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. Officials investigate wreckage ties to MH370
Is it from flight MH370? If not, what aircraft is it from? The Internet is ablaze with questions after plane debris was found in the western Indian Ocean this week.
An aircraft flaperon found off the coast of Reunion Island, with many suspecting it may come from missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370.
Malaysia Airlines said it is working with relevant authorities to confirm a connection.
“At the moment, it would be too premature for the airline to speculate the origin of the flaperon.”
Malaysia Airlines
2. Qantas revolutionises the inflight mag
Qantas is revolutionising the inflight magazine, by making it more timely and more accessible than ever before.
How you ask?
The airline has teamed up with Adobe to bring its Qantas Magazine app to Adobe’s Digital Publishing Solution (DPS).
3. Former Flight Centre leader joins Albatross
Edwina Cooke, who once held the title of Flight Centre’s inaugural Victorian Area Leader, has been named the first General Manager of Albatross Tours.
Cooke stepped into the newly created role this week, bringing with her some 25 years experience in a range of management roles.
Managing Director, Euan Landsborough, said Cooke will be an ‘incredible asset’ to the business as it focuses on growth over the coming years.
4. AFTA’s new reporting currency for the industry
GfK and the Australian Federation of Travel Agents (AFTA) announced a partnership to introduce a new reporting currency to the travel industry.
Participating AFTA members will contribute to a weekly, consolidated, forward-bookings measurement; the first of its kind in Australia.
The GfK Travelscan, which is based on consolidated and aggregated industry booking data, is used by the travel industry to better predict market developments and to help businesses run more efficiently. Travelscan is one of a suite of specialised solutions for the travel and hospitality industry developed by GfK, one of the world’s leading market insights companies.
“As the travel agency community becomes more self-sufficient and less reliant on government in this industry regulated environment, important travel data will be key to help maintain and build good travel agents across Australia.”
Jayson Westbury, AFTA CEO
“AFTA believes it is imperative that we support travel agents in understanding their business better and this travel industry market currency has proven very powerful in other markets around the world.”
5. Oaks enters the NT
Oaks Hotels & Resorts is set to make its Northern Territory debut with the acquisition of Elan Soho Suites, its first property in the territory’s capital city of Darwin.
The deal worth A$57.1 million will see the 301-room property rebranded to Oaks Elan Darwin.
Chief Executive Officer of Minor Hotel Group, Mr. Dillip Rajakarier, said the acquisition of Elan Soho Suites comes as MHG continues to make strategic investments in Australia.
6. Luxperience sells out
Tickets to this year’s Luxperience expo have officially sold out and hundreds of industry professionals are now ready to mingle with some of the best luxury and experiential operators.
Expo ticket holders will attend the three-day event from 6 September at the Australian Technology Park in Sydney.
This year, attendees can expect to interact with 30 percent more exhibitors, an increase Director of Sales and Partner Alliances, Eric Lewanavanua, says comes from the expo’s ‘reputation for showcasing unique travel experiences’.
7. Cook Islands hit the road
Cook Islands Tourism is hitting the road again this September as it tours the country on its annual Industry Blitz.
Registrations are now open for front-line sellers to attend in Melbourne (31 August), Brisbane (1 September) and Sydney (2 September).
Kerryn Cook, General Manager Cook Islands Tourism, and Cook Island suppliers will be updating the trade on new products and campaigns, presenting unique selling points, and revealing some exciting ways they can be rewarded for selling the Cook Islands.
8. New speakers for Cruise Down Under
Additional keynote presenters have been added to the line-up for this year’s Cruise Down Under Conference.
Running from 2-4 September, the event titled ‘Uniting Australia’s Cruise Future’ will explore a range of topics including a global and local snapshop of the industry, where it is headed, emerging markets, how to turn it into business and more.
Speakers already confirmed for the event include Sheldon Thompson, Worldwide Port Operations and Product Operations Manager for RCL who will examine supply and logistics issues for new generation ships; Grant Gilfillan, CEO Port Authority NSW, who will discuss the impacts of port privatisation on the cruise sector; and Frances-Anne Keeler, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Tourism Australia, who will provide an insight into the organisation’s strategy for selling Australia to traditional markets such as North America and Europe.
Additional speakers join the existing four confirmed keynote speakers; Claudius Docekal, Vice-President, Deployment, Crystal Cruises; Rich Pruitt, Vice President, Safety and Environmental Stewardship, Royal Caribbean Cruises; Darius Mehta, Director Land Programs, Silversea; and Michael Hackman, Executive Vice President, Marine Operations & New Ship Building, Star Cruises.
Click here for more information.
9. This company knows how to throw a party
Sydney-based event management company, Funktionality showed off their party throwing skills this month with an epic, almost enviable 15th birthday.
Utilising the theme ‘Expect the Unexpected’ – some 160 exclusive guests were truly surprised when they rocked up to the company’s basic Marrickville warehouse to find it completely transformed to reflect an urban edgy laneway feel with top DJs, catered foods, breweries and more.
Production company, NW Group, illuminated the pathway leading up to the warehouse. Huge cauldrons of fire from Foti Fireworks provided some much-needed warmth on the cold July night, complementing the aroma of spit-roasted pig in the laneway air.
10. Agents see more of Malaysia
Seven lucky agents were treated to a seven-day famil in Malaysia courtesy of Tourism Malaysia, Malaysia Airlines and Berjaya Hotels & Resorts.
The tour with agents from Victoria and Tasmania started on the tropical island of Langkawi where they explored the island’s natural beauty and heritage with a visit to Kilim Geo Forest Park and Mount Mat Cincang and indulged into Langkawi’s culture and Malaysian cuisine.
Accommodation was in the iconic Berjaya Langkawi Resort set amongst the ancient rainforest and famous for its breathtaking views of the emerald sea.
