The Luck of the Airlines

www.traveldaily.com.au Friday 19th March 2021 Qld maps rebound Considering options THE Qld Government has The luck of the airlines THE Travel Community Hub will created a special taskforce of THE Australian Federation of added, reiterating AFTA’s “acute host one of its highly popular senior business leaders to help Travel Agents has pledged to awareness” of the looming 31 webinars next Fri, with CATO chart the rebound of its battered fight for better outcomes for its Mar end of JobKeeper. Board Member, Aaron Zoanetti $25.5 billion tourism sector. members, with yesterday’s shock AFTA is also continuing to work from Pointon Partners Lawyers The expert committee will be announcement of the so-called through the design and delivery and Shaun Matthews of Cor chaired by Intrepid and North Qld “QantasKeeper” payments to mechanism of the second round Cordis discussing the legal Airports Non-Executive Director aviation workers (TD breaking of the COVID-19 Consumer options for travel businesses. Liz Savage, who will be joined news) set to be a hot topic in Travel Support Package, with the With so many questions swirling by former Tourism Australia CEO meetings in Canberra today. additional $130 million described about industry survival and Andrew McEvoy and Tourism and QF staff unable to work due as a “significant win”. shutdown, this is a must attend Events Qld Chair Brett Godfrey. to the closure of international Interestingly, the update also free session - register now HERE. Together the panel will canvass borders will receive $500 a week hinted at a less-than-united front how to rebuild airline capacity, in support under last week’s with other industry organisations. create new projects to spur $1.2 billion aviation and tourism “In representing the needs March on Canberra? visitation, differentiate the package, until the expected late of our membership base, AFTA THE outpouring of anger destination against domestic Oct dropping of restrictions. has a very specific agenda... over JobKeeper’s extension for competitors, and attract more An update to AFTA members where appropriate we combine aviation workers (TD breaking marquee events to the state. this morning from CEO Darren our activities with other news) has prompted a proposal “We are seeing that COVID has Rudd said the organisation was representative bodies from CATO for a travel industry “March on changed the way people travel continuing to “squeeze out as and CLIA through to TTF. Parliament”. and how they spend their time much support as quickly as “But there are also times when Michael West from Goldman away...this is the opportunity to possible to keep you and your an all-in approach would be Travel is urging the industry to make sure Queensland’s offerings business and our sector alive. counterproductive,” AFTA wrote. convene next Wed 24 Mar, using match what potential visitors will “If aviation workers deserve MEANWHILE PM Scott Morrison online hashtags #TravelKeeper be seeking,” Savage said. ‘direct support payments’, given is now rapidly back-pedalling over and #TravelOnParliament to rally we work in the same sector and the direct booking aspects of the everyone to the cause - info via New Gong for Oz have been even harder hit than airline support deal - see p three. [email protected]. the airlines, then so do we,” Rudd NH HOTEL Group has wrote, with the move announced announced its debut in the THERE’S MORE to QF staff prompting white-hot TO EXPLORE Australian market, revealing plans outrage across the travel sector. to open the 240-room NH Hotel IN QUEENSLAND’S “You, our members, just like BACKYARD Wollongong in Q3 2023. aviation workers, need and To be located on Burelli Street, deserve proportionate, timely, the property will feature a scaleable and targeted assistance restaurant and bar with all-day too...we have been arguing this dining, conference and event for some time,” the AFTA CEO facilities and a modern gym. The hotel aims to bring an Today’s issue of TD “easy-going, urban and fresh” Download our new Drive Outback service to the market, with the Travel Daily today has six Queensland Guide: brand already operating locations pages of news including our outbackqueensland.com.au/ in Europe, Africa & Latin America. PUZZLE page. drive-outback-queensland

