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. Travelodge relaunches with rebranding campaign
Travelodge Hotels, one of Australia’s most established and trusted accommodation brands, has launched a brand-wide refresh this month across many of its hotels in Australia and New Zealand, changing the face of Travelodge Hotels forever.
The rebranding is an attempt to appeal to the modern smart traveller who values the essentials over the extras.
Speaking at the Travelodge Relaunch Event this morning in Sydney, Group Director of Marketing at TFE Hotels, Emma Fraser, relayed the brand’s new focus on creating a ‘Refreshingly Simple’ hotel experience for guests.
2. Aussies advised against travel to Egypt
Distressing news recently as officials claim that the recent crash of a Russian charter flight full of holiday makers over Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula was the result of a bomb.
Russian authorities have since cancelled flights to the country.
As a result of the incident, the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has urged Aussies to reconsider their need to travel to Egypt.
3. Cebu Pacific’s discounted seat sale for 2016
If your clients ever needed an excuse to travel to the Philippine archipelago, then this should just about seal the deal. Cebu Pacific, one of the Philippines’ domestic and international carriers, are offering special “Visit the Philippines Again 2016” fares for travel to the Philippines next year.
In partnership with the Philippine Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), Cebu Pacific is offering Aussie travellers the chance to explore the Philippines again, with AU$179 seats for one-way flights between Sydney and exciting island destinations such as Cebu, Boracay and Palawan – via Manila.
Travel period for the special seat sale is between 1 March 2016 to 10 December 2016, and the sale is valid from now until 30 November 2015.
4. Virgin Australia enhances short haul network
A number of enhancements to Virgin Australia’s short-haul international network was announced today.
From June 2016, Virgin Australia will begin operating three additional return services per week between Auckland and Sydney, two additional return services per week between Auckland and Melbourne, and up to four additional return services per week between Brisbane and Queenstown during the ski season. That’s an additional 75,000 seats on Trans-Tasman routes.
The airline will also begin using its Airbus A330-200 aircraft in peak travel periods (during Easter and from June to October) on services from Fiji to Brisbane and Melbourne.
5. Luxico partners with Abercrombie & Kent
A new strategic partnership between Luxico and Abercrombie & Kent will see the two businesses working together on a range of marketing, tourism and product initiatives.
As Australia’s leading luxury holiday home rental company, Luxico will have access to Abercrombie & Kent’s range of luxury escapes, safaris, family holidays, small group tours and cruises.
The new partnership is considered to be a win-win for both parties, and will help Luxico enhance their high level of service that distinguishes the company from its competition.
6. Scenic’s $100 bonus rewards points Christmas incentive
A new incentive by Scenic can see agents earning bonus rewards points on new 2016 Europe Scenic luxury Europe or France river cruise bookings.
To score $100 worth of bonus Scenic Rewards points, which can be redeemed on a catalogue of over 4,000 products and experiences – including items from David Jones and Myer, JB Hi-Fi vouchers and Apple products – agents need only book and deposit between now and 15 December 2015. The more bookings made, the more bonus points agents can earn.
Agents are advised to ensure their Scenic Rewards number is added to their Express Book profile for this incentive.
7. Registrations now open for Luxperience 2016
Due to a unprecendented number of inquires and expressions of interest, especially from first-timers, Australia’s only global luxury trade event has decided to open registrations early for this year’s event.
Luxperience, which turns five next year, connects the world’s most exclusive travel providers dealing in luxury and experiential travel with the elite travel designers from the leisure, corporate and MICE sectors.
Many missed out on attending this year’s event, and those interested in participating in Luxerperience next year are advised to book as soon as possible. Luxperience 2016 will take place on 18-21 September 2016 at Australian Technology Park, Sydney.
8. Cox & Kings wins four awards at World Travel Awards
Great news for the folks at Cox & Kings recently, who took out four awards at the annual World Travel Awards.
Winners in four separate categories, including Asia’s Leading Luxury Train – Deccan Odyssey, Asia’s Leading Luxury Tour Operator, India’s Leading Tour Operator, and India’s Leading Travel Agency, the travel company are thrilled with the prestigious awards and delighted to have their hard work recognised by the industry.
The red-carpet event was held in Hong Kong on 4 November this year, and was attended by industry leaders.
9. Star Clippers launch new brochure with Asia programme
The tall ship cruising specialists Star Clippers have launched their 2016/17 brochure with a new destination: Asia.
Offering seven night itineraries, guests can now sail with Star Clippers through the crystal clear waters in Phuket to the hustle and bustle of busy Singapore, visiting tropical islands throughout Malaysia and Thailand along the way. The new cruises are to begin in December 2016, and start from just $1995 per person including all meals and sightseeing.
Star Clippers are also offering up to 35 percent off their intimate cruises. Contact Star Clippers or your local travel agent for more information.
10. Travel Counsellors sail on South East Asia famil
A lucky bunch of Travel Counsellors from across Australia recently set sail on a luxury seven night cruise aboard Royal Caribbean’s MS Mariner of the Seas.
The cruise, which started and ended in dynamic Singapore and took in chaotic (in a good way) Bangkok and bustling Ho Chi Minh, not only gave the group the chance to explore these fascinating cities, but also gave them enough time to check out the ship’s onboard facilities. Such facilities included 10 pools and whirlpools, 17 bars, clubs and lounges, a basketball court, an ice-skating rink and even a mini-golf course.
It’s unclear whether this bunch of Travel Counsellors had more fun on, or off the ship.