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. Where are airlines bagging most of their profits?
As travel industry professionals, there’s no doubt you already know the answer to the question above. But do you know exactly how much their making from ancillary charges?
It’s enough to have low-cost carriers practically surviving off them, and the last few years has even seen premium airlines adopt extra charges as a means of making up financial losses in competitive markets.
According to the US Department of Transportation, US airlines are earning billions from fees on checked bags and reservation charges.
2. Log onto a Creative new travel agent website
You may have seen links to it from recent KarryOn posts, but this week marks the official launch of Creative Holidays’ new travel agent website.
After months of transitioning, creativeholidays.com/agents, officially took off this week to provide agency partners with access to thousands of hotels, wholesale and retail airfares, packages, transfers and experiences.
Creative Holidays’ MD, James Gaskell said the new website has ‘the whole world covered’ from some of the biggest names in travel to more discreet, unique spots.
3. Jetstar sends travellers to a new Asian destination
Low cost carrier, Jetstar, is out to conquer Asia, by announcing an expansion to its network with new direct flights between Australia and China.
Qantas’ subsidiary already offers services to Phnom Penh in Cambodia; Jakarta and Bali in Indonesia; Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia; Manila in the Philippines; Bangkok and Phuket in Thailand; Ho Chi Minh in Vietnam; and a number of Japanese cities.
However, commencing 29 September this year, the airline will fly twice weekly between the Gold Coast and Wuhan – the most populous city in Central China.
4. Nepal update: missing Aussie feared to be among dead
A missing Australia hiker, Tyronne White, is feared to be among 250 bodies still buried under rubble in a remote Nepalese village.
The 44-year-old was reportedly last seen two days prior to the 7.8 magnitude quake, which struck on 25 April, killing over 7,500 people.
He is said to have been travelling through Langtang in northern Nepal, which was wiped out by an avalanche caused by the violent earthquake.
According to his brother, Brett, the last person to have spoken to Tyronne was a fellow traveller, who had lunch with him days earlier.
During their meal, Tyronne has talked of plans to trek higher to a nearby glacier and Buddhist monastery, news.com.au reported.
Brett said the family has received little communication from Australian authorities.
“It’s just disappointing…I didn’t even receive any message from DFAT. No one’s told me anything. I’ve just been watching the TV and searching the internet 24/7.”
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said so far 1,465 Australians in Nepal have been accounted for. The government agency also confirmed the death of Melbourne-based mother, Renu Fotedar.
5. Australia is still hot, hot, hot
Australia is heating up as a travel destination for wealthier Americans, according to a new Virtuoso study.
The international luxury travel network found popularity of Australia as a travel destination has increased by 137 percent in the past 12 months and is currently the fastest growing destination for wealthier US Virtuoso clients.
According to Virtuoso Asia Pacific Managing Director, Michael Londregan said results were reflective of an overall growth trend for US travel to Australia and not by the strengthening USD.
“We should be especially proud of these results that show we have successfully pitched luxury Australia against traditional luxury destinations in Europe, with our offering meeting the latest trends in what a luxury visitor is looking for.”
Michael Londregan, Virtuoso Asia Pacific Managing Director
Mr Londregan said Australia’s authentic and natural offerings meet the criteria for modern luxury travellers seeking ‘integrity and a truth of experience’.
Meanwhile, the number US travellers interested in visiting Australia is expected to climb over the coming months after images of Sydney were broadcast live to some 5.6 million Americans yesterday.
The major NSW ad spot was delivered via popular morning show, NBC’s TODAY.
Australian-born host, Savannah Guthrie arrived in the city this week for a live stream, during which she showcased Sydney’s man-made and natural attractions.
6. Book more rail across Spain
Rail Europe GSAs have announced the expansion of their extensive high-speed Spanish rail services to include the new direct route between the historic city of Santiago de Compostela and the coastal town of Vigo.
