We’ve done all the hard work, so you don’t have to! Read on for our top ten travel news stories we think you need to know today.
1. 10 safest travel destinations in the world
Popular western travel destinations seem to have been replaced by Middle Eastern countries in the list of safest travel destinations in the world.
Canada, which has regularly been listed as one of the ‘safest destinations’ for years, has been left out this time around in the latest World Economic Forum (WEF) Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report 2015.
The report rated 141 countries to determine which are the safest for travellers from around the globe.
2. Is Malaysia Airlines changing its name?
Malaysia Airlines is reportedly looking at changing its name in a bid to steer the brand away from tragic accidents over the last two years.
The alleged name-change comes alongside suspicions that the state-owned airline could be axing as much as 6,000 staff in an attempt to cut costs and remain competitive.
Early last month, Malaysia Airlines’ Chief Executive, Christoph Mueller confirmed changes were being made at the airline, but didn’t reveal further details.
3. Singapore Airlines’ subsidiary flies to Cairns
Cairns continues to open up to travellers, as Singapore Airlines’ regional carrier becomes the latest airline to fly to and from the destination.
It will be SilkAir’s second Australian city, after Darwin.
Operations commenced late last month, with three times weekly flights between Cairns and Singapore.
4. Aussie forks out $27,000 to fly with Etihad
Cashed-up Aussies are getting in line to fly like Nicole Kidman, as Etihad prepares to debut its new ‘Residence‘ product on services to Australia.
The Gulf carrier has revealed it has landed its first Australian customer for the new class, which is scheduled to start flying to Sydney from tonight.
The announcement comes less than three months after Etihad recruited Aussie actress, Nicole Kidman to promote the ‘reimagined’ product through a series of images and videos.
5. Rocky Mountaineer 2016 packages go on sale
Travellers can start booking Rocky Mountaineer’s extended Rainforest to Gold Rush route from today, as 2016 packages go on sale.
The first departure of the season leaves Vancouver on 19 April next year.
For the first time, the Rainforest to Gold Rush route will begin or end in North Vancouver rather than Whistler, as it has done since the route was established.
Travelling through Howe Sound, Squamish and Cheakamus Canyon to connect the world-class destinations of Vancouver and Whistler, the extended route will provide guests with an exclusive look at some of the most spectacular views in British Columbia.
The Rainforest to Gold Rush route will continue to link Whistler and the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies, Jasper, AB, with an overnight stop in the quaint Gold Rush City of Quesnel, BC.
In addition to the extended route, 2016 will mark the longest season in Rocky Mountaineer history, with the last departure leaving Vancouver on 16 October.
This is a two week extension on previous years, giving guests more flexibility with dates than ever before.
6. Earn commission on theatre bookings
Ingresso Entertainment Tickets plugin is now accessible to travel agents via Travelport’s sale technology, Travelport Smartpoint.
The Ingresso Entertainment Tickets plugin, developed by the Ingresso Group, provides agents with a simple way to earn new commissions by adding theatre, attraction and sightseeing products worldwide to the travel bookings they make through Travelport Smartpoint.
By using the Ingresso Entertainment Tickets plugin, agents can find and sell tickets to customers in just three steps and it is free to download from Travelport Marketplace.
The plugin also enables agents to use eNett virtual credit cards which are more efficient and secure as well as less open to fraud.
Other features include setting pricing and commission levels; access to best ticket prices; ability to search by airport code; and immediate email confirmation.
7. Revealed: Hotel industry awards finalists
After receiving a record number of entries, the finalists of the 2015 New Zealand Hotel Industry Awards have been revealed.
The announcement comes ahead of the big gala night this month.
The annual awards recognise top businesses in New Zealand’s growing hospitality sector.
8. Get to know ATAS better with AFTA
Travel agents have the chance to ask those burning questions about the ATAS accreditation scheme as AFTA hits the road.
Officially launching on Friday last week at Anywhere Travel in Kingsford NSW, the road trip is sponsored by Avis and is part of AFTA’s commitment to supporting travel agents.
AFTA will visit consultants across Australia throughout June to assist with the completion of their ATAS accreditation application and promote the benefits of being ATAS accredited.
9. Sneak Peek of the new LAX Terminal 6
In partnership with Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA), Westfield is giving a sneak peek of the transformation coming to Terminal 6 at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) with the release of an exclusive new video (above).
Inspired by Los Angeles’ iconic Sunset Boulevard, the new design will feature 14 L.A.-based brands and 13 new airport firsts anywhere, and unite the terminal’s existing disjointed buildings.
Among the 21 new dining and retail destinations in Westfield’s 17,400-square-foot collection is newly announced The Marketplace by Wolfgang Puck, a first-of-its-kind modern dining experience by CMS Hospitality and Wolfgang Puck Worldwide.
The Marketplace joins 18 additional brands announced in late 2014. Featuring three culinary stations – The Kitchen, WPizza, and The Wine Bar, a full service bar, The Marketplace will offer a variety of tastes to suit every palate or budget.
The transformation will take place while the terminal continues to serve travelers and is expected to be completed in 2016 with new retail, dining and amenities phasing in incrementally to provide immediate enhancements.
10. Chelsea FC kicking goals for NSW tourism
Last month NSW was going after the US market, and this month it’s the UK as newly-crowned English soccer (cough* football) champions arrive in Aus.
English Premier League champions, Chelsea FC, arrived in Sydney over the weekend ahead of their match with Sydney FC at ANZ Stadium on Tuesday, 2 June 2015.
Although they are here to kick goals with Australia’s hometown heroes, their visit has set a new record as more than 80,000 spectators booked to watch the showdown.
NTK Extra: Relaxed attitude is paying off for Ryanair
Relaxing Ryanair’s rules and easing charges has made Ryanair more appealing to travellers, according to the company’s latest financial report.
Last year, the airline underwent a major service overhaul, which was designed to stop ‘unnecessarily pissing people off’ – words of the successful Chief Executive, Michael O’Leary.
Changes included steering away from free seating to allocated seats.
