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. Etihad’s jumbo moves in Australia
The A380 arrival in Sydney late yesterday afternoon was only the start of Etihad’s big plans for its services to and from Australia, with new direct flights from Brisbane and additional capacity to Melbourne.
The inaugural Abu Dhabi-Sydney A380 flight – EY454 – arrived in Sydney from Abu Dhabi yesterday, touching down at Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport at 5.55pm.
As well as featuring the airline’s new ‘Facets of Abu Dhabi‘ livery, the airline also brought with it first-of-its-kind commercial inflight products and luxury.
2. 10 top landmarks around the world
The Sydney Opera House, Macchu Picchu, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Center and more – the world is full of incredible landmarks that it’s almost too hard to choose a favourite.
TripAdvisor has put the tough question to its users, to compile a list of some of the top attractions around the world.
For Australian holidaymakers, nothing goes past our very own Sydney Opera House, which was voted number one in the top 10 Travellers’ Choice Landmarks in Australia.
3. Malaysia Airlines’ rough road to recovery
It’s going to be a long and rough road, with job cuts and service adjustments, but Malaysia Airlines’ CEO is promising to get the airline back on its successful feet again.
Christoph Mueller, the airline’s new Chief who is credited with transforming Ireland’s Aer Lingus into a transatlantic airline, admitted at a press conference yesterday that the airline is ‘technically bankrupt’.
This comes after the airline suffered two well-documented successive disasters – the disappearance of MH370 in March last year and MH17, which was shot down over Ukraine in July 2014.
4. Chelsea FC’s cuddly G’Day in Sydney
Sydney’s world famous Harbour was on display yesterday, as Chelsea FC Football Manager, José Mourinho and the coaching staff enjoyed a cruise aboard a luxury super yacht.
The cruise took place during a break from the team’s training in the lead up to the match with Sydney FC at ANZ Stadium on Tuesday 2 June 2015.
The English Premier League champions, Chelsea FC, arrived in Sydney over the weekend.
5. Explorer stays in Sydney a little longer
Royal Caribbean’s newest Australia vessel, Explorer of the Seas is going to spend a little extra time in Australia this coming wave season as she sails on two additional sailings.
According to Sean Treacy, Royal Caribbean’s Commercial Director Australasia, the ship has been a ‘huge hit’ amongst Australians, even before arriving for her inaugural season.
The two extra sailings are a 12 night New Zealand sailing and a grand 24-night transpacific voyage both departing in April 2016.
Explorer of the Seas commences her very first season home ported in Sydney, Australia in November 2015, when she will join Royal Caribbean’s other locally based ships, Voyager of the Seas, Radiance of the Seas and in Brisbane, Legend of the Seas.
Explorer of the Seas recently underwent a million dollar makeover as part of Royal Caribbean’s big fleet revitalisation program.
Click here to see what’s new on the vessel.
6. INCENTIVE: Win a spot on the Canada Mega famil
helloworld agents on an Air Canada famil in Vancouver.
Agents have the chance to win a spot on the Canada Mega Famil later this year, simply by becoming a Canada Specialist Agent.
Those who become specialists go into the draw to join other CSP agents from around the world on the famil.
This is also open to existing CSP Agents that have already completed the online training.
Canada’s Mega Famil departs on 9 September and will see agents separated to take part in various itineraries across the country.
To be in the running, complete the training by 30 June for a chance to win.
Click here for more information.
7. Take a self famil in Vanuatu
Hoteliers and Air Vanuatu are offering agents significantly discounted rates to Vanuatu as part of a self famil initiative.
Agents are being urged to see the recovery of the island nation for the themselves. Read on
Select hotels are offering agents and their partners two free nights’ accommodation or great discounts on their usual rates.
Coupled with Air Vanuatu’s AU$50 agent fare, a trip to Vanuatu for the travel industry is now more affordable than ever.
Click here for the full list of hotels self famil deals.
Travel agents can register and login to find detailed information on these offers on the famil page.
8. Destination Canada rebrand
Canada’s tourism bureau has received a slight name change to reflect the new vision of Canada’s government tourism body.
Hence forth, Canada Tourism Commission will be known as Destination Canada.
The announcement was made by Canada’s Honourable Maxime Bernier, Minister of State for Small Business and Tourism and Agriculture, at the Rendez-Vous Canada in Niagara Falls last week.
The new corporate identity replaces the old one effective immediately.
The re-branding exercise will clearly define Destination Canada in the international marketplace as a significant global tourist board.
The following months will see a full re-branding overhaul to Destination Canada’s corporate websites, social media handles, assets and collateral materials to reflect the new name.
The consumer brand identity, “Canada, Keep Exploring”, will remain in use as Destination Canada continues to connect with travellers through media, social and content marketing campaigns.
The transition to the new brand identity will complete by 1 November 2015.
9. Moorings’ new vessel to rev up charter industry
This November, The Moorings will debut its newest power catamaran, the Moorings 433PC, at its flagship base in the British Virgin Islands.
Every details aboard the yacht from her hull design to interior layout, was crafted with the evolving needs of today’s power charterers firmly in mind.
The stepped hull design of the 433PC provides 27 percent more interior volume than her predecessor, The Moorings 393PC.
This allows customers to enjoy superior performance and efficient fuel consumption consistent with all Moorings Power yachts.
Inside, guests will discover a spacious air-conditioned saloon, redesigned with a brand-new layout for the model range.
A well-appointed galley now sits forward with a forward-facing settee/table located aft. Oversized windows provide panoramic views, allowing guests to take in the sunset or savour the ever-changing scenery while cruising.
Below deck, the 433PC features a spacious master suite that fills the entire starboard hull with ample storage and counter space, a large double bed and a full private bathroom.
In the port side hull, two double staterooms share an additional private bath. By converting the saloon settee and drop-down table into a bed, the yacht can sleep up to eight guests.
“Whether you’re voyaging with family or friends, the 433PC is designed to let everyone share in each unforgettable moment aboard. Combined with a picturesque setting like the Caribbean, this is quite an extraordinary way to holiday at sea.”
Josie Tucci, The Moorings General Manager
10. Paris breaks tourists’ hearts
Paris is breaking tourists’ hearts by removing the padlocks that make up the infamous ‘love locks’ bridge.
The heart-breaking process began this week, when council workers started removing hundreds of thousands of locks that had been chained to the city’s bridge by loved-up couples.
Also an attraction in Nevada, Ottawa, Germany and South Korea – ‘Love Locks’ acts as a way for couples to share their passion by securing the metal lock to the bridge and throwing the key into a local river.
It has particularly been a hit in the ‘City of Love’, so much so that the padlocks have caused damage to the bridge.
Last year, a section of footbridge collapsed due to the weight of the padlocks.
Luckily, police had rushed tourists off the Pont des Arts.
Plastic panels were then placed along the railings to deter lovebirds, but their passion persisted and they’ve continued piling away.
This has lead to the government’s decision to start unlocking the locks.
Are you sad to see them go?
