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. Penny Spencer named one of Australia’s Top Female Entrepreneurs
She’s well known across the industry for employing agents, running a multi-award winning business and encouraging others to advance their careers.
She’s penned her own novel and been called upon to inspire others through public speaking.
Now, the nation has acknowledged Penny Spencer’s leadership and business skills by naming her one of Australia’s Top Female Entrepreneurs in 2016.
2. Helloworld agents feel confident with Burnes at the helm
It may only be a little over six weeks into Andrew Burnes’ reign over at helloworld, but agents say they’re feeling confident about the future under his direction.
The travel group says it has had an “overwhelmingly positive” response from over 500 agents regarding the new CEO, with many saying they’re feeling “inspired” by their new leader.
Kylie Denham from helloworld Settlement City said she admires Burnes’ informative and succinct attitude when it comes to his vision for the future, while Rosemary Thomas from helloworld Niddrie admits she’s now feeling more “inspired and confident” about what’s ahead.
3. Air New Zealand unveils new expansive Brisbane lounge
Air New Zealand has released first pictures of its new Brisbane International lounge ahead of tomorrow’s official opening.
The lounge, which has been described as significantly larger than the previous space, offers 70 percent more seating to accommodate 200 guests at a time, and has been purpose-built to offer a tailored experience.
Among the highlights of the lounge is its prime position, wrapping around the corner of the gateway’s upper level. This gives passengers a better view of Brisbane city as well as the lower terminal.
4. Canada extends eTA leniency
Canada’s government has extended the leniency period for travellers who are unaware that they need to obtain an electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) before flying to Canada.
Australians caught without the visa will be granted entry to Canada without an eTA from 15 March 2016 until the end of September 2016. This ensures Canada remains easy and stress-free throughout the popular summer season.
The eTA initiative, introduced by Citizenship and Immigration Canada, requires Australian travellers, who do not require a visa to enter Canada, to apply online at canada.ca/eTA, providing basic personal information similar to what is currently collected when they arrive in Canada.
The simple online application process, costing CA$7, is convenient and paperless, with most eTAs approved within minutes. In addition, the new eTA system means travellers to Canada can expect a faster service upon arrival at the border.
Last minute applications can be made on any device with an internet connection, including mobile phones.
The Consulate General of Canada is urging travellers to use the official website to register for an electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA), after reports of ‘scam’ websites charging up to $122 for the application.
5. Work commences on Vanuatu’s runway
Work has begun to repair the runway at Bauerfield International Airport, with the first shipment of materials arriving at the airport this week.
New Zealand company, Fulton Hogan, which was awarded the 56-day contract in February, have confirmed that repairs are on track to meet the completion deadline of 6 April 2016.
Air Vanuatu, Fiji Airways, and Aircalin are continuing all scheduled flights as normal to the airport whilst construction is in progress.
The airlines remain satisfied, after each completing independent assessments and implementing continuous maintenance and monitoring, that the condition of the runway is safe to continue jet operations.
Airlines that temporarily suspended flights last month will conduct assessments after the work is complete in April before confirming the recommencement of their flight schedules.
6. WIN tickets to My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2
Agents can go in the running to win tickets for themselves and their entire team to watch My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2 and all they have to do is download a brochure.
The competition celebrates the release of Excite Holidays’ BIG FAT Guide to the Greek Islands, which has updated information on the wholesaler’s products in the European country.
Aside from hotels, consultants can use the brochure for information on the Greek Islands and island hopping itineraries. It also features Greece social media kits, Facebook tiles and an island map.
Click here to download the guide.
7. Luxury hotel brands come to town
Over 30 luxury hotels and resorts will meet with Australian luxury travel advisors on Thursday for the Australian Virtuoso Travel Week Roadshow.
Commencing at 2.30pm on 17 March at Dockside, Cockle Bay Wharf, Darling Harbour, the event gives local agents the chance to get up-to-date information on “the most sought after luxury” properties across the world.
“Providing the world’s longest running and most prestigious international hotel and resort program, Virtuoso is ahead of the curve in understanding what today’s luxury traveller is seeking and the trends shaping our partner hotels.”
Michael Londregan, Virtuoso Asia-Pacific Managing Director
8. New Caledonia hosts amateur golfing competition
New Caledonia’s natural beauty and unique golf offerings will be on display this year, when the destination plays backdrop to the Amateur Golf World Champion finals.
Ten countries (France, Spain, Italy, Sweden, Europe, the USA, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand and Japan for the rest of the World) will compete in the competition, which is open to all amateur golf players in possession of an official handicap.
After the qualifying stages in each participating country, the Amateur Golf World Cup international final will be held from 23 to 27 May, 2016 on the prestigious Pete Dye designed Sheraton New Caledonia Deva Golf & Spa Resort.
The Amateur Golf World Cup will take place over 54 holes (first round as a scramble and two rounds in individual stableford). The results of each round will take into account the gross and net points scored per day; the winning team will be the one which scores the most points over the three rounds.
Each participating country will hold a national tournament to select its two qualifying representatives for the Amateur Golf World Cup, which will represent more than 300 tournaments worldwide and an overall involvement of about 24,000 players from across the globe.
9. Cunard hosts a special Teddy Bear’s Picnic
A group of young patients from The Westmead Children’s Hospital enjoyed a big surprise last week on Cunard’s legendary Queen Mary 2, with the ship’s crew putting on a special ‘Teddy Bear’s Picnic’ for their visitors.
Joined by the liner’s Captain Kevin Oprey and members of his crew – as well as a pirate, face painter and balloon artist – the kids were treated to a fun-packed picnic lunch to celebrate the hospital’s 2016 Bandaged Bear Appeal.
Children also enjoyed a private tour of Queen Mary 2 including a visit to the liner’s bridge and a star-gazing experience in the planetarium – the only one at sea.
The young visitors have ongoing health issues from a broad range of areas including cancer and heart conditions. The Children’s Hospital at Westmead Director of Community Relations & Marketing Gilly Paxton said the children had had the most wonderful time onboard Queen Mary 2.
10. Martin Clunes stops by Norfolk Island
Award-winning actor and broadcaster, Martin Clunes OBE, stopped by Norfolk Island with a film crew last weekend, to capture the destination’s landscapes, wildlife and people for a new project.
The new three-part documentary series for Channel 7 will explore the diverse islands around the entire coast of Australia, including Norfolk.
Filming captured the pristine wilderness and remote wildlife of the destination and gave Martin a chance to learn about real island life from some of its most fascinating characters.
Everyone they met made them feel so welcome and this made it so easy for them to get all the filming done. Martin was quite humbled as to how popular his “Doc Martin” character is on Norfolk, which was evident by the amount of autographs and selfies requested!
The screening date is planned to be towards the end of the year.
