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. Greece update: bank closures extended
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) continues to urge Australian holidaymakers to ensure they’re travelling to Greece with cash, as bank closures are extended to Monday.
Banks in the Mediterranean destination have been shut for almost two weeks now as the local government negotiates with European leaders on a financial bailout.
As a result of ongoing discussions, the Government this week announced banks will remain closed until midnight 13 July.
2. More Bali flights cancelled as ash clouds air space
It’s been a rough week for holidaymakers heading to Bali, as volcanic ash from Mount Raung continues to cloud over Indonesia’s air space.
Virgin Australia has cancelled all flights from Australia to Bali for today.
The announcement was made via Twitter.
3. Intrepid Travel sees a ‘bigger purpose’ in tourism
Selling and making a profit is important to any business, but for Intrepid there’s a bigger purpose to distributing travel than just bringing in the big dollars.
Speaking to KarryOn days after announcing the company’s big split from the TUI Group, Managing Director James Thornton and Regional Director Peter Rawley said the company aims to make a difference in every country it tours.
“We visit a lot of destinations where they rely on touring to survive and we feel as though it’s our responsibility to give back where we can.”
James Thornton, Intrepid Group Managing Director
4. Virgin America’s inflight Wi-Fi will be so fast you can stream Netflix
What’s more frustrating than not having any Internet access? Incredibly slow Internet access.
Recognising the pet peeve, Virgin America has unveiled plans to upgrade its Wi-Fi system on its fleet so Internet would be among the fastest at 32,000 feet.
The airline says the new service being provided by Wi-Fi company ViaSatit will be ten times faster than the speed of current internet available on its planes.
5. SWISS’ new cabin product & 777-300ER route network
SWISS has unveiled details of what guests can expect on its nine new Boeing 777-300ERs arriving in January next year.
In SWISS configuration the Boeing 777-300ER will offer 340 seats: eight in First Class, 62 in Business Class and 270 in Economy.
The SWISS First seat will be transformable into the occupant’s own private suite that includes a 32-inch screen, the largest in the industry. SWISS First guests will also enjoy electrically-adjustable window blinds and their own personal wardrobe.
Business travellers will enjoy an inflight product that has been further enhanced and refined on the basis of customer feedback. The seating arrangement offers optimum privacy and freedom of movement, while the seat cushion’s firmness can be individually regulated. All the seats in the SWISS Business cabin can also be quickly and easily converted into a lie-flat bed that is over two metres long.
Outside the regular cabin service, all SWISS Economy guests will be able to make use of a self-service kiosk offering a wide range of drinks and snacks.
All nine Boeing 777-300ERs will also feature wireless internet via a broadband connection, enabling passengers to surf or send emails on their laptop, tablet or smartphone device.
From the 2016 summer schedules onwards, the new aircraft will be deployed primarily on services to Hong Kong, Bangkok and Los Angeles. And San Francisco, São Paulo and Tel Aviv will also receive Boeing 777 service several times a week.
6. G Adventures Peru microfamil
G Adventures brought Peru and the Inca flavour to the streets of Melbourne on their imaginative microfamil this week.
Nine lucky agents got the G Adventures star treatment kicking off with a delicious Peruvian lunch at Pastuso with Pisco Sours to follow at GAdventures ‘Outpost’ HQ.
They also got to find all about the G Adventures difference and just what their clients can expect on a Peru trip with G in an interactive and dynamic way. Great stuff!
And KarryOn was there to enjoy all the fun – naturally!
7. A taste of Vegas comes to AU & NZ
Aussie and Kiwi travel agents will get a taste of Sin City as the Las Vegas Travel Agent Roadshow makes its way to Sydney on 4 August and in Auckland on 6 August.
From world-class hotels and restaurants to exciting entertainment, attractions and unbeatable shopping – Las Vegas is where dreams become reality.
Travel agents are set to be dazzled as the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) and Las Vegas suppliers descend Down Under next month for two trade events in Sydney and Auckland.
8. Starwood deal
Starwood Hotels and Resorts has launched its Pacific Winter Sale, offering guests a chance to escape the chill with up to 50 percent off at any Westin, Sheraton, Le Meridien and Four Points by Sheraton properties across Australia, Fiji, Samoa and New Caledonia.
Guests must book between the 27th July – 9th August, 2015 and the deal is valid for travel until the 29 December, 2015.
9. Princess Cruises partners with Dancing with the Stars
Princess Cruises has announced it is joining the dancing revolution as a sponsor of hit TV show Dancing with the Stars when it returns for its 15th season in Australia.
The partnership will see one celebrity couple strapping on their ballroom shoes and dancing their way onboard Dawn Princess for their weekly rehearsal, which will be the first time an episode has been filmed on a cruise ship.
“No doubt the backdrop of Dawn Princess will provide a memorable episode for the viewing public and a unique experience for the dancers.”
Stuart Allison, Princess Cruises Vice President Australia & New Zealand
“Just like the show, we pride ourselves on providing first rate entertainment and we can’t wait to see what excitement season 15 delivers.”
In addition to providing the location for an episode, Princess Cruises will be running a consumer promotion with Channel Seven, with two lucky viewers having the chance to win a Mediterranean cruise to the value of $20,000.
10. Australian couple arrested in Florence for doing ‘it’ in public
An Australian couple have been arrested after allegedly being caught having sex on a bench near Florence’s popular Ponte Vecchio.
The pair are said to have been caught in the act in the Lungarno Torrigiani public gardens at around 11.45pm.
Passerbyers would have been shocked by the sight of the couple who allegedly didn’t mind the attention.
The police were eventually called and the two 23-year-old man and 20-year-old woman have been charged with committing an obscene act in a public space.
