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. Australians could soon travel passport-free
Australian travellers could soon take ‘passport’ off the list of things to pack as the government considers rolling a new cloud-based identity system.
The proposal was put forth by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFAT) during an ‘ideas challenge’ which was essentially a brainstorming session amongst politicians.
If approved, Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said security would be given the utmost importance.
2. This is why Virgin & Etihad are allowed to continue codesharing
Etihad and Virgin Australia have received draft approval to continue their existing codeshare agreement for another five years.
The early approval was handed down today by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) because it offers benefits to the travelling public such as increased competition and easier connections between Australia and the Middle East.
Final approval is expected before the end of the year and will allow the two carriers to continue codesharing, create complimenting flight schedules and offer joint pricing.
3. First images of Australia’s newest hotel
First Class Suites, a soaring atrium, a European-inspired bistro and a modern bar – all under one roof and all in Canberra.
Travellers have been given a sneak peek of the country’s newest property one week ahead of its official opening.
Images received by KarryOn and others posted to Vibe Hotel Canberra Airport’s Facebook page show the property has been decorated and designed with contemporary colours and textures while offering traditional social spaces and comfort.
4. Qantas is ‘Ready for Take-Off’
Qantas has teamed up with Channel 9 to give viewers a behind-the-scenes look at Australia’s Flying Kangaroo.
Commencing tonight at 7.30pm, the eight-part observational documentary called ‘Ready for Take-Off’ will highlight the carrier’s vast network, exceptional staff and tireless efforts to ensure thousands of holidaymakers enjoy a seamless travel experience.
In a couple of sneak peek videos posted to the carrier’s Facebook page, viewers can see the series will cover all areas of the business from pilots, cabin crew, engineers, trainers, caterers, ground staff and customer service.
5. Air New Zealand is still the best
Air New Zealand has been named Australasia’s Leading Airline for the seventh consecutive year at the 2015 World Travel Awards.
The airline also took out the award for Australasia’s Leading Airport Lounge for the Air New Zealand Lounge at Christchurch International Airport for the third year running.
“To win Australasia’s Leading Airline for the seventh year in a row is incredibly exciting.”
Carrie Hurihanganui, Air New Zealand General Manager Customer Experience
“We’re continually looking at ways to enhance the customer experience at all stages of the journey and these awards are testament to that work and to the efforts of our 11,000 staff.”
6. Amadeus’ secure tip to make more money
Data security – we all know we need it, we think about it every now and then but most of us never do anything about it until it’s too late.
According to Amadeus, travel businesses are not only putting their information and clients at risk, they also risking losing thousands or even millions of dollars to cybercrime.
It sounds a little dramatic but it’s actually a scary truth.
7. Centara in Phuket is the ‘best for families’
Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket has been named ‘Best Family Resort in Asia’ in Out & About with Kids’ Readers Choice Awards 2015 for the second consecutive year.
The property was also voted number three in ‘Best Family Resorts’ in the Holidays with Kids Readers Choice Awards 2015.
Votes were tallied across Out & About with Kids’ print and online audience for 16 key family holiday categories, both domestic and international.
Centara Area GM, Darren Shaw, attributed the wins to the property’s children-friendly services which include the Centara Kids’ Club, ‘Eveningtainment’ with kids show, kids on stage, interactive games and dancing. Additionally, children under 12 stay and eat breakfast free.
8. Metropolitan by COMO offers well-being & tech
Metropolitan by COMO, London continues to evolve with a shift from its hedonistic past towards a growing emphasis on wellbeing, smooth technology and redesigned luxury accommodation where comfort is everything.
The mood has changed from the late-night antics once centred around the Met Bar to a more holistic experience that balances work and play while still underpinned by COMO’s commitment to passionate service.
In September 2015, a full top-to-toe redesign of the hotel was completed and fresh palettes of natural hues and textures were introduced. This includes the use of American walnut, sycamore, pale and dark timbers in all 144 rooms.
In each room, a luxurious King size bed appears to float on a timber base, with the crisp white 400-thread count linen offset by a barley-coloured headboard placed within a dark timber frame.
An oversized window seat upholstered in mocha chenille creates an extremely comfortable chaise-like piece where one can relax with views of Hyde Park.
All in-room technology, from air-conditioning to roller blinds, is designed to operate intuitively at the touch of a button on a single console.
9. Queenstown’s Shotover Jet arrives in Fiji
If your clients liked Queenstown’s Shotover Jet then they’re going to love Fiji’s newest thrill ride, River Jets in Sigatoka.
Travelling along the Sigatoka River, patrons hold on tight as the jet executes full 360° spins, twists and turns.
As well as enjoying the heart pumping thrills, passengers will also be able to take in the beautiful scenery of the River.
The ride operates every Monday to Saturday with hourly departures between 10.00am to 5.00pm. It takes up to 40 minutes to complete.
Prices start from $55 for children and $110 for adults.
10. Industry peers discover what’s ‘new’ in NYC
Product managers were taken across the Pacific to find out why Taylor Swift loves New York so much and to explore all the ‘new’ aspects to the iconic city.
Hosted by NYC & Company, in partnership with Air Canada four representatives from Venture Holidays, Qantas Holidays, STA Travel and The Travel Corporation were joined by a representative from Air Canada for the five-day educational.
The itinerary was designed to provide a New York City update featuring new attractions, tours and hotels, which have populated the city’s landscape over the past 12 months.
P.S: iTravel celebrates Disney’s Diamond anniversary
Very few people get to celebrate a 60th anniversary, let alone experience one as fun as this.
A team of iTravel agents flew to LA with Virgin Australia for the ultimate party to commemorate Disneyland’s diamond anniversary.
With two days to spend exploring Disneyland, Disney California Adventure Park and Downtown Disney, there was plenty of shopping, eating and selfies.
The crew was also brushing up on their selling skills with a site inspection at Howard Johnson, the number one seller for moderate tier Anaheim properties.
The itravellers didn’t just spend time in the wonderful world of Disney, they also got out on the board at Huntington Beach, the stand-up paddleboards that is.
Click here for more iTravel information.
P.P.S: Carnival gets spooky
As a US-based cruise line, Carnival Cruise Line knows how to make the most of Halloween.
During a sales blitz this week, the cruise line’s Aussie sales team got into the spirit of the American tradition and dressed as ghoulishly and scarily as possible during visits to nearly 100 travel agencies in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney.
The blitz is promoting the cruise line’s “Spooktacular Sale” offering half price deposits and onboard credit of up to $400 per cabin until 9 November, 2015.
Continuing the celebrations in the lead up to 31 October, the cruise line’s Australian-based superliner Carnival Spirit will kick off Sydney’s Halloween celebrations tomorrow (Friday October 30th) in a very big and very Australian way, creeping into the Harbour with a giant Redback spider on her bow.
Measuring two-storeys high and 10-metres wide, the spider, with glowing red eyes and the fearsome red stripe along its back, will be one of the biggest Sydney has ever seen.
