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. American Airlines spends $2 billion on new aircraft, wifi
Image: Markus Mainka/Shutterstock
American Airlines is setting out to be ‘better than its competitors’ with a $2 billion upgrade of its fleet and land services.
This will include refreshed cabins and clubs, new ticket counters, new technology on aircraft and at airports plus new aircraft.
The move comes a year after the airline completed its merger with US Airways.
2. See Voyager’s $80 million transformation
That’s no pro, that’s Captain Charles Teige catching a few waves on his break.
KarryOn was among 1,400 agents and industry media given an exclusive one-night sailing aboard Royal Caribbean’s recently renovated Voyager of the Seas last night.
While we didn’t get the chance to catch a wave on the first surf simulator at sea Down Under, we did get to explore the vessel and experience her $80 million refit.
Among the biggest changes onboard is the FlowRider, which replaced the rollerblading inline track on deck 13.
3. The Dream-liner continues for Air New Zealand
Air New Zealand continues to increase competition amongst Asia Pacific carriers, with plans to receive two new revolutionary Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft.
The two planes are in addition to the seven aircraft already on order.
All together the nine new aircraft will increase the airline’s 787 fleet to 12 within three years.
This will make the airline’s 787-9 fleet the fourth largest in Asia Pacific, following All Nippon Airways’ 44 on order; Japan Airlines’ 20; and Air China’s 15.
4. Hotel booking app coming to Aus
If Wotif wasn’t enough online competition for Australian travel agents, a Hong Kong-based hotel online booking service is looking to start up in Australia.
Unlike Wotif, HotelQuickly doesn’t use a website to sell its hotel products, but rather a mobile app. The app provides information and quick bookings for last-minute holidaymakers.
Further setting itself apart from the competition, the company’s co-founder, Christian Mischler said the app offers rooms for roughly 28 percent cheaper than the best price available elsewhere online.
This is done by only displaying 10 deals at a time, which encourages other hotels to undercut their competitors in order to be featured on the app.
The group will target markets in Sydney and Melbourne first – a Sydney office is already open and a Melbourne-based office is set to open in the coming year.
5. itravel lands in Westfields
Retails stores like Dick Smith, Bardot and Cotton On have a new neighbour as the industry’s very own itravel Hurstville moves into Westfields Hurstville.
The agency has officially opened on level one in the centre.
The store’s owner Rosemarie Church said the team is excited to move in the new location.
“It’s great to see itravel Hurstville go from strength to strength. I congratulate Rosemarie and her team on this move to a prestigious location which will further enhance the itravel brand.”
Steve Labroski, itravel managing director
6. Koalas, parrots and MTA
Mobile Travel Agents’ (MTA) co-managing directors, Karen and Roy Merricks went ‘wild’ at the Australia Zoo Steve Irwin Gala Dinner.
Pictured above, the two posed with a koala and parrot at the biggest fund raising event taking place on the annual Queensland calendar.
The Merricks played an active role in the fundraiser, successfully bidding for three framed tennis rackets signed by Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic.
The framed rackets, one of more than 500 auction items up for grabs on the night, will no doubt take pride of place in the company’s Robina, Gold Coast, boardroom in coming days.
7. This travel company just joined the UN
Marketing and public relations company, AVIAREPS has joined the United Nations as an official Affiliate Member of the World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO).
As a member, AVIAREPS will gain access to a global network of 400 institutional and professional associates in 156 countries. The group will also have access to specific information regarding worldwide trends and developments in the tourism industry.
Michael Gaebler, the company’s chairman said as a member, AVIAREPS will also be able to contribute to UNWTO’s goals of growing tourism’s socio-economic influence and sustainable travel.
AVIAREPS launched in Australia in 2007 and currently represents organisations such as Mauritius Tourism, Visit Idaho, Visit Florida, Fez Travel and Amaszonas Airlines.
8. Tweet Tweet! Seth Rogen slams Cathay
Image: Helga Esteb/Shutterstock
Seth Rogen has taken to Twitter to slam Cathay Pacific after claiming the airline wouldn’t allow his wife and their dog on the flight, despite receiving permission to bring the pup beforehand.
The ‘Knocked Up’ actor advised his 2.35 million followers to “never fly” with the carrier because they “are bad people”.
I advise everyone to never fly @cathaypacific if possible. They are bad people.
— Seth Rogen (@Sethrogen) December 8, 2014
The first tweet was retweeted 282 times and received 1,200 favourites. He sent a second tweet with the same message and followed it up with a third, which said his wife missed a funeral because of the incident.
Next time you’re about to book a flight on @cathaypacific just remember this tweet, and then book another airline, because they are bad. — Seth Rogen (@Sethrogen) December 8, 2014
My wife is missing a funeral because @cathaypacific wouldn’t let her and our dog on a plane after they let us book the trip with the dog. — Seth Rogen (@Sethrogen) December 8, 2014
The Hong Kong-based carrier, which recently deployed its Boeing 777-300ER to Sydney, responded to the actor via the social media platform and asked him to contact them directly regarding the situation.
Regret to hear about the disappointment, @Sethrogen, do you mind sharing the details via DM? We’d like to see what we can do for you. -Roni
— Cathay Pacific (@cathaypacific) December 8, 2014
9. Thief walks out of Italian gallery with $742,000 sculpture under his arm
With so much technology available (laser alarms anyone?) it is hard to image this could happen in today’s day and age.
But alas, a bold thief dressed in a suit and tie walked into an Italian museum during opening hours, picked up a precious sculpture, tucked it under his jacket and walked out.
No alarms were trigged at Rome’s National Gallery of Modern Art and gallery officials aren’t even sure when the robbery occurred.
They only noticed the €500,000 (AU$742,000) sculpture missing around 4.30pm – an hour-and-a-half before closing time.
According to The Telegraph, the sculpture stolen is entitled ‘Sick Child’ and is by an Italian impressionist, Medardo Rosso.
Created sometime between 1893 and 1895, the piece is considered one of Rosso’s finest pieces.
Museum director Maria Vittoria Marini Clarelli defended gallery security and said the museum is well-equipped with surveillance, however, no further information can be given at this time.
10. How much was Obama’s one-night hotel stay in Brissie?
Image: Everett Collection/Shutterstock
If you guessed $1.7 million then you’d be right (and maybe a little clairvoyant).
The estimate was reported by online news site, The Weekly Standard.
The site said President Obama’s one-night G20 visit required over 4,000 rooms to fit his entire US delegation. The group was split into three different hotels, with the majority staying at the Brisbane Marriott and the rest at the Urban and the Adina.
As well as accommodation, President Obama’s visit required advanced security teams.
The website said $1.7 million is based on an estimated 4,096 room nights at the cost of $432 per night.