A NEW partnership promises to make travel more financially flexible for Aussie holidaymakers.
You can now book travel with Expedia through a co-branded experience in the Afterpay app and select the option to pay in four interest-free instalments.
Afterpay’s Pay in 4′ product lets travellers spread their payment over six-to-eight weeks with zero interest.
Whether planning a family holiday, booking a business trip, or taking the trip of a lifetime, Aussies can browse and book Expedia Group’s global supply of more than three million properties around the world.
This collaboration reaffirms our commitment to growing and enhancing the traveller experience through cutting-edge technologies, empowering our partners to deliver great experiences to their customers and drive customer loyalty, said Clayton Nelson, Vice President, Strategic Partnerships & Affiliates, Expedia Group.
Hotels.com is also now available via the Afterpay app, allowing travellers to pay for their hotel stays with Afterpay.
Establishing a partnership with Expedia Group is a substantial stride towards offering our Australian customers an affordable and responsible payment option for higher-priced purchases like travel, said Katrina Konstas, EVP and Country Manager ANZ, Afterpay.
GAME CHANGER IS HERE FOR YOU
A NEW one-stop-shop for advisors is being hailed as a game changer for travel agents.
Global independent network 1000 Mile Travel Group has just launched a new platform called The Hub’.
It is designed to give agents access to a comprehensive range of up-to-date tools, training and resources, and offers greater opportunities to expand their networks and connections while receiving more support to build their businesses.
The Hub is a game-changer for 1000MTG advisors, providing them with easy access to essential resources in a single, secure platform, said Ben Ross, CEO and Co-founder.
With a wide array of features and functionalities, it enables advisors to streamline their workflow, connect with a network of more than 750 fellow advisors and staff worldwide, and stay informed about the latest updates.
Key features of The Hub’ include:
- Comprehensive Resource Centre: It contains training materials and on-demand video content, presentations and business-building resources.
- Global Networking Opportunities: The Hub facilitates connections among 1000MTG advisors and staff worldwide. Through private groups and forums, advisors can engage in meaningful conversations, share best practices and forge valuable relationships with like-minded professionals, expanding their network and fostering a sense of community.
- Real-time Notifications and Activity Stream: Advisors will never miss an important update or announcement with The Hub’s real-time notification system. An activity stream, personal profile notifications and email digests keeps them informed about the latest discussions, event and incentives.
To celebrate the launch, 1000MTG will introduce events, incentives and professional development opportunities on an ongoing basis.
These exclusive offerings aim to reward advisors for their hard work and dedication while fostering engagement and motivation.
We’re committed to equipping our advisors with the best tools and resources to thrive in the competitive travel industry and this is like having our own travel advisory powerhouse right at our fingertips! This platform reaffirms our dedication to their success, said Nicola Veltman, CEO and Co-founder of 1000MTG.
AUSTRIAN FAREWELL CAPTURED ON CANVAS
A PAINTING class was the rather unusual backdrop as one tourism board brought down the curtain on its permanent presence in Australia.
What had originally been billed as a promotion for the Salzkammergut region of Austria turned into a farewell for Kathrina Denk, who is returning home after working for the national tourist office in Sydney for the past seven years.
I am sad to leave such a fantastic industry, but I am excited to spend time with family and friends in Austria, Kathrina told Traveltalk.
Kathrina will be replaced by Lilly Freudmayer, who will become a Roving Market Representative’ based in Asia. The Sydney office will close and Lilly will take up her new role as Market Representative Australia & Southeast Asia on December 1.
I am thrilled about the new challenges and opportunities this role will bring. I look forward to getting to know the Australian market, share my knowledge and keep our strong partnerships with the industry, said Lilly.
Australia has bounced back strongly from the travel restrictions of COVID and is Austria’s best performing market within the Asia-Pacific region so far this year.
Some destinations within Austria have been particularly blessed with an influx of Australian visitors, such as Innsbruck with a 17 per cent increase of overnights compared to 2019 pre-pandemic levels.
ANTO will remain committed to the Australian market after making a fantastic recovery. During the pandemic we realised that the digitalisation offers many advantages and flexibility, said Emanuel Lehner-Telic, Head of Market Asia Pacific.
Lilly will regularly come to Australia to maintain ANTO’s relationships with the local travel industry and our valuable partners.
Some of those partners were at the painting class held at Pinot & Picasso in Sydney where it was revealed that Salzkammergut will be the European Capital of Culture 2024.
Known for its lakes, heritage and culture, the region is also famous for salt production, hence the promotional tag line Culture is the new salt.’ Areas highlighted to visit included Bad Ischl, Gmunden on Lake Traunsee, Lake Attersee and Lake Altaussee.
For the first time in the history of the European Capital of Culture award it’s been given to a region rather than a city, said Kathrina.
TRAVEL LADIES WHO LUNCH ARE BACK
ONE OF the most celebrated events in the Australian travel industry is back!
The International Women’s Day Lunch will take place in Brisbane on March 7, 2024.
Staged by the Council of Australian Tour Operators (CATO), the event will be held at the Calile Hotel, one of the world’s top 50 hotels.
The lunch is dedicated to recognising the contributions of CATO’s female members who are at the forefront of reshaping the travel and tourism industry.
“We are looking forward to hearing invaluable insights, personal stories and experiences that promise to ignite inspiration among all in attendance, aligning perfectly with the theme of IWD 2024, said Brett Jardine, Managing Director of CATO.
Tickets are $135 for the three-course lunch, which is being sponsored by The Travel Corporation.
“Embodying The Travel Corporation’s unwavering dedication to empowering women and our deep commitment to fostering meaningful connections through our transformative Make Travel Matter experiences worldwide, we are proud to sponsor the CATO International Women’s Day lunch, said Toni Ambler, Managing Director of TTC Tour Brands, and Ben Hall CEO of AAT Kings in a joint statement.
It’s a fantastic occasion to celebrate the remarkable achievements of women within the touring sector while eagerly anticipating a bright future for our emerging leaders.
