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. New consulates, passport fees rise & more in new budget
The money have been divided, rescinded and distributed to new areas – that’s right the Federal Budget is out and even travel is being affected by it.
As per usual, there’s a bit of good and a touch of bad for all industries as the government redistributed money into areas it believes needs improvements.
For example, did you know that this year the government will spend $195 million in increase cyber security? Might want to watch what you say on email.
2. The Burnes effect: helloworld says its finances are already improving
Andrew Burnes may be new to the CEO role over at helloworld, but he’s already having a massive impact on the company’s finances, according to an update.
In a statement published to ASX, the new Chief Executive is feeling confident about the recent changes he’s initiated, saying they’ve put Helloworld Limited on track to achieve a “significantly improved result in FY17.
Over the last three months, Burnes has seen Helloworld Limited throw a merger with AOT Group Limited, which transformed the company into Australia’s leading integrated travel group.
3. LATAM is here
The hilarious picture above aside, LATAM hosted an elegant gathering in Sydney last night to officially launch the South America airline’s new look in Oceania.
The VIP event saw guests entertained with funky, Latin jazz music while they enjoyed signature Peruvian cocktail, Pisco and Latin America-inspired food.
They were also among the first in Australia to check out the airline’s new aircraft livery and uniforms. Be sure to check out KarryOn tomorrow for more information.
4. BIG DEAL: Up to 30% of Topdeck Travel
With bucket loads of trips at OMG prices, Topdeck Travel’s Mega Sale is more colossal than the Colosseum itself.
See yourself navigating the buzzing streets of New York? Getting cruisy on the sparkling Med? Or perhaps gazing over the Golden Triangle in Laos? No matter where your travel dreams lead, this is your final chance to secure a deal of a lifetime.
This offer won’t stick around, click here for more information.
5. A cruise ship with an infinity pool is coming to Australia
‘Sail on a Viking Cruises ship’ – if it’s on the bucket list, then here’s your chance to tick it off without travelling halfway around the globe to do so.
Viking Cruises has confirmed it is sending its first ship to Australia during its inaugural World Cruise.
The line’s forthcoming 930-passenger vessel, Viking Sun, will be the ship to make the grand 141-day journey when she launches next year.
6. Inaugural Latin America show to raise funds for Ecuador
The first ever public travel expos for Latin America in Sydney on Sunday, 15 May, 2016, and Melbourne on Sunday, 22 May, will include a fundraising drive for victims of the earthquake last month in Ecuador.
A total of 200 agents have registered so far to learn about the continent and go in the running to win a US$12,000 holiday to Peru and Chile.
Agents at the workshops will also be able to hear first-hand the effects of the Ecuador earthquake with all major tourist attractions and regions intact and operating normally.
Click here to register.
7. TravelManagers is Top 5 in Cruiseco sales
TravelManagers is feeling honoured after being the only exclusive home-based company to receive the ‘Top 5 Sales’ award from Cruiseco, recognising the company’s significant sales contribution.
In addition TravelManagers received an award acknowledging the company as a member of Cruiseco’s ‘Million Dollar Club’, also for the second consecutive year.
TravelManagers’ Executive General Manager Michael Gazal said the consecutive award wins for increasing sales results is proof that the TravelManagers’ home-based consulting concept is strong.
8. Royal Caribbean speeds up at sea wifi
Beginning today, Royal Caribbean is making VOOM, its exclusive, high-speed internet service – the fastest at sea – available fleetwide on its 24 innovative ships sailing worldwide.
VOOM, first introduced on the Quantum class of ships, allows guests holidaying with Royal Caribbean to always stay connected and to stream their favourite music, movies and TV shows to stay up to date on the latest happenings.
Whether they are posting envy-inducing holiday photos on Instagram or Snapchat, or video-chatting with loved ones back home using FaceTime or Skype, travellers can share their adventures in real-time with family and friends.
9. Travel Agent wins $10,000 in cash from TTC
Congratulations to John Cammareri from Cammareri Travel in Leichhardt, NSW, who is the latest winner of The Travel Corporation’s (TTC) ‘Great $1,000,000 cash Giveaway‘.
Cammareri received a huge $10,000 cheque from TTC’s CEO and President, Brett Tollman along with CEO of TTC Australia, John Veitch.
Mr Cammareri arrived at the TTC Bondi Junction office, believing he was there for a meeting, only to be surprised with the news of his win.
10. The Exorcist possesses Universal
Know a client that loves to scare themselves silly? Then this may be the holiday experience for them.
The Exorcist, will take possession of ‘Halloween Horror Nights’ in all-new horrifying mazes opening at Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Orlando Resort beginning this September.
At Universal Orlando Resort, guests will see, hear, feel – and even smell – every iconic levitating, head-spinning, vomit-wrenching, skin-crawling moment from the film. Universal Studios Hollywood’s maze will resonate as a real life interpretation of the demonic film, daring “Halloween Horror Nights’” guests to live the nightmare experienced by a tortured Regan and her determined mother.