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. And the world’s worst airline is…
Questionable meals, poor customer service and aged aircraft have landed this airline the title of ‘world’s worst’ for the fourth time.
Air Koryo – the world’s only ‘one-star’ airline – has once again been named the world’s worst after being compared to other superior airlines, particularly those from East Asia.
The list compiled by UK-based Skytax found out of 600 air carriers Air Koryo scored the lowest across a number of factors.
2. Asiana Airlines increases services to Sydney
Korean carrier, Asiana Airlines is increasing its presence in Australia from tomorrow by resuming daily services between Sydney and Seoul.
The announcement comes after the airline wound back its services to five-times weekly to accommodate a slow-down in demand.
However, an spike in visitors heading to Korea has created new demand for the airline. According to Korea’s tourism bureau, between January and April this year there has been a nine percent increase in Australian visitors compared to the same period period last year.
3. Singapore Airlines delays Premium roll-out
Singapore Airlines says it has had to push back the roll-out of its new premium economy seats due to delays in the seat installation programme.
The new class will now be introduced in March, which affects confirmed bookings from 9 September. Affected travellers will be contacted ‘progressively by Singapore Airlines or travel agents’.
When it does roll-out, Premium Economy will be available on 11 of Singapore Airlines’ A380 routes, including the flight from Sydney to Singapore. Rest assured it’ll be worth the wait as we reported a few weeks ago.
4. Aussies are spending HOW MUCH on foreign bank fees?
The figures are in and it looks like Australians are losing hundreds of dollars per holiday on foreign bank fees and changes.
Latest research released by Travel Insurance Direct (TID) found one in ten travellers say they spend more than $100 a trip on overseas bank fees while travelling abroad.
With Tourism Research Australia’s latest data showing that 8,125,000 travelled overseas in the last calendar year, this could equate to approximately $81,250,000 among all Australian travellers in 2014.
5. roomsXML NOTICE
roomsXML is advising agents that its website will be unavailable from 8.00am to 5.00pm (AEST) on Saturday 5 September.
The company is upgrading its server infrastructure.
For any urgent technical assistance relating to the outage please contact: techsupport@roomsxml.com
“We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and thank you for your continued patience and support.”
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6. It’s official. The wing part belonged to MH370
French authorities say the they believe ‘with certainty’ that the wing part found off Reunion Island earlier this year belongs to the missing aircraft of flight MH370.
Confirmation comes almost two months after the plane part was found.
Although Malaysia’s leaders revealed its connection to the missing flight in August, French aviation experts said they wanted to be more cautious in their investigation before confirming its origin.
Meanwhile, Australian search teams continue to scour the southern Indian Ocean for more debris.
7. INCENTIVE: See Singapore, Thailand & Malaysia
Infinity Cruise and Rail is giving agents the chance to be part of a 13-day tour of Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia as part of its ‘Crail Crusade’ incentive.
In its second year, the incentive will take 20 top selling agents of cruise and rail product through Infinity’s Cruise and Rail Division on a cruise and rail tour of the three destinations.
The trip departs on 16 March next year will feature a five night sailing on Sapphire Princess from Singapore, the cruise will take in stops Laem Chabang and Koh Samui before returning to Singapore.
Agents will then experience the best that Singapore has to offer before boarding their rail journey. This years rail journey is a two night journey on board Eastern & Oriental Express – a once in a lifetime experience to relax in a beautifully appointed cabin, dine on exquisite feasts in the restaurant cars, while soaking up mesmerising landscapes on this journey like no other.
The incentive will run until the end of the calendar year.
8. Who wants to extra COMMISSION?
Lots o’ money baby!
Agents can earn commission from 13 percent to 16 percent on Fiji land arrangements booked through Creative Holidays by 18 September 2015.
The offer is on arrangements including hotels, tours and transfers. There’s also bonus commission on wholesale airfares with Fiji Airways.
Creative Holidays is also has deals available for the upcoming September/October school holidays including the family-friendly Fiji Crusoe’s Retreat, where travellers can take advantage of the ‘Stay 7 Pay 5’ offer. Plus on offer is the Naviti Resort where families can ‘Stay 6 Pay 4’ and kids can eat for free.
For more information on Creative Holidays’ exclusive offers click here or call 131 222.
9. Helen Wong’s Tours signs new partnership
Helen Wong’s Tours has entered a new preferred partnership with Express Travel Group for tours in China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar.
Founder Helen Wong said the agreement was a ‘big step forward’ in promoting the company’s range of tours.
“This partnership takes us another step forward in meeting today’s holidaying needs from Australian travellers.”
Helen Wong, Helen Wong’s Tours Founder
10. Special guests aboard Hawaiian Airlines
Hawaiian Airlines flew Australian sportsman Jarryd Hayne’s mother and sister to the US so that they could be there in person to cheer him on in his final trial match for the NFL 49ers.
As a specially gift to the flyers, Regional Director Australia & NZ, Gai Tyrrell, presented the ladies with fresh floral leis.
Tyrrell said the airline admires Hayne’s passion, particularly after he jumped on an opportunity to follow his passion to play for the NFL.
“His story is one of tenacity, integrity, love and respect for his family so it is absolutely our pleasure to make sure his family are by his side.”
Gai Tyrrell, Hawaiian Airlines Regional Director Australia & NZ
P.S: iTravel agents head to the Hard Rock
Freestyle Holidays recently hosted a group of iTravel agents for a USA themed lunch at the iconic Hard Rock Café Sydney.
Partnering with Freestyle Holidays were representatives from Las Vegas, Universal Studios, Hollywood, Palm Springs and Washington who gave agents first-hand information and updates about the US destinations in a ‘speed dating’ style session.
Agents enjoyed the opportunity to network while they were treated to a typical American style feast.
Freestyle Holidays is operated by Pinpoint Travel Group, one of Australia’s leading wholesalers with Rosie Holidays and The Collection as part of its portfolio.
P.P.S: Introducing the world’s first rideable suitcase
You can carry suitcases, wheel them, or you can drive them?
There’s a new Kickstater campaign attracting thousands of interested travellers because it proposes building the first rideable carry-on luggage.
Just to clarify – you actually sit on your luggage and drive it to the terminal. No seriously, check out the video above.