Skill up on all you need to know with bite sized travel news to help you be your best today and tomorrow.
1. Thai authorities close off a popular tourist island
As the saying goes, if you want a destination to remain pristine, don’t open it up to tourists. That’s a saying right? Or maybe we just made it up. Either way, it’s a commonly shared belief.
Country leaders (and locals) have a love/hate relationship with visitors.
On the one hand, they’re good for boosting the local economy. They’re eager to absorb every aspect of a new destination and (for the most part) they’re willing to fork over the cash to do it.
2. Family is still a top reason for Aussies to travel
For Australians nothing quite beats boarding a plane or taking a long drive to another state just to see… family.
That is, according to a new study, which found that visiting family and friends is a top reason to travel for nearly half of all Aussies.
Awwwww.
3. Sydneysiders spice up their Sunday with some South America
There was a little Brazilian dancing, some salsa lessons and good ol’ South American finger food at the first ever Latin America Travel Expo in Sydney over the weekend.
Thousands of Sydneysiders attended the inaugural event during which they were able to research their next holdiay to South America by chatting to airlines, hotels, cruise lines, tour and travel operators.
Representatives from around 21 countries in South and Central America were in attendance, including tourism bodies from Peru, Chile, Brazil and Colombia.
4. ‘Hospitality is more than food & beverage’
Major hotel brands set aside their competitive differences this week and joined forces to inspire young job seekers to pursue a career in the hospitality sector.
Hundreds of ambitious and talented youth gathered at the first ever industry-led Hotel Career Expo in Sydney where they met with professionals to discuss career opportunities at 20 of the biggest names in the hotel trade.
Together they broke down a few industry myths, including the most common misconception that hospitality is just food and beverage.
5. JNTO sends e-Learning best & brightest to Japan
The Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) will send exemplary performers in their e-Learning programme on one of two famils to Japan to experience the country’s unique wonders for themselves in October 2016.
The first of the two options will take the lucky winners on a tour through Japan’s “Golden Route,” consisting of stops and activities at Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, Osaka and Hiroshima. The second will take participants on an outdoor journey through Japan’s Alpine Route, stopping at Kyoto and Osaka to experience their metropolitan splendours.
The competition will run until 15 August 2016, after which the winners will be announced. Click here to learn more about the free JNTO e-Learning programme.
6. Power yachts arrive in Palma, Mallorca
The Moorings is set to debut its acclaimed Power yacht holidays in Palma, Mallorca later this month.
The newest mid-size Power catamaran, The Moorings 434PC is available for charters from Palma beginning 28 May, allowing travellers to sail in a spacious, modern vessel.
Charters begin at the Marina Naviera Balear in Palma’s Port de Mallorca. Guests are free to follow The Moorings’ suggested itinerary, or venture to nearby islands like Ibiza, Formentera and Cabrera.
Itinerary highlights include Porto Cristo, a seaside town famed for its massive underground caves, one of which you can walk through and even watch a group of classical musicians performing inside. Cabrera Island and National Park is another must-see stop.
7. TravelManagers celebrates Total Holidays wins
TravelManagers’ specialist destination supplier for the Indian sub-continent Total Holiday Options (THO) has recently been awarded the National Tourism Award for Best Inbound Tour Operator and Destination Management Company. THO also received recognition for Best Travel Management Company for Delhi and National Capital Region (India).
These prestigious awards were presented in Delhi to THO Managing Director Amaan Khan and Anita Thomas Director of Sales, by Shri Pranab Mukherjee, President of India.
Khan said the company’s reputation is based on providing world-class quality to its customers and working with supportive organisations such as TravelManagers Australia.
TravelManagers’ Executive General Manager, Michael Gazal praised Khan and his team for achieving such an honour.