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. Greece’s banks could be closed for a month
It’s already been over two weeks since Greece’s banks shut their doors and they could stay shut for up to four more, according to the country’s PM.
Prime Minister, Alexis Tsipras said during a press conference this morning that the reopening of banks won’t happen until a bailout with Eurozone leaders is finalised – a process, which could take up to a month to complete.
“The reopening of the banks depends on the sanctioning of the deal, which will take place in a month.”
Alexis Tsipras, Greece Prime Minister
Greece’s banks closed earlier this month in a bid to prevent a ‘bank run that could lead to the collapse of the country’s banking system’, Press TV reported.
After a 17-hour long summit in Brussels this week, the country finally agreed to passing of reforms on tax and pensions in exchange for a third bailout of around US$96 billion.
As the bailout is implemented, the Australian the government continues to urge Aussie travellers to ensure they’re taking sufficient amounts of cash in various denominations to cover emergencies and unexpected delays.
The latest Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) advises that some banking services including credit card process and ATMs throughout Greece are operating, however at limited capacity.
Foreign credit/debit cards are still generally being accepted and daily ATM withdrawal limits do not apply to most foreign debit/credit cards.
2. Watch out Qantas & JAL
Qantas and Japan Airlines may have a little more competition on flights between Australia and Japan, if rumours of ANA’s return to Sydney are true.
According to media reports, the All Nippon Airways (ANA) is poised to announce the re-launch of flights on the Sydney and Tokyo route this week.
It would be the airline’s first time flying on the route in over 16 years.
3. Flying is about to get AWKWARD
Outgoes economy class and in comes ‘sardine class’.
If flying in economy wasn’t bad enough, a company has created a new type of seating plane, which sees travellers facing each other during the entire duration of the flight.
Zodiac Seat France unveiled the new seat configuration late last week naming it ‘Economy Class Cabin Hexagon’.
4. New Zealand gets its first Adina
TFE Hotels has announced its newest New Zealand property will be an Adina – the group’s first Adina in the country.
Adina Apartment Hotel Auckland, Britomart will open mid-October 2015, with 128 stylish and modern apartments.
Contemporary in design; the rooms will be appointed with fully-equipped kitchens, comfortable living space and laundries, with a real focus on comfort and lifestyle, including an on-site gym and undercover parking.
The hotel will also operate a lobby bar and café, offering a range of locally sourced food and wine where guests can dine, relax and feel at home.
Meeting facilities will include two conference rooms, one catering to 45 people theatre style and the other a boardroom for 12, providing guests with complimentary WiFi and custom food and drink selections.
5. Aircalin’s ‘7-day Flash Sale’
Aircalin has released its lowest airfares ever, with a seven-day “Flash Sale” to Australia’s closest Pacific neighbour, New Caledonia.
The offer includes 35 percent regular year round fares.
This discounted fare is booked in W-class and is effective for sales and ticketing from 16 July to 22 July 2015 only . Maximum stay is five days in New Caledonia and travel must be completed by 15 August 2015.
Airfare prices are RETURN GROSS and include all taxes start from $499 return from Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne to Noumea.
6. Need help speaking de langue française?
Need a little help speaking the language of love?
This new mobile app has you covered.
‘Yes I speak touriste’ has launched to help travellers not only speak the native tongue but find areas around the French capital, Paris.
The app features maps that show locations to various restaurants and hotels and is available in various languages.
It is available free of charge for Android and iOS phones.
7. A new Princess is in the works
Princess Cruises marked the start of construction on its new yet-to-be-named vessel with a traditional Chinese lion dance at the official keel laying ceremony.
The ship, which is being constructed at the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy, will be the first Princess vessel to be customised for the Chinese market.
Expected to debut in 2017, she will carry 3,600 passengers and offer a number of special features already available on Royal Princess and Regal Princess.
8. A Turkish Delight for PTMs
Eight Personal Travel Managers were taken on an exclusive 10-day famil to Turkey to discover the country’s well-known and less visited icons.
Escorted by On the Go Tours and Kellie Browning from TravelManagers’ National Partnership Office, the group visited Istanbul, Gallipoli, Troy, Ephesus and much more.
Maria Pandalai, representative for Townsville, Queensland, was one of those selected to take part.
As a first-time visitor to Turkey, she says the famil has boosted her confidence in selling the destination to her clients.
“Turkey was amazing! To actually see the monuments of Istanbul, such as the Blue Mosque and Grand Bazaar: the magnificence of these attractions can now be relayed to my clients in graphic detail.”
9. Sunshine Coast prepares for cruise wave
The Sunshine Coast tourism bureau said travellers visiting Mooloolaba this Saturday on P&O’s Pacific Jewel will receive a ‘signature welcome’.
The vessel will be the first of four ships to make stopovers at the destination this year, bringing some 1,800 passengers on each ship.
Sunshine Coast Acting Mayor Cr Chris Thompson said passengers will be welcomed with ‘open arms’.
In addition to seeing the destination, they’ll also have a chance to take their photo with signature surfboard iconic to the Sunshine State.
10. The Tinder of the skies arrives
This is bound to make people a little more social (and a little naughty) at 32,000 feet.
A new smart-phone all has launched, which markets itself as a means of keeping travelling connected while flying.
Named ‘MileHi’, founder Richard Lloyd says it allows travellers to ‘connect, message and fly’.
Although he didn’t rule out that it could lead to more amorous encounters, he insists it is not the prime purpose.
“This is a business tool aimed at making life easier for those wanting to share a cab perhaps into a city or find out who on the flight is going to the same conference as you,” he said.
“But I’m sure there will be some who find it perfect for networking in a social way, all with the best intentions of course. MileHi by name but very much saying hi by nature.”
