We’ve done all the hard work, so you don’t have to! Read on for our top ten travel industry news stories of the day we think you need to know.
1. New e-visas easing Aussie travel to India
Planning a last minute trip to India will become a whole lot easier when a new Indian government initiative to launch e-visas takes off.
Applicable in 43 countries, including Australia, the US, Brazil, Germany and Japan, travellers will be able to apply for a visa online. The application will be reviewed and approved within four days.
They can then head to India and pick up their visa at an airport upon arrival.
Incredible India Australia assistant director, Vibahava Tripathi told KarryOn the new system will make travel from Australia to India easier, particularly for last minute travellers.
2. Why Aussies love a good ‘Fakecation’
I think these people wished they’d taken a ‘fakecation’.
“Sorry can’t hang, I’m off on a ‘Fakecation’.” We’ve all exaggerated plans to avoid things we really didn’t want to do, but how many of us are faking entire holidays to get out of commitments?
Quite often, according to research by Hotels.com!
The group found almost one in five Australians have pretended to be away on holiday to avoid catching up with someone they didn’t want to see.
The ‘Fakecation’ was also used by 16 percent of respondents to get out a work Christmas party and 11 percent threw it out there to avoid catching up with friends.
3. helloworld Frontliners arrive in Adelaide
helloworld agents have started arriving in Adelaide for the group’s annual conference.
Starting later today with a ‘welcome to Adelaide’ cocktail party, the company of agents will spend the weekend picking up selling tips as well as receiving industry updates and inspiration.
Guests will also hear from Australian soccer superstar, Harry Kewell and young adventurer Jessica Watson who are among the line up guest speakers at this year’s conference.
Agents will also attend a Christmas-themed Gala Dinner and Awards night sponsored by Qantas.
KarryOn has accompanied agents to the event so keep an eye on KarryOn.com.au for updates.
4. Harry Potter magic coming to Universal Studios
Wizard, witches and broomsticks are said to be make a bewitching appearance at Universal Studios Hollywood in the coming years as part of an expansion to its attractions.
Speaking at a special Thanksgiving event at Jazz City BBQ in Surry Hills, Sydney, Universal’s Australian representative, Tristan Freedman said the park will have a Harry Potter attraction set up by 2016.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter will be bring the films to life with ‘impeccable detail and authenticity’. Similar to the version opened in Orlando in 2010, it will include a Hogwarts castle that will serve as the focal point of the environment.
5. Making the family holiday ‘cool’ for teens
Tour operators are making it easier for parents to convince the teens to take a family holiday, with new activities designed specifically for those grouchy adolescents.
Small-group adventure travel operator, G Adventures is among the latest to launch ‘teen’ focused tours in its 2015 Family Brochure.
Fusing adventure with education, families will be able to play cricket with the locals in India, snorkel and dive in the Galapagos’ swimmable aquarium and experience the rhythms of Cuba at a Havana hoedown.
“Exposing children to different cultures, languages, environments and even food helps them grow to become worldly adults in the future.”
Belinda Ward, G Adventures Australia and New Zealand duchess of delegation
All family tours are two weeks or less and planned around school holidays.
Groups are no more than 20 travellers.
6. Limited spots on Insight’s Gallipoli Tours
Insight Vacations has reminded agents and travellers that it has limited availability left on its Gallipoli Anniversary tours.
With a record number of Australians expected to head to the historic site for the centenary next year, Insight says a tour is one of the most cost-effective solutions to experience the event.
Itineraries range from 12- to- 22-days and include visits to various areas in the Mediterranean.
There’s also special ferry services that will take guests holding special government awarded Dawn Service tickets to Anzac Cove.
7. Busselton’s first cruise ship
Some 2,580 guests aboard Diamond Princess were the first travellers to arrive at Western Australia’s city of Busselton via a cruise ship.
The 116,000-tonne ship anchored off the coast of the city early in the morning before transferring passengers to the city for a full day of sightseeing, shopping and tours.
Guests were also offer a wide range of tours in the area, from sea kayaking in Geographe Bay to exploring Ngili Cabe and visits to the nearby Maragaret River wine district.
The visit was one of nine visits the ship will make in 2015 and 2016. Each visit is expected to inject some $300,000 into the local economy.
Following the call to Busselton, Diamond Princess continued on its 28-day circumnavigation to Australia.
Diamond Princess recently completed a $30 million refurbishment, which saw the ship fitted with the largest Japanese bath area at sea, a sushi restaurant and other multiple dining options.
They’re here! the #diamondprincess passengers begin their day out in #busselton and the #margaretriver region! pic.twitter.com/jcPJe2Jpu6
— Geographe Bay (@GeographeBay) November 27, 2014
8. Want to wear Karl Stefanovic’s famous suit?
Attending a wedding on Hamilton Island but struggling to find something to wear? Why not wear the navy jacket and pants made famous by Channel Nine ‘Today’ host, Karl Stefanovic?
If you aren’t familiar (where have you been hiding?), Stefanovic wore the same suit on the morning show everyday as an experiment to expose gender bias when it comes wardrobe and appearance.
A year after no-one realised, he decided to reveal the experiment to the world – putting the suit in the list of the world’s most famous threads, along with Bjork’s swan outfit and J-Lo’s exotic green Versace dress.
Last week, he announced he would auction the suit with all proceeds going to White Ribbon.
Hamilton Island Weddings’ managing director, Rohan Gull was the highest bidder and said he saw it as a chance to continue raising money for the charity by asking future Hamilton Island grooms, groomsmen and wedding guests to make a donation and wear the suit at their wedding.
“It’s the suit that promises to keep on giving.”
Rohan Gull, Hamilton Island Weddings’ managing director
9. Agents take a 5-star Thai getaway
Malaysia Airlines invited eight of its top performing travel agents on an eight-day famil to Thailand.
The group explored two of the most popular tourist destinations for Australians: Krabi and Phuket.
Staying at Centara Hotels & Resorts properties – Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Krabi and Centara Anda Dhevi Resort & Spa – the group experience five-star Thai hospitality while enjoying local water activities, food and views.
10. Hold onto your food!
It’s the dining ride of a lifetime. Abu Dhabi has opened the world’s largest roller coaster restaurant, with 30 individual roller coasters.
Don’t worry you don’t eat as your ride – each table has its own roller coaster, which loops around diners to deliver the menu and food straight to their table.
Each table in ROGO’s has its own individual roller coaster track and is fitted with a unique silent delivery system.
“ROGO’S offers a spectacular culinary experience for fun-loving diners looking for a new and exciting dining adventure.”
Jessica Wadih, JWA chairman and chief executive
ROGO’s is located in the newly-opened Yas Mall near 60 international restaurants and hundreds of local and regional brand stores.
