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Thurs 28 Jan: 10 travel news stories you need to know today

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.

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. Aussies slap off Zika scare

Brazil

Australian holidaymakers remain committed to their South American travel plans, despite increased health concerns across the region.

Over the past week, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has updated its advice for several South American and Caribbean countries as the mosquito-borne virus, Zika, continues to affect locals and recent visitors.

DFAT is urging Australians, particularly pregnant women, to protect themselves from mosquito bites and prevent infection of the disease after it was linked to brain damage in thousands of babies in Brazil.

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2. USA visa rule changes that will affect some Aussie travellers

ESTA

People who were born in Australia but whose father has a citizenship to Iraq, Iran, Sudan or Syria, will have a tougher time getting permission to travel to the USA.

The US government has rolled out two major changes to its visa waiver certificate, ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation), which makes it slightly tougher for recent visitors to these four countries or passport holders from entering the ‘land of the free’.

Effective immediately, anyone travelling to the USA, who is a citizen of a country included in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) – this includes us Aussies – who is also a citizen of Iran, Iraq, Sudan and Syria cannot enter the country under the VWP.

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3. China Southern launches new Sydney route

China Southern

China Southern’s A330-300 aircraft touched down at Sydney Airport early this morning, kicking off the airline’s new Shenzhen-Sydney service.

Launching ahead of the busy Chinese New Year travel period, the service will operate three times weekly, connecting Sydney to its ninth mainland China city.

The new flight will commence with operations during the peak period – running from today until 31 March 2016. The airline will review the service once the two months are complete.

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4. Debris found in Thailand is not linked to MH370

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Malaysia’s Transport Minister has confirmed that the large piece of debris found off the coast of Thailand over the weekend did not come from Malaysia Airlines’ flight MH370.

Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said the wire bundle number and bolts part number did not match the Boeing 777, which went missing almost two years ago with 227 people onboard.

“Based on these identifying details, the team has confirmed that the debris does not belong to a B777 9M-MRO aircraft (MH370).”

Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai, Malaysia Transport Minister

So far, investigators have only been able to find one piece of the aircraft – a single wing fragment found near Reunion Island in July last year.

 

5. WIN a spot on the Ultimate Famil

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Chimu Adventures and Bench International are celebrating their new joint Handpicked Journeys itineraries, by giving travel agents the chance to trial their two specialty destinations.

Five best sellers for Chimu and Bench International will win a spot on the Ultimate Famil covering both Africa and South America.

Running for 12 days, the trip will be take winning consultants on a big five safari in Kruger, a stay in the stunning city of Cape Town, before jetting off for a taste of some of the highlights of South America.

The incentive runs until 30 June 2016. Click here to register your interest and read up on Handpicked Journeys.

 

6. Exclusive travel agent discounts

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Mat McLachlan Battlefield Tours has launched an exclusive agent discount program, providing consultants with savings of up to 25 percent off.

The offer is available on any itineraries to anywhere in the world, including special tours to mark the Centenary of the First World War, 75th Second World War anniversary and 50th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan.

The first 50 agents to take part in the AD50 program will receive 50 percent or a saving of up to $2,300 off their tour. Companions will receive up to $1,250 off their trip.

AD50 only cover land packages and does not include flights or airport transfers,

For more information contact Mat McLachlan Battlefield Tours on 1300 880 340.

 

7. Fiji Airways teams up with a winning ambassador

Fiji Airways

Fiji Airways has recruited Championship winning 7s Coach, Ben Ryan, to be its official brand ambassador.

The charismatic Englishman arrived in Fiji in 2013 to coach the Vodafone Fiji 7s team, and has quickly become one of Fiji’s most popular sporting personalities after coaching his team to success at the 2014-2015 HSBC Sevens World Series.

As well as leading Fiji to success on the rugby field, Ryan dedicates much of his spare time to community projects, something which he will continue in his new role with Fiji Airways.

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8. InterContinental Fiji is ‘China Ready’

Luxury Club InterContinental One Bedroom Plunge Suite

The Golf Resort & Spa has spent over a year preparing for the arrival of more Chinese guests as part of a new ‘China Ready’ program.

Rolled out in 2015, the program ensures the needs of Chinese guests are taken into account to offer them a memorable and enjoyable stay.

Among the changes includes investing in Chinese scripted menus; introducing Chinese language TV channels; adding to the buffet menus; and sourcing Chinese teas.

The company’s sales and marketing team has also conducted regular sales calls into Chinese and partnered up with agents to give them access to the most recent and updated information to drive more business into the Resort.

“We are excited about Chinese New Year and the fact that we are the premium choice for accommodation in Fiji.”

Hudson Mitchell, InterContinental Fiji Director Leisure Sales and Marketing

 

9. Macao preps for giant New Years party

travel news Macau feature

The streets of Macao will come alive with colour and lights again this year for the annual giant Chinese New Year party.

The three-day celebration of the Lunar New Year (10 to 13 February) will see locals and tourists take part in a 14-float street parade as they ring in the Year of the Monkey.

Fireworks will fill the skies while live performances will deliver beats to keep people moving.

Australian viewers will be able to capture the very essence of the New Year celebrations in a telecast on Chinese TV station TVB.

“This is certainly an exciting time to be in Macao,” Macao Government Tourism Office in Australia, Helen Wong.

“The colour and general vibrancy of the Chinese New Year celebrations is not to be missed.

“The initial parade will kick off with a launch ceremony in front of Macao Science Center with the procession moving through Avenida Dr Sun Yat-Sen to Sai Van Lake Square.”

 

10. These properties are apparently ‘perfect’

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They’ve been tried and tested and given the thumbs up from tourists who found nothing but comfort inside their walls.

Around 16 Australian properties were highlighted as offering the ultimate overnight experience in this year’s Booking.com annual Guest Review Awards.

Each received a Perfect 10 for guest reviews, meaning they’re doing something that’s keeping the toughest of critics incredibly happy.

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What are your thoughts on today’s travel news stories?