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. Sydney Airport chases ‘world class’ status
Sydney Airport has reached a new agreement with the representative body for international airlines to improve the welcoming and departing experience for overseas visitors.
The agreement was signed today with the Board of Airline Representatives Australia (BARA), which represent the large majority of airlines operating out of the airport.
Commencing 1 July 2015, the five-year agreement will see Sydney Airport work closely with BARA’s members to deliver a ‘world class passenger experience’.
2. Is this the next ‘hot spot’ in the South Pacific
‘To be honest I don’t know much about it’, ‘It’s somewhere in the South Pacific’, ‘Is it similar to the other islands in the region?’
If you had asked an Aussie agent two weeks ago what they knew about Samoa, you’d probably have received responses similar to the above.
But after last week’s Samoa Tourism Roadshows not only has knowledge about the destination become a little more widespread, the overall perception of the destination has changed to ‘I need to visit’.
3. Kenya visa applications go online
Travelling to less explored destinations is getting easier for Australian travellers, as Kenya becomes the latest up and coming country to roll out evisas.
Introduced by the Kenyan National Government Department of Immigration Services, the service will be available from tomorrow to Aussies planning a trip to the African nation.
Travellers applying online will need to fill out the application form and provide a passport-sized photo.
4. Oaks books more from ‘holidaying at home’
The soft Aussie dollar and the desire to experience our ‘cool country’ is driving up Oaks Hotels & Resorts’ business, according to the group’s latest figures.
During the first six months of the year, Oaks says it outperformed its key competitors in the local market with assets exceeding $300 million.
Total revenue between January and June reached $280 million, with the company earning some 10 percent more in room revenue compared to the same period last year.
5. Japan seeks DMC for upcoming famil
JNTO is seeking applications from DMCs to organise an upcoming famil for Professional Congress Organisers (PCOs).
Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) Sydney Office is requesting proposals from DMCs who have potential clients based in Australia and New Zealand considering Japan for incentives or corporate meetings.
The proposal period will be from 29 June 2015 – 24 July 2015 and further details can be found on the JNTO website under ‘Updates from JNTO’. Click here
Otherwise, click here for four new reasons to send your clients to Japan.
6. ‘Africa is the new Asia’: Per AQUUM
Last night Mark Thomson, Director of Public Relations and Communications at Minor Hotel Group together with Nick Downing, Vice President of Per AQUUM invited media to an evening event at Nel Restaurant in Sydney to present the Minor Hotel Group’s expansion.
Part of the expansion is the Hotel Group’s expansion in Africa.
“We have moved into all major markets and we see Africa as the new Asia.”
Mark Thomson, Director or Public Relations and Communications
Mr Downing also revealed a planned re-fresh of Per AQUUM’s iconic Maldives property – Huvafen Fushi, that will take place later this year.
7. New shorter river cruises in France
Clients will be able to squeeze a French river cruise into their next European getaway as APT adds more shorter itineraries in 2016.
As part of the cruise line’s first-ever dedicated France River Cruising brochure, the company is offering a variety of seven-night French river cruises including Bordeaux, Rhine, Rhône and Seine
The brochure also features new ‘special events cruises’, which are being introduced in France next year.
8. Etihad selects 787 tech team
Provider of technical services for airlines, SR Technics, has been selected to provide Integrated Component Services for Etihad Airways’ new Boeing 787 fleet.
The agreement, worth over US$150 million, will see SR Technics provide Etihad with component maintenance support for what is set to be one of the largest Boeing 787 fleets in the world, with 71 aircraft in operation by 2023.
The agreement will cover the maintenance, repair and overhaul of Etihad Airways’ core Boeing 787 components, providing access to SR Technics’ main component pool distribution centre as well as its logistical, technical, engineering expertise and support.
“We were confident that SR Technics is the quality provider that best meets the needs of our Boeing 787 fleet on a global scale.”
James Hogan, Etihad President & CEO
Etihad is also in advanced discussions with SR Technics on further Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) contracts.
9. Protecting Aussie wildlife from your smartphone
Emirates Airlines and Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley are supporting the survival of Australia’s iconic wombat population by financing new technology designed to keep track of their location and health.
A new website and app ‘WomSAT’ lets users report wombat sighting and record the animal’s health.
This information is then uploaded to a national map, which will help identify wombats under threat from a parasitic mite causing Sarcoptic Mange and associated skin infections that are threatening their survival.
The website also allows users to log the location of wombat sightings as they happen and provides detailed information on the symptoms to look out for.
10. It’s official, no more selfie sticks near Mickey Mouse
Oh, you want to take a photo with Mickey Mouse using the selfie stick? Well you can’t. Disney has officially banned the lengthy photo-taking gadget from its parks.
To be honest we think it is a very smart move.
The company has confirmed to BBC News that the gadgets, which were formerly prohibited on rides, are now completely banned from all its theme parks.