Agents should note that the travel time on this high-speed connection is 1 hour 20 minutes, saving travellers 40 minutes on a previous connection.
The journey takes travellers across 32 major bridges and through 37 tunnels and a 2.4km viaduct across the valley of the River Sar.
The service is daily and prices start at AU$15.
Agents are reminded that Rail Europe tickets are distributed by Rail Plus, Rail Tickets, CIT Holidays and Infinity Rail in Australia.
7. Travel Industry Exhibition signs up UAE city
The Travel Industry Exhibition has recruited Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority to bring the sights, tastes and sounds of the UAE city to this year’s event in Luna Park, Sydney.
Travel industry professionals that attend the annual exhibition will be able to discover the glitz and grandeur of the destination and its offering to high-end international tourists.
The Travel Industry Exhibition Event Director, David McCarthy, said he is excited to have Abu Dhabi’s local tourism bureau on board.
The event will take place Thursday 16 July to Friday 17 July at Luna Park Sydney.
Latest exhibitors to exhibition include Taiwan Tourism, Turkish Airlines, Ecuador Tourism and G Adventures.
8. $30ml redevelopment of Aus property
The architect firm behind the award-winning ‘Ivy’ precinct in Sydney, Woods Bagot, has been recruited to lead a $30 million redevelopment of Jupiters Townsville Hotel & Casino in Townsville.
Completing the proposed plans this week, the property will be redesigned with a resort-style pool featuring a swim-up bar.
There will also be refreshed dining options and a new pavilion for poolside events.
Chris Morris, Executive Chairman of Colonial Leisure Group – the owners of Jupiters Townsville – said refurbishment will also be made to the hotel’s three floors.
The property will also be renamed to ‘The Ville’ – a name Mr Morris said is a name that connects the venue with the city and the region.
Work will commence later this year.
9. G Adventures sends employees to Egypt
The adventure tour operator sent 120 of its employees ti Egypt late last month for the group’s annual four-day party and brainstorming trip.
Egypt was selected to show support for G Adventures’ Egyptian-based team and to show that tourism to the country is on its way back.
The tour company has seen a number of clients returning to the destination, with a 268 percent year-on-year increase on its bestselling Egypt tour ‘Best of Egypt’.
Bruce Poon Tip, founder, G Adventures, said the party was also held to celebrate the company’s sales success, the beginning of its 25th anniversary celebrations, and to shine the spotlight on a destination where so many livelihoods depend on visitors.
“I brought my team here to support our Egyptian colleagues, to show Egypt is safe and tourism is coming back, and that there’s never been a better time to travel here. The sights are deserted and the people need tourists, so please, go now.”
Bruce Poon Tip, G Adventures founder
“As a result of this trip we now have 120 ambassadors for Egypt in G Adventures offices around the world. I expect this to have a ripple effect and for sales to increase further with the enthusiasm we share for this ancient land and its people.”
Dubbed ‘The After Party’ in reference to following on from G Adventures’ annual company event, G Stock, the four-day trip began in Cairo and travelled by overnight train to Aswan.
Here the G team boarded a riverboat to take them to Luxor, where they spent time with children at a Planeterra project – G Adventures’ non-profit organisation.
To close, the Egyptian Tourist Board hosted the group at a private dinner inside Luxor Temple to thank G Adventures for its support.
G Adventures offers a programme of eight different trips to Egypt in its Classic, Comfort, Family and Yolo travel styles.
10. You’re invited!
Travel agents around Australia have been invited to delve into a world of soft adventure travel with Adventure World.
The soft adventure specialist will host the ‘2015 Experience the World’ roadshow in four major Australian cities this year, including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth.
In addition to the receiving updates on the latest experiences in some of the world’s most exotic destinations, attending agents will also have the opportunity to win fantastic prizes including an Alaska cruise for two, a one week trip to Buenos Aires and Iguazu Falls, a return flight to Santiago and more.
