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. Helloworld brings the ‘World’ to World Tourism Day
The world’s first social media relay went off without a hitch yesterday on World Tourism Day, exposing dozens of destinations and helloworld’s brand to millions of Instagram.
The travel group has dubbed the social media initiative a success, saying the #helloworldRELAY reached more than 4.1 million users in real-time – a figure that’s expected to be amplifying the relay on Adshel’s brand new, revolutionary digital screens.
Despite the ‘relay’ and World Tourism Day coming to a close, helloworld said it will continue to push the promotion and the photos published to the hashtag #helloworldRELAY across 270 Live Screens around Australia as well as in Sydney CBD Train Stations.
2. Tourists evacuated as Typhoon Dujuan travels to Taiwan
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFAT) is advising Aussies in Taiwan to monitor local media and listen to authorities as a Typhoon Dujuan travels towards the destination.
The storm is forecast to reach Taiwan’s east coast this evening and travel just south of Taiwan’s capital, Taipei.
Joint Typhoon Warning Center has predicted it could bring winds of 231 kph and heavy rain. Meteorologist, Guy Michael, says the typhoon could be the equivalent of a Category 3 hurricane when it reaches land.
3. Air India goes after Qantas & Emirates’ flight records
Air India may take the title of ‘world longest non-stop flight’ away from Emirates before the Dubai-based carrier can even officially claim it in February next year.
The Delhi-based airline has proposed a new flight route between Bengaluru and San Francisco that would see the airline travel 14,000km without stopping.
If approved by regulatory groups, the 17 to 18 hour service would be the longest non-stop commercial route in the world, taking out current title holder Qantas and forthcoming record breaker Emirates.
4. The ‘Best Airline in the World’ could fly to Sydney
The best airline in the world, Qatar Airways, could be flying to Australia more frequently (even on new routes) after receiving permission to increase flight capacity to the country.
Last week, the Australian government renegotiated the air service agreement with the Doha-based carrier, offering a 50 percent increase in flight capacity between Qatar and Australia.
The change is likely to see the airline increase services from Melbourne and Perth as well as potentially commence flights between Sydney and Doha.
5. Sydney’s Radisson is not-so-Blu after major upgrade
The Radisson Blu Hotel Sydney has unveiled the first phase of its $12 million re-design, the first major upgrade since the property opened in 2000.
Unveiled last week amongst industry friends, the five-star heritage-listed building received complete upgrade of its public spaces to offer refreshed and modernised venues for MICE travellers.
The functions and meetings rooms were completely transformed to provide more than 500-square-metres of space for corporate business meetings, board meetings, social events, private dinners and cocktail functions.
6. New Royal Caribbean tools for agents
Agents can now easily sift through shore excursions for their cruise clients using Royal Caribbean’s new shore excursions website made for trade partners.
Unveiled late last week, Royal Shore Excursions is described as the one-stop resource to assist with booking activities and tours for customers.
As well as hosting details about new offerings, the site also highlights what’s involved in each shore excursions and details the most popular trips on offer in each port of call.
Click here to check it out.
Meanwhile, Royal Caribbean has also introduced new branding for its Air Booking Tool for trade partners – Air2Sea.
Formerly known as ChoiceAir, it still offers the same benefits and convenience.
7. Book Insider two years in advance
As some of the least spontaneous travellers in the world, Aussies like to book their trips in advance.
Meeting this early bird demand, Insider Journeys has released its Small Group Journeys pricing two years early.
Bookability and price indications are now available through to December 2017, allowing agents to confirm pricing and guaranteed departures.
Insider Journeys Managing Director, Paul Hole, said the group is able to support agents in this way because of the popularity of its products.
“We are able to further support travel agents by locking in pricing right through to the end of 2017, with the added security of guaranteed departures for their clients.”
Paul Hole, Insider Journeys Managing Director
“The combination of being able to plan further in advance with a guaranteed departure means clients can finalise travel arrangements, including booking international flights and any pre and post-tour activities and hotels, early on.”
Click here to view the Small Group Journeys range of Asian destinations.
8. Hoteliers, manage your business on-the-go
Expedia has unveiled the new Expedia® PartnerCentral App for iPhone and Android, designed to help hotelier manage their business anytime, anywhere.
According to the travel company, the app was introduced to meet the fast-paced and competitive world by allowing hoteliers to stay on top of reservations, receive real-time alerts and insights as well as view and reply to guest feedback.
Other key features of the mobile program is the ability to stay informed 24/7, create promotions, benchmark performance against competition and promote last minute inventory with Sell Tonight.
The app is free to download and is currently available in the US, Canada, UK and Australia.
“We aim to provide our partners with the information they need exactly when they need it, and the ability to quickly and easily take action.”
Benoit Jolin, Expedia Lodging Partner Services VP Global Product
Check out the app on the Apple App Store or Google play.
9. APT takes Luke Nguyen to the Mekong
The river cruise line has expended its relationship with Australian chef Luke Nguyen by bringing his restaurant and menu aboard its Mekong rivership, AmaLotus.
The new dining room will be added to the 54-suite vessel when it undergoes a significant refurbishment.
‘Indochine by Luke Nguyen’ will be situated on the Sadec Deck and seat 16 guests.
Scheduled to sail out of drydock on 1 August 2016, the ship will also receive mini bars in all rooms, free daily laundry service as well as a new Silver Butler service for the Sadec Suites.
Guests staying in the Owner’s Suite will enjoy all the benefits of a Gold Butler Service as well as nightly pre-dinner canapés served in their suite and a welcome bottle of Champagne.
Plus there’ll be a new French-inspired air conditioned café open for the morning and afternoon tea.
As well as the new ship design, APT has also announced 16 new itineraries for its Vietnam & Cambodia 2016/17 brochure.
Itineraries are 13 days or longer and feature three nights in Siem Reap and Freedom of Choice touring in Phnom Penh.
Click here for more information.
10. Agents get a taste of Abu Dhabi
Fifty of Australia’s highest performing travel agents returned from Abu Dhabi last week following a six-day customized experience of the UAE’s capital city.
Run in partnership with Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi), Etihad Airways and Virgin Australia, the visit is the first of a two-part Mega Famil series open to Australian agents in the coming year.
Selected on the basis of their sales performance and attendance at trade events run by TCA Abu Dhabi, the agents from across Australia were split into three different groups, experiencing luxurious accommodation, culinary delights and attractions from right across the diverse destination.
The lucky agents began their journey by experiencing the warm hospitality and personal style of service from airline partners Etihad Airways and Virgin Australia including a preview of the airlines premium lounges at Sydney and Abu Dhabi International Airports.
They were able to visit well-known tourist attractions such as the Sheik Zayed Grand Mosque, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Yas Waterworld and the Al Jahili Fort in the oasis city of Al Ain.
Participants were also treated to an exclusive welcome function inside the world’s highest suspended presidential suite at St Regis Abu Dhabi alongside a luxurious desert resort stay at Qasr Al Sarab by Anantara or Tilal Liwa Hotel located in the Al Gharbia region.
The second Mega Famil installment has been set for April 2016 and is expected to link in with a new e-learning platform TCA Abu Dhabi has been tipped to release in the coming months.
Click here for more information about visiting Abu Dhabi.