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Click here to register Friday 19th March 2021 Tasmanian agent grants TA app agreement TOURISM Australia has signed Window THE Tasmanian Government hit through COVID-19, will be a deal with the CamperMate has announced $1 million in instrumental in helping to drive app which has seen more than Seat funding to support the state’s demand, and we will also provide 200 signature road trip and beleaguered travel agent $1 million in grant funds to campervan experiences across DISNEYLAND California is community, as well as money for support Tasmanian travel agents, multiple categories added. finally set to reopen on 30 Apr tourism operators and a target to with a program to be rolled out The partnership was formed as after an extended coronavirus achieve carbon neutrality by 2025. through Business Tasmania from part of the Holiday Here This Year shutdown - but prospective Premier Peter Gutwein unveiled 04 Apr,” Gutwein promised. campaign and will aim to inspire attendees are being warned the moves earlier this week in Some of the funding for tourism more domestic travel bookings, about screaming on rides, no a “State of the State” address, and travel will come from $5 as well as purchase pre-trip and matter how thrilling they are. confirming money under the million which remains unspent in-trip holiday experiences. Other parks in the state are programs would begin to flow from a travel voucher scheme also set to return to operation from early next month. rolled out last year. next month, under guidelines With the local tourism sector Tourism Tasmania will also WA changes chief which initially restrict visitation having been the “hardest hit by invest $3.5 million in the state’s THE Western Australian to locals only, and groups to a travel bans and restrictions,” he most aggressive winter marketing Government has a new Tourism maximum of 10 from no more said $8 million will be provided campaign ever, courtesy of Minister, with David Templeman than three households. in innovation and development Austrade’s Recovery for Regional assuming the portfolio today There’s likely to be much less grants to “continue to enhance Tourism initiative. from Paul Papalia, who had been crowding, with initial capacity Tasmania’s world-class experience “Complementing the Australian in the role since 2017. limited to 15% of normal levels reputation”. Government’s $1.2 billion tourism The tourism brief was changed - and there will be initiatives “Additionally, we will also recovery package announced as part of a wider Cabinet in place to limit the COVID-19 provide $4 million in direct last week, delivering discounted reshuffle actioned by Premier impact of roller coaster yells. financial support to tourism and flights into regional areas, we Mark McGowan after his The California Attractions hospitality businesses identified anticipate Tasmania to be red hot landslide election win last week. and Parks Association, which as critical to regional visitor this winter,” the Premier said. Templeman was most represents theme parks across attraction that remain in acute Gutwein said making Tasmania recently the Minister for Local the state, has prepared a financial stress as a result of the a carbon neutral destination Government, Heritage, and “responsible reopening plan” restrictions on travel due to the would also tap into a massive Culture and the Arts, and before which also mandates use of COVID-19 response,” he said. opportunity, with “more travellers that held portfolios across face coverings to “mitigate the “There is no doubt travel than ever proactively selecting climate change, child protection, effects of shouting”. agents, which have been hard climate positive destinations”. volunteering and seniors.

