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. Air New Zealand to fly 787-9 Dreamliner to Honolulu
A new decision by Air New Zealand to fly its 787-9 Dreamliner to Honolulu will expand capacity on the Auckland to Honolulu route by almost 20 percent.
Scheduled to begin on 10 May 2016, the deployment of the bigger aircraft will also allow the airline to enhance the inflight experience for passengers flying between the two cities. Air New Zealand’s 787-9 Dreamliner features the airline’s award-winning Economy Skycouch and Premium Economy product, both of which offer greater space and comfort onboard.
2. Record numbers to attend Travellers Choice conference
Travellers Choice will greet a record number of delegates to its Annual Shareholders’ Conference in Melbourne this weekend, with attendance up for both travel agents and the group’s suppliers.
With close to 300 delegates due to arrive at the five-star Pullman Melbourne Albert Park on November 20, Travellers Choice CEO Christian Hunter says that overall numbers have increased by almost 20%, reflecting not just a rise in the number of agency outlets represented but a trend for stores to send multiple delegates.
3. Flight Centre and Air New Zealand new partnership
A new deal between Flight Centre and Air New Zealand has been signed, with an aim to increase revenue and create a win-win situation for both companies.
The new three-year strategic partnership, which was signed in Brisbane by Air New Zealand CEO Christopher Luxon and Flight Centre CEO Graham Turner, will cover existing operations in New Zealand, Australia, USA , Canada and the UK.
4. Emirates’ HUGE in-flight entertainment screens
On a continuing quest to push boundaries in aviation, Emirates’ newly delivered Airbus A380 and Boeing 777-300ER will feature the largest in-flight entertainment screens available on any aircraft, and three times the storage capacity.
Emirates’ next generation in-flight entertainment (IFE) system reaffirms the airline’s committment to enhancing the onboard experience for its guests. The new screens will feature in both Economy, Business and First Class. In Economy Class screens will measure 13.3 inches, whilst in Business and First Class, screen dimensions will measure 23 inches wide and 32 inches, respectively.
5. A record-breaking performance by Aussie tourism sector
According to a recent report by Tourism Research Australia, State of the Industry 2015, Australia’s tourism sector performed exceedingly well during 2014-15, breaking previous records and confirming the sector’s status as a powerful economic force in the country.
The report found that inbound arrivals increased by 6.6 percent to a record 6.6 million arrivals in the last financial year. It also found that domestic and international tourism brought $107.1 billion into Australia.
The Tourism & Transport Forum Australia (TTF) said that governments should provide further investment in the industry on the back of this report, especially in the aftermath of the mining boom.
6. Amadeus and The Hotel Network sign new deal
Breaking news today with the announcement that Amadeus, a leading travel technology provider, has just signed an exciting new deal with The Hotel Network, one of Australia’s leading accommodation brokers. The partnership will expand the range of Australian and New Zealand properties available to travel agencies across the country.
The new deal, which will see over 250 regional, independent and remote accommodation options added to Amadeus’ existing portfolio, forms part of Amadeus’ new and enhanced hotel offerings in the Pacific.
The Hotel Network content is available now to Amadeus-connected travel agencies.
7. International Ironman coming to Western Sydney in 2017
The NSW government has secured another major sporting event for 2017 with the announcement yesterday that the International Ironman 70.3 Asia-Pacific Championships is coming to Western Sydney.
To be held in Penrith, the event is expected to bring in millions of dollars of visitor spending and thousands of people from interstate and overseas.
The Ironman 70.3 is a triathlon race comprising of a 1.9km swim, 90km cycle and 21.1km run covering a total of 113km – or 70.3 miles
8. South African Airways announce reduced fares
South Africa’s national airline, South African Airways, have just announced a bunch of great value Economy and Business Class fares for travel within its international network.
Valid until the end of November 2015, passengers can take advantage of some of these cracking Economy Class deals, which include return flights to Johannesburg from most Australian cities for around $1,500 including taxes. Business Class fares to Joburg from Perth, Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Adelaide can also be snapped up for around $4,500 – taxes included.
Travel dates for the fares are from 22 January to 18 March 2016 and 19 April to 26 September 2016.
9. Westin to debut in Brisbane in 2018
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide are set to introduce the Westin brand to Brisbane, establishing a presence in each of Australia’s largest cities.
The Westin Brisbane, which is slated to open in 2018, will be ideally situated for both business and leisure travellers and feature 286 guest rooms with sweeping views of the river and city skyline. It will also offer extensive leisure facilities, including the WestinWORKOUT® fitness studio, a resort style swimming pool with swim up pool bar and the Heavenly® Spa.
The Westin Brisbane joins Starwood’s robust portfolio in the Pacific (currently at 18), who were recently acquired by Marriott International.
10. NSW takes out top Australian Event Awards
NSW has once again been recognised as Australia’s home of major events by taking out a slew of awards at the recent Australian Event Awards.
The state won Australia’s Favourite Event, Best Sporting Event and Best Tourism Event awards, in recognition for its expertise in putting on some of the best events in the country.
The national recognition comes just weeks after Destination NSW and Qantas China-based executives in Shanghai signed a new deal to attract more Chinese tourism in NSW in time for the summer period.
