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. Qantas flying ‘trendy’ with supermodel Jessica Hart
Qantas‘ loyalty members will be the trendiest in the skies and on land, as part of a new agreement with supermodel Jessica Hart.
The Australian born and New York-based model has received the title ‘Trend Consultant to Qantas’, which will see her use her fashion knowledge and lifestyle on select products that will benefit Qantas Frequent Flyers.
For example, the first project will see Qantas and Jessica work with leading Australian scarf designer, Bird and Knoll, to product a limited edition exclusive Bird and Knoll scarf.
2. More jobs opening up in New Zealand tourism
Finding a job in New Zealand’s tourism industry is likely to get easier over the next decade, as new research finds thousands of new positions are opening up.
A study conducted by Tourism Industry Association New Zealand (TIA) revealed that by 2025, as many as 36,000 additional full-time equivalent workers will need to be directly employed in NZ’s tourism sector.
Revealed at TRENZ 2015, which kicked off in Rotorua yesterday, there will be around 130,000 jobs in the next ten years – an increase from the current 94,100.
3. Tourism NZ & Air NZ invest millions in tourism
Industry leaders in New Zealand will invest some $20 million in tourism over the coming 12 months to drive up international tourism and promote new direct air routes from the country.
The marketing partnership between Air New Zealand and Tourism New Zealand is an extension to the original agreement signed in 2013 and will run throughout the 2016 financial year.
Collectively investing more than $20 million during the 12-month period, the two groups will undertake joint marketing activity designed to promote travel to New Zealand in international markets.
4. Finnair expands Qantas codeshare
Finnair has expanded its ties with a number of oneworld alliance members, including Qantas.
Commencing 26 June 2015, the airline’s passengers will be able to connect to Perth via Singapore on services operated by the Flying Kangaroo.
This gives flyers additional options as they can also connect from Perth to Hong Kong with oneworld partner Cathay Pacific.
Finnair has also strengthened ties with Japan Airlines to add Busan in South Korea to its network.
The airline’s passengers can reach the city via Tokyo on JAL operated services.
Meanwhile, last week the Australian Federation of Travel Agents (AFTA) revealed Finnair has been nominated for ‘Best International Airlines – Offline’ in this year’s NTIA Awards.
5. YOU’RE INVITED!
Skal Sydney North Club is inviting industry friends to attend its annual ‘May Membership Madness Month’ lunch on 20 May.
Held at the North Sydney Harbourview Hotel, the event gives attendees the chance to explore the benefits and opportunities of being a Skal member.
Existing members are encouraged to bring a guest who is eligible to become a member.
There are 21 Skal Clubs in Australia and Skal is a global organisation with more than 10,000 members internationally.
Being a Skal Member offers the opportunity to “Do Business Among Friends”.
Guest speaker at the May event will be journalist, Peter Overton (pictured above), who will share stories of his travel experiences.
For those interesting in attending, contact Skal’s Secretariat, Christine Rupp at ChristineRupp@bigpond.com or go to the invitation.
6. Travelport signs up first LCC to Rich Content
AirAsia has become the first low-cost carrier to sign up to Travelport’s Rich Content and Branding solution.
Through the agreement, AirAsia will market and retail its products more effectively to travel agents, by providing visuals to the technology company.
By taking control of its visual marketing, AirAsia can drive more sales to core fares and ancillaries.
Over 100 leading carriers are already signed up to Travelport’s Rich Content and Branding, including China Eastern, Delta, British Airways and more.
7. HRG expands into Paraguay
International corporate services company, HRG, has appointed Comdetur as its new partner in Paraguay, to support clients around the world with dedicated local and regional expertise.
Comdetur is among the top five travel management companies in Paraguay, and according to HRG has a reputation for reliability, efficiency and high levels of client support.
As part of the agreement, Comdetur has already started trading as part of the HRG network as HRG Paraguay.
It will offer specialist areas of expertise within the corporate, sports and students travel segments.
8. Adventure World’s guests take pics of Cuba before it changes
Adventure World is offering a 10-day Snapshots of Cuba experience, hosted by photojournalist and smartphone photography expert Benjamin Lowy.
Lowy, who is currently in Australia for the prestigious Head On Photo Festival, invited travellers to harness the power of their smartphone in a destination that he says needs to be snapped before it changes in a big way; Cuba.
Armed only with a camera-phone and the expertise of Journey Expert, Benjamin Lowy, travellers will capture astounding photos of Cuba’s old world charm – colonial buildings, colourful locals and time warped streets.
Adventure World’s 10-day Snapshots of Cuba experience will depart Havana 21 November, 2015.
It is priced from $7,189 per person (twin share, land only) including nine nights’ accommodation, meals as per itinerary, services of a Journey Manager, insights from Journey Expert Benjamin Lowy, activities and sightseeing as per itinerary, airport transfers and transportation by private air-conditioned vehicles.
9. Sneak Peek at United’s $573ml upgrade at LAX Airport
Less than two weeks after Qantas completed major renovations at LAX Airport, United revealed plans for a $573 million refresh to its customer-facing spaces at the gateway.
The money, which is being invested by United Airlines, promises to deliver a ‘superior experience’ for the airline’s customers at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
With a price tag of more than half a billion dollars, United’s LAX redevelopment project will refresh virtually all of its customer-facing space at the airport, to offer more convenience and premium amenities.
10. Hijacker admits to taking over 20 planes
Image: Iryna Rasko/Shutterstock
A security researcher has admitted to hijacking a number of aircraft engines while mid-flight.
According to the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Chris Roberts said in February that he had used in-flight entertainment systems to hack into over a dozen flights.
In one instance, he even managed to takeover the aircraft’s management computer and briefly altered its course by turning it sideways, The Age reported.
The reveal comes after Roberts was escorted off a United Airlines flight because he had tweeted a message that hinted his ability to tap into the aircraft’s alert system and release passenger oxygen masks.
During interviews with the FBI, Roberts said he had compromised inflight entertainment systems on up to 20 flights between 2011 and 2014.
He did this by prying open the cover of the electronic box under the passenger seats and connecting his laptop to the system with an ethernet cable.
He then scanned the network for security flaws and monitored communications from the cockpit.
