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. Helloworld Summit Singapore wrap
A glittering Qantas sponsored gala dinner and awards ceremony heralded the closure of the three-day helloworld Owner Managers Summit 2016 on Saturday evening at Resort World Sentosa Island Singapore.
Over 500 helloworld members, staff and preferred suppliers had travelled from all over Australia and New Zealand to collectively bring to life this year’s conference theme of “We’re all in this together”.
2. Luxury travel sector continues to grow
Source: CNN.com
Despite the uncertainty and economic challenges of 2016, travel and tourism as an industry continues to grow strong, with the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) forecasting a 3.1 percent growth this year – outpacing the global economy’s growth overall.
According to luxury travel network, Virtuoso, whilst it’s true that global events can influence travel and tourism, luxury travellers especially aren’t letting these events stop them from travelling the world.
3. New York City bans Airbnb
It’s already against the law for NYC residents to rent out their pads for 30 days or less when they’re not present. But new legislation has put another dagger through the heart of Airbnb.
Last Friday, New York Governor, Andrew Cuomo, signed legislation that forbids apartment owners from advertising a rental that violates the existing NYC law – a violation that attracts a fine of up to $7,500.
4. Travel Agents strike back with another video
itravel’s Kim Wudko and a team of real-life Travel Agents have rehearsed their lines, channeled their inner actors, and given another stellar performance in the second “Travel Agents Do Travel” promo video!
Earlier last week, KarryOn wrote a follow-up story on the success of a Travel Agent promo video that was scripted, created and paid for entirely by itravel’s Head of Strategic Partnership, Kim Wudko.
5. Richard Branson launches Virgin Voyages
Source: https://au.be.yahoo.com
There’s just no stopping Sir Richard Branson, with the British tycoon now getting into the lucrative world of cruising.
Virgin Voyages, a Virgin branded line of cruise ships, is the latest venture embarked upon by the aviation mogul, and so far, three ships are currently being built, totalling around $2 billion (£1.63 billion).
The first sailing – from Miami to the Caribbean – has been scheduled for 2020.
6. Emirates makes over Business Class lounge in Dubai
A major US $11 million makeover of the Business Class lounge on Concourse B of Dubai International Airport has just been completed, and boy is it looking pretty schmick!
The project, which took over two years to complete, enhances the lounge experience for Emirates passengers with three new distinct concept areas and a focus on the finest food and beverages, including a barista experience in partnership with Costa Coffee, a Health hub with Voss water featuring healthier options, and an exclusive Moët & Chandon champagne lounge.
7. Qantas flies from Toowoomba to Shanghai
Source: www.news.com.au
A historic event took place early yesterday morning in a country town west of Brisbane, with a Qantas A330 fight bound for Shanghai, China, marking the first time an international flight departed from Wellcamp Airport in Toowoomba.
Loaded up with 250 business and industry delegates, the flight was all part of a trade mission designed to bring Chinese investment back down to the Darling Downs.
Wellcamp Airport in Toowoomba is a privately funded airport that was built on a cow paddock west of Brisbane.
8. Thailand update following King’s passing
Source: www.reuters.com
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) have advised the Australian travelling public that business is pretty much as usual in the Land of Smiles following the tragic news of the death of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyade.
In a statement issued to the public, the TAT have reminded visitors to be polite and display respectable behaviour in the coming weeks and months ahead as Thailand mourns the loss of the King. The statement went on to advise tourists wishing to take part in showing respect to the King to wear black ribbons on their clothes.
For more information on what is open and closed, click here.
9. The Modern Honolulu MICE offer
Great news for Australian and Kiwi event and meeting planners with a fantastic new deal offered by the The Modern Honolulu for your next event.
In an innovative new offering called the MODERN Exchange, event and meeting planners can lock in US currency rates when booking The Modern Honolulu, allowing them to know exactly how much things will cost up front..
The offer is valid for events booked between 19 October 2016 to 31 March 2017, for travel 1 November 2016 – December 24 2018.
Find out more here.
10. 8 incredible must-see festivals in Asia
Incredible, mind-blowing and beautiful.
Festivals in Asia is something you should see once in your life, and we’ve rounded up the eight most spectacular events you should add to your bucket list.
11. WIN a year’s supply of Panda cookies from Wendy Wu Tours
#Thenewwu is here and Wendy Wu is giving you the chance to WIN a year’s supply of Panda cookies! Say what? That’s 365 packets of delicious panda cookie goodness…
You have seen the Wu crew reps out on the road, handing out panda cookies as they go, and we know just how popular they have been with many of you taking to our agent Facebook Page requesting your own personal stash, so we’ve gone one better with a whole year’s supply up for grabs!