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. Destinations you MAY want to avoid sending your clients
There’s good and bad wherever you go. Even in the world’s most peaceful country, Iceland, you can never be 100 percent safe.
But you can’t let fear stop you from trying new things, and Australians are particularly good at not letting it. That’s why we were quick to return to Vanuatu after last year’s cyclone and keep travelling to Europe despite recent attacks.
Then there are some destinations that although you or your client really want to tick off the bucket list, should probably be a little wary of visiting this year.
The latest Global Peace Index (GPI) by the Institute for Economics and Peace, which sources and ranks 162 independent states, found that although the global GPI remained stable last year, a few countries suffered from deteriorating conditions.
2. Air New Zealand defers Manila launch
Air New Zealand has postponed the launch of its new Manila service until further notice, due to unforeseen regulatory delays.
The new service, which will mark the airline’s entry into the Philippines, was announced in April this year as an extension to the carrier’s Asia network.
The three-times weekly flights were originally scheduled to take off in December, with sales expected to commence mid-year. However, the airline says it has had to defer the launch until further notice due to administrative delays.
3. Where will the NTIA After Party be held? We have the answer
No longer will you need a special ticket to attend the NTIA After Party, because this year AFTA has selected a venue capable of hosting all 1,272 Gala Dinner attendees.
The location for the event was revealed today, after months of industry speculation. It is… The Watershed in Darling Harbour.
4. This is how the NT plans to hook more tourists
The outback, heritage sites and Aboriginal culture – that’s generally what comes to mind when people think of Northern Territory tourism.
But hold onto your hats, because the Top End’s travel leaders have found a new way to reel in more tourists… fishing.
The Million Dollar Fish is a fishing competition where 101 barramundi are tagged with a cash amount and them thrown back into fishing locations around the NT for fishermen to find.
5. Time is ticking for Wendy Wu’s early birds
Keep an eye out for Wendy Wu Tours’ early bird specials scheduled to drop in nine days.
This year’s deals are expected to put a smile on your clients’ faces with savings across a variety of tours and destinations.
The sale starts on 15 July at 8.00am. For more information contact Wendy Wu Tours at: 9224 8811.
6. Agents meet penguins & play bumper cars at sea
Around 100 Aussie and Kiwi Agents were invited to help name Royal Caribbean’s new ship, Ovation of the Seas, before boarding her for a cruise from Tianjin China.
During their time on the ship, which will be Australia’s first Quantum-class vessel, they experienced her many features including the bumper cars in the SeaPlex, tested robot-made cocktails in the Bionic Bar and soared to new heights in the North Star.
The group also had the opportunity to meet famous penguins from DreamWorks’ Madagascar and dined at 18 restaurants.
Click here for more images.
7. Aussie wholesalers discover Vanuatu
Vanuatu Tourism Office (VTO) together with Hoot Holidays hosted a group of four wholesale consultants in Vanuatu last week, giving them the chance to experience the beauty of the islands of Efate and Espiritu Santo first-hand, while broadening their product knowledge of the destination.
The itinerary was designed to educate the group on the large range of holiday accommodation at differing price points as well as showcasing the diverse culture, activities and natural beauty of Vanuatu.
The group also enjoyed the Reef Explorer semi-sub experience just off the island of Iririki and visited the beautiful Matevulu Blue Hole on the island of Santo before returning to Australia.
Click here for more images.
