We’ve done all the hard work, so you don’t have to! Read on for the top ten travel stories you need to know today.
1. Agency boss says it’s Travel Counsellors’ time
Travel Counsellors inspired after Steve Byrne’s speech.
Travel Counsellors’ recent launch in WA is the first step towards chasing untapped travel opportunities in Australia, according to the company’s boss.
Managing Director Steve Byrne said at the agency’s annual conference in Canberra over the weekend, that there is ‘huge potential’ in the Australian travel market because more travellers are starting to recognise the value of booking with a trusted expert.
While the industry has shown concern over the number of travellers turning to online travel sites for bargains and quick bookings, ultimately Mr Byrne says there are more travellers who prefer personal service that can only come from an agent.
2. Calls for Bali boycott resume
Image: SIHASAKPRACHUM/Shutterstock
Calls for a ban on tourism to Bali have been renewed after the two Australian Bali Nine prisoners were transferred to Nusakambangan island where they face execution.
The transfer comes despite pleas from the Australian government and family members to call off the execution, which is said to be taking place this week.
“Even in the eleventh hour, I hope that there might be a change of heart in Indonesia and these executions might be stopped.”
Tony Abbott, Australian Prime Minister
3. LAST CHANCE to win a famil to South Africa
There’s less than a month left to become a South Africa specialist and go in the running to win a place on South African Tourism’s 2015 familiarisation.
To enter the competition, specialist agents must tell South African Tourism in 25 words or less why they want to meet South Africa; and then register and complete the SA Specialist online course.
The trip includes return economy flights to South Africa provided by South African Airways; domestic flights within South Africa; nine nights’ accommodation, including a luxury Big Five safari experience; city tours of Johannesburg and Cape Town, most meals and transfers.
4. itravel’s team expands
Former helloworld manager, Rashelle Toms has joined the itravel team where she will help the group grow their profile Down Under.
Commencing the role of ‘Marketing and Product Manager’ on Monday, Rashelle’s key responsibilities will be working with preferred suppliers and assist stores with their local marketing campaigns.
Rashelle moves over to itravel after nine years at helloworld (formerly the Jetset Travel Group).
5. Who paid big bucks for Crystal?
As part of the acquisition, Genting will acquire both Crystal ships including Crystal Serenity (pictured).
Genting Hong Kong, the same company that owns Star Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Lines, has entered an agreement to add luxury cruising to its portfolio.
By the end of the second quarter this year, the company will own Crystal Cruises and its two award-winning vessels, Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity.
With the acquisition the company will now be able to offer specialised Asian cruises through Star Cruises, freestyle cruising through Norwegian and luxury trips through Crystal.
The deal cost US$550 million and will see the company build a new ship to expand the line’s fleet.
“The proposed expansion of our fleet will present our loyal Crystal Society members and new luxury cruise guests with more itinerary options, accommodation choices and exceptional vacation experiences, as we continue to position Crystal as the innovative leader in global luxury cruising.”
Edie Rodriguez, Crystal Cruises President
6. Capri’s expansion around Aus
Frasers Hospitality brand Capri by Fraser has continued its expansion around Aus, by opening the doors to its fourth hotel this month.
Capri by Fraser in Brisbane was the last of four properties the brand had planned to open Down Under, with the first opening in 2007 in Sydney followed by Melbourne in 2011 and Perth in 2013.
Catering to the ‘always connected’ lifestyle needs of e-generation travellers, Capri by Fraser, Brisbane offers guests the flexibility of choosing how they want to work, live and play by providing an extensive range of hotel facilities along with the added benefits of serviced residences.
The hotel residence offers a range of e-efficiencies including iPad-activated check-ins, e-Concierge, e-Print facilities, fast and free wireless Internet to keep guests constantly connected, and providing the option of in-room cooking or restaurant dining, working out at the gym any time of the day, and doing your own laundry or having it done for you.
