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. This is how Aussies contributed to Air NZ’s profits
Could Air New Zealand’s new services to the US and South America entice Aussies to ditch Qantas’ convenient direct access to both regions?
According to Air New Zealand’s Chairman, Tony Carter, it’s already happening, with the carrier noting ‘big demand’ from Australians on new and old routes.
Despite only having launched to Houston and Buenos Aires late last year, the number of Australians booking on these flights contributed to Air New Zealand’s 132 percent increase in earnings before tax during the first six months of the 2015/16 financial year.
2. No new hotels for Kuala Lumpur
Hoteliers hoping to open a new property in Malaysia will have to look outside of Kuala Lumpur after the city’s leaders put a ban on new hotel licenses.
Announced this week, the indefinite license freeze is a result of over capacity, which has saturated the market, according to Kuala Lumpur City Hall.
The new rule applies to all accommodation from six-star properties to budget establishments and will not affect hotels that have already received planning permission.
3. 23 feared dead in Nepal plane crash
Plane crashed in #Nepal due to poor visibility killing 23 passengers. One passenger was confirmed to be from #Kuwait pic.twitter.com/GvheGom5m9
— UAE BARQ (@UAE_BARQ_EN) February 24, 2016
All passengers and crew aboard a Tara Air flight from Pokhara to Jomsom are feared dead after the plane crashed into Nepal’s mountains earlier this week.
The aircraft was 19 minutes into the flight when the incident occurred.
According to Bishwa Raj Khadka, Deputy Police Superintendent for the Myagdi district, 19 bodies were recovered early Wednesday, however, dense fog has hampered search efforts at the crash site.
Among the passengers on the aircraft were two foreigners, one Chinese and one Kuwaiti plus two infants.
4. ACCC says ‘yes’ to Qantas & AA extended alliance
Looks like Qantas and American Airlines will be cooperating on trans-Pacific flights for another five years, with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) reauthorising their joint relationship.
Under the alliance, the pair will continue to coordinate in marketing and sales; pricing; scheduling; distribution strategies; inventory management; frequent flyer programs; and more.
ACCC Commissioner, Roger Featherston, said the alliance will likely result in public benefits, especially for those travelling between Australia and the US.
“The alliance is also likely to promote competition between other airlines that provide services on trans-Pacific routes.”
Roger Featherston, ACCC Chairman
“The ACCC considers that the alliance is unlikely to result in any significant public detriment, largely because the ACCC accepts that American Airlines would have been unlikely to introduce its own trans-Pacific services in the absence of its alliance with Qantas.:
5. Highlights from AIME 2016
Event professionals met with national and international exhibitors this week for the 24th annual Asia-Pacific Incentives & Meetings Expo (AIME).
Kicking off on Tuesday, hosted Buyers held thousands of meetings with exhibitors from all corners of the globe including Thailand, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Turkey, Philippines, Las Vegas and Los Angeles, all showcasing their destinations, venues and event suppliers to corporate and association event buyers.
Among the highlights of the event was the AIME Knowledge Program, which inspired the waiting crowds with Saxton Speakers Bureau presenting UK Business Speaker of the Year, Richard Gerver and creative-industry guru, Craig Davis, who shared their business experience and offered advice.
There was also a visit from Lisa Wilkinson, official “Mate of the Territory” who visited the Northern Territory stand at 12.20pm on Tuesday to discuss the appeal of the NT for business travellers.
A LIST’s Open House was a hub of activity, where attendees could grab a drink and something delicious to nibble on, while the creative suppliers including Madame Tussauds, Cheeky Food Events, AV1 and Melbourne Group Events to name a few, provided inspiration for event organisers.
6. Visit USA was a success ?
Popularity for the USA isn’t slowing down, with this year’s Visit USA expo dubbed a success with a record number of 900 travel agents in attendance.
The event travelled to Melbourne, Brisbane and Sydney this year and was accompanied with its first international media marketplace (IMM) – a day-long event coordinated by TravMedia and co-sponsored by Brand USA and United Airlines.
After a warm welcome from US Consul General Hugo Llorens, over 1,200 meetings and negotiations were held between 38 key Australian and New Zealand wholesalers and tour operators and 65 Visit USA associate members during the B2B event.
