We’ve done all the hard work, so you don’t have to! Read on for the top ten travel stories you need to know today.
1. Luxury travellers want experiences, not expensive scarves
Image: haveseen/Shutterstock
Gone are the day when the luxury traveller was defined by opulence, relaxation and expensive price tags.
A new evolution of the luxury holidaymakers has emerged over recent years that sees the rich searching for something more authentic and exciting.
According to the 2015 Australian Luxury Travel Survey commissioned by qualia and Virtuoso, 22 percent of travellers identify luxury accommodation as those offering ‘authentic, unique experiences’ as the final factor that pushed them to make the final booking.
2. It was a deal breaker. Did Jetstar go too far?
Jetstar has received some flack from travellers for pushing cheap fares to Indonesia while two Aussie men await execution in the country.
The low-cost carrier was promoting one-way fares between Darwin and Denpasar in Bali from $99.
There was also one-way business class flights from $549.
3. Bye bye pricey fuel, hello profits: Virgin
Image: Peterfz30/Shutterstock
The second half of 2014 proved to be profitable for Virgin Australia, which saw its underlying profit before tax rise to $10.2 million.
The result was an increase from a loss of $45.4 million loss during the corresponding period the prior year.
Chief executive, John Borghetti said the rise came from both the company’s focus on driving more yield through domestic traffic and the decline in oil prices.
4. AIME 2015 – what to expect
Meetings, conferences and events industry professionals can expect a completely new AIME (Asia-Pacific Incentives and Meetings Expo) as the exhibition increases its offerings in order to provide more networking and professional development opportunities.
The highly anticipated annual event will take place next week on 24 and 25 February 2015 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) with more than 700 Exhibitors from around the globe representing business events, incentives, global destinations and travel.
5. INCENTIVE: Escape to Canada
Calling all travel agents. Rail Plus has launched a special incentive, giving you the chance to win flights and rail to Canada.
One lucky agent will receive $5,000 towards two return tickets to Canada, along with a free journey on VIA Rail’s ‘The Canadian’ between Vancouver and Toronto in the train’s new Prestige Class.
Prestige Class is the company’s new class and allows travellers to enjoy the scenery in a spacious cabin.
6. INCENTIVE: Excite Holidays’ rewards giveaway
Excite Holidays has today launched the biggest incentive campaign in its history, giving agents throughout Australia and New Zealand the chance to win a share of 2.5 million rewards points.
With the peak booking period for the USA coming into full force, Excite Holidays is giving agents the chance to maximise their earning potential by giving away 1000 bonus rewards points for every night booked at eligible hotels in the USA and Canada.
Over 3000 hotels throughout North America are part of the promotion which Excite Holidays hopes will make its first rewards points millionaires.
7. Agents race around the UK and Ireland
If the industry seems a little quieter than usual this week, it’s because around 60 of our very own agents have headed off to the UK for Qantas Holiday’s 2015 Race Around the UK and Ireland.
Commencing today and running until 1 March, the mega famil will expose the group – divided into four teams –to the culture and sites of the two destinations.
Working with local tourism bodies, Qantas Holidays will take agents to Ireland, Scotland, Wales, London and more.
Consultants were selected based on points accrued during November 2014 – January 2015 from selling Qantas Holidays packages and Qantas Airways international tickets.
With the Rugby World Cup in England this year, this is a great opportunity for our Race Around participants to see firsthand what’s on offer.
Follow the group around the UK and Ireland on Instagram: @QHRaceAround or search for #QRRaceAround on Twitter.
8. Dive-in to Carnival
Carnival Cruise Line’s Spirit is about to get a whole lot cooler.
When the ship enters drydock in August this year for her $44 million refurbishment, she’ll not only receive a variety of new restaurants, but also a Seaside Theatre.
‘Dive-In Movies’ will bring popular more and latest Hollywood flicks to the mid-ship where guests can enjoy a blockbuster under the sun and the stars.
Carnival Cruise Line Australia Vice President, Jennifer Vanderkreeke said the ship will take poolside cinema to new heights.
“We think our fun-loving Australian guests will dive straight in to the new concept.”
The multi-million dollar drydock will also see the ship fitted with a new RedFrog Rum Bar – which is already available on Carnival Legend – BlueIguana Tequila Bar, BlueIguana Cantina Mexican eatery and Guy’s Burger Joint.
9. Visit USA comes to town
There were cowboys (actual cowboys), Alaskan dogs (not actual dogs but toy versions of course), Disney-themed cupcakes and even a Harry Potter.
That’s right, the annual Visit USA Expo made its way across the east coast of Australia this week, bringing with it dozens of tourism operators, hoteliers, tourism bureaus and attraction operators from the United States.
Last night expo arrived in Sydney where hundreds of agents filled the Hilton Hotel ballroom.
10. Where do Aussies want to escape to?
Weekend lovin’? A lot of sun? Or maybe cocktails nonstop?
Actually, it’s none of the above.
When it comes to Australians and a weekend getaway, all Australians really want are two things – great shopping and good coffee.
That’s according to new lastminute.com.au survey.
Conducted on 4,100 travellers, the study found Melbourne is the Aussie city most Australians want to visit this year.
The company’s spokesperson said it was because it is the ‘ultimate city to play up in’.
“Whether that is maxing the budget by shopping till you drop, late night espresso martinis at an inner city rooftop bar, or lazy days drinking coffee and people watching in one of the city’s hidden laneways.”
Lastminute.com.au spokesperson
Following Melbourne on the list was Perth in Western Australia and Hobart in Tasmania.
Sydney was the fourth most desired city to visit for a weekend getaway followed by Darwin in the Northern Territory.
The rest of the list included Brisbane, Adelaide and Canberra.
