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. ACCC drops Qantas, China Eastern opposition
Australia’s competition watchdog has granted Qantas and China Eastern authorisation for joint operations despite issuing a draft denial earlier this year.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) announced this morning that it would allow the two airlines to operate joint flights between Australia and China.
Authorisation comes less than five months after releasing a draft determination proposing to deny approval on the basis that it would hamper competition between the two countries.
2. Etihad introduces tailored fares
Etihad has become the latest premium airline to follow low-cost carriers down the path of flexible airfares, by rolling out new tailored options.
Commencing 14 September, guests of the Abu Dhabi-based airline will have access to eight ‘Fare Choices’ for economy, business and first class.
According to the carrier’s Chief Commercial Officer (CCO), the new fare structure gives travellers choice and the ability to tailor their journey to their individual needs.
3. Contiki heads to Bali with Flight Centre
Youth tour operator, Contiki continues to expand its options in Asia, with its first trips to Bali.
The nine-day ‘Bali Island Hopper’ itinerary comes after the success of the operator’s first-ever Japan tour ‘Japan Unrivalled‘, which set off earlier this year.
Created in partnership with Flight Centre Travel Group, Contiki says the Bali trip is in response to growing demand for the popular Indonesian island.
4. MSC Lirica sails a little closer to Aus
MSC Cruises has unveiled plans for its first-ever sailing to China, bringing the newly-renovated MSC Lirica a little closer to Australia.
The ship, which is usually based out of Europe or South America, will call in Shanghai on 1 May 2016 during a 60-day Grand Voyage via Europe.
Travellers can join the cruise from the first embarkation port in Rio de Janiero, Brazil on 3 March or embark when she arrives in Genoa Italy or Dubai in the UAE.
Lynne Clarke, MSC Cruises Australia said the cruise line was excited to deliver one more new itinerary that gives guests the chance to visit ‘some of the most appealing destinations’.
5. Tourism Australia & MAS rewarded
Tourism Australia’s first ever collaboration with a frequent flyer program has taken out Silver for the ‘Best Partnership in Loyalty’ at Marketing Magazine Asia’s Loyalty & Engagement Awards.
Malaysia Airlines’ week-long ‘Enrich Hearts Australia’ campaign offering Enrich members up to 50 percent off normal redemption rates launched in January 2015 to increase load factors for Malaysia-Australia routes and vice versa.
With 77 million miles redeemed, up 2,285 percent compared to the same period in 2014, the campaign was a resounding success.
According to Malaysia Airlines’ Head of Enrich Loyalty Programme, Khairul Nisa Ismail, the win reinforces the loyalty program’s commitment to innovation and excellence.
To celebrate this win, Enrich is offering Australian members up to 40 percent off Enrich Miles to Malaysia and return. Members can redeem their Enrich Miles from now until 31 August 2015 and the travel period is until 19 November 2015.
6. Pan Pacific Perth’s multi-million dollar upgrade
If you’ve ever wondered what a multi-million dollar hotel refurbishment looks like, it’s this.
Pan Pacific Perth recently completely a multi-million dollar guest room refresh, which saw all 124 rooms and eight suites completely remodeled.
In fact, the rooms are so different, it’s practically a new hotel.
7. Skal International Syd goes to lunch with TAFE
Skal International Sydney will be dining at TAFE’s training restaurant, The Apprentice Restaurant, for its next monthly luncheon.
To be held on 9 September, the guest speaker for the afternoon will be Sydney TAFE Institute Director, David Riordan who will speak about the work Sydney TAFE is doing to develop the skills of the next generation of chefs, waiters, sommeliers and more.
Members of Skal International Sydney, their guests and visitors are welcome.
Cost for the event is $49 per person which includes lunch and drinks. Bookings for this event close on Wednesday 26 August.
Click here to secure your place.
8. EVA Air expands with Amadeus
EVA Air has become the first airline to adopt Amadeus’ Altéa Revenue Management Suite to support its international expansion plans.
The carrier said it wanted a next-generation revenue management system to maximise its route yield and overall profitability. This will be achieved through the system’s real-time data and ability to help airlines gain competitive advantage from new merchandising practices such as dynamic pricing.
EVA Air’s migration to the Amadeus’ Altéa Revenue Management Suite is expected to be completed by the first quarter of 2016.
9. Aussie wholesalers back Vanuatu
A group of group of representatives from Australian wholesalers experienced the beauty of Vanuatu first-hand during a recent familiarisation.
Taking place from 10 to 16 August, the famil gave them the opportunity to see the destination’s recovery after the destruction caused by Cyclone Pam earlier this year.
The trip comes after recently agent famils, including one with a team from Flight Centre and another with Travel Counsellors.
10. Oh the luxury and anthropology
World Journeys has released a one-off special cruises in the Amazon with Canadian explorer John Hemming onboard.
Departing 10 February 2016, the four-night itinerary takes guests around the Amazon while treated then with special lectures from the world renowned expert on Amazon tribes and Incan civilisation.
John has published several best-selling books on related topics such as ‘Conquest of the Incas’, ‘Tribes of the Amazon’ and ‘The Search for El Dorado´.
