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. AccorHotels buys three BIG hotel brands
AccorHotels has just taken one leap forward in business by adding three major hotel brands to its portfolio – Fairmont, Raffles and Swissotel.
Announced this morning, the purchase makes the group a global leader in the luxury hotels sector with some 155 hotels and resorts under its belt as well as 40 still in development.
While AccorHotels will own the brand, two Middle Eastern companies – Qatar Investment Authority and Kingdom Holding Company of Saudi Arabia – will purchase some 46.7 million new Accor shares, making them major shareholders with 10.5 percent and 5.8 percent of the share capital.
2. Could this be the reason MH370 disappeared?
A new report by the Australian Transport Bureau (ATB) has argued that a mysterious power cut onboard the Boeing 777 was the likely cause of MH370 in March 2014.
According to the report, Malaysian Airlines’ MH370 suffered a loss of power that disabled two communication systems and caused the plane to fly on auto-pilot until it eventually crashed into the Indian Ocean killing all 239 people onboard.
The plane was flying en route from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing.
3. Air New Zealand unveils futuristic bag drop
Air New Zealand is all about those ‘world firsts’ – last month it unveiled aviation’s inaugural tracking armbands for kids and now biometric bag drops.
Revealed this morning at Auckland International Airport, the new system is similar to the SmartGate passport control facilities and is designed to compliment existing online check-in options and self-service kiosks.
The airline believes it will also speed up the check-in process for guests by giving them more control.
4. Air Canada raises commission for Aussie agents
Air Canada is giving Australian travel agents the chance to earn a little extra cash in the new year by raising its standard base commission.
Commencing 1 January, consultants will earn five percent for booking Business and Economy class published airfares – this is an increase from the current three percent.
The rise in commission comes as the carrier enters its biggest year in the market, with the introduction of Premium Economy from Sydney in May as well as the launch of its first non-stop Dreamliner service to and from Brisbane in June.
5. Universal Hollywood’s Harry Potter world is opening on…
Various promotional ingredients have been thrown into the cauldron and the mix has been bubbling for some time, but now we finally know when the Harry Potter potion will be ready.
It was an exciting day for thousands (maybe even millions) of J.K Rowling fans yesterday when Universal Studios Hollywood, with the help of Evanna Lynch aka Luna Lovegood, announced The Wizarding World of Harry Potter will open on 7 April 2016.
It should also be an exciting reveal for agents who can now entice Wizarding enthusiasts to choose the USA as their next holiday destination.
6. INCENTIVE: Win with SLH
Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) is celebrating its 25th anniversary with the launch of a travel agent recognition programme – Small Luxury Heroes.
The launch includes a kick off incentive that will enter all agents who register for the programme before 31 January 2016 into a prize draw to win one of 25 US$1,000 SLH Gift Certificates.
These vouchers can be used towards a stay at any of the luxury brand’s 520 hotels in over 80 countries around the world.
7. Pan Pacific Perth debuts new lobby
Pan Pacific Perth has debuted its new arrival experience and chic refurbished lobby, which offers guests an engaging and modern space to begin their stay.
The new look lobby has been carefully crafted by HASSELL and is inspired by the warm hues of the Pacific Rim, the upgraded layout and furnishings enable a welcoming, spacious and engaging atmosphere.
The HASSELL design brings together the sophistication of contemporary Asia and the Pacific region with the rugged textures and vastness of the Western Australian landscape, creating a distinct sense of place.
There’s also the introduction of check in pods that allow front desk associates to be more interactive and have improved communication with guests. Additionally, the concierge pod is now more centrally located and easily accessible for guests, adding to the ease and convenience of the arrival and departure experience by providing unobstructed views of reception and the concierge desk immediately upon entry.
Additional enhancements to the lobby include a new business centre, fully equipped with three new Mac computers, printing facilities, conference table for business meetings and lounges for informal coffee meetings.
8. Los Cabos hosts annual VIP summit
Over 100 attendees turned up to the ninth annual Los Cabos VIP Summit last month, including Gate 7’s very own Sarah Thornton.
Thornton was accompanied by two key Australia partners – Victor Mayo – Destination Leader, Mexico Latin America with Flight Centre and Meagan Maynard – Tourism & Partnerships Manager with Excite Holidays.
They had the chance to meet with over 50 local hotel, touring and destination management partners in one on one meetings, and attend site inspections at some of the destination’s luxury properties.
The summit activities included an opening night white party at new luxury hotel The Cape: A Thompson Hotel, a conference at Sheraton Hacienda del Mar Golf & Spa Resort, closing gala dinner at Club Campestre in San Jose del Cabo.
Los Cabos Tourism Board Managing Director, Ruben Reachi presented a destination update, including news of plans for more than 15 new resorts and two new Greg Norman designed golf courses over the next few years. Reachi also announced that the destination will host its first tennis tournament with the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) in 2016.
9. Flight Centre agents winning with Rail Plus
Flight Centre agents have secured the top three spots in Rail Plus’ inaugural Eurostar Ambassador programme.
More than 1300 agents from across Australia and New Zealand took part in this year’s programme, which required participants to complete a 30-question online quiz testing their knowledge of everything from Eurostar’s network and cabin classes to travel times and ticketing procedures.
The top three Australian agents each got 100 percent of the quiz correct, with Jessica Morrissey from Flight Centre Mt Lawley in Perth winning the major prize of a $500 Coles Group & Myer gift card by finishing in a blistering 62 seconds.
Her colleague at Flight Centre Mt Lawley, Erin Duce, was just nine seconds behind and now receives a $300 Coles Group & Myer gift card, while third placed Yvonne McKeown from Flight Centre Mackay finished in 103 seconds and takes home a $150 Coles Group & Myer gift card.
Rail Plus CEO, James Dunne, said he the quality of entries and the number of agents that took part in this year’s programme was ‘extraordinary’.
Click here for more information.
10. Plane passenger yells ‘bomb’ & jumps
En relación con el vuelo 714 de Volaris, no existe amenaza de bomba, un PAX activó un tobogán. pic.twitter.com/vqYGkSjOKP
— Gustavo Encinas (@TROOPERCAT_5150) December 8, 2015
Not sure whether to laugh or let my jaw drop to the ground.
A man was responsible for evacuating a plane earlier this week after he activated the emergency slide, yelled bomb and then fled from the aircraft.
Passengers had just finished boarding the Volaris flight in Mexico City when the incident occurred.
All 179 passengers were evacuated from the aircraft, which was then inspected and cleared.
Mexico City’s International Airport confirmed no explosive device was found.
