We’ve done all the hard work, so you don’t have to! Read on for our top ten travel news stories we think you need to know today.
1. KarryOn to relocate to Fiji for trial period
After almost two years of operations in Sydney, KarryOn have taken the decision to relocate their entire operation to Fiji for a trial period.
Australia’s fastest growing travel industry website is making the move thanks to a trade deal opportunity with the Fijian Government as well as satisfying a desire from the team to enjoy some island life and experience the tropical destination first hand.
In what’s been dubbed by Founder Matt Leedham as ‘An exciting creative experiment’ the move will see the KarryOn team depart from trendy Surry Hills in Sydney to working and living together in the South Pacific holiday isle as the united ‘Voice of the travel industry’.
2. Mobile consultants bring in big bucks
Mobile consultants are proving there’s big business in working from home, as they continue to break old records during the first few months of the year.
According to TravelManagers‘ latest figures, February was a particularly good month for its consultants, who achieved record sales for the 15th consecutive month.
Overall, during the second month of the year there was a nine percent increase in business compared to the same period last year.
3. Lowering the age of Sydney’s tourists
Sydney has what it takes to be the ultimate young tourist’s playground and STA Travel is on a mission to prove it.
The travel company has teamed up with the NSW Government to launch a new campaign designed to showcase Sydney’s youthful appeal and encourage more international travellers to visit NSW’s Harbour City and regional areas.
The two-year Memorandum of Understanding signed this week through Destination NSW will see STA Travel promote Sydney and regional NSW to customers across all its international markets.
4. Travellers want YOUR advice!
A SureSave study has found Australian travellers are still dependent on advice and assistance from travel agents, in fact they want it now more than ever before.
The number of travellers that viewed agents as a ‘trusted source of safety and travel advice’ jumped to 73 percent – that’s 16 percent more than last year.
According to SureSave’s GM, the increase comes from the rising number of security and safety threats internationally.
“A growing number of us are relying on the expertise of agents to provide assistance when planning our next holiday.”
Michael Callaghan, SureSave General Manager
In addition to the support of agents, Michael also said that over 60 percent of travellers would like to receive electronic travel information and safety alerts whilst overseas.
He believes that agent support, electronic documents and travel apps are the way of the future.
“People are looking for easily accessible information and solutions to questions and problems while they’re travelling.”
5. helloworld reveals HK Summit line-up
If you’re attending helloworld’s business Summit in Hong Kong this year, expect to be inspired to lead thanks to a lineup of influential speakers.
Held on 1 – 2 May this year, the event – previously known as the Corporate Symposium – will see the who’s who of Australia’s most respected and accomplished experts in attendance.
Head of Associate and Affiliate Network, David Padman said speakers selected reflect the company’s focus on partnering with ‘the best’. It also represents their agents’ goals to inspire leadership within agency teams.
6. Game of Thrones takes Beyond Travel to Iceland
The demand in travel built up by TV series Game of Thrones has driven Beyond Travel to expand its offerings in Scandinavia.
The tour operator said it will now include Iceland in itineraries to the region as well as a special five-day ‘Game of Thrones’ tour taking travellers to landscapes that were used as the backdrop to the series such as Lake Myvatn, the majestic Waterfall of the Gods, Godafoos plus volcanoes and lava formations.
CEO Michael Lavilles said Beyond Travel has always marketed themselves as a niche operator providing specialised itineraries to unusual destinations, which made adding Iceland the perfect inclusion to their growing range of unique destinations.
“Over recent years we have had an increased number of requests from agents and their clients for Scandinavian product and most recently for Iceland, thanks to the countries exposure and growing awareness due to GOT.”
Michael Lavilles, Beyond Travel CEO
7. Adventure World’s one-off Peruvian itinerary
Soft-adventure tour operator, Adventure World, has introduced a one-off 14-day Spanish Language & Peruvian Culture itinerary that takes in the sights, sounds, smells and language of Peru.
The itinerary is part of Adventure World’s new ‘Special Interest Journeys‘ range, which includes 12 tours to exotic destinations.
Departing from Lima on 18 October, the tour invites guests to two days living alongside the Anapia Island Community located on Lake Titicaca and participation in an Incan-themed treasure hunt in the Sacred Valley.
The itinerary is priced from $5,299 per person (twin share, land only) and includes 13 nights accommodation, meals as per itinerary, services of an English Speaking Journey Manager, activities and sightseeing as per itinerary, airport transfers, transportation via private air-conditioned vehicle, train journey and internal flights as per itinerary.
8. INCENTIVE: Win $1,000 worth of gift cards
Travel agencies can go in the running to win $1,000 worth of Coles Group and Myer Gift Cards as part of Rail Plus and Eurostar’s incentive.
To enter, agencies simply need to book and ticket a Eurostar sector between 1 April and 31 May 2015.
Top selling agency for Eurostar Premier and Business Premier Sectors during the incentive period will also be rewarded with $750 worth of Coles Group and Myer Gift Cards.
Rail Plus CEO James Dunne says the new promotion is designed to incentivise every member of an agency, rather than reward one lucky individual.
“This is chance for agencies to demonstrate real teamwork and in the process put themselves in the running for some valuable prizes.”
James Dunne, Rail Plus CEO
9. Princess’ appearance at Endeavour Cruise and Travel
(L-R): Endeavour Cruise and Travel manager Jill Faircloth, senior travel consultant Melissa MacQuillan, Princess Cruises Business Development Manager Queensland Peter Darby, senior travel consultant Celia Mackenzie and in front, senior travel consultant Elena Gualtieri.
Endeavour Cruise and Travel in Smithfield – just north of Cairns – held a special in-store event this month with a focus on promoting travel and cruise to its clients.
Princess Cruises made an appearance at the event where representatives discussed latest product and itineraries.
Princess Cruises Business Development Manager Peter Darby (right) with interested customers.
Agency manager Jill Faircloth was joined by Princess Cruises Business Development Manager Queensland Peter Darby for a two-hour Cruise Info Desk, with many local residents, including a number of first time cruisers, braving the wild weather to discuss Princess Cruises’ offerings.
10. MSC Sinfonia undergoes Renaissance makeover
MSC Sinfonia is the second MSC ship to be redesigned and extended as part of MSC’s Renaissance Program.
The ship sailed out of drydock this month after 10 weeks.
During the period she received new amenities, onboard experiences and additional cabins.
Among the new features onboard is the outdoor Spray Park with waterfalls and splashy water slides.
There’s also a special kids area equipped with Chicco® and LEGO® products.
MSC Armonia kicked off the Renaissance program late last year, when she underwent the same changes.
In April, MSC Opera will sail to Fincantieri’s shipyard, in Palermo for her 10-week enhancement work and at the end of August 2015, MSC Lirica will also undergo her Renaissance, with a return to sea scheduled for end of June and end of October respectively.