We’ve done all the hard work, so you don’t have to! Read on for our top ten travel industry news stories of the day we think you need to know.
1. Nepal calls off search and rescue
Image Source: NBC News.
Families of those unaccounted for are breathing a sigh of relief as, according to Nepal’s emergency services, all hikers that were stranded during the snowstorms in the Himalayas have either been accounted for or are rescued and are safe.
So far, emergency workers have airlifted 518 people to safety, including 310 foreign tourists. This news has signified an end to the rescue operations.
The last flights by rescue helicopters in Mustang, Manang and Dolpa districts were said to have taken place on Tuesday.
“We believe that all the trekkers and guides have been helped and as far as we know there are no more people stranded on the route,” said Yadav Koirala of Nepal’s disaster management division, adding that some soldiers would be camped in parts of the area.
Read on for more.
2. Ten worst airports for 2014 revealed
Islamabad Benazir Bhutto International Airport voted worst.
The latest survey, conducted by sleepinginairports.net, reveals the ten worst airports on the planet.
The survey asked travellers to review airports based on the four Cs – comfort, conveniences, cleanliness and customer service.
Topping the list is Islamabad Benazir Bhutto International Airport, Pakistan (ISB). It was described by reviewers as “a central prison.” ISB was also criticised for strong crowds and a lack of crowd control, the pervasive corruption, the aggressive-yet-inconsistent security checks, and the overall lack of cleanliness and technology.
The second on the list is Jeddah King Abdulaziz International Airport, Saudi Arabia (JED). JED was criticised for being lacklustre and not overly clean, extremely crowded and uncomfortable. The main concern of travellers was the treatment received by security officers who “create lengthy cues and do little to improve the traveller experience.”
Third on the list is Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport, Nepal (KTM). Nepal’s only international airport was eloquently described to resemble a “bus station in an impoverished neighbourhood”. Cleanliness was the greatest concern among travellers, followed by a lack of air-conditioning and the unhygienic state of the airport’s bathrooms and smoking rooms.
Read on for more.
3. Sculpture by the Sea in full swing
The Sculptures by the Sea continues to mesmerize visitors in Bondi for the 18th year in a row and his year, American artist Peter Lundberg received the State’s most generous sculpture prize for the second time.
The Premier of NSW, The Hon. Mike Baird announced Peter Lundberg from the United States, as the recipient of the $60,000 Macquarie Group Sculpture Prize for his sculpture ‘Ring’ at the launch of the 18th annual Sculpture by the Sea, Bondi yesterday.
In opening the exhibition, he also took the opportunity to announce a commitment from the New South Wales Government of $1.2 million in funding to the exhibition for the next four years.
Read on for more.
4. Qantas loses half of international route marketshare
A new Federal Government report has revealed that Qantas’ market share has almost halved in the last decade. The 2013-14 International Airline Activity report shows Qantas carried 16.4 per cent of international passengers in the year to June 30, compared with 30.5 per cent in 2003-04.
In the same period Virgin Australia’s international market share grew from nought to 7.1 per cent, and Emirates improved from 4.3 per cent to 9.5 per cent.
Low cost carriers also commanded more international market share with the likes of Air Asia, Jetstar, Scoot and Tigerair now carrying a total of 15.5 per cent of passengers.
The fiercely competitive environment has proven very costly to Qantas with the airline losing close to $500 million on its international operations in the last year.
5. China Southern Celebrates its fourth year as Sydney Fest sponsor
China Southern Airlines will celebrate its fourth sponsorship of the Sydney Festival by sponsoring a range of cultural events that promise to bring plenty of fun and entertainment to the capital this summer.
The program of events for Sydney Festival 2015 was revealed today and includes almost 500 shows, some ticketed and others like the popular Domain events free.
This year China Southern is pleased to present an Australian exclusive, in a special screening of the multi-Academy Award winning silent film The Artist. The film, billed as a modern classic, will be brought to life at Sydney Opera House on January 23 and 24 with a moving soundtrack performed live by the Sydney Symphony Orchestra.
6. Oman to introduce a touch of luxury to your next stopover
Oman by Design could include a complimentary tour of beautiful Muscat on your next stopover.
Oman Air has introduced luxury stopover packages,“Oman by Design”, which aims to provide a memorable stopover experience enroute to the Middle East, Dar Es Salaam, Zanzibar, Cairo and of course their six European hubs – London, Frankfurt, Munich, Paris, Milan and Zurich.
The package is catered for those with two night stopover or less and includes hotel accommodation with buffet breakfast, transfers, visa, and half a day complimentary city tour.
