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 most searched travel term on Google post-Brexit
There was one thing on everyone’s minds, one topic filled every living room and one major cause of concern for a lot of people – whether they were Australian, American or European – on Friday night, Brexit.
Late last week, social media was abuzz with users expressing their shock over last week’s referendum, which saw a little more than half of the British population (52 percent) vote in favour of leaving the European Union.
You’ve probably read every news article by now and become a bit of a self-proclaimed expert on the topic, so we’ll spare you further details about the vote itself.
2. Airfare wars are having an unexpected impact on trans-Pacific tourism
Airline competition on trans-Pacific services has had a drastic impact on tourism to the US, with new figures showing a larger-than-expected increase in Australian arrivals last year.
Preliminary international arrivals data from the National Travel and Tourism Office (NTTO) showed that nearly 1.5 million Aussies travelled to the US in 2015, up 11.3 percent on the prior year.
The large growth pushed the Australian holidaymakers into the USA’s top 10 international arrivals markets, making it a valuable group for the country.
3. Allianz offers some travellers complimentary travel insurance
Is your client a credit card holder with Citibank? Good news if they are, they can now get complimentary travel insurance on pre-existing medical conditions with Allianz Global Assistance (GBA).
Under the new offering, customers will have the option to secure sought-after cover for pre-existing medical conditions, with no blanket exclusion in place or doctor’s visit required. Instead, AGA will offer customers a quick and easy complementary screening process to assess what cover is needed.
Applicable on a range of Premium, Business and Rewards credit cards under the Citi, Diners or Citi Partners branded cards.
4. Get your phones out! Qantas is on Snapchat
Qantas has joined the photo-sharing party launching its own Snapchat account.
The airline is the first Aussie carrier to join the platform, which has become widely popular over the last few months thanks to its quirky filters.
However unlike most users, Qantas says it will use the social media outlet to give followers an exclusive view of what goes on behind the scenes.
5. Egencia & Qantas give the gift of travel
Egencia, the business travel arm of Expedia, held a little shindig for its clients and partners last week to celebrate the recent opening of its new home in Martin Place.
Held in partnership with Qantas, the event gave attendees the chance to check out the new space, taste the ‘Egencia Ale’ from the office beer tap and partake in a game of ping pong.
There was also two prizes including a $500 Qantas voucher and a $250 Egencia hotel voucher ($1500 in prizes total).
6. LAST WEEK to WIN with Etihad
There’s only seven days left for Travel Agents and their customers to book an Etihad flight and be in the running to WIN back the cost that fare.
One winner has been announced every day since the incentive launched three weeks ago.
To be inthe running, Travel Agents need to book their clients on an Etihad flight – flights booked have to be for travel until 31 December 2016 and Agents must enter the game of skill on winwithetihad.com.au before 4 July 2016.
