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 Holidays announces TRIP Dollar$
Qantas Hols/Viva Holidays GM Peter Egglestone
Last night KarryOn was in attendance to hear Qantas Holidays excitedly announce the transformation of its Travel Reward & Incentive Program (TRIP) from the current points-based program to a new EFTPOS cash-based program.
The transformation was unveiled last night at five different functions across Australian capital cities with the new EFTPOS based program kicking off on 1 July 2015.
The Qantas Holidays TRIP program has been rewarding Australian travel agents for six years and will now amplify the benefits for consultants booking through its associated brands, Qantas Holidays, Viva! Holidays, Rail Tickets, The Cruise Team and Insider Journeys.
2. The best airline in the world is…
Yesterday, we revealed which airline offers the best premium economy (Air New Zealand BTW) and today it’s time to share which airline is THE best in the world.
And the answer is… Qatar Airways.
Judged by some 18.9 million people from 110 countries in the latest Skytrax World Airline Awards, the airline took the top spot, beating last year’s winner, Cathay Pacific.
3. Jetstar set to expand in Aus & NZ
Qantas‘ budget off-shoot is expanding its operations in New Zealand and around Australia with new domestic services.
The airline announced today it will introduce at least four regional New Zealand destinations to its network.
Tourism Industry Association New Zealand said the announcement will boost tourism to, from and around the country.
4. Rail Plus sends Flight Centre agent to Canada
Flight Centre Wagga Wagga’s Cassandra McDonald is being treated with a trip to Vancouver courtesy of Rail Plus.
As the winner of Rail Plus’ recent VIA Rail incentive, Cassandra received $5000 towards two return tickets to Canada.
In addition, she won a free journey for two on VIA Rail’s The Canadian between Vancouver and Toronto in the train’s new Prestige Class and accommodation at Fairmont properties in Vancouver and Toronto.
5. Scoot-ing new agreement with Sabre
Sabre is giving agents easier access to low-cost airlines through a new agreement to make Scoot’s fares available via the GDS.
Effective this week, agents will be able to save time searching for low-cost flights between Australia and Singapore.
Sabre is the sixth GDS to be implemented by Scoot along with Abacus, Infini, Galileo, Amadeus and TravelSky.
With the new agreement, all FLYBAG and ScootBiz fares will conveniently be available via Sabre, and at travel agent’s fingertips.
6. First lot of Swiss winners unveiled
Rail Europe, Switzerland Tourism and the Swiss Travel System have announced the first six winners of their Swiss Travel Pass SuperStar Program.
For Module 1, Sally Mallory of House of Travel Richmond took out first place. She was followed by Katherin Colvin from Helloworld Carousel in second and Chris Riou from Newport Travel in third.
For Module 2, Josephine Hanney of Goldman Travel Corporation took out the first place, followed by Yvette Van Urk from Outdoor Travel Pty Ltd and Sammantha Milligan from The Travel Brokers.
Prizes won include a 64GB Apple iPad Air2 Wifi valued at $745 for first place; a Victorinox watch valued at $705 for second place; and an 80cm Victorinox luggage valued at $605 for third place.
Agents can still enter the competition, which runs until the end of July.
Meanwhile, this week Rail Europe GSA announced a 15 to 20 percent increase in Swiss point-to-point tickets.
The decision was made in response to the strengthening Swiss Franc.
Despite the increase, Swiss Travel Pass prices remain unchanged.
Rail Europe tickets are distributed by Rail Plus, Rail Tickets, CIT Holidays and Infinity Rail in Australia, and Rail Plus and Go Holidays in New Zealand.
7. An exclusive Hawaiian getaway for MTA
The MTA team visited Oahu and Kauai as part of an exclusive study tour, where they updated their product knowledge and visited a number of hotels and resorts, all with the support of Starwood Hotels, Hawaii Tourism Oceania and the Kauai Visitor’s Bureau.
Highlights of the visit included a Safari Helicopter Flight over Waimea Canyon and the Napali Coast and attending a ‘must-see’ Hawaiian cultural event, a ‘luau’ at The Royal Hawaiian.
[L-R]: At the Grand Hyatt Kauai are MTA – Mobile Travel Agents’ Janet Bradley-Ryalls, Carine Griffiths, Melissa Pointon, Kim Newton, MTA product coordinator and group escort Paula Wright, Belinda van Tholen, Ann Thompson and Jodie Everett.
8. Space Hotel named a ‘poshtel’
Space Hotel has made Lonely Planet’s list of ‘poshtels’ – a Gen Z term for upscale or luxury properties with the pricing and sensibilities of a hostel.
It’s good news for the property, which can now use the title to target younger travellers.
As part of ‘poshtel’ promise, the property offers more space than your traditional hostels and a list of facilities including an in-house theatre, fitness space, chef style kitchen, rooftop retreat and access to the popular on-site bar and restaurant, Blue Moon.
Yossi Gallor, Chief Operating Officer of Space Hotel is thrilled to be considered as one of the top poshtels in the world.
“We’ve been watching the ‘poshtel’ trend gain momentum over the last few years and with our understanding of the budget-conscious traveller we aim to stay at the forefront by exploring exciting opportunities”.
Yossi Gallor, Space Hotel Chief Operating Officer
9. Check out P&O’s new Pantry
Bye bye buffet! The new-look The Pantry has arrived on Pacific Jewel. Explore the 15-day transformation, with The Pantry offering fresh made food featuring eight enticing outlets from every corner of the globe in a modern Australian setting. Take the tour now.
Posted by P&O Cruises Australia on Wednesday, June 17, 2015
P&O is tempting travellers (and everyone here at KarryOn) to try out its new Pantry, with a special short video offering a taste of the new dining concept.
The Pantry made its debut on Pacific Jewel earlier this month, replacing the buffet.
Set up a food-court style room, it features eight outlets.
The concept will be brought to Pacific Aria, Pacific Eden, Pacific Pearl and Pacific Dawn later this year.
Click here for three reasons we won’t miss the buffet on Pacific Jewel.
10. Delta unveils ‘paparazzi-proof’ terminals
Delta Air Lines has some good news for celebrities and a bit of bad news for their ‘stans’.
The airline has unveiled plans to make select New York terminals ‘paparazzi-free’ as a means of protecting the travelling rich and famous from flashes and incessant questions.
Named ‘VIP Select’, the first terminal could either be introduced at John F Kennedy Airport or La Guardia and could be open as soon as next year.