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. Turkey attack hasn’t fazed Aussie tourists yet
Australians with plans to visit Turkey in the coming months don’t seem to be fazed by yesterday’s attack, despite reports suggesting otherwise.
Media outlets reported an expected influx in hotel cancellations in the growing tourist destination this month, as a result of yesterday’s tragedy, which saw 10 tourists killed in a suicide bombing near a major attraction in Istanbul.
The bomb was allegedly detonated by a Saudi-born man who was not listed on Turkey’s security watch list.
2. Avalanche kills three tourists including two children
Three skiers including two 14-year-old French schoolchildren and one Ukranian tourist have been reported dead after they were struck by an avalanche at a ski resort in the French Alps this week.
The trio were part of a group of 10 experienced young skiers on a school excursion.
They were exploring a closed piste in the Les Deux Alpes area when the avalanche struck.
3. Spirit of Tasmania II collides with Melbourne’s pier
The cruise line that was last week being praised for carrying a record number of passengers is making headlines again today after one of its vessels smashed into the pier in Melbourne.
The incident occurred last night, with witnesses claiming strong winds caused the Spirit of Tasmania II to break free of its restraint, sending it drifting until it was at a 90-degree angle with the Station Pier.
A gush of wind then sent the ship into the pier where damage was caused to the dock and to the front of the vessel.
4. PONANT cruises to the Kimberley
PONANT is sailing to one of Australia’s more popular adventure cruising locations, the Kimberley region, in 2017.
The French cruise line, headed up locally by Sarina Bratton (the former owner of the popular Orion vessel which was purchased and rebranded by Lindlbad as National Geographic Orion), announced its inaugural series of voyages in the famed region with the release of its new ‘The Kimberley Coast’ brochure.
Initially, the company will offer 12 itineraries next year highlighting traditional spots as well as lesser-known locations.
5. Check out Emirates’ fresh Melbourne lounge
Contemporary, fresh, world-class and spacious – they’re the words being used to describe Emirates’ new lounge, which opened its doors in Melbourne this week.
As one of the largest lounges in the airline’s profile, the outstation space measures at 1,268sqm in size and caters to up to 241 passengers travelling with the UAE-based airline from Victoria’s capital.
It will help cater to the extra capacity expected to travel with the airline when it introduces the A380 on Melbourne-Dubai in March.
6. Singapore adds flights to Brisbane
The love affair between Singapore Airlines and Bris-vegas is getting intense, with the airline announcing a fourth flight service to the Queensland capital.
The extra service will commence in late May and will increase the seat capacity to the city by some 15 percent. It will operate three times a week and will be serviced by two A330-300 aircraft.
According to Mr. Tiow Kor Tan of Singapore Airlines, the addition of a fourth flight is in response to the strength of the Brisbane market over the last 12 months. Previously, an extra service was only called upon during the peak season, but strong demand has forced the airline to respond with a permanent new flight option.
7. SURPRISE! Welcome to AIME
The Asia-Pacific Incentives & Meetings Expo (AIME) will kick off in Melbourne next month with its usual Welcome Event, and again this year the location will be a surprise.
Shhhhhh.
Taking place on Monday, 22 February, the evening before AIME 2016 officially commences, the Welcome Event is open to anyone attending AIME or involved in the business events, travel or tourism industry.
Guests can this year expect to be surprised with a uniquely Melbourne theme running across all event touch points.
The AIME Welcome Event hosted by MCB will be located within five minutes of the CBD and will commence at 7.00pm. The dress code is cocktail.
Tickets are from $150. Click here to purchase.
8. AccorHotels scores points with Serena Williams
AccorHotels is making ace moves in Australia, and the latest is appointing Serena Williams as its Official Ambassador in the lead up and during the biggest tennis event Down Under, the Australian Open.
That’s big news for the company because not only will they have a reigning Female Champion promoting the brand around the country, she’s also one of the biggest and most-watched tennis players worldwide.
We’re also pretty excited because… it’s 13-time Grand Slam winner, four-Olympic gold winner and the second highest-paid athlete of 2015, Serena Williams!
9. Three agents win with Caesars Entertainment
Discover the World and Caesars Entertainment have announced the three winners of its six-week promotion held late last year.
Agents were asked to answer six weekly questions about the famous hotel group to won one of three cash prizes. The aim of the incentive was to build travel agents knowledge across the Caesars Entertainment Empire.
The lucky winners were…
Third: Brooke Bernie from helloworld Mt Pleasant – won $100; Bridget Little from Globe Net Travel who won $250; and Cordelia Asaad of Flight Centre Castle Hill who received $500.
Congratulations to all the winners!
10. Exclusive agents discounts to Hawaii
Hawaii Tourism Oceania is offering travel agents accommodation from just US$69 per night as part of an exclusive discount on accommodation.
The discounts are available for use between 1 April to 31 May 2016 and also includes free-of-charge or up to 50 percent off tours.
Last year brought record growth in visitors travelling to Hawaii, an increase in direct flights and low-priced airfares. So a trip to the Islands could be just the ticket to help you convert the increased Aussie demand for Hawaii holidays.
Click here for more information on the agents offers.