The value package is offered at a discount price of (US)$149 (usually priced at $379). The maximum two day stopover is priced at (US)$199 for two nights. The offer is based on twin sharing with a single supplement of (US)$110 for single travellers per night.
The stopover program is valid for Oman Air customers travelling between now to 25 April 2015.
7. Lindblad Expeditions -National Geographic partner with Google to bring trekking to the 21st century
Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic has partnered with Google Street View to capture the imagery of one of the most rarely-visited places on earth.
Lindblad trekkers, on board the 148-guest National Geographic Explorer, were able to capture 10 000 panoramic shots of South Georgia and the Falkland Islands to create an immersive experience for viewers all around the world.
The launch of the live imagery commemorates the centennial of the Trans-Antarctic expedition that was led by explorer, Sir Ernest Shackleton.
Shackleton set sail with five other crew members on the Endurance, from Buenos Aires to Antarctica on October 26, 1914. However, misfortune struck the boat and Shackleton and five other crew members were lost in ice. They sailed a lifeboat for 800 miles, from Elephant Island, to South Georgia to secure rescue. The feat is considered among the most historic and heroic in the annals of exploration.
While the imagery will allow viewers to see places where men and vehicle fear to tread, it also has a purpose to preserve what the area looks like today, lest we lose endangered species and areas to global warming.
Watch the video here:
8. $100 Mil reno for Tahoe South
With more than $100 million in revitalisation efforts this year, a mountain of changes are underway at Tahoe South. The “No. 1 Ski Destination”, according to USA Today, will be providing more upscale lodging, entertainment, shopping, skiing and outdoor recreation for the 2014-15 winter season.
The resort-to-recreation renaissance includes the planned winter opening of the $60 million remodel of Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Lake Tahoe, $24 million remodel of MontBleu Resort Casino & Spa, $3 million at Lake Tahoe Resort Hotel and $15 million for the Château shopping centre across from Heavenly Village.
“The major investments to our lodging, gaming and shopping landscapes are the necessary pieces that are coming together for our revitalization renaissance,” said Carol Chaplin, executive director of the Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority.
“The economic momentum has helped invigorate the town.”
9. MSC Cruises to launch cruises aimed at shop-a-holics
MSC Cruises has launched a limited series of themed cruises, bringing shopping lovers to the Mediterranean’s finest boutiques and retailers during the sales, from the immaculate chic of Rome’s designer stores to the bustle and barter of a Tunisian souk.
The seven-night Shopping Cruises, starting from only $549 per person, twin share, will depart from Genoa, Italy, on 11, 18 and 25 January 2015, and call at Civitavecchia (Rome), Palermo, La Goulette (Tunis), Barcelona and Marseille.
Included in the cruise fare is an excursion to one shopping hotspot, depending on embarkation port.
For those joining in Genoa it’s La Roca Village, near Barcelona, home to more than 100 luxury and lifestyle brands at prices reduced by up to 60 per cent.
MSC Cruises will also be hosting on-board activities during the Shopping Cruises based around the theme. On board, guests can enjoy a captivating entertainment programme, with different shows every night. And if you haven’t had your fill of shopping during the day, take a stroll around MSC’s onboard fashion and jewellery boutiques, or take advantage of fabulous shopping events and discover the secrets of successful make-up artists.
10. Fly or drive across the Kimberley in style with APT
APT has introduced a new 24-page flip brochure, showcasing its new intimate group Kimberley 4WD & Air Tour itineraries for Bungle Bungle, Mitchell Falls and Kununurra alongside its network of Kimberley Wilderness Lodges for the self-drive traveller. Having refined its independent 4WD and Air Touring product for 2015, APT is offering a choice of four itineraries ranging from two to four days in length.
With maximum group sizes of just four people on the guided land touring, guests travel with an APT guide in an air conditioned Land Cruiser and fly aboard light aircraft. APT has committed to running every tour with a minimum of just two guests and is the only operator offering this level of personalised small group touring in the Kimberley. All 4WD and Air Tour itineraries include all flights, accommodation, transfers, sightseeing and meals.
Also featured in the brochure is APT’s Kimberley Wilderness Lodges for the self drive traveller.
APT has three lodges in its portfolio: Bungle Bungle, Mitchell Falls and Bells Gorge Wilderness Lodges which all offer tented accommodation with ensuites. Also available is Mt Hart Homestead, a former working cattle station, located off the Gibb River Road. Included in the nightly tariff at each property is a three course dinner and full breakfast and self-drive guests are welcomed throughout the season, which runs from May to September.