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. This is how Lower Manhattan has changed in the 15 years after 9/11
What were you doing 15 years ago when you first heard the news of two hijacked commercial aircraft crashing into New York City’s Twin Towers, causing the iconic buildings to collapse and taking some 2,606 lives?
9/11 – it’s a date imprinted in the western world’s history books as a day of devastation, the emergence of religious radicalism and the renewal of the US and UK’s ongoing political battle to control the Middle East.
And while almost 15 years later, the impact of the unforgettable event continues to be felt amongst those who lost a loved one and by the millions of lives affected by the subsequent actions of US leaders, locally Lower Manhattan has undergone a transformation to become a “newly envisioned destination” that echoes the tragic day in every new flower, memorial and hotel.
2. Singapore confirms locally-transmitted cases of Zika
Singapore’s National Environment Agency has sent some 200 officers to inspect and destroy potential mosquito breading sites after confirming 41 cases of locally transmitted Zika virus.
The local government revealed over the weekend that 40 foreign workers had been infected with the virus while working at a construction site. The report came a day after confirming the destination’s first locally transmitted case in a 47-year-old female resident.
A joint statement from the Ministry of Health and the National Environment Agency said those infected are “not known to have travelled to Zika-affected areas recently” and are “likely to have been infected in Singapore”, ABC News reported.
3. Harmony, French cuisine & a Sea Walk
Princess Cruises unveiled design and key features of its newest luxury ship, Majestic Princess, scheduled to launch in April next year.
A Royal Class vessel, she will have similar features to Regal Princess and Royal Princess including the glass bridge, Sea Walk, an international cafe and Movies Under the Stars.
She’ll also sail with a few new additions such as the line’s first Chef Richard Chen collaborated restaurant called ‘Harmony’ serving modern interpretations of classic Cantonese dishes. there’s also Le Bistrot, a French home-style dining venue with a modern twist plus Sing on the Sea Karaoke, where guests can take part in private karaoke sessions.
Hit play on the video above for more details on Majestic Princess.
4. Sheraton Mirage Port Douglas completes $43m makeover
The Sheraton Mirage Port Douglas Resort has reopened after an extensive $43 million refurbishment, which included the transformation of all 294-guest rooms and public spaces.
Throughout, the property features modern and stylish design inspired by its local Tropical North Queensland environment.
The Hon. Annastacia Palaszczuk MP, Premier of Queensland and Minister for the Arts, helped reopen the resort last week at a special ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by the resort’s owners, dignitaries and special guests.
5. City of Angels to welcome record visitors
Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board is expecting the city to welcome a record number of visitors in 2016, with more than 46.5 million arrivals, up 2.4 percent on the previous record-setting year.
International visitation is estimated to grow some 3.9 percent to around seven million, with Australian visitor numbers forecast to increase by 5.4 percent on the back of the board’s extended ‘Get Lost in LA’ campaign across the country.
“From exploring our hidden gem neighbourhoods like the Arts District to becoming fully immersed in our thriving art and culinary scenes, there’s never been a better time to get lost in L.A.”
Ernest Wooden Jr., LA Tourism President and CEO
6. Women’s Sevens heroes to play in Sydney
The Olympic Gold Medal winning Australian Women’s Sevens rugby team will play in front of a packed home crowd this Summer, with the announcement that the Sydney 7s will include a fully accredited Women’s event for the first time.
According to Minister for Sport Stuart Ayres, it will be the must see sporting event next year, running from 3 t0 5 February at the Allianz Stadium.
He expects it to attract a similar crowd to that of the Sydney 7s, which received more than 10,000 domestic and international visitors.
Tickets go on sale on 11 October 2016.
7. TIME hosts its first function in Melbourne
The Travel Industry Mentorship Experience (TIME) has officially commenced its national expansion with its first function held in Melbourne earlier this month.
The successful event attracted dozens of attendees keen to learn about the program and hear from previous graduates as well as other guest speakers.
The evening was emceed by graduated mentee Emma McInnes from On the Go Tours gave those who attended a greater understanding of TIME as the only Program of its type in our Industry and the envy of many other industries.
Click here for more pictures.
8. Trade gets a taste of Las Vegas in Sydney
The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) hosted a group of trade partners at the exclusive pre-opening performance of Cirque du Soleil’s Kooza in Sydney last week.
LVCVA Australian representative, Bart Druitt said we are thrilled to welcome our partner Cirque du Soleil back to Sydney and also showcase a slice of what Vegas offers to our local travel partners.
“Las Vegas is home to seven permanent Cirque du Soleil shows plus international performers, celebrity restaurants and various other shows and activities, so it really does live up to its reputation as ‘the entertainment capital of the world’.”
Bart Druitt, LVCVA Australian representative
9. Infinity Holidays treats Agents to a night of Cirque du Soleil
In celebration of the exciting new direct contracting between Infinity Holidays and Cirque du Soleil Las Vegas, 60 lucky agents from Infinity Holidays, Flight Centre, Escape Travel and Student Flights were treated to the premier show of Cirque du Soleil’s Kooza in Sydney.
Held last week, Cassie Harvey, one of the lucky consultants of Flight Centre Manly said of the event that “the show was absolutely incredible and we had a fantastic time!”
Agents are now able to book Cirque du Soleil tickets in Las Vegas directly with Infinity Holidays.