The property is located within walking distance to Queen Street Mall shopping, City Botanical Gardens, riverfront dining at Eagle Street Pier and commercial building.
It is close to the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, Southbank precinct and riverside attractions.
7. A royal godmother for P&O
It’s official, she’s naming the P&O ship.
All stand for Her Majesty as she breaks a bottle of Champagne over Britannia’s bow.
KarryOn suspected it in January, but now it’s official. Her Majesty The Queen, accompanied by His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh, will christen P&O Cruises World Cruising’s new ship.
On 10 March 2015, the royal couple will make their way to Ocean Terminal, Southampton, where they will break a bottle of Champagne over the ship’s bow and wish her well on her first voyage.
This is the second time Her Majesty will name a P&O ship – the first was over 20 years when she christened Oriana.
When she launches this month, Britannia will be the biggest ship in the P&O fleet as well as the largest ship ever built for the UK market.
Carnival UK Chairman, David Dingle described her as the ’embodiment of contemporary Britain’ – this is evident through the Union Jack livery.
8. Let the owner take you on holiday
If you’ve ever wanted to speak directly to a travel company’s owner, now is the chance.
APT has announced founder Geoff McGeary will host the company’s 15-day Aegean Odyssey cruise of the Greek Islands and Turkish coast aboard MV Tere Moana.
The travel veteran will join guests as the small ship sails from Athens to Istanbul.
He’ll share with passengers his passion for travel as they explore the contrasting Greek Islands of Crete, Santorini, Tinos, Mykonos, Rhodes and Kos, before sailing the length of the Turkish coastline from Bodrum to Canakkale taking in the ANZAC legend at the Gallipoli Peninsula.
The tour departs on 4 July 2015 and is priced from $12,995 per person twin share.
The cruise can be also extended with a 13-day rail and land journey from Istanbul to Prague, featuring six nights aboard APT’s private luxury train, the Golden Eagle Danube Express.
Geoff McGeary will host the first five days and includes spending two nights post-cruise at Istanbul’s five star Pera Palace Hotel Jumeirah – fittingly the hotel where Agatha Christie wrote her famous book ‘Murder on the Orient Express’.
9. TMs celebrate brand refresh
(L-R): TravelManagers’ General Manager Michael Gazal, Joy Hamilton and Robyn Duffy from Allianz Global Assistance, and TravelManagers’ Finance Director Grant Campbell.
Pop the bottle, it’s officially time to celebrate.
TravelManagers joined by travel industry partners officially celebrated their brand refresh last week at Sydney’s Sofitel Wentworth.
(L-R): TravelManagers’ Chairman Barry Mayo with Quentin Voss from Qantas Airways, Susan Haberle from APT & Matthew Cameron-Smith from Trafalgar Guided Holidays.
The agency group announced the rebrand at its annual conference in 2014, but it didn’t officially roll out to the general public until the start of this year.
TravelManagers’ Executive General Manager, Michael Gazal said the event was a chance to celebrate the milestone alongside supportive industry partners.
(L-R) TravelManagers’ Finance & Commercial Manager Tanyu Cilek celebrating launch of TravelManagers’ rebranding with Ric Pattaro, Personal Travel Manager, Tim Swan from Air New Zealand, and Richard McKisack from Nexus Holidays.
Chris Hamill from DriveAway Holidays, who attended the event, said he is impressed by the new brand and TMs commitment to evolving and staying ahead of the time.
Among the other 115 people that attended the launch was Ric Pattaro, representative for Haberfield, NSW, who was last year recognised as “best travel agent – corporate” at the National Travel Industry Awards.
10. Where in the world is cheapest for Aussies?
If your clients are looking for a cheap getaway then they need to look no further than Asia, according to a new study.
The latest Hotels.com TM Hotel Price Index revealed that despite the Australian dollar reaching a six-year low, hotel prices in Asia remained relatively unchanged last year compared to 2013.
In fact, the online company says Asia’s accommodation prices were only slightly higher than what they were a decade ago.
