Road & Rail Wrap: Hertz lays off thousands of staff, Avis and Budget help out essential workers + MORE

After what felt like a very long hiatus, Travel Weekly’s Road & Rail Wrap is back! Our editor’s even purchased a remote-controlled car on eBay to celebrate.

Hertz announces massive workforce reduction

In response to increased rental cancellations and declining forward bookings, along with unprecedented uncertainty around the duration of COVID-19’s impact on travel, Hertz taken what is says are “proactive and aggressive actions” to manage costs and reduce capital expenditures.

Earlier this month, Hertz committed to lay off approximately 10,000 of its workers in North America.

The company expects to incur an aggregate of approximately US$30 million ($45.9 million) in costs relating to these workforce reductions, including approximately US$28 million ($42.9 million) in severance or termination payments, and approximately US$2 million ($3.1 million) in benefits costs primarily relating to healthcare.

Hertz said these costs will be incurred over the next 12 months, with the majority to be incurred over the next three months.

Avis and Budget offer cheap deals to essential workers

Avis and Budget Australia have announced rentals from $10 a day for essential workers to help keep them moving safely as they support the nation during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Tom Mooney, managing director of Avis Budget Group across the Pacific, said: “Australia’s essential workers are on the frontlines during this pandemic to ensure the rest of the community can continue to access what it needs.

“During these uncertain times, both Avis and Budget Australia want to ensure we are supporting the nation’s essential workers and that those who need to travel can do so safely to get to where they are needed the most.”

Uber rival Bolt exits Australian market

Ridesharing player Bolt has closed its local operations after almost two-and-a-half years.

The Uber rival informed Australian drivers and users last month that it would terminate its service on 28 March, with the move understood to be a result of weakened demand due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Bolt, formerly known as Taxify, told drivers they were no longer authorised to provide passenger services under the company’s name, and were required to remove the Bolt stickers from their vehicles.

“We thank each and every one of you for your support in helping us provide the Bolt service to many riders, and we wish you the very best for the future,” it said.

According to Bolt’s website, the ridesharing service is still available in more than 150 countries across Europe, the US, Africa, and Asia.

Latest News

  • Hotels

Albury’s luxury boutique hotel, CIRCA 1928, is up for grabs

Luxury boutique hotel business CIRCA 1928, in the heart of the Albury’s CBD, is up for grabs. CRE Brokers has been appointed as the Exclusive Agency for the leasehold sale of the hotel in a major regional growth centre of NSW. Set in the tree-lined Dean Street, surrounded by the retail, food and entertainment offerings, […]

  • Hotels

Regent announces opening of the Regent Santa Monica Beach

Regent has returned to the US with the opening of Regent Santa Monica Beach, a beachfront resort combining the glamour of Los Angeles with the splendour of the coast. Regent Santa Monica Beach, part of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ luxury and lifestyle portfolio, reintroduces the Regent name to Los Angeles and becomes the brand’s first […]

  • Events
  • Tourism

CATO unites at World Travel Market London

The Council of Australian Tour Operators is poised to make a significant impact that the 2024 World Travel Market (WTM) in London. Supported by the Australian Government’s Reinvigorating International Travel Grant (RITG) program, CATO’s impressive attendance signals a clear commitment to revitalising the travel industry and accelerating Australia’s outbound tourism recovery. WTM London has served […]

  • Events

ICC Sydney hosts Global Nature Positive Summit

The International Convention Centre Sydney, managed by ASM Global, hosted the world’s first Global Nature Positive Summit from 8 to 10 October. Around 1,000 delegates including international Ministers, environmental policy experts across government and corporate sectors, Indigenous People, and investors attended the landmark event. At the Summit, leaders explored effective ways to realise global commitments […]

  • Conferences
  • Food & Beverage

Centennial Homestead welcomes The Paddock and Treehouse Rooftop Bar

Centennial Homestead, in Sydney’s Centennial Parklands, is stepping into a new era with its new The Paddock and Treehouse Rooftop Bar. Nestled with the stunning Parklands as a backdrop, the new spaces will be offering breakfast, lunch, weekend drinks with a view, or events. The Paddock seats more than 200 guests comfortably. With seamless integration […]

  • Destinations

Oaks Cypress Lakes Resort offers the perfect weekend itinerary for a boys’ trip

Located in the heart of the Hunter Valley, Oaks Cypress Lakes Resort offers the perfect weekend itinerary for men to enjoy a customised adventure or wellness weekend. “Boys’ weekends” have come a long way from fishing, footy, and pub grub, with guys keen to get away to destinations that offer everything from actions and adventure […]

  • Conferences
  • Events

Club Med launches inaugural Meetings and Events Sustainability Report

Club Med has launched its inaugural Meetings and Events Sustainability Report, a new source of key information to support companies with the implementation of sustainable initiatives at their events. As its MICE sector continues to accelerate, the pioneer of premium all-inclusive holidays commissioned a survey on 200 key opinion leaders from a range of different […]

  • Hotels

Hotel review: does Amanpulo in the Phillipines outshine the Australian coastline?

We set our sights on Pamalican Island, curious if its beauty might outshine the familiar splendour of our own Australian coasts. Upon our arrival, what Amanpulo presents is a transformation of natural beauty into something that borders on ethereal. The journey by seaplane – a cinematic touch – adds an air of mystery, as if […]