Grab yourself a coffee and catch up on today’s news in brief – the latest updates from the industry and everything you need to know in bite-size pieces.
ATIA’s call for government support for travel ecosystem
The Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) is calling on the Federal Government to ensure that any support package for Rex Airlines includes compensation for the wider travel ecosystem.
ATIA says that many travel agents are currently out of pocket with significant amounts outstanding and owed by Rex Airlines and that these travel professionals are now also doing all they can to support those travelling Australians impacted by Rex entering voluntary administration.
ATIA has formally written to Federal Transport Minister the Hon Catherine King, seeking financial support for its members affected by this development, both financially and in terms of additional work supporting Australian consumers who have Rex bookings.
“Given the current situation, we urge the Federal Government to extend any financial support beyond the airline itself to include the wider travel ecosystem, which is now picking up the pieces. Many Travel agents have been left with substantial outstanding amounts as a result of booking with Rex Airlines for clients. On top of the financial exposure is the significant increase in workload as they work to help those who have now found themselves stuck and those who have booked with Rex for future travel,” said ATIA CEO Dean Long.
“Financial assistance is crucial to help travel businesses manage this difficult period, and we are hopeful the Federal Government will understand that. We had a very productive meeting with Transport Minister Catherine King earlier this week, and she understands how the Travel eco-system works.
“Rex Airlines has been a lifeline for much of regional and rural Australia, ensuring these communities stay connected to the rest of the country. Rex’s entry into administration is a significant blow not just for these areas but also for the competitive landscape of Australian aviation. We remain hopeful that Rex is able to navigate this challenging period and emerge to trade again. In the meantime, your travel professional is doing everything they can to work through your options.”
Club InterContinental now open at InterContinental Auckland
InterContinental Auckland, part of the IHG Hotels & Resorts Luxury and Lifestyle portfolio, has announced the opening of Club InterContinental, with sweeping views of the Waitematā Harbour.
Guests of Club InterContinental will receive exclusive benefits such as personalised check in and check out, dedicated concierge service and will also receive welcome drinks, all day light refreshments, turndown service between 5-8pm and a complimentary garment press for 2 pieces. All Club InterContinental guests will receive an in-room Byredo amenity. The Clubs menu have been curated by Gareth Stewart, Partner Chef of InterContinental Auckland and Advieh Restaurant and Bar and offers breakfast, afternoon tea and twilight canapes and beverages. The menu will provide a contemporary twist on Middle Eastern-inspired cuisine championing New Zealand’s finest produce and offering premium local and international beverages.
Club InterContinental access is exclusively available for guests staying in dedicated Club rooms and suites and is open from 6:30am to 10:30pm seven days a week.
To book or update your stay, guests can contact the reservations team prior to arrival to enquire about availability: reservations.icauckland@ihg.com
Tourism Fiji kicks off Showcase in Melbourne
The Tourism Fiji Showcase commenced in Melbourne on Tuesday night, with 120 attendees and 27 suppliers celebrating everything Fiji.
Attendees enjoyed live traditional Fijian dance performances, networking sessions complete with drinks and canapes, engaging presentations sharing the latest updates from Fiji, exciting giveaways and a Fiji Airways VIP lounge area.
TOP IMAGE: Meke entertainment (a traditional Fijian dance) is a regular itinerary event held at Blue Lagoon beach on Nanuya Island (Yasawa Region). Blue Lagoon Cruises runs multi-day cruise itineraries in the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands. The cruise is primarily adults-only/Tourism Fiji
NCL and TTC partner for trade events across AU and NZ
Norwegian Cruise Line – ‘European Rendezvous’ – taking place from 22 August to 13 November in nearly 100 locations across Australia and New Zealand.
There will be close to 50 dedicated events for trade partners, providing the opportunity to hear from the Sales Managers of NCL, Contiki, Trafalgar, Insight Vacations, Costsaver and Luxury Gold at these not-to-be-missed fully catered events. The consumer events are also designed to work in conjunction with trade partners who will be encouraged to attend and bring their clients along to inspire future travel plans. All events will feature exclusive offers, with spaces strictly limited.
The events will highlight immersive experiences on land and sea, showcasing top-selling tours and award-winning cruises in Europe in 2025. From Trafalgar’s Be My Guest and Insight Vacations Premium Experiences, to Luxury Gold’s Behind the Velvet Rope curated experiences and Costsaver’s Choice Experiences, agents will gain updates from TTC Tour Brands’ vast brand portfolio, as well as NCL’s extensive Europe collection which offers cruises from a choice of 13 ports across 10 ships ranging from 6 to 15 days.
Agents are encouraged to register for their nearest trade event. Register HERE for Australia or HERE for New Zealand.
CLIA releases Cruise360 Australasia program
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has released the full line-up of speakers and panellists for this year’s sold-out Cruise360 Australasia conference, bringing together a wealth of international expertise and local insight to help prime travel agents for success.
Under this year’s theme Embrace the Future, CLIA has created a program to inform, inspire, and equip agents so they can expand and grow their cruise business into the future. A total of 28 industry experts will take the stage in Sydney on August 30, including six international leaders flying in especially to share a global perspective.
State of the Industry Leaders Panel: Forces Shaping the Global and Australasian Cruise Market – insights from the regional heads of key international cruise lines.
Seizing the Potential: New-to-Cruise Trends and Insights – new data and insights into the untapped markets that will drive cruising’s future growth.
Leveraging the Experiential Travel Trend – a conversation with Silversea Senior Vice President, Expeditions & Itinerary Management, Conrad Combrink.
Beyond the Cruise: Harnessing the Potential of Immersive Pre- and Post-Cruise Experiences – how to increase the value of cruise bookings through creative pre/post opportunities.
Unlocking the Luxury Market: Strategies for Upselling and Maximising Opportunities – a conversation with TAUCK Global Vice President of Sales and Service, Steve Spivak.
#EmbraceTheFuture: Staying Competitive in the Rapidly Evolving Cruise Market – how emerging travel trends are changing the cruise industry, presenting new opportunities.
AI: Your Invisible Powerhouse – how to use AI like a personal assistant, allowing agents to work smarter and free up time for creativity.
