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. Aus tourism told to ‘step up’
Australia’s former Prime Minister Paul Keating says the industry needs step up with new infrastructure or risk losing the ever important Chinese market.
Speaking at the annual Mantra Group conference at the Peppers Salt Resort in Kingscliff this week, Keating warned the country’s ageing infrastructure will not meet the expectations of the wealthy Chinese tourists, who inject some A$5.7 billion in the economy every year.
“Chinese visitors aren’t going to come here for hotels and resorts built in the 1980s and 1990s.”
The Hon. Paul Keating
2. All Nippon Airways returns to Sydney
Sydneysiders heading to Japan will have more air choice from December this year as All Nippon Airways (ANA) confirms its return to Australia.
Returning for the first time since 1999, the airline said it will commence daily flights from Tokyo to Sydney from 11 December.
Utilising its Boeing 787-9, the addition of ANA flights will add 115 seats on the route – 48 business; 21 premium economy; and 146 economy.
3. Get a look at Sheraton’s new visual identity
Sheraton Hotels & Resorts has rolled out the first phase of its major brand makeover, with the relaunch of its website Sheraton.com.
Last month, the hotel group said it had drafted a 10-point plan named ‘Sheraton 2020‘, which would position the hotel group as the premier global brand of choice, everywhere.
This week, the group announced it had completed the first of ten phases with the new revamped website.
4. Last days to enter Qantas’ Wallabies competition
There’s now two days to enter the Qantas Wallabies Plane Competition and win a trip to New Zealand.
As a proud supporter of Australian Rugby Union and as the Wallabies Official Airline, Qantas is giving Rugby fans the opportunity to select their favourite Qantas Wallabies design to feature as the livery on the Qantas A380 aircraft taking the Wallabies to London.
Fans simply have to vote for their favourite aircraft design and go in the running to win a trip to the Bledsoe Cup in New Zealand.
Competition runs until 20 July 2015.
5. Major changes coming to Cunard’s QM2
One of the most recognisable cruise ships in the world (by name and image), Queen Mary 2, will be going under the knife for a modern makeover.
The Cunard ship, which is praised for having retained traditional elements of cruising such as formal nights, will undergo ‘significant refurbishment’, which will see her fitted with new designs and guest experiences.
Her 25-day dry dock will commence at the Blohm+Voss Shipyard in Hamburg, Germany on 27 May next year and will see her out of commission until 21 June.
6. Scenic’s 2016 China & Japan brochure
Scenic has launched its 2016 China & Japan program, which includes four new itineraries, eight new destinations, and a number of new Enrich experiences and Freechoice activities.
Guests can now explore even more of China with two new itineraries and six new must-see destinations. The 13 Day Natural Wonders of China travels from Chengdu to Shanghai and visits a number of World Heritage-listed sites and natural wonders, showcasing a side of China most people do not realise exists. Or embark on the ultimate Chinese adventure on 20 Day China Revealed, a land only tour for guests not wanting cruise the Yangtze.
Scenic now takes guests beyond the iconic temples and ancient history to present a cross section of Japan past and present. This enhanced program is delivered over two new itineraries – the slower paced 12 Day Japan Highlights focussing on key sites, and 17 Day Essential Japan, which encompasses a broader range of destinations and activities. Both tours start in Tokyo and end in Osaka, a new destination for Scenic in 2016.
In China there are also a number of five-star upgrades including a stay at the luxurious Banyan Tree in Yangshou, a one night stay in a charming and historic boutique hotel in Dali, and the Yangtze River cruise ship is now the Sanctuary Yangzi Explorer. There is also a new Scenic Enrich experience; a private museum tour of Quijiang Museum hosted by the museum curator and followed by evening drinks.
Japan’s Scenic Freechoice program now includes a number of modern attractions – a visit to the Toyota Factory and Museum in Nagoya, the Asahi Beer Factory in Osaka, and modern districts such as East Shinjuku and eccentric downtown Osaka.
7. Better Homes & Gardens sails with APT
As part of the river cruise line’s partnership with the Channel 7 show, Better Homes and Gardens will take viewers on a journey from Amsterdam to Budapest on tonight’s episode.
The segment airs from 7.00pm and showcases the highlights of the luxury travel operator’s all inclusive 15-day Magnificent Europe river cruise.
Viewers will join presenter Jason Hodges as he takes in the splendor of Germany’s Würzburg Palace, an impressive 18th century royal residence.
The episode also showcases two of APT’s exclusive Royal Invitations – exceptional sightseeing that can only be experienced by guests who travel with APT. Jason shows viewers what it’s like to journey aboard the Majestic Imperator train through the Austrian countryside from Linz to Passau, stopping in Salzburg to sample the sights of the Sound of Music.
8. First Marriott opens in South Central China
Meeting demand for more rooms in China, Marriott International has opened the doors to its first hotel under its flagship Marriott Hotels in Hunan Province, South-central China.
Located adjacent to the Hunan provincial capital of Changsha, Zhuzhou is a port city on the Xiang River and a regional transportation hub.
Zhuzhou Marriott Hotel offers 311 rooms and suites designed and ranging in size from the 46-square-meter King Room to the 277-square-meter Presidential Suite. Each guest room comes with modern amenities such as all-natural skincare products by the Thai brand THANN, complimentary coffee and tea, wireless Internet and satellite and cable television.
Offering panoramic views of Zhuzhou city from the 24th floor, the Zhuzhou Marriott Hotel Executive Lounge provides a range of exclusive services to Marriott Rewards elite members and Executive Floor guests, including buffet breakfast, afternoon cocktails and all-day complimentary tea and pastries.
Dining options include the brand’s signature The Lobby, which provides a place to relax, work and gather with a menu featuring cakes and coffee during the day and hors d’oeuvres during the evening. And there’s Man Ho restaurant with traditional Cantonese cuisine.
9. Park Hyatt partners with Luxperience
Park Hyatt has signed up as the newest partner for Luxperience, giving a select group of buyers the opportunity to experience the property during the annual event.
During their stay guests will experience the hotel’s enviable position between Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge and its awe-inspiring views at every turn.
With architecture, art and design reflecting the Australian landscape, the hotel is reminiscent of an exclusive harbourside residence, offering contemporary guestrooms and suites, 24-hour butler service, a day spa with a rooftop pool and sundeck, and acclaimed waterfront dining venues.
“We are delighted that Park Hyatt Sydney will be part of Luxperience 2015 – joining an increasingly impressive line-up of the world’s finest properties, destinations and products attending this year’s event.”
Eric Lewanavanua, Luxperience Director of Sales and Partner Alliances
Luxperience will run for three days from 6 September.
10. The most stunning runway approach is in…
New Zealand.
The country’s Queenstown Airport won for having the most spectacular approach in a poll conducted by private jet booking service PrivateFly.
The airport defeated 147 other runways to take out the title, including those in London and Las Vegas, The Daily Mail reported.
It’s the first time the airport has won the award, but has previously been planed in the top ten shortlist.
Queenstown Airport Corporation CEO Scott Paterson said to he was excited to take out the number one spot over other beautiful airport approaches.
“The approach to Queenstown over the snowcapped Southern Alps, pristine lakes and national parks is truly spectacular and inspiring. We’re delighted that so many travellers around the world think so too!”
Scott Paterson, Queenstown Airport Corporation CEO
