The travel year in review 2016
The year that was, and one that most would rather forget, is finally nearing an end. So what made headlines in 2016?
The big agencies dominated news coverage this year, with plenty to talk about at Helloworld after a number of high-level executive exits were made, rather on par with CEO Andrew Burnes’ strategy. He may be on to something, with solid results posted in June and Burnes saying it was a time of “evolution” for the agency group.
Meanwhile, Flight Centre management stayed steady and it appeared happier times were part of the global giant’s future, particularly by those were lucky enough to score a ticket to Global in Singapore which was heralded by many as its best yet. However, despite posting a hefty profit (though lower than FY15), it ended the year on a sour note after losing its long-standing court battle with the ACCC over airfare prices dating back to 2005-2009.
On the corporate front, CTM, QBT and FCm all ticked along well, while the cruise industry was a big winner for many agencies, despite cruise lines continuing to argue about the lack of infrastructure holding it back.
Ovation of the Seas, the largest ship to be stationed in Australia arrived down under amid fanfare this week. It will shake up the scene as it pushed Carnival off its perch – with Royal Caribbean taking the crown as the cruise line with the most to offer for Aussie clients, with more ships here than any other line.
Meanwhile, river and expedition cruising received a push upstream with announcements of new innovations, vessels and fancy new toys expected to line the waterways in a couple of years.
For the airlines, Chinese carriers dominated headlines, and for a while it seemed like a new carrier we’d never heard of from some small province in China commenced services to Australia each week. Tourism Australia, hotels and every inbound operator were expectantly pleased with what was happening in the Australian skies.
Top destinations shifted slightly, with Cuba and Sri Lanka continuing to climb higher on everyone’s bucket list, while regular favourites like Bali, Thailand, the US and Canada all did well out of the Aussie market. The UK endured Brexit, but tourists rejoiced in the aftermath on the back of the cheaper pound, making travel (and shopping) much more attractive than in recent years.
Closer to home, Travel Weekly knocked out some pretty fantastic events (if we do say so ourselves). The second Travel DAZE drew a record crowd – and featured a keynote from the Tourism Minister in what unfortunately ended up being one of his last public appearances.
The sold-out inaugural Women in Travel Awards (WIT) was another highlight, shining the spotlight on the talent that makes up some 70% of the travel industry. Former NSW Premier Kristina Keneally delivered a riveting keynote at WIT which continues to dominate office chatter and email banter as the year winds up.
Which leads to this year’s biggest upset, which while not a local one, nor directly travel related, had to be the US Presidential election result. While a sense of foreboding has already sunk in for the January inauguration, all are waiting with bated breath on the outcome of ‘Trumpageddon’ and its affect on the travel and tourism industries here, and abroad. Politics aside, Travel Weekly staff are always open to free hotel nights, even if it’s for stays at Trump Hotels.
So there it is, the travel industry in 2016 in a nutshell. I’m sure we’ve missed some key events that directly impacted your business, so feel free to share those in the comments section below.
And to close, what made the top stories for the January to December 2016 period? Here’s our list, and while you’re enjoying the trip down memory lane, we’ll wish you a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Now, we’re off to the pub, and then on to many wonderful travel destinations for the break and will be back flooding your inboxes from January 9, 2017.
The Travel Weekly team
Top 10 ranking stories of 2016
- http://www.travelweekly.com.au/article/sabre-to-snap-up-flight-centre/
- http://www.travelweekly.com.au/article/wave-of-change-continues-over-at-helloworld/
- http://www.travelweekly.com.au/article/wave-of-change-continues-over-at-helloworld
- http://www.travelweekly.com.au/article/talktalkbnb-offers-free-accommodation-for-conversation/
- http://www.travelweekly.com.au/article/travel-weeklys-women-in-travel-awards-finalists-revealed/
- http://www.travelweekly.com.au/article/hold-onto-your-hats-its-the-women-in-travel-power-list/
- http://www.travelweekly.com.au/article/helloworld-com-au-ceo-departure/
- http://www.travelweekly.com.au/article/helloworld-launches-new-affiliate-program/
- http://www.travelweekly.com.au/article/getaway-escapes-and-its-director-charges-reach-325000/
- http://www.travelweekly.com.au/article/burnes-shares-his-helloworld-vision/
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
2016 The year in review tourism travel industryLatest News
Linkd appoints Carolyn Nightingale and Lawson Dibb to new roles
Linkd Tourism sings praises of Carolyn Nightingale and dubs Lawson Dibb as Kyushu Tourism Office guru.
Celebrity Ascent makes its European debut
Choosing to cruise this northern summer? Celebrity Ascent promises to raise the bar.
NCL opens sales for Norwegian Sun’s APAC debut, announces 14 new voyages
It was to be 13 new voyages we heard, but given the numbers unlucky nature, an extra had to be thought up.
Inside Travel Group appoints Tom Welland Global Trade Marketing Manager
Heidi's Tom Welland heads to Inside Travel Group as its new Global Trade Marketing Manager.
Federal Government rolls out $1.4m program to promote careers in tourism across regional NSW
The Government taking a break from some of its pointier issues with some work in our incredible industry!
Australian visitors to South Korea surge
Japanned out? Aussies are adding South Korea to their bucket list.
