Home: FCTG's Single Sign-On Platform For Independent Travel Advisors.pdf

Key Industry Developments:

1. Flight Centre Travel Group (FCTG) Launches 'Home' Platform: FCTG has introduced a new digital ecosystem, "Home," offering supplier data, ticketing, support, marketing, and an upgraded product booking platform for independent advisors. This aims to streamline operations and help entrepreneurs thrive.

2. Sabre Expands SafePoint Travel Risk Management: SafePoint now includes global restriction tracking, providing near-real-time updates on travel arrangements.

3. Qatar Airways 25th Anniversary Sale: Qatar Airways is offering return fares starting from $1,269 and additional savings on seat selection, baggage allowance, hotel bookings, and car rentals for a seven-day campaign period ending Tue.

4. Emirates Welcomes Australia Back: Emirates has resumed flights to more than 50 destinations from Dubai, including Sydney and Melbourne.

5. Discovery Parks Expands to Alice Springs: The new Discovery Parks – Alice Springs offers luxurious cabins, budget rooms, safari tents, and is central to the NT’s iconic attractions.

6. Viking Cruises Revises World Cruise Itinerary: Due to port closures, Viking Star will operate an eastbound itinerary from LA instead of westward towards Australasia.

7. WA Launches ServiceWA App for Travel: The app allows users to show proof of vaccination, check-in, and access G2G Pass for interstate travel in Western Australia.

Other News:

1. Carnival Cruise Line Extends Pause in Australian Operations: Carnival has canceled sailings through Apr 26 and extended the "book by deadline" for clients with Future Cruise Credits until May 31.

2. Scenic Luxury Cruises Appoints Contractor for Scenic Eclipse II: De Wave Group will oversee the fit-out of the new Scenic Eclipse II under construction in Croatia, scheduled for completion in 2023.

3. Jetstar Resumes Flights to Phuket: Jetstar's first flights to Thailand since the pandemic begin this week, marking a milestone in the recovery of international leisure travel.

Industry Insights:

- CLIA Australasia MD Joel Katz advocates for fair treatment of the cruise sector, highlighting stringent health measures and lower COVID-19 incidence on cruise ships compared to land-based settings.
- Australian Airports Association CEO James Goodwin warns that staff shortages due to Omicron could lead to airport closures or partial operations.
- Reports suggest Genting Hong Kong's shipbuilder MV Werften has filed for bankruptcy due to a failed financial arrangement with the German government.