We’ve done all the hard work, so you don’t have to! Read on for our top ten travel news stories we think you need to know today.
1. Qantas saves as fuel prices dive
Major airline revamp, low fuel prices and other business efficiencies have Qantas on track to cut its debt by $1 billion by the end of this financial year.
In the airline’s investor day presentation, it revealed a $2 billion forecast in transformation benefits by 2017 and around $875 million by the end of the current financial year.
The airline expects the increase in profits to be driven by the Qantas International Transformation, which is on track to deliver $800 million in the next two years.
2. Coming soon: Spotify in the sky
Dozens of movies, TV shows, hundreds of songs, interactive games and Wi-Fi. What else could a traveller need at 35,000 feet? A Spotify playlist maybe?
Inflight entertainment has evolved so drastically over the last decade, it’s almost hard to imagine flying without access to pretty much everything you use on land.
But the shape of onboard entertainment is still changing, according to Stellar Entertainment.
3. Malaysia Airlines bounces back in Australia
Malaysia Airlines is back on its growth path in Australia according to the latest International Airline Activity report released by the Australian Government.
The full-service carrier achieved a 7.8 per cent increase in passenger numbers in February 2015, ahead of where it was in the same period in 2014.
Malaysia Airlines’ Regional Senior Vice President, PK Lee, said while there is still more work to do to continue growing in Australia, it is encouraging to see the community regaining faith in the airline as a world class operation.
4. Starwood targets Sydney’s ‘next generation’ of travellers
If you like stylish designs with a touch of fun uniqueness then apparently Starwood’s new property is made for you.
The hotel brand announced it is bringing its Aloft brand to Sydney next year to offer travellers a new ‘dynamic option’ in accommodation.
Set to open in November 2016, the hotel will be located at 302 Pitt Street, replacing the city’s Druids House building.
5. INCENTIVE: Win Azamara’s ‘Golden Ticket’
It’s like winning a day at Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory, but better.
Travel agents have the opportunity to win a prepaid debit card as part of Azamara Club Cruises’ new ‘Golden Ticket’ incentive.
Agents who book and deposit any 2015 Azamara Club Cruises sailing before 31 May 2015 will receive a $300 Visa Prepaid debit card.
The offer is valid for voyages on Azamara Quest and Azamara Journey departing between now and 31 December 2015.
6. Agents take a Scenic tour of the Rockies
Scenic took a lucky group of travel agents to the Canadian Rockies, travelling the west coast of Canada from Vancouver to Banff over eight days of all-inclusive luxury.
The tour began with an exclusive Scenic Enrich experience to view the Capilano Suspension Bridge in the early morning light, accompanied by a guided nature walk through the surrounding rainforest before enjoying a sightseeing tour of Vancouver’s highlights.
Boarding the unique Rocky Mountaineer train the group embarked on a two-day rail experience east through the Thompson and Fraser Valleys, viewing the breathtaking scenery of the Canadian Rockies through the glass dome of their luxurious GoldLeaf carriage.
7. CTM enters China agreement
Corporate Travel Management has entered an joint venture agreement with World99 Electronic Commerce to offer a solution that caters to Chinese travellers within China and abroad.
Announced this week, CTM subsidiary Westminster CTM Limited and World99 will establish 99 Westminster e-commerce Company, which will have distribution rights for CTM’s products outside of China.
According to CTM, the agreement gives World99 access to overseas markets, while creating a global market place for Chinese travellers.
Meanwhile, the company also upgraded its yearly guidance range to be above the previously estimated $46 million to $48 million.
8. WA hops onboard cruise CLIA
Tourism Western Australia has jumped onboard with Cruise Lines International Association Australasia (CLIA) as an executive partner.
The state tourism bureau is the fourth tourism body to join CLIA Australasia, following Tourism Queensland, Tourism New Zealand and Tourism NT.
The announcement comes as cruise in the state ramps up, with cruise lines including P&O and Princess sending more ships to the destination.
“Cruising is booming in Australia so it makes sense for tourism boards to work more closely with CLIA Australasia to maximise the number of cruise visitors to their shores.”
Brett Jardine, CLIA Australasia General Manager
According to Tourism Western Australia’s CEO Stephanie Buckland, cruise generated up to $116.5 million in 2013/14 with a total of 68 cruise ship visits.
9. Aussies & Kiwis open INDABA
Twas’ the night before INDABA and all through the night, Australians and Kiwis gathered in Durban for a pre-conference unite.
Hosted by Durban Tourism, Australian and New Zealand buyers, exhibitors and media joined the Sun International Miss South Africa 2015 for the welcome party at The Market Restaurant.
Liesl was thrilled to attend and support her country and people.
“I love my beautiful country, the rainbow nation. People travel to South Africa for the culture and Ubuntu, meaning love, respect and honour for your fellow man and I feel every South African carries Ubuntu.”
Liesl Laurie, Miss South Africa 2015
INDABA took place at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre, from 9 to 11 May 2015.
10. That was close!
Too close for comfort or incredible?
A documentary maker is making headlines after a close encounter with a female great white shark in South Australia.
Dave Riggs and his crew were in a boat near the Neptune Islands when the shark appeared.
According to the filmmaker, the female popped her head out of the water to inspect the boat using her mouth.
Although many would go into a state of panic, Riggs said it was an ‘incredible’ moment.
“I think it’s a perfect illustration as to why we need to preserve it; it really is the last living relic of a bygone era.”
Dave Riggs, Filmmaker
Check out the video above.
