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. Lonely Planet reveals Best in Travel 2017
The folks over at Lonely Planet have finally revealed their Best in Travel 2017 destinations for next year, and the world is eagerly reading through the “winners” and making their holiday plans accordingly.
And here at KarryOn, we ain’t no different!
2. The travel industry’s response to another Airbnb ban
On Monday, KarryOn reported on a recent move by New York City that makes it illegal for anyone to even advertise their place on Airbnb for 30 days or less if they aren’t themselves residing in the property.
And it was a development that has cast another dagger through the heart of the online lodging platform, who are now embroiled in at least two major law suits to overturn legislation that impacts their business.
3. Four people die in tragic accident at Dreamworld
Tragic news yesterday afternoon after four people lost their lives at Gold Coast’s Dreamworld theme park.
Kate Goodchild, 32; her brother Luke Dorsett and his partner Roozi Araghi; and a 42-year-old New Zealand woman were all killed when one of the rafts on the Thunder River Rapids ride overturned on a conveyor belt.
Thankfully, two young girls, aged 10 and 13, who were on the same raft, managed to escape, according to Police.
The theme park is expected to remain closed over the next few days whilst it comes to terms with the tragic accident.
4. Qantas’s new tasty partnership with Deliveroo
Qantas has teamed up with Deliveroo to reward members of its Frequent Flyer program with two Qantas Points for every dollar they spend when ordering a meal from their favourite local restaurant.
Deliveroo is one of Australia’s leading online food delivery websites, which makes it possible to order delicious food with one simple click of a mouse.
But now, not only will diners be fed and watered thanks to the delivery service, a new partnership with another ‘roo’ – our very own Flying Kangaroo – will make it possible for Qantas Frequent Flyer members to earn Qantas Points with their food spend.
5. Lonely Planet says Adelaide is hot for 2017
Lonely Planet has awarded South Australia fifth best region on their much-anticipated Best in Travel 2017 lists – the only Australian destination to be included across the top three categories.
While Australia was listed at number six on 2016’s top country list and Adelaide (which also has amazing food) ranked ninth position in 2014’s top city list, it is South Australia’s first time to shine in the prestigious travel accolade.
It comes as no surprise that Lonely Planet has tipped SA as one of ten hottest regions to travel to in 2017.
6. Virgin Australia’s new hat valet service
Flying down from Sydney to Melbourne for the annual Spring Racing Carnival?
Then you may want to fly with Virgin Australia and take advantage of its uber-cool Hat Valet, hair and make up services that will be offered to its Business Class guests and Velocity Platinum and Gold members travelling on selected flights between Friday 28 October and Saturday 5 November 2016.
Located in the airline’s Sydney Lounge, the Hat Valet service ensures premium handling of head pieces from the moment passengers arrive at Premium Entry in Sydney until they are hand delivered in Melbourne. And if that wasn’t cool enough, Virgin Australia is also offering guests a number of pre-flight pampering options in the Sydney Lounge, including professional blow-dries and styling, make-up appointments and ModelCo take home kits.
Racegoers will also be offered sparkling wine on arrival and a range of delicious canapés.
7. Chimu Adventures launches new sail and ski expedition
Chimu Adventures, today launched an exclusive new 28-day sail and ski expedition to the icy continent. The epic itinerary will see travellers climbing up and skiing down a virgin summit.
Exploring virgin summits and skiing untouched slopes, the new tour is set to be the adventure of a lifetime for thrill-seeking and highly skilled skiiers.
Chimu’s Chad Carey said guests will see the dazzling landscapes and unique wildlife at the end of the earth from skis, kayaks and the deck of the expedition yacht, Icebird.
8. Air New Zealand is flying high & sharing the love
It’s been an eventful couple of days for Air New Zealand.
First, the airline was recognised for its industry innovation at the prestigious Air Passenger Experience (APEX) Awards held in Singapore recently. And then, in response to Lonely Planet naming Taranaki as one of the world’s top 10 regions to visit in 2017, the airline slashing prices on hundreds of seats to the region early this morning.
9. First Wildcard winner of the TTC Great Escape incentive is…
Pictured from R-L is Micha Harper (NSW Sales Manager, Insight Vacations), Pauline Elias (helloworld, Forestville), and Andrea Morgan (NSW & ACT Industry Account Manager, Adventure World).
The first Wildcard winner of the TTC Great Escape incentive is none other than … *cue drum roll* – Pauline Elias from helloworld, Forrestville!
