We’ve done all the hard work, so you don’t have to! Read on for our top ten travel news stories we think you need to know today.
1. Could personalised airfares be the future of flying?
Airfares may soon be determined based on where a person lives, how much they can afford and how often they fly, according to an airline head.
The new tailor made pricing system was discussed by the boss of a Spanish low-cost carrier at the International Air Transport Association Conference in the US.
During his speech, Vueling’s CEO Alex Cruz, said it was ‘inevitable’ that personal data such as postcodes and travel history would influence air prices.
2. It’s back. Introducing the new 100% Pure New Zealand
Tourism New Zealand is bringing its ‘100% Pure New Zealand’ campaign back to the forefront, with the launch of a new refreshed video.
100% Pure New Zealand is one of the world’s longest running destination campaigns, launched almost 16 years ago.
The latest commercial, which was released this week, sees a completely new approach to the campaign including new images, branding and more.
3. 6 reasons to fly the Canton Route to Vancouver
Flying direct may be easier, but more Australians are seeing the benefits, fun and comfort of flying to Vancouver via China.
Speaking to KarryOn, China Southern Airlines’ John Edward said over the last few years, the number of Australian travellers flying to the Canadian city on the Canton Route has grown.
Although he admitted that the direct route is preferred for those solely travelling to Canada, the Regional Commercial Director for Australia and New Zealand is also finding that China Southern flights are attracting different Australian demographics – such as backpackers.
4. Aurora Expeditions’ 25% commission
Aurora Expeditions is offering travel agents a chance to earn up to a whopping US$10,850 per couple thanks to a special increased commission offer on their 2015 ‘Scotia Sea Springtime’ expedition to Antarctica and South Georgia.
Agents have until the end of July 2015 to earn 25 percent commission for every booking they make on the selected expedition which departs in November this year.
To be eligible to receive the increased commission, agents must register with Aurora Expeditions and ensure they return a completed booking form and pay the booking deposit before 31 July 2015.
Aurora Expeditions’ 18-day ‘Scotia Sea Springtime’ expedition departs 21 November 2015 and includes a flight from Santiago, Chile to the Falkland Islands, from where passengers will sail to explore South Georgia and Antarctica.
Featuring a complimentary photography program hosted by renowned Australian photographer, Peter Eastway, as well as a BirdLife Australia guest lecturer, the expedition also includes all shore excursions, a team of expert guides and naturalists, and all on-board meals and accommodation.
All passengers will also receive a complimentary customised expedition polar jacket and a memento photo book.
5. Rail Plus gets smarter online
Rail Plus has unveiled a range of new short-duration webinars to keep agents up-to-date on its products.
Available through the agent-only section of its website, the webinars cover topics tackling everything from ‘how consumers validate a rail pass’ to ‘securing a seat reservation in Europe’.
Rail Plus Chief Executive James Dunne says the seven new webinars – which range in length from four to nine minutes – are designed to answer the most common questions agents pose to the company’s specialist reservation staff.
6. Legend of the Seas checks in early
Legend of the Seas graced Sydney Harbour with an early visit this week – six months ahead of her inaugural season sailing from Australia.
The 1,832-passenger vessel docked at the newly renovated Overseas Passenger Terminal yesterday as part of her repositioning cruise to Asia.
Travel professionals (including KarryOn) were invited to get a sneak peek of the ship before she officially calls Australia home on 8 December.
7. Zimbabwe ‘drones’ on about new way to attract visitors
Zimbabwe’s tourism leaders are turning to new tech to help boost tourism to the destination.
A new video has been releasing showcasing the destination from a drones point-of-view.
The footage shows the awe-inspiring landscape and diverse wildlife – making it oh so appealing to tourists.
8. A royal trip to Malaysia
Award winning Travellers Choice members had some memorable encounters with royalty on a trip to Malaysia last month.
The first occurred in Kuala Lumpur when Travellers Choice Sales Development Manager Leith Poad took the opportunity to pat one of the two beautiful horses that stand sentinel outside the Malaysian King’s palace.
“Lots of people take pictures and pat the horses but it seems he didn’t like me because he bit me on the tummy.”
Leith Poad, Travellers Choice Sales Development Manager
9. Tourist fondles his way off the plane
A drunk tourist has been fined up to $2,500 for groping a woman’s breast during a flight.
The two were travelling from Chile to Perth when the incident occurred.
It started during a stopover at Auckland Airport, when the man drunk a bottle of vodka in the toilets, he then boarded the flight.
Mid-flight the man reached through the seats to touch the woman sitting in front, The Daily Mail reported.
A fellow passenger objected to his behaviour, which the tourist responded to with verbal abuse.
Of course, after that he was escorted off the flight and arrested.
The man’s defence team admitted he had drunk the bottle of vodka and that he could not remember his actions.
10. 3 reasons we won’t miss the buffet on Pacific Jewel
The era of the buffet at sea is slowly coming to an end, as P&O’s Pacific Jewel sets sail without the all-you-can-eat space.
The cruise line announced it was replacing the popular dining area with a new food-court influenced room – The Pantry – last year.
Initially P&O fans (and KarryOn) thought the change was only coming to the line’s two newest ships – Pacific Aria and Pacific Eden – which are scheduled to join the fleet in November this year.
