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Tues 20 Dec: 10 travel 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 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 stories you need to know today.

1. Insurance company withholds hacking from clients

travel hack
Image: Gajus/Shutterstock

A local travel insurance company’s database was hacked late last year, with potentially thousands of Australian’s personal information stolen and some even posted online.

Aussie Travel Cover is said to have been hacked on 18 December, but the company didn’t notify travel agents until 23 December, ABC News reported.

During the online raid, the hacker took clients’ names, phone numbers, email addresses, travel dates and policy costs.

Read on

 

2. Travel stars step out for Scenic

Scenic Tours awards night

Agents put on their ballrooms suits and long evening gowns for a night of French chic glamour at Scenic Tours’ annual ‘Night of Stars’.

Held on Saturday at the Ivy Ballroom in Sydney, the evening recognises the ongoing hard work and commitment of the company’s top agents in Australia and New Zealand.

Channel 9’s Steve Jacobs hosted in the role of MC and assisted in the distribution of eleven awards given to the top offices in each state plus four national awards – top multiple location agency and top single location agency; and the top consultants in Australia and New Zealand.

Read on

 

5. Double the space at Cruise3sixty Australasia

luxury cruise

The largest cruise conference in Australia is getting bigger in 2015, with additional exhibition space and booths.

Over 45 companies have booked booths for this year’s Cruise3sixty Australasia. That’s 18 more than 2014.

Exhibitors include cruise lines, airlines, hotels, trains, wholesalers, destinations, publishers and technology providers.

According to organisers Cruise Lines International Association’s (CLIA) general manager Brett Jardine, the group has received strong demand from companies across the industry to be part of the event, which will be held at The Star in Sydney on 27 February.

“Last year’s event established Cruise3sixty as a very dynamic trade show where conference attendees have the opportunity to meet with both cruise line representatives and other significant cruise industry focused suppliers. It’s a fabulous networking opportunity and an excellent forum for doing business.”

The exhibition will be held adjacent to the conference space at The Star and will be the venue for extended morning tea and lunch breaks as well as a two-hour long networking function.

 

4. Free wifi at ALL Hyatts

park-hyatt-sydney-exterior-hero2

Hyatt Hotels Corporation seems to have followed in Virgin Hotels’ footsteps, announcing plans to offer free wifi at all Hyatt properties around the world.

The announcement comes less than a week after Sir Richard Branson launched the first Virgin Hotels in Chicago, which has received praise for removing pesky add-ons such as wifi. Click here to read the Virgin Hotels difference.

Free Wi-Fi will also become available to Hyatt guests worldwide from February 2015. Travellers will be able to access free Wi-Fi on an unlimited number of mobile devices or laptops in Hyatt-branded hotel guest rooms and social spaces.

“Internet connectivity is no longer an amenity. It has become an integral part of travelers’ daily lives and a basic expectation. Travellers shouldn’t have to remember which brands or locations offer it for free or the strings attached to get it.”

Kristine Rose, Hyatt vice president of brands

The free service was previously only offered to loyalty members. However, where available, Hyatt said Gold Passport Diamond and Platinum tier members will now receive a complimentary upgrade to premium Wi-Fi service.

 

5. Two new APT ships + new itineraries in 2016

AmaDolce - APT

If you haven’t already checked it out, APT has launched its Europe River Cruising Pre Release 2016 brochure to help agents book their client’s next river cruise.

Highlights of the new Pre Release brochure include new Bordeaux river cruising itineraries, as well as two new European river ships for 2016 – the luxury 164-passenger vessels MS AmaStella and MS AmaViola.

As well as numerous river cruising itineraries, the new brochure also includes a range of popular luxury land touring in conjunction with Magnificent Europe, Rhine, Rhône and Moselle and Douro river cruises.

Among the three new itineraries is an 11-day Bordeaux River Cruise, which includes a three night luxury city stay at one of the leading hotels in Paris.

Sailing aboard 74-suite MS AmaDolce, the cruise starts in Bordeaux and takes guests to Pauillac, Blaye, Cognac, Libourne, Saint Émilion and Cadillac.

Along the way, passengers will enjoy a private dinner at Bordeaux’s Château Pape Clément and visit a family-owned cooperage before a wine tasting in Ludon.

For a limited time, APT is offering 2016 itineraries at 2015 prices, free cabin upgrades on select departures, and a choice of exciting SuperDeals to help motivate guests to book early.

APT SuperDeals on offer include: ‘Fly Free, including taxes’, ‘Fly Free, just pay taxes’, ‘Companion Fly Free, including taxes’, ‘Air Credits’ with savings of up to $1,900 per couple. On select departures, APT is offering ‘No Solo Supplement’ and ‘Fly Business Class from $2995 per person’. Offers are subject to availability and terms and conditions apply. All are valid on bookings made before 30 April 2015.

 

6. Princess shares the anniversary love

This is almost too cute! Princess Cruises is sharing the love during its 50th anniversary year by offering cruisers turning 50 or celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary in 2015 a congratulatory gift.

Guests who cruise with Princess during their 50th birthday or anniversary month will automatically receive a $50 onboard credit*, while those sailing during any other month of their celebratory year will receive a bottle of wine, compliments of the cruise line.

As part of the anniversary celebrations, guests sailing on any of the line’s fleet of 18 cruise ships during 2015 will also enjoy a wide range of special experiences including a themed menu, cocktails and entertainment.

Princess Cruises first set sail in 1965 with a single ship on cruises to Mexico. Nearly 50 years later, the line has grown to become the third largest cruise line in the world and a recognised leader in taking travellers to some of the most fascinating cruise destinations around the globe.

Hit play on the video above to learn more about the cruise line’s history.

