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. Shake up begins at helloworld
Things are beginning to change over at helloworld, with the first senior departure announced since the arrival of the travel group’s new boss, Andrew Burnes.
Jenny Macdonald, helloworld Chief Financial Officer and Company Secretary, will be leaving the business at the end of April after submitted her resignation last week.
Macdonald will stay on for the next two months to oversee the implementation of helloworld’s recently approved merger with AOT Group Limited.
2. Hotels enter ‘clean up’ mode in Fiji
Airlines have started flying to and from Fiji again and local hoteliers have entered ‘clean up’ mode after the powerful category five Cyclone Winston swept through the island nation over the weekend.
The storm ripped through the islands with winds up to 325km/h and waves at around 12m high.
Hundreds of Fijians took shelter in evacuation centres, however, at least 10 people from Ra, Nadi and Lautoka have been reported dead, caused mainly by flying debris and storm surges, Sky News reported.
3. The best cruise sellers in Australia & NZ are…
A little bit of Tina Arena, an incredible three-course meal, a continuous flow of alcohol and whole lot of cruise winners, they were the elements that made up the 15th Annual Cruise Industry Awards.
Held over the weekend at The Star Event Centre in Sydney, some 500 industry members from Australia and New Zealand gathered for this year’s event, which recognises the cruise industry’s best of the best.
Some 19 winners across nine categories were awarded this year including Western Australia’s Bicton Travel which won the Gold Agency of the Year award for the fifth time.
4. Flight Centre Australia is a winner
Flight Centre Australia has been awarded ‘Best Foreign Tour Operator Australia’ at Malaysia’s Ministry of Tourism and Culture’s Malaysia Tourism Awards held at Kuala Lumpur’s Putra World Trade Centre last week.
The Awards represent the peak accolade for Malaysia’s tourism and travel industry, and recognize individuals and organisations from Malaysia and around the world whose outstanding contributions have played a significant role in the success of the local tourism industry.
This 19th iteration of the Malaysia Tourism Awards saw a total of 65 awards announced across 14 categories and 50 sub-categories. The Awards ceremony was hosted by Tourism Malaysia and attended by YAB Dato’ Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Deputy Prime Minister.
5. Australia’s new-build ship touches water
Royal Caribbean’s newest ship and Australia’s first completely new-build vessel, Ovation of the Seas, officially touched water late last week, putting her on schedule for her visit Down Under during the 2016/17 season.
One of the world’s most technologically advanced commercial ships floated out of the shipyard in Germany, marking less than two months until she’s ready to set sail.
When she debuts in April, Ovation of the Seas will claim the title of equal third largest cruise ship in the world – eclipsed only by Royal Caribbean’s twin ships Allure of the Seas and Oasis of the Seas.
She is the third ship in the ground-breaking Quantum Class and introduces a new set of first-at-sea onboard experiences to Australia including the Ripcord by iFLY, a heart-pounding skydiving experience; North Star, a thrilling adventure that will transport guests as high as the Sydney Harbour Bridge; cutting-edge transformative venues including SeaPlex, the largest indoor sports and entertainment complex at sea with bumper cars, a circus school and more; and the robotic Bionic Bar.
Her inaugural sailing will take her from Southampton in April before repositioning from Europe via Dubai and Singapore to arrive in Beijing (Tianjin) for her inaugural China season commencing 24 June 2016. On 30 November 2016, she will set sail on a 15-night Singapore to Sydney voyage via Fremantle, repositioning to her new home down under where she will offer three Australia and New Zealand cruises as well as a repositioning sailing on her return to Singapore, departing Sydney 23 January 2017.
6. Queen Elizabeth sails to Newcastle
Cunard will grace Newcastle’s shores today with the arrival of Queen Elizabeth – her first visit to the NSW destination.
Some 2,500 passengers will visit the port and are expected to contribute thousands in spending money during their one-day visit.
