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. The least spontaneous travellers in the world are…
Increasingly travellers are leaving their holiday research to last minute, but not these holidaymakers who enjoy taking their sweet time when planning a getaway.
According to new data released by Skyscanner, Kiwis are the world’s least spontaneous travellers, planning for holidays 12 weeks prior to the departure date. While that doesn’t sound too far in advance, it’s actually around 3.5 weeks longer than the global average.
Malaysians are also doing their research in advance, commencing their searches 11 weeks prior to departure, while Aussies prefer to start holiday planning 77 days in advance.
2. Go inside Air New Zealand’s new flagship lounge
What does the modern-day traveller look for in an airport lounge? Well, according to Air New Zealand they’re searching for a place that offers professionally made coffee, food on demand and technology.
So that’s what the airline has fitted into its new flagship international lounge, which opened at Auckland International Airport this week.
The space, which seats some 375 customers, was specifically designed to meet the changing needs of both leisure and business travellers.
3. These young cadets will make you want to fly Alitalia
‘There’s something about a man in uniform.’ It’s an infamous line used by women (and some men) from all ages and walks of life, but it’s never been more true than it is today.
Alitalia is giving ‘thirsty’ travellers eight new reasons to choose its services – eight new pilot cadets that are complete stunners, to say the least.
A photo of the pilots-in-training was released by Alitalia this week along with the announcement that the group had been selected to join the joint Alitalia-Etihad Airways Cadet Pilot program.
4. Abu Dhabi has the X Factor
Abu Dhabi has what it takes to be a star on The X Factor Australia and will its first appearance on the talent show during tonight’s episode.
Over one million Aussie viewers will be exposed to the culture, buildings and colours of the UAE capital when the show’s 24 contestants descend upon its most iconic locations.
Timed with the launch of TCA Abu Dhabi’s annual brand campaign, The X Factor Australia will broadcast its Super Home Visits from Abu Dhabi, the first time the show has visited the Arabian Peninsula.
5. Get ready for the #helloworldRELAY
It’s almost time for the helloworld brand to takeover social media with the world’s first ever global Instagram relay launching on Sunday in time for United Nations’ World Tourism Day.
Destination bureaus, agents, bloggers and tour operators including VisitBritain, Tempo and Lord Howe Island, will participate in the 36-hour trek.
As the sun rises in each destination on 27 September, Instagrammers will post images until the sun sets in their location.
The relay begins in Samoa – the westernmost point of the earth – and travels across the world until it finishes at sunset in the Cook Islands.
The social media initiative will capture countries, cities, people and places. Other destinations participating in the relay include New Zealand, Fiji, Peru, Kenya, Oman, Monaco, Thailand, South Africa and Singapore.
Learn more about the Instagram relay here.
Will you join the #helloworldRELAY?
6. APAC’s luxury agents join ‘the network’
The team at Charlotte Travel.
Luxury travel network, Virtuoso, continues to expand its presence in the Asia Pacific region with five new member agencies in Hong Kong and Singapore.
The new members mark the group’s launch point in Asia which according to Virtuoso Asia Pacific Managing Director Michael Londregan, is an important part of its global expansion.
The five new members are Country Holidays, Jebsen Travel Group, Charlotte Travel, Luxe Travel and Quotient Travel Planner.
Charlotte Harris from Charlotte Travel said joining the network gives the agency ‘an edge’ in the market.
“This partnership will really benefit Charlotte Travel by enabling us to provide greater value for our clients who are not necessarily price sensitive, but who want more than just travel advice and to be treated like VIPs whilst they are away too.”
Charlotte Harris, Charlotte Travel
Click here for more Virtuoso news.
7. APT adds more expo dates
APT is giving agents additional opportunities to expose its touring products to clients with an expansion of its series of free APT consumer Expos in Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Newcastle, Melbourne and Perth.
The series of events are designed to bring the operator’s portfolio to life for prospective clients, while at the same time creating increased revenue for travel agents.
As well as offering a choice of presentations to learn more about APT’s unforgettable luxury touring and cruising options, the company’s travel experts will be on hand to answer questions and a reservations team will help assist with any bookings, with each one being attributed back to a travel agent.
During upcoming sessions, APT will showcase luxury Europe River Cruising and Small Ship Cruising as well as its itineraries in Vietnam, Cambodia and Burma, Canada and Alaska, USA, Kimberley and Outback Wilderness Adventures, South America, Antarctica, Africa and India.
