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. Nepal earthquake update: Aussies located, death toll climbs
Image: CNN
Some 1,150 Australians travelling in Nepal have been found ‘safe and well’, while the death toll in the country climbs to over 4,000.
Foreign Minister, Julia Bishop, confirmed the safety of the thousand Australians this morning.
She also said the consular was providing assistance to the family of Melbourne-based Renu Fotedar, who was killed in an avalanche on Mount Everest.
2. Australia’s favourite airline is…
Qantas air and ground crew with TripAdvisor’s Regional Director of Flights, Andrew Wong.
The world’s largest travel site, TripAdvisor, has tallied up the votes and the winner of Australia’s favourite airline is… DRUM ROLL… Qantas Airways.
Did the image give it away?
The airline won the title as part of TripAdvisor’s annual Travellers’ Choice awards, which collects votes of Travel Favourites.
3. Agents gain wider access to events
Rudimental
Asia Pacific based Abacus travel agents will soon have access to some 8,000 concerts, cabarets, activities, attractions and tours as part of a new agreement.
Rolling out in May, City Discovery will be available through Abacus ContentPlus.
The unique B2B2C retail platform will give agents the means to provide instant confirmation for sporting or entertainment events, as well as priority access to a wide range of attractions.
This includes a choice of private or group themed tours are also available for more than 700 destinations covering all interests, from gastronomy and photography to local culture and nightlife. Popular city passes can be bundled in for the duration of a stay.
Abacus travel agents can sell City Discovery products independently, or tie them into a custom itinerary as part of a complete personalized package, with flights, accommodation, car rental, transfers and more. Easy to align and track, Abacus ContentPlus automatically creates a consolidated super-PNR.
In beta testing now, Abacus ContentPlus will be free to use as one of the 60 downloadable Abacus Red Apps that integrate with leading B2B workflow solution, Abacus WorkSpace.
4. Jetstar enters new Avalon deal
The Victorian Government will fork out $12 million over the next decade to ensure commercial flights continue to operate out of its second airport, Avalon.
Last month, the gateway was close to losing its only commercial airline, when Jetstar revealed it was tossing between signing a new contract or allowing the current one to expire on 30 April.
However, yesterday the budget carrier revealed it has been swayed to keep using the airport and even said it will fly additional services.
The new deal will see Jetstar operate seven passenger flights per day, including two new destinations, which are yet to revealed. This is up from the current five commercial services a day to Sydney.
According to Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews, the new deal will see passenger numbers increase from 500,000 to 700,000 a year.
“This 10-year deal gives us the stability to chase extra business, [with] even more people coming to Victoria through this airport and that’s great for jobs and great for Victoria.”
Daniel Andrews, Victorian Premier
5. Corporates get ready for helloworld in Hong Kong
Corporate travel representatives from across the industry are getting ready to fly to Hong Kong for the annual helloworld ‘Leaders Summit’.
Running from 1 – 2 May, the event will see attendees join workshops designed to review market trends and opportunities and map their road to success.
The keynote speaker at this year’s event is leading travel industry veteran and MD of Phocuswright, Tony D’Astolfo.
Other speakers include leading economist and Finance Reporter Ross Greenwood, Managing Director of Twitter Australia Karen Stocks, Co-Founder of Wizard Home Loans Brad Seymour and Mark Donaldson VC, the first Australian in 40 years to receive a Victoria Cross for Gallantry.
helloworld’s Head of Associate and Affiliate Networks said this year delegates will also explore the theme of leadership, which reflects the ‘reality that our network and commercial partners are the best in the business’.
“We will be inspiring, motivating and educating our leaders on some of the challenges and trends today and preparing them for an exciting year ahead.”
David Padman, helloworld Head of Associate and Affiliate Networks
6. Build to WIN your own bucket-list holiday
London, Los Angeles or snorkeling in Fiji? Always dreamt about planning your own bucket-list holiday? Now you have the chance to take it without paying a cent…
To celebrate the launch of their new website, Creative Holidays is offering agents the chance to create and then WIN their own dream holiday.
For the chance to win, agents are being invited to design their dream holiday to the value of $15,000 at creativeholidays.com/win by adding flights, hotels, transfers and tours into the shopping cart and saving the quote.
7. Virgin appoints Elizabeth Bryan as chairman
Image: The Australian
The former chair of Caltex Australia, Elizabeth Bryan has been appointed to head up Virgin Australia as the new Chairman of the Board.
Ms Bryan, who does not currently hold a spot on the board, will replace outgoing chair Neil Chatfield on 20 May.
According to the airline, Ms Bryan was chosen from a strong field of candidates and received unanimous support from the board.
8. Sneak peek at two of Australia’s new ships
Pacific Eden and Pacific Aria sport the navy livery.
Less than seven months until P&O’s two new ships officially join the fleet, the cruise line is giving cruise fans a little sneak peek of what to expect onboard.
If you think you know what it means to sail with P&O, then think again.
The cruise line has completely revamped its look and feel onboard, with modern furnishings, new luxe bars, plush private dining and spacious rooms.
9. APT sails guests to Gallipoli
APT Director, Robert McGeary, special guest speaker Australian Naval Commander Peter Martin and APT Founder, Geoff McGeary.
APT hosted some 502 guests from Australia and New Zealand on the Gallipoli Peninsula over the weekend on two cruise ships in Anzac Cove.
Some 105 guests on MS Island Sky and Le Soléal took a special land tour on behalf of New Zealand travel agency, House of Travel.
Those with balloted tickets were taken ashore for the poignant and moving centenary dawn service. The remaining guests watched the service live on large screens aboard their vessels or at their hotel.
APT’s Founder, Geoff McGeary OAM, was on hand to host the various cruises, and accompanying guests on sightseeing across the Gallipoli Peninsula in the run up to the dawn service.
“It has been a truly humbling experience to hear so many moving stories from our guests, all of whom are here to experience this once-in-a-lifetime event and to pay their respects, often for very personal reasons, to the brave young soldiers who lost their lives here 100 years ago.”
Geoff McGeary, APT Founder
10. US gets a dose of Sydney with NBC’s Today
Move over Oprah, step aside Ellen and get out of the way Modern Family because US audiences are getting an all new dose of Australia (specifically NSW) on top rated morning show NBC’s Today.
Put your makeup on Sydney, because the wake-up series is setting up a special live broadcast in the city next month.
Revealed by NSW Premier Mike Baird, Australian-born TODAY anchor Savannah Guthrie will host the live broadcast from 9.00pm to 11.00pm at an iconic Sydney location.