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. New Zealand is an Australian state, according to this country
New Zealand is its own country in Oceania, with its own Prime Minister, its own states and its citizens have their own Kiwi passport – said no one in Kazakhstan ever.
Chloe Phillips-Harris, a Kiwi who recently returned from a six-month trip in Kazakhstan, said she hit a snag when she first arrived in Kazakhstan’s Almaty Airport, because no one at the gateway would believe New Zealand was separate from Australia.
Speaking to the New Zealand Herald, Phillips-Harris said officers at the Central Asian gateway were adamant that her homeland was an Australian state and wouldn’t allow her to enter the country without an Aussie passport.
2. The best travel employer in Asia Pacific is… Marriott
Employees feel motivated, there’s room for career growth, leaders have a clear vision of the future and more importantly people LOVE going to work everyday.
If your current workplace ticks off all of the above or you’d be willing to gift your boss with the mug below, then you work for an incredible employer (as you’d already know).
But only 15 companies across APAC have officially received the title ‘Best Employee in Asia Pacific’, including one travel company… Marriott International.
3. AccorHotels invests in Banyan Tree
AccorHotels has purchased a five percent stake (SG$24 million) in Singapore-based Banyan Tree as part of a new agreement to collaborate with and develop the high-end group.
As part of the arrangement, Banyan Tree will have access to AccorHotels’ global reservations and sales network as well as its loyalty programme Le Club AccorHotels. There’ll also be co-development of the Bayan Tree brand.
Banyan Tree’s Executive Chairman, Ho Kwon Ping, said the movie is “transformational for Banyan Tree” as it will allow the business to remain independent while also accelerating the speed of expansion through AccorHotels.
4. Why BA says there’s no better time for Aussies to go to the UK
It’s a great chance to experience a European Christmas, see a destination Aussies love and don’t forget those discounted airfares.
If you ask British Airways’ Head of Asia Pacific Sales, Rob Williams, when he thinks the best time for Aussies to hop on a plane and fly to the UK would be, he’d say now.
Speaking to KarryOn during a recent visit to Sydney, the Singapore-based executive described the UK as “good value” for Aussies, particularly because of the many factors currently in Australia’s favour.
5. What dishes to expect on Qantas flights this Christmas
It’s that time of the year again, and Qantas is getting its guests into the holiday spirit with Christmas-inspired menus on board and in lounges these holidays.
Special dishes are being introduced as well as Christmas cocktails plus flyers can spend their inflight time watching holiday movies for the family OR try out the airline’s first Christmas Market designed to take out of the stress of last-minute shopping.
Here’s what to expect.
6. Booking with Norwegian Cruise Line just got easier for Agents
Booking cruises on Norwegian Cruise Line in Australian dollars has just gotten easier with eNett EFT payment feature now being offered to Travel Agents.
eNett EFT is a leading payment and clearing system for the Australian travel industry, allowing Travel Agents to move funds in either direction using credit, charge and debit processing. The eNett EFT system is designed purely for the travel industry, and integrates a Travel Agent’s accounts payable and receivable in one easy-to-use system.
This new eNett payment feature will make it easier for travel agents to book cruises on Norwegian Cruise Line for their valued clients using the payment details provided.
7. My Travel Group unveils new MTG Portal
Image: Daniel_Dash/Shutterstock
My Travel Group has launched its new MTG Portal, which integrates with the new Air Tickets website to give some 770 Agents instant one-site access.
Unveiled this week, the new sites houses all preferred partner information, direct marketing tools and the latest in real-time ticketing technology.
Members who trialed the MTG portal pre-launch reported significant efficiency gains and performance improvement across desktop, tablet and mobile platforms.
8. Agents explore the next hot MICE destination… the Philippines
DMS Destination Marketing Services show MICE Agents first hand the benefits of sending groups to the Philippines during a recent educational.
Sponsored by Philippine Airlines and Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts, the group travelled to Manila and Cebu where they explored the bustling city streets, explored the charmed of ‘Old Manila’ and visited a variety of funky dining venues.
There was also an opportunity to go snorkelling along with a variety of other beach activities in Cebu, and they took in local arts and culture on Mactan Island.
9. Texas Tourism scoots into town
Travel Agents in Sydney were inspired earlier this week by tales of the Lone Star State at the final city stop on Texas Tourism’s 2016 Australia/New Zealand Roadshow.
Some 80 people attended the event at the Australian Museum where they enjoyed drinks and canapes whilst mingling with Texan tourism partners and learning about the different characteristics of Texas’ seven regions.
Industry partners shared Texas travel advice and insights before the crowd was invited to take part in an interactive quiz session designed to educate the industry on the unique selling points of the US State’s tourism offering through an entertaining format.
Click here for more pictures.
This week’s competitions
Christmas Travel Gift Guide Bonanza Giveaway
Those who love to travel are always looking for the latest gadgets to make the journey just a little easier and more fun. Enter our Christmas Gift Guide for your chance to WIN!
