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. Evergreen ship damaged in fire
Evergreen is working to rearrange holidaymakers booked to travel on its forthcoming vessel, Emerald Belle, after it was significantly damaged in a fire.
The fifth Star Ship was under construction in the Den Breejen Shipyard in the Netherlands when flames were spotted on the ship at around 12.30am Sunday morning (UTC+1:00).
According to an Evergreen statement, firefighters were quick to the scene, however, damage to the vessel was too significant – preventing the line from launching the ship as scheduled in April this year.
2. Earn Qantas Points from your mobile
Qantas has teamed up with Vodafone to offer its frequent flyer members a new way to earn thousands of points and work their way up to free flights and upgrades a little faster.
Qantas Frequent Flyers can now get up to 15,000 Qantas Points by connecting, renewing or upgrading online to a new 24 month Qantas Red plan with Vodafone.
Businesses that are members of Aquire, Qantas’s business rewards program, are also able to earn Aquire Points when signing up to Qantas Business Red plans with Vodafone.
3. Farewell Dragonair, hello Cathay Dragon
Cathay Pacific has announced a complete rebrand and makeover of its wholly-owned subsidiary Dragonair, to better align the airline with its sister company.
The two will continue to operate as separate airlines, however, Dragonair will rebrand to Cathay Dragon to capitalise on Cathay Pacific’s internationally recognised brand.
In addition to the new name, Cathay Dragon will adopt a new logo and new livery that reflects the carrier’s new title and growing network.
4. An Excite-ingly HUGE incentive to the USA
Excite Holidays is giving travel agents the chance to WIN a trip to one of four US destinations over the next eight weeks as part of its new ‘Live Like a Local’ campaign.
Launching today, the online travel wholesaler has partnered with several USA tourism boards and suppliers to showcase different sides of the US.
Every fortnight over the next two months a new destination will be selected and highlighted by the company.
5. Jetstar adds to its regional New Zealand network
Jetstar continues to go head-to-head with Air New Zealand on the other side of the Tasman, with three new services around regional New Zealand.
Kicking off today are new flights from Auckland to New Plymouth and Palmerston North; as well as a Nelson to Wellington.
New destinations bring the carrier’s network in New Zealand up to nine, with services to Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin, Queenstown, Palmerstone North, New Plymouth, Nelson and Napier.
6. Pinpoint expands across Europe
Travel agents will be able to book more European product through Pinpoint Travel as the group adds new products into 18 new destinations.
The move comes after receiving agent requests for new options in Greece, Turkey, Austria, Germany, Belgium, Poland, Finland, Croatia, Portugal, Czech Republic, The Netherlands, Switzerland, Sweden, Norway and Denmark.
Additionally, existing product ranges have been bolstered with the number of properties doubling in Rome, Dublin, London and Paris. A greater variety of hotels in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Vietnam, Thailand, China and Hong Kong have also been added.
This expansion of product gives PTG’s travel agent customers greater choice and flexibility, with dynamic and instant purchase rates available across the range, and agents continue to earn $100 gift cards with every $7000 in nett deposited bookings.
7. RSVP to the Maldives
Travel agents can learn all about the Maldives‘ resorts, diving, snorkelling and spa offerings at this year’s Maldives Showcase.
Taking place this month, the first will be held at The Aviary in Perth on 8 February from 5.30 to 8.30pm. This will be followed by a session at the Cargo Hall in Melbourne on 9 February.
In addition to a fun night of networking, agents will also get to celebrate the launch of the destination’s new marketing campaign – Visiting Maldives Year 2016.
For more information contact Marion Belus at events@uniquetourism.com
8. G Adventures’ National Geographic Journeys is out
![2016_Journeys_Cover_RGB[1]](http://karryon.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/2016_Journeys_Cover_RGB1.jpg "Mon 1 Feb: 10 travel news stories you need to know today 41")
G Adventures has launched the long-awaited National Geographic Journeys with G Adventures 2016 brochure.
