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. Which travel companies do Aussies REALLY want to work for?
There’s one company Australians really want to penetrate with their minds and talents – aviation’s very own Virgin Australia.
The carrier was named Australia’s Most Attractive Employer in this year’s Randstad Awards, knocking competitor Qantas into second place for the second consecutive year.
Around 51.34 percent of Aussies claimed they wanted to work for the aviation giant, only slightly ahead of the 51.30 percent that said they wanted to work at Qantas.
2. Qantas’ new Middle Eastern arrangement
Qantas has teamed up with the Jordan Tourism Board to promote tourism between Australia and Jordan.
The two will undertake joint promotional activities in the two countries including promotions through Qantas’ sales channels as well as media trips to Jordan.
Qantas Regional general manager for Middle East, Africa, India and South Asia, Rohan Garnett said he looks forward to enhancing tourism and trade between the two important markets.
3. Less than one week to the helloworld for business Summit
The countdown is on for the helloworld for business Summit, with less than seven days to go before Members head to Singapore for the annual event.
The helloworld for business Summit for 2016 will be held at Shangri-La in Singapore on Friday 13th may and Saturday 14th May.
The theme for the Summit is “Evolution to Revolution”. Attendees will hear from top speakers, including CEO of Qantas International and Freight Gareth Evans; Google Head of Industry Travel – Australia and New Zealand Dougal McKenzie; and renowned financial journalist Ross Greenwood.
4. LATAM plans for aviation domination
LATAM may have only just stepped out as the united LAN and TAM brand, but its bosses have already started planning for aviation domination.
Speaking at the carrier’s official unveiling of the new brand in Sydney earlier this week, Asia-Pacific Managing Director Patricio Aylwin, said the carrier has ambitious goals to become a top three airline worldwide.
This would mean knocking out the likes of Air New Zealand, Qantas and Etihad, which currently makeup the top three positions.
5. Delta battles Qantas & United for more Aussie passengers with a new GSA
Delta has just joined Qantas, Air New Zealand and United in the race for more trans-Pacific business with the appointment of a new local GSA.
The Oceania to United States services have been running hot since December last year, when Qantas resumed services to San Francisco, American Airlines launched flights from LA to Sydney, Air New Zealand began operating to Houston AND United announced it would became a complete 787 fleet from Australia.
6. Viking launches its second ocean vessel
Viking Cruises‘ move from river cruising to ocean cruising continues, with the line expanding its fleet this week with a second ship.
Viking Sea officially joined the line yesterday following a christening on the Thames River in Greenwich.
The vessel boasts 465 all-veranda staterooms, two pools (including an Infinity Pool), a Scandinavian-inspired spa plus multiple dining choices including a gourmet burger joint, an international cafe and more.
7. Australian youth donate generously to Fiji
Thousands of generous young Australians have contributed supplies to the biggest private donation for Tropical Cyclone Winston relief, in the wake of the largest recorded cyclone to hit Fiji earlier this year.
The donation drive was initiated by Unleashed Travel, Australia’s leading provider of overseas travel packages for school leavers, with the shipment arriving in Fiji yesterday.
A donation base camp run by Unleashed Travel and not-for-profit organisation Spirit of Sharing will be open to Fijian residents from 7-12 May near Nadi and will then travel to remote communities. Unleashed Travel have organised a total of five 40ft shipping containers filled with donations of clothing, bedding, kitchen items and non-perishable food that were shipped to the Fijian capital of Suva following a call for contributions from Unleashed Travel’s network of 15,000 members.
8. Adina operates from the races
TFE Hotels will operate a new Adina Apartment Hotels alongside the redeveloped Royal Randwick Racecourse, to be known as Adina Apartment Hotel Royal Randwick Racecourse.
The project will play a role in transforming the precinct into Sydney’s leading racing and entertainment destination.
Adina Royal Randwick Racecourse will have 170 apartments, conferencing and function spaces, views of the racecourse, an outdoor pool, restaurant and bar as well as parking.
9. African safari is high on the bucket list for Aussies
Some 21 percent of Australians say they’ve listed an African Safari tour on their bucket list to discover the array of wildlife.
The study conducted by World2Cover found those planning a trip are best travelling to South Africa during May to September when bushland is low and animals regularly congregate. July to October was ideal timing for Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Malawi and Zambia.
World2Cover said those setting off on an African safari should try to restrain from standing up or sticking their arms out of the vehicle; don’t get too close to animals; stay fully zipped inside tents overnight; and always check shoes before putting them on for any scorpions, snakes or spiders.
10. A pretty ‘cheeky’ travel Instagram account
Thousands of tourists all around the world – from the Grand Canyon, to Peru, to the Alaskan wilderness – are literally baring all and posting photos of their exploits on a popular Instagram account.
Instagram is already doing wonders for the travel industry in promoting destinations around the world.
After all, no-one can resist a bit of eye candy, can they?