During their time in Newcastle cruisers will be able to take a number of shore excursions, including the Newcastle Highlights travelling to the local museum, stopping by the Blackbutt Reserve and exploring Fort Scratchley.
7. Don’t miss out on the Adventure
Adventure World is extending an exclusive invitation to travel agents and industry partners around Australia to experience its extraordinary ‘Our World Your Way’ 2016 National Roadshow this March and April.
Agents will have the unique opportunity to gain in-depth insights into the fascinating journeys that Adventure World offers, from the diverse wildlife of Africa to the stunning landscapes of Canada & Alaska, the exotic sights and sounds of Asia & India and the cultural spectacle that is South America. Every attendee will also go into the draw to win some amazing prizes on the night.
In addition to Adventure World representatives, partners in attendance include Abu Dhabi Tourism, South African Airways, Trek America and Star Clippers who will also provide agents with product updates.
This year, Adventure World’s roadshows are not just appearing in capital cities but in regional areas of several states as well, increasing the number of shows to 20 compared with last year’s four.
Click here for a list of Adventure World’s Roadshow 2016 dates and venues and to RSVP.
8. APT adds tours in Tasmania
APT says it’s increasing its touring to Tasmania after experiencing high demand for the destination amongst Australian guests.
For 2016/17, travellers can choose from five itineraries ranging from four- to- 12-days in length.
Two of the itineraries combine east and west Tasmania, one showcases the east coast and two take central and western routes.
New to the program is an exclusive stay at Strahan Village, where guests are guaranteed harbour view rooms over Macquarie Harbour.
According to APT’s Executive General Manager, Global Sales and Marketing, Debra Fox, Tasmania has been on a steady upwards growth curve for the past couple of years:
“We’ve had a strong sales season and interest just keeps on growing.”
Debra Fox, APT Executive General Manager, Global Sales and Marketing
9. Utrip helps travellers plan for San Francisco
San Francisco Travel has unveiled a new trip planning platform powered by Utrip PRO, enabling visitors to create personalised itineraries that include attractions restaurants, lodging and activities based on the individuals interests as well as their budget.
The Utrip addition shows the continued efforts of San Francisco in bringing in the latest technology to inspire travellers with diverse interests.
“We are proud to partner with this new innovation to help visitors make the most of their time in San Francisco.”
Joe D’Alessandro, San Francisco Travel President and CEO
“With Utrip, we can offer visitors an intelligent and intuitive platform, using advanced technology, to empower them to discover our dynamic city.”
Visitors to San Francisco are able to access the Utrip trip planner on the San Francisco Travel Association’s website.
Earlier this month, San Fran’s Antonette Eckert told KarryOn that visitor numbers from Australia continue to climb, particularly with Qantas’ return to the city and our love of sports.
10. itravel agents hit Vegas at Visit USA
Love the hats and feather boas ladies.
A mix of 20 mobile and franchise itravel agents brushed up on their USA product knowledge last week at the Visit USA expo held at the Hilton, Sydney.
The group chatted to over 60 suppliers from all around the USA before receiving more in depth information from select operators during on-stage updates.
“The Visit USA expo is a great outing for the itravel team.”
Annalee Ilievski, Visit USA Operations Manager
“It gives everyone a chance to network and keep up to date with what’s happening in the USA.”
P.S. Spend a night in the American Horror Story ‘Murder House’
Fans of the supernatural TV series, American Horror Story (AHS), can relive the haunting from season one by renting the ‘Murder House’ from Airbnb.
The Alfred Rosenheim Mansion, which was originally built in 1908 and can accommodate 16 people in nine bedrooms, is available for those who like a bit of a thrill for only $1,450 per night.
Aside from launching the hit series starring Jessica Lange and Evan Peters, the building has appeared in other popular shows such as ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ and ‘The Twilight Zone’.
According to Variety, the Los Angeles property has a 100-year haunted history and has been home to various residents including Edward Everett Horton.