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. Travel Counsellors is ‘the one to watch’
Home-based agents under the Travel Counsellors umbrella should pull out the champers and celebrate a little after being recognised as one private company ‘to watch’.
The huge nod came from The Sunday Times Grant Thornton Top Track 250 Ones to Watch league table, which ranks Britain’s mid-market growth private companies with the biggest sales.
It’s the first time the global company has made the list and according to Managing Director, will make the group ‘stand out from the crowd’.
2. Two celebrities to christen P&O’s new ships
P&O has selected two Australian celebrities that ‘really embody the new look and feel of P&O Cruises’ to godmother its new ships in a ‘modern way’.
Singer Jessica Mauboy and radio personality Kate Ritchie will bless Pacific Aria and Pacific Eden on 25 November when the two vessels sail into Sydney where they’ll meet Pacific Jewel, Pacific Pearl and Pacific Dawn for Australia’s first-ever five-ship rendezvous.
Unlike your traditional christening, the two godmothers will simultaneously break champagne on the ships’ bows as they sail either side of Harbour. While they’re doing this, the ladies will open their Twitter app to post the naming in 140 characters or less. It will then be shared to Facebook and Instagram via P&O Cruises’ platforms.
3. We’re back up and running: Southwest
Southwest Airlines says its services should be back up and running as normal today after a technical glitch caused major flights delays yesterday.
The airline is yet to reveal what the cause of the glitch was, however, local media outlets are saying it affected the airline’s mobile app, website and reservation centers.
Throughout Sunday and parts of Monday, the carrier was forced to manually issue tickets, which caused delays to around 836 of the 3,355 scheduled flights.
4. Scenic to the rescue with new first timers brochure
First time cruiser? No worries, Scenic has you and your clients covered with a new brochure which specialises in assisting river cruising newbies.
Available now, it showcases the differences from ocean cruising, what to expect on board a Scenic Space-Ship and what inclusions guests can expect.
It also answers a number of questions they may have and how to choose the right journey for them.
GM of Journey Design, Aleisha Fittler, said there a lot of things to consider when booking a river cruise and the entire experience can be a little confusing for first timers.
“We hope this guide will debunk any myths and help guest make the choice that is right for them.”
Aleisha Fittler, Scenic GM of Journey Design
Click here to order a copy of First time Wonders – Your Guide to River Cruising.
5. Air NZ awarded Longhaul Airline of the Year
Air New Zealand has been voted Longhaul Airline of the Year at the inaugural Independent Travel Awards.
Air New Zealand Chief Customer and Marketing Officer Mike Tod said the award is recognition of the airline’s commitment to continual improvement across all aspects of its products and services.
The judges noted that the award recognises the carrier that provides the best combination of innovation and value.
Other airlines to make the award shortlist were British Airways, Singapore, Qantas, Emirates, Etihad, Ethiopian and Icelandair.
Air New Zealand also currently holds the Airlineratings.com Airline of the Year award for the second year running.
Meanwhile, last week Airlineratings unveiled a list of carriers with the best inflight experiences.
Click here to check it out.
6. Last tickets available for TRAVELtech in Sydney
There’s still time to secure your place at TRAVELtech Australia, the event that focuses on online travel, marketing, distribution and technology plus great networking.
Returning to Sydney on Thursday, this year’s program will center around ‘Disruptive Influences’ and will see guest speakers discuss global disruptors.
Among the speakers are David Hamblin from Expedia, Renee Welsh from Booking Boss and Ryan Tuckerman from the Art Series Hotels.
Click here to register.
7. APT finds Viola’s godmother
APT is ditching the current trend of celebrity godmothers by opting to have Nexion President, Jackie Friedman, christen the new AmaViola.
Friedman will bless the vessel during a small ceremony taking place in Vilshofen, Germany in June next year.
The ship will offer seven to 14-night cruises along the Danube, Main, Rhine, Dutch and Belgian Waterways. She will be able to carry 158 passengers in spacious accommodations.
According to APT, she will be the most advanced designed river cruise vessel in operation with connecting staterooms and suites with a sleeper sofa; a newly designed salon; massage space; fitness room; refreshing sun deck; and heated swimming pool with swim-up bar.
8. An online makeover fit for a Royal
Royal Caribbean has refreshed its online presence with a makeover of royalcaribbean.com.au.
Changes on the website include a redesign of the homepage and deals pages that makes it easier for users to navigate through.
The team have also changed the booking engine so guests can see a day by day breakdown of itineraries, details about the ship and clear breakdown of discounts that could be available for your booking.
From early 2016, the website will integrate customer reviews to further assist guests choose the right cruise holiday for them.
Click here to check it out.
9. MTA takes a walk with Hawaii
Mobile Travel Agents teamed up with Hawaiian Airlines and Trump International Hotel Waikiki Beach Walk for the harbour side walk in Sydney last week.
The team met with the Hawaiians as part of an exclusive ‘coffee cluster’ update geared to bring the travel consultants up to date with the latest happenings on the Trump International luxury hotel scene in the Aloha state.
Pictured above are [L-R]: Meredith Salotto – Hawaiian Airlines; Pat Lloyd – MTA consultant; Lydia Cornett – Trump International Hotel Waikiki Beach Hotel; Janet Clacher and Jackie Pennock – MTA consultants.
10. Getting Away in Japan
Japan recently played host to Australia’s longest-running and highest-rating holiday and travel program, Getaway.
It was presenter Jesinta Campbell’s first trip to Japan and the country “really turned it on” for her despite some rainy days at the start of the trip.
The crew visited the world heritage listed and recently restored Himeji Castle; experienced traditional Japan in Kyoto with a maiko experience and rickshaw ride; indulged in delicious cuisine including ‘fire ramen’; and got adventurous in Nara, training at a ninja village and attending a sushi making lesson.
The first of the stories has already aired on Channel Nine and will be followed up on 21 November.
