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. Is this the end of the flight attendant?
Technology companies are becoming more creative with their onboard technology, even coming up with designs that could potentially replace the flight attendant.
Sell GMBH – a German division of plane equipment company Zodiac Aerospace – has designed a new food delivery system, which would see passengers receive their meals via a ‘sushi bar carousel’.
Still under development, the carousel belt would be hidden under the cabin floor. Passengers would access it by pressing a demand button that would instantly send meals to their seat, Skift.com reported.
2. Australia’s ‘sky high’ pitch to travellers
Travellers flying with Cathay Pacific will be enticed to visit Australia through images of the destination displaying on the airline’s in-flight entertainment system.
The destination content is part of a new aviation marketing deal with Tourism Australia signed at this year’s Corroboree Greater China conference on Hamilton Island.
On day one of the event, both parties agreed to jointly invest $2 million throughout 2015 to promote Australia to key overseas markets – the first agreement of its kind between Tourism Australia and Cathay Pacific.
3. Introducing your NTIA judges
AFTA has revealed this year’s panel selected to choose the best of the best in the industry.
The judging panel for the 2015 AFTA National Travel Industry Awards (NTIA) is made up of 12 qualified industry men and women, who have been entrusted to adjudicate the finalists for this year’s awards.
This year’s panel is made up of: Bob Lunnon – Chief Judge; Andrew Drysdale; Bernard Whewell; Col Hughes; Diane Butler; Elizabeth Rich; Jeannie Foster; John McKernan; Julie King; Mahua Das; Rick Myatt; and Tim Poulter.
“I would like to acknowledge this year’s judges and thank them greatly for their time. Enormous care is taken throughout the judging process to ensure that the integrity of the event is upheld and that a true celebration of the deserving winners can be realised at the Gala Dinner event.”
Jayson Westbury, AFTA Chief Executive
The 2015 NTIA Finalists will be announced this Wednesday 13 May 2015.
4. Harry’s Kiwi adventure
Following a month-long visit to Australia, Prince Harry has crossed the ditch over to New Zealand for his first ever Kiwi adventure.
The royal tour began on Saturday in Wellington, where the Prince was welcomed to the country by a traditional Maori performance after being greeted by New Zealand Prime Minister John Key.
Following a day in the city, he headed to the more intimate, Steward Island for an overnight visit.
5. Excite-ing INCENTIVE
Excite Holidays has announced a new partnership with Gate 7 and Washington DC to bring agents more destination packages and incentives.
To kick off the partnership, the groups have launched an incentive, which gives agents the chance to earn extra points for every night booked and pain in Washington DC.
6. Younger cruisers enter the Turtle Cove
Cruising just got cooler for young travellers and their parents, as P&O lowers the minimum age of its kids club.
Toddlers who are two years old and toilet trained are now able to join in all the fun in P&O Cruises’ Turtle Cove club, staffed by a team of youth coordinators who keep everyone smiling as they oversee a huge range of games and activities each day.
The entry age for Turtle Cove was previously three years. The maximum age remains at six years.
Entry to the kids’ clubs is free and the clubs are open each day until late, including port days.
Late night babysitting is also available for a nominal fee.
7. Check out Nanuku Fiji’s new website
Clients can get a better idea of what their Fijian holiday will look like through the relaunched Nanuku Auberge Resort Fiji website.
Unveiled today, nanuku.aubergeresorts.com now includes more advanced online functionality such as the ‘Push to chat’ and ‘Push to talk’ functions that allow agents and clients to engage directly with the resort’s staff.
In another first for the resort, the website allows its visitors access to a new section, which allows clients to check availability across each one of the resort’s various accommodation types.
And adding further insight and showcasing the resort’s huge array of onsite activities, additional dedicated sections of the website focus on the resort’s Lomana Spa and Wellness Centre spa, the Kanavata Restaurant and Lounge dining experience and other on resort activities guests can enjoy including a featured ‘Nanuku Private Island Adventure’.
There is also a dedicated section specifically designed for couples looking to get married at the resort.
8. Darwin gets a new Rydges property
Amalgamated Holdings Limited is growing its Northern territory hotel network with the addition of the new-build, multimillion-dollar development in Palmerston.
Operated under AHL’s mid-market Rydges brand, Rydges Palmerston – Darwin will feature 200 rooms, suites and apartments along with extensive bar, restaurant and convention facilities.
AHL signed a long term management agreement after an extensive operator selection process conducted by Wayne Bunz from CBRE.
The property will be developed and owned by a number of the Northern Territory’s leading business identities including John ‘Foxy’ Robinson, Nick Paspaley and Mick Burns.
Guests of the hotel will also be invited to enjoy the benefits and rewards of AHL’s free to join hotel loyalty program Priority Guest Rewards, which provides discounts on accommodation, in-house dining and points towards future free stays.
Grant Melville has been appointed as the hotel’s General Manager and the property is schedule to open in August 2015.
9. Royal Caribbean orders fourth Quantum vessel
Less than a month after revealing its third Quantum-class ship is heading Down Under, Royal Caribbean has unveiled plans for a fourth version of the smart-ship to be delivered in 2019.
The unnamed vessel will be a sister ship to Quantum of the Seas (launched 2014); Anthem of the Seas (2015); and Ovation of the Seas (2016).
The fourth version will have similar icons and amenities as the other three vessels as well as newer technology.
Royal Caribbean’s CEO and Chairman, Richard D Fain said the announcement of a fourth vessel reflects the ‘success of the first two Quantum-class ships’.
“We have received a remarkable response from travel agent partners and travellers, and are thrilled that we’ll be able to deliver another revolutionary ship with our partners at Meyer Werft.”
Richard D Fain, Royal Caribbean CEO and Chairman
10. Conference organisers explore New Caledonia
Australian Professional Conference Organisrtd (PCO) were treated to colourful wigs, masks, beaches, and French sophistication during a recent six-day famil in New Caledonia.
Organised by the destination’s tourism bureau alongside Aircalin, the famil aimed to showcase the unique experiences on offer specifically for the MICE market.
The group explored the diverse tourism offering of the domain of Deva visiting Green Island and enjoying snorkelling with colourful tropical fish before continuing to the capital of Noumea where they sampled French wines and cheeses, scenic helicopter flight, R&R at Duck Island and discovered the bays of the city by Segway.
NTK Extra: Tourists’ chesty behaviour
A group of male tourists are said to be in hot water for fondling the breasts of a naked Chinese marble sculpture.
Labelled as ‘uncivilised behaviour’ by Chinese officials, the men visiting Huaqing Pool were seen taking pictures with their hands cupping the breasts of a popular city in Xi’an.
An icon in the growing tourism destination, the sculpture is a representation of historical figure Yang Guifei – the wife of Tang Dynasty Emperor Xuanzong who ruled somewhere between 618-907.
She is also dubbed one of the four ‘Beauties of Ancient China’.
The pictures of the men fondling the icon went viral on social, with many accusing them of being disrespectful, while others claim officials were to blame for allowing the sculpture to be erected.
Just a bit of fun or completely inappropriate? Let us know what you think.
