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. Farewell Travel Indochina, hello Insider Journeys
Today the name Travel Indochina slowly fades into the past, as the tour operator officially rebrands to Insider Journeys.
The rebranding comes after successfully operating under Travel Indochina for over two decades.
Although the decision to convert over to the new name and adopt an all new logo was announced late last month, today marks the official transformation.
2. Solomon Airlines redirects travellers with new Syd flights
Solomon Airlines is driving more travellers to visit the island state via Australia, with new direct services between Sydney and Honiara.
Commencing 2 June 2015 (subject to regulatory agreement), Sydney flights will be the airline’s second direct service out of Australia, with flights from Brisbane already operating weekly.
As well as targeting Australian visitors, which are currently one of the airline’s biggest markets, the move will also encourage more travellers from the US to visit the Solomons via Australia.
3. See Sydney Airport’s new SkyTeam exclusive lounge
Go inside the new airport lounge.
Global airline alliance, SkyTeam has opened its first exclusive lounge at Sydney Airport for select passengers flying with its airline members.
Opened late last week, it is the alliance group’s third exclusive lounge worldwide to offer a ‘luxurious and spacious environment’ for passenger pre-flight.
Located at Gate 24, the lounge seats up to 140 people and is equipped with electrical outlets for guests to charge personal electronic devices.
4. Celebrity glamour at G’Day USA
Chris Hemsworth with his Excellence in Film Award at @GDAYUSAofficial #tennews pic.twitter.com/6yzsuARNi7
— Angela Bishop (@AngelaBishop) February 1, 2015
It was a union of the US and Australia over the weekend at the annual G’Day USA tourism and awards night.
The red carpet was a buzz with some of Australia’s biggest names in entertainment from comedian Rebel Wilson; actresses Nicole Kidman and Rachel Griffiths; actors Anthony LaPaglia, Russel Crowe and Liam Hemsworth; plus musicians Nathaniel and Human Nature.
Also in attendance was Australian politician and Federal Liberal MP, Malcolm Turnbull.
5. Rydges takes over St Kilda property
Rydges hotel has rebranded Melbourne’s Urban St Kilda to a new ‘quirky’ Rydges St Kilda.
The property is located alongside Rydges Melbourne and Swanston Street around 200 metres from St Kilda’s beaches.
Inside, the hotel has suites for both leisure and corporate travellers plus conference facilities, a restaurant and bar.
Guests will also have access to free Wi-Fi and a new ‘Rise Breakfast’ concept at the buffet – a healthy breakfast concept featuring freshly-squeezed juice shots, made to order smoothies and juice blends, super healthy cereals, fresh fruits and eggs cooked to individual preferences.
The mini-bar has undergone a quirky designer overhaul with Rydges branded sweets, nibbles and potato crisps plus fun games and add-ons complimenting the overall offering. There’s also an expanded wine list showcasing a broader range of Australian and international brands.
6. AA serves South America on six new routes
Less than a month after revealing a $2 billion fleet upgrade, American Airlines has announced it will add six new routes throughout Mexico, the Caribbean and Latin America.
Pending regulatory approval, the airline will fly to a new destination – Barranquilla in Colombia. There will also be expanded services to Belize City, Belize (BZE); Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands (GCM); Guadalajara, Mexico (GDL); Managua, Nicaragua (MGA); and Monterrey, Mexico (MTY).
Bookings for new routes went on sale over the weekend.
With these new routes and services, American Airlines will operate more than 1,750 weekly flights to 85 destinations throughout Mexico, the Caribbean and South America.
The airline’s senior vice president of the region, Art Torno said new services, particularly the new destination in Colombia gives customers more access to Latin America and the Caribbean.
Click here to read more about America’s $2 billion aircraft investment.
7. Cruise3sixty line up gets a Royal touch
Royal Caribbean’s president and recently appoints Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) chairman, Adam Goldstein has joined a lineup of speakers at this month’s Cruise3sixty Australasia event in Sydney.
The cruise veteran will open the conference, which will be held on 27 February at The Star.
Announcing the move, CLIA Australasia general manager Brett Jardine said delegates will benefit from Goldstein’s 30-year cruise history.
“We think cruise lines, industry suppliers and agents will all gain something valuable from his address.”
Brett Jardine, CLIA Australasia general manager
Other industry professionals speaking at this year’s event include Norwegian Cruise Line’s vice president international sales, Andy Stuart; Carnival Australia’s chief executive Ann Sherry; and Silversea Cruises Asia Pacific and Europe president Steve Odell.
2015 Cruise3sixty Australasia will be almost twice as big as last year’s, with additional space and booths. Over 45 companies have booked booths for this year’s Cruise3sixty Australasia. That’s 18 more than 2014.
8. KarryOn travel deals of the week
Fancy a two-for-one river cruise in Russia or how about accommodation at Accor from US$15 a night.
This week we have eight incredible deals ranging from savings on Rocky Mountaineers tours, free fuel with resort bookings, Broadway Week special offers and Avalon’s incredible earlybird deals.
9. Magellan team score a meet and greet
)L to R) Trevor Jones Magellan Travel Group, Jane Gilbert, Nick Kyrgios, Giles Gilbert Malaysia Airlines, Tracey Fidone Hawthorn Travel.
Members of the travel industry were lucky enough to meet Australia’s new hot shot tennis player and also Malaysia Airlines’ brand ambassador, Nick Kyrgios.
Between photos, Nick Kyrgios told Trevor Jones from Magellan Travel Group; Jane Gilbert from Malaysia Airlines; and Tracey Fidone from Hawthorn Travel that he prefers to play on grass and is looking forward to Wimbledon.
Earlier this year, Malaysia Airlines entered a new partnership to sponsor the 19-year-old tennis player.
As part of the agreement, Malaysia Airlines will fly the sporting star to his games around the world. In return he will display Malaysia Airlines’ logo on his tennis racquet bag and join future marketing initiatives.
10. Come see the Loch Ness!
Image: defoto/Shutterstock
The UK is going after nature lovers and ‘Nessy’ fans, with a new extensive advertising campaign featuring the iconic landmark Loch Ness and its illusive monster.
The 37 kilometre freshwater loch will be the centre of the new $3.8 million (£2 million) campaign designed to boost inbound tourism to new record levels.
Created by local tourism leaders and national tourism agency VisitBritain, the campaign will run for four years in key tourism markets.
Chief secretary to the treasury, Danny Alexander said as well as Loch Ness, the campaign will showcase ‘most beautiful parts of the UK’.
“Around the world, Loch Ness is one of the best known places in the UK, so it’s right we place it the heart of our international tourism campaign.”
Danny Alexander, chief secretary to the treasury