1) Aus visa policies inhibiting travel
Image: Tourism Australia
Australia is missing out on the full potential of visitors into the country due to strict visa regulations, according to The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) President and CEO David Scowsill. The WTTC unveiled its 2014 Annual Economic Impact Report for Australia today, and is urging Australian Government to extend e-visas to high spending Asian travellers. The report revealed a disappointing year for economic contribution to Australia’s travel and tourism, growing by just 1.7 percent in 2013. “The Australian Government can’t afford to rest on its laurels and needs to take decisive action to grow Travel & Tourism’s economic slice,” Mr Scowsill pointed out. WTTC predicts that Travel & Tourism in Australia will grow by only 2.7 percent in 2014.
2) Follow in Mandela’s footsteps
Tourists from around the world are encouraged to travel to South Africa to walk in former President Nelson Mandela’s footsteps. The launch of the ‘Madiba Inspired Tourist Attractions’ travel map by South Africa’s Minister of Tourism Marthinus van Schalkwyk honors the passing of the nation’s first democratically elected president, Nelson Mandela. His passing in December 2013 sparked a global outpouring of grief, and the map is a reflective journey which travellers can embark on in his memory.
3) Noosa named as top beach
The Sunshine Coast has been named on TripAdvisors ‘Top 25 Beaches in Australia’ for 2014, with Noosa Beach ranking number nine. The accolade follows TripAdvisor also naming the Noosa Farmers Market as the number one market in Australia, and nearby Eumundi Markets as number three. Sunshine Coast Destination Ltd Chief Executive Officer Mr Simon Ambrose said “theseTripAdvisor awards highlight that the Sunshine Coast offers a wide range of outstanding attractions
4) Review needed on high costs of Syd Airport rail
The high cost of travel on Sydney Airport trains is forcing tourists and workers off the rails according to Tourism Accommodation Australia (TAA). TAA is calling on the NSW Government to accept recommendations to provide concessions for those people travelling by train to the Sydney Airport precinct. An average taxi fare from Sydney CBD to the airport is $26, but by comparison a single fare for three passengers on the Airport Link is $47.70. This cost is pushing people into taxis or private vehicles which in turn clog up the roads. The concessional fares for workers and groups utilising the Airport Link suggests a reduction in congestion between the city and airport.
5) Gov funding to boost MEA Academy
Much-needed NSW Government funds have been injected into the Australian Events Academy, the training arm of Meetings & Events Australia (MEA). In a boost for the local events industry, the financial assistance comes after ongoing lobbying from MEA over concerns the industry was facing a skills shortage. MEA chief executive officer Linda Gaunt said “Such sizeable funding will enable employees over numerous regions in NSW the opportunity to undertake education to assist them with their future career aspirations within the industry.”
6) Mississippi River Cruises
Experience the
picturesque waterways of the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers America America of
the pioneers, the America St. Louis , MO
or Cincinnati , OH
with stops at the River Heritage Museum
in Paducah , Cave-in-Rock
State Park , and Churchill Downs in Louisville , KY.
7) GA non-stop JKT to AMS
For the first time in Garuda Indonesia’s history, the airline will operate non-stop flight from Jakarta to Amsterdam. Launching 30 May 2014, the Dutch city will act as a hub for Europe and beyond, and service London Gatwick through Amsterdam from 8 September 2014. The flight will be serviced by the airline’s Boeing 777, giving passengers the choice to then access 1,064 destinations in 178 countries served by the SkyTeam member airlines.
8) Adventure World Un-Cruise Incentive
Agents can book their way onto an Un-Cruise Adventure in Alaska or Hawaii with the release of Adventure World’s Un-Cruise Adventure Incentive. Simply make a booking on any Un-Cruise Adventure product featured in the Adventure World 2014 Canada, Alaska and USA brochure between 1 and 31 March to go in the draw. The winner will receive a cabin for two people on-board any of the Un-Cruises vessels in Alaska or Hawaii. An alternative to traditional cruises, Un-Cruise Adventures takes guests into areas inaccessible to large ships with a variety of travel styles. The more bookings you make, the more chances you have to win.
9) Get to Olso cheaper with EK
Celebrating the launch of Emirates one-stop flight to Oslo, Australian travellers can get to the Norwegian capital cheaper with the release of special airfares. Starting from just $2031 return in economy class ex Perth, Emirates sale fares are valid for ticketing from now until 31 March 2014. Passengers can travel on these fares between 1 September and 30 November, with some blackout periods applicable.
11) DriveAway with the Peugeot leasing sale
There has never been a better time to drive Europe in style, as DriveAway Holidays’ launches its 30 Day Peugeot Leasing Sale. The sale includes deals of up to 15 free days on select Peugeot 208 models for just 30 days, when collecting before 30 September. The popular leasing program is ideal for longer durations of between 21 days – 175 days as it often works out cheaper than car rental. The 30 Day Sale ends 15th April 2014.
12) Rocky Mountaineer launch incentive
Want to experience the Rocky Mountaineers new Costal Passage Route yourself? Then all agents need to do is book their clients on the new route for an entry into the incentive to win a trip for themselves. From now until 31 May 2014, every qualifying Rocky Mountaineer vacation package booked, including the Coastal Passage route will go into a monthly draw for a chance to win a trip for two on a three day Coastal Passage journey in the award-winning GoldLeaf Service. The prize will also include one night accommodation in Vancouver and Kamloops.
Was sourced from carryon
