Travel trendsetters keep their sights on the tried and tested
One of the hottest destinations for travel executives this summer may not be deserted, but it is an island. Hawaii is proving particularly magnetic, according to the holiday plans being hatched among Virgin Atlantic's senior ranks.
"We've had three of our management team head there this winter including myself," says Gia Acitelli, Virgin Atlantic's Australian sales and distribution manager.
She puts the trend down to the strong Aussie dollar and because Hawaiian Airlines has increased the number of flights to Honolulu. She also notes it's a relatively quick trip from Australia, while the beaches are fantastic and the shopping great.
Acitelli says the other most popular spots for its staff include "sensual" Tahiti, which she says is making a comeback, and Barbados in the Caribbean because it has "some of the most translucent green water around".
New York and London are the most popular destinations among STA Travel Australia's senior management team at the moment, according to the company's Asia Pacific product director, Andrea Robinson.
STA Travel Australia's managing director, David Green, is among those holidaying in New York and he is already anticipating a white Christmas.
A getaway that is closer to home can hold special appeal for those who travel a lot on business, according to Georg Ruebensal, the managing director of web travel company Expedia. He has just returned from a short trip to Margaret River where he says he enjoyed "a beautiful coastline for long walks, diving, whale watching, and great food and wine".
Bob East, the chief executive of Mantra Group, which operates a national network of hotels, resorts and retreats under the Peppers, Mantra and BreakFree brands, says he will also be holidaying locally with his family this summer. East says his family loves the tropics during the Christmas season, so they're off to Palm Cove, Queensland.
Justin Lee, the customer experience director at Expedia, is having a holiday with a difference. He is headed to Hakuba, Japan, to take an avalanche safety course.
Jetting off to Carnival in Brazil is the holiday destination of choice for Tina Tong, managing director of the luxury travel specialist, FirstClass.
Frequently Asked Questions about this Article…
The article says travel executives are heading to a mix of island and city hotspots, including Hawaii, Tahiti, Barbados, New York, London, Margaret River (WA), Palm Cove (Queensland), Hakuba (Japan) and Carnival in Brazil.
Virgin Atlantic’s Australian sales manager Gia Acitelli attributes Hawaii’s popularity to a strong Australian dollar, Hawaiian Airlines increasing flights to Honolulu, the relatively short travel time from Australia, great beaches and good shopping.
The article specifically notes that Hawaiian Airlines has increased the number of flights to Honolulu, a factor cited in Hawaii’s rising appeal.
Yes. Expedia’s managing director Georg Ruebensal recently chose Margaret River for coastline walks, diving, whale watching and food and wine, and Mantra Group’s CEO Bob East plans a family trip to Palm Cove—showing local getaways remain attractive.
The article references Virgin Atlantic, Hawaiian Airlines, STA Travel Australia, Expedia and Mantra Group. It notes Mantra Group operates a national network under the Peppers, Mantra and BreakFree brands.
STA Travel Australia’s Asia Pacific product director Andrea Robinson says New York and London are currently the most popular destinations among the company’s senior management; managing director David Green is vacationing in New York.
Yes. Justin Lee from Expedia is heading to Hakuba, Japan to take an avalanche safety course, and Tina Tong of FirstClass plans to jet off to Carnival in Brazil—showing a mix of adventurous and cultural holiday choices.
The article suggests some patterns: islands like Hawaii and Tahiti are popular (Hawaii helped by more Honolulu flights and a strong Aussie dollar), city hubs such as New York and London remain in demand, and local escapes appeal to frequent business travellers—insights investors might use when following travel and hospitality companies mentioned.
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