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. Industry raises funds for Ecuador
Did you know that one tourist travelling to Ecuador helps feed seven families for 15 days?
We didn’t, but according to Chimu Adventures, this figure emphasises the importance of tourism to the destination and the livelihood of its citizens.
That’s why despite the recent 7.8-magnitude earthquake, Chimu is urging the industry to look beyond the heartbreaking images and instead promote the destination to clients for travel in 2016.
2. Victory for Vanuatu as Virgin considers resuming services
Virgin Australia seems to be feeling a little more confident about flying into Vanuatu and could resume services to the destination by next month.
The carrier along with Air New Zealand suspended operations to the island nation in January this year, citing safety concerns over the condition of Bauerfield International Airport’s international runway.
According to reports, the runway had experienced damage during Tropical Cyclone Pam, which required urgent “resurfacing and repair”.
3. CTM expands US footprint
Corporate Travel Management (CTM) has expanded its footprint on the east coast of America, with the acquisition of Boston-based business, Travizon Travel.
The new purchase gives CTM a network in over 20 cities within the US.
The company’s Managing Director, Jamie Pherous said the 40-year-old company meets CTM’s “strict acquisition criteria” and he sees it as a key part of the Northern American business.
“Travizon has an excellent reputation and track record of looking after multi-regional clients, which can only enhance our expertise and offering in this market.”
Jamie Pherous, CTM Managing Director
4. Contiki takes 20 Aussies to Japan
After months of hustling and booking those Contiki trips, 20 agents have been informed that they’ll be heading to Fuji Rock in Japan on the ROCK Around the World incentive.
Agents had over six months from when the incentive was launched to sell as many Contiki holidays as they could to score a seat on the trip.
Departing in July, top selling agents (including one wildcard winner) from around Australia will join 25 other top sellers from around the world in Japan to experience Fuji Rock and some of Contiki’s popular Japan Unrivalled itinerary.
“After 14 years running ROCK Around the World, at Contiki we’re always challenging ourselves to make the next bigger and better.”
Katrina Barry, Contiki Holidays Managing Director
“I certainly think we’ve achieved that with Fuji Rock.”
5. Sydney Airport removes UberX ban
Good news for travellers, not-so-great news for taxis.
Sydney Airport officials are reportedly lifting the ban on UberX drivers from picking up passengers from the T2 and T3 terminals.
According to reports, the gateway is looking at setting up a dedicated area for the ride-sharing service as well as other “booked service operators” such as limousines and pre-booked taxis.
6. SilverNeedle opens a new hotel in Perth
SilverNeedle Group is set to expand, with the opening of a new Sage Hotel in West Perth next month.
The $35 million development will be located at the 1902 historical Walsh Family residence, a landmark heritage-listed building sitting on the corner of Ventnor Avenue and Hay Street.
While working with the original features of the property, SilverNeedle will construct 101 new guests and multiple meeting spaces. The hotel will also offer 24-hour room service and high speed wi-fi in public areas and guest rooms.
7. A royal to bless Holland America’s newest ship
Her Majesty Queen Máxima of the Netherlands has agreed to break a bottle of champagne over Holland America’s, ms Kongingsdam, as the godmother of the new Pinnacle-class vessel.
Announced this week, she will be the twelfth member of the Dutch Royal Family to christen one of the line’s ships.
The official ceremony will take play in Rotterdam on 20 May this year during a special 13-day Christening Cruise departing Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy.
8. Scandinavian Airlines signs up for Amadeus Fare Families
The Stockholm-based airline is making it easier for agents to upsell its product by signing up for Amadeus’ Fare Families.
Implemented this month, the system allows consultants to select the ancillaries they want with full fare transparency and in just one click.
Amadeus said travel agents will find that Amadeus Fare Families will improve their ability to customise their offers and to identify upselling opportunities. Travel managers will also have access to the fares via Amadeus’ corporate booking tools.
9. The Legend sails away
Carnival Legend‘s crew said their farewells to Sydney Harbour this week as the ship sailed out for Hawaii following an extended summer season in Australia.
Over the six-month wave period, the ship carried move than 50,000 Australians on 20 roundtrips from Sydney.
But don’t worry, she’ll be back in October this year to kick off her third summer in Australia alongside Carnival Spirit.
10. Sunshine Coast plays backdrop to The Bachelor New Zealand
The Australian Bachelorette found love in New Zealand, now it’s time for The Kiwi Bachelor to meet his match in Australia.
Three episodes of the series’ newest season were filmed exclusively in the Sunshine Coast, exposing the destination’s many attractions and romantic appeal to a large New Zealand audience.
Episodes featured a group date with the Jordan Mauger and all the bachelorettes at Australia Zoo and also a single date with the bachelor and one lucky contestant starting in Caloundra’s Golden Beach and Kings Beach before heading inland to the Sunshine Coast Hinterland. The bachelor and bachelorettes enjoyed a garden party and rose ceremony amongst the picturesque grounds of Maleny Botanical Gardens and Birdworld.
