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. Creative Holidays to cease operations
The Travel Corporation (TTC) has announced the forthcoming closure of Creative Holidays following an ‘exhaustive review’ of the brand in the current market.
The news was confirmed this morning by The Travel Corporation Australia’s Chief Executive, John Veitch, who said the business has been operating in a ‘fiercely competitive’ environment.
Doors to the FIT independent wholesaler will officially close on 31 December 2015, with some staff expected to be relocated within TTC.
2. Expect to see more Singapore Airlines in 2016
Singapore Airlines says it’s planning on boosting capacity to Australia and New Zealand by up to seven percent next year after slightly lowering its seat count in 2015.
The news comes after the carrier’s Regional Vice President of the South West Pacific, Tiow Kor Tan, revealed the airline had filled 86 percent of its seats to the region since April.
While demand was only up five percentage points on the prior year, he said the increase indicated strong interest for the two countries because the rise came despite a weaker Australian and New Zealand dollar, The Sydney Morning Herald reported.
3. United changed the one thing its pax didn’t like
It’s not just an important part of flying, it’s an important part of life in general for some people. So when your customers say they don’t like the way you’re serving it, you change it.
That’s exactly what United Airlines did.
Speaking to KarryOn, United Airlines Managing Director, Alison Espley said the airline recently discovered that while for the most part its customers are thrilled with the service and on board offerings, there was one thing they haven’t really been too fond of – the carrier’s coffee.
4. Queensland welcomes its very own Legend
It was a HUGE morning for both Queenslanders and Royal Caribbean as the cruise line’s first ever cruise ship based in the State arrived for her inaugural season.
Legend of the Seas, the 70,000 tonne beauty, isn’t just one of Australia’s largest ships, she officially became the biggest and first Royal Caribbean ship to call Brisbane home when she docked in the city earlier today.
The new local legend will sail from the Sunshine State over the next four months, taking guests on varied itineraries around Australia, New Zealand and to the South Pacific. She will also inject some $24 million into the Queensland economy in passenger spend alone.
5. Are we getting direct flights to Kangaroo Island?
Getting to and from the popular island will soon be much easier (and direct) as the government plans a $18 million upgrade of the local airport.
The project will include extending the runway and building cargo processing facilities, ABC News reported.
According to Kangaroo Island Commissioner, Wendy Campana, once the upgrade is completed by mid-2017, it will be capable of handling interstate flights from Melbourne and Sydney.
“It is a bit of a deterrent now; you have to get yourself to Adelaide and then have to get yourself over from Adelaide, so it will make a big difference — an extra 30,000 visitors are expected through the research we have done.”
Wendy Campana, Kangaroo Island Commissioner
6. Japan grows from strength to strength with Wendy
Wendy Wu Tours has increased its group tour departures in Japan and is offering a wider range of independent options for 2016 after seeing huge demand for the destination this year.
Releasing the new 2016 Japan brochure this year, Managing Director Alan Alcock said it is the company’s largest program to date featuring longer holiday itineraries, new options and additional opportunities for customers to tailor-make their holidays.
“Being the popular destination it is, many arrangements in Japan often need to be pre-booked or purchased, especially rail travel.”
Alan Alcock, Wendy Wu Tours Managing Director
“Which makes Wendy Wu Tours services in Australia perfect for those wanting a more flexible holiday with the security of booking through a reputable ground operator.”
The brochure also features independent touring options in Taiwan, South Korea, Mongolia, Hong Kong and Macau, plus the popular one off annual departure of the fascinating 24-day Discovery Tour- Mongolia and the Naadam Festival.
This little bit of news may help ease any doubt Japan Airlines has over launching flights from Perth to Tokyo.
7. Major savings in South Africa & Namibia
Bench International has slashed its prices for travel in South Africa and Namibia when booked in the month of December.
The company is offering 10 percent off tours such as the ‘Grand Tours of South Africa’, which equates to a saving of up to $890 per couple.
Bench is also offering 10 percent off their ‘Highlights of Namibia’ tour where guests can travel by road and discover the magnificent country of Namibia. The discount will offer a savings of up to $1,050 per couple.
And to top it all, Bench is offering five percent off selected brochure product in South Africa and Namibia, for the whole month of December.
8. Trafalgar’s five-day flash sale
Clients have five days to take advantage of savings on 2016 itineraries as Trafalgar commences its five-day flash sale.
The event started yesterday and will run through to Friday 11 December 2015.
Savings include up to 20 percent off 100 of the operator’s best-selling trips. Among the savings is $1,045 per person on a 15-day European Interlude trip departing on 10 April 2016; or there’s a $530 saving per person on the eight-day Britain & Ireland Highlights departing 16 April 2016.
Click here for more information.
9. InterContinental Fiji hosts China trade day
The InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa hosted the Tourism Fiji China Trade Day at the resort, providing 5-star luxury accommodation, conference meeting facilities and professional and efficient service for 34 agents from China, Hong Kong and Taiwan.
The event was organised by Tourism Fiji in conjunction with Fiji Airways, Rosie Tours and Tour Managers to provide a unique opportunity for agents to expand their product base with more Fiji suppliers.
“This event gave us an opportunity to not only showcase the results of our IHG China Ready program but also gave us the opportunity to promote Fiji as an authentic and enriching tourism destination that can cater for Chinese guests and meet their needs and service requirements.”
Hudson Mitchell, InterContinental Fiji Director of Leisure Sales & Marketing.
10. Infinity Canada tried & tested
A group of lucky agents were flown over to Canada to try out some of Infinity Holiday’s new adventurous activities in the destination.
The group tried zip-trekking, ATV tours, FlyOver Canada and the Capilano Suspension Bridge to get first-hand experience of what the company offers.
This year, Infinity Holiday’s educationals have a big focus on tours and experiences, to ensure FCTG agent’s are confident selling mod attachments with every booking. This also compliments the launch of the new Tried & Tested logo, which will be featured in the new Infinity brochure range.
Click here for more pics from the famil, or click here to hear about Infinity Holiday’s recent drop in European prices.