“We are delighted at this year’s attendance at Visit USA’s Expos.”
Kylee Kay, Visit USA President
“Agents were able to learn about the growth in travel to the USA, what’s new for 2016, updates on hotels and attractions and have fun throughout the evening.”
“The anecdotal feedback we’ve already received indicates our members were elated with results from the USA Travel Week 2016 and feel they received the full benefit of their membership.
“They are predicting a productive year for 2016 with positive increases for Aussies travelling to the States.”
7. Australian icebreaker runs aground
All on board the Aurora Australis are safe and well, the ship remains watertight. The blizzard is forecast to continue overnight.
— Antarctic Division (@AusAntarctic) February 24, 2016
All crew and passengers aboard an Australian icebreaker are safe and well after the ship ran aground at Mawson Station in Antarctica.
Heavy blizzard caused the Aurora Australis to break free from its moorings on Wednesday with some 67 passengers on board, the Sydney Morning Herald reported.
The Australian Department of Environment said the ship is being resupplied but weather conditions are preventing a full assessment of the damage.
“The ship remains watertight, with no damage to the hull of the vessel,” Australian Antarctic Division said in a statement.
“Current blizzard conditions are hampering a full assessment of the damage, and the crew are closely monitoring the hull from inside the ship.”
8. Sheraton® Mirage Port Douglas completes first phase of renovation
Sheraton® Mirage Port Douglas Resort has completed the first phase of its AU$40 million renovation with 146 of the resort’s 294 rooms now fully refurbished, restyled, and back in inventory.
The new Mirage Resort Rooms, Lagoon Rooms and Studio Suites have been re-introduced into the inventory, and represent the resort’s modern day, beachside nature. Interiors reflect the resort’s sophisticated yet relaxed persona, featuring warm tones complemented by crisp, fresh textures and furnishings, inspired by the tropical north Queensland surroundings and the property’s timeless elegance.
The fresh colour scheme incorporates a selection of natural tones to match the driftwood timber tiled floors, stone topped mini bars and the natural wooden furnishings. Splashes of quintessentially-coastal turquoise green inject colour to the otherwise relaxed resort atmosphere. Romantic canopied bedheads and indoor/outdoor balconies with luxurious daybeds add to the classic interiors, which are designed for a contemporary lifestyle.
An element of the refurbishment project is the creation and launch of 41 unique Lagoon Edge Rooms and 12 Lagoon Edge Studio Suites. From their private balconies, these new and exclusive rooms and suites offer guests exquisite views and direct access to the resort’s refreshing, saltwater lagoon swimming pools.
9. Iran hosts its first international conference
Iran tourism is opening up and what better way to showcase the destination than by hosting its first international event.
More than 200 Iranian government officials gathered in the city of Isfahan earlier this week with tourism representatives for the Travel and Hospitality Conference.
Iran Aseman Airlines’ founding company, Atiyeh Saba Investment Company, said it’s a “must” for the destination to focus on tourism and the conference is a “new chapter in training and upgrading” the industry.
Rotana Hotel group’s President Omer Z. Kaddouri concurred saying there’s more development in the country to accommodate visitors such as the group’s four new hotels opening up in Iran over the next two years.
Over the last month, Iran has signed major deals for foreign investment in hotels, airports, aircraft and rail – notably with companies in France, Italy and China.
The government has also unveiled an internal investment package of 1,300 projects and low-interest loans to finance the building of hotels.
10. Airbnb opens new Sydney office
Airbnb has unveiled its new Sydney office, to be the home of its growing Australian operations.
The new space is inspired by an AFL football field and features nets, goal posts plus a secret meeting room called ‘The Cuba room’, which is concealed behind a bookcase.
Airbnb’s new digs has office meeting rooms inspired by actual Airbnb listings, such as the Kangaroo Valley lounge, Havana dining room and a Swedish sitting room.
The kitchen is inspired by the Coogee Pavilion and the lift doors open to a stretch of astroturf with a quirky take on an AFL oval with goal posts and a designer net.
Sounds pretty cool.