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. Agents to get a sneak peek
Agents will have the chance to see and experience American Airlines’ Boeing 777-300ER in Sydney next month, ahead of its Sydney to Los Angeles service launch.
The aircraft will arrive on Friday the 13th next month.
During the early visit, consultants will be able to experience the carrier’s award-winning product during an exclusive day of activities.
2. Everything travel managers need in one place
Carlson Wagonlit Travel has started rolling out a new multi-purpose business intelligence tool which the company claims consolidates everything agents need onto one platform.
Rolling out in phases from now until December 2015, CWT AnalytIQs was created based on consultant feedback for a product that handles their entire travel program end-to-end.
Travel managers will not only have access to traditional travel agency data, but also many additional data sources like expense, credit card, supplier and traveler profile data, unused tickets and even off-channel bookings.
3. Eden & Aria enter dry dock
They went in as Holland America’s Statendam & Ryndam and will emerge three weeks later as P&O two newest ships, Pacific Aria and Pacific Eden.
After months of planning, the two vessels entered dry dock in Singapore this week, more than one year after Carnival publicly announced they would cross over to the Australian cruise line.
Some 900 contractors from 43 different nationalities have been recruited to stitch, pluck and transform them into practically brand new vessels before officially joining the P&O fleet next month.
4. Etihad’s Business Class just got a whole lot Luxe-urious
Etihad Airways is bringing the world’s most iconic cities to its Business Class passengers with new limited-edition amenity kits inspired by popular destinations from the airline’s global network.
Created alongside LUXE City Guides, six colourful new collectable kits are available inflight now. They represent Etihad’s home city, Abu Dhabi as well as London, Madrid, Sydney, Los Angeles and Hong Kong.
Each kit is decorated with patterns and colours which correspond to the showcased city and is accompanied with a LUXE City Guide covering everything passengers need to know about the select destination from hotels, restaurants, spas, bars, boutiques and shopping.
5. Qantas turns to Amadeus
Qantas has turned to Amadeus to help assist in delivering better customer service and run operations more efficiently.
The airline this week signed up for the tech company’s Travel Intelligence solution for airlines, Amadeus Schedule Recovery, which minimises disruptions to operations caused by external events such as bad weather or air traffic control congestion.
Amadeus Schedule Recovery serves as a recommendation engine, using data analytics to help quickly and efficiently identify the most critical issues, and act upon them.
6. Lizard Island is completely open
Lizard Island Resort is now fully open and operational, marking the end of a 16-month renovation to restore damage caused by cyclones Ita and Nathan.
As well as restoring its spacious and comfortable rooms, the property has received new attractions and venues such as the Marlin Bar; The Villa – a two bedroom suite featuring en-suites, a master luxury bath, lounge and butler’s kitchen; and the Sunset Point Plunge Pool Villas which boast a private plunge pool.
Other features of the property include its world-class culinary treats made up of modern Australia, Mediterranean and Asian flavours.
“The opening of the Marlin Bar marks the completion of the resort’s $45 million refurbishment.”
Greg Magi, Delaware North Companies Executive Director of Australian Parks and Resorts
7. An event centre with ‘distracting’ views
Port Stephens has welcomed a new conference and events centre which promises spectacular and distracting views.
The stylish, state-of-the-art facility has opened on the top floor of the award-winning d’Albora Marinas in Nelson Bay following a $300,000 refurbishment which saw the former Vues at the Bay restaurant transformed into a multi-purpose corporate, social and entertainment centre in the heart of Port Stephens.
Accommodating 240 seated and 300 standing guests,it comes with a new ‘Waterscape’ floating pontoon at the marina below for outdoor cocktail parties for up to 80 people as well as a luxury penthouse apartment for the bride and groom or conference guest of honour.
The function centre and its open terraces offer sweeping views over the boat-filled marina and the blue, dolphin-splashed waters of Port Stephens, creating a relaxed ambience but also a constant distraction for delegates and guests.
8. Celebrating 50 years with FREE rides
Are you 50 and looking for some mild adventure?
Queenstown’s Shotover Jet has you covered with free jet boat rides for 50 year olds.
The popular attraction is celebrating 50 years in operation by giving away rides to people who share the age as the company.
The only catch is, rides need to be taken throughout the month of November 2015 and are valid for anyone born between 1 November 1964 and 30 November 1965 – a 13 month span.
All birthday boys and girls have to do is book ahead – it will be a busy month – and produce a New Zealand drivers’ licence or passport as valid ID.
9. Agents hit the slopes in NZ
Shout to Simone Nankervis for sharing her own epic pictures taken during the recent New Zealand All-Stars famil.
Assigned to itinerary number 15 – her journey included a visit to the snowy Mt Hutt and a scenic flight over Lake Wanaka with Southern Alps Air.
Her group also stopped by the Treble Cone Ski Area before hitting the Cardona Alpine Resort.
Want to see your pics on KarryOn? Be sure to share them with us on Facebook or email them to newseditor@karryon.com.au
Thanks for the pics Simone!
10. 4 weird-as travel insurance claims
Fortunately the majority of holidays go off without a hitch, but sometimes things do go wrong – and spectacularly so.
Which is what travel insurance is all about – protecting the investment you’ve made in flights and hotels if something you couldn’t have dreamt would happen, happens.
Like these real cases by TID (Travel Insurance Direct) customers:
