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The Daily Travel Agent Bite: Thurs 19 May

Skill up on all you need to know with bite sized travel news to help you be your best today and tomorrow.

Skill up on all you need to know with bite sized travel news to help you be your best today and tomorrow.

1. People are saying some pretty disturbing things about flight attendants

Delta

For the most part people love their flights attendants. They’re well dressed, helpful, almost always smiling and if you’re nice enough, they’re the people that can sneak you a treat or two.

Unfortunately, a few air passengers don’t share the same enthusiasm for their cabin crew as we do and they’re not afraid to let them know.

Delta recently launched a new survey program called Delta Pulse, which allows its guests to submit real-time feedback about their travel experience.

Read on

 

2. LA is ‘deeper’ than most tourists think

travel agent shutterstock_232283194

Los Angeles’ tourism leaders are on a mission to dispel misconceptions that there isn’t anything in the City of Angels beyond celebrities, shopping and a Hollywood sign.

Although the main attractions have worked wonders in delivering record tourist numbers to the destination (4.5 million in 2015, up 2.8 percent on 2014), Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board CEO, Ernest Wooden, says LA is a lot deeper than most people think.

Some might even say it’s a little like an onion, it has layers.

Read on

 

3. Fly Sydney to London in 2 hours

man_of_steel_by_tsotne_senpai-d5wstqs

Could you imagine flying from Australia to Europe in less time that it takes to fly across our own country?

Apparently you don’t have to imagine, because two military scientists say they’re close to making it a reality.

The geniuses (as declared by KarryOn) are working on hypersonic travel, which would (almost literally) propel holidaymakers from Sydney to London in two hours, The Telegraph reported.

Read on

 

4. DoubleTree by Hilton opens first hotel in Fiji

travel agent Fiji resort

Hilton Worldwide and DoubleTree by Hilton have opened DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Fiji – Sonaisali Island, the first DoubleTree by Hilton branded hotel in the tropical, South Pacific nation.

Situated on a private tropical island, DoubleTree by Hilton Fiji – Sonaisali Island is just a three-minute boat ride from the main island of Viti Levu and an easy 25-minute drive from Nadi International Airport.

All 120 guest rooms and bures (traditional Fijian bungalows) have been refurbished as part of the renovation and fitted with a wide range of guest amenities, including new furniture, smart televisions and signature Sweet Dreams by DoubleTree beds. Each of the generously-sized rooms and bures feature awe-inspiring views of the stunning Mamanuca Islands.

 

5. How happy are you?

travel agent happy travellers

Global travel and hospitality recruitment leader, Progressive Personnel has launched a new study, wanting to know how happy you are.

The Happiness Index is designed to assess the general satisfaction of international travel and hospitality staff in the workplace. Professionals from the travel and hospitality industries are being asked to take part.

The index looks at three key areas including happiness at work; work/life balance; and future prospects.

Click here to complete the survey.

 

6. Agents explore the South Pacific on Solstice

travel agent Bron Milsom_trade fam group_SL_1 April 2016

Celebrity Cruises hosted the bronze Traveller’s Choice award winners on Celebrity Solstice for an eight-night South Pacific adventure in April.

The cruise called in Lifou in the Loyalty Islands as well as the Isle of Pines and Noumea in New Caledonia.

The high achievers were treated to the cruise line’s signature service excellence and fine wine and dining. Hosted onboard by WA District Sales Manager for Celebrity Cruises, Bron Milsom, highlights included snorkeling in the crystal clear waters of Lifou, dining at fine French restaurant Murano (twice!) and watching the cocktail masters at work at the Solstice-Class favourite, Martini Bar.

 

7. Healthy mind, body & soul for itravel staff

itravel feature

Itravel mobile agents, itravel franchise owners and staff, are currently undertaking a series of personal development workshops for their mobile agents and franchisees.

The ability to break those bad habits, avoid stress, and contribute to a healthy mind and body are essential for a healthy lifestyle, which contributes to a higher work performance.

The final session, led by time management guru, Kim Mason, was held on Wednesday 18th May, and gave the itravel team invaluable tips on helping to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

 

8. Agents get the LATAM treatment in South America

LATAM feature

LATAM treated a group of nine local Travel Agents to a special famil in South America, to celebrate the carrier’s new identity.

Departing over the weekend, the group is halfway through their exploration of Peru, Brazil and Chile.

In addition to experiencing each destination in an authentic and informative way, consultants also had the chance to enjoy LATAM’s VIP lounges, premium Business Class on board the Boeing 787-9 and the warm hospitality of LATAM Airlines crew.

Click here for more images.

 

9. Sleeping passenger diverts Sydney-bound flight to Adelaide

Virgin Australia planes

A Sydney-bound aircraft was allegedly forced to divert to Adelaide yesterday morning when a passenger started kicking and screaming in his sleep.

Virgin Australia confirmed to media that flight VA552 from Perth made the unscheduled stop in the South Australian city “due to a disruptive guest onboard”.

It’s believed that the man was not violent, but his behaviour was erratic enough for the carrier to divert the plane.

A passenger tweeted that the man was escorted off the plane due to “bad dreams”.

What are your thoughts on today’s travel news?