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. Travelport Locomote is on the hunt for new employees to meet ambitious growth plans
Travelport Locomote is heading towards major expansion and says it’s seeking new employees to play an intricate role in the company’s planned growth.
In a statement, the Melbourne-based corporate travel platform said its recent move into the UK was the first step in ambitious global expansion plans and its commitment to doubling in size by the end of 2017.
As well as moving into a new market, the company’s bosses say its growth strategy also includes the creation of at least 30 new roles, which will need to be filled over the next four weeks.
2. Is that fire falling down a cliff in California?
“Oh look it’s a waterfa… uhhh, no that’s not water. Is it? Why is it red? Oh my gosh is that fire running down that cliff? Is that even possible?”
That’s the kind of conversation you’d expect to hear from tourists or Instagram users unfamiliar with Horsetail Fall in Yosemite’s National Park, which has nickname ‘Firefall’ because sometimes it literally looks like it’s burning.
The incredible sight only occurs 10 days every February, during which the waterfall appears to be running red.
3. Travel Corporation Regatta ‘A sailing success!’
The Travel Corporation’s annual sailing Regatta was held yesterday on Sydney Harbour with invited industry guests and all brands represented in a race for glory.
In what were near perfect conditions out on the water, the Adventure World boat was the big winner on the day taking out the race honours for the overall competition.
Not that anyone else seemed to mind with time to sail under the Harbour Bridge and Opera House and enjoy the magnificent views on one of the world’s best harbours.
4. Agents get better access to Warner Bros. Studio Tours Hollywood
After featuring so prominently in five-time Golden Globe winning La La Land, Warner Bros. Studio Tour has decided it’s time to increase its presence in Oceania by appointing Asia Pacific Travel Marketing Services to represent the business in Australia and New Zealand.
Beginning on March 1, 2017, APTMS will implement a sales and marketing plan to assist with promotions for Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood throughout the travel trade industry.
“Australia and New Zealand are strategic development markets for the Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood, and we look forward to working with APTMS to grow visitation to our attraction in Los Angeles,” said Gary Soloff, Director of Marketing – Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood.
5. J-Lo, the Kardashians or Beyonce – which celebrity would people least like to travel with?
People may love to keep up with the Kardashians on the telly – you can’t deny the demand, the show is moving into season 13 – but apparently when it comes to travelling, Kourtney, Kim and Khloe are among the least preferred celebrity vacation buddies.
The members of the family were named among the least preferred celebrities to travel with in a recent Hotels.com survey, along with Donald Trump, the Clintons and Kanye West.
On the opposite side of the study America’s sweetheart, Jennifer Aniston, was chosen as the female celebrity most people would prefer to holiday with followed by Jennifer Lopez (YAS!), Ellen DeGeneres (YAS!), Selena Gomez and Beyonce.
6. Deborah Hutton helps Agents sell Avalon to their clients
You’ve surely heard her name before and maybe even seen her around the travel circuit, but now Deborah Hutton is helping Travel Agents sell Avalon Waterways to their clients through a series of new videos.
The popular television presenter and longtime Avalon ambassador stars in 10 inspiring short clips, which highlight different aspects of the cruise line’s offerings and inclusions.
Viewers will be exposed to the staterooms on board offering the ultimate views of Europe, the various dining options across the fleet, the culinary cuisines and even those ‘behind the scenes’ touring options only available through Avalon.
7. Agents offer: $560pp self-famil to India
Wendy Wu Tours is inviting Travel Agents to experience India in person with a $560 per person offer on a six-day India self-famil.
Agents can increase their destination knowledge and experience all the amazing sites, sounds and flavours of India’s Golden Triangle on the ‘Magical India’, tour which is available for travel between April 1 and September 30.
Agents can also travel with a maximum of three companions who will enjoy these special rates. Single rooms are also available from an additional $215 per person.
8. Travel Directors announces commission structure for Agents
Boutique tour operator Travel Directors has announced it has released its program to the travel trade, with a 10 percent commission payable on its unique high-end tours.
General Manager Nia Carras said the decision was made after seeing trends that travellers considering the company’s itineraries are likely to seek the advice of specialised Travel Agents with longstanding reputations.
Travel Directors offers more than 25 uniquely designed tours to most corners of the world including off-the-beaten track destinations such as The Five Stans of Central Asia, Iran, Armenia and Georgia, and Serbia and Slovenia among others.
9. Excite Holidays spreads the love on Valentine’s Day
Who doesn’t love a little surprise and delight, especially on Valentine’s Day!
To celebrate the day of love, Excite Holidays this week treated its trade media (KARRYON included – thank you!) and Agents to a tray of limited edition ‘Be Mine’ doughnuts from Doughnut Time.
A combination of Vovo, raspberry, and strawberry glaze, the doughnuts were topped with chocolate hearts and garnished with mini white chocolate curls and sprinkles, so every sweet tooth in the office was satisfied.
The guys from Excite Holidays say they love their Agents and partners, and think they are pretty lucky to work with such an amazing bunch.
10. Magellan knows how to treat winning Travel Agents
Award winners from Magellan Travel Group recently returned from five luxury nights in Dubai and Oman having flown business class courtesy of Emirates.
Hosted by the Groups CEO, Andrew Macfarlane, the ‘CEO Journey’ is a reward and recognition experience which this year saw the group staying at St. Regis Hotel in Dubai, enjoying dinner at At.Mosphere on the 122nd floor of the iconic Burj Khalifa, seeing Dubai’s many attractions whilst onboard a Seawing’s scenic flight, visiting Al Maha deep within Dubai’s desert landscape, and spending 3 nights at the magical Six Senses – Zighy Bay in Oman.
The final night stay was at Jumeriah Zabeel Saray, on Dubai’s iconic Palm Island. The group relaxed, marveled, experienced and enjoyed the generous hospitality of Dubai Tourism, its partnering hotels and Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas.
11. Air New Zealand scrummages with Flight Centre on Valentine’s Day
Air New Zealand and Flight Centre squared off in a friendly Valentine’s Day touch footy match refereed by Warriors Halfback, Shaun Johnson.
The two teams, led by Christopher Luxon, CEO Air New Zealand and Skroo Turner, CEO Flight Centre took to Victoria Park in Auckland with a thirteen man team on each side in the interest of supporting wellbeing in both organisations and as part of an ongoing friendly sporting rivalry between airline and agent.
“It’s a unique opportunity to engage with one of our key partners in a casual and active event,” said Cam Wallace, Air New Zealand’s Chief Revenue Officer. “We hope to continue this tradition in coming years.”
Flight Centre took home the trophy with a final score of 6 points to Air New Zealand’s 4 points.