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. How Game of Thrones resurrected a Spanish town
Jon Snow isn’t the only thing being brought back from the dead (this isn’t confirmed, but we have hope) on Game of Thrones, a Spanish town owes its recent tourism resurrection entirely to the fantasy series.
GQ travel writer, Micky Rapkin, recently stopped by the Spanish town of Osuna, which he says was severely hit during the 2008 global economic crisis. Jobs were scarce, an entire generation of young people left for bigger cities and those left behind struggled to make ends meat.
2. Transformation underway at Mat McLachlan Battlefield Tours
Mat McLachlan Battlefield Tours (MMBT) is looking a little different these days with a new logo, website and update marketing collateral.
While most people took ANZAC Day to reflect on the past, the tour operator decided to undergo a transformative re-branding designed to refresh the company’s branding and make it easier for agents to research and sell tours.
One of the biggest changes was the removal of the Southern Cross stars on the company’s logo in favour of the commemorative poppy flower. The black and red design better reflect the heart of the business, according to Managing Director, Peter Smith.
3. italktravel aims for 100 members by 2018
italktravel is aiming high and expects to have 100 stores nationally in its network by 2018.
Mere months after celebrating the company’s big two-year anniversary, the italktravel group added three new members, bringing its total store numbers up to 35 around the country.
According to the company’s boss, the additional retail outlets put the business on track to have around 100 stores under its belt within 18 months.
4. Samoa sustains ‘minimal damage’ post-Amos
Samoa’s tourism leaders have described the weekend’s events as a ‘miracle’ when an unexpected thunder storm over blew Tropical Cyclone Amos away from the destination and out to sea.
Despite weather predictions of a strong tropical cyclone, Samoa Tourism Authority CEO, Sonja Hunter, said the nation sustained ‘minimal damage’ and business continues as usual across all properties.
Faleolo International Airport remains open, water and electricity is available to the main islands and communication systems are operational.
5. Hobart is opening up to the world
The Tourism and Transport Forum (TTF) says flights between Hobart and the Asia Pacific region could soon be a reality thanks to the recently approved 500m extension of Hobart Airport’s runway.
CEO, Margy Osmond, said the upgrade to airport infrastructure will provide better access for international services, increase tourism and boost the local economy.
According to latest tourism figures, tourism to Tasmania has increased by 20 percent to 212,000, while visitor expenditure climbed 34 percent to $351 million.
“Direct international flights into Hobart would mean that every capital city across Australia would finally have these types of services and the financial windfall that they represent to regional economies.”
Margy Osmond, TTF CEO
6. ATM delivers a virtual Nicole Kidman
Attendees at this year’s Arabian Travel Market (ATM) will be the first worldwide to see the exclusive trailer to the virtual reality film starring Etihad’s ambassador, Nicole Kidman.
The film, which is the first virtual reality film to star a Hollywood actress, features Etihad’s Airbus A380 and The Residence – the ultra luxurious and private three-room suite.
Visitors to the Etihad Airways stand at ATM will be able to enjoy the trailer using Google Cardboard technology and Samsung Gear headsets.
Etihad Airways will be represented at the UAE section of ATM, at stand number ME2310. The show runs from 25 April to 28 April.
7. Biggest ever Solomon Islands tourism mission is coming to Aus
In what represents the biggest ever Solomon Islands tourism mission to visit Australia, the Solomon Islands Visitors Bureau plus 12 local tourism representatives and Solomon Airlines will stage two major workshops in Sydney and Brisbane in May.
Venues for the workshops will be the Menzies Hotel in Sydney on 17 May and the Hilton Hotel Brisbane on 18 May.
SIVB CEO, Josefa ‘Jo’ Tuamoto said the workshops were timely given the recent release of visitor arrival statistics which show continued strong growth from the Australian market.
Mr Tuamoto advised places at both workshops are filling up fast, with registration closing on 29 April.
Click here to register for the Sydney event and click here for the Brisbane event.
8. You’re invited to get to know Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka Tourism is stepping up its promotional activities amongst local trade in order to give agents the knowledge and tools to sell the up and coming destination.
The bureau will run a series of travel industry roadshows this May in Melbourne, Brisbane and Sydney. A delegation of 50 Sri Lankan representatives will host Australian consultants, tour operators and media for dinner and networking.
The roadshows are scheduled for 17 May in Melbourne, 19 May in Brisbane and 23 May in Sydney. Proceedings begin at 5.30pm the evenings will see attendees treated to a three-course dinner at a five star hotel in each city, a networking session with suppliers and the chance to win a trip to Sri Lanka.
Click here to register.
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Stay at The Westin Denarau Island Resort & Spa, Fiji and save up to 50 percent from AU$249 (including tax) per night, including breakfast.
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10. Kakadu celebrates 30 years of Dundee
Kakadu is banking on the 30th anniversary release of the iconic movie, Crocodile Dundee, to provide a boost in tourism.
The movie, which was shot in the National Park, was an immediate success when it was released on 30 April 1986, grossing in some AU$400 million globally.
Highlighting some of Kakadu’s landscapes, it showcased the destination to an international audience and played a big role in the Park’s tourism development over the last 30 years.
Now with the big 30-year release just around the corner, Kakadu Tourism is anticipating that the focus of the film will significantly boost international and domestic tourism to Kakadu in the year ahead, with the first quarter of 2016 already seeing the best results in five years.
