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. 11 things to look forward to at the 2016 TravelManagers Conference
Can you believe it’s already been 12 months since TravelManagers launched a new consumer app, dedicated itself to quality over quantity, and spent a morning painting for charity?
Yep, one year has already flown by since the group’s last conference.
That means hundreds of personal travel managers will be heading to Bangkok today (if they haven’t already) for the 2016 TravelManagers Conference.
2. Cathay Pacific’s more “bag” for your buck policy
Shoppers rejoice! Christmas has come early for you guys with the recent announcement that Cathay Pacific has revised its baggage policy and upped its allowance across the board by 10 kilograms.
That’s right: Economy Class passengers flying with Cathay Pacific (or Dragonair) will now have 30kg of baggage allowance to play with, whilst Premium Economy, Business Class, and First Class will see its baggage allowance increased to 35kg, 40kg, and 50kg, respectively.
In addition to the increased check-in baggage allowance, Cathay Pacific (and Dragonair) have also lowered their excess baggage charges, in what has to be some of the greatest news for shopping fanatics and chronic over-packers.
3. This cheeky passenger is travelling very, very light
Wallet? Check. Passport? Check? Pants? Oh $hit… This “cheeky” Virgin America passenger has brought a whole new meaning to the expression “travelling light” and it’s absolutely hilarious!
A young (blonde) woman has been photographed trying to check into her Virgin America flight recently without her pants – yep no pants!
A photo of the “cheeky” passenger was uploaded onto Reddit with the caption, “meanwhile at the airport…” and has since racked up over 100,000 views and attracted nearly 50 comments, some of which are quite hilarious!
4. Holland America Line’s ms Maasdam deployed down under
Australian cruise fanatics will now be able to experience the joys of sailing with Holland America Line’s ms Maasdamics from November this year, after the 1,259 capacity vessel moves down to our shores in October for a slew of exciting new itineraries.
It will be the first time the ship has visited our seas.
The ms Maasdam will depart on 22 November 2017 for the inaugural 31-day Pacific Explorer. This will be a highlight of ms Maasdam’sstay, with the itinerary taking guests on a journey to some of the region’s most beautiful destinations such as Tauranga, Nuku’alofa, Moorea and more.
There will be no shortage of pristine landscapes, crystal clear waters and cultural experiences on the month long sailing, and overnight stays in many ports will ensure cruisers have ample time to explore and experience them all.
Visit hollandamerica.com for more information.
5. TIME is coming to Victoria
After announcing its planned expansion to city’s outside of Sydney, TIME has secured a date for its first event in Victoria.
The group’s first gathering will be held in Clifton Hill at 6.00pm on 17 August.
Industry professionals are invited to attend and hear about the program before heading from the evening’s guest speaker, Penny Spencer.
To RSVP email: emma@emmawhitingtravel.com.au
6. MICE arrivals to Hong Kong rise
Overnight MICE arrivals to Hong Kong from Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific have seen a jump of 9.8 percent, for the period January to June 2016, compared to the previous year.
According to the destination’s local bureau, the increase comes as a result of proactive development in the meetings and incentives sector, particularly in Australia.
Hong Kong Tourism Board Regional Director, Andrew Clark said event organisers are “becoming more aware of Hong Kong as a value-driven destination”.
“It’s an extremely reliable city offering immaculate service, ease and accessibility and a high level of efficiency,” he said.
7. CLIA announces Cruise Sales Master Class with Scott Koepf
CLIA Australasia has booked sales guru and motivational speaker Scott Koep for an exclusive CLIA Cruise MasterClass on 13 October, which will give attending Agents 20 CLIA accreditation points.
Mr Koepf, who will be down under to oversee his 18th CLIA Australasia Masters Conference, is offering the one-off session to help agents turbocharge their sales skills.
The two-hour event will feature a motivating 45 minute key-note presentation combining practical and usable content with the latest developments in sales techniques, aimed specifically at cruise specialist agents.
Attendance will be $55 per person and $95 for non-members. Click here for more information.
8. Scenic adds more Ever Wondered sessions
Due to overwhelming demand, Scenic has announced an additional eight Ever Wondered sessions in metro and regional centres nationwide.
There are now 21 sessions being held across the country which travel agents are invited to bring along their clients to, to find out more about – the new Scenic Eclipse ocean cruising program launching in August 2018; and the programs for 2017 Europe River Cruising; Canada, Alaska & USA; South America: Africa and South East Asia River Cruising.
All sessions are free but seats are limited so pre-booking is essential. Agents are encouraged to register their clients online and attend with them on the day.
New sessions are: Sunshine Coast – Maroochydore RSL, Events Centre Memorial Avenue (31 August); Gladstone – Grand Hotel, 79 Goondoon Street, Gladstone (5 September); Rockhampton – Empire Hotel, 5 East Street, Rockhampton (7 September); Toowoomba – City Golf Club, 254 South Street (15 September); Perth Crown Perth, The Studio Rooms, Great Eastern Hwy, Burswood (11 October); Parramatta – Novotel, 350 Church Street, Parramatta (19 October); Hobart – The Old Woolstore, 1 Macquarie Street, Hobart (25 October); and Canberra – Federal Golf Club Canberra, Gowrie Drive, Red Hill (27 October).
9. Aussie hotels continue to shine at Choice Hotels award ceremony
A group of 26 Australian hotels were recently recognised for their superior hospitality performance at the 2016 Choice Hotels Asia-Pac Awards, proving once again that the Australian travel industry is one of the best in the world.
More than 240 guests attended the exclusive event held in Hobart, Tasmania.
The biggest announcement was made at the end of the night, when the Franchisee of the Year for each brand was announced. The winners for 2016 were: Econo Lodge Alabaster in Cowra, NSW, Comfort Inn Parkes International, Quality Hotel Wangaratta Gateway, Clarion Hotel Townsville, and Oceans Resort Hervey Bay, an Ascend Hotel Collection member.
Choice Hotels Asia-Pac are one of Australia’s largest hotel franchise groups.
10. Could you be the next Responsible Travel Ambassador?
G Adventures and KarryOn are on the lookout for an agent that lives and breathes sustainable travel to be crowned the “Responsible Travel Ambassador for G Adventures.”
The winner will receive an epic G Adventure 10 day Nepal Adventures Tour plus flights, and a visit to the Sisterhood of Survivors Planeterra project in Nepal.
Click here and tell us three reasons why you should be crowned the “Responsible Travel Ambassador for G Adventures.”
11. WIN a spot on the ‘Ultimate Abu Dhabi famil
If $999 flights to Abu Dhabi weren’t enough to encourage you to sell Etihad Airways to your clients, then how about a trip to Abu Dhabi?
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.
