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. Free flights, free wine, free food – it was well worth the facetime
Didn’t make facetime last night? Well then, you missed out because the first KarryOn facetime event for 2016 was ‘off the hook’!
The most requested industry event exceeded all expectations (even ours) with over 200 attendees filling the top floor of the Bristol Arms’ Rooftop in Sydney.
A true melting pot of the industry, the evening attracted industry friends from all sectors and positions from travel agents, to cruise lines, airlines, hotels, upper management, PR and sales.
2. Why the h#ll did Inspiring Journeys pen a letter to Hugh Jackman?
It came as a bit of a surprise when we opened our emails and spotted an unread message from ATT Kings with subject line: an open invitation to Hugh Jackman and Deborra-Lee Furness from Inspiring Journeys.
At first our hearts fluttered, having only read the words ‘invitation’ and ‘Hugh Jackman’, we assumed the company was inviting us to an event with Wolverine (we were so excited that one of us squealed).
But then we looked a little closer (and actually opened the email) and found it was actually a letter from Inspiring Journeys’ Managing Director Anthony Hayes to the talented Australian actor and his wife, Deborra-Lee Furness.
3. WIN a spot on the Philippines mega-fam
Want to experience the Philippines? Then it’s time to try securing yourself a spot on the mega famil to the destination.
To be in the running, agents need to share a travel selfie with the shades they would have received with their invitation. Post the picture on social media and use the hashtag #morefunsellingthePH.
Norjamin Delos Reyes, Tourism Attaché at Philippine Department of Tourism Australia and New Zealand, said, the tourist bureau is excited to give agents the chance to experience “the wonder and beauty that this amazing destination has to offer”.
4. PONANT releases its first Polar Collection brochure
PONANT’s first 100-page brochure focused entirely on Polar cruising is out, with polar expedition voyages in 2017 and 2018.
Inside, the brochure has 26 voyages to the Arctic, Alaska and Antarctic, varying from seven- to- 21 nights duration. Among the itineraries is the Geomagnetic Pole taking guests to the famed Inside Passage; crossing the Arctic Circle; following in the wake of famous explorers Roald Amundsen and Sir John Franklin; visiting vast regions home to polar bears, orcas, arctic fox, walrus and bald eagles.
Other highlights of the cruise line’s offerings include observing unique southern polar wildlife in its natural habitat; visiting the Falkland Islands and South Georgia, Deception Island, Elephant Island and Weddell Sea; or spending Christmas and New Year at the end of the world in Antarctica.
5. Good news from Vanuatu
Vanuatu’s international airport is almost fully repaired, with around 95 percent of the work for phase one complete.
Unforeseen shipping challenges caused a slight delay in the arrival of specialist cold mix asphalt, however, contractors are working hard to fast-track the delivery of materials and ensure repairs are completed within the next few weeks.
In the meantime, VTO’s marketing team is currently busy preparing to launch Vanuatu’s biggest consumer marketing campaign to date, in May 2016 to encourage Aussies to book their next holiday to the island nation.
6. Vote for Sydney TAFE Travel and Tourism
There’s still time to vote for Sydney TAFE Travel and Tourism as the ‘Best Registered Travel Industry Training Institution’ in this year’s National Tourism Industry Awards (NTIA).
Voting closes are 5.00pm today.
If Sydney TAFE Travel and Tourism wins this year, it’ll be its second time taking home the award, following the 2014 success.
7. MSC signs up for more ships
MSC Cruises has signed a letter of intent with STX France for the construction of up to four new cruise ship, the first of which will be delivered in 2022.
The new orders bring the carrier’s total ship orders up to 11 with deliveries up until 2026.
The carrier’s Executive Chairman, Pierfrancesco Vago, said the new orders are a reflection of the cruise line’s “constant commitment to be best-positioned to capture” cruisers.
New MSC vessels will be futuristically-conceived in design and will carry up to 5,400 passengers in 2,700 cabins.
8. Rail Europe GSAs Launch #ParisWeLoveYou Promotions
Rail Europe GSAs have launched a #ParisWeLoveYou campaign offering even more low fares to selected destinations serviced by Lyria, Thalys, Alleo, France-Spain High Speed and Eurostar.
Agents should note that effective immediately until 3 May 2016, prices for point-to-point tickets on Lyria, Alleo, Thalys and France-Spain High Speed services start from AU$28.
Agents with clients travelling between London and Paris via the Eurostar between 4 July and 31 August can now take advantage of one-way fares of AUD62 during off peak travel times and AUD84 during peak hours of Friday – Saturday noon and Sunday to Monday noon. (Prices are based on return trips).
Finally, agents can continue to pass on the 20% discount across all of the France Rail Pass products to their clients until 3 May.
9. Singapore Airlines is deliciously ‘wholesome’
Singapore Airlines is catering to the growing number of health-conscious travellers by rolling out new ‘Deliciously Wholesome’ meals.
The carrier worked with eight acclaimed chefs and an nutrition expert to create the healthy dishes, which will be served on Singapore Airlines flights departing from Singapore starting this month and in SilverKris Lounges at Singapore’s Changi Airport.
According to the carrier, ingredients were carefully-selected and each dish is rich in macronutrients such as complex carbohydrates, lean protein, good fats, fibre and healing phytonutrients that nourish the body.
10. Dayum! Chris Hemsworth looks good ‘kicking’ off the Hong Kong Sevens
Let’s be honest, he looks good doing anything.
Football may have drawn everyone together, but Chris Hemsworth stole the attention when he helped kick off the rugby event this week.
The Australian actor literally kicked a footy to launch the event and is scheduled to make a surprise appearance at Hong Kong’s Ocean Terminal, where he will showcase his skilful rugby kick-off by the iconic Victoria Harbour with Hong Kong Island’s spectacular skyline as the backdrop.
Click here for more pictures.
