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. Australian airfares creep up a little
Fuel prices may be at their lowest in years, but that won’t stop the average cost of domestic flying to increase in 2016, according to a new study.
An analysis done by Corporate Travel Management (CTM) found that Australian airfares will climb by around 2.7 percent (or $7.30) this year. This is in addition to the 2.9 percent airfare rise in 2015, which resulted in the average fare to reach around $271.
According to the report, the rise in travel cost will be a result of growing demand from Asian travellers and a slowdown in new capacity.
2. Emirates confirms non-stop flights to Auckland
Emirates may have just beaten Qatar Airways to the punch by announcing direct services between Auckland and Dubai.
The announcement comes days after rumours spread of Qatar’s plans to launch flights between New Zealand and its base in Doha.
While Qatar is yet to confirm its flights, Emirates has jumped in to announce its first non-stop service to the city.
3. Vanuatu in talks to repair int’l runway
Vanuatu’s tourism leaders are meeting with government officials today to confirm funding for runway repairs after Virgin became the second airline to pull flights out of Bauerfield International Airport.
The carrier announced yesterday that after monitoring the condition of the runway it had decided to cease its Brisbane-Port Vila operations. This follows Air New Zealand, which suspended its services to the destination late last week and Qantas’ temporary pause on its codeshare with Air Vanuatu.
All three airlines said they would return to the island nation once they have greater confidence in the runway, which according to Vanuatu’s Director of Civil Aviation Authority of Vanuatu (CAAV), Joseph Niel, requires urgent “resurfacing and repair” after Tropical Cyclone Pam.
4. Intrepid offers new, meaningful types of Urban Adventures
Intrepid Urban Adventures is preparing to roll out a range of new tours that provide meaningful experiences for travellers who want a deeper connection with society and culture.
Named the ‘In Focus’ series, the new social enterprise tours lets holidaymakers come face-to-face with important local issues in countries such as Nepal where citizens tackle gender equality and rebuilding their lives after last year’s earthquakes.
Working with local NGOs and non-profit organisations, travellers will be exposed first-hand to social projects currently underway designed to resolve certain issues within the country.
5. Agents help Celebrity launch into TV
Travel agents helped Celebrity Cruises expand its reach to consumers via the small screen, by contributing to the cruise line’s first television campaign.
Airing from this week on Foxtel around Australia, the 60 second, 30 second and 15 seconds videos are part of the company’s latest push towards grabbing more of the growing Australian cruise market.
Inspired by the company’s ‘X’ logo, the symbol is featured throughout all three versions of the video to highlight the many ‘treasures’ or features that can be found on the cruise line’s ships and shore excursions.
6. Join TAT on the road
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (Australia) is hitting the road again this year with its annual ‘Amazing Thailand Roadshow’.
This year, the tour will stop off in Auckland, Melbourne and Sydney between 12-18 May, giving agents the chance to learn about the kingdom’s ‘Quality Leisure Destination through Thainess’.
Consultants will get a sense of the bureau’s renewed focus on high-end luxury travel product as well as specialist and niche tourism interests such as golf, health and wellness, weddings and honeymoons.
Over 50 Thai hotel and tourism operators from various parts of Thailand, alongside airlines such as Thai Airways and Bangkok Airways, are expected to present at each city. Operators from well known destinations such as Phuket, Koh Samui and Bangkok will be joined by upcoming destinations such as Khaolak, Hua Hin, Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai.
Dates are: The Langham, Auckland – 12 May; The Crown Promenade, Melbourne – 16 May; The Sheraton on the Park, Sydney – 18 May.
Roadshow attendance is by invitation only.
7. INCENTIVE: Win tickets to the exclusive preview of Brooklyn
Travel agents are invited to complete the NYC Training Academy to be in the running to win tickets to the exclusive preview screening of Tranmission Films’ Brooklyn.
The marketing group for New York has five double passes to give away at each pre-screening of the movie in Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra, Adelaide, Perth and the Gold Coast.
Be in the running by completing your academy and sending your certificate to kristin.hellmrich@walshegroup.com.au.
8. INCENTIVE: Win a trip to Germany
Emirates and the German National Tourists Office have teamed up to give two agents from every Australian state the chance to travel to Germany on a special trade famil.
To be in the running agents need to answer two questions: in 50 words or less, what would your ultimate seven-day itinerary in Germany look like; and how many cities does Emirates fly to in Germany?
Running for five nights, the famil will take consultants to six German destinations including Munich, Stuttgart, Baiersbronn, Wolfach, Triberg and Freiburg. It includes return flights to Munich with Emirates, coach transfers, sightseeing activities and most meals.
The competition will run until 15 February 2016, click here to submit you answers.
9. All new livery for CEB
Cebu Pacific has received two new A30 aircraft featuring its brand new livey.
The carrier’s new look builds on its theme of Philippines’ natural canvas, which shades of the country’s land, sea, sky and sun.
The two aircraft were the first of 49 new aircraft the carrier is expecting for delivery between 2016 and 2021. The others are three more Airbus A320, 30 Airbus A321neo, and 16 ATR 72-600 aircraft.
“The planes’ refreshed livery signifies the airline’s growth and evolution from pioneering low-cost travel in the Philippines, to successfully growing its flight operations across key domestic and international markets today.”
Atty. JR Mantaring, CEB Vice President for Corporate Affairs
10. APT’s legendary visit
Australian Tennis legend John ‘Fitzy’ Fitzgerald took a break from commentating on Seven’s Summer of Tennis to pay a visit to APT’s head office in Melbourne last week.
During his visit, the Fitzgerald offered staff a little adventure about the synergies between winning in tennis and travel. In particular he talked about what it took to maintain the number one spot.
Citing innovation, team work and an appreciation for contrasting destinations and cultures as important factors in the success of both international tennis players and travel businesses alike, he shared personal anecdotes and learnings from his career.
In particular he shared with the team details of his personal travel. Having spent much of his career travelling to some of the world’s top tournaments, Fitzy admitted it wasn’t until he retired that he was able to return and enjoy the destinations themselves.
Staff were also delighted to learn that APT’s Magnificent Europe was the first time he and his wife had travelled on a river cruise and according to Fitzy they were “blown away by it”.