Did you miss this week’s must-read travel industry news and views? We’ve got you. Karryon has you covered with our recap of the 10 most-read stories of the week.
#10. “Most requested”: Queensland-Thailand nonstop flights return in 2024
Great news for Queensland travellers! Jetstar is restarting direct flights from Brisbane to Bangkok. The new service kicks off on 13 December 2024, operating three times a week, slashing travel time and adding a whopping 190,000 seats to Queensland over the next three years.
#9. Luxury Travel Collection welcomes 3 new members to network
The Luxury Travel Collection group of independent luxury travel agencies welcomes three new members to its portfolio: Complete Travel Services, World Wide Travel and Luxury Cruise Escapes. This brings the total number of LTC members to 11.
#8. No plans to fly long-haul, says Virgin Australia strategy chief
Virgin Australia is ditching long-haul flights in the long term. Instead, it will focus on domestic and short journeys, partnering with other airlines to get passengers to those far-flung destinations. This means more competitive prices and better frequent flyer benefits for Aussie travellers.
#7. Rex appoints new CEO; announces other leadership changes
Big moves at Rex! Neville Howell, a Rex veteran of 34 years, has been promoted to CEO from COO. Executive Chair Lim Kim Hai will step down after 21 years in the position and stay on as a Non-Executive Director, while John Sharp will be the airline’s new Non-Executive Chair.
#6. EOFY sale: BOGOF Norway voyages with Hurtigruten
Set sail for Norway in style with Hurtigruten’s EOFY sale. Score a buy-one-get-one-free (BOGOF) deal on select voyages, with prices starting from just $1,886 per couple. Cruise along the stunning Norwegian coastline and enjoy all-inclusive meals, drinks and more.
#5. Save on 2025 Albatross tours (including 3 new ones!)
Albatross Tours is calling all Europe enthusiasts and slashing $350 per person off its 2025 summer tours, plus unveiling three brand-new itineraries. Explore Slovenia & Croatia in 16 days, marvel at Switzerland in 15 days or embark on a 24-day Greek & Turkish adventure.
#4. Australia’s top 10 most magical agents will WIN a Disney fam trip!
Attention Aussie travel advisors! Win an eight-night trip to Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and Disneyland Resort in California and be crowned Australia’s Most Magical Agent. Start selling and earning points by booking Disney USA trips and/or United Airlines flights.
#3. Journey Beyond names cruise stalwart Sture Myrmell as new COO
In a big hire for Australia’s leading experiential tourism company, Journey Beyond has appointed cruise veteran Sture Myrmell as its new COO. Myrmell brings more than 30 years’ experience to the role and will oversee operations, sales, marketing and safety.
#2. Fiji Airways eyes two new AU destinations & more US routes
Fiji Airways is setting its sights on Australia’s east coast, eyeing Cairns and Newcastle for new routes. The airline is also looking to expand to North America with a new long-haul destination and join the oneworld alliance for better connections.
#1. More Bali! AirAsia Indonesia’s new direct Denpasar flights for Queensland
Starting 14 August 2024, AirAsia Indonesia will launch new thrice-weekly direct flights from Cairns to Bali. This marks AirAsia Indonesia’s North Queensland debut and connects Cairns to Denpasar Airport in Bali and other network destinations across Asia.
And that’s another must-read recap of Karryon‘s Top 10 Stories of the week.
