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. Travellers left out of pocket after agency enters liquidation
The reliability of booking through travel agents has come under question after an agency went into liquidation, leaving holidaymakers out of pocket.
It was a surprise to travellers and to the industry last week, when Altona Meadows-owned CTS Travel was placed in the hands of Queensland liquidators.
It came after a handwritten sign was placed in the window of the retail store last week, notifying customers that the agency was simply relocating.
2. Magellan launches consumer protection solution
Magellan Travel Group is following in the footsteps of Travel Counsellors and MTA, with a new consumer and agency protection solution.
Unveiled overnight, the solution was launched in conjunction with global risk advisers, Willis Australia, to offer consumer security against supplier failure and credit card chargeback.
It follows on from the abolishment of the Travel Compensation Fund (TCF), which was phased out on 30 June last year.
3. Top 10 airline loyalty programs in the world
Airline loyalty programs are big business – they’re not only a great way for travellers to earn every time they fly, but a top scheme for airlines to entice travellers.
Over the last decade, the rewards model has completely evolved, so much so that loyal flyers can earn points in and out of the sky.
In addition to earning and using points on flights, these days loyalty members can earn points while filling up petrol or shopping at their local grocery store.
4. What did Cebu Pacific do to make such a HUGE profit?
Profits aren’t just booming over at Philippines’ leading airline Cebu Pacific, they’re skyrocketing!
According to the airline’s financial report for the first three months of the year, the airline and its subsidiary Cebgo (formerly Tigerair Philippines), generated a net income of P2.2 billion (AU$61.7 million).
That’s 13 times higher than the P164.2 million made during same period the prior year.
A huge increase!
5. Christchurch reopens doors to largest hotel
After nearly four years and millions of dollars, Christchurch’s largest hotel has reopened under a new name.
Formerly the All Seasons, the property was forced to shut its doors when the February 2011 earthquakes hit.
It was the largest hotel in the South Island when it originally opened its doors in 1987 and due to to her central city location became one of Christchurch’s leading hotels.
6. Spathis replaces Bennett at helloworld
helloworld has announced a slight change to its board of directors, as Peter Spathis steps in the replace Stephen Bennett.
Bennett, who has served on the board since 2011, announced his decision to retire from his position as non-executive director this week.
According to an ASX update, his departure comes due to ‘increased executive commitments’.
7. JW Marriott Hotels & Resorts expands in China
JW Marriott Hotels & Resorts has expanded its luxury portfolio in China with the opening of the 228-room JW Marriott Hotel Zhejiang Anji.
Situated at the heart of the Yangtze River Delta, the JW Marriott Hotel Zhejiang Anji is located a one hour drive from Hangzhou city center.
It is also a short commute from Shanghai and within close proximity to several local attractions, including Anji’s Bamboo Exposition Park and China’s first Hello Kitty theme park.
The property’s 228 guest rooms were designed with neutral tones to celebrate the property’s natural surroundings, with organic accents including carved wood screens, natural materials and soft lighting take direct inspiration from Anji’s stunning landscape, while spacious en-suite bathrooms boast rain-showers and indulgent bath amenities.
Accommodations range from the generous 45sqm Deluxe Garden Rooms to a range of luxurious suites.
Fine dining restaurant Man Ho of JW Marriott Hotel Zhejiang Anji focuses on fresh ingredients and artistic presentation, celebrating the complex flavors of Chinese cuisine.
There’s also a fully-equipped Health Club offers a range of state-of-the-art fitness equipment by Life Fitness.
Rounding off the hotel’s wellness facilities and linked via smart dressing rooms equipped with rain-showers and complementary bath amenities, is a 1.4-meter heated indoor swimming pool and jacuzzi.
8. Tourism Portfolio expands with Australian lodge
Sales and marketing representation company, Tourism Portfolio, has expanded its Australian products, with the addition of the Southern Ocean Lodge.
The award-winning, luxury property was added to the company’s portfolio this month.
Located on Kangaroo Island, it is just 15 kilometres from the shores of mainland South Australia.
9. Express Travel Group sticks with Sabre
Express Travel Group has renewed its multi-year ‘Exclusive Preferred Technology’ agreement with Sabre Pacific.
Sabre will continue to provide the agency group with access to its network of over 200,000 travel suppliers and 400 airlines.
The Express Travel Group, which comprises of the Select Travel Group, Independent Travel Group and the newly established italktravel Group has partnered with Sabre Pacific for over 10 years.
“We are committed to providing our agents with seamless, time-efficient processes which save them time and lead to productivity gains.”
Ari Magoutis, Express Travel Group Executive General Manager
“Sabre Pacific shares this vision and provides our agents the flexibility to deliver on their specific business needs through the most innovative technology and joint development opportunities.”
10. Are these the weirdest towns?
Please do let us know if you’ve heard of a place that offers something weirder than the town in Mexico that believes coca cola will rid them of darkness or a mining town where people live in underground dugouts.
The Daily Mail has compiled a list of some of the world’s weirdest towns and let’s just say – they are somewhat strange.
In the central highlands town of San Cristobal las Casas in Mexico, there is a church. It looks like you’re average place of worship, but when you go inside some ‘true sorcery’ takes place.
Hundreds of candles burn for Mayan spirits, Disney stickers plaster the walls and a cassette plays Christmas music – whatever the time of year.
Then there’s the town Thames Town in China where there are statues of Winston Churchill and Harry Potter.
Heard of a weirder town?
