ΔΙΕΘΝΗΣ ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΗ ΗΛΕΚΤΡΟΝΙΚΗ ΕΦΗΜΕΡΙΔΑ ΠΟΙΚΙΛΗΣ ΥΛΗΣ - ΕΔΡΑ: ΑΘΗΝΑ

Ει βούλει καλώς ακούειν, μάθε καλώς λέγειν, μαθών δε καλώς λέγειν, πειρώ καλώς πράττειν, και ούτω καρπώση το καλώς ακούειν. (Επίκτητος)

(Αν θέλεις να σε επαινούν, μάθε πρώτα να λες καλά λόγια, και αφού μάθεις να λες καλά λόγια, να κάνεις καλές πράξεις, και τότε θα ακούς καλά λόγια για εσένα).

Κυριακή 30 Μαρτίου 2014

13 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW


Gurney resigns as CEO of helloworld

Rob Gurney has announced he’s stepping down from his position as Managing Director and CEO of helloworld, with current CFO Elizabeth Gaines taking over with immediate effect. “Rob indicated to the board that as the helloworld business transformation is now at an advanced stage, he wishes to pursue a new opportunity with an international focus,” according to a statement from Helloworld Limited. 

1) Are QF freq flyer changes really fair?

Qantas has made changes to their frequent flyer program, calling it fairer flyer, however reactions from its members have been less than positive. In a statement released overnight to the airline’s frequent flyer members, Qantas said it was simplifying the program to reward points and status miles on the value of the fare. Effective for travel from 1 July 2014, the number of Qantas Points and Status credits earned will increase when members choose more flexible fares. This also means the airline will be reducing the Qantas Points earned on the lower fares.  The changes do not affect the way points are awarded across their range of partners on the ground.

2) Aloft-y venture for Australia

Perth is getting even more love from Starwood Hotels & Resorts with the group set to introduce its 4-star, hip, Aloft brand to the city just 4km’s from the airport. Aloft Perth Rivervale, the new 224-room hotel slated to open late 2016, is the latest in a series of properties planned for Perth and a second for Starwood following the signing of a management agreement for The Westin Perth to open in 2017. Read more

3) Flight Centre’s $11m price-fixing fine

Flight Centre has been ordered to shell out an $11 million fine after it was found guilty of inducing three airlines into price-fixing arrangements.  The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s (ACCC) case against the travel agent giant claimed they had broken the law on six occasions between 2005 and 2009, by threatening to withdraw from selling Singapore Airlines, Malaysia Airlines and Emirates if they don’t stop directly offering international airfares at prices lower than that offered by the travel agency.  Flight Centre has up to 45 days to pay the fine.

4) Shell out in Europe, save in Africa

We all do it, sat in your hotel room, it’s late at night and you just want a snack or a drink.  How much you pay for that room service does vary from country to country, and surprisingly enough, Sydney isn’t as expensive as you think. TripAdvisor recently revealed that those late night hunger snacks are cheapest in Tunis, offering the best value for Australian travellers this year when it comes to the common incidental costs while staying in a hotel. 

5) Analyst reveals agency trends for Aus

Speaking at the recent No Vacancy Conference in Sydney, JP Morgan Analyst Armina Soemino gave some insightful trends and movements currently happening with agents in the Australian travel industry.  Ms Armina said Australia has more bricks and mortar travel agencies today, which continues to be on the rise.  Different to the decline in numbers seen in the US and Europe, Australia travellers rely on the services of Travel Agents as the country’s location and pricing structures make travel itinerary planning harder and complex.

6) New Zealand training changes for agents

Tourism New Zealand’s agent and media portal Explore New Zealand has undergone some changes to better streamline product and information for travel sellers and media.  The travel seller and international media discount programme now has well over 700 deals ranging from discounted accommodation to complimentary activities and attractions. These will become fully automated making it easier to use.  The changes come as a follow up to the launch of the new trade website. Read more.

7) helloworld hits ADL for 2014 Conference

helloworld consultants will converge on Adelaide as the group announces its 2014 Frontliners Conference to take place at the Adelaide Convention Centre on 28 – 30 November.  The annual gathering unites the group’s nationwide network of agents in what Helloworld Limited Chief Executive Office Rob Gurney said is a major highlight in the consultants’ calendar. “We are currently in the process of finalising keynote speakers, supplier workshops and more, with further details to be provided over the coming weeks,” said Mr Gurney.

8) IAG CEO serves as oneworld Chairman

The Governing Board of oneworld has nominated International Airlines Group (IAG) Chief Executive Officer Willie Walsh to serve as its Chairman for the year ahead.  Mr Walsh succeeds American Airlines’ Chairman Tom Horton, who has filled the role since December 2011.  Mr Walsh comes on board as the alliance group completes its biggest yet expansion drive with the addition of TAM Airlines and US Airways on 31 March and SriLankan Airlines on 1 May.

9) LAN and TAM bringing sexy back

LAN Airlines, and its affiliates, and TAM Airlines, members of LATAM Airlines Group, have debuted a new sexy look cabin design for their A320 and A321 aircrafts.  First to feature on domestic flights within South America, the new design incorporates four colours and two different leather textures on short-haul cabins and the for the new long-haul cabins, the fabric incorporates more cloth elements to create maximum comfort on the longer flights.  The new cabin interior also offers passengers more space and comfort. 

10) Save on Star Clippers

Feel the wind in your face as you sail Mediterranean on-board Star Clippers for 20 percent less with their ‘Ocean View Special’.  The discount applies for the 14 nights from Monaco to Malaga with the Star Flyer, including docking at the exclusive port of St Tropez, an experience in itself as yachties are charged up to $3000 per night to dock here.  Priced from $5945 per person twin share, the ‘Ocean View Special’ offer is on sale until 5 June with departure dates in October 2014.

11) GOH new brochure launched

Back by popular demand is the Garuda Orient Holidays brochure packed with the latest offerings in Bali and Indonesia.  Featuring over 200 hotels and villas listed by beach or island location, the brochure includes a new and improved Quick Reference Index to help agents quickly find hotels, along with the essential feature Icons to make planning a breeze.

12) Uniworld launches in luxury S.S. Catherine

Continuing in their tradition of luxurious excellence, Uniworld has launched the new luxury super, S.S. Catherine.  Leading the launch ceremony and christening in Lyon, France is the ship’s Godmother, famous French actress Catherine Deneuve.  The red-carpet event will come complete with a live band and a ceremonial breaking of a bottle of Dom Pérignon Champagne across the bow.  In attendance for the inauguration will be 150 industry guests who will then experience the three-day sailing launch of Uniworld’s newest addition. 
Was sourced from carryon