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. Agents won’t be fooled into booking Flight Centre: helloworld
Helloworld‘s new boss, Andrew Burnes, is not impressed with Flight Centre at the moment, describing the company’s latest move as disingenuous.
The comment was made after Flight Centre opened up its wholesale products to external agents. The decision would allow agents, including those from helloworld, to book their the travel group’s products and deals. Read on.
While Flight Centre assured the move was to “work more closely with agents for mutual benefit”, Burnes says it was a “tremendously courageous assumption” by the travel group to think other consultants would “start actually booking” their product.
2. Virgin Australia is back on track
Virgin Australia’s boss, John Borghetti, says the airline is in a better position for sustainable growth after recording a $71.3 million increase in underlying profits before tax for six months last year.
For the half year ending December 2015, the airline made $81.5 million, up from $10.2 million recorded during the same six month period in 2014.
The figure is a drastic improvement on the airline’s 2013/14’s $211.7 million loss and even tops 2014/15’s $49 million profit.
3. Aussies are hot for Hawaii
Australians don’t care about the unfavourable exchange rate, they just care about getting that sun, surf and spirit in Hawaii.
According to latest figures, the Australian tourism market to the destination continues to break records with some 333,998 Aussies visiting the Hawaiian Islands last year. That’s a 7.8 percent increase on 2014.
Australian visits lasted for around 9.53 days and contributed around $802.26 million to the local economy.
4. Meet your new local Hawaiian Airlines team
Ladies are pretty much running the show over at Hawaiian Airlines, with the expanded local sales office now made up of 11 women and one man.
Who run the world (or more specifically Hawaiian Airlines)? GIRLS!
That’s right, the carrier’s local operation is dominated by women who are on a mission to capture more of that growing travel market to the island nation.
5. Travel Counsellors live it up in the Gold Coast
It’ll be five-star design, dining and entertainment in May this year when Travel Counsellors hosts its annual conference at the Gold Coast’s Palazzo Versace.
¡Que fancy!
Commencing on 20 May and running to 22 May, the event program is already looking pretty packed with influential speakers, thought leaders and presenters as well as a range of suppliers and products showcasing their travel products.
Agents will also have the opportunity to connect with peers and experience high end luxury and the Queensland property.
David Hughes, Managing Director of Travel Counsellors Australia believes that this year’s conference will be Travel Counsellors’ best yet.
6. TIME helps over 105 people in the industry
Celebrating its fifth birthday this year, TIME says it has helped over 105 people expand and evolve their career with its mentor program.
According to the company, since launching back in 2011, its had over 105 graduates and two have even comes back to complete a second round after changing the direction of their careers.
Approximately 60 Travel, Tourism and Hospitality Companies have placed employees on the program.
To improve the Mentoring Program, TIME has asked industry to take a few moments to complete an online survey. Click here.
Applications are also now open for the TIME scholarship.
7. Aussie MICE scurry across the Tasman
Business events from Australia to New Zealand is at a record high, with some 40,000 MICE arrivals last year.
According to latest figures, there was a 10.4 percent increase in business event visitors to the country from Australia compared to 2014.
Conventions and Incentives New Zealand (CINZ) Chief Executive Sue Sullivan saif the latest growth puts New Zealand in a strong position as it heads to the Asia-Pacific Incentives and Meetings Expo (AIME) in Melbourne.
The 100% Pure New Zealand team led by CINZ has secured exclusive rights to host the only buyer breakfast at AIME, for a second year in a row.
The Kiwi hospitality – manaakitanga – will continue across the two days of AIME on 23 and 24 February, with express lunches for day buyers on both days, and drinks including Cloudy Bay wines on Tuesday afternoon.
8. Rail Plus’ Canada Sales Manual is here
Grizzlies, polar bears and beluga whales make up the second edition of Rail Plus’ Canada Sales Manual available now.
The new manual combines in-depth information on Canada’s world-class rail journeys with details on a range of non-rail land-based products, including memorable sightseeing experiences and innovative FIT holiday packages.
This year Rail Plus has included a number of unique nature-based experiences in its list of 20 unmissable Canadian activities. Among them is a visit to Knight Inlet in British Columbia, where guests can get up close to grizzly bears while staying on a floating lodge accessed via float plane from Campbell River, and an opportunity to encounter the gentle beluga whales – along with moose, caribou and polar bears – that migrate each year to the warm waters of the Churchill River in Manitoba.
The new manual includes descriptions and a list of ‘not-to-be-missed’ attractions for key Canadian provinces and regions, and a selection of FIT packages covering everything from a two-night Yukon Northern Lights tour to a 14-night Trans Canada Rail Adventure that starts on the Pacific coast and ends in the beautiful Maritime Provinces.
Rail Plus’ Canada Sales Manual also highlights its six top-selling Rocky Mountaineer packages, and profiles some of VIA Rail’s epic journeys, including The Canadian, a four-night traverse between Vancouver and Toronto, which travellers can now experience in the train’s luxurious Prestige Sleeper Class.
9. A Vivid display at the Zoo
For the first time ever, Vivid Sydney 2016 is lighting up Taronga Zoo, with a trail of spectacular installations including giant, luminous animal sculptures.
Minister for Trade, Tourism and Major Events Stuart Ayres said Sydney’s world-famous Zoo is turning 100 and Vivid Sydney is joining the celebrations, bringing its wondrous light, creativity and innovation to the iconic attraction for a special after-hours event.
Minister for the Environment Mark Speakman said NSW school students would play an important role in bringing the festival to life at Taronga Zoo.
He said: “As part of the centenary celebrations, NSW primary school students participating in Taronga’s education program are invited to construct their own mini-lanterns of the 10 critical species which will feature at Vivid Sydney.”
Vivid Sydney runs from Friday 27 May to Monday 13 June, 2016.
10. Happy happy birthday!
Over 280 guests gathered at the Surf house in Merewether this week to celebrate the Hunter Global Travel Group’s decade in business.
A WHOLE DECADE – congrats guys!
Sponsored by big brand names such as Scenic & The Travel Corporation (to name a few), guests were treated to spectacular views, cocktails, amazing food, during a night of celebration and reflection for owners Mark & Julia van Huisstede & Karen Jones
The business started in February 2006 as one office and has since grown to four offices – Maitland, Rutherford, Newcastle West and The Junction – all now trading as italktravel.
Sources say, there were a few sore heads in the morning.
