The Australian Tourist Commission has warned agents they must take advantage of technology, gain specialist knowledge of Australia and market themselves more effectively if they are to survive growing competition from bookings on the Internet.
Speaking at the Aussie Specialist conference in Gatwick, ATC regional director Andrew Richards said: “There is a fundamental shift taking place in retail with customers offered an alternative method in buying travel.
“The Internet is going to have a big impact although we don’t know how much or exactly when.
“This is not signalling the demise of the shop, simply development of other opportunities. Agents need to make sure they are linked into the systems.
“For example, we have an Internet site and are developing a gateway site for the UK and as part of that will publish names and addresses of all Aussie specialists so that consumers can contact the agent direct.”
Richards stressed that agents must offer consumers added value in terms of service and market their businesses in the local community.
“The conference is focusing more and more on break-out sessions on public relations and advertising. Future conferences will look at different aspects of marketing,” said Richards.
n The ATC is launching OzTalk, its largest ever conference open to all agents this autumn.
The conference will take place in Brighton on September 4-5 and Frankfurt on September 11-12 and bring together 70 Australian sellers and 200 agents at each venue.
USSPECIALIST Travelpack has launched a programme of five-star and deluxe hotels and holiday homes in Florida.
The brochure, branded The Platinum Collection, features destinations including Key West, Palm Beach, Naples and Orlando.
It also offers luxury Cadilac De Ville cars through rental operator Avis and passenger vans through Specialty Auto Rentals.
Managing director John Standley said Florida has some of the highest-quality hotels in the world but that few UK operators offer them.
“This brochure is not for the budget conscious, but is aimed at people who want the best and are prepared to pay for it.”
Hotels are priced on a daily basis and cost almost £100 per night. Air fares are costedseparately.
Standley added that most Travelpack’s holidays to the US are tailor-made and that clients are looking for more upmarket product.
“We have reason to believe there is demand for a brochure like this.”
He said he hopes to sell 5,000 in the first year. “If it is successful we plan to extend it to other parts of the US, starting with California,” said Stanley.
VIRGINAtlantic is to revamp its cabins following the delivery of new long-haul aircraft.
Commercial director Paul Griffiths confirmed the Airbus A340-600s will still have the three Virgin cabins – Upper Class, Premium Economy and Economy – but there are to be split into differentsections.
The airline has 10 orders for the aircraft and eight options. Deliveries start in three years. Meanwhile, Griffiths said Virgin’s new livery will be unveiled this summer, possibly as early as next month. Aircraft will have a silver fuselage and enhanced colouring to highlight the Virgin brand.
Griffiths said the Virgin name will stay on tail fins, but he said there would also be a prominent position for the Union Flag. Cabins are also being refurbished to make Virgin even moredistinctive.
n cyplon holidays tempts agents with m&s offers
Travel agents booking a two-week holiday at the Paphos Amathus Beach Hotel with Cyplon Holidays will receive a £100 Marks and Spencer voucher. The holiday must becompleted by June 30.
n paris travel service cuts disneyland paris prices
Thrill-seekers can get three nights for the price of two at Disneyland Paris with Paris Travel Service on selected dates in May and June. Prices start at £182 including Channel crossing and bed and breakfast at the Hotel Santa Fe.
n Thomas Cook call centre wins innovation award
Thomas Cook’s call centre in Falkirk has won an innovation award from the British Institute of Facilities Management.The centre, which opened last year, includes a sensorama which gives off holiday-type aromas like sun tan lotion.