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. Holy cow! Contiki says namaste to India
It’s been over four decades since the youth tour operator has run tours in this part of the world, but this year Contiki will head back to the subcontinent to start operating its new “Eternal India” tour.
The 12-day Eternal India itinerary will take travellers to seven destinations across the country, including UNESCO World Heritage sites, grand cities and chilled beaches, immersing guests in the magic and mystery of India.
And you never now, you may just be able to “find yourself” on the epic 12-day trip.
Click here for the full story.
2. Final countdown to the Flight Centre Global Ball
The Flight Centre Global Ball is soon approaching, and this week thousands of flighties from all around the world will converge in Singapore for a weekend of fun, drinks and celebrations.
And flighties are getting mighty excited indeed!
Wow what a day! Singapore Global Ball I will see you next weekend! #flightcentre #fcbtsa #global… https://t.co/mgOv6VdbJD
— Bronz (@Bronz28) July 5, 2016
Read more here.
3. Parents file lawsuit against airline
A 26-year-old Oregon man has been accused of groping an unaccompanied teenage girl onboard an American Airlines flight from Dallas to Portland.
According to a criminal complaint filed in the U.S. District Court, the male passenger groped the girl, touching her upper leg and genital area, whilst sitting next to her on the flight.
Read more here.
4. Celebrity Cruises brings the Olympics on-board
Guests cruising with Celebrity Cruises will be able to watch all the drama of the 2016 Rio Olympic Games from on-board the cruise line’s luxurious ships come this summer.
Together with partner Coca Cola, Celebrity Cruises will broadcast all 16 days of the games, allowing guests to support the world’s sporting elite as they battle for gold.
Guests will also be able to enjoy a range of Olympic themed activities and events during the games, such as basketball tournaments, soccer shootouts, pool volleyball and “TriathoLawn” – outdoor activities and games on a real manicured lawn.
5. Aircalin’s Island Getaway Sale to New Caledonia
For a limited time only, it’s possible to fly to New Caledonia with Aircalin from just $599* return (including taxes) from Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane.
Only two-hours flying time from Brisbane, and just under three from Sydney, Aircalin fly direct to Noumea, New Caledonia’s cosmopolitan capital.
The “Island Getaway Sale” is valid for all new bookings made from 11 July to 31 July 2016, for travel between 11 July 2016 to 10 December 2016 inclusive.
Visit aircalin.com.au for more information.
6. Avis Australia recognised by consumers – twice
George Proos (Avis Australia Senior Vice President and Managing Director) receiving the Canstar award from (L) Richard McClelland (Group Executive, Canstar Blue Distribution, CANSTAR) and (R) Megan Doyle (Group Executive, Canstar Blue & Group Strategy Manager, CANSTAR).
Avis Australia is celebrating after being awarded two major consumer awards recognising its ability to deliver personalised service (Reader’s Digest) and exceed customer expectations (Canstar Blue).
According to George Proos, Senior Vice President and Managing Director of Avis Australia, the awards were a team effort:
“These awards acknowledge the efforts of all our Avis staff… Every member of the Avis team in Australia embraces our philosophy of ‘putting the customer first’ and it is pleasing to see their dedication and hard work rewarded with such prestigious accolades.”
George Proos, Senior Vice President and Managing Director, Avis Australia.
For two years in a row, Avis Australia was ranked the top car rental operator in the annual Canstar Blue customer satisfaction ratings, which this year canvassed the opinions of nearly 600 Australians who had hired a car within the last 12 months.
7. Buffalo Tours announces Master Class product
The new Master Class product offered by Buffalo Tours will connect travellers with real masters – not just guides – giving them special learning opportunities and the chance to meet some of Asia’s most inspiring people, such as a stone conservationist in Angkor Wat, Indonesia’s most famous chef, Chef Degan, and a famous painter who explores the history of Hanoi through art.
Perfect for groups, FIT or events, the Master Class line offers 14 unique tours across seven Asian countries.
For more information on Buffalo Tours’ Master Class experience, click here.
8. Air Asia’s 20 percent discount on flights
Score some cheap flights to Asia for you and your clients with Air Asia’s 20 percent discount to flights to over 120 destinations in 24 countries for immediate departure from 18 July to 24 Nov 2016.
This promo is applicable for all AirAsia and AirAsia X flights with flight codes AK (AirAsia Malaysia), D7 (Malaysia AirAsia X), FD (AirAsiaThailand), XJ (Thai AirAsia X), QZ (AirAsia Indonesia) international flights, Z2 (AirAsia Philippines) and I5 (AirAsia India). The discount applies to all economy and Premium flatbed seats and to the base fare only.
The flights must be booked from now until until 17 July 2016.
Visit airasia.com.au for more information.