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. Melbourne is on the radar for Hawaiian Airlines
Hawaiian Airlines could be operating on three direct routes from Australia in the coming years, with an airline executive confirming Melbourne is on the radar.
In an email to KarryOn, the carrier’s Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, Peter Ingram, said Melbourne was “on the drawing board” of potential new markets.
Although he stressed that there are no current planned network changes, the Australian city was one of a number of international markets the airline was looking at “for the future”.
2. New York City is expecting HOW MANY tourists in 2016?!
New York City is expecting to welcome seven times its population in tourist arrivals this year, according to NYC & Company’s latest tourism outlook.
The tourism bureau is forecasting some 59.7 million visitors to the city in 2016, a new record in the number of arrivals to the Big Apple.
Just to clarify, that’s 59.7 million people in one year!
3. STA Travel agent is going to Central Asia with G Adventures
G Adventures has revealed the second winner of its Über Massive Incentive (UMI), leaving only two adventures up for grabs.
STA Travel, University of Melbourne’s Jake Cassar won two places on G Adventures’ Best of Tajikistan & Uzbekistan itinerary after being chosen at random from bookings made during February.
Cassar said he was stunned when he was announced as the winner and says he’s keen to tick Tajikistan and Uzbekistan off the bucket list.
4. Tok Tok returns in 2016
The Vanuatu Tourism Office has confirmed Tok Tok 2016 will be held from 24 to 26 August at Iririki Island Resort and Spa with flights supported by Air Vanuatu.
A range of industry partners from Australia, New Zealand, New Caledonia, Europe, USA and Asia will be invited to attend this key opportunity to see recent developments in the destination firsthand.
The tradeshow will be an ideal opportunity for travel industry buyers to leverage renewed interest in the destination by meeting with local suppliers, exchanging ideas and learning about upcoming opportunities in Vanuatu.
Pre and post touring will be available for all delegates who wish to experience other highlights across Vanuatu’s 83 incredible islands.
Vanuatu Tourism Office’s general manager, Linda Kalpoi said Tok Tok this year is more important than ever following a challenging 12 months.
Pre and post tour information will be released over the coming months. Wholesalers should keep an eye out for when Tok Tok registration opens.
Those interested in attending Tok Tok 2016 can contact Anne Morris or Nicole Smith at the Vanuatu Tourism Office Australian office via email or phone + 61 (0) 2 9028 3577.
5. Travelmarvel adds more highlights in South America
Travelmarvel has packed more itineraries and properties in its new South America program, giving your clients more to choose from the popular region.
Travel agents can now offer guests the chance experience the Peruvian Amazon rainforest with a three night stay at the Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica. This stylish eco-friendly lodge is situated in the heart of a 17,000-hectare private ecological reserve on the banks of Peru’s Madre de Dios River. Guests will stay in wooden cabanas and spend three nights exploring the surrounding rainforest with local guides.
A new four-night discovery of Bolivia has also been added for 2017, providing travellers with travel from Uyuni via Siloli to San Pedro de Atacama. The journey includes a stay at the Hotel de Sal Luna Salada, which is built entirely of salt blocks.
Also new for 2017 is a special four night pre or post tour extension combining three nights on Easter Island and one night in Santiago. Highlights include the opportunity to fully explore this ‘open air museum’, visiting the many archaeological sites and the volcanic crater of Ranu Raraku.
6. INDUSTRY RATES for Daydream Island Resort and Spa
Travel professionals have the opportunity to visit Daydream Island Resort and Spa in the Whitsundays from just $130 per room per night.
The Industry Bonus Offer is for a three-night minimum stay and includes accommodation in a Garden Balcony room, full buffet breakfast daily, bonus sparkling wine and chocolates on arrival, free mocktail on arrival, holiday portrait during your stay and free Wi-Fi. Children stay and eat breakfast free of charge.
Those who take up the offer will have access to the property’s free guest activities including kayaks, catamarans, stand-up paddle boards, stingray and shark feeding show, open air cinema, rainforest walk, gym and much more.
Upgrade to an Ocean Balcony room from $145 per room per night or a Coral Ocean Balcony room from $185 per room per night (three night minimum stays apply).
The deal is on sale for a limited time only until 30 April 2016. Travel is valid until 23 May 2016.
7. A new look for Helen Wong’s China program
Helen Wong Tours has switched up the look and feel of its China program in a bid to attract a wider Australian audience.
New to the 2016/17 brochure is a range of ‘value for money’ journeys and 23 Private Private Journeys of four to 13-day duration.
Agents and clients will also find city and regional information as well as an inviting list of ‘Helen’s Choice’ inclusions such as personally hand-picked bonuses built into the itineraries at no extra cost.
For example, when cruising along Yangtze River, the China specialist includes exclusive amenity packages of valued added inclusions – worth $160.
8. P&O puts Gladstone on the cruising map
P&O Cruises’ Pacific Dawn became the first commercial cruise ship to visit Central Queensland’s Gladstone.
The 70,000-tonne superliner’s visit was the first of seven from P&O’s Pacific Dawn, Pacific Jewel and Pacific Eden this year.
Each visit will deliver 2,000 guests to the destination, contributing thousands of dollars to the local economy.
P&O Cruises President Sture Myrmell thanked Gladstone Regional Council and the local community for extending such an enthusiastic and warm welcome to Pacific Dawn’s passengers and crew.
9. TravelManagers get up close with Galapagos wildlife
Sea Lions, Iguanas, Blue-Footed Booby, Frigate Bird, Great Blue Heron, Brown Pelican, Flamingos, Egret, Eagles, Hawks, Kingfishers, Albatross, Lava Gulls and the list goes on.
It was a dream come true for Personal Travel Manager, Karen Doyle, when she was able to get up close and personal with Galapagos wildlife during a recent Ministry of Tourism famil to Ecuador.
Hosted by Mischelle Montenegro and Alejandro Romero from local ground operator Camon Travel, Doyle together with four other Australian participants discovered everything this small country offers during the 16-day trip.
The journey started in Ecuador’s capital, Quito, where Doyle strolled past the city’s churches, colonial buildings and architecturally designed museums and art galleries. From there the group made their way to the Galapagos Island where the excitement really took-off.
10. Young girl found flying in a handbag
A four-year-old girl was discovered stowed away in her mother’s handbag on a recent Air France flight from Istanbul to Paris.
The child was apparently “hidden inside the bag” and was travelling without a ticket when she was found, News.com.au reported.
A source at Charles de Gaulle Airport told media that the woman was a resident of France and was in the process of adopting the child, who was originally from Haiti.
The source continued, saying the child was tucked away in the bag and under a blanket and was only recognised by other passengers when she needed to go to the toilet.
The woman was taken into custody upon landing.