 

7. Over 62? SIA won’t rehire you

pilots-KarryOn

Singapore Airlines is keeping its team of pilots relatively young, with plans to no longer rehire captains beyond the age of 62.

Previously, pilots with the rank of captain were allowed to fly beyond 62 until the age of 64.

However, in an attempt to reduce its surplus of pilots,which a Singapore Airlines spokesperson told KarryOn is expected to remain through the 2015/16 financial year.

“The situation has not improved due to network changes, the challenging business environment and despite measures already taken to alleviate the surplus, including voluntary no-pay leave and voluntary movements to subsidiaries.”

Singapore Airlines spokesperson

Captains on existing re-employment contracts will be released on 31 March 2015. Affected pilots have contacted and the airline said it will provide assistant where possible.

Meanwhile, Singapore Airlines kicked off 2015 with the launch of a new India-based subsidiary, Vistara.

The airline was created in conjunction with India-based Tata Sons and operates services within India.

Travelport currently distributes all Vistara fares and offerings.

Click here and scroll down to #8 to read more.

 

8. Paris tourism dips

Paris

The lines leading up to the Louvre are shorter than usual and the Eiffel Tower reportedly stands half empty.

That’s the scene in Paris this week, almost 14 days after 17 people and three gunmen were killed in religious attacks around the city.

Although the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has maintained the ‘exercise normal safety precautions’ advice, tourism to the city is said to have dipped.

Government officials are yet to reveal official figure, but local tourism workers say they’re feeling the impact of this month’s events.

“It’s been so calm since the attacks. There’s hardly anyone at all.”

Local shop owner told The Associated Press

Meanwhile, an Eiffel Tower spokesperson said the popular tourist attraction hasn’t recorded a drop, but said the situation could still change.

Last week, Paris’ regional tourist board, CRT Ile de France said it is sending representatives on a world tour to assure agents and their clients that city is safe and open for business.

The tour starts in February and will see representatives travel to the UK, Los Angeles, Italy, Spain, Germany, Hong Kong and Tokyo.

A spokesperson for the Paris Tourist Office told KarryOn Patricia Barthelemy from the Paris Convention & Visitors Bureau will visit Sydney in October on a separate tour. During her time in Australia she will meet with local travel professionals.

 

9. TripCase manages 30 million trips

TripCase

Sabre’s travel management app, TripCase says it has managed more than 30 million trips in 2014, making it one of the fastest growing mobile travel apps.

The company says its rapid growth was fueled by the launch of new capabilities within the app such as integration with wearable devices like Pebble and Samsung; there was the launch of a tablet version to iPad as well as new features making it easier for users to share their itineraries with relatives and friends.

There was also the addition of ‘remember this place’ where users record restaurants or boutiques they stumbled upon and want to return to.

To date, TripCase says the app is being used by more than 100,000 travel agents and 40 airlines.

“While many travellers are first drawn to TripCase for its simple, functional design and seamless data import, TripCase becomes indispensable as travellers discover the variety of tools and information that the app provides.”

Jeremy van de Klundert, Sabre Pacific managing director

In 2015 technology is set to change the way people travel. Click here to find out how.

 

10. Ace tennis players cook in the Sofitel kitchen

Williams cooking

Tennis legend Serena Williams and her sister Venus Williams got into an impromptu cooking challenge at the Sofitel Melbourne on Collins infront of members of Accor’s Le Club and surprise guest judge, Baz Luhrmann.

The VIP event showcased Serena’s passion for cuisine and high culture, with a fashionable French twist. As one of the most recognised people in the world, Serena is a woman of style and passion and this intimate evening was a rare opportunity to get to know the person behind the racquet.

“Blending French sophistication with Melbourne’s famous chic style, the Sofitel Melbourne On Collins was the perfect setting for this beautiful event, and Serena and Venus’ presence certainly helped us create a magical evening for our valued Le Club Accorhotel members, prior to the excitement of the Australian Open.”

Graham Wilson, Accor Asia Pacific chief marketing and distribution officer

Williams with Baz

Le Club Accor Hotels members mingled with the superstar trio over cocktails and canapés, before being led through the special dessert challenge between Serena and Venus by the Sofitel’s executive chef, John Savage.

Internationally renowned Australian director Baz Luhrmann judged the sisters’ efforts a dead heat — so they both went home winners.

Williams'

A cool creation designed to deliver some sweet relief for diners looking to counteract Melbourne’s soaring Summer temperatures, the dessert item aptly called The Serena Surprise will also be available for a limited time as a feature item on the menu at Sofitel’s restaurant, No35. Available for the duration of the Australian Open in Melbourne (January 19 – February 1, 2015), the dessert will be priced from $17 so that all guests can experience Serena’s chilled treat when they visit.

 

Need to Know Extra: Now that’s one fast hippo!

Sharks, lions, elephants and whales have nothing on hippos.

They’re one of the world’s most dangerous creatures, killing more people in a single year than any other African animal.

But what you may not have known about the large mammal is that they are fast. No, not just fast, they are incredibly fast.

The video above shows the usually sluggish animal chasing a powered tour boat in Botswana and in 15 seconds covers a lot of water to almost catch it.

Filmed by tourist Clive Jackson on the Chobe River, the short video has gone viral receiving almost three million views in less than nine days.

“Incredible footage – that hippo sure looks angry.”

Christopher L, Youtube user

“How the hell does he move that fast under water ???”

Adnan Kashogi, Youtube user

Hippos kill around 3,000 people a year, making it one of the biggest killers in Africa. Only three life-forms kill more people in Africa than hippos – human beings, mosquitos, and tsetse flies, according to the African Wildlife Foundation.

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