We’ve done all the hard work, so you don’t have to! Read on for our top ten travel industry news stories of the day we think you need to know.
1. Is this airline the best in 2014?
Air New Zealand has been named AirlineRatings.com’s ‘Airline of the Year’ for the second consecutive year for its ‘innovations, financial performance, safety and staff motivation’.
Describing the Kiwi carrier as a ‘trendsetter’, the airline rating website praised Air New Zealand’s commitment to maintaining a young fleet. The oldest average age of aircraft in the fleet is the Boeing 767-300ER at 19 years.
AirlineRatings.com also recognised the carrier’s focus on environmental safety – this includes its Environment Trust, to which passenger donations are used to support projects that enhance clean flying.
2. Singles cabins opening up at-sea
‘What’s the singles supplement?’ That’s what future generations of cruisers could be asking as more cruise lines expand their solo products with new singles cabins at sea.
Currently, most single travellers who want to book a cruise holiday need to reserve a twin share – room for two.
But because they’re using space reserved for two passengers, they’re required to pay a singles supplement, which covers the cost of the absent second cruiser.
3. Coming soon: MegaFam of US great outdoors
Image: Inga Locmele/Shutterstock
Agents will want to start selling more Hawaiian Airlines flights ex Australia, after Brand USA and Hawaiian Airlines revealed they will host the inaugural Great Outdoors MegaFam next year.
Taking place from 15- to- 24 March, the famil will split 55 agents from Australia and New Zealand into five smaller groups to spend the first six nights exploring different destinations.
The destinations will be divided into: San Diego and Los Angeles; Sacramento and San Francisco; Portland and Seattle; New York and Washington DC; and Las Vegas and the surrounding areas.
4. PNG is still desirable: tourism bureau
A Papua New Guinea representative has urged travellers to not let the recent robbery at a PNG airport change their perceptions of the destination.
Yesterday, around 30-armed criminals held up Nadzab airport, which is located 40 kilometres from Lae – the second largest city in Papua New Guinea.
The group overran the airport in the early hours when only 30 people were at the gateway for a morning flight.
Reports say the men held the airport for two hours before escaping across the runway.
5. Voyager’s X Factor ‘Party at Sea’
Last month he was spotted performing at Soulfest and supporting Mariah Carey on her tour Down Under, but now the X Factor finalist turned Australian superstar, Nathaniel Willemse is heading out to sea.
Nathaniel will perform for some 100 guests at Royal Caribbean’s ‘Facebook Party at Sea’ held onboard Voyager of the Seas on 8 December.
The 100 guests were selected out of 6,000 Royal Caribbean fans who voted for their favourite summer party song on the line’s Facebook page.
During the one-night party Nathaniel said he will perform his chart-topping hits plus Happy by Pharrel Williams.
He will also be supported by this year’s X Factor finalist, Reigan Derry.
“This is my first time performing onboard a cruise ship so the atmosphere is going to be electric. I’m looking forward to putting on a show that is as incredible as the venue.”
Nathaniel Willemse
6. Agents enjoy a Tahitian dream
Anyone else a little jealous of these ten Australian travel agents that were swept away on a famil to the Society Islands in Tahiti.
Hosted by Tahiti Tourisme and Air Tahiti Nui, the group island hopped from Tahiti to Moorea and Bora Bora.
The days were spent exploring and the evenings spent in five-star luxury at the luxurious St Regis Bora Bora Resort, Sofitel Moorea Ia Ora Beach Resort, Manava Suite Resort and Le Meriden Tahiti.
7. Etihad is looking spunky!
Travellers passing through London Heathrow Airport will get a sneak peek at Etihad’s new aircraft livery, with three large model aircrafts on display at the ‘Etihad Roundabout’ by Terminal 4.
The roundabout is home to the three models, which were briefly removed to be painted earlier this year.
Etihad’s first life-size aircraft sporting the new livery is expected to arrive later this month.
What do you think of the new livery?
8. Qantas golf club launches
Qantas Frequent Flyers can now earn points by booking golf tee times through a new online platform.
Frequent Flyers can join the Qantas Gold Club for free or subscribe to a premium membership at an annual cost of $249 for extra benefits such as access to a larger range of golf courses.
Members will earn one point per dollar spent on qantasgolfclub.com and premium members will earn three points on all eligible spend.
9. Win an adventure Swiss holiday for two
Hikes, leisurely walks, extreme sports and adrenaline activities – no matter your fitness level, you’ll love a Swiss outdoor holiday.
That’s the message Switzerland Tourism and outdoor retailer, Mountain Designs are promoting in a new marketing campaign targeting adventure seekers around Australia.
Running in December, the joint campaign will be promoted within Mountain Design’s 45 stores across Australia, through social media and via the Mountain Designs loyalty program.
Additionally, the two companies are giving travellers the chance to win a holiday to Switzerland valued at over $12,000.
The prize includes two return economy flights to Switzerland, an eight-day Swiss Travel Pass for two, a six-day ‘Geneva & Lucerne with Mont Blanc’ tour for two and a $1,000 voucher to spend in-store at Mountain Designs.
Travellers can enter via the Mountain Designs website: mountaindesigns.com/Switzerland-competition. Entries close 24 December 2014.
10. Branson’s Virgin Cruises receives funding
Sir Richard Branson’s leap from airline to cruising is moving along, with reports that a Singaporean is set to back the initiative.
According to Sky News, the Government Investment Corporation of Singapore will join Bain Capital as a founding shareholder of Virgin Cruises.
A Middle Eastern group and other high-net worth individuals are also said to be investing in the line.
Details of Virgin Cruises have remained sketchy since Sir Richard announced the project in March this year.
He told a German newspaper he was in talks with European shipyards to construct new ships. The first vessel is expected to launch out of Miami in 2019.