We’ve done all the hard work, so you don’t have to! Read on for our top ten travel news stories we think you need to know today.
1. Fears for Aus airlines as int’l carriers look to fly domestically
Former Qantas Chief Executive and Board Member, Geoff Dixon, says he’s concerned an open airs plan for the Top End could impact local airlines.
Describing it as a ‘step too far’, he warned that opening air links in the Northern Territory to foreign airlines would ‘undermine’ Aussie carriers, who are currently doing all the hard work.
The plan, which will be considered by the cabinet over the next few weeks, would see the removal of cabotage in northern Australia, the Sydney Morning Herald reported.
2. The next big destination for young Aussies is…
The popular UAE destination, Dubai, is about to open up to young Aussie travellers.
Student, youth and budget travel organisation, STA Travel, has announced a new partnership with Dubai Tourism to encourage more youngeons to travel to the desert destination.
The partnership comes after an increase in demand from Australians looking to experience the culture, food and architecture in Dubai.
3. Why Etihad is still making big money
Nicole Kidman, Residence suites and growing network seem to be working a charm for Etihad, as the airline reports its fourth consecutive year of profits.
The airline has revealed last year was the strongest financial 12 months in its entire history, with a net profit of US$73 million on total revenues of US$7.6 billion.
This is up 52.1 percent and 26.7 percent on 2013.
4. White Bay suspends overnight cruise stays
Ocean liners will need to find somewhere else to park their vessels, after the New South Wales Port Authority announced a suspension to overnight berthing at Sydney’s White Bay Terminal.
The decision comes after ongoing complaints from locals of sound and air pollution coming from the city’s second cruise terminal.
In October last year, the government launched a public inquiry into the complaints and this week decided to put a stop to ships docking overnight until the State Government regulates low-sulphur fuel use in the harbour.
The government also said the terminal needed to be fitted with shore-based power so ships don’t keep their engines running overnight.
Carnival Australia – parent company to a number of cruise lines that sail around Australia – said it is working with the NSW Government and the EPA “in relation to new air quality standards at NSW ports keeping in mind that cruise ships currently operate well within existing air quality standards”.
“It is likely that this issue will have been resolved and overnight stays at White Bay resumed prior to the 12 February, 2016 arrival of Seabourn Odyssey, which is the next ship across Carnival Australia’s fleets scheduled to overnight at the cruise terminal.”
Carnival Australia statement
5. Prepare for flight delays
If any of your clients are planning on flying to or from Spain mid-June then they may want to prepare for delays, as Spanish air traffic controllers plan strikes.
A union spokesperson said industrial action is expected to take place on 8, 10, 12 and 14 June.
Each strike will last for around two hours every morning and two hours in the afternoon at airports around the country, Olive Press reported.
The union spokesperson explained strikes are in response to sanctions, which have been handed to air controllers in Barcelona after a strike in 2010. The strike left around 30,000 passengers stranded and was held over new working hours.
6. Bench sends 30 agents to Africa
Cameron Neill, Bench International State Manager (VIC/TAS/SA) presents Flight Centre’s Stephanie Beard with her Safari School certificate.
Since the launch of Safari School, Bench International has seen over 600 Travel Agent consultants register in the hopes of becoming Africa experts.
In addition to Safari School, the next best thing is of course to get consultants out to Africa so they can experience it first-hand.
Over the next couple of months Bench will be sending over 30 agents away to Africa on educationals, to destinations such as Zambia, Namibia and Egypt.
With the demand for places far exceeding the space available, Bench will be looking to send a further 50 consultants away to Africa before the end of the year.
Agents who want to increase their knowledge of Africa can enroll in the free, entertaining and educational Safari School through the Agents Portal on Bench International’s website.
7. Allure gets a multi-million dollar makeover
New food, new adventure, new shopping and new rooms – Allure of the Seas is practically a whole new ship after completing an 18-day drydock revitalisation.
Emerging from the shipyard this week,the ship now featured 18 restaurants covering a range of culinary experiences such as Royal Caribbean’s popular Japanese restaurant Izumi; there’s Mexican dishes in Sabor Taqueria & Tequila Bar; plus Mediterranean influences in the Coastal Kitchen.
There are 10 new suites onboard including two Royal Suites, six Grand Suites and two Royal Family Suites. Each offers views of the ocean or the ship’s signature AquaTheater and Boardwalk neighbourhood.
8. Did you win a spot on Globus’ Supertour of Peru?
The wait has come to an end, as Globus confirms its has notified its 30 top-selling agents from across Australia and New Zealand that they are going on a Supertour of Peru.
This year’s Supertour will be a nine-day adventure visiting many of Peru’s greatest highlights including Lima, Cuzco, the Sacred Valley and the famous ruined Inca city of Machu Picchu.
The expedition has been offered to 20 agents from Australia and 10 from New Zealand as a reward for their sales of Globus, Cosmos, Avalon Waterways and Monograms holidays.
The 30 successful agents will depart on their Peruvian adventure on 14 August.
Globus family of brands Marketing Manager Adam Mussolum said this year’s Supertour reward program had been especially well-received among competing agents.
He said this year’s destination, Peru, proved to be a big incentive for agents and said the competition was ‘intense’.
“Our choice of Peru this year will also highlight the upcoming launch of our first dedicated South American brochure, which will offer a choice of Globus and Cosmos tours to countries including Peru, Brazil, Argentina and Chile.”
Adam Mussolum, Globus Family of Brands Marketing Manager
Last year’s Supertour visited Japan, while previous Supertours have visited destinations including Hawaii, Alaska, Morocco, Italy, Canada, Spain and Scandinavia.
So, did you win a spot on the famil? If so, #jealous :).
9. Remarkables gears up for early Queenstown ski season
Snowmaking at The Remarkables ski area in Queenstown has started ahead of schedule, with The Remarkables on target to open on 20 June.
Earlier this week, NZSki CEO Paul Anderson said the season has kicked off a little early this year, with Kiwis already welcoming knee-deep fresh powder.
The Remarkables Ski Area Manager Ross Lawrence said snowmaking had started early because it was too good an opportunity to miss.
“Mother Nature provided a good half a metre or more already, so the mountain is looking fantastic as we build towards opening.”
Ross Lawrence, The Remarkables Ski Area Manager
More snow is in the forecast for early next week.
10. This is how Singapore Airlines is celebrating its 50th year
Singapore Airlines is turning the big 5-0 this year and to celebrate it has painted two of its Airbus A380s in special Singapore-themed livery.
Unveiled this week, the two planes feature a 10 centimetre-tall and 47 centimetre-long Singapore flag-themed designed on both sides of the fuselage.
The official SG50 logo can still be found, but will be located on the two inboard engines.
