Skill up on all you need to know with bite sized travel news to help you be your best today and tomorrow.
1. Up to 30% off select Europe, North America & Asia trips
Youth travel brand Topdeck are delighted to introduce their Mega Sale, where adventure loving travellers can find up to 30% off some incredible European, North American and Asian trips.
Topdeck offer awesome trips jam-packed with cultural experiences for 18-39s. Whether you see yourself tucking into a delicious picnic in front of the Eiffel Tower or exploring the tranquil world of Yosemite National Park – no matter where your travel dreams lead, this is your final chance to secure a deal of a lifetime.
2. “Travel Agents are a rip off”, WRONG!
Remember when a certain online booking site tried to convince consumers that Travel Agents were limiting their flight options and in turn withholding potential deals from them?
Well, now agents have a little ammunition to use against such blasphemy thanks to a new study which proves consumers are saving hundreds through consultants.
A report released by the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) found agents help travellers save an average of $452 per trip as well as four hours in travel planning time.
3. Find out why TravelManagers is praising rival Travel Counsellors
Home-based companies, TravelManagers and Travel Counsellors seem to have temporarily put aside their (light) rivalry to fight for more consumer protection.
Last week, Travel Counsellors entered the ongoing consumer protection debate, saying there’s a need for further consumer protection and agencies need to play a bigger role in delivering it.
The statement came as negative consumer awareness surrounding the ongoing travel agency collapses continues to grow.
4. Register to KarryOn’s facetime in Melbourne
Did you hear the good news? KarryOn is expanding its popular facetime event to new cities, with the first stop being Melbourne.
Arriving on 26 May at Melbourne’s hottest venue, The Emerald Peacock, the dynamic night of networking, fun and socialising will feature great tunes, free food, free drinks and a range of awesome prizes.
For more information click here, or click here to register now.
5. New acquisitions deliver extra cash to Amadeus
A new selling platform, expanded airline agreements and a focus on hospitality has delivered a little extra cash to travel industry tech company, Amadeus.
The company’s latest figures revealed a 17 percent increase in adjusted profit growth to €245.6 million for the first quarter of 2016 compared to the same period last year.
The increase follows a steady growth in revenue and operations during the first nine months of 2015.
6. More Virgin flights into Tamworth
Virgin Australia will add six overnight services between Sydney and Tamworth this winter to meet demand for same day travel and key international connections for local residents.
New services go on sale from today, with first flights departing from 3 July 2016 to 29 October 2016.
The carrier currently operates return daily flights (excluding Saturday) to Tamworth, departing Sydney at 1.55pm and arriving at 3.00pm. The return service departs 3.30pm and touches down in Sydney at 4.35pm.
7. Wildfires continue to rage in Alberta
UPDATED: Weather helping in the battle against Fort McMurray fire: https://t.co/UG0c9F38cj #yymfire pic.twitter.com/H9wJM6ejXp
— The Weather Network (@weathernetwork) May 8, 2016
Around 6,000 residents in the city of Fort McMurray in Alberta, Canada are expected to be evacuated as wildfires continue to rage in the area.
As of last night, fires were poised to cover 494,210 acres of land – that’s the equivalent of two-thirds of Rhode Island.
More than 500 firefighters, 15 helicopters and 14 air tankers are involved in trying to put out fires, which are being spurred by dry and windy weather, The Australian reported.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) said travellers should exercise normal safety precautions and should adhere to mandatory evacuations in affected areas.
8. Malaysia Airlines launches new A330 Business Class
Malaysia Airlines has launched new wider, spacious and convenient Business Class seats on its A330 aircraft flying from Australia.
Unveiled last week, the new seats have a 43-inch seat pitch and convert into a fully flat 76-inch bed. There’s 90 percent more working space, extra stowage and the majority of seats have aisle access with 1-2-1 and 1-2-2 seat layout.
Each seat also comes with a 16-inch touch screen in-flight entertainment system.
9. Etihad goes to Bollywood
Etihad Airways celebrated the launch of its new Airbus A380 services to India with a special Bollywood-style flash mob.
The spontaneous dance in Mumbai last week saw both Etihad and Jet Airways cabin crew take part in the show in front of leading figures from government and diplomatic circles, business houses and travel trade.
Guests were treated to another surprise with an appearance by members of the Mumbai Indians, defending champions of the popular annual IPL cricket tournament currently taking place in India.
