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. Seven safest cities around the world
Tokyo was named the world’s safest city. Find out which others made the list. Image: Filipe Frazao/Shutterstock
Low health risks, stable buildings, little theft and hardly any computer hackers – they’re the pros that landed these seven cities in the list of the world’s safest.
The 2015 list, which was released this week by the Economist Intelligence Unit, ranked 50 cities around the world across five continents.
Their safety was determined based on digital security, health risks as well as infrastructure and personal safety.
2. Does Hyatt’s new brand sound a little like Virgin Hotels?
The new property will target modern travellers with free Wi-Fi and a personal touch.
Sixth time’s a charm for Hyatt Hotels and Resorts, which announced it will launch a new brand targeting ‘modern travellers’.
Announced this week, Hyatt Centric will debut later this year as the company’s sixth hotel brand since it launched in 2006.
Starting off with 15 locations in cities such as New York, Miami, Paris, Chicago and Atlanta – the brand will offer full-service, lifestyle properties designed to cater to both business and leisure travellers.
What’s more interesting is the property’s key focuses, which include a human touch, socialising, pets welcome and don’t forget free and fast Wi-Fi.
Sound a little familiar to you?
3. WIN two nights accommodation!
KarryOn has teamed up with Oman Tourism to give our readers the chance to win two luxurious nights at the Alila Jabal Akhbar hotel in Oman.
Jabal Akhdar, meaning “The Green Mountain” in Arabic, is part of the Al Hajar mountain range – one of Oman’s most spectacular regions.
Perched 2,000 metres above sea level, Alila Jabal Akhdar overlooks a dramatic gorge, surrounded by awe-inspiring views of the Al Hajar Mountains.
Offering a blissful escape, the property is made up to 78 suites and villas featuring uninterrupted clifftop views. They are also generously spaced and decorated in contemporary style laced with authentic Omani decor.
Click here to get your entry in and be in the running to win.
4. Get to training! New Hawaii video
Hawai’i Tourism Oceania has added a new Webinar to their Hawai’i Tourism Oceania YouTube Channel.
This channel is designed specifically for travel professionals to learn more about the Hawaiian Islands and HTO will continue to add training video’s throughout the year.
The new module is focused on the island of Hawai’i (nicknamed the Big Island) and runs for approximately 14-minutes.
The training will give agents a great overview of the island without having to leave their desk.
Check out the video above.
5. This could be the coolest musical lineup for AIME ever
AIME [Asia-Pacific Incentives and Meetings Expo] is really turning on the musical charm this year, booking big names to perform at the two-day event.
Taking place on 24 February to 25 February at the Melbourne Conference and Exhibition Centre, this year the two hour ‘Australia Speaks’ slot will feature 22 of Australia’s most renowned influential speakers and performers.
Among them include Ita Buttrose who will discuss media; professional surfer Layne Beachley has been recruited to lead up conversations about sport; while Mark Bouris will join Rod McGeoch, Gary Pert and Steve Vamos to discuss business.
6. Can I get an Encore and standing Ovation for Seabourn’s new ships?
A rendering of Seabourn Encore’s pool.
Seabourn has named its two new ships – Seabourn Encore and Seabourn Ovation.
Set to launch in late 2016 and early 2018, they will replace capacity that left the Seabourn fleet when the line sold Seabourn Pride, Seabourn Spirit and Seabourn Legend to Windstar Cruises.
The two ships will build on Seabourn’s existing luxury Odyssey-class vessels [Seabourn Odyssey, Seabourn Sojourn and Seabourn Quest] with a high ratio of space per guest and personalised service.
Each ship will also have one additional deck to accommodate expanded public areas. Other features expected onboard include multiple dining venues, a spa, casino and lounge plus the Seabourn Square – a social hub with a club-like ambiance.
In total, both vessels will carry 604 guests based on double occupancy. Every suite will feature a private veranda.
7. Dubai Airport overthrows Heathrow
Dubai International Airport has knocked Heathrow off its throne.
The UAE gateway is now the world’s top hub for international travel, welcoming around 70 million passengers last year.
This exceeded Heathrow’s 68.1 million, according to Airports Council International.
Despite the climb, Dubai is still behind in overall passengers. Both international and domestic travel reached 73.4 million at Heathrow compared to 70.5 million in Dubai.
Dubai Airport chairman Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed al-Maktoum described the achievement as ‘historic’ and the culmination of five decades of growth.
He expects numbers to surge again this year, with an annual capacity of 90 million passengers.
Meanwhile, worldwide travel reached all new highs last year, with some 1.138 million international tourists. An increase of 4.7 million on the previous year.
This year, World Tourism Organisation UNWTO expects international tourism to grow by three to four percent.
8. Hilton loyalty spoils guests over summer
Hilton’s loyalty program is offering its new members a range of special offers over the summer, including 20,000 HHonors Bonus Points for new cardholders making their first purchase with their Hilton HHonors Macquarie Platinum Card.
Hilton HHonors Bonus Points can be redeemed for a range of rewards and experiences, including shopping, dining, travel and accommodation at a Hilton property around the world.
With the additional HHonors Bonus Points currently being offered, new Hilton HHonors Macquarie Platinum cardholders may be able to earn enough HHonors Bonus Points for a reward weekend night certificate – a perfect treat to relax and unwind.
In addition to this promotion, cardholders will also receive a range of travel-based rewards and benefits including complimentary room upgrades where space is available, four HHonor Bonus Points for every $1 spent on hotel stays within the Hilton portfolio and complimentary overseas travel insurance when cardholders use the card to pay for their travel.
The offer ends 31 March 2015.
9. Travel & tech at ATM
Technology in the travel industry will be the key focus at this year’s Arabian Travel Market held from 4-7 May in Dubai.
The four day event will highlight tech growth in travel particularly the growth of online travel bookings, which increased in the MENA region by 10 percent last year compared to 2013.
Arabian Travel Market exhibition manager, Nadege Noblet said throughout the region there has been an increase in online use, for bookings as well as social media strategies.
“The industry as a whole is embracing technology like never before, to compete in a digital market place where accessibility and speed are critical to the demands of today’s tech-savvy travellers, especially mobile compatible sites for hotels, tour operators and leisure attractions.”
Nadege Noblet, Arabian Travel Market exhibition manager
Spontaneity in bookings will also be highlighted at the event. There will also be two dedicated seminar sessions on the latest developments in mobile, digital marketing and digital distribution.
10. Travel Counsellors take a Voyage-r
The group of Travel Counsellors boarded the mass market vessel.
A group of Travel Counsellors packed their bags and set off on a Royal Caribbean cruise to experience the newly renovated Voyager of the Seas.
After winning the Travel Counsellors Cruise Challenge competition, the group of eight agents – Tara Morgan, Susan Bradford, Heidi Smithers, Sandra Botella, Carla Conroy, Natalie Freeman, Suzie Griffiths and Matt Cox – departed Sydney for the three night cruise.
Read and see more images here.