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. Marriott acquires Starwood
In breaking news, Marriott International have announced the acquisition of Starwood Hotels & Resorts worldwide.
The merger will expand the company’s portfolio to over 5,500 hotels in over 100 countries.
According to J.W. Marriott, Jr. of Marriott International, welcoming Starwood into the Marriott family is a boost for the brand.
2. Flight Centre enters Malaysian market
Leading Australian travel company, Flight Centre, recently acquired a 40 percent stake in a small Kuala Lumpur-based travel management company called Worldwide Aviation Services.
The newly acquired business, which generates around $250,000 in annual revenue and employs six people, will become part of the wider FCm Travel Solutions network. It will also work closely with the company’s operations in Singapore.
3. United opens new swanky club lounges
As part of a $100 million investment, United Airlines is set to unveil new United Club lounges in both Atlanta and San Fransisco.
The airline is determined to transform the lounge experience for its guests, building lounges that feature modern designs with stunning panoramic views of the airfield, comfortable seating to work or relax, fresh and healthy food choices, complimentary beverages and plenty of power outlets throughout – in other words, just about everything the travelling public needs to stay well and truly comfortable.
4. P&O Cruises’ Pacific Eden departs on maiden voyage
After spending the weekend in Fremantle, Australia’s newest cruise ship, P&O Cruises’ Pacific Eden, is now underway on its maiden voyage to Sydney.
Heralded as a game changer for the Australian cruise industry, the 55,820-tonne Pacific Eden boasts a stunning design, which reflects the contemporary style of modern Australia. The ship’s features include 15 dining options, luxe new bars, a resort-style pool deck, a child-free Oasis with private cabanas, a plush private dining room and some of the most spacious rooms across the fleet.
5. AVANI’s new residences in Queensland
AVANI Hotels & Resorts, part of the Minor Hotel Group, are set to begin construction of a new $150 million residences development on Queensland’s Gold Coast.
The new 219-key AVANI Broadbeach Residences, scheduled to open in 2017, will be located right in the heart of Broadbeach’s lifestyle and entertainment precincts, including Queensland’s largest shopping centre Pacific Fair and the iconic Jupiters Casino.
The multi-million dollar development will include a tropical landscaped podium terrace, resident’s lounge, meeting space, and al fresco bar and restaurant.
6. Virgin Atlantic’s new Upper Class experience
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=17gXnTkTWvU
Flying has never been so lavish, thanks to a range of new services and outstanding enhancements onboard the Virgin Atlantic 787-9 Dreamliner fleet.
The fleet will feature one of the longest fully-flat beds of any carrier, a stylish walk-up bar, and a four-course restaurant style menu serving an incredible selection of French wines.
Continuing to push the boundaries in comfort and luxury, the airline’s new Upper Class service also grants passengers three pieces of baggage at 32kg each, and exclusive access to the drive-through check-in at London Heathrow (via our Upper Class Wing) and award winning Club House lounges around the world.
7. Fiji Airways schedule change for Sydney to Suva service
Fiji’s national airline, Fiji Airways, announced today that it will be making adjustments to its direct services between Sydney and the Fijian capital, Suva.
Flights departing Sydney will be advanced by two and a half hours from 27 November this year, with further schedule and frequency changes coming early next year. The airline will also be decreasing frequency between Suva and Sydney for February and March 2016. The Suva-Sydney and Sydney-Suva flights will operate on Fridays only.
According to Andre Viljoen, Fiji Airways Managing Director and CEO, the new changes are necessary for the record breaking airline to optimise their aircraft resources and offer more convenient connections throughout the network.
8. Celebrity Cruises Suite Class just got sweeter
Modern luxury cruise brand Celebrity Cruises are upgrading their Suite Class services and amenities to include more luxurious goodies, such as new Bulgari bath products, Perrier-Jouët champagne and Sky Suite guests access to the exclusive Michael’s Club lounge.
However, it’s the personal butler service, an exclusive restaurant, Luminae, and a private lounge featuring a dedicated concierge that stand at the centre of the luxury upgrade. These extra services and amenities are found on no other premium cruise line, making Celebrity Cruise’s Suite Class one of a kind.
The new and improved Suite Class experience is set to begin next month.
9. Rydges takes over at Wellington Airport
Rydges Hotels & Resorts, one of Australasia’s largest hotel operators, recently won a management contract for a new four star hotel to be developed at Wellington Airport, making it the forth airport hotel in the chain’s portfolio.
The new on-airport hotel will feature 134 beds and include a restaurant, bar and conference facilities.
The hotel will be built onto the northern end of the terminal. Construction is set to begin in late 2016.
10. helloworld Horsham wins Scenic’s best dressed comp
The team at helloworld Horsham have been named winners of Scenic’s “Best Dressed Agency” competition, and are now $5,000 richer for it.
Their “Suite 337” video entry, which can be viewed here, took out the top prize for its creativity and attention to detail. In the video, staff members recreated a royal panorama suite in-store for clients to experience for themselves.
According to owner/manager, Chris Buwalda, the cash prize came just in time for Christmas. No doubt they’ll have no trouble figuring out how to spend it all in the coming weeks.
The competition was launched in August to celebrate the 2016 Europe River Cruising season.