Just in case you haven’t heard, the TTC Great Escape incentive is giving over 100 Travel Agents across Australia the chance to win a spot on exciting 10-day famils to six amazing destinations with the TTC brand family.
There are still two more wildcards up for grabs, and all you need to do to be in the running is book a passenger on any of the participating TTC brands (Trafalgar, Uniworld Insight Vacations, Contiki, AAT Kings, Adventure World) before 15 December. The more passengers you book, the greater chance agents have of securing a place.
Be sure to register your interest at ttcgreatescape.com.au and choose your brand preference.
10. Globus is giving agents the chance to famil in Mexico
To celebrate the announcement of Mexico as the destination for the 2017 Supertour, Globus is giving 20 top-selling Travel Agents from Australia and 10 from New Zealand the chance to win a spot on the trip which departs in May next year.
To be in the running, agents need to book as many passengers as possible on Globus or Cosmos tours, Monograms city stays or Avalon Waterways river cruises, with all bookings made during the 2017 selling season counting in the tally.
The winning agents will be notified early next year.
11. Win a trip to Los Cabos by eating tacos!
Los Cabos Tourism has partnered with Mad Mex, Delta Airlines and Virgin Australia to launch a dead-set awesome campaign with five trips for two to Los Cabos in Mexico up for grabs!
Inspired by the annual Mexican celebration Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) in November, the Mad Mex Deadly Days promotion kicked off on 24 October and runs for four weeks. All amigos have a chance of winning when they purchase any main meal at participating Mad Mex locations around the country and enter online at madmexdeadly.com.au. There’s no limit to how many times you can enter either!
Los Cabos is the spiritual homeland of Mad Mex and the inspiration behind its fresh and healthy food philosophy, and the campaign is supported by travel and tourism agency, Gate 7 and public relations agency, Tonic PR.
12. helloworld agents venture to Argentina
Thanks to Air New Zealand and the Intrepid Group, ten extremely lucky helloworld agents recently got to explore South American favourite Argentina on an exciting famil.
The agents got to explore dynamic Buenos Aires, spectacular Iguazu Falls, and the countryside town of Estancia. They also got to visit the quaint town of Colonia de Sacramento in Uruguay on a day trip at the tail end of the famil.
Highlights of the trip include experiencing what it’s like to sleep on Air New Zealand’s Sky Beds on their flight to Buenos Aires, as well as sampling the country’s exquisite wine and food.
13. why Heidi has it so good in stunning Switzerland
Heidi, the movie, is introducing Switzerland and the Swiss way of life to millions of viewers around the world. But how accurately is it representing the Land of Milk and Honey?
Pretty well, we’d have to say!
I mean, if we could be any character and live in any imaginary world, then it’d have to be Heidi in her native Switzerland – is there no better candidate?
14. Why you should cruise Myanmar with Avalon Waterways
Myanmar is the next up-and-coming Asian destination, only recently opening its borders to tourism. And there’s no better way to experience this fascinating country than cruising along the magical Irrawaddy…
With Avalon Waterways, of course!
The 14-day Golden Myanmar & Alluring Irrawaddy River Cruise is the perfect way of exploring the best of Myanmar (formerly known as Burma), cruising along the heart of the country along the majestic Irrawaddy River through ancient cities and past scenes of traditional village life.
15. 8 incredible must-see festivals in Asia
Incredible, mind-blowing and beautiful.
Festivals in Asia is something you should see once in your life, and we’ve rounded up the eight most spectacular events you should add to your bucket list.
16. WIN a year’s supply of cookies from Wendy Wu Tours
#Thenewwu is here and Wendy Wu is giving you the chance to WIN a year’s supply of Panda cookies! Say what? That’s 365 packets of delicious panda cookie goodness…
You have seen the Wu crew reps out on the road, handing out panda cookies as they go, and we know just how popular they have been with many of you taking to our agent Facebook Page requesting your own personal stash, so we’ve gone one better with a whole year’s supply up for grabs!
17. WIN A HOLIDAY TO LOS ANGELES WITH AMERICAN AIRLINES
Thanks to L.A. Tourism and American Airlines, a holiday to Los Angeles valued at over $5,000 is up for grabs!
The prize includes flights from Sydney to Los Angeles with American Airlines, as well as a six night stay in three unique L.A. neighbourhoods, such as Koreatown, Hollywood and Venice Beach.
Click here for more information on this fantastic prize!