We’ve done all the hard work, so you don’t have to! Read on for the top ten travel stories you need to know today.
1. Plastic air discounts could be on the horizon
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has put forth a new idea that would see a drop in airline booking fees by up to $15 per flight.
In a discussion paper on the RBA’s website, the group says it has been floating around with the idea to discount booking fees for travellers who pay using a credit card.
The saving would come from a ‘low fixed-dollar amount’ cap on payments made by plastic, News.com.au reported.
2. So fancy! New ship is fit for a Queen
Uniworld has released new images of SS Catherine’s younger sister, SS Maria Theresa ahead of her launch later this month.
The images give your clients a taste of the five-star luxury Uniworld is bringing to what it describes as its most ambitious ship to-date.
It’s hard to believe Uniworld could top the high-end, unique and fancy design aboard SS Catherine – which only launched last year – but somehow the cruise line did to create ‘a majestic masterpiece of epic proportion’.
3. Air NZ rejects Canberra: we’re not going there
Regular upgrades at Canberra’s airport doesn’t seem to be enough to attract more international airlines, even those based just across the Tasman.
Air New Zealand has confirmed it has no current plans to add Australia’s capital to its network, despite a push for more direct international services from Chief Minister Andrew Barr, The Sydney Morning Herald reported.
Last week, Mr Barr reportedly spoke to New Zealand’s leaders about introducing flights from Canberra to the country’s cities, and even announced a business case to investigate the benefits of these flights.
4. It’s going to be a big year for Starwood
Starwood Hotels & Resorts says it’s on track to open its 500th hotel in 2016, with a number of new properties launching this year.
For the first time, the group will open hotels in Sri Lanka and Romania. This follows last year’s debut in Tajikistan and last month’s launch in Samoa.
Demand in Asia Pacific will drive pipeline growth, with China being home to another 33 hotels in the next four years.
Sheraton will expand its footprint in India with the debut of Sheraton Hyderabad Hotel in 2016, and another two hotels in development.
The global powerhouse will also enter Sri Lanka with the opening of Sheraton Colombo Hotel in 2016 and will open its second hotel in Samoa this year.
Two openings in the Middle East will amplify the Sheraton brand’s presence in the region, where it has another five in the development pipeline.
Meanwhile, the brand’s portfolio in the United Arab Emirates will increase to seven hotels by year’s end with the opening of Sheraton Sharjah Beach Resort & Spa.
Other areas receiving new Starwood properties include Africa where five Sheraton hotels are currently in development; the US, which will receive two new hotels; and Latin America.
5. Star Alliance signs on for the NTIA’s
The Star Alliance has signed up as a Gold sponsor of this year’s National Travel Industry Awards (NTIA).
Star Alliance will sponsor the Best Non-Branded Travel Agency Group award – a new ‘judged’ category created to recognise those groups that offer independent travel agents the chance to be part of a strong and supportive network while still operating under their own individual business name.
Star Alliance Country Steering Committee Chair Michael Zorbas said it is an honour for world’s most experienced global airline network to sponsor the Best Non-Branded Travel Agency Group category.
6. Plane crashes through fence
NOW: #ESU #Harbor @FDNY & PAPD at #LGA. Minor fuel spill. All passengers removed. Minor injuries @Delta @nycoem pic.twitter.com/SbYRLV9FLI
— NYPD Special Ops (@NYPDSpecialops) March 5, 2015
Luck was in the air yesterday when passengers on a Delta Airlines flight walked off an aircraft without injury after it skidded off the runway, crashed through a fence and stopped just metres from the water’s edge.
All 125 passengers and five crew members onboard were safe, with only six suffering minor injuries.
According to the New York Post, the plane skidded because of snow on the runway at New York La Guardia Airport.
The incident caused a leak from the MD-88 jet and emergency crew were called to spray foam to prevent a potential fire.
7. New Luna location for TIE
To accommodate larger numbers, the Travel Industry Exhibition (TIE) has been relocated to the water front venue at Luna Park – the Crystal Palace.
Held on 16-17 July, attendees can expect to see an abundance of travel products, destinations, transport, adventure, travel services and suppliers to the industry from a wide variety of international and local exhibitors.
The event is being run by an experienced award-winning team, Exhibition and Trade Fairs (ETF), and is dubbed as Australia’s only all encompassing exhibition for travel professionals and the wider industry responsible for organising corporate travel and associated events.
Registrations for The Travel Industry Exhibition are now open, and those interested in attending are encouraged to sign up at www.travelindustryexpo.com.au to secure their spot at the industry show.
8. Get your drag on this weekend
It’s the happiest time of the year when the streets of Sydney are filled with colour, dance and don’t forget the incredible wigs.
While the biggest party with floats and dancing Queens will be held on Oxford Street, other parts of New South Wales are getting in on Mari Gras this year, with their own celebrations to commemorate the annual festival.
According to Destination NSW, the annual Mardi Gras Parade attracts more than 25,000 interstate and overseas attendees.
9. WATCH QE’s poppy wall grow
In the lead up to the ANZAC Gallipoli centenary, Cunard invited Sydneysiders to commemorate the historic battle by placing a poppy on a wall of remembrance beside Queen Elizabeth while she visited on a recent overnight call.
The building of the poppy wall was filmed and turned into a timelapse above.
Both the poppy wall and remembrance book will form the centrepiece of a commemorative service onboard the ship on 24 April, the eve of Anzac Day, when Queen Elizabeth reaches the waters off the Gallipoli Peninsula during her current world voyage.
Messages from the book will be read out at the service and the book will then be placed in Queen Elizabeth’s library where it will remain in memory of the heroes of Gallipoli.
10. Five schoolies trends that will surprise you
Forget the booze and parties, this year’s schoolies kids are looking for more of a refined and influential getaway to celebrate the end of school days.
A study conducted by Unleashed Travel found partying up in Brisbane is no longer big on the Australian school leaver’s bucket list, with many keen on booking European coach travel, luxury cruises and holidays where they can assist disadvantaged children.
We’re just as surprised as you are.