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. Travellers are winners in the low-fare environment: Flight Centre
Travellers have “been the big winners” over the last year, according to Flight Centre, as international airfares reached new lows, particularly over the trans-Pacific to Los Angeles.
In a financial update published to ASX, Flight Centre’s Managing Director, Graham Turner said the company’s average ticket numbers per day grew at a record rate last month – the fastest rate recorded since 2014 – and it was all due dirt cheap fares.
To the USA alone, Flight Centre’s tickets jumped by 40 percent in October, and are up 15 percent so far this year.
2.TravelManagers turns to luxury through new agreement
Kids, cruise corporate and now luxury is a major focus for TravelManagers with the signing of a new partner supplier agreement with the North America-based Ensemble Travel Group (Ensemble).
As part of the deal with the luxury and experiential travel provider, TravelManagers’ network of Agents will receive access to enhanced high end and unique product offerings including authentic experiences and exclusive elite value added benefits in luxury cruising, hotels, destination management and more.
The group’s Chief Operating Officer, Grant Campbell, said the new agreement highlights TravelManagers’ commitment to adding value to its network and “market leading dominance in the luxury and experiential holiday market”.
3. Delta takes Aussies directly to the island paradise
Delta Air Lines is bringing paradise a little closer to Australia, with new direct services between Los Angeles and Los Cabos.
Utilising the 160-seat Boeing 737-800, the non-stop services are available for booking now through Agents and delta.com.
At the tip of Baja California Sur travellers will find the dual destination of Los Cabos. Part of the fun comes with exploring the region’s two dramatically distinct personas. Tranquil San Jose del Cabo retains the look and vibe of an authentic Mexican town. Cobblestone streets, intimate restaurants and boutiques radiate from the central main square and mission church.
Rambunctious Cabo San Lucas, on the other end of the highway (called the Corridor), is party central with funky bars and the slick Luxury Avenue Mall centred around the marina. The remarkable setting where the sapphire Sea of Cortez meets desert and mountains is unique to Los Cabos.
Dreaming of Cabo vibes? Delta Air Lines and Los Cabos Tourism are sending the lucky 10 winners to Los Cabos as part of a promotion with Mad Mex. Click here for more details.
4. Garuda Indonesia moves to a new office
Garuda Indonesia’s Sydney team are moving to a new office in Sydney and at the same time will be upgrading its call centre and office phone systems.
On Friday 11th November 2016, the Administration, Finance, Ticket Office and Call Centre staff will relocate to Level 9, 15 Castlereagh St, Sydney.
On that day there may be slight increases in the call wait times or disruptions as the new systems are cut over in the afternoon.
5. Freestyle Holidays’ Simon Clancy runs for charity in a red wig
They may be all smiles now, but this trio, including Freestyle Holidays’ Simon Clancy (centre) were huffing and puffing in their red wigs as part of this year’s Sydney Airport’s Runway Run.
Unfortunately, unexpected weather meant that the group of about 100 runners in total were unable to run on the actual runway as originally planned, because aircraft were utilising it.
However, Clancy told KarryOn the event was “still a lot of fun” and some $11,000 was raised for the Ronald McDonald House. He was also stoked to meet two Olympic Hold Medal winners from the Australian Womens 7’s Rugby team (pictured).
Click here for more pictures.
6. Scoot & Tigerair to merge into one
Scoot and Tigerair – not to be confused with Tigerair Australia – will be rolling into one next year as part of Budget Aviation Holidays’ plans to integrate both businesses.
The parent company of both low cost carriers said integration has been underway for some time and expects operating under a single brand and operating licence could provide further opportunities for growth.
“Following a review we have determined that the logical next step is to pursue a common operating licence and common brand identity to enable a more seamless travel experience for customers.”
Goh Choon Phong, Singapore Airlines CEO & Budget Aviation Holdings Chairman
7. Reminder to see Sri Lanka with #TheNewWu
Wendy Wu Tours is reminded Agents of their chance to win one of eight spots on a Sri Lanka Agent famil next year, simply by selling the tour operator’s itineraries between now and 31 December.
Every booking will go into the draw to win a place on the trip, which means the more bookings made, the more entries.
The six-night famil is a roundtrip from Colombo and includes highlights such as climbing Lion Rock Fortress, a cave dinner in Sigiriya, the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy, tea plantations in Numwara Eliya, a jeep safari through Yala National Park and an exploration of Colombo by WW2 jeeps.
Click here for more details.
8. Travellers Choice Agents ‘Freestyle’ around L.A. & Fiji
One moment they’re sipping margaritas in Southern California and the next they’re enjoying elegant in-water dining experience in a Fijian resort – that was just part of a recent nine-day Travellers Choice famil with Freestyle Holidays and Fiji Airways.
The trip started in hip West Hollywood, with Agents exploring Santa Monica Boulevard, Beverley Hills and legendary nightlife along the Sunset Strip. Heading out on a shopping trip they even managed to spy social media superstar Jenner as she drove by with the window down.
Next up was Huntington Beach, a seaside city about 40 minutes from downtown Los Angeles set on the Pacific Ocean and renowned as ‘Surf City USA’.
The return journey home included a sojourn in Fiji, with stays at Mana Island Resort and Radisson Blu Resort, where the agents literally cooled their heels during a three-course meal served in one of the resort’s lagoon pools.
Click here for more pictures.
9. USA incentive winners spoilt in Utah, Nevada & Oregon
Ten of the top selling Virgin Australia and Delta Airlines Agents from the Visit USA shows incentive this year were treated to eight days of adventure, sightseeing and tasty cuisine in Utah, Nevada & Oregon in October.
Split into two groups, five of the agents experienced Utah & Nevada including: Las Vegas shows, caving in Great Basin National Park, hiking in Zion National Park and horseback riding in Bryce Canyon National Park
Meanwhile the other five agents travelled to Oregon to view stunning waterfalls at Columbia George, sand dune buggy riding on the Oregon Coast, I Flying experience, bike riding through Portland, craft beer, pinot noir, whiskey and food truck tastings throughout the state.
Click here for more pictures.
10. Excite comes to life at Day of the Dead party
Excite Holidays hosted Agents at a special ‘Day of the Dead’ party in Sydney last week.
The event celebrated the group’s new partnership with Los Cabos Tourism and American Airlines, which gives consultants the chance to win a holiday to the destination.
In addition to dressing up for the festive event, Agents were also treated to special ‘Day of the Dead’ makeup, Mexican cuisine and margaritas.
Click here for more pictures.
This week’s competitions
WIN a trip to Los Angeles
Thanks to L.A. Tourism and American Airlines, a holiday to Los Angeles valued at over $5,000 is up for grabs!
