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. Qantas or Virgin – which is more punctual?
The two airlines have been going neck-to-neck in domestic punctuality for some time, with Qantas being the most on-time, then Virgin and then Qantas… you get the picture.
Last we heard, Virgin was the most punctual domestic airline, sitting ahead of it major competitor.
But according to the latest data collected by the Bureau of Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Economics (BITRE), Qantas pushed ahead in May to take out the number one spot, again.
2. First KarryOn birthday winners will be announced shortly…
Just a quick reminder that the first two winners of our KarryOn birthday celebrations will be announced at 2.00pm today on our Facebook page.
This means, there’s still time for you to get your entry in to win one of two prizes today.
If you miss out today, have no fear!
We’re giving away two prizes every day this week. Be sure to keep an eye on the page to see what we’ll be giving away next.
Good luck!
3. Amadeus expands budget airline offerings
Amadeus is moving in on the booming low-cost carrier business, with the $830 million acquisition of hosting platform, Navitaire.
Navitaire focuses on providing revenue-generation and cost streamlining solutions in the areas of reservations, ancillary sales, loyalty, revenue management, revenue accounting and business intelligence.
It currently has more than 50 airlines and other operators under its belt, including a number of budget airlines such as AirAsia, CanJet Airlines, Cebu Pacific, Jetstar, Nok Air and more.
4. Qantas glitch sells off super cheap flights
It was practically raining cheap airfares to the US this week, when a computer glitch saw Qantas tickets from Australia to Los Angeles selling from a little as $400.
It would have been a dream come true for those researching travel on websites like Hopper.com and Skyscanner.com.au when they spotted roundtrip flights scheduled from July to September for $577. Or there was the one-way fares for just $286 on Skyscanner scheduled for flights until March 2016.
The glitch seemed very much a reality, especially after Skyscanner told Mashable the low fares were “the result of a promotion or sale running from one of our partners, an online travel agency and the fare is available only on certain dates”.
5. Some of the best inland tourism operators in NSW are…
Some of the attendees at last year’s awards.
Last night some of the best inland tourism operators around Australia were congratulated for making it as finalists in this year’s Travel In Inland Tourism Awards (INTA).
In 2015, around 51 finalists across 19 categories representing four regional tourism areas – Central, Inland, Murray and Riverina – were recognised for their excellence in tourism.
From NSW, 20 inland operators were named finalists, an achievement Inland NSW CEO said represented their commitment to building their business.
6. Sabre completes Abacus purchase
Abacus International officially belongs to the Sabre Corporation.
Sabre completed the acquisition this week – less than two months after announcing the $411 million purchase. Read on
The addition will not only give Sabre-connected agents access to Abacus’ products, but it will also bring in some $120 million in revenue.
The travel technology company also today announced the appointment of Roshan Mendis (pictured) to the role of Senior Vice President for Asia Pacific.
He will relocate from Texas to Singapore where he will be responsible for the overall Sabre Travel Network business in the region.
Mendis joins the team after 12 years with Travelocity.com, where he was most recently president of the Americas, until its sale in early 2015 to Expedia.
7. Luxperience registrations extended
The last minute rush to register participation at Luxperience has seen the need to extend the registration deadline for both exhibitors and buyers.
The closing date for registration will now be Friday 10 July 2015.
Michelle Papas Director of Marketing and Buyer Relations at Luxperience said the extension ensures people don’t miss out on experiencing the event due to the eleventh hour dash to register.
This year, the event guarantees appointment schedules of up to 55 individual meetings between high calibre of qualified travel advisors and high-end products.
Luxperience is happening 6-9 September this year.
8. Silversea’s new ‘Muse’ for ultra-luxury cruising
They may offer different types of cruises in different parts of the world, but this week cruise lines Hurtigruten and Silversea had something incredibly big (and float-able) in common.
The two cruise lines unveiled plans to expand their fleets with new vessels.
Hurtigruten announced its expansion yesterday, with the purchase 320-passenger MS Norway Explorer.
9. Two Aussie properties nominated best in luxury
Two Australian luxury resorts have been nominated in the Virtuoso Best of the Best awards, which recognise the world’s top properties and hoteliers across 100 countries.
Gaia Retreat & Spa on the NSW North Coast has been in nominated for ‘Best Spa’ category, while newly opened Lizard Island Resort on the Great Barrier Reef has been nominated in the ‘One to Watch’ category.
Both properties will compete in a field of five and have been nominated from a list of more than 1000.
According to Virtuoso Asia Pacific Managing Director, Michael Londregan, the nominations come as ‘no surprise’ because Australian properties are meeting the mark with it comes to quality and luxury.
“Australia’s strength as an international luxury destination is undeniable, we offer an unrivalled experience which ticks the boxes of what now defines ‘luxury travel’ – authenticity, natural experience, quality food and experiential engagements.”
Michael Londregan, Virtuoso Asia Pacific Managing Director
“That two of our best luxury products have been chosen in a short list of 50 hotels, resorts and spas for a total of 5 major awards, is testament to Australia’s ability to meet the travel needs of the most discerning visitor.”
10. Scenic launches Canada microsite
Scenic celebrated Canada day yesterday with the launch of a new dedicated Canada microsite to showcase its 2016 program and unique offering.
Designed to complement the 2016 brochure, the microsite takes guests on a journey through the natural beauty and rugged landscapes of Canada’s Rocky Mountains to the awe-inspiring glaciers of the Alaskan Inside Passage, whilst sharing all the inclusions, exclusive events and activities, and luxurious and iconic hotels that guests will only experience when travelling with Scenic.
Found at scenicwonders.com.au, the microsite details Scenic’s selection of handcrafted and diverse Scenic Freechoice sightseeing activities including a Harley Davidson sidecar tour in Jasper, alpine helicopter flights in Banff and Whistler and humpback whale watching in Victoria.
Plus there’s a video highlighting the full range of iconic Fairmont Hotels and Resorts which is exclusive to Scenic, the only Australian tour operator to offer this added luxury.
NTK Extra: Meet Hawaii roadshow
Hawai‘i Tourism Oceania (HTO) will be holding the inaugural Meet Hawai‘i Roadshow this month, giving MICE industry professionals the opportunity to network and attend Hawaii workshop sessions.
Running from 27-30 July in Melbourne, Brisbane and Sydney, attendees will gain insight into destination and product available on the Hawaiian Islands.
Representatives from each of the Island Chapters along with twelve industry partners and the Hawai‘i Convention Centre will be at the roadshow this year.