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. Flight Centre launches a ‘virtual travel agent’
Flight Centre is going after the online travel market with a virtual travel agent, which has been described as the ‘quirkiest brand’ in the group.
Launching next month, the website will be called Aunt Betty and will see a 46-year-old, well travelled character cater to the online market.
According to the Sydney Morning Herald, the Aunt Betty website was designed to help the Flight Centre Travel Group take back some of its market share, which has been partially lost to sites like Webjet and Expedia over the past few years.
2. Qatar Airways pegged to launch flights to Auckland
Auckland continues to open up to the world, with reports of a new direct service from the city to the Middle East.
Qatar Airways is allegedly looking at launching two new routes this year – one that would connect its base Doha to Auckland and the other to Santiago in Chile.
If the reports are true, this would make Qatar Airlines the operator of the world’s two longest flights, with the Doha-Auckland route topping the current record holder (Qantas) by around 500 miles, the Daily Mail reported.
3. Viator confirms Sydney redundancies
Viator’s Sydney office celebrate Halloween in 2014. Image: Glassdoor
Viator has confirmed to KarryOn that a “number of positions” at the company have been made redundant as it consolidates its customer service operations.
To “ensure readiness for the future”, the company has decided to scrap its local English-language email and phone support team. Instead, all calls and customer concerns will be directed to the company’s contact center in Las Vegas.
Viator said it is too soon to determine how many of its customer service employees will be affected due to ongoing conversations and potential re-deployments.
4. Hemsworth is MIA in new Tourism Australia video
Tourism Australia launched its new marketing campaign on Australia Day with the promise that Chris Hemsworth’s gorgeous self would be selling our nation… but he doesn’t actually make an appearance in the video.
Instead, the one minute and 30 seconds TVC focuses on our country’s numerous world-class experiences, while Hemsworth fills the background with his deep and distinctive vocals.
Which actually makes sense, seeing as its meant to promote our nation and not one of our hunkiest actors.
5.Virgin Aus & Solomon Airlines continue flying to Vanuatu
Virgin Australia and Solomon Airlines have determined that the condition of Port Vila’s international runway is safe enough to continue operations.
The airlines said in separate statements that individual reviews have concluded that for the time being it is still safe enough for passengers and crew to fly safely to and from Bauerfield International Airport, Port Vila.
Their decision came after Air New Zealand suspended services to the destination and Qantas ceased its codeshare agreement with Air Vanuatu on flights from Port Vila to Brisbane and Sydney.
6. Air NZ chases new markets through STA
Air New Zealand has entered a new agreement with STA Travel that will see the youth travel company promote the carrier’s new routes to younger holidaymakers.
Cam Wallace, Air New Zealand Chief Sales and Commercial Officer, said the relationship will help the airline increase its presence in markets such as Vietnam, Singapore and Argentina, where the carrier has recently commenced operations.
Additionally, it will strengthen its business in existing markets such as New Zealand, Australia and North America.
“In addition to their expertise in the student and youth market, STA Travel’s broader customer segments provide significant opportunity for future growth and we look forward to working together in this venture.”
Cam Wallace, Air New Zealand Chief Sales and Commercial Officer
STA Travel’s Director of Global Air Product John McCoach says Air New Zealand has been a key partner of STA Travel for decades and it is delighted to strengthen the relationship further.
7. Insider Journeys launches Private options
Insider Journeys is giving travellers access to more intimate touring options as part of its new Private Travel range.
Launching in the company’s latest brochure, Private Travel gives travellers more choice by allowing them to chop and change their regional or city stays. They can also choose the style of travel they desire.
The new addition comes after research confirmed more travellers are seeking experiential travel options that don’t make them feel like tourists in foreign countries.
8. Amadeus secures low-cost platform
Amadeus has completed its US$830 million acquisition of Navitaire, giving the GDS access to up to 50 new low-cost and hybrid airlines.
As part of the acquisition, approximately 550 Navitaire employees, including the company’s senior management team, will transfer to Amadeus with immediate effect along with the company’s clients.
Amadeus’ President and CEO, Luis Maroto, said the addition of Navitaire is an important step for Amadeus in broadening its product portfolio and aviation know-how.
“The industry is increasingly complex, with different airlines serving distinctive passenger segments and an increasing cross-over between low-cost and full-service.”
Luis Maroto, Amadeus President & CEO
“The combination of the technology and expertise of Amadeus and Navitaire ensures we are better positioned to meet the needs of all our customers.”
9. Venture Holidays travels to Portland, Oregon
The tour operator has added new destinations to is 2016/17 USA brochure to meet growing demand for new itineraries in the USA.
Among the new destinations is Portland, Oregon, which is famous for its indie music, food, craft beer and tax free shopping. Venture offers a selection of hotels and touring including a 10-day, 9-night San Francisco and Oregon Coast coach tour starting in Seattle and ending in San Francisco.
Also new are tours to Charleston, which was voted a top foodie destination as well as Fort Worth where guests can see “real cowboys in action”.
To cater for the cruise market, the brochure includes Norwegian Cruise Line’s Hawaii and Alaska cruising itineraries, in the midst of what could be dubbed, ‘the great Aussie cruising boom’.
10. Final days to book a Scenic offer
Travel agents only have four days left to book their clients on a Scenic Europe river cruise and secure them a special offer.
Valid on new bookings made until 31 January 2016, travellers can pick up a business class flight to Europe from $1,995; or 50 percent off any France river cruise when booking a select cruise.
There’s also a fly free offer to South East Asia on any Indochina journey of 13 days or longer and 14 days or longer to Myanmar.
P.S. NFL returns to Hawaii
George D. Szigeti, President and CEO of the Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA), said Pro Bowl “is coming back where it belongs” after a one-year hiatus.
In a statement, he said players “cherish” coming to Hawaii and celebrating with their fellow all-stars.
“The players and their families will enjoy our aloha spirit, culture and diversity of activities,” he said.
“As always, Hawaii’s residents will welcome them with the warmth and friendliness that makes the joy of experiencing our islands so remarkably special from any other place in the world.
“This will be the 35th time that Hawaii has hosted the Pro Bowl and it never gets old for the players.
“We’re going to have an exciting week of fun and festivities and when it’s over, we’ll start the planning to make the Pro Bowl even more successful in 2017.”
