We’ve done all the hard work, so you don’t have to! Read on for the top ten travel news stories we think you need to know today.
1. Two companies stripped of ATAS accreditation
The Australian Federation of Travel Agents (AFTA) has today altered ATAS Accreditation for two businesses – Railbookers Australia and Australian Escapes Marketing.
According to an AFTA update, Railbookers Australia’s accreditation was suspended with immediate effect after reports that the business’ parent company was acquired by the US rail and package tour specialist, Yankee Leisure Group.
The acquisition is believed to have also included the sale of Railbookers’ sister brand, Travel Definitions, which allegedly ceased trading this week, TTG Travel reported.
2. The destination Aussies secretly want to visit
Reduced sanctions may be breaking down the boundaries between Iran and the Western world, but the veil between the Middle Eastern destination and travellers has been down for some time.
According to tour operators, awareness of the destination’s travel appeal has grown amongst Australians and many have even added it to the bucket list for the coming years.
Among those operators is Intrepid Travel, which according to MD, James Thornton, experienced high demand for the destination in 2015/16, with itineraries selling out “months in advance”.
3. Le Boat & Intrepid continue to flirt post-PEAK
Le Boat’s parent company, the TUI Group, may have called it quits with Intrepid Travel but that hasn’t stopped the boat hire company from continuing its own relationship with the tour operator.
Speaking to KarryOn, Le Boat’s Managing Director, Cheryl Brown, said the two continue to work closely together and are even looking to expand their relationship in the coming year.
What does their relationship entail?
4. Flying with Emirates just got a little more comfy
Sit back, get comfortable, and just relax, because this is going to be one sweet ride… with Emirates.
A new EK Boeing 777 Business Class Seat was unveiled at IT Berlin 2016 yesterday.
The seat, which was designed with the customer in mind, promises to maximise comfort on long-haul flights, such as Emirates’ Auckland to Dubai service which happens to be the longest in the world.
5. Contiki removes the fees from travel
Young travellers face a number of obstacles when it comes to booking a holiday, from study timetables to shift work and the inability to risk spending money without guarantee that they can take the holiday.
Knowing this, young tour operator, Contiki, has announced a new Freedom Guarantee, which will give 18-35 year olds the flexibility to book a trip with zero changes fees and FlexDeposits.
Effective immediately, Contiki is offering its guests the freedom to change their chosen trip, departure date, or even the region in which they want to travel with no fees to worry about – at all.
6. APT Europe season sets sail
APT’s extensive team of Cruise and Tour Directors have just completed their pre-season training ready to commence the European river cruise and touring program for 2016.
The 59-strong team comprising 32 Cruise Directors and 27 Tour Directors were aboard APT’s MS AmaVenita in Arnhem, Netherlands, preparing to deliver their biggest season yet.
APT’s first European river cruise departure for 2016 sets sail today from Amsterdam taking guests to Budapest on an all inclusive 15-Day Magnificent Europe cruise. The inaugural cruise of the season sails aboard APT’s latest ship, the state of the art MS AmaStella.
Making her debut this year, along with sister ship the MS AmaViola, the AmaStella will operate APT’s Royal Collection itineraries. Meanwhile the AmaViola will host guests on APT’s ‘Voyages’ itineraries.
Both 158-passenger vessels will sail the Rhine, Main and Danube Rivers in 2016 and feature innovative design features including twin balconies (an APT exclusive) and spacious suites that measure up to 350 sq. feet.
7. Tooze departs AFTA
AFTA’s Compliance Manager, David Tooze, says farewell to AFTA after more than two years of service.
Tooze lead the team during the implementation of ATAS and managed all things compliance.
AFTA Chief Executive, Jayson Westbury, said Tooze has been an important part of the team and “indeed the history of AFTA”.
A recruitment process has commenced to find a replacement for David.
8. A Once in a Lifetime agents trip
Viva! Holidays and Virgin Australia were thrilled to provide seven lucky WA consultants the chance to attend one of Viva! Holidays ‘Once in a Lifetime’ events in Melbourne.
Departing from Virgin Australia’s new Terminal in Perth, their first stop was the historic town of Ballarat, Sovereign Hill to take part in the ‘Blood on the Southern Cross’. After an overnight at the Mercure Ballarat the group hit the road for their much awaited ‘The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo’.
To top off the trip the group had a VIP overnight stay at the Grand Hyatt, VIP tour of the Andy Warhol and Ai Weiwei exhibition at the National Gallery of Victoria and a High Tea at the Langham, before heading home.
9. Conference organisers experience the best of Japan
Five professional conference organisers from Australia and New Zealand were invited to experience Japan as an ideal destination for business events on a six-day familiarisation trip fully hosted by Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO).
The trip started in the buzzing capital of Tokyo, where the participants stayed at the luxurious Conrad Tokyo. Highlights in Tokyo included a taiko drumming experience in Asakusa and a sushi-making experience at Tsukiji Fish Market, activities perfect for team-building. The group also experienced the exceedingly popular Robot Restaurant in Shinjuku, among other site inspections.
From there the group headed to Odawara, in the foothills of the hot spring region Hakone. Riding on the bullet train for the first time was an experience that will not be forgotten. The group were impressed by the facilities at the Hilton Odawara Resort & Spa where they stayed overnight, which included tennis courts, a karaoke room and even a bowling alley.
Their next stop was Kyoto, Japan’s cultural and traditional heart. Here the group enjoyed traditional activities like origami, calligraphy and an exclusive up-close maiko (apprentice geisha) experience. The PCOs were treated to delicious traditional and modern Japanese cuisine, and were impressed by the variety on offer throughout the trip.
10. Abu Dhabi gets its wings in Red Bull Air Race
Abu Dhabi’s gorgeous skyline will be on display for the world to see during the Red Bull Air Race this weekend.
The city will host the season opener for the ninth consecutive time, during which 14 elite pilots will fly over ever corner of the UAE destination.
On a pre-training flight led by Australian ace Matt Hall, pilots Kirby Chambliss of the United States and Nicolas Ivanoff of France took in Abu Dhabi’s ever-expanding skyline, as well as the beauty of its prized natural features.
The UAE capital is known worldwide for its architectural innovation, and cranes dotting the cityscape erect new marvels year by year. Flying their raceplanes, the airborne trio were able to see it all, from the iconic domes of the Emirates Palace and the arches of the Sheikh Zayed Bridge to the startling contrast between vast desert sands on the interior and lush mangrove greenery at the coast.
Click here for more pics.
