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. The top Agents at TravelManagers are…
Over 200 Travel Agents and suppliers were dressed to impress (and win a few awards) at this year’s TravelManagers Gala Awards night.
The evening wrapped up the group’s annual conference held in Bangkok this weekend, which saw the group partake in charity work at a disadvantaged area outside the city, attend an all-white party, ride a throng of tuk-tuks to a social outing and get a first look at the company’s new website and consumer campaign.
Before heading up to Darwin next year for the 2017 conference (yep, that’s right, 2017 is in DARWIN!), TravelManagers CEO, Michael Gazal, told attendees that the awards were a fun way for consultants to show off their success over the last 12 months.
2. ATAS-accredited Agents in Tasmania on show
A major consumer campaign is about to showcase ATAS-accredited agents in Tasmania thanks to the Tasmanian Government and AFTA says it’s time to make sure all in- store signage is up to date.
As part of the signage spring clean, AFTA is running a #RIPtheSticker competition to go into the draw for a $5,000 Trafalgar cooperative marketing voucher for the best social media post showing removal of the old TCF stickers.
3. TravelManagers’ website is getting a ‘love’ly facelift
Changes are coming to TravelManagers both online and in the consumer space as the company completely revamps its website and unveils a new marketing campaign.
Revealed at the group’s annual conference in Bangkok this weekend, the new push is designed to promote the group’s position as the ‘premium travel network in Australia‘ made up of some of the most experienced consultants in the country.
The new site is expected to be up and running before the end of the year and is considerably different from the existing format.
4. New speakers announced for Australian Cruise Association conference
Capt Michael McCarthy
Three new speakers have been added, and the celebratory social events unveiled, for the 20th Anniversary Australian Cruise Association conference to be held in Sydney from September 7-9, 2016.
Adding to the international line-up of Edie Rodrigues, CEO Crystal Cruises and Bruce Anderson, Starcrest Consulting is Captain Michael McCarthy, Chair of Cruise Europe and Commercial Manager for the Port of Cork Company, Ireland. Michael will provide fascinating insight into the European cruise environment including the impact of recent political developments such as Brexit and increasing security threats.
The Conference is being held this year at the Four Seasons Hotel. For further information and registrations please go to http://www.australiancruiseassociation.com/conferences
5. Australian Football League teams up with CT Connections
CT Connections co-founders Nick Sutherland and Gary Reichenberg are thrilled with their company’s recent appointment as travel management partner of the AFL.
AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan said he was delighted CT Connections have partnered with the AFL to manage the football industry’s travel needs.
As the official airline of the AFL since 2011, Virgin Australia supports all AFL team flight requirements across Australia and abroad throughout the year with particular attention to player comfort as well as flight scheduling to assist both the AFL teams and their fans.
CT Connections will join the official airline of the AFL, Virgin Australia, in delivering a world class travel solution.
6. Qantas frequent flyers to earn more at Woolworths
Qantas Frequent Flyers will have more opportunities to grow their Qantas Points when they shop at Woolworths, as part of changes to the Woolworths Rewards program announced today.
From 31 August 2016, Frequent Flyers can earn Woolworths Points for every dollar they spend in-store or online at Woolworths Supermarkets and BWS.[1q2`] They will also have the opportunity to take advantage of special offers to increase their earn rate. And they will be able to earn Woolworths Points on fuel purchases at 530 Caltex Woolworths petrol sites2 across Australia.
Today’s changes follow an announcement in December last year, when Woolworths and Qantas confirmed Frequent Flyer would remain part of the Woolworths Rewards program.
7.Travelmarvel’s TV Campaign to generate business for Travel Agents
Travel agents are set to reap the rewards of premium travel operator Travelmarvel’s investment in a new advertising campaign to promote Europe river cruising, as well as Canada and Alaska.
Designed to support Travelmarvel’s ‘Travel More’ sale, the series of 15 and 30 second commercials launched on Sunday 21 August 2016.
The campaign is designed to help agents secure sales for the 2017 holiday season.
8. Peppers unveils its most ‘Extra Special Sale’ yet
Peppers’ range of coastal, scenic and urban escapes are all on sale for one week only, from 21-28 August, offering reduced room rates and a range of extra special inclusions at 27 opulent destinations across Australia, New Zealand and Bali.
From quaint country estates and relaxing beachside resorts to chic city hotels and world-class golf resorts, Peppers offers an indulgent range of experiences in the most spectacular destinations… and there’s never been a better time to book with‘The Peppers Extra Special Sale’.
To book any of the below deals, visit www.peppers.com.au or call 1300 737 444.
9. Are you G Adventures first Responsible Travel Ambassador?
A nation-wide quest is currently underway for a Responsible Travel Ambassador, and G Adventures and KarryOn are coordinating their search efforts as we speak.
The winner will not only win full bragging rights at the appointment of such a title, but they’ll also score an epic G Adventure 10 day Nepal Adventures Tour – plus flights – where they’ll experience the colourful chaos of Kathmandu, the serenity of the Himalayan walking trails, and a 4×4 expedition in search of tigers.
10. WIN a spot on the ‘Ultimate Abu Dhabi famil
Etihad Airways along with Virgin Australia and Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority has just launched an Agent incentive, giving consultants the chance to WIN a spot on the ‘Ultimate Abu Dhabi’ famil running this October.
To be one of 50 on the captivating, cultural and adventurous trip, Agents simply need to book Etihad Airways or Virgin Australia to Abu Dhabi or as a stopover to Europe.