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. Is Singapore Airlines flying to Canberra?
Canberra Airport may have a plan to be one of Australia’s key international gateways, but so far it has had a little trouble securing the international services part.
In March last year, Deputy Prime Minister Hon Warren Truss approved a Master Plan to turn the the gateway into ‘the best small airport in the world’.
The proposal set out to build on the city’s assets – a new passenger terminal and fresh hotels – by catering to international airlines.
2. Australia’s first all-you-can-fly airline
Three local men, Alexander Robinson, Luke Hampshire and Ivan Vysotskiy, are hoping to shake up the aviation sector with Australia’s first all-you-can-fly airline.
Airly, the new start-up company launching flights in March, is the first buffet airline in Australia to offer travellers a membership and access to as many flights as they can chow down (sort of).
While the concept is new to the local market, all-you-can-fly airlines are already operating in destinations like the US and Europe and are particularly popular amongst business travellers who regularly fly to and from the same destinations.
3. Wendy Wu is dedicated to river cruising
Wendy Wu Tours has seen such a spike in river cruising interest that the company has decided to roll out a new brochure completely dedicated to the sector.
The 60-page Asia River Cruise 2016/17 program features an extensive range of cruise itineraries from fully inclusive Classic group tours, Deluxe tours and independent programs.
Tours range from those travelling down the Mekong in Vietnam and Cambodia to experience the shallower waters in Laos. There’s also river cruising options in China, Myanmar and India.
4. A new airline lands in Australia
Australia’s aviation sector has kicked off 2016 on a high, with a brand new airline commencing services to the country in the first two weeks of the year.
Hong Kong Airlines became the country’s newest international carrier when it launched its inaugural three-times triangular service, Hong Kong-Gold Coast-Cairns.
The new services touched down last week to operate every Tuesday, Friday and Saturday.
5. Paris attack costs Air France millions
Last year’s Paris terror attacks not only shook the French nation, but impacted the flag carrier’s business, according to latest figures.
A report from Air France-KLM revealed that in December last year the carrier lost some 70 million euros or AU$108.98 million in business.
The airline said load factor was hit hardest, falling 0.2 percent to sit at 82.9 percent. This was driven by a slow down in North American and Asian business.
Despite the slip in load factor, the total number of passengers transported increased by 1.1 percent to 6.7 million compared to the same month last year.
6. Hot tip to get your clients off the ground
Insider Journeys is advising agents to ensure they pre-book their clients on the iconic Bagan balloons as the popular hot air balloon experience in Burma is selling out quick.
The tour company said that while ballooning companies do take bookings locally, during peak periods (October – March) they are often fully booked and may not be able to cater to any last minute requests.
“Unfortunately the majority of clients who elect to leave it until they are in Burma are missing out altogether and expressing their disappointment on their return home.”
Jackie Firmstone, Insider Journeys Product Manager
“As an ‘insider tip’, we recommend our clients and their agents book their balloon flight at the same time as making their Burma arrangements in order to avoid disappointment.”
7. Avalon’s New Year specials
Avalon Waterways kicked off 2016 with a range of New Year specials, including free Monograms city stays in Europe and savings of up to $1,690 per couple on some of its most popular river cruise itineraries.
Among the deals is a free four-day Monograms city stay on select 2016 departures such as the eight-day Paris to Normandy’s Landing Beaches cruise on the Seine selling from $3,303 per person twin share.
Your clients can also save $1,690 per couple on dozens of departures including the eight-day Essential Belgium and Holland priced from $2,684 per person twin share.
The offer is available on new bookings until 8 April 2016.
8. Burn the buffet with Ponton
Shannan Ponton is heading back out to sea to help cruisers burn the fat and keep fit on holidays.
The Carnival Cruise Line’s health spokesperson will help guests maintain their exercise and nutrition objectives on two cruises from Sydney in April and November.
His time onboard will include offering a brand new nutrition advice seminar as well as hosting his popular Biggest Bootcamp at Sea classes.
Clients interested in sailing with Ponton can book Carnival Spirit’s 10-night cruise to New Caledonia and Vanuatu from $1149* per person twin share, departing Sydney on 15 April.
There’s also the 1-night Carnival Legend cruise to New Caledonia and Vanuatu departing Sydney on 26 November, priced from $1249* per person twin share.
Click here for six ways Carnival will steal you Spirit.
9. Lindblad’s competition winner is…
… the team at United Travel at the Mount, from Mount Maunganui, New Zealand.
The pair won the Lindblad Expeditions – National Geographic’s recent incentive for the picture above, which was captioned:
“On a stormy night deep in the heart of Mount Galapagos…. A beautiful red/yellow breasted penguin Lindy I believe ….. was discovered by Julia and Amanda surrounded by some rather interesting wildlife.”
The incentive was to celebrate the release of the 2016/17 Explorations brochure and United Travel at the Mount took home the prize of $1,000.
Highly commended entries included Alpha Travel in Claremont, WA and Helloworld Toronto, NSW.
10. In 2016, you can fly on your own
Hold onto your hats guys: A new passenger carrying drone was unveiled in Vegas last week, signaling the beginning of an exciting chapter in aviation technology.
Forget about drones fitted with Go-Pros – that’s so last year. Instead, get ready to take to the skies onboard your very own drone!
No, this is not science fiction.
