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. ANA plans to fly beyond Sydney
All Nippon Airways (ANA) may have only just kicked off services to Sydney, but it’s already looking to fly beyond the city to other major hubs.
Speaking at the launch of the carrier’s daily Harbour City flights over the weekend, General Manager of Asia and Oceania, Kenya Inada, said the airline could consider flying to other cities, granted the current Haneda-Sydney flight takes off.
Which cities would the airline consider?
2. Australia’s favourite cruise lines are…
This cruise line has style, its got class, its got that touch of royalty and it has been named Australia’s favourite.
Princess Cruises has bumped P&O Cruises from the top spot in this year’s Cruise Passenger Readers’ Choice Awards, to win ‘Best Ocean Cruise Line Overall’.
The win comes as the cruise line continues to invest in the local market with new ships as well as innovative onboard offerings such as its new Curtis Stone partnership plus its expanding ‘Chocolate Journeys’ featuring treats created by Master Chocolatier, Norman Love.
3. Customers praise Qantas for greyhound move
The public has taken to social media to praise Qantas on terminating its racing greyhound freight services to Asia.
The decision to cease the service was made over the weekend following an investigation on ABC’s 7.30 Report which found hundreds of the Australian animals were sent to the region once they were deemed ‘too slow’ to race.
The exportation, according to ABC News, is in breach of racing rules and results in the animals being severely mistreated in shocking conditions.
4. Flight Centre aims to double business in India
Flight Centre is aiming to more than double its business in India over the next five years as the market continues to strengthen.
The company, which entered the Indian market in 2005, has seen steady growth from the emerging market over the last decade and isn’t expecting business to slow down anytime soon.
In fact, Executive General Manager, Asia and Global Corporate, Rob Flint, said he sees the market as ‘long-term business’ for the company, The Economic Times reported.
5. More flights boosting NSW tourism
American Airlines, Xiamen Airlines, All Nippon Airways and Hainan Airlines – they’re just a few of the newer airlines travelling to NSW and boosting our local tourism.
Over the next few months over one million extra seats will fly to and from Sydney, providing a massive boost in visitors over the busier summer months.
NSW Minister for Trade, Tourism and Major Events, Stuart Ayres, said the extra arrivals will contribute heavily to the city as well as assist regional business owners.
International visitors to NSW spent more than $8 billion during the last 12 months, an increase of 15 percent in the last year, with a significant jump in visitors from China.
“The major events we continue to attract, and the important relationships we have developed with the airlines and key inbound tourism operators around the world are key to this significant growth in visitor numbers.”
Stuart Ayres, NSW Minister for Trade, Tourism and Major Events
6. ’12 Days of G’ is back
Young adventurers will be able to pick up a holiday deal in the lead up to Christmas as G Adventures brings back its ’12 Days of G’ promotion for the fourth year.
The promotion sees the company offer 12 different travel deals in the lead up to Christmas Eve, including 15 percent off selected trips for travel by 30 September 2016.
Deals will be unveiled daily on the G Adventures website and Facebook page.
Belinda Ward, Managing Director for Australia and New Zealand, said G Adventures agents always looks forward to this particular campaign as it gives them the opportunity to pass on savings to their customers and spread the festive cheer.
7. Million dollar meeting refresh
The Parmelia Hilton Perth has completed a million dollar refresh of its Meeting and Events floor to offers its MICE attendees a more contemporary-looking space.
Designed by ZMH Interior Design, the hotel’s nine venues now feature new lighting, stylish wall coverings, distinctive wall panels, mirror highlights and built in coffee stations.
Venues on levels one and six offer natural light as well as easy access to the property’s lobby, Outdoor Piazza and Argyle Ballroom.
For events, guests can also chose from one of the newly released menus crafted by Events Chef, Ricki Fleming, Parmelia Hilton Perth.
8. Royal Caribbean brings Tiffany onboard
Royal Caribbean guests can now pick up something a little special onboard Oasis of the Seas, as the cruise line brings the first ever free-standing Tiffancy & Co. boutique to sea.
The store is located in the ship’s lush Central Park neighbourhood and will offer a full selection of Tiffany jewellery, including engagement rings and the recently introduced Tiffany T and Atlas collections, as well as Swiss made CT60 watches.
The jewellery company’s Vice President, Luciano Rodembusch, said the company was delighted to have the opportunity to offer Royal Caribbean guests the chance to purchase an item from the world’s premier jeweller.
“For 178 years we have been creating the most beautiful love stories and Oasis of the Seas offers a unique and memorable setting.”
9. Polo Championship comes to Australia
The world’s best trained horses and their jockeys from around the world will converge in Sydney in 2017 for the first ever World Polo Championship help in Australia.
The world’s six best nations will compete for the world title in Sydney’s Hawkesbury region, giving the sport better coverage in the country while boosting tourism to the city.
“It’s a great win for Hawkesbury, with more than 5,000 domestic and international visitors expected to spend $3.3 million.”
Dominic Perrottet, Member for Hawkesbury
“The World Championships will give this historic sport a great boost locally, and see our polo fields broadcast around the world.”
10. itravel Masterclasses set sail
A team of itravel agents hopped onboard Royal Caribbean’s Radiance of the Seas for a first-hand experience of the ship.
Adopting the direct learning method, attendees were given the chance to inspect the ship’s cabins, social venues, and enjoy a three course lunch provided by the cruise line.
After lunch, the itravel team took part in an intimate training sessions on the latest product updates and received tips for selling Royal Caribbean products.
P.S. Jetstar pax left confused in Bangkok
Jetstar passengers were left scratching their heads when they were dropped off in Bangkok and not Phuket – where they had booked to fly.
According to passengers on the flight from Sydney, the aircraft touched down on the tarmac in Bangkok where they were told they would have to disembark and wait until tomorrow night to continue on to their desired destination.
Customers say they were left in limbo for around four hours after getting off the plane before finally being taken to a nearby hotel which some described as ‘disgusting, the Daily Mail reported.
The group say they weren’t given a reason for the detour until much later, which according to one fly was due to thunderstorms in Phuket.
“We were stuck on the plane and then in the airport for about four hours in total with them giving us no idea what we were meant to do whilst at the airport waiting for luggage,” one passenger told the online publication.
“Then we got transported to a hotel for the night, which was one star and was so disgusting that we left.”
