’s capital is quickly growing as a hot spot amongst holidaymakers.
The China tour operator has seen a growing trend amongst travellers researching and booking trips to Hangzhou, where they’re ticking off must-visit ancient sites and temples.
Australian General Manager, Andrew Mulholland, said that although the destination is one of China’s seven Ancient Capitals, it’s been somewhat under the radar compared to major centers such as Beijing, Shanghai, Xian and Chengdu.
4. Canada Specialist Program gets an upgrade
Consultants will have access to fresh videos, imagery and content on Canada later this year, when the new Canada Specialist Program website relaunches to better educate local and international Agents on all the destination has to offer.
Coming 22 September, the reference and sales tool is designed to provide Agents with a deeper understanding of the iconic and suprising experiences available in the various parts of Canada. These include cuisine, accommodation, urban experiences, wildlife, nature, adventure, cruise and rail travel.
All current CSP certified Agents will be automatically transferred to the new website, which will be available on desktop, mobile phone and tablet. In order to remain certified, CSP agents are required to update their contact information and complete five modules within 12 months of the website launch. From there, Agents simply need to keep their details updated and complete at least one new module per year to remain active CSP agents.
5. TIME inducts more mentees into its program
The Travel Industry Mentor Experience (TIME) is one step closer to welcoming its 200th mentee.
The program held its 24th Networking & Graduation Function and Induction last week, and expects to have its 200th member signed up before the end of next year.
Air New Zealand hosted the latest induction in its Sydney offices where attendees enjoyed views of the city and insight from the event’s guest speaker, CAPA Executive Chairman, Peter Harbison.
Click here for more images.
6. Insight Vacations prepares for 2017 Europe launch
Melbourne Agents will be among the first to hear about Insight Vacations’ new 2017 Europe program, when it launches on 15 September.
A group will gather at the Glasshaus Inside in Cremorne for a special launch breakfast, which will see some attendees walk away with some great prizes, including one of two spots on the Insight Vacations 2017 European famil with airfares.
RSVPs for the event closed last week, but keep an eye on KarryOn for details on the new program later this week.
7. G Adventures announces first Europe early birds
Adventure travel company, G Adventures, has launched its first exclusive early bird offers for Europe 2017, with up to 15 percent off a range of popular itineraries.
Running until 31 October 2016, the early bird discounted tours will only need to be paid in full 60 days prior to departure and includes trips such as the ‘Local Living in Croatia’ where guests learn to live like a local over seven days in Dubrovnik. There’s also the ‘Belgium Beer Tours’, an eight-day journey through the ancestral home of Trappist.
As part of the G Adventures early bird offer, those European tours not eligible for a full 15 percent discount will still receive a 10% reduction for bookings that occur up until 31 October.
8. Consultants have a Hoot in Phuket
Three Hoot Holiday reservation Agents experienced a fun filled famil recently in Phuket enjoying the famous Thai hospitality at the luxurious Cape Panwa Hotel and the ever popular family favourite Sunwing Kamala Beach.
The ladies checked out the spacious two-bedroom Family Suites before putting their culinary skills to the test with a Thai cooking class while at Sunwing Kamala Beach. While at Cape Panwa Hotel they enjoyed a decadent one-hour massage in The Cape Spa followed by a relaxing drink on Cape Panwa’s very own private beach.
9. Agents enjoy a little rock with Royal Caribbean
Travel Agents hit the town with Royal Caribbean last month, when the airline treated a group of consultants to a night at the theatre.
The group enjoyed the hit musical ‘We Will Rock You’, which also happens to feature on Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas.
Royal Caribbean is gearing up for a big Australian wave season this year, particularly with its new Ovation of the Seas heading down to the country for her inaugural visit.
