News in Brief: Thursday June 25
Travellers Choice member shareholders will congregate in capital cities across Australia next month for in-depth briefings on the retail group’s focus and strategic direction.
Led by Travellers Choice Chairman Trish Ridsdale and Chief Executive Christian Hunter, the annual meetings also provide members with an update on the company’s financial performance and an opportunity to discuss industry developments such as the newly introduced AFTA Travel Accreditation Scheme.
The meetings will kick off in Adelaide on July 2, followed by Melbourne on July 3, Sydney on July 4, Canberra on July 5, Brisbane on July 6 and Perth on July 8.
Alitalia and Etihad Airways have agreed the principal terms and conditions of a proposed transaction whereby the Abu Dhabi-based airline will acquire a 49% equity stake in Italy’s national carrier.
“The airlines will now move to finalise the transactional documents, that will include the agreed upon conditions, as soon as possible,” a statement said.
The conclusion of the investment is subject to final regulatory approvals.
Travel Counsellors has reported a 16% rise in new agents so far this year as compared with 2013, taking its Australian agent tally to nearly 120.
It attributed the growth to its continued focus on the support it offers to agents, which includes in-house technology that puts agents in control of the margin they make, giving them direct access to wholesalers and allowing them to tailor-make personalised travel itineraries for their customers.
SureSave has named the 101 winners of its launch incentive for its new rewards program Sure Rewards which earns agents points for each SureSave travel insurance sale they make, while also delivering online education, product information and training campaigns.
National sales director Talbot Henry said that more than 1,200 agents have joined Sure Rewards in the past four weeks, with the first 100 agents receiving 200 bonus points and one lucky agent receiving 10,000 points.
“As of yesterday, our 100 winners have been notified via email and I am pleased to announce that Barry Cutmore at National Travel Bendigo has been selected as the major prize winner. Congratulations to Barry,” Henry said.
Sure Rewards has also been offering bonus points to all agents who have sold five or more SureSave policies in June, with winners to be announced shortly.
Travelmarvel has enhanced its Russia River Cruising program for 2015 with the addition of six full charters on the newly refurbished ms Yesenin, new land and rail journeys and a range of new Insider Experiences.
According to Travelmarvel general manager David Cox, the increased program will help the operator better cater to increased demand.
“Russia is a popular destination for our guests and last year we sold all our product in record time," he said.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
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