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. Get ready San Francisco, Qantas is flying back
Qantas may have ‘left its heart in San Francisco’ four years ago, but the airline is finally returning and taking Aussie travellers with it.
The Flying Kangaroo has expanded its partnership with American Airlines to make some slight adjustments to US services and offer Australians more travel options.
The biggest changes will see Qantas return to the Golden Gate City since exiting the destination in May 2011 – and American Airlines operate its first flights between Los Angeles and Sydney.
2. How Flight Centre is raising this airline’s visibility
Air Asia X’s boss has big hopes for the airline’s new supplier deal with Flight Centre, with expectations it will generate millions in profits & raise visibility around the country.
Signed last week, the commercial agreement is the first-of-its-kind for the airline in Australia.
It comes after Air Asia X founder Tony Fernandes revealed in March this year that he expects last year’s Australian operations to have racked up a big loss.
3. Australia’s Booking Boss heads to Europe
Booking Boss is taking its software solutions to the other side of the world – Europe – after securing around $2 million in expansion financing.
The announcement comes three years after launching in Australia with a product that offers activities and tour operators an effective and profit-making administration and processing solution.
Speaking to KarryOn, Booking Boss CEO Renee Welsh said since launching in 2012, the company has welcomed steady growth, and even saw 2014 revenue increase by 45 percent compared to the prior year.
4. MEETINGS start in New Zealand
The annual CINZ MEETINGS 2015 conference officially kicks off in Auckland today, offering attendees two days of workshops, meetings and business.
Running today and tomorrow, conference and event organisers from around the world, including Australia, will meet with over 180 New Zealand companies that specialise in destination, venues and conference products and services.
Conventions and Incentives New Zealand (CINZ) opened the event this morning with the announcement of a new networking and education series designed to develop the careers of future event members.
More information on KarryOn later today.
In the meantime, click here to see images from this week’s pre-famil.
Or join in on the conversation via the hashtag: #CINZMeetings2015
5. Cathay goes ‘bigger’ in new lounge
Airport lounge-wars continue to heat up across the aviation sector, as Cathay Pacific takes competition up a notch in Bangkok.
Unveiled today, the new lounge is located on Level 3 in the Concourse G Departure Hall inside Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport.
It follows the launch of a number of new and renovated airport lounges, including Qantas’ redesigned LA lounge; SkyTeam’s new Sydney Airport exclusive space; and Air New Zealand’s new regional lounge at Auckland Domestic Airport.
6. INCENTIVE: Win a trip for 2 to Spain
Emirates Airlines and Spanish suppliers are giving agents the chance to experience Spain’s wonders first-hand.
Consultants that attend the upcoming Tourism Spain roadshow in Australia will go in the running to win a trip to Spain.
But get in quick!
Travel agents need to register for the roadshows soon as places are limited due to overwhelming demand.
7. Sunshine Coast gets cuddly with Australia Zoo
Sunshine Coast Destination (SCDL) and Australia Zoo have teamed up to launch a ‘deeper level’ of promotion to entice more domestic and international visitors.
Launched yesterday, the partnership will see the two work together on new marketing activities and push the key message that the Sunshine Coast is easily accessible – located only an hour’s drive from Brisbane Airport.
As a first step, a co-branded billboard was unveiled, targeting the 75,000 vehicles that travel to and from Brisbane Domestic and International Airports daily.
8. Check out this week’s new brochures
It’s all about the Americas this week, as tour operators start rolling out their new programs for the USA, Canada and South America.
Scenic has launched its new North America program, which is packed with seven new itineraries and two new extensions.
Trafalgar has for the first time merged the entire Americas region into one brochure – allowing agents to easily sell cross-regional tours plus make more commission.
Insight Vacations is also back with a new Americas program, which places a special focus on Peru for the first time.
And Rocky Mountaineer is taking its itineraries to the next level, with an extended Rainforest to Golden Rush route.
Meanwhile, Tempo Holidays is pushing its new India and Sri Lanka products, in the newly released 2016 program. Next year your clients can expect 55 percent more sightseeing with the operator and additional tailor made products.
9. Brad Pitt, Angeline Jolie & the kids fly economy
Can you imagine the number of not-so-secret pictures and not-so-discreet selfies with the Jolie-Pitt family in the background taken on this flight?
It’s a story every passenger on this specific service will share with family and friends for the rest of their lives.
The day they flew economy with Angeline Jolie, Brad Pitt and their adorable children.
10. 6 most ‘unique’ dining experiences in the world
If your definition of a ‘unique dining experience’ is floor seating or using a pair of chopsticks, then you’re in for a rude awakening.
Skyscanner has compiled a list of the ten most unusual restaurants in the world that sees diners eating from toilets bowls to dining while surrounded by corpses.
We’ve picked out our six favourites and boy we can’t believe how creative restaurants are these days.
