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. EXCLUSIVE: Geckos refocuses in profanity-free overhaul
Remember that rebrand? You know, the one where Geckos Adventures used the F-word unapologetically, where it urged you to take a holiday by, well, swearing at you…
Well the team are at it again, but this time, they’re back with a fresher, better thought-out plan for the youth brand.
Back in January 2013, Geckos infamous rebrand which saw it adopt a “raw and real” approach to marketing, incorporating a swear word into its tagline – “May your heart be light, your step swift and your stories sucking epic”. The boldly irreverent image aimed to lure the student youth market, but the repositioning, perhaps unsurprisingly, flopped.
2. Canberra Airport’s first international service in over a decade touches down
Image: Singapore Airlines/Facebook
The last time Canberra Airport had scheduled commercial international services, ‘Shrek 2’ was released in cinemas, Tobey Maguire was still Spider-Man and Premium Economy was just some head-honchos dream.
However, today marked the start of a new era of travel for Australia’s capital, with Singapore Airlines delivering the city’s first scheduled international flight in 12 years.
Flight SQ291 touched down in Canberra early this morning from Changhi, where some guests disembarked and other embarked for the onward flight to Wellington in New Zealand.
3. Etihad increases services to Sydney
Etihad Airways is filling the space left behind by Virgin Australia on the Sydney-Abu Dhabi route by adding three weekly flights between the two cities from 6 February next year.
The morning departure from Abu Dhabi – EY450 – and the afternoon departure from Sydney – EY451 – will increase from four to seven flights per week.
This enhancement to the airline’s Sydney schedule comes with the move by strategic partner Virgin Australia to shift its Australia to Abu Dhabi operation from Sydney to Perth from 9 June 2017. Expanding the codeshare agreement, Etihad Airways will add its EY code to Virgin Australia’s new three weekly Perth-Abu Dhabi flights.
The additional Sydney flights will be operated by a three-class Boeing 777-300ER, the aircraft type operating the current EY450/451 pattern. The aircraft is configured with eight seats in First Class, 40 in Business Class and 280 in Economy Class.
4. Google launches trip planning app
Google already have their flight search platform, but now they’ve decided to get personal, introducing a new app that will help travellers plan their days on holiday with a simple touch of a button.
In another step towards world domination, Google have released a new app, Google Trips, which markets itself as as a personalised tour guide in your pocket.
Kind of a cross between Google Maps and TripAdvisor, with a few extra features thrown in for good measure, the app is able to build day plans and itineraries for users with the simple touch of a button.
5. It’s down to business at the second day of Luxperience
The glitterati of the global travel industry are now gathered in Sydney for Luxperience 2016 and for the second day of the anticipated luxury trade show it was down to business .
Today was another busy day at Luxperience with exhibitors and buyers gathering at the Australian Technology Park for the second day of appointments.
The highly anticipated event is the only one of its kind in the Australasia and Pacific region and has attracted a large number participants.
6. Singapore Airlines confirms lounge access for Canberra
Singapore Airlines has confirmed passenger utilising Canberra Airport’s first international flights to either Wellington or Singapore will have lounge access on departure.
Business class passengers, PPS Club and KrisFlyer Elite Gold members, as well as Virgin Australia Velocity Platinum and Gold Members, will be able to access the Virgin Australia Lounge prior to their flight.
The 1082m2 Virgin Australia lounge offers sweeping views across the tarmac, luxurious design elements and an all-day dining and barista service. The lounge seats up to 300 guests and has been designed to provide separate areas to work, rest and unwind.
7. INCENTIVE: Win free massage vouchers
roomsXML has launched a new incentive, giving Agents the chance to WIN a 60 minute massage voucher with on select Thailand booking made between now and 31 December.
The offer is valid on select properties in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Pattaya, Samui, Hua Hin, and Krabi.
As soon as a booking is made Agents need to email au.support@roomsxml.com or freecall 1800-766-679 to receive the voucher.
8. Registrations open for Treasures of the South Pacific
Travel Agent can now submit their registration for the South Pacific’s training events, Treasures of the South Pacific, which will commence in Brisbane on 11 October, 2016 and Sunshine Coast on 12 October, 2016.
Representatives from the tourism offices of Cook Islands, New Caledonia, Norfolk Island, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tahiti, Vanuatu and other hidden treasures of the South Pacific will come together to showcase each of these beautiful and fascinating holiday destinations.
Registrations are open until 27 September, 2016, click here for full details.
9. Norwegian team checks out Norwegian Jewel
Following the announcement of Norwegian Jewel’s deployment to Australasia commencing November 2017, Senior Vice President and Managing Director for Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Asia Pacific, Steve Odell, together with Vice President of Sales for Norwegian Cruise Line Australia & New Zealand, Nicole Costantin, undertook a site check of the ship in Seattle ahead of the company’s inaugural consumer campaign promoting the ship, planned for October 2016.
Odell said after an inspection he can confirm that the she really does offer “a huge choice of dining venues”, incredible entertainment and a variety of accommodation at diverse price points.
The Haven’s expansive accommodation options range from Courtyard Penthouses with private balconies and courtyards, through to Three Bedroom Villas which accommodate up to eight people and include a private garden with hot tub.
10. ‘Bucket List’ incentive sends Agents to South Africa
A group of leading PCOs were recently taken on an educational to experience the extraordinary cultural and natural beauty of South Africa.
Hosted by Dragonfly Africa & DMS and gratefully sponsored by South African Airways, the group spent time in Cape Town as well as a private concession safari in the Kruger National Park. South Africa’s culture, people, animals and history created a life-changing experience for the participants.
Cape Town highlights included, a visit to the Table Mountain summit via cable car and helicopter, celebrity spotting at Camps Bay with Gary Mehigan from Masterchef Australia and vintage car transfers to The Stack, the newly refurbished historic private club. Following their day adventures, the group were pampered with accommodation at the stunning Taj Hotel & Table Bay Hotel.
Click here for more pictures.
