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. Tourists killed & Aussie couple missing
Image: France 24
Burkina Faso – it’s not a name you hear often, but it’s one people around the world won’t be forgetting anytime soon.
Around 28 people have been killed and 50 others seriously injured in a hold up at a popular cafe and hotel in the West African country.
At least 13 of the victims were foreigners, including two Swiss nationals, one Dutch national, one American and six Canadians, The Australian reported.
2. Scenic enters ocean cruising with a $230 million ship
So apparently when Scenic tries something new or launches into a new sector it doesn’t hold back on spending, luxury and offerings.
The company is taking a “whole new step” from river cruising into adventure ocean cruising, with plans to launch the world’s first discovery yacht called, Scenic Eclipse.
Arriving on 31 August 2018 (and a potential second vessel in June 2019), the ship is three years in the making and will cost Scenic in excess of $230 million once complete.
3. Solomon Airlines suspends Sydney services
Solomon Airlines will temporarily suspend its Sydney-Honiara services next month as the carrier’s A320 aircraft undergoes maintenance in Singapore.
Flights will be paused on the route from 22 February – 25 April 2016.
During the two-month period, travellers already booked to fly Sydney-Honiara will be rerouted to fly to Brisbane and onward to Honiara.
4. Scenic’s ‘Wonderful’ agents are…
There were cocktail dresses, suits, delicious dining, bright lights, a jazz band, a hilarious host and a whole lot of awards.
It was that time of the year again, when Scenic showed its appreciation to the entire industry and top selling agents by decking out The Ivy dining ballroom in black and gold (don’t forget the red carpet) and hosting an unforgettable evening known as the ‘Night of Stars’.
The evening kicked off at 6.30pm on Saturday with agents taking a few celebrity shots on their special runway as they made their way into the hall.
5. Evergreen to expand with two new ships
There’s no rest for the wicked – just ask the team at Scenic, who made three HUGE announcements over the weekend.
First, the company is building its first expedition yacht, which is costing around $230 million to build and will feature ultimate luxury, two helicopters AND a submarine.
Top agents were awarded on Saturday night for their ongoing efforts in selling the company’s many products.
6. Saying ‘aloha’ has never been so cheap
If the latest figures are any indication, then 2016 is set to become the year of travel, with international airfare prices starting the year at rock-bottom levels.
Yep, you read right.
According to Tom Walley, the general manager of Flight Centre Travel Group, increased airline capacity and competition has meant that airfares to popular holiday destinations are now the lowest they’ve been in recent years.
7. Crystal cancels Turkey calls
Crystal Cruises has cancelled two calls to Turkey following last week’s suicide bombing in Istanbul, which killed 10 tourists.
The cruise line revised itineraries for Crystal Symphony’s 24 April and 1 May sailings, previously planned to include visits to Istanbul and Kuşadasi, replacing those ports with Greek destinations.
Turkish ports of call scheduled for April and November aboard Crystal’s new luxury yacht, Crystal Esprit, will also be changed, though the new itineraries have yet to be finalized.
Crystal’s President and CEO, Edie Rodriguez, said itinerary changes will ensure guest peace of mind and safety.
“The itinerary changes will allow our guests to continue with their planned vacations in the same standard of excellence and luxury, without the added worry of security in a particular destination.”
Edie Rodriguez, Crystal CEO
8. The tourism ‘Angels’ keep delivering in LA
Tourism continues to be the largest and healthiest contributor to Los Angeles’ economy, with a record number of visitors arriving in 2015.
Some 45.5 million tourists travelled to the City of Angels between January to December, up 2.8 percent on 2014, making it the fifth consecutive record-breaking year.
Australians made up the second highest number of arrivals, with 424,000 – up 5.7 percent.
Total domestic visitation reached 38.8 million, a 2.8 per cent increase over 2014
9. Kenya entices travellers with new incentives
Kenya has unveiled new tourism incentive packages to attract more tourists to the destination.
Among the new incentives include waiving the visa, reducing park fees, improving infrastructure and increasing services.
Visa fees for children less than 16 years are to be waived indefinitely from 1 February 2016; VAT charges on national park entry fees are to be completely removed and Kenya Wildlife Service Park fees to be capped at USD$60 (down from USD$90).
There’s also waived landing fees at Mombasa and Malindi airports as well as Kshs1.2 billion invested in charter incentives.
Malindi Airport and Jomo Kenyatta International Airport will undergo expansion to handle more traffic and there’ll be construction of the Port – Reitz Mombasa Road and the Dongo – Kundu Bypass, allowing tourists to travel to the South Coast (Diani) without having to use the ferry service.
10. MTA’s Sue Basedow enjoys the Arctic cold
It’s not everyday you get to pose alongside a reindeer in freezing cold temperatures, but MTA’s Sue Basedow did during a recent trip to the Arctic Circle.
Visiting Estonia, Finland and Sweden as part of a 50 Degrees North, Finnair and Consolidated Travel Group ‘High Achievers’ study tour, itinerary highlights included the Northern Lights, a personal reindeer sleigh ride, a snow mobile tour, an overnight stay in a glass igloo and even a visit to meet Santa Claus at his village.
Sue’s program also took her on a Stockholm-Helsinki cruise on the recently renovated Ms Silja Serenade and a flight on Finnair’s new A350 on the Helsinki-Shanghai route.