The exclusive collection of 70 unique travel experiences offers greater hands-on exploration, special insider access to National Geographic projects around the world, and the freedom to roam, all with upgraded accommodations and more inclusions than other G Adventures tours.
Including trips across the globe in Africa, Asia, Central America, Europe, the Middle East, North America, Australia, New Zealand and South America, the brand new trips are a truly immersive travel experience.
Each National Geographic Journeys tour is led by a knowledgeable local guide from G Adventures and most groups are limited to 16 guests or fewer.
During these tours, travellers will have the opportunity to connect with local people and cultures while discovering places where National Geographic’s explorers and storytellers have shaped history.
Click here to check it out.
9. The theme for AIME’s welcome reception is…
… ‘One Year in Melbourne in One Night’.
Hosted by the Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB) on 22 February, the annual opening to the Asia-Pacific Incentives & Meetings Expo (AIME) will celebrate all things Melbourne, from food, culture to coffee and nightlife.
Karen Bolinger, MCB CEO said it will be event not to be missed.
“We have listened to the feedback from guests in previous years so this year we have returned to a stand up cocktail event and taken this up a notch.”
Karen Bolinger, MCB CEO
The AIME Welcome Event is the precursor to AIME, which is owned by MCB and is the largest business expo in Australia. Taking place the evening before the two-day exhibition starts on 23 and 24 February, the AIME Welcome Event will be located within five minutes of the CBD and commence at 7.00pm with a cocktail dress code.
Tickets are $150, click here to purchase.
10. Fiji Airways opens champion pop-up bar in Sydney
Sporting fans will get to kick back with a drink while supporting football champions at Sydney’s first Fijian bar called, The Flying Fijian.
Sponsored by Fiji Airways and dedicated to Fiji’s Series Champion team, the pop-up bar has been described as a “must-visit” sport for rugby fans featuring a Fijian-inspired menu, Fiji Bitter, some Kava as well as prizes to anyone who turns up in their best Fiji-inspired fancy dress.
There will also be an appearance by Fiji’s national rugby union team, John McKee and Fiji Sevens coach Ben Ryan.
“We know we have a huge fan base in the city and we’d love for them to support us when we’re here.”
Ben Ryan, Fiji Sevens Team and new Fiji Airways ambassador
“Australia has the second largest Fijian population outside of Fiji and we are hoping to see everyone come down and support the ‘Flying Fijians’.”
The Flying Fijian will be set up at The Olympic Hotel in Paddington on 6 from 11.00 to midnight and 7 February from 11.00am to 10.00pm.
P.S. BA plane lands safely with shortage of wheels
A British Airways pilot has been hailed a hero by passengers after successfully landing a plane with malfunctioning landing gear.
Flight B295 was on its way from London to Chicago when the Captain noticed the default in two of the five sets of wheels.
According to the Mirror, passengers described the situation as ‘very scary’ but complimented the pilot on a smooth landing despite the failure.
Footage of the risky touchdown was captured by an onlooker and shows the landing gear malfunction.
Emergency vehicles met the plane at the airport and passengers towards the rear were escorted off first to avoid tipping the plane.
P.P.S. Tigerair bases three 737s out of Melbourne
Tigerair Australia today unveiled the first of three Boeing 737-800 (B737) aircraft to be branded in Tigerair livery and announced that all three additional aircraft joining the Tigerair Australia fleet will all be based at Melbourne Airport ahead of the airline’s inaugural direct services to Bali commencing 23 March 2016.
Minister for Industry Lily D’Ambrosio MP, Tigerair Australia CEO Rob Sharp and Melbourne Airport CEO Lyell Strambi, were at the official unveiling to welcome the first of three additional aircraft for Victoria.
Tigerair Australia CEO Rob Sharp said the basing of three rebranded and reconfigured B-737s at Melbourne Airport further demonstrates Tigerair Australia’s commitment to the state of Victoria.
Minister for Industry Lily D’Ambrosio said Tigerair’s announcement demonstrates the Andrews Labor Government’s ongoing commitment to support the aviation industry.