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. Is this the end of the inflight entertainment screen?
Canadian airline, WestJet, says it is moving into the future with the removal of inflight entertainment screens on long-haul aircraft.
Instead the carrier will ask passengers to stream their favourite movies, songs and TV shows via a mobile phone or tablet.
Could this be the start of the end of the popular inflight entertainment system?
2. Australia’s God-like tourism win
In a major coup for Australian tourism, Marvel has selected Australia to be the backdrop to its third solo Thor movie, Thor: Ragnarok.
The movie, scheduled for release in 2017, will be filmed around our shores next year along with an untitled Sir Ridley Scott alien flick.
Location details are yet to be announced, however, Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said filming the two movies in Australia would generate around $300 million investment in Australia and create some 3,000 jobs.
3. The best tourism businesses in NSW are…
Submissions have been reviewed and cut down and the best of NSW’s tourism businesses have been recognised as finalists in this year’s NSW Tourism Awards.
Ahead of the awards night on 26 November, over 100 businesses in 29 categories were selected by the Tourism Industry (a division of the NSW Business Chamber) for offering high standard tourism products and an evolution of products and services to remain competitive.
Among the finalists is the iconic Taragona Zoo which is up against Featherdale Wildlife Park and The Big Banana Fun Park for the title of Best Major Tourist Attractions.
4. Norwegian Cruise Line’s new ship breaks Facebook
Norwegian Cruise Line‘s Facebook fans were so excited about the delivery of the line’s newest ship Norwegian Escape that they practically broke Facebook this morning.
The cruise line took delivery of the 164,600 gross tonne ship – the largest in the line’s fleet – overnight following a building period of 17 months.
As the company’s first ship in the new Breakaway Plus Class – featuring advanced technology, new dining rooms and extra entertainment – Escape has gained a large following amongst cruisers.
5. Cruise Down Under rebranded & renamed
Cruise Down Under (CDU) has rebranded and changed its name to the Australian Cruise Association to better represent its members, role and objectives.
According to the company, research found CDU was often mistaken for a commercial cruise travel agency rather than an industry association.
The name Australian Cruise Association was chosen to highlight the organisation’s role as the co-operative marketing cruise brand for Australia allowing it to better represent the Australia Pacific region at international business events such as Cruise Shipping Global.
As well as replacing its name, the association has also rolled out a new logo designed by agency Digital Ink.
6. Aussies spending more nights in Peru
The desire to experience Peru’s food, history and culture still burns strong amongst Australian travellers, according to new figures.
Peru’s 2014 Foreign Tourist Profile study found 41,842 Australians visited Peru last year, a 15 percent increase on the 36,373 in 2013.
We’re not only visiting in greater numbers, we’re also spending the most with the highest average spend of any international visitors at US$2,637, followed by the UK at US$2,486.
The average length of stay for Aussies has also creeped up to 14 nights – four nights longest than the international medium stay.
Click here for more news from Peru.
7. New destination, new vessel for The Moorings
The Moorings have announced a new fully crewed 514 Power Catamaran for the British Virgin Islands this November.
The 514PC can accommodate groups of up to six, with each cabin featuring its own ensuite. There’s of course all the tech mod-cons, including a full on board entertainment system and wi-fi.
The design of the yacht allows you to take full advantage of the natural environment, with an open saloon offering panoramic views of your surroundings – perfect for kicking back and watching the sun slowly set into the horizon each evening.
Moorings also announced a new destination from June next year, Cannigione, Sardinia in Italy.
A seven-night fully crewed Cannigione charter sets sail to the sparkling waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea, and along the famous Emerald Coast, home to some of the most picturesque white sand beaches in Italy.
Continue sailing amongst the Maddalena marine park, and take your pick of which tiny, uninhabited island you’d like to drop anchor at for a refreshing dip.
For a little culture, stop by the famous harbour at Porto Rotondo, and explore some of the town’s charming architecture, including the squares, amphitheatre and church all designed by some of Italy’s top artists.
Bookings are now open.
Click here for more information from The Moorings.
8. Travelport’s new video message to users: we’re there
Travelport has released a new video for its Travel Commerce platform designed to showcase the mobility and dependability of the program.
Titled ‘We’re There’ for your travel business’, it features a series of lifestyle shots along with the words ‘we’re there for your customers’.
Check it out above and let us know what you think.
Click here for more Travelport news.
9. US lifts travel advisory to Kenya
Safari lodge, Angama Mara says it is enthusiastic at the lifting of travel advisories to Kenya from the US and from Lufthansa.
The advisory was increased earlier this year following a University shooting during which around 150 students were murdered.
However, this week it was lowered, a move Angama Mara owner Nicky Fitzgerald said will be positive for the country.
“The team at Angama Mara never doubted for a moment that Kenya would bounce back as Africa’s oldest and most loved safari destination.”
Nicky Fitzgerald, Angama Mara Owner
10. Rolling down Route 66 with Adventure World
[L-R]: Mike Milner, Nicky Chapman, Andy Kirkman, Liz Cullen, Terry Donovan, Patricia de los Reyes, Amy Middleton and Chelsea Wall.
Eight Australian agents flew across the Pacific and into the US earlier this month for Adventure World’s Grand American Adventures famil.
Beginning in San Francisco, the tour took the group across the Golden Gate Bridge and to the scenic Yosemite National Park.
They spent some time in Death Valley – one of the hottest and driest places on earth before moving onto the City of Sin – Las Vegas.
Spending only one night in the bright city, they moved on to the Grand Canyon before bringing their adventure to an end with a drive through Mojave Desert en route to Los Angeles.
Click here for more information from Adventure World.