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Travel Daily e [email protected] t 1300 799 220 w www.traveldaily.com.au page 2 FCTG’s message of hope FLIGHT Centre Travel Group has marked tomorrow’s one- year anniversary of Australia’s closure of int’l borders by taking a full page advertisement in The Australian (pictured). Friday 19th March 2021 The open letter from founder Graham Turner reflects on the challenges all Australians have Agents set to fill the gap faced over the last 12 months TRAVEL agents will play an and thanks customers and Flight “instrumental” role in the Centre staff, past and present. resurgence of the travel sector “Overnight our business went towards a post-pandemic world,” from making travel dreams come G Adventures Chief Executive true, to orchestrating rescue Officer Bruce Poon Tip believes. missions...I am proud to say that Speaking from Canada during our expert team of travel agents an online briefing today, Poon have brought home over 20,000 Tip said agents had always been Australians that were stuck domestic travel, as well as at the coalface of global crises overseas since the pandemic encouraging signs for the return throughout history and the COVID started, and we have refunded of international flights amid pandemic would be no different. $1.3 billion (and counting!) in potential Singapore and New “After there is any major refunds to Flight Centre clients for Zealand travel bubbles, with NZ disruption in travel, whether cancelled holidays,” he said. to possibly be announced on Mon. that’s SARS, tsunamis or 9/11, the “The most important thing we Skroo notes a strong The full letter can be viewed by travel agent always rides it back can do is educate customers as to upwards trend for interstate CLICKING HERE. a hero and this has never been how to travel differently on the more the case than now,” he said. other side and the travel agent Industry epiphany Royal tripled for 22 “Even now, the way travel plays the biggest part,” he said. for ScoMo, Tehan ROYAL Caribbean International agents are communicating with “You can also create a (RCI) will sail three ships in local PRIME Minister Scott Morrison their customers to keep them conversation with your customers waters in 2022/23, including two and Tourism Minister Dan Tehan abreast of what’s happening that transcends travel, right now Quantum class vessels. have suddenly appeared to see about things like vaccines, getting you can’t sell them anything Ovation of the Seas and the light, with the PM yesterday people to be ready to travel again outside of domestic but you can Radiance of the Seas will sail telling Parliament that “one and creating those conversations create dialogues...keep them up- from Sydney, while Ovation’s of the key things we’ve been to get people to feel safe again, to-date with what’s happening, sister ship Quantum of the Seas working on with the tourism and that is really how the travel agent instead of reading headline will sail from the new Brisbane travel sector is to ensure that becomes instrumental in the news, read a scientific report and International Cruise Terminal, the discounted flights that have relaunch,” Poon Tip added. disseminate that information offering more South Pacific been made available in the new When asked about the plight of to your customers in terms of sailings across the school holidays travel package will be combined travel agents in Australia and NZ the rebound...be that source of than ever before. with other product packages, and the likelihood of the sector information and provide light and Bookings for the season, which packaged up together, and emerging from the crisis much comfort to get people to want to sails from Oct 2022, will open distributed and sold through the smaller than when the pandemic travel again.” on Thu, with the three ships to travel agent network”. began, the G Adventures chief Poon Tip added that global offer 66 two-to-19-night cruises That’s somewhat different to said it could represent a number surveys conducted by G to ports throughout Australia, as the rhetoric used during the of potential advantages. Adventures also showed the well as Fiji, New Caledonia, New announcement of the $1.2 billion “I just see opportunity and crisis had served to spike demand Zealand and Vanuatu. package, when consumers were upside, there’s going to be the for international travel, with The season also features more told to go directly to airlines to same amount of travellers but 59% of respondents suggesting two- or three-night weekend book the Govt-backed fares. less sellers of travel, that is going they wanted to head overseas samplers than previously. Tehan also backed the new to be a huge opportunity for the more than they did before For further information, call messaging, saying “we want to industry,” Poon Tip said. the pandemic, however 77% 1800 754 500. “Not necessarily for me as I will