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.
Ponant’s new July & August Roadshow dates
Ponant has announced a second wave of Australian roadshows from 23 July to 6 August, avisiting Brisbane, Noosa, Gold Coast, Sydney, Adelaide in July, and Perth and Melbourne in August.
Through discussions and first-hand experiences, Ponant experts will spotlight destinations and offer comprehensive insights into the luxury fleet of vessels. Discussion topics will encompass various aspects including stateroom and suite categories, gastronomic offerings and the unique lifestyle experienced onboard and ashore. Naturalist, Geologist and Expedition Leader, Sebastian Jones will attend all roadshow events to share his expertise and highlights from recent Ponant expeditions and upcoming itineraries.
Agents can invite their clients HERE or register online and add your clients as ‘guests’ to the session of your choice.
SAA and Avis partner for re-launch of Perth route
Avis has partnered with South African Airways (SAA) for the relaunch of the airline’s Perth route, with the car rental company offering passengers flying the new route between Perth and South Africa 10% off their car rental when landing on South African soil.
Customers can redeem their 10% discount by visiting the Avis website and entering their travel details, with the promo code (AWD) conveniently embedded in the form. The promotion is valid exclusively until 31 August 2024, subject to availability, and with the travel period being valid until 31 October 2024.
The discount is non-transferable and cannot be exchanged for cash or other rewards.
QantasLink lands in Hobart with announcement of a new Qantas Club at the airport
Qantas and Jetstar have announced a new long-term commercial agreement with Hobart Airport, which will see Qantas invest in a new lounge in the Tassie capital, as the Qantas Group’s first Airbus A220 aircraft arrived in Tasmania yesterday.
The inaugural Melbourne to Hobart service landed in Hobart at 11:20am and was operated by the QantasLink A220 aircraft named Minyma Kutjara Tjukurpa that features the artwork of senior Pitjantjatjara artist Maringka Baker and depicts the Dreaming story of two sisters who traverse remote Australia together, covering vast distances to find their way home.
The Qantas Group’s A220s will steadily replace QantasLink’s long-serving fleet of Boeing 717s as part of the Qantas Group’s domestic fleet renewal program and will operate up to 26 flights per week between Melbourne and Hobart.
The A220 will also begin operating on the Melbourne-Launceston route from 12 November 2024.
Expected to open in 2027, the new Qantas Club at Hobart Airport will have almost double the current capacity and showcase Tasmanian produce.
Celestyal’s plans for cruising the Arabian Gulf
Celestyal has announced new programs for 2025, 2026 and early 2027 including an expansion into the Arabian Gulf during the winter season which will see both ships cruising year-round for the first time.
The cruise line’s newest ship, Celestyal Discovery, will chase the sun to the Arabian Gulf for its first winter season from 2025, joining Celestyal Journey, which makes its debut in the region this November.
During its maiden Arabian Gulf season in 2025, Celestyal Discovery will homeport in Abu Dhabi and offer rotating three- and four-night itineraries, which can be combined into a seven-night sailing. The cruises will operate from November to March 2025-2026 and 2026-2027, and visit ports in Oman, Dubai, Qatar and the spectacular wildlife sanctuary on Sir Bani Yas Island.
As part of a three-year partnership with the region, Celestyal Journey will homeport from Doha for the next three winter seasons, operating a seven-day ‘Desert Days’ itinerary, which commences on November 9, 2024, with maiden calls to Khasab (Oman), Dubai, Sir Bani Yas Island (UAE), Abu Dhabi and Khalifa Bin Salman (Bahrain). Guests can choose to start and end their cruise in Doha or Dubai, with a popular overnight option offered in Dubai. Celestyal Journey will also offer special sailings to coincide with the Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
To launch the new programs, Celestyal is offering early booking savings of around 50 per cent until August 31, 2024, on new Arabian Gulf* bookings across the 2024 to 2027 programs, and over 200 Greek and Mediterranean departures across 2025 and 2026. Further discounts of 30 per cent are also available for third and fourth guests sharing a cabin.
Agents can visit the Celestyal trade portal, contact a local Celestyal business development representative or call 1800 648 737.
T&Cs apply
TOP IMAGE: Celestyal Discovery – Abu Dhabi (render)
