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. Aus cruising breaks a million
New ships joining the local fleet, a thirst for sea breaks and increased marketing activity has pushed the Australian market past the big one million mark, six years ahead of schedule.
The target of one million Australian cruise passengers was originally slated to be achieved by 2020.
Last year, this target was adjusted by Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Australasia, to be achieved in 2016.
2. Malaysia Airlines prepares for restructure
Malaysia Airlines’ boss is reassuring travel agents and travellers that it is business as usual at the airline, despite rumours that thousands of employees could be axed this week.
Reports that over 6,000 employees could lose their jobs in the coming days come almost three weeks after Chief Executive, Christoph Mueller, confirmed that job cuts were part of a required restructure in order for the carrier to remain competitive.
At a meeting earlier this month, he told employees that the airline is currently spending 20 percent more than its competitors.
3. REX flies deeper into Queensland
Regional Express (REX) has added new services into Northern Queensland, to increase competition and meet growing demand for the regional area.
Commencing 6 July this year, the airline will introduce three weekly return flights between Cairns and Townsville.
These flights will be in addition to weekend services already operating between the two cities and the newly introduced direct four times weekly return services between Cairns and Mount Isa.
4. Qantas teams up with the happiest place on earth
The Flying Kangaroo has teamed up with the big eared mouse to make travelling to the happiest place on earth more affordable for Australian families.
As part of Disneyland’s Diamond Anniversary, the theme park and Qantas have worked together to launch new promotions and deals to run through May and June.
They include 31 return weekly flights to Los Angeles; a special Qantas Frequent Flyer promotion for members to win a family trip to Disneyland with five nights accommodation and access to the exclusive magic hour in the park; a dedicated page on Qantas’ website where customers can keep up to date on the latest celebration activities, deals and special offers; plus a special inflight Disney themed service to kick off the celebrations.
Commencing last week, Disneyland has also started to host special events to commemorate its big birthday.
These include three new night time spectaculars; a new “World of Color” show hosted by Mickey Mouse and Hollywood star Neil Patrick Harris; and the Sleeping Beauty Castle in Disneyland and Carthay Circle Theatre in Disney California Adventure will glisten and gleam for the celebration, each with its own diamond medallion.
In addition to honouring 60 years of operation, the Diamond Celebration focuses on the future of Disneyland while fulfilling Walt Disney’s promise that “Disneyland will never be completed … as long as there is imagination left in the world.”
5. Winter isn’t coming to Queenstown, it’s here early
Get the snowboard and skis ready, because Queenstown winter is officially here, as Kiwis find themselves knee-deep in fresh power.
A southerly storm this week gave Queenstown’s Coronet Peak and The Remarkables a very white start to winter season with up to half a metre of snow blanketing both ski areas.
NZSki CEO Paul Anderson said the snow was perfectly timed for Queenstown’s winter preparations.
6. Rendez-vous New Caledonia – Day 1
The warm up for ‘Rendez-vous New Caledonia’ is in full swing with ten excited wholesalers and travel media touching down on the island yesterday.
In the next three days Australian and New Zealand wholesalers and travel media will discover the northern part of New Caledonia during a pre-famil leading up to the ‘Rendez-vous New Caledonia’ workshop taking place on Friday 29th May.
With New Caledonia being the third largest nickel exporter in the world the country’s main focus has traditionally not been on tourism, however the beautiful island has become a popular choice amongst Australian and New Zealand travellers who is looking for an adventure-filled authentic holiday.
7. Mega Fam to Oman is coming
Agents will have a rare opportunity to experience the culture, food and attractions of Oman first-hand during the destination’s upcoming Mega Fam.
Final details are still to be confirmed, but according to the Sultanate of Oman, those that have completed the destination’s online training modules will be in the running to be part of the big trip.
Country Manager Australia & New Zealand, Mona Tannous, said the Sultanate is working more than ever before to encourage agents to engage with the tourist bureau and register as a Preferred Agent.
“We’re really excited about a suite of exciting activities and enhancements planned in both the short and longer term.”
Mona Tannous, Country Manager Australia & New Zealand
Some upcoming enhancements to Sultanate of Oman Tourism’s website include a more user-friendly information architecture, interactive maps and product/experience search, and a new mechanism by which consumer leads will be distributed to agents who have completed the online training academy.
In addition to the upcoming famil, agents that complete the course will receive a ‘Preferred Agent Status’, which makes it easier for travellers to find them.
8. New agreement packages MSC itineraries
Ecruising.travel has announced a new partnership with MSC Cruises, which will see the two work together to offer cruise holiday packages to Australian travellers.
The online cruise seller will package an array of itineraries including the MSC’s repositioning Grand Voyages between Europe and South America, Africa and the Middle East and, of course, their flagship routes around the Mediterranean and Baltic Sea. Durations range from seven nights to 25 nights and there is also a selection of back-to-back cruise packages.
“Ecruising is delighted to re-launch their relationship with MSC and look forward to providing Australian travellers with interesting, well-priced cruise holiday packages around the world centred around the MSC experience.”
Alastair Fernie, Ecruising General Manager
Ecruising and MSC are offering launch pricing from $2,649 for a nine-night Mediterranean cruise package including flights, pre-cruise accommodation a seven night cruise and transfers.
Additional incentives are also available for a range of Grand Voyages.
9. APT adds new expo dates
Travel agents are being told to expect more river cruise sales from clients as APT adds new expo dates around Australia.
These nationwide free series of events are designed to bring the award-winning luxury travel operator’s portfolio to life for prospective clients, while at the same time driving increased business for travel agents.
According to Lee Moore, owner of helloworld Melville, they not only serve to educate clients but also deliver outstanding financial benefits.
10. United adopts ‘Girl Power’
No, the airline didn’t just recruit the Spice Girls as brand ambassadors, it did something incredibly cooler.
After noticing a lack of women in control at 35,000-feet, United Airlines decided to ‘man’ one of its flights with an all women crew.
The historic flight on the airline’s new Boeing 737-900ER flew from Seattle to Chicago earlier this month with a female captain, Kim Noakes, and her first officer, Jan Lumbrazo.
And in the cockpit, all drinks, meals and towels were being handed out by ladies only.
In addition to an entirely female crew, the plane was filled by women who work for United Airlines in other capacities.
However, it may be a while before ladies takeover the skies again, because according to a United spokesperson the all-female flight would not significantly change the way the airline assigns cockpit crews, Chicago Business Journal reported.