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. Qantas & Air New Zealand are among the most valuable airline brands
Qantas’ cost-cutting and network adjustments have not only contributed to the carrier’s return to pre-GFC financial profits, but have increased its value in the aviation sector.
According to a study conducted by a brand valuation company, Brand Finance, the Flying Kangaroo’s brand value experienced “impressive growth” and is now the 17th most valuable compared to other airlines around the world.
That’s a jump of four spots from last year’s 21st position and places Qantas’ brand value just behind Air France and one spot ahead of Japan Airlines.
2. Could Melbourne’s new attraction rival the Sydney Harbour Bridge climb?
Melbourne is building a fun attraction over its cricket ground, which the city’s local government has described as a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” that could be better than the Sydney Harbour Bridge climb.
When complete, it will sit 70 metres above the MCG and will see tourists travel around 173-metres from the cricket ground’s scoreboard to the other side of the stadium.
Sounds like a lot of fun, but how can flying across a stadium be compared to slowly walking across the arch of Australia’s most iconic bridge, nay one of the most recognisable bridges in the world?
3. Qantas & Singapore Airlines continue to satisfy pax
Qantas and Singapore Airlines know what it takes to keep guests happy, according to Roy Morgan.
The research company awarded the two carriers for having the best Customer Satisfaction throughout 2015.
The Flying Kangaroo took home the title for Australia’s most satisfying Domestic Airline and Domestic Business Airline of the Year—the second consecutive year for the double win.
Meanwhile, Singapore Airlines scored the top Satisfaction result every month in 2015 for overseas flights.
Emirates also received top marks for consistency, holding on to silver position throughout the year despite Air New Zealand making solid gains in the second half.
4. Aussie hotels are on their Wi-Fi game
According to a new study around 96 percent of Australia’s three, four and five star hotels and services apartments are offering some level of free Wi-Fi to guests.
Some 99 percent of those surveyed said they currently offer Wi-Fi as a service to guests; 65 percent do not charge for some level of free Wi-Fi access; and a further 31 percent offer it free to customers on a conditional basis (such as loyalty program member, upon booking direct, special inclusion).
Less than five percent of hotels require all guests to pay for Wi-Fi.
The change in attitude to free Wi-Fi comes despite the excessive cost. According to the study, it can cost a hotel around $120,000 to secure internet access and an additional monthly $20,000 per month for properties in regional and remote areas.
5. Agency admits responsibility for Virgin’s Kanye tweet
It turns out Virgin Australia’s Twitter account wasn’t hacked earlier this week when a tweet was issued calling musician Kanye West a “douche” and telling him to “EAD” aka eat a d#ck.
The media agency responsible for handling Virgin’s social media, and the second largest media agency in Australia, claimed responsibility for the message.
Carat Australia issued an apology on Wednesday saying:
Carat Australia apologises for a recent Tweet that we mistakenly posted on Virgin Australia’s account. We regret any damage possibly caused.
— Carat AUNZ (@CaratAUNZ) February 17, 2016
It is believed a junior staffer was responsible for accidentally posting the tweet on the airline’s Twitter page.
While it wasn’t the most positive message in the world, some members of the KarryOn team hope the junior doesn’t lose his/her job for the post that some have described as “on point” and “what everyone was thinking”.
6. WIN a trip for two to the Hong Kong Sevens
If you thought going to watch the Hong Kong Sevens was just about the Rugby, think again! Here’s your chance to win a dream experience for you and a friend.
After the recent excitement of the Sydney Sevens where Australia were pipped at the post by our not so neighbourly Kiwi’s in the final, the annual Hong Kong Sevens from April 8-10th is shaping up to be THE event on the Tournament and (ahem) social calendar.
7. CLIA reveals 2016 Masters Conference location
Travel agents with the highest level of cruise industry accreditation will be heading to Papua New Guinea aboard Pacific Eden later this year for the annual 2016 Masters Conference.
The event combines intensive training sessions with a first-hand cruise experience. Returning to oversee CLIA Australasia’s 18th Masters, US-based sales guru and motivator Scott Koepf will lead conference sessions focusing on how the cruise industry is evolving and how consultants from all demographics can take advantage of this segment of the travel industry.
After completing the course and a comprehensive post-conference assignment, agents will enter the prestigious Cruise Masters’ ranks.
This year’s conference commences in Cairns on 14 October, 2016, with one night pre-cruise accommodation before embarking Pacific Eden for a seven-night cruise to some of the most beautiful islands in Papua New Guinea including new cruise destination, the Conflict Islands – a picturesque group of 21 islands that is home to one of the world’s most biodiverse reef systems.
The conference is open to all consultants who hold CLIA Ambassador level accreditation and are employed by a CLIA member travel agent.
8. Traveltek adds G Adventures
Online cruise technology specialist Traveltek is rolling out a number of new suppliers this month, with the first being G Adventures.
The adventure company, which has expanded its cruise product, will now be available on Traveltek’s booking platform.
G Adventures is the first fully bookable specialist expedition and river cruise operator in the local market. Online travel agents can now offer dynamic packaging of G Adventures cruise products with their own preferred flights, hotels and ancillary services.
9. AIME’s welcome party will be at…
… 400 City Road, Melbourne.
Taking place on Monday night, prior to the two-day trade show, the Welcome Event will showcase ‘one year in Melbourne in one night’ at a quintessentially Melbourne event space.
Located within five minutes of the CBD, 400 City Road is a new and undiscovered warehouse location and guests will be among the first in the country to experience the unique space.
Karen Bolinger, Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB) CEO said Melbourne is a city of discovery so it made sense to hold the event at a venue that is still undiscovered by many locals.
The AIME Welcome Event, sponsored by the City of Melbourne, will be a showcase of Melbourne and celebrate Melbourne’s culture, buzzing events scene and sophisticated food offering.
Tickets are $150 with limited availability and the dress code is cocktail.
10. How would you feel after a 40-HOUR flight delay?
Irritated? Tired? Happy to be home?
The feelings were mixed amongst 300 travellers on a recent AirAsia flight when the plane was not only diverted but their trip home delayed for almost two days.
Flight D7206 left Kuala Lumpur on time on Monday evening and was enroute to Coolangatta when a passenger fell seriously ill.
The aircraft stopped in Bali where the traveller was let off. The plane took off again and around two hours into the flight to Australia it was forced to turn back around for Bali when another passenger required urgent medical treatment.
After the second diversion a few passengers rebooked on other flights – but for those that hung around, it would be a good 24 hours before they departed Bali again, Ten News reported.
Some took to Twitter to express their frustration, including @askairasia who urged the carrier to “sort it out”.
