We’ve done all the hard work, so you don’t have to! Read on for our top ten travel industry news stories of the day we think you need to know.
1. It’s official, Expedia owns Wotif.com – could they merge into one?
The future of both companies are still up in the air, despite Expedia confirming it has completed its $703 million acquisition of the online flight and accommodation seller, Wotif.com.
For the moment, both companies are operating business as usual. However, Expedia is working closely with the Wotif Group team to evaluate the long-term strategy.
This could potentially include merging them into one.
2. Qantas goes retro with new livery
Move over Iggy Azalea because Qantas is the ‘new classic’.
The Australian airline has painted its brand new Boeing 737 in ‘retro’ livery, featuring the original 1947 iconic flying Kangaroo and an ochre band around the window line of the aircraft. Ochre was a signature element of Qantas planes between 1971-1984 to reflect the outback where the carrier was established.
Revealed at a hanger in Seattle, group executive for brand, marketing and corporate affairs, Olivia Wirth said the retro livery was designed to celebrate the line’s 70-year history.
3. A ‘Wicked’ christening for Royal Caribbean’s Quantum of the Seas
The world’s first smart-ship has officially been christening by the first ‘Good Witch’ of Oz.
Kristin Chenoweth – who played Glinda the Good in ‘The Wizard of Oz’ inspired Tony-award winning Broadway musical ‘Wicked’ – officially named Quantum of the Seas late last week by breaking a bottle of champagne on the ship’s hull.
The christening was held while the ship was docked in New York Harbour and featured a performance by the singer/actress.
Quantum of the Seas is Royal Caribbean’s first Quantum-class ship and features a range of at-sea firsts, including a skydiving simulator and the North Star – a jewel-shaped capsule, which takes guests 300-feet above water level to offer 360-degree views of the ship.
4. Busted! Greece tourism bureau uses Aussie icon in promo video
If you’ve watched Greece tourism’s newest promotional video, you may find yourself asking – why are Victoria’s ‘Twelve Apostles’ in Europe?
Greece National Tourism Bureau has been caught using the Australian land attraction in its controversial new video.
Australian travellers discovered the footage days after the bureau unveiled the video.
Greece’s tourism leaders responded by saying Greece influences are worldwide, including in the ‘Twelve Apostles’.
The statement read: “That almost all the world, wherever you turn around your eyes, you will meet an idea, a name, that originated from Greece. Even the skies of Australia in the southern hemisphere, explains the artistic creator, when lift your eyes open, you will see stars and constellations that carry Greek names. The mythology of the sky at all latitudes and longitudes of the Earth is Greek.”
5. Save the date! Langham Sydney reopens in December
The Langham Sydney is set to reopen its doors on 2 December after completing a $30 million makeover.
The property was closed in July this year, to receive new harbour view rooms and public spaces; a new day spa; five new event spaces; and six ornate designed fireplaces across the hotel.
All interior furnishings from light switches to art work have also been replaced.
The Langham Sydney general manager Sonia Lefevre no expense has been spared to create an elegant harbourside retreat.
“The Langham, Sydney arrives into the market place at an exciting time with the development of Barangaroo on the hotel’s doorstep. The Langham, Sydney hasn’t just undergone a refurbishment. This is a grand transformation.”
Sofia Lefevre, The Langham Sydney
6. KarryOn team expands with new editors
Meet the newest members of our team – Gian Reyes and Nahrain John.
The team at KarryOn has grown this week, with the appointment of new news and lifestyle editors.
Joining us today are Gian Reyes, who will offer you the best travel tips and trends; and Nahrain John, who has stepped in to serve up all the latest in travel news.
Gian Reyes comes from a men’s lifestyle, luxury travel and alcohol trade background. He is all about new experiences and he believes that even though curiosity may have killed the cat, that cat probably lived a very fun life.
Nahrain joins KarryOn with over five years writing travel news for various online travel publications including E-Travel Blackboard and Cruise Passenger. While she loves to write, she has a not-so-secret passion for talking on camera and behind the mic – expect to see her on your computer screens soon.
Contact the guys with your story ideas or just to say congratulations on the emails below:
Gian: lifestyle@karryon.com.au
Nahrain: newseditor@karryon.com.au
7. New management and beachfront residences at Fiji’s Nanuku resort
Fiji’s Nanuku Resort & Spa is set to receive new luxury beachfront residencies, as part of a management restructure.
US-based hotel operator, Auberge Resorts Collection took over management of the property over the weekend, which was the first luxury boutique resort to open on Fiji’s main island, Vita Levu.
In line with the takeover, the resort will be renamed to Nanuku Auberge Resort Fiji. It will also receive five private beachfront residences that will be developed and offered for purchase. Owners will then be able to make them available to travellers for rent.
8. REDY2GO opens service desk at Sydney Airport
REDY2GO has opened a new service desk at Sydney Airport’s T2, allowing travellers to access its airport-to-CBD shuttle service straight from the terminal.
The company’s chief executive Paul Highams said the establishment of the new desk will make travel to the hotel easier, particularly during the upcoming holiday period.
REDY2GO’s long-wheel bus service is priced from $22 each way. It takes passengers from the airport to their hotel and vice versa.
Bookings can be made online at redy2go.com.au.
9. Etihad acquires 49 percent of Alitalia
Etihad has become the largest shareholder of Italy’s flagship carrier, Alitalia, purchasing 49 percent of the loss-making airline.
The deal was made as part of a 1,76-billion-euro deal to rescue the carrier, which doubled its net loss to 569 million euros last year.
Etihad is also a shareholder in Virgin Australia, Air Berlin, Aer Lingus, Air Serbia and Darwin Airline.
10. Book with Virgin Australia and receive free fuel
Virgin Australia’s Velocity Members can now use their frequent flyer points on fuel as part of a new agreement with petrol retailer, BP.
Velocity Frequent Flyer chief executive Neil Thompson said the airline recognises the importance of rewarding members on every day spend.
“Today is a major milestone for Velocity Frequent Flyer as we introduce the ability to earn points on such an important aspect of household expenditure for the first time in the program’s history,” he said.