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. Flying has never been safer: IATA
Amidst recent tragedies, the global aviation leader has come out and defended the industry, with claims that flying has never been safer.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) Director General, Tony Tyler, said at the group’s 71st annual meeting, that travelling by plane is safer, despite recent disasters.
The announcement comes after MH370 disappearance last year and MH17’s fatal crash over Ukraine.
2. Naked tourists blamed for Malaysia quake
Two Canadians are being blamed for causing the 6.0 magnitude quake in Malaysia last week, after they exposed themselves to the sacred Mount Kinabalu.
The earthquake shook the country’s highest peak on Friday morning, sending rocks and boulders on tourists and hikers.
So far, there have been 13 confirmed deaths, while six more are still missing.
3. New codeshare offers ‘greater’ NZ & India access
Air New Zealand and Air India have entered a new agreement to provide greater air access between New Zealand and India.
The codeshare agreement was signed today and will see Air New Zealand place its code on several Indian cities over multiple gateways.
In turn, Air India will also be able to access the New Zealand market on Air New Zealand services, including over the Tasman, connecting its current Sydney and Melbourne services.
4. Trade gets first dibs at Oman competition
Trade partners are being offered a first shot at winning a trip to Oman as part of a new major promotion.
Unveiled today, the competition was launched alongside the new ‘Open Doors to the Secrets of Oman’ promotion and will reward one person with a seven-night trip to Oman.
As an expression of gratitude to the trade, Sultanate of Oman Tourism Australia & New Zealand is opening the opportunity up to its industry partners first.
5. What’s the ‘fathom’ difference?
Carnival Corporation is taking voluntourism in cruising to the next level, with the launch of a new brand ‘fathom’ that focuses on offering ‘social impact’ itineraries.
Unveiled today, the cruise giant – also parent company to Carnival Cruise Lines, P&O Cruises and Seabourn – said its tenth cruise line feeds into travellers’ ‘real hunger’ to bring more social responsibility to their holidays.
The concept of voluntourism isn’t completely new to cruising, with cruise lines such as Crystal Cruises already running a specialised cruise program that takes their guests to more than 50-in-need communities around the world.
6. Scenic grows in ‘hugely popular’ North America
Scenic has expanded its 2016 Canada, Alaska & USA program after continued sales success in the North America region.
Unveiled today, the new brochure features seven new itineraries, two new extensions and a number of new Enrich events and Freechoice activities.
According to the recently re-branded company’s GM Product Development Aleisha Fittler, additional content comes as the region proves to be ‘hugely popular’ amongst Scenic clients.
7. NZ MEETINGS in the spotlight
Following days of pre-famils, industry professionals are ready to learn all about New Zealand’s MICE sector at CINZ MEETINGS 2015.
Officially kicking off tomorrow in Auckland, the two-day business event will put New Zealand’s high-value industry under the spotlight.
This year, the event will showcase 18 regions and 190 exhibitors to over 600 conference, event and incentive organisers at ASB Showgrounds.
8. MTA members get ‘board’ at Tangalooma
MTA – Mobile Travel Agents – were given the chance to experience the best of their backyard, on a recent famil at Queensland’s Tangalooma Island Resort.
The short stay was packed with a number of adventures, including quad bike riding and hand-feeding dolphins.
They also got down and dirty board tobogganing down Tangalooma’s famous sand dunes.
In the image above [L-R]: Shayne Tiplady, Dillah Shahab, Katrina Casey, Tracey McManus, MTA BDM QLD/NT/SA Sally Gorringe, MTA head office support Chantelle Dalla Vecchia, Sonia Jones, Michelle Johnston and Rhiannon Dunkley.
9. A ‘Mossy’ plane exit
Things got a little bit ‘mossy’ on an easyJet flight last week, when English model, Kate Moss, was escorted off an aircraft for alleged ‘disruptive behaviour’.
Moss was returning from Turkey to London with the budget carrier, when the incident occurred.
According to the Daily Mail, which spoke to a fellow passenger, the model was refused alcohol on the plane, but poured herself vodka from her cabin luggage.
This was followed by alleged ‘disruptive behaviour, which saw the pilot phone ahead to the airport and ask officers to meet the flight.
She was then escorted off, with no arrests made.
The Daily Mail said as police led her off the aircraft she was a little drunk and was apparently heard calling the pilot a ‘basic bitch’.
10 reasons to book a ski getaway in NSW
Snow season is officially here, as resorts in NSW’s Snowy Mountains and New Zealand’s Queenstown welcome the first drizzle of white powder.
For the southern New Zealand destination, the season started a little earlier than usual, with Kiwis finding themselves knee-deep in snow late last month.
For the Snowy Mountains the season kicked off over the weekend, as the first ski runs and resorts open their doors to ski lovers.
