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. Malaysia confirms debris belonged to MH370
Families and friends of the 239 passengers aboard MH370 finally know the fate of their loved ones, as investigations confirm the object found on Reunion Island belonged to the missing aircraft.
Malaysia’s Prime Minister Najib Razak confirmed findings overnight, saying an examination of the wing part in France ‘conclusively confirmed’ it was from the plane.
The debris was found late last week on the remote Western Indian Ocean island.
2. Bali flight disruptions continue
Around 16 flights between Australia and Bali have been cancelled today as ash from Mount Raung continues to disrupt operations to and from Denpasar Airport.
Virgin Australia advised its guests that it was forced to cancel 12 services to ensure the safety of passengers and crew.
The airline urged travellers to avoid heading to the airport or calling the Guest Contact Centre in regards to flight options because ‘there are longer than usual wait times’.
3. Why Aussies love to travel – it’s not what you think
Meet the locals, explore destinations, add meaning to their lives – they’re some of the reasons you’ve heard Aussies love to travel but they’re not the only main drivers behind it.
The 2015 Visa Global Travel Intentions Study found people are boarding flights and taking holidays for bonding opportunities.
Around 15 percent of those surveyed said bonding with their travel companions was the top motivator for booking a trip.
4. STA’s message to young travellers
Young travellers are being told to take road trips to less-explored destinations across the USA as part of a new initiative by STA Travel and Brand USA.
The agency group this week joined forced with the destination marketing organisation to launch the new campaign titled ‘State of Play in the USA’.
According to STA Travel’s Product Trading and Marketing Director, young Aussies are visiting the destination’s major gateways such as Los Angeles and New York, and neglecting out-of-the-box destinations with unique American experiences.
5. How Julie Andrews will bring tourists to Sydney
Sydneysiders and visitors to the Harbour City will get a special treat next year, when Dame Julie Andrews launches a new production of ‘My Fair Lady’.
The stage and screen legend has agreed to direct the production, which will premier in Sydney next year.
Minister for Trade, Tourism and Major Events, Stuart Ayres, said getting someone as big as Andrews onboard to direct a local production reinforces the city’s position as a ‘live performance capital’.
6. The Cruise Team launches ‘Time to Cruise’
The Cruise Team has launched a new 16-page agent mini-brochure covering 50 of the company’s popular cruise packages.
Known as ‘Time to Cruise, the brochure covers all types of cruising from lead-in, repositioning, high-end luxury, river cruising and expedition ocean styling.
Peter Egglestone, Manager Director of The Cruise Team, said the release signifies the next stage of the wholesale cruise business.
Brochure stocks will be distributed to supporting agents around the country over the next week.
Click here to access the brochure.
7. Princess takes The Voice out to sea
Princess Cruises is taking karaoke at sea to the next level by recreating the popular singing competition ‘The Voice’ onboard its ships.
‘The Voice of the Ocean’ debuts on Regal Princess in October and will see the talented and the not-so-talented sing their hearts out in the hopes that one of Princess’ three team coaches spins the iconic ‘I Want You’ chair.
Well, not quite.
8. Check out Mudgee’s new visitor guide
Visitors will have an easier time getting around the Mudgee Region with the release of the new visitor guide.
In keeping with the recently launched Reset Your Senses campaign, the newly designed visitors guide is the perfect visual representation of reinvigorated brand direction.
Encompassing Mudgee, Gulgong, Rylstone and Kandos, the guide showcases the very best of the region.
The guide will be available to the public this weekend at the Mudgee Food & Wine Festival at Balmoral Beach. An extensive distribution plan will see every resident in the Mid-Western Regional Council area receive a copy of the guide.
In addition it will be made available across various NSW, QLD, VIC and SA Visitor Information Centre’s.
9. TravelManagers’ buddy system pays off
Professional ‘buddies’, Tanya Patterson and Andrea Friend.
TravelManagers Andrea Friend and Tanya Patterson recently discovered how important the company’s ‘buddy system’ is.
The system sees agents paired up based on their proximity, they then help each other when in need.
Patterson said Friend came to her rescue one afternoon when her computer crashed and she needed to book some clients.
Friend gave her the support she needed to get through the event by letting her borrow her office, phone and computer.
TravelManagers’ Executive General Manager, Michael Gazal, said the system was implemented for this exact reason and to help create a ‘family culture and spirit of mutual help’.
10. Pan Pacific’s ‘cray cray’ thanks to agents
Pan Pacific Hotels Group has wrapped up its annual customer connections week, recognising the support of frontline teams and bookers and company growth on the agenda.
Local and international PPHG representatives met with over 700 clients at a series of events held over eight days in Melbourne, Brisbane, Canberra & Sydney.
A team of 18 Oceania representatives from Perth, Parramatta, Darling Harbour & Melbourne along with 8 International representatives from Singapore, Malaysia, China and Bali met with key corporate, MICE and leisure contacts to share updates on the PARKROYAL and Pan Pacific Hotel brands.
