Skill up on all you need to know with bite sized travel news to help you be your best today and tomorrow.
1. Qantas is the latest airline to upgrade its Brisbane presence
Maybe it’s growing visitor numbers or perhaps it’s the major redevelopment planned for the city, but airlines are certainly taking an interest in Brisbane.
In the coming week, Qantas will join Singapore Airlines and Air New Zealand as the latest carrier to upgrade its product from the city’s international airport.
Following up on intentions unveiled last year, the Flying Kangaroo has unveiled the design of the new multimillion dollar Premium Lounge, which will unite its Brisbane International First and Business Lounges into a single space.
2. Have Aussie MICE had their fill of the Big Apple?
Have Aussies replaced the ‘city that never sleeps’; the Big Apple; Frank Sinatra’s promising ‘New York, New York’ with San Francisco?
It’s hard to believe but those new Qantas services to the Bay City may be doing more than just giving Australians a third gateway into the United States.
According to a new study by American Express Global Business Travel (GBT), San Francisco appears to have replaced New York as the top US business destination for Australians.
3. Here’s a very ‘magical’ reason for Aussies to visit Shanghai
Image: Shanghai Disney Resort ©Disney
Once upon a time, in a land not-so-far-away, six specially themed lands and their royal residents came together to bring magic and wonder to a new land.
Well, it wasn’t once upon a time so much as in six days when Shanghai Disney Resort official opens, making it the first Disney resort in Mainland China.
While Disneyland Resort in California celebrates its 60-year anniversary, ‘a whole new world’ will open in Shanghai on 16 June that promises to have a touch of something for everyone with six themed lands, imaginatively-themed hotels, world-class attractions and live entertainment spectaculars.
4. What TIME can do for you
Want to know how to develop your management and leadership skills? Or looking for more confidence and networking opportunities?
The Travel Industry Mentor Experience (TIME) may just be the place for you.
TIME is taking Expressions of Interest for the next Intake of Mentees, which commences on 29 June 2016.
According to organisers and past mentees, being part of the networking experience offers opportunities for growth whether it be through management, career planning or increasing your knowledge.
Click here for more information or email Marie to submit your interest: time@travelindustrymentor.com.au
5. Flight Centre agents indulge in Thai hospitality
Eleven Flight Centre agents were treated to Thai hospitality during a recent famil to Krabi and Koh Lanta with Centara.
The group enjoyed five-star accommodation at the Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Krabi where they arrived by speedboat; and four-star accommodation at Centara Anda Dhevi Resort & Spa, located in the heart of Aonang.
After spending two nights in Krabi, the group moved on to one of the hidden treasures of Southern Thailand, Koh Lanta, where they were hosted by Layana Resort & Spa, a spectacular 5-star resort located on Koh Lanta Yai. A private welcome BBQ dinner was held at La Maison, the top-end pinnacle of Layana’s accommodation options, a luxurious 2-storey townhouse offering 265 square metres of lavish spaces, floor-to-ceiling windows, 24-hour butler service and a large private pool.
6. Carnival celebrates half a million guests from Aus
The cruise line may still be relatively new to the Australian market, but its ships Carnival Spirit and Carnival Legend are proving to be quite popular amongst Aussie cruisers.
Carnival Cruise Line celebrated the boarding of its 500,000th guest during a recent cruise to New Caledonia. The event was particularly special because it was the cruiser’s first time on a ship.
Briohney and Matt Anderson, both personal trainers from the Sydney suburb of Davidson, had been looking forward to their first cruise with their sons Taylor (eight) and Ollie (six) but never dreamed their trip would see them sailing into the history books as Carnival’s 500,000th Australian guests.
7. Aussie trade left ‘breathless’ by New Cal’s beauty
No, they weren’t exhausted. They were just taken by the beauty of New Caledonia during a recent famil.
A group of Australian trade representatives were given the chance to lap up the sunshine, warm waters, white sands and French infused cuisine of the destination following the annual Rendezvous Workshop.
Hosted by New Caledonia Tourism, attendees discovered local neighborhoods and distinct offerings including the cosmopolitan capital of Noumea; pristine Isle of Pines; rugged wilderness of the North; and the untouched Loyalty Island of Mare.
Click here for more pictures.
8. Check out Etihad’s epic incentive
Incentives are a great way to entice Travel Agents to sell a product, but here’s one incentive that will not only encourage consultants but their clients too.
Etihad is giving agents and their customers the chance to win back the cost of their flights. Over a four week period, Etihad will be refunding up to $250,000 in airfares!
This will definitely make selling fares to Europe, the Middle East, Africa and the Americas A LOT easier.
