We’ve done all the hard work, so you don’t have to! Read on for our top ten travel industry news stories of the day we think you need to know.
1. Australia invites food glitterati to sample Australia’s finest
More than 80 of the world’s most influential and respected food and wine VIPs will arrive in Australia early in November to take part in a country-wide gastronomic tour and gala dinner aimed at whetting the appetite of international travellers.
The culinary who’s who – which includes food and wine writers, broadcasters, authors, critics, reviewers and bloggers as well as celebrity chefs, TV personalities and outspoken columnists from across the globe – was announced by Tourism Australia as part of its (AUD) $40 million Restaurant Australia campaign.
While the line-up thus far may sound impressive, the star of the gala, held at the Museum of Old and New Art in Hobart, will be the Blue Ridge marron – a colourful Western Australian crayfish that will be served up to the foodie elite on the evening.
Read on for more.
2. World tourism leaders to gather in Macau for the annual GTEF
Tourism experts are set to flock to the Venetian Macau for the third edition of the Global Tourism Economy Forum.
Scheduled to from 27-29 October 2014, this year’s forum, titled “Maritime Silk Road – From Macau We Begin”, will explore strategic intercontinental cooperation in tourism and business opportunities across nations.
It will also delve into the cooperation among provinces and cities along the Maritime Silk Road Route route, carrying on the same exploratory spirit of China’s predecessors who reshaped the economic landscape decades ago.
Forums such as these are crucial to the world’s tourism-oriented destinations, such as Macau, as they assist in assessing and quantifying the value of travel and tourism’s contribution to the country’s GDP and employment rates.
Read On for more.
3. Qantas unveils new level of luxury Business Suites
Qantas customers are set to enjoy a new standard of luxury on international flights to Asia, Hawaii and key domestic routes, with the airline unveiling the final design of new Business Suites to feature on its A330 fleet, to be progressively introduced from later this year.
Designed in collaboration with Marc Newson, the new Business Suite will be available on all 28 of Qantas’ A330 aircraft, offering the world’s first seats to allow customers to recline in their seat from take-off through to landing. The Suites also offer fully-flat beds and direct aisle access for every Business Class passenger in a 1-2-1 layout.
The Vantage XL seat, manufactured by Thompson Aero Seating, was developed and customised extensively by Qantas after ergonomic trials and inflight monitoring with a panel of experts and ongoing feedback from customers.
Qantas Group Chief Executive Officer, Alan Joyce said the airline was excited to unveil the Business Suite, which would redefine the inflight experience for customers travelling on more than 15 international and domestic routes.
“We believe this product will deliver the best travel experience between Australia and Asia, and probably the best domestic travel experience anywhere in the world. We can’t wait for our customers to experience it for themselves,” said Mr Joyce.
“There’s enough space to eat while continuing to work, which is something our business customers said was very important to them, and plenty of storage room to keep the range of electronic devices that people