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. Qantas is stronger & leaner with record profits
Over the last few months Qantas has been trying out new things, upgrading parts of the business and returning to old routes.
The carrier has become bolder with its innovation and has invested in areas that could lead to more growth.
One would say the carrier has been feeling free to spend and now the reason for this agile attitude is a little clearer.
2. Portrate departs helloworld
Helloworld has confirmed the departure of Chief Marketing Officer (CMO), Kim Portrate after a review of the company’s marketing operations.
As reported by KarryOn yesterday, Portrate departed the business on Friday.
Managing Director and CEO, Andrew Burnes, said the decision came after an assessment of the marketing team’s structure.
3. Extra flights, a new lounge & free Wi-Fi at Qantas
Qantas is celebrating its best first-half year performance in its 95-year history by introducing extra flights, opening a new lounge AND giving its local flyers free inflight Wi-Fi.
Hold on a second, that was almost too much to absorb… did the carrier say free inflight Wi-Fi?
A-mazing!
4. Travellers warned of Canada eTA scare
Canada’s tourism leaders are reminding travellers to ensure they’re using the official Consulate General of Canada website when registering for an electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA).
The reminder comes after reports of ‘scam’ websites charging up to $122 for the application.
Starting 15 March 2016, Australian citizens visiting Canada require an electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) before flying to Canada, with the online application process costing just CA$7.
The application process has been live since August 2015 and is a convenient and paperless way to get visa approval within minutes. The eTA is electronically linked to the traveller’s passport and is valid for five years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first.
5. Viking to bring its first ship to Australia
It’s good news for cruisers (if the rumours are true), because it looks like you may be getting another local ship.
Viking Ocean Cruises is said to be sending its first ship to our shores in 2018, according to Cruise Critic.
Viking Sun, which is still under construction, is booked in Sydney’s White Bay Cruise Terminal schedule to visit Sydney on 12 January 2018. There’s also a return visit on 10 February 2018.
KarryOn has contacted Viking’s local PR agency and is awaiting a response.
In the meantime, if Viking does send Viking Sun to Australia, it would add 930 beds to our fleet and would offer Aussies unique experiences such as the Nordic spa, snow room, an infinity pool, pop-up barbeques and more.
6. REX flies into regional WA
REX will commence services from Perth to Esperance and Perth to Albany this Sunday.
According to the Western Australia Regional, the carrier took over the government-regulated routes after Virgin said it was losing money on the flights.
REX will now operate 23 flights per week to Albany and 18 to Esperance for at least the next five years.
Each flight will only carry around 34 passengers and reduce ticket costs by around $20.
7. Aussies ditch slots & shops for Vegas experiences
The strong US dollar isn’t deterring Aussies from visiting places like Las Vegas but rather changing the reasons behind their holidays.
According to Natalie Schofield, Australian spokesperson for Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, Aussie numbers to the city are strong despite the exchange rate, but the one thing that has really changed are the activities they’re undertaking.
Where once they would hit the branded stores to ‘invest’ in a designer dress or some fancy shoes, they’re now using their time and money to explore the destination’s unique and healthier side.
8. Uniworld grows with more glam
In early 2017, Uniworld will introduce its new masterpiece, S.S. Joie de Vivre, sailing along France’s historic Seine River.
The new ship will reflect the French “joy of living” philosophy and their profound appreciation for food, wine, art and music. Everything from the ship’s décor and design to farm-to-table cuisine and superb local wines will be on full display for guests to enjoy.
The design team from Uniworld’s sister company, Red Carnation Hotels, will once again bring their creative talents to the S.S. Joie de Vivre, designing another ship as majestic as the destination itself. French inspired handcrafted furniture with rich fabrics, antiques, art, gilded and wrought-iron accents will blend in perfect harmony with modern-day conveniences.
The ship’s lounge will feature a collection of fine art and antiques curated from auction houses, such as Sotheby’s and Christie’s, as well as private collections. The Le Club l’Esprit comes complete with a cinema and a surrounding pool with a hydraulic floor, which can turn into a dance floor or outdoor cinema at night. Dining venues include Le Restaurant Pigalle and La Cave de Vins, a vinoteque for private dining and wine-pairing dinners.
The Joie de Vivre features two Royal Suites, eight Junior Suites, and 54 staterooms for a capacity of no more than 128 guests. Each suite will be designed with its own signature style and feature enhanced amenities and services, including butlers trained to the same exacting standard as Buckingham Palace.
Cruises include scheduled airport transfers; all gratuities on-board and onshore; port charges; all meals with unlimited beverages including local wines, craft beers, premium spirits, such as Grey Goose and Glenfiddich; daily guided shore excursions with options to personalise; in-suite butler service; concierge services; 24-hour room service; and Wi-Fi.
9. Everything travel, tourism and Tasman
All the big boys (and gal) turned up to Tourism New Zealand and Air New Zealand’s meeting last week where they the discussed industry challenges and opportunities affecting the trans-Tasman tourism market.
The event was attended by Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, John Key, along with representatives from Flight Centre, Helloworld, the Australian Federation of Travel Agents and Expedia.
Tourism New Zealand’s General Manager Australia Tony Saunders said stakeholders are indicating that New Zealand is delivering outstanding visitor experiences, which is why it remains the number one international destination for Aussies.
During the meeting, executives discussed a wide range of topics including the current economic environment, changes been seen in distribution channels and the aviation landscape.
10. British Airways refreshes its First Lounge
British Airways has made its Terminal 5 First Lounge in Changi Airport a little more comfortable and relaxing for its premium customers after an upgrade of the space.
Inside travellers can now find brand new contemporary and stylish furniture along with plush new carpets, re-sanded, waxed and polished extensive oak wooded floors, and more power outlets to charge phones, laptops and tablet computers.
Over 220 new pieces of furniture, ranging from stylish high-backed chairs, occasional tables, dining furniture and relaxing sofas have replaced the First lounge’s previous furniture. Additional power outlets have been discreetly fitted to provide even more places for customers to re-charge and power up their personal electronic devices.
As well as new and stylish, understated seating throughout, the First lounge also features ‘The Gold Bar’, which is covered in gold leaf and is lit by a Swarovski crystal chandelier.
There is also a dedicated Champagne Bar, surrounded by banquette seating, decorated with a subtle Concorde motif, serving top champagnes, including Castelnau Vintage 2004, Taittinger Brut Rose NV and Taittinger Vintage 2006.
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P.S. Gary O’Riordan departs from AFTA
After almost three years of dedicated service to AFTA and the travel industry, Gary O’Riordan has departed AFTA to pursue a new challenge in the travel and tourism sector.
“Gary has been an incredible contributor to AFTA and has overseen the development and implementation of ATAS, which now has extensive industry support,” Jayson Westbury, Chief Executive said.
“AFTA membership has grown significantly over this period as the industry have embraced the scheme and see the benefit of the national advertising campaign promoting accredited agents. It has been a pleasure to have Gary on the AFTA team and he will be missed.
“While we will not be replacing the role of General Manager in the immediate future, the team at AFTA will continue to perform the necessary tasks to continue in Gary’s foot steps to ensure that ATAS and AFTA remains successful.
“We wish Gary every success on his journey and thank him for his commitment to travel agents right across Australia,” said Westbury.
