We’ve done all the hard work, so you don’t have to! Read on for the top ten travel industry news stories of the day we think you need to know.
1. Pensioners told to pack ‘good quality condoms’
As the year comes to an end, the UK government is using the quieter period to sell off stakes, unveil science strategies and warn cruisers to take ‘good quality condoms’ on their next cruise.
The warning was found by the Daily Mail on a new government fact-sheet titled ‘Travel health on board cruise ships’.
On it, UK leaders took it upon themselves to warn cruisers – more specifically pensioners – to use protection on cruise ships if they plan on having sexual relations.
2. Free Xmas accommodation
Image: Alina G/Shutterstock
Two hotels in Michigan in the US and one in Holland are getting into the festive spirit by offering free Christmas Eve accommodation.
The offer is available to travellers visiting loved ones in the hospital, nursing home or treatment center, a Michigan publication reported.
The properties taking part are Grand Rapids Fairfield Inn & Suites, Grand Rapids Homewood Suites and Holland Fairfield Inn & Suites.
Availability depends on room occupancy.
3. TravelManagers break new record
TravelManagers experienced record attendance at its latest bi-annual state meeting, proving consultants are keen on staying up-to-date with both travel and the company.
A total of 318 personal travel managers participated across four state meetings together with 30 national partnership office staff and 20 partner suppliers.
Held annually in March and November over the last seven years, the meetings provide consultants with support in creating brand strategy and developing their business. The latest meeting also covered how to evolve as TravelManagers, particularly with the recent launch of the company’s new brand and logo.
4. Helloworld taking travellers ‘Anywhere’
Helloworld is giving travellers the chance to win a holiday as part of a new ‘Airfares to Anywhere’ campaign.
Launched today, the agency group is asking holidaymakers to send through their best holiday photos on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or Google Plus using the hashtag #helloworldholiday or by uploading them to www.helloworld.com.au.
The ten best entries will receive an economy class airfare to ‘Anywhere’ flying with Qantas Airways valued at $5,000.
5. Sabre Red reaches a million
Steps aside Apple App Store and Samsung’s Play Store because the world’s first B2B travel app, Sabre Red App Centre, has exceeded the million mark, with around 1.2 million downloads in two years.
Red App Centre has attracted developers and agencies from around the world, building creative tools and solutions travel agents use to extend the capabilities and customise the Sabre Red Workspace to meet the unique needs of their business and workflow.
Among the Top Five Red App downloads over the last 60 days include the Clipboard App, SeatGuru, Command Translator, Dynamic Calendar and Airport Search.
“By consuming apps through Sabre Red App Centre, travel agents are in the driver’s seat when it comes to shaping their business to meet the varying needs of travellers.”
Jeremy van de Klundert, Sabre Pacific managing director
6. Costa renames Classica
Costa Cruises has given Costa Classica a new name that better fits the ship after completed a $28 million refurbishment.
The 1,680-passenger ship will emerge from her one month drydock in Italy today as Costa neoClassica.
As well as receiving a new name, the vessel was also fitted with new interiors and soft furnishings. New Elemis beauty products have been added in all 654 cabins and suites have received new balcony furniture.
Updates were also made to the pool deck and the spa.
7. Hope for tourism boost as Solomon leadership changes
Image: Dennis Sabo/Shutterstock
Solomon Islands’ travel leaders have welcomed the recent change in government and expects the newly appointed Prime Minister to stand by his promise to address ‘the overlooked potential’ in the tourism sector.
Earlier this month, Prime Minister Manassah Sogavare’s said in his first address since being elected that former leaders had neglected the country’s ‘naturally strong’ sectors – this includes tourism.
Welcoming the Prime Minister’s comments, Josefa Tuamoto, Solomon Islands Visitor Bureau chief, said the Prime Minister’s recognition of the destination’s tourism potential is reassuring, particularly after the industry suffering from floods in April and ongoing disputes between Fiji Airways and Solomon Airlines.
“We are looking forward to working with the new government to push the tourism agenda even harder, regionally and globally, to realise the true potential tourism has for the Solomon Islands.”
Josefa Tuamoto, Solomon Islands Visitor Bureau chief executive
8. He-he-he Helen Wong gets festive
Helen Wong got into the festive spirit over the weekend at the annual Christmas Traveleague lunch in Melbourne.
Around 820 guests were in attendance, including Santa and a few of his little helpers.
As well as posing with the ‘man’ himself, Helen donned her hat as Australian general manager of the event’s platinum sponsor, the Macau Government Tourist Office. Silencing the large rowdy audience she gave a welcoming speech inside the Palladium at Crown Casino.
In quoting author and novelist Oren Arnold in providing Christmas gift suggestions, Helen said: “To your enemy, forgiveness; to an opponent, tolerance; to a friend, your heart; to a customer, service; to all, charity; to every child, a good example; and to yourself, respect”.
9. Outback outing with AAT
AAT Kings treated its top agents with a five-day trip to some of the world’s greatest sites in Australia’s Red Centre.
Led by AAT Kings’ sales manager, Daniel Toby, the group visited the incredible Uluru and took a guided Cultural Walk to Mutitjulu Waterhole.
Consultants enjoyed an exclusive AAT Kings barbeque and travelled to Standley Chasm and West MacDonnell Ranges before hopping on to The Ghan to cross the South Australian border.
10. Aussies booking luxury escapes
More Aussies are spending a little extra on luxurious holidays, according to new survey.
Conducted by Wotif, the study found 53 percent more Australians are staying in five-star hotels or resorts compared to five years ago.
The study also found that when it comes to luxury, 64 percent of Australians define it as a room with a view; 47 percent as having a spa in the bathroom; 47 percent said it is staying in the penthouse; and 42 percent said luxury is defined by a private plunge pool.
There was also a few easily impressed travellers – 38 percent said luxury is purely having bathrobes and slippers in the room.