G Adventures celebrates Dr. Jane Goodall’s 90th with new wildlife-focused trips
Fancy yourself as a bit of a conservationist? Put your skills to the test on the Jane Goodall collection.
Virgin Australia says suspended flights to Bali result of Boeing MAX delays
If only we had a company like Boeing to blame our mistakes on. Any takers? Get in touch!
Airline Review: Singapore Airlines Business Class – A380-800
The iconic Singapore Airlines' A380-800 is in a class of its own - business class that is.
South African Airways to relaunch Joburg – Perth flights as economic ties strengthen
Bringing two of the world's most distinctive accents closer together, for good or for bad is yet to be determined.
My journey: Before becoming a travel agent I was… a palliative care nurse
Australind Travel & Cruise, Travellers Choice member Saibra Twigg reveals her life as paediatric nurse then to palliative care before a career leap to travel agent. How did you become a palliative care nurse? ST I went straight from school in nursing and initially specialised in paediatrics, working at Perth’s Princess Margaret Hospital for Children. […]
Emirates unveils future plans with new hub at Al Maktoum International Airport
We've also been looking into our future. It involves plenty of famils, we hope.
Australia fails to make top 10 destination list for American travellers
Australia's top cities have failed to make the grade with American travellers this northern summer, with no local city in the top.
APT Launches 2025 Asia Adventures
APT has launched its Asia Adventures for 2025, including new luxury holidays in India, Sri Lanka and Japan. Five new tours lead guests to the highlights of India, including a seven-night cruise along the rarely travelled Lower Ganges aboard the Ganges Voyager. Further south, Sri Lanka’s greatest destinations are revealed on a new 15-day Land […]
ANZAC Battlefield travel on the 2025 bucketlist
As Anzac Day dawns, agents prepare for a surge in bookings for the 110th anniversary of the Anzac Cove landings.
Former Channel 9 Getaway host and founder of TRIBE Jules Lund to speak at Travel DAZE
From blond-tipped travel reporter to Travel DAZE speaker, Jules Lund cuts through the BS.
HX’s Roald Amundsen finds aliens in the Antarctic
Forget whales, HX's MS Roald Amundsen captures aliens in the Antarctic - and they're not pretty.
Mayhem in France as 70% of flights face cancellation
I mean it wouldn't be France if there wasn't at least one strike.
Etihad Airways launches double-decker service with world’s only in-air three-room suite
We imagine falling asleep in the three-room suite is superior to falling asleep on your neighbour's shoulder.
Norwegian Cruise Line launches 2024 Europe travel season
Europe certainly has a lot of ports. Its time for Australia to up its game.
“The power of travel for positive change” – Intrepid’s Jenny Gray hails controversial all-women Saudi Arabia trip
There is an awful lot to love about this tour from Intrepid. Where do we sign up?
Princess names the Sun, unveils Sanctuary Collection + Star Princess to Alaska in ’26
A huge bottle of Veuve was smashed into the side of the ship to make things official. So no, we couldn't snag a glass.
Collette special offers across peak northern summer season
If you are craving a trip to Europe then grab this deal with both of your grubby hands.
Air India and All Nippon codeshare between the two countries
Here at TW we agreed that the photo would have worked better if they had swapped planes.
A&K offers minimum 18 weeks paid parental leave
Contrary to what the photo suggests this benefit is only applicable for humans. Back to work Mrs Jumbo.
NH Hotel Group rebrands as Minor Hotels Europe & Americas
Hang around the bends of the hotels. We imagine they will be full of a lot of branded content.
Scenic Eclipse II – the business of creating unforgettable life-changing memories
These cruise brothers from another mother offer a view of cruising on Scenic Eclipse II that is poles apart.
MSC builds new hospital ship with Mercy Ships
If you want to read a story that puts a smile on your face then this is the one for you.
“I peed on myself watching this” – Social media users squirm at Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of The Seas 55ft dive video
TW is not responsible for any involuntary actions your body might have after watching this video.
FLIGHT REVIEW: Qantas Boeing 787 Dreamliner business class
The real bonus is you're unlikely to be around screaming children. Hoorah!
Traveltek offers travel agents new rapid deploy cruise website
As always, if you have any issue with the platform, just turn it off and on again.
Experience whale watching & classical music at the Australian Festival of Chamber Music in Townsville
Disappointedly, the whales do not start singing in tune with the orchestra. Opportunity missed.
Fond, very Fond. London hotel famed for James Bond link adds ‘Classic Comforts’ lunch menu
James Bond author Ian Fleming was so fond if this hotel, it inspired the legendary phrase ‘shaken, not stirred’.
What sets Eclipse Travel apart with Africa expert Hilary Dubyk: Travel Weekly TV
If you want to know more about Africa, then Hilary Dubyk is your person.
Surge in Australians visiting Japan
Feel like all of your friends have just returned from Europe? Now it's Japan.
Seabourn announces Western Kimberley Traditional Owners as Godparents of Seabourn Pursuit
Seabourn has named Western Kimberley Traditional Owners, the Wunambal Gaambera, as Godparents of the ultra-luxury purpose-built Seabourn Pursuit. It is the first cruise line to appoint Traditional Owners as godparents of a ship. Seabourn Pursuit embarks on its inaugural season in the Kimberley region this June. The naming ceremony will take place on Seabourn Pursuit’s […]