We’ve done all the hard work, so you don’t have to! Read on for the top ten travel industry news stories of the day we think you need to know.
1. Emirates superjumbo heads to Perth
Get ready Western Australians, The Emirates A380 is heading your way!
Commencing 1 May 2015, Emirates will replace the Boeing 777-300ER aircraft with the superjumbo on its three daily services between Perth and Dubai.
The switch will increase capacity between the two destinations by 131 seats per flight and 1,834 per week.
2. The best of India is yet to come
India’s tourism industry may be gaining some traction amongst travellers but it has a long way to go, according to the country’s Australian representatives.
Speaking at a travel agent update last week, Incredible India’s assistant director said tourism growth to the country is well below its potential – an error the group aims to correct with new initiatives such as e-visas.
“The government is very aware of tourism growth, but figures are well below its potential. Especially from destinations like Australia.”
Vibahava Tripathi, Incredible India assistant director
3. American gives the AAdvantage
American Airlines is offering its frequent flyers additional miles on first or business class tickets booked on American or US Airways flights in 2015.
The promotion starts on 1 January next year and applies on all travel between 1 January and 31 December 2015. It offers AAdvantage® and Dividend Miles® members more miles based on the distance flown, the fare purchased and the member’s elite status level.
Eligible flights for AAdvantage members include all AA and US-marketed and operated flights. This includes codeshare services on partner flights such as British Airways, Iberia, Finnair, Japan Airlines and Qantas.
Earlier this month, American said it will spend up to $2 billion on new aircraft and new communication technology aboard its fleet.
The airline will add 112 aircraft to its fleet next year. This is in addition to the 100 aircraft delivered this year.
4. Hertz spreads around Europe
Hertz was on a mission to make it easier for travellers to rent a car in Europe, with 80 new branches opening up over the last 12 months.
The car rental brand opened new branches in key cities including Madrid, Athens, Oslo and Stockholm as well as important train stations and other city centres.
The company said the expansion meets rising demand for flexible vehicle hire in the places where vehicles are needed most.
“The nature of travel is changing with people increasingly making impromptu journeys using multiple modes of transport.”
Michel Taride, Hertz International group president
5. Get comfy in the AMEX lounge
American Express has opened its first VIP airport lounge in Australia, with a new American Express Lounge located next to Gate 24 at Sydney Airport.
It’s the group’s sixth lounge around the world, following the establishment of “stress-free havens” at Dallas and Las Vegas; Mexico City; Buenos Aires; Sao Paulo; and Delhi.
Operated by Plaza Premium, the new lounge features complimentary food and beverage, shower suites, high-speed wifi, computer and copy facilities plus flight information screens and magazines.
The lounge is accessible by premium card members and according to American Express’ Australian representative, is designed to provide members access to a ‘stress-free haven’ no matter which airline class they fly.
“Our Card Members all over the world tell us that airport lounge access is one of the most rewarding card benefits, offering a stress-free haven away from the hustle and bustle of a busy airport.”
Julie Nestor American Express Australia vice president of brand, rewards and digital commerce
6. New luxury resort opening in Phuket
Travellers will have a new five-star luxury property to book in Thailand, when The Naka Phuket opens on 20 December.
The resort will feature pool villas in secluded locations with beach access and luxury accommodation. There’s also a Meka Sky Lounge and Restaurant, which is located 30 metres above sea level.
Also new to the property is a NAPA ‘Spa Tower’ – a wellness and fitness centre plus a brand new kids club ‘The Heha’ that offers daily child sitting services and a range of activities for children and families.
The resort has its own wedding chapel – “WIWA” – that is located by the beach.
Water sports offered include snorkelling, kayaking and diving at the resort’s very own diving centre.
7. Trafalgar gets social with agents
Eight travel agents, one destination and 820 social media posts.
Trafalgar asked its top performing agents to get social on a recent famil to Switzerland.
The socially-driven photo incentive saw the group post around 820 images and status updates across Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using the hashtag #Acclaim2014.
During the trip agents were treated to an array of insider experiences including an exclusive Be My Guest dining experience at a working deer farm in Rechenhof. Here, they met the owners of the fifth generation farm and learned about its history and original development as a hunting lodge for roman emperor Maximillian the First.
Other activities included experiencing the Christmas markets of Innsbruck from the inside with Local Expert Angelika and discovering the 19th century Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany made famous by inspiring the Disneyland castle.
8. Get your award-winning coffee
Never mind the history and politics, we want the coffee!
The cafe located in Australia’s Old Parliament House in Canberra has been named one of Australia’s best coffee-makers at this year’s Compass Group National Barista Champion.
The Old Parliament House Cafe competed against 90 baristas and 11 finalists from around the country to take out the title.
The coffee competition has been running for five years, and this year took place in Sydney. The winner was selected based on their ability to make excellent coffee under time pressure.
Skills tested included customer engagement, presentation, hygiene standards, the temperature and presentation of the coffee and most importantly the flavour and balance of each coffee.
9. A Santa, cruise ship and Bicton Travel
Bicton Travel took its Christmas celebrations out to sea over the weekend on the chartered ship Astor.
The group was welcomed on the 620-passenger vessel around lunchtime on Saturday from Fremantle Harbour by a local children’s choir.
As well as hanging out with Santa, some elves and forming a human Christmas tree, the group also took part in dance classes, cruise trivia and enjoyed a gala Christmas dinner in the Waldorf Restaurant.
Did your work Christmas party top this? Let us know about it below.
10. Wow! Travellers spend A LOT on baggage fees
When it comes to packing some travellers are having a hard time keeping it light, according to new figures.
The US Department of Transportation revealed that for the first three quarter of 2014, travellers spent nearly US$2.6 billion in baggage fees on around 27 US airlines.
During the third quarter alone, travellers were charged nearly US$960 million for excess packing. This was a rise from $881 million during the third quarter last year.
Extra need to know: Sydney returns to normal
Image: Leah-Anne Thompson/Shutterstock
Travellers heading to or already in Sydney can travel around the destination freely after the hostage situation in Martin Place came to an end early this morning.
Airlines are operating flights as scheduled and attraction sites such as the Opera House have reopened.
Travellers planning to see the city via public transport will be able to do so with little delay, as trains and buses return to their normal services. However, trains will not operate to the business and retail district of Martin Place, as police continue investigations at The Lindt Cafe.
Click here for more information from yesterday’s siege.