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. The latest on the Bali ash cloud
Things are still up in the air – literally – with the ash cloud situation in Bali. But conditions are expected to improve today and tomorrow.
Late yesterday evening both Virgin Australia and Jetstar’s team of senior pilots and experts announced the possibility of resumed services today and tomorrow as conditions around Denpasar airport begin to improve.
However, both airlines have still cancelled a number of their flights and guests are advised to check their emails and phones for the latest flight status updates.
2. Three men arrested in Sydney after failed cocaine import
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) have arrested three American men after they allegedly tried to import 20 kilograms of cocaine into Sydney on Friday aboard a cruise ship.
The two 49-year-old and 61-year-old men were charged with importing a commercial quantity of cocaine.
The sting was the work of a joint operation between Australian, New Zealand and US customs and intelligence departments.
3. Destination Germany Roadshow a success
A mix of travel agents, tour operator personnel and key airline sales staff attended the 2015 Destination Germany Roadshow across Australia last week.
Spread out over a week and held in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth, the succesful roadshow included trivia nights and showcased the best of German traditions and customs to over 300 travel professionals. It was a fun event for all, with six lucky agents even winning a spot on a Christmas Markets famil to Germany
The event was organised by the German National Tourist Office with the help of German and local partners, including airberlin, VisitBerlin, Lufthansa, Excite Holidays, Insight Vacations and Rail Plus.
4. Qantas feels like home again and we defy you not to cry
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ldQQiTJ1KN0
If you’re flying on the red roo anytime soon then coming home is about to get a whole plane load more emotional. After all, there really is no place like home.
If you loved the first installment of Qantas’ heart string snapper ‘Feels like home’ campaign launched a year ago, then you’ll most definitely fall in love all over again with this second wave of wonder from our national carrier.
5. Early bird rates for the Atlantis in Dubai
Savings are to be had on your next trip to Dubai with the Atlantis offering substantial early bird discounts on a wide range of rooms and suites at the luxury hotel overlooking the iconic Palm Island.
Guests can save up to 50 percent on bookings made between April and September 2016. Bookings can be made from now until April next year.
The early bird special includes a daily buffet breakfast and free access to Aquaventure Waterpark and The Lost Chambers Aquarium.
6. Jet Airways upgrades daily services between Singapore and Delhi
New daily services in conjunction with Jet Airways’ codeshare partner Qantas will enable seamless connections for guests from Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane to Delhi and 52 other destinations across India on its extensive domestic network.
The new scheduling will be effective from 25 November 2015.
Jet Airways has seen steady growth in traffic from Australia between Singapore and Delhi, and the codeshare connectivity partnership with Qantas continues to grow in popularity.
7. Rail Plus Eurostar Ambassador Program for agents
Up to $1,000 worth of Coles Group & Myer gift cards are up for grabs thanks to a new Rail Plus Eurostar Ambassador Program.
Agents will have two-weeks to visit the online portal here and take a 30-question quiz testing their knowledge of everything from Eurostar’s network, cabin classes and travel times, along with Eurostar booking and ticketing procedures.
Travel agents who achieve a pass rate of 60 percent or higher will receive a Eurostar Ambassador certificate, with the highest-scoring consultant winning a $500 Coles Group & Myer gift card. Second and third placing agents will each win a $300 and $150 gift card respectively.
8. Lucky agents explore China the Wendy Wu way
Partnering with Air China, the NSW Helloworld travel agents got their first taste of China with the leading China tour operator Wendy Wu Tours.
The itinerary represented the many different sides of China and served to give the agents a solid introduction to the country. In addition to exploring the must sees of Beijing (e.g., The Forbidden City and The Great Wall) and Shanghai (e.g., The Bund and the Yu Gardens), the agents were also able to experience the quieter, prettier side of China, with a stunning river cruise along the Li River from Guilin to Yangshuo as well as seeing the spectacular Sanjie Yiu Sound and Light Show held on the Li River.
Feedback from the participating agents was extremely positive and eye-opening, with most finishing the tour with a totally different view of the country as a whole.
9. Sofitel’s newest hotel opens in Singapore
The Sofitel Singapore Sentosa Resort & Spa is now officially open, overlooking the South China Sea with easy access to Tanjong Beach.
Sofitel’s second property in Singapore features 211 rooms and suites, four villas, and the world’s largest So SPA. The new Sofitel Singapore Sentosa Resort & Spa’s design reflects a bold and elegant style that cleverly integrates the surrounding nature within the hotel’s various buildings.
Additional facilities at the hotel include a 33-metre swimming pool and more than 27 acres of tropical woodlands, offering guests a sense of relaxed sophistication and urban resort living.
10. itravel The Junction wins Business of the Year
The Newcastle-based travel agency itravel The Junction recently took out the prestigious Business of the Year award at the Local Business Awards for the Hunter region awards night late last month. They also scooped up the Most Outstanding Tourism Business award.
The two awards were in recognition of the tremendous effort owners Andrew Minton and Georgette Southam and their team have put into the business since starting out in 2006.
It was the company’s first win at the awards night, and by all accounts it certainly won’t be there last.
