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. Barrister bags out Contiki & is invited to take a free trip
Contiki has boldly clapped back at an Australian lawyer who allegedly dumped on the youth tour operator this week during his address in the New South Wales Supreme Court.
Barrister Alister Abadee, who has been assigned to represent unhappy river cruisers in a class action against Scenic, compared the “inferior” treatment of his clients to “a backpackers’ Contiki tour”.
2. Qantas, AirAsia X add more flights to New Zealand & Asia
Aussies should have an easier time booking flights to New Zealand and parts of Asia with extra frequency from both Qantas and AirAsia X.
The Flying Kangaroo announced this morning it would almost double capacity on the Sydney-Christchurch route between June and October this year.
Services will be operated by a Boeing 737-800 aircraft and will increase from the current seven to 12 flights per week to meet demand for trans-Tasman travel.
3. MTA’s new way to increase agent productivity
Mobile Travel Agents (MTA) says it’s found a new way to increase its Member productivity and it comes in the form of a mobile phone app.
Launching over the next few weeks is MTA’s ‘MTA Companion’, an itinerary builder/travel app that allows consultants to build their relationship with clients beyond the booking period.
According to MTA Head of Information Systems, Ben Merricks, the app will give the company a significant edge in its overall Member-provided IT capability by enhancing the client service delivery.
4. Helloworld sponsors the Royal Flying Doctor Service
Helloworld’s logo will again travel across some of Australia’s most remote locations on the side of Car 16 participating in The Outback Car Trek, to help raise funds for the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS).
Helloworld is once more sponsoring helloworld for business Member and Director of The JourneyMasters, Digby Warren in the cross-country trek covering a staggering 3,500kms in seven days.
The 27th annual trek will head off from Narrabri in Northern NSW. Participants will then make their way inland up Central West Queensland through to the Gulf of Carpentaria and Cape York Peninsula, before winding back down to the pristine coastline of Port Douglas.
Head of helloworld’s Associate and Corporate Networks, David Padman, said helloworld was delighted to be offering support to Australia’s remote regions and the great charity work of one of its helloworld for business members.
5. Visit Britain banks on the Obamas
Gorgeous Prince George may have been the one to weaken millions of women around the globe with his formal handshake, comfy robe and checkered pyjama pants, but it’s the US President Barack Obama that’s expected to draw in tourism to the UK.
VisitBritain’s Marketing Director Joss Croft said the global media spotlight is on the UK right now thanks to the President’s visit to Windsor Castle plus the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death and Her Majesty The Queen’s 90th birthday.
He said it was an ideal time to showcase “Britain as truly the ‘home of amazing moments'” and increase inbound tourism beyond last year’s record of 35.8 million.
6. Emirates enhances connectivity with agents
Emirates has launched its own online Application Programme Interface (API) to foster stronger B2B partnerships.
The Emirates online B2B API, is an innovative direct connect solution which allows distribution partners to directly connect to Emirates’ host reservation system providing access to availability, pricing, shopping and ticketing. In addition, the API facilitates ancillary sales including excess baggage, visas, and chauffer services.
The new platform is New Distribution Capability (NDC) compatible as per International Air Transport Association (IATA) guidelines and will enhance the capability of communications between Emirates and travel agents. Users will be able to seamlessly integrate the Emirates rich content into their own platforms for multiple retailing scenarios.
The API will effectively extend the reach of the Emirates online brand by developing and marketing an Emirates online direct solution.
7. Georgia Tourism is coming to town
Representatives from Georgia Tourism will visit Australia next month to meet with travel agents, wholesalers and travel media to talk about the latest developments in tourism product, attractions and events in Georgia over the next 12 months.
This year Georgia is celebrating a “Year of Georgia Music” with music festivals and events held throughout the year to celebrate Georgia’s rich musical heritage.
For heritage of another variety, travellers to Georgia can also explore – and even stay in some of its architectural treasures, some of the finest examples of the South’s Antebellum mansions, including The Twelve Oaks, which featured in the legendary Gone With The Wind.
Trade representatives have been invited to learn more at a lunch at Chiswick at the Gallery on 3 May.
8. A Travel Agent christens Scenic’s Amber
Scenic and Godmother, US cruise consultant Angela Turen christened the third next-generation Scenic Space-Ship Scenic Amber at a special ceremony on Monday.
The fifteenth of the renowned Scenic fleet and the newest to be sailing the waterways of Europe, the 85-cabin Scenic Amber is the sister ship to Scenic Jasper and Opal which were both launched last year.
Like her sisters, she features a heated vitality pool plus the largest suites on the rivers – the 44m2 Royal Panorama Suites and the opulent Royal Suite which boasts 33m2 of space.
Click here for more pictures.
9. Excite launches its biggest ever super sale
Excite Holidays is promising to give agents highly competitive rates as part of its biggest ever super sale.
Every two weeks a new destination will be selected, starting today with Italy, including Rome, Milan, Florence, Venice and the Amalfi Coast.
In addition to incredible rates, the online wholesaler is supporting travel agents with a dedicated destination training website with interactive city guides, videos, hotel recommendations, image galleries and suggested day trips. Visit the Excite Holidays website for more information.
10. Azamara Quest is looking good
Azamara Club Cruises’ Azamara Quest is looking mighty fine after a two-week drydock, during which she received a new look and refreshed amenities.
The sister-ship to Azamara Journey is now sailing with new venues and technologies such as the new luxurious Spa Suites, a beautiful sit-down al fresco dining venue as well as reimagined restaurants, lounges and furniture.
All staterooms and suites have had an overhaul creating a comfortable, timeless and elegant ambience. Two new Spa Suites, with an elegant look and organic, muted colours, have been built adjacent to the Sanctum Spa to provide exclusive access to unique spa amenities included in the price of these staterooms. The Club World Ocean and Owner’s Suites have also been fully redesigned.
Click here for more pictures.
