We’ve done all the hard work, so you don’t have to! Read on for our top ten travel news stories we think you need to know today.
1. Channel 9 questions the future of travel agents
Channel 9 took to social media last night to talk to the Flight Centre share drop on Tuesday, asking the question “do you go online to book your holidays?”
In case you missed it, Flight Centre’s shares fell by up to 16 percent two days ago after the company adjusted its profit expectations.
The agency group warned full-year earnings for 2014/15 would fail to meet record profits of the prior 12 months.
2. Malaysia Airlines axes Brisbane services
Malaysia Airlines has confirmed to KarryOn that it will no longer fly the Brisbane – Kuala Lumpur route from 9 August this year.
The last flight to and from Brisbane will be on 8 August.
The termination comes as the airline revises its Australian network to make it a more profitable destination.
3. Amadeus builds its own ‘cloud’
Travel tech provider Amadeus is building its very own cloud system in the hopes of providing the travel industry a single source to access content and travel tools while on-the-go.
Currently in development with open source solutions company, Red Hat Inc., ‘Amadeus Cloud Services’ will act similarly to Apple’s ‘cloud’ system.
Users can send bookings, searches and emails to ‘the cloud’, where it will safely be stored away.
4. Airports can’t hide now
Travellers that have exhausted their opinions on hotels, restaurants and attractions can now have their say on the world’s biggest airports.
TripAdvisor today unveiled its first dedicated airport pages, giving holidaymakers access to the ‘truth’ (it’s somebody’s truth) about their favourite (or least favourite) gateways.
Kicking off with Changi Airport, TripAdvisor is aiming to feature content for some 200 major airports around the world.
5. Kiwis earn Qantas Points with Jetstar
New Zealanders will now earn Qantas Points on every Jetstar domestic flight across the country, including flights to four new regional destinations on sale from September.
Previously, Qantas Frequent Flyer members travelling on Jetstar New Zealand have earned Qantas Points only when adding Plus and Max bundles to their Starter fare to include extras such as food, baggage and ticket flexibility.
From today, all Jetstar domestic Starter fares within New Zealand will attract a minimum of 400 Qantas Points. Customers purchasing Plus bundles will earn a minimum of 800 Qantas Points, while those buying the Max bundle will receive a minimum of 1,200 Qantas Points.
The Qantas Points offering on all domestic flights will be unique to Jetstar’s customers in New Zealand. Qantas Points will not be extended to other parts of the Jetstar network.
6. Sydney is tops for MICE
Sydney isn’t just a favourite amongst overseas travellers, it’s also tops for MICE, according to new data.
A report compiled by travel tech company Locomote found the Harbour City beat Melbourne in the battlefield of the most visited in Australia for business travellers.
Sydney accounted for one in five (20 percent) of all corporate flights booked. Melbourne was the second most popular business destination with 13 percent of bookings, followed by Singapore (6.4 percent) and Hong Kong at 2.5 percent.
Brisbane, the third most visited city in Australia, came in fifth, accounting for 2.3 percent of business travel flights.
“The city has a high business density and airlines ensuring that market demand is met.”
Philip Weinman, Locomote CEO and Executive Chairman
“Despite the number of communication tools available, face-to-face meetings remain essential to most businesses. The ability to discuss a deal in person or physically source products is still important.”
7. Star Alliance networks grows with Avianca
Brazilian airline, Avianca will be added to the Star Alliance members network from 22 July this year.
The announcement was made at the mid-year Chief Executive Board meeting this week.
The addition of Avianca allows Star Alliance to once again to offer its customers domestic flights in Latin America’s largest and most important market.
“We are delighted that we can include Avianca in Brazil as of next month, which, together with various new hub-to-hub services announced by individual members, signifies that we will boost network connectivity this year.”
Mark Schwab, Star Alliance CEO
8. Chinese travellers prefer the Peninsula
The Peninsula Hotels are the favoured brand by the wealthiest Chinese travellers, according to a new report.
The Chinese Luxury Traveler 2015 report compiled by Hurun and ILTM Asia tracked the Chinese Ultra High Net Worth (avg net worth $USD 13 million).
It found they prefer to stay at Peninsula properties when travelling.
The report also revealed China’s travellers are the world’s biggest spenders, forking out US$30,000 or more on travel in the past year.
9. Does Los Cabos have the best tourism board?
If you answered yes to the question above then you may want to get your vote in for Los Cabos Tourism Board.
The bureau has been nominated the destination 2015 ‘Tourism Board of the Year’ with Virtuoso.
The prestigious accolade recognises tourism boards around the globe that demonstrate exceptional work in promoting tourism strategies, market diversification, advertising campaigns and relationships with major travel agents throughout the year.
10. Universal’s ‘Fast & Furious’ ride shifts into gear
Stars of the ‘Fast & Furious’ gathered at Universal Studios Hollywood overnight to officially launch the highly anticipated thrill ride based on the hit movie franchise.
Vin Diesel joined by fellow cast members Michelle Rodriguez, Tyrese Gibson and Jason Statham cut the ribbon using jumbo scissors and shared a few thoughts before breaking in the new ‘Fast & Furious—Supercharged‘ ride.
The ride debuts as the grand finale to the world famous Studio Tour.