indicated they were yet to book make sure that we’re providing have less points-of-sale, I have to their next overseas holiday, with the support that travel agents be concerned about that but for 69% stating border closures to need in this country...we want to Edwards to Explore you as an agent...there will be a be the primary reason for not make sure that we can carry as FORMER NRMA Tourism and great opportunity for the travel making that booking right now. many travel agents through this Leisure Holdings sales chief industry when there are less MEANWHILE Poon Tip’s free pandemic as we possibly can. Michael Edwards has been agents and the same amount of online book Unlearn: The Year “One of the key designs of our appointed the MD of adventure product & customers,” he added. the Earth Stood Still is available discounted flights is that we tourism specialist Explore. Poon Tip also believes the trade for download, with a vision of want to encourage Australians to London-based Edwards, whose is playing a vital role right now what tourism may look like on the book them through their travel career has also included senior during the travel shutdown in other side of the pandemic. agents...I say to all Australians: roles in Europe with Intrepid terms of nurturing relationships Written while in isolation back do your patriotic duty and get out and G Adventures, will report to with travellers and priming them in Apr 2020, the book (pictured) there and book your discounted Joe Ponte, now CEO of Explore’s for future trips. is available at unlearn.travel. flights through your travel agent”. parent firm Hotelplan UK. Travel Daily e [email protected] t 1300 799 220 w www.traveldaily.com.au page 3 Friday 19th March 2021 Be inspired and inspire your clients by following Travel & Cruise Weekly on Instagram @travelcruiseweekly

CORPORATE UPDATE ©SATC/Lydon O’Keefe FCM integrates 4D Consulting One Rudd worth a thousand words FOLLOWING the completion meetings and events programs of the merger of Flight Centre that run alongside their travel Travel Group’s (FCTG) meetings & programs,” said Elf. events brand cievents into FCM “Additionally, large market Meetings & Events (TD 07 Oct clients will often look to a 2020), FCTG has also revealed consultant when they need in- 4D Consulting will integrate with depth or complex work carried FCM Australia. out by a team that is structured The move will see the entity for and highly experienced in operate as FCM Consulting, travel program deep diving. creating another specialist “From a customer’s perspective, division within FCM Australia. they can expect a smoother The transition of the two brands and more cohesive approach will boost the businesses’ client to holistic travel program servicing capabilities, and opens management because of the door to customers looking improved accessibility and LAST week 1000 Mile Travel “The ability for example, to for new opportunities to create integrated systems between our Group welcomed AFTA CEO be able to share the frontline efficiencies and drive value on business divisions. Darren Rudd for a one-on-one reality from agents and member their travel spend. Elf added the change will catch up to discuss the ongoing businesses in Kooyong, the It also presents new avenues provide added flexibility for impact of the COVID-19 pandemic Federal Treasurer’s electorate, for customers keen to drive clients to tap into the expertise on the corporate travel sector. should not be underestimated in engagement and connect of these areas to harness further 1000 MTG MD Ben Ross and co- boosting our case,” he said. with their employees or other program efficiencies. founder Nicola Veltman (pictured stakeholders through innovative The most recent merger follows with Darren Rudd) were able to meeting and event solutions. FCM’s announcement of an end- relate how their business had FCM Australia General Manager to-end rebrand (TD 10 Mar). pivoted over the last 12 months, AVAILABLE Melissa Elf welcomed the and what they believe is needed ON THE expansion, and said the new Travelport’s first moving forward for the industry, operational structure was a the company and home-based TRAVEL DAILY logical and exciting step forward Qantas NDC trips travel agents. for the travel group. IT’S now more than 18 months “Whilst it is challenging times, it TRAINING “It makes sense to have both since the global travel agency is very reassuring to know Darren ACADEMY these specialist services within community was forced to join the is hitting the pavement drumming the FCM brand, with many of Qantas Channel, and Travelport up support to keep as many ‘HUB’ our clients also having sizeable is now finally celebrating its very agents and agencies in business first NDC booking with the carrier. as he can,” Ross said. GBTA backs vax The first QF NDC tickets to be “The strong united message MEMBERS of the Global issued via Travelport’s Smartpoint which Darren is across is Business Travel Association desktop were booked by “early domestic borders need to stay (GBTA) have overwhelmingly adopters” ATPI and Maxim’s open, grants distributed quickly backed vaccination passports as a Travel, with the first passenger and fairly without so much red means of enabling employees to on an NDC booking flying from tape, lobbying the government safely resume business travel. Sydney to Melbourne yesterday. into 2021/22 to understand the The outcome of the From next month the platform plight of the travel agent, lessons organisation’s 17th COVID-19 poll will roll out to other Travelport learnt from COVID-19 in the last found two thirds of members connected agents, offering key 12 months and what we need to and stakeholders believe servicing functions including do moving forward,” he added. implementing Digital Health refunds, automated exchangers “We live in a new world of travel Verification to open travel and and schedule changes. where travel companies and reduce the need for mandatory QF Executive Manager Global travel experts are needed more quarantine is a good policy. Sales & Distribution, Igor than ever...we will keep fighting Those who were against the Kwiatkowski, said “despite the and we will survive.” idea were mostly opposed on the significant impact of COVID on In an AFTA member update this basis of privacy concerns. airlines globally, Qantas remains morning (see page one) Rudd The poll also found rising committed to progressing our noted the importance of the optimism among the industry as NDC program with our key Federation’s Meet The Member

vaccines roll out. partners like Travelport”. visits to gather stories. ©Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer Travel Daily e [email protected] t 1300 799 220 w www.traveldaily.com.au page 4 Pub quiz 1. Las Vegas’ Bellagio was built on the site of what demolished hotel-casino? 2. The Brooklyn Bridge spans which waterway? Friday 19th March 2021 3. Which London landmark sits on Ludgate Hill? a) Big Ben b) Tower of London Icon under a microscope c) St Paul’s Cathedral 4. Which was the first Australian city to be lit by hydroelectricity? 5. What is the largest island in the Bass Strait? 6. What golf course is rated as Australia’s top public access course? 7. After Slovaks, which is the second most-represented ethnic group in Slovakia? 8. Which four countries have territory in the region know as Fennoscandia? 9. Melville and Bathurst Islands are part of which island group? 10. True or false: Japan is one of the world’s 10 most populous countries? A-maze-ing CAN you find your way through this maze? Start at the top right and finish in the bottom left.

THIS landmark is iconic and this landmark by one name, that easily recognisable when you see is actually the nickname of the the whole picture, but can you bell inside this tower. identify it from this small portion It is actually called Elizabeth of the image? Tower and is built in a neo-Gothic Despite most people referring to style and stands 96m tall.

Test your knowledge FOR travel, flying is a key part of our industry, and it’s also full of symbols and acronyms. Agents have to know airport codes, airline codes, airline liveries and more. How well do you know the aviation industry? Do you know what airports these codes stand for, and what plane liveries are pictured?

AIRLINE LIVERIES ANSWERS 18 MAR 1 3 Pub quiz: 1 Richmond, 2 April, 3 Cobbold Gorge, 4 Survivor, 5 Spirit of the Outback, 6 Charleville, 7 26, 8 Barcaldine, 9 Cloncurry, 10 Longreach Where in the world: Australian Age of Dinosaurs, Winton, Queensland, Australia Whose animal is this: Markhor - Pakistan Know your brands: 1 Adelaide Airport, 2 Reddit, 3 Oroton, 4 Caltex

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Friday 19th March 2021 CX ticks digital trial Pre- and post-trends CATHAY Pacific is pursuing the BOOKING.COM has revealed adoption of digital travel passes, the top 20 destinations in having completed its latest trial of Australia, both pre-pandemic and the technology on a Hong Kong- now, comparing how demand Los Angeles flight on Mon. has shifted since international Flight CX880’s pilots and borders closed 12 months ago. cabin crew volunteered to trial In good news for Australian CommonPass, which involved a destinations struggling to attract pre-departure rapid PCR test to travellers due to uncertainty over SKAL International Perth Inducting five new members on personalise the technology. state border closures, escapes gathered for cocktails and the night, attendees also took a CommonPass includes a from urban life remain at the top canapes at the newly refurbished tour of the hotel to soak up the traveller’s name, document of the list, with beach locales Parmelia Hilton Perth last Thu. Parmelia Perth’s new look. number, and negative COVID-19 such as Port Douglas, Airlie Beach The evening also marked