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. Who’s going to take home the “Oscars” at the 2016 NTIA?
Heralded as the Oscars of the Travel Industry, the 2016 AFTA National Travel Industry Awards (NTIA) promises to be one heck of a party when it kicks off this Saturday night.
Hosted at The Watershed in Darling Harbour, a venue capable of holding over 1,200 attendees, the Travel Industry’s night of nights is expected to top all previous incarnations of the awards night.
Click here for the full story.
2. Emirates named best airline in the world… again!
The prestigious Skytrax World Airline Awards has bestowed upon the Dubai-based carrier Emirates the title of the World’s Best Airline 2016 for the fourth time in 15 years.
Emirates also won the World’s Best Inflight Entertainment for the 12th year in a row, probably due to the fact that the airline offers one of the biggest entertainment screens in the world. Emirates also won the Best Airline in the Middle East award.
Click here for the full story.
3. British Airways takes passengers on a flight to nowhere
Imagine flying nearly a quarter of the way around the world (9656km) onwards to your destination, only to then turn back and fly back to where you started? Well, this happened four days ago onboard a British Airways service from Heathrow to Tokyo.
Flight BA7, which took off at midday, was already halfway to Japan when it reported a “technical glitch” and decided to fly back. The plane landed back at Heathrow at midnight that same day, which was an hour after it was scheduled to land in Japan.
Thankfully there were no reports of injuries onboard, but it did make the 12-hour flight literally a flight to nowhere.
4. Qantas Group takes home Skytrax awards
Both Qantas and Jetstar have come out on top in four different categories at the 2016 Skytrax awards. Qantas took out the Best Airline in Australia/Pacific, Best Airline Staff in Australia/Pacific, and Best Premium Economy Class Onboard Catering, whilst Jetstar was awarded the Best Low Cost Carrier in Australia/Pacific.
According to a Qantas spokesperson, the Flying Kangaroo is really pleased to have been so well-represented in the awards, and they are continually working hard to improve their product, such as new interiors on its A330 and B737, new lounges, and the announcement of free wi-fi on domestic flights from early 2017.
Click here to view all the 2016 Skytrax awards winners.
5. AccorHotels acquires Fairmont, Raffles and SWISSÔTEL
AccorHotels Group announces the acquisition of FRHI Hotels & Resorts (FRHI) and its three prestigious luxury hotel brands: Fairmont, Raffles and Swissôtel.
Joining AccorHotels’ global network is a portfolio of globally admired brands, which includes management of many of the world’s most iconic and historic hotels located in key strategic cities around the world, including: The Savoy in London, Raffles Singapore, Fairmont San Francisco, New York’s The Plaza, Fairmont Le Château Frontenac in Quebec City, and Le Royal Monceau Raffles Paris.
Click here for the full story.
6. Uniworld named best river cruise line
Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection has been recognised for its personalised itineraries and exceptional service by being named the world’s Best River Cruise Line in the Travel + LeisureWorld’s Best Awards 2016 readers’ survey.
According to Fiona Dalton, Managing Director for Uniworld Australia, the award confirms Uniworld as the true leaders in luxury river cruising, and it also pays tribute to the cruise line’s incredible staff who ensure that guests have a truly special time onboard – every time.
Unlike other river cruise lines, Uniworld offer a broad range of onshore experiences with a higher degree of personalisation for their guests, ensuring that passengers have the experience they’re looking for.
7. TravelCube introduces two-hour waiver for cancellations
Booking last-minute rooms is set to become a lot less stressful, thanks to TravelCube waiving cancellation fees on instant purchase hotel room bookings, as long as they are cancelled within two-hours of making the booking.
This means that agents will be able to get a full refund if they mistakenly book the wrong hotel or room type for their clients.
Earlier in March this year, Travel Cube also eliminated cancellation and amendment fees from its retail booking website.
8. qualia named in the top 100 resorts in the world
In a boost to QLD tourism, Hamilton Island’s world-class luxury resort, qualia, has been included in a list of the top 100 resorts in the world in the prestigious Travel+Leisure “World’s Best Awards”.
Travel+Leisure’s awards survey asks travellers around the world to rank hotels based on rooms, facilities, service and overall value.
The Great Barrier Reef was also recognised in the awards, named as one of the world’s best Island locations to visit in the travel experiences category.
9. LATAM Airlines sale fares to Peru
Sipping on an authentic pisco sour is just the cure for the winter blues, and thanks to LATAM Airlines, heading off to South America has just become a whole lot cheaper.
South America’s leading airline has partnered with PromPeru to offer discounted return economy airfares to Peru starting from AUD$1,549* (including taxes), with LATAM passengers’ South American adventure beginning the moment they step on board and order LATAM Airlines’ signature pisco sour.
For more information or to book visit www.latam.com or call 1800 126 038.
10. TravelManagers says ahoy to Captain Cook Cruises
A large group of Sydney-based Personal Travel Managers recently jumped onboard a ship and sailed around Sydney Harbour whilst skilling up, sharing ideas, and networking with other TravelManagers professionals.
The fun intra-state cluster business review day was a chance for TravelManagers to get updated on Captain Cook Cruises’ and Sealink product initiatives, as well as learn about a budgeting tool to help Personal Travel Managers take care of their finances.
According to all who attended, the cluster meeting was a complete success, with many taking heaps of notes and walking away from the meeting invigorated and excited about the future.