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. It’s all about the footy boys this long weekend
Labour Day is here, which means we get one extra day to sleep-in and recover from what is going to be a completely epic long weekend.
Those in Queensland, NSW, ACT and South Australia will have 5 October off work (and if you are working hopefully you’re getting time and half). But no tears from the guys in WA and Victoria because ya’ll had your Labour Day weekend in March – and besides the Victorians are lucky enough to get today off to join the AFL parade.
And while the extra day to sleep-in is AMAZING, it really is just the cherry on top of what is a jam packed weekend for the country as a whole.
2. Qantas Group gets more access to Chile
Qantas’ low-cost carrier, Jetstar has reportedly signed a new agreement to codeshare on flights between Australia and South America with LAN Airlines.
According to Aviation Business, the new agreement kicked off today and sees Jetstar add its code to LAN flights to Chile while LAN adds its code to select Jetstar services around Oceania, Aviation Business reported.
The arrangement will give Qantas Group customers more options when flying to the increasingly popular tourist region, by adding to Qantas’ existing four-times weekly service between Sydney and Santiago.
3. One thing Aussies just can’t travel without
Remember the days when a holiday was truly an escape? An escape from work, everyday life, family and technology.
They were truly a digital detox and the only bit of technology you really needed was the old school film camera which hung comfortably from your neck.
Things started to change towards the end of the 20th century when companies introduced new devices – digital cameras, mobile phones, tablets, mp3 players etc.
4. Will the West Coast or Hawks do the business for Virgin?
They say winners are made not born. Or is it the other way round? Either way Virgin Australia have led the way this AFL season with their marketing.
As the official travel sponsor of the AFL they’ve been naturally visible all year on and off the field with the pinnacle being tomorrow’s annual fly over and showcase of the MCG before the Grand Final.
Personally, I’ve really loved the recent series of ‘All eyes are on you’ TV ads focusing on the A330 and new Business Class product.
5. Four Points by Sheraton is on pace to trap MICE
Four Points by Sheraton’s $200 million redevelopment plan will play a big role in revitalising Darling Harbour as Australia’s leading meetings and conferences destination, according to developers.
KarryOn and a few other media friends were given an exclusive look at the property, which is currently undergoing major renovations scheduled for completion by June 2016.
Featuring a major convention, meeting and event space, developers say it’ll make Sydney one of Australia’s more attractive spots for MICE visitors.
6. Virgin chooses Amadeus
Virgin Australia will be the first airline to adopt Amadeus’ Altéa Departure Control Flight Management as a standalone component to automate its aircraft load control and optimise flight departures.
Altéa DC-FM is designed to improve the productivity of load controllers and enable airlines to centralise load control operations. This means load controllers can safely handle many flights simultaneously through a single, intuitive, graphical interface, without having to switch between different systems.
“Virgin Australia is pleased to work with Amadeus to implement their flight management application. Achieving optimal aircraft load distribution is key to safety of flight, improving fuel efficiency, optimising cargo and increasing productivity.”
Andrew Lillyman, Virgin Australia General Manager of Network Operations
The two will build an interface to integrate with the airline’s current passenger service system.
7. A little more luxury for the Queen Mary 2
Queen Mary 2’s five-star Queens and Princess Grill suites and restaurants will undergo a bit of an upgrade, but don’t worry they’re still going to be as classic as ever.
Enhancements, scheduled to be done during the ship’s major refurbishment in May and June next year, will ‘raise the exclusive onboard experience’ according to Cunard while keeping in line with the ship’s heritage-feel.
changes include a comprehensive restyling of all 172 Grills suites as well as a room reconfiguration to maximise space. New luxury rugs inspired by the original Queen Mary will be laid and heritage tones and textures will be introduced.
The Grill dining experiences will be elevated with a new colour scheme and furnishings as well as more intimate tables for two, increased space between tables for privacy, and additional loose tables for the ultimate in flexibility and ambiance.
8. Virgin and Etihad go grand final crazy
AFL official sponsors Virgin Australia and Etihad Airways treated a few lucky travel folk yesterday to a pre-grand final lunch at the MCG in Melbourne.
As well as a dressing room, briefing from legendary coach Kevin Sheedy (minus the shouting) and a behind the scenes tour of the ground, the group got to enjoy a delicious lunch on the hallowed field with the stadium all to themselves. What an experience!
It’ll be a different story tomorrow with almost 100,000 expected to watch the Grand Final between the Hawks and the West Coast Eagles. Who are you backing to win?
9. Travel Counsellors explore Canada’s coast
Two of Travel Counsellors’ agents had the chance to explore the wonders of Canada on a famil trip packed with wildlife, culinary, outdoors and cultural experiences.
Julia Lynch and Cheryl Andrews joined other travel agents from all over Australia and the world on the familiarisation tour that showcased Canada’s incredible diversity and warm hospitality.
Cheryl Andrews of Highton, VIC counted visiting the Newfoundland area as one of the highlights of the trip because they got to explore Quirpon Island – one of Newfoundland’s best spots to view icebergs.
10. An adventure to New Cal
TravelCube/GTA in conjunction with GTI Tourism & Air Calin hosted six Australian and three New Zealand agents on an educational to New Caledonia.
Agents were whisked away to the French Island over in the South Pacific for an all-expenses paid four-day famil to see what all the fuss was about.
Featured in the picture above are: Sally Pepermans – GTI Tourism; Mick Braham – FC Box Hill; Clara Zaime – Starwood; Matt Holden – FC Randwick North); Chloe Blacka – FC Capital; Caitlin Richardson-Braconi – CR Williamstown; Karli Koutrouvelis – TravelCube/GTA; Laura Robertson – FC Birkdale; Tessa Wong – FC Eagle Street; Jodi Muggeridge – Hawera Travel; Kelsey Street – FC Auckland CBD; and Jen Neil – FC South City.
