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. Flight Centre targets youth with new acquisition
Flight Centre’s growth plans are slowly unravelling, with the company revealing plans to purchase a new US-based company that will boost its presence amongst younger travellers.
This morning, the travel group said it had offered US$28 million to completely purchase Travelonomy – the holding company of StudentUniverse.com (SU), a group of companies which target young travellers with exclusive deals, specially negotiated student fares and experiences via its websites and mobile apps. In other words, it’s the US and online version of Student Flights.
Subject to shareholder approval, Flight Centre believes the acquisition would fast track its presence in the online market as well as the student and youth sector.
2. Royal Caribbean sanitises ship following gastro wave
Royal Caribbean says it is working with health officials and thoroughly cleaning one of its vessels after passengers experienced increased levels of gastrointestinal illness on a recent cruise.
Explorer of the Seas was a on a 14-night sailing from Sydney to New Zealand when around 182 guests (a little over three percent of the 3,566 passengers onboard) started experiencing symptoms of the intestinal illness.
Royal Caribbean said in a statement that those affected by the short-lived issues successfully responded to over-the-counter medication administered by the cruise line and none of its passengers needed to be transported to a hospital upon arrival in Sydney today.
3. Air New Zealand touches down in Texas
And they’re off…
Qantas officially has new competition on flights from Oceania to America’s south as Air New Zealand commences its Auckland and Houston, Texas service.
NZ28 departed Auckland International Airport at 6:30pm last night and arrived at Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport at 7.45am New Zealand time.
4. Some flights affected by Sydney storm
Flights to and from Sydney have reportedly been grounded as heavy rain, hail and strong winds hit the city.
Severe thunderstorms struck the Harbour City today, bringing weather so strong it even lead the Bureau of Meteorology to issue a tornado warning.
While earlier in the day only domestic flights were affected, now all flights have been grounded, while all flights scheduled to land in Sydney have been diverted to airports elsewhere in Australia.
5. Asia is the place to be for Trafalgar’s travellers
More and more travellers are keen on experiencing Asia’s many cultures and sights, according to new Trafalgar figures.
The travel company says its 2016 Asia sales have increased some 50 percent year-to-date compared to the same period last year.
The best-selling Asia itinerary so far is the Splendours of Japan trip, which kicks off in January next year.
Matthew Cameron-Smith, Managing Director, Trafalgar Australia said the company has worked closely with product managers to ensure all its Asia experiences meet expectations with enriching and unforgettable journeys.
Trafalgar is currently offering 7.5 percent off on earlybird bookings made by 17 December 2016.
6. Tigerair accommodates online bookers
Tigerair Australia has entered a new arrangement with Booking.com which will allow its online customers to book air and hotel through the Tigerair website.
Effective immediately, travellers have access to Booking.com’s full range of accommodation options via the airline’s homepage,
Adam Rowe, Tigerair Australia Commercial Director, said the partnership takes the hassle out of booking travel and assists the airline to further deliver on its promise of providing customers with greater value, convenience and choice.
“What will resonate well with our customers is a best price guarantee for every accommodation booking, no reservation fees and a free cancellation policy on most bookings.”
Adam Rowe, Tigerair Australia Commercial Director
“This way our customers can be assured they are getting great value for any type of accommodation they choose.”
7. The best property for families in the South Pacific is…
… Warwick Le Lagon Resort & Spa, Vanuatu.
The property won ‘Best Family Resort 2015 in the South Pacific’ during this year’s Holiday with Kids awards, beating 10 other resorts in Vanuatu, Samoa and Cook Islands.
“This award is a major achievement and a credit to our resort and team.”
Mathew Clowes, Warwick Le Lagon Resort & Spa GM
“It’s a true testament of their hard work and passion to deliver the best holiday experiences for our guests and we thank the voters for their support.”
8. Magellan gals go to Travel League
It’s the Christmas party of all parties and these five ladies were on hand celebrating with industry friends.
Shout out to Denise Dodd from Magellan for sharing this great pic of the ladies who from L-R are: Marnie Turner, Catherine Stone, from Rheom Travel Alison Lee Complete Travel; Simone Kaye from Worldwide Travel; and Fiona Caffery Travel Sense.
The Magellan Group has a lot to celebrate this holiday season including a huge $8.8 million business profit – the company’s highest ever earnings. Click here to read more.
9. Exploring Europe with APT
A group of lucky travel agents set sail through Central Europe as they sampled part of APT’s popular Magnificent Europe luxury river cruise itinerary.
Sailing aboard MS AmaVenita, the group travelled from Nuremberg to Amsterdam while exploring Europe’s oldest cellars in Kitzingen; taking a chocolate-themed tour in Cologne; and visiting the 14th century Namedy Castle.
Agents also sampled APT’s all-inclusive lifestyle onboard their luxury river cruise ship; dined at the Chef’s Table Restaurant, enjoyed complimentary beverages and relaxing in their Twin Balcony suites, all of which featured butler services and complimentary Wi-Fi.
10. Flights to the US from $775
American Airlines has extended its launch fare in the market with flights between Sydney and Los Angeles selling from just $775 plus taxes on the brand new flagship 777-300ER aircraft.
The offer is valid on services departing from 12 January 2016 to 31 March 2016 with ticketing required to be complete by 31 December 2015.
Customers will enjoy personal in-seat entertainment, Wi-Fi, AC power outlets and USB ports while agents will love the SEVEN PERCENT commission.
