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. The reason airport retailers want your boarding pass
Travellers around the UK are holding a mini-uprising on social media after discovering they aren’t legally required to show airport retailers their boarding passes.
Thinking it was a legal requirement, travellers for years have searched through their carry on luggage to produce that single pass every time they wanted to purchase a giant Toblerone bar or discounted perfume from a gateway.
But according to The Telegraph, all that effort in finding the right documentation was merely to help airport retailers claim back tax.
2. Jennifer Aniston. The face of Emirates?
Marriage may not be the only commitment Jennifer Aniston enters this year, the Hollywood actress is reportedly working on a multi-million dollar deal to be the face of Dubai-based airline, Emirates.
The 46-year-old beauty made famous in the 90s for her portrayal of Rachel in hit sitcom Friends is allegedly set to appear in digital and television adverts for the carrier.
A senior Emirates officially is said to have told the New York Post that the campaign advertisements had already been filmed and are being prepared to be released on a global platform.
3. Qantas adds 140 flights over summer
Qantas will operate an additional 140 flights to New Zealand, Jakarta and Singapore between December and February to cater to demand over the upcoming summer holiday season.
The Flying Kangaroo will add 95 extra return services to New Zealand over the period, including 48 return services between Brisbane and Christchurch and 36 return services between Brisbane and Wellington.
Commencing 30 November until 21 February, Qantas will operate a daily service from Perth to Singapore, giving customers more choice when flying between the two cities.
4. Hilda heads for Hawaii
Parts of Hawaii are on alert as Hurricane Hilda travels toward the islands.
The hurricane, which reached a peak of category four earlier this week, is expected to lose steam as she approaches the Big Island.
According to the Central Pacific Hurricane Center, the eye of the storm is expected to reach the island tomorrow and at most will cause dangerously high surf with winds of up to 85 miles per hour, Fox News reported.
So far, flights to and from Hawaii are operating as per usual.
5. FIRST LOOK: Aqua Expeditions upgraded ships
Same ships, same designer but a completely different look – that was the objective in mind for luxury cruise operator, Aqua Expeditions, when it decided to completely refurbish its Amazon vessels.
This week, both Aqua Amazon and Aria Amazon completed the first stages of their major upgrades, which included extensive refurbishment to all public interior, exterior areas and almost half of the suites.
Looking almost like completely new vessels, Aqua’s Founder and CEO, Francesco Galli Zugaro said changes onboard were necessary to meet the ‘needs and expectations’ of the new traveller.
6. Buffalo Tours launches a new product range
Buffalo Tours has unveiled its newest product range, ‘Local Life’, which offers in-depth cultural experiences with a focus on social, environmental and cultural responsibility.
With a small group of 10 people, the Local Life product range provides travellers with the opportunity to connect with and truly discover the culture and people of Asia.
The Local Life line is also distinct in its focus on Buffalo Tours commitment to social and environmental responsibility.
By utilising small groups, alternative travel options like bicycles and public transportation and a commitment to building connections between locals and tourists, the Local Life tours help support and sustain the communities in which they operate.
Also, 20-30 percent of sales from the Local Life product line go directly back into the locals to support local businesses or work.
7. Tourism Australia throws on a cooking apron
Tourism Australia has partnered with The Precinct Studios to create a three-part television series showcasing modern Australian cuisine around the world.
‘Restaurant Australia’ follows renowned chefs, Neil Perry, Ben Shewry and Peter Gilmore as they come together to create a uniquely Australian menu, which will be tested by the world’s toughest critics including A.A. Gill, Heston Blumenthal and Alice Waters.
‘Restaurant Australia’ will start airing from this Sunday 16 August on 7TWO from 6:30pm. The show will also be aired overseas with international distribution deals currently being finalised.
8. Air China turns to Travelport
Air China has entered a new agreement to use Travelport’s Airline Insight business intelligence and reporting solution.
The program gives Air China access to advanced and intuitive analytical tools that assist in strategic planning decisions.
It allows teams in Agency Sales, Revenue Management and Network Planning to quickly and effectively maximise the value that can be extracted from such a comprehensive set of industry data.
Air China’s Director Business Analysis Capacity Center, Fang Huang, said the airline was impressed by the solution’s versatility and data accuracy.
“The dedicated account manager provided by Travelport also completes the high level of efficiency, reliability and service that we would need from our business intelligence partner.”
Fang Huang, Air China Director Business Analysis Capacity Center
9. P&O brings 20s glam to Newcastle
P&O’s NSW took the glitz and glamour of the Gatsby era to the Hunter Travel Group’s special cruise expo last weekend to discuss fleet newcomers Pacific Aria and Pacific Eden.
New South Wales Business Development Managers Angus Mackay and Jess O’Brien (pictured) said the brand was exposed to thousands of potential cruisers on the day.
To complete the Gatsby theme, Angus and Jess had a Moet cooler on hand with a bottle of ‘almost Moet’ champagne.
10. TravelManagers experience the ‘North’ in the West
A group of consultants from TravelManagers were reminded of the diverse holidays experiences in Australia during famil in Australia’s North West.
TravelManagers’ Victoria based personal travel managers Karen Doyle, representative for South Yarra, Katy Hurd, representative for Mount Eliza and Penny Meallin representative for Monbulk, together with Peter Carmichael, representative for Merewether in New South Wales were invited to take part in a famil trip hosted by Australia’s North West Tourism.
