Can you believe Christmas is only two days away? Better yet, can you believe there’s only a little over one week until 2016? What???!!!
Where did 2015 go? No really, we can barely remember what we did over the past 365 days.
Except we do remember it was a pretty big year in travel with new companies launching, one major closure and a few other bits and bobs in between.
One of the biggest shocks this year was The Travel Corporation’s announcement that it would close down its FIT independent wholesaler, Creative Holidays. The company said the decision was made after an ‘exhaustive review’ of the brand in the current market.
The industry welcomed a new agency group – SmartFlyer – a home-based network focused on selling luxury product. Part owner, Michael Holtz, told KarryOn the group sets itself apart from others because it focuses on reaching travellers through new media.
In aviation, a number of new airlines commenced operations to Australia including All Nippon Airways, Hainan Airlines and American Airlines. While others increased their reach Down Under such as Air Canada which announced it will fly to Brisbane and Qatar Airways kicked off services to Adelaide.
Over in cruising, P&O practically brought Sydney to a standstill when all five of its ships met up in the Harbour. The big day was in celebration of the arrival of the line’s two new ships – Pacific Aria and Pacific Eden – and included fireworks and a big party with big name local celebrities.
There were big changes over at KarryOn too. We got a new writer on board – the incredible Matt Castell – who is keeping us in stitches with his hilarious, agent-focused stories.
Haven’t checked out his stuff yet? You must start with his ‘9 things travel agents need to stop saying right now‘.
We also introduced the highly popular series called ‘Top 4 travel agent memes of the week‘ – stories that could only be done thanks to the brilliant creativity of our dear Facebook friend ‘Travel Agent Memes‘. Click here to check out some of his work.
Take a look at the list below for other top stories that made headlines in 2015.
10. Woolworths customers outraged over Qantas split
Thousands of Woolworths loyalty members were not happy when the grocery giant announced it had changed its program and excluded its popular partnership with Qantas.
Shoppers took to social media to express their disappointment, which then lead to Woolworths announcing a new agreement with Qantas with new benefits.
9. We could be flying non-stop to the UK by 2017
Oh Qantas how we love you for this one.
The carrier’s CEO, Alan Joyce, revealed that he intends on flying Aussies direct to the UK within two years. #HopeItHappens
8. MH370, do people in The Maldives know what happened?
Islanders in the Maldives may be the key to answering the mystery of MH370’s disappearance, if their story is true.
They say they saw the Boeing 777-200ER go go down last year, taking with it hundreds of travellers.
7. Creative Holidays to cease operations
It was a shock to a number of people in the industry when The Travel Corporation (TTC) revealed it was shutting down operations of Creative Holidays.
Doors for the FIT independent wholesaler will officially close on 31 December.
6. Flight Centre buys into aviation
Watch out airlines, at the rate Flight Centre is going the company may not need your aircraft in the future. Maybe even sooner than you think.
The travel group took its first step into the aviation industry by purchasing a 51 percent stake in Brisbane-based private charter company, AVMIN Pty Ltd.
5. Must watch Air NZ’s ‘Men in Black’ safety video
Just when you thought inflight videos were entertaining enough with Hobbits, Air New Zealand surprised us all with its epic ‘Men in Black’ video.
If you haven’t watched it already then you’ve likely been hiding under a rock, so be sure to watch it now.
4. Aussies just lost their visa-free entry to Bali
Oh the saga of this visa-free entry to Bali.
We had it, we lost it, we had it again and now we’re not sure where it stands.
3. 10 airlines with the best customer service
Clients spend months waiting for that big holiday. Giddy with excitement the day of departure comes. They’re packed, prepared, a little nervous and that’s when it happens. Bad airline service.
But if you’re looking for ‘guaranteed’ top airline service, check these guys out.
2. Flight Centre ‘killer’ move to sell its own products
Flight Centre’s business grew to all new levels this year, with new acquisitions and investments.
This one sparked a lot of interest from our readers.
1. Gwyneth Paltrow rocks up at Flight Centre’s Global Gathering
The travel group’s top sellers were the envy of pretty much everyone in the industry when the Hollywood starlet turned up at their annual conference.
The actress, entrepreneur and food writer spoke was the Global Gathering’s keynote speaker.