PCR test confirmation, as and Port Macquarie dominating. Aman refresh the first event presided over required by authorities. Sunshine Coast town by 2021 Club President Owen AMAN Resorts has unveiled a MEANWHILE, Korean Air Mooloolaba enjoyed the same Frankhouser, who is pictured new website to offer visitors a will trial the International Air amount of search demand last with last year’s President Nicola more streamlined browsing and Transport Association’s Travel month as New York City did in Feb Strudwick from Travellers Choice, booking experience. Pass on the airline’s Incheon- last year, while the NSW coastal and Tourism Western Australia The project has been part of a Los Angeles KE011 flight in May, city of Coffs Harbour equalled the Exec Director Industry Aviation & company-wide digital overhaul, which will be preceded by an search demand seen by Tokyo Markets Carolyn Turnbull. internal test. before the shutdown. aiming to revise Aman’s online presence, driven by a mobile-first e-commerce style. EU travel pass TRAVEL SPECIALS The website will also facilitate THE European Commission is WELCOME to Travel Specials, Travel Daily’s Friday the integration of other verticals proposing to create a Digital Green feature. If your firm has released a travel special you’d like to make the where necessary in the future, Certificate to facilitate safe free industry aware of, send the details to [email protected] including the e-commerce Aman movement inside the European Shop, Aman Residences & more. Union as it emerges from the A Tasmanian earlybird sale is currently available with World Expeditions. COVID-19 pandemic. Deals are valid for the company’s 2021-22 adventures for those booking Wine not join us? The program will be available to before 16 Apr, and travelling between 01 Oct 2021 and 30 Apr 2022. For both vaccinated and unvaccinated more information, call 1300 720 000. AUSTRALIAN wine guide Halliday Wine Companion has citizens, covering three types The deal of the week from Viking is its In Search of the Northern Lights launched the inaugural Halliday of certificates providing proof itinerary. The 13-day trip, priced from $6,995 per person, includes Barnbougle Cup. of vaccination, recovery from savings up to $1,000 per couple when booked before the end of the Running from 14-16 May, the COVID-19 and/or negative test month. For additional information, phone Viking on 138 747. luxury wine and golfing getaway results. Book a cruise with Virgin Voyages and get 10% off your cruise and up to pairs fine oenology with a golfing It will be available free of charge $400 onboard credit. Cruisers can also currently get an extra $100 credit experience at Barnbougle’s the in digital or paper format, and when pre-purchasing a bar tab. Valid for bookings made by the end of the Dunes and Lost Farm in Tas, one will include a QR code to ensure month. CLICK HERE to book now. of Australia’s top golf courses. security and authenticity. Guests booking with Norwegian Cruise Line can enjoy US$2,900 of Guests will enjoy a four-course The Commission will build a added value on their future European holiday with the cruise line’s food and wine masterclass gateway to ensure all certificates Take 5 offer. Passengers can choose from a free beverage package, a complete with matched highly can be verified across the Union, free specialty dining package, a free shore excursion credit, a free wi-fi rated wines - for more info see and support members in its package and more - CLICK HERE to book now. winecompanion.com.au. technical implementation.

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EDITORIAL ADVERTISING AND MARKETING Suite 1, Level 2, 64 Talavera Rd Editor in Chief and Publisher – Bruce Piper Sean Harrigan and Hoda Alzubaidi Macquarie Park NSW 2113 Australia Associate Editors – Adam Bishop, [email protected] PO Box 1010 Epping NSW 1710 Australia www.traveldaily.com.au Myles Stedman Tel: 1300 799 220 (+61 2 8213 6350) Travel Daily is part of the Business Contributors – Nicholas O’Donoghue, BUSINESS MANAGER Publishing Group family of Jenny Piper Jenny Piper Travel Daily operates by paid subscription business events news publications. [email protected] [email protected] to people within the travel industry - sign Produced each weekday since up at www.traveldaily.com.au. 1994, Travel Daily is Australia’s Travel Daily is a publication of TDaily Pty Ltd ABN 34 108 508 765. All content fully protected by copyright. Please obtain written permission to reproduce any material. While every care has been taken in the preparation of Travel leading travel industry publication. Daily no liability can be accepted for errors or omissions. Information is published in good faith to stimulate independent investigation of the matters canvassed. Responsibility for editorial comment is taken by Bruce Piper. Travel Daily e [email protected] t 1300 799 220 w www.traveldaily.com.au page 6