New dates are: 6 October – Hilton, Sydney; 13 October – West’s City, Newcastle West; 15 October – Rydges South Bank, South Brisbane; 19 October – Pullman Melbourne on the Park, East Melbourne; and 22 October – Hilton Adelaide. Click here to register.
The tour operator will also host a series of information sessions in regional areas. They include 6 October – City Golf Club, Toowoomba; 12 October – Mornington Yacht Club, Mornington; 15 October – All Seasons, Bendigo; 23 October – Panthers Events Centre, Port Macquarie; 27 October – Port Lincoln Hotel, Port Lincoln; and 27 October – Sage Hotel Wollongong, Wollongong. Click here to register.
8. Beauty gurus bring glamour to Carnival
Carnival Cruise Line has added two of Australia’s leading beauty and style experts to an already strong field of onboard talent during this year’s Melbourne Cup cruise on Carnival Spirit.
Stylist to the stars Penny Hunt and Beauticate website founder Sigourney Cantelo – both former Beauty Editors at Vogue – will ensure Carnival Spirit’s 2600 guests will be ready to put their best foot forward at Flemington for Cup day and Oaks day following a series of onboard beauty and style workshops, including a fashion presentation and the latest looks from high street brands.
Carnival Cruise Line Australia Vice President Jennifer Vandekreeke said the workshops would especially come in handy for the ladies with Carnival now also offering its guests a general admission ticket to Crown Oaks day during the ship’s extended four-day call to Melbourne – an experience not offered by any other cruise line.
Departing Sydney on 30 October, Carnival Spirit’s eight-night Cup cruise features a “Halloween spooktacular” before racing fever takes over.
Well-known race caller John Tapp will share his knowledge about Australia’s premier horse race during a Q&A session and a Cup-themed degustation dinner while popular racing personality Richie Callander will also return to Carnival Spirit this year to impart his top tips in the lead up to the big event. Other racing themed activities will include sweepstakes and a series of special dining experiences, including a Mad Hatters’ afternoon tea and post-Cup recovery brunch.
Cruisers will also be able to participate in a Behind the Scenes tour of the Cup at Flemington.
Click here for more information.
9. Scenic takes agents to Patagonia
Australian travel agents took over the streets of Santiago and Buenos Aires when Scenic flew the group over for a journey through Patagonia.
The group arrived in Santiago, Chile where they spent a night in the 5-star Intercontinental Hotel. The day began with a morning walk through the beautiful Barrio Lastarria, followed by an authentic Chilean morning tea.
Over the next two days they experienced a relaxing nature retreat featuring spectacular scenery on the shores of Lake Pehoe, were thrilled at the chance to touch an iceberg and explored the magnificent national park renowned for its diverse wildlife.
After crossing into Argentina, they visited the breathtaking Glaciers National Park, learnt about glacier formations and toured the incredible Perito Moreno Glacier. They concluded their stay by toasting the best Patagonia has to offer, with a whisky on glacial ice at their exclusive Scenic Sundowners event.
The agents even got the chance to test out their Spanish, visiting the lively city of La Boca, meeting local dancers who entertained with an exclusive tango performance. Their last night in Buenos Aires was spent savouring the diversity of the city, through a range of Scenic Freechoice activities.
Click here for more Scenic news.
10. Hugh Jackman to Dance with the Fire Dragon in Hong Kong
Aussie actor and Qantas’ new Global Ambassador, Hugh Jackman is trading in his wolverine claws for some Fire Dragon dancing at the Mid Autumn Festival in Hong Kong.
While Jackman is in the Pearl of the Orient next week promoting his new movie ‘Pan’, he will also step into a leading role at this year’s Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance.
He’ll be the first international star to partake in the dance, which was created centuries ago to ward off bad luck.
The parade features a huge dragon made from straw and covered in incense sticks which is then lit and accompanied by dancers and fireworks.
Hugh will take a starring role in the parade by holding the Fire Dragon pearl during the festivities. The Mid Autumn Festival has been celebrated since the early Tang dynasty (618-907), and is aligned with the full moon appearing in the eighth lunar month every year- when families would get together to make offerings and express gratitude for a bumper harvest.
To many, this is considered to be one of the most important festivals of the year.
Click here for more Hong Kong news.