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Fri 12 Feb: 10 travel news stories you need to know today

We’ve done all the hard work, so you don’t have to! Read on for the top ten travel news stories we think you need to know today.

We’ve done all the hard work, so you don’t have to! Read on for the top ten travel news stories we think you need to know today.

1. Australia’s travel industry is unlike any other in the world: Poon Tip

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Canada-based founder of G Adventures and all-round inspiring legend, Bruce Poon Tip, sang his praises for the industry earlier this weekdescribing it as “far different to any other in the world” because of its strength, level of expertise and overall professionalism.

Popping into see us this week at our KarryOn HQ, he said that unlike other countries, being a travel agent in Australia is seen as a real life long career.

Read on

 

2. AccorHotels comes out to support gay marriage

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AccorHotels is waving the rainbow flag high and proud after pledging its support for equal marriage in Australia.

The hotel group joins Qantas and Canberra Airport, as the latest tourism business in the country to join the movement.

In an open letter signed by Chief Operating Officer, Simon McGrath, the group called for the government to pass Australian Marriage Equality, saying an equal society allows employees to function “at their best” and have “genuine connections and emotional experiences” with guests.

Read on

 

3. Carnival is seeing more of THESE passengers boarding its ships

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Yes Carnival has the families and yes it is pretty popular amongst those ‘free spirited’ couples (sounds a little raunchy) but the line is also gaining bookings amongst… divorcees.

No we’re not talking about solos booking single rooms to shed a couple of tears – we’re talking divorcees ready to let loose and really celebrate their new freedom with friends.

Speaking to media at a briefing last week, Carnival’s Vice President and General Manager, Jennifer Vandekreeke, said she’s seeing a growing trend of group travel particularly amongst hens groups and divorcees groups.

Read on

 

4. United turns 30

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United Airlines celebrated 30 years of travelling between Australia and the United States this week with industry friends and the cutting of a blue and white cake.

The carrier first started flying to Australia back in 1986, with the inaugural flight UA815 from Los Angeles landed at Sydney. Today, United offers Australian customers more than 200 daily connections via its San Francisco and Los Angeles hubs to over 90 destinations across the U.S.

“We’ve proven over the last three decades that we are committed to the Australian market and to ensuring that we deliver flyer-friendly services to our customers.”

Alison Espley, United Managing Director of Japan and Pacific Sales

In 2016, United not only celebrates its 30th anniversary of serving Australia but also becomes an all-Dreamliner airline on the trans-Pacific route.

United will replace the current Boeing 777-200 aircraft with the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner for flights between Sydney and both Los Angeles and San Francisco, effective March 27 and March 28, 2016 respectively. The Boeing 787-9 already operates the airline’s Melbourne-Los Angeles nonstop service.

 

5. itravel visits the Hunter Valley

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itravel agents were well fed and intellectually satisfied during the group’s first conference of the year held at the Mercure Resort Hunter Valley Gardens.

Franchise owners and key head office staff made their way up to the Hunter Valley region for the event, which featured discussions on recent wins and plans for 2016.

Held in the Conference Room at the Mercure Resort Hunter Valley Gardens, the itravel staff were treated to a day of learning with beautiful views of the resort grounds, followed by a night of networking and a beautiful breakfast hosted by the accommodating staff of the resort.

“A conference is a great way to bring people from all corners of our business together to network and collaborate on new ideas and suggestions for the future.”

Steve Labroski, itravel Director

“We had a great time talking with our staff about previous and upcoming events and we can’t wait to implement our new concepts.”

 

6. A new player in the cruise market

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Oz Cruising, Cruiseco and Cruiseabout may have a little extra competition on their hands as a new player enters the online cruise market.

While Kogan.com launched mid-2015, it recently announced a Kogan Cruises off brand with deals cruise products around the world.

The company says it currently has 4,000 cruises across more than 20 cruise lines available including trips to the South Pacific, the Mediterranean and the Caribbeans.

 

7. SureSave’s Zika policy for pregnant women

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SureSave says that pregnant women who are due to travel into Zika affected areas, are covered for pre-trip cancellation coverage benefits, under certain conditions.

The decision comes as the World Health Organisation (WHO) that the Zika virus is a ‘Public Health Emergency of International Concern’.

Cover is applicable to SureSave policies purchased before 26 January 2016, for pregnant women and their partner and/or dependents, listed on the same policy.  Cover is available for cancellations or itinerary rearrangement*.

The extended coverage means eligible travellers who negotiate with their airline, hotel and tour provider to obtain a refund, but have any non-refundable deposits that are lost, can lodge a claim with SureSave.

 

8. LAX gets a Westfields makeover

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Modern, extensive dining and loved brands – that’s what makes up LAX’s new International Airport Terminal 2.

As part of an arrangement with Westfield, the modernisation of the terminal included a brand new design along with 16 new dining and retail brands.

Nearly 76,000 square feet of space at Terminal 2 has been transformed, including more than 15,000 square feet of new dining and retail. Westfield helped to curate a dining and retail collection that includes 16 new concepts, seven of which are Southern California brands. The upgrades throughout the terminal create a more holistic customer journey.

The 20-month redevelopment at Terminal 2 was the terminal’s first upgrade in nearly 30 years. The entire process was done while keeping the 24-hour terminal open, maintaining customer service and flight operations.

 

9. French luxury ship sails to Sydney

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Australians will get a taste of French luxury expedition cruising this weekend when Ponant’s youngest ship, Le Soleal, arrives in Sydney.

The ship will berth at Circular Quay around 10.00am with some 200 passengers before departing later in the day for the tropical islands of Indonesia and then Asia.

Le Soleal represents the latest in nautical design, a step forward and away from the traditional brass and glass of older ships, her swooping exterior hides innovative stylish interiors created by French designer Jean-Philippe Nuel.

 

10. When Hawaiian Airlines met Disney

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It was smile all round at Sydney Airport last week when Saturday Disney met Hawaiian Airlines.

Host of the youth TV program, Candice Dixon did a profile story featuring Hawaiian Airlines First Officer, Sylvie Benjamin.

It was a behind the scenes look at what it is like to be an international airline pilot.

What are your thoughts on today’s travel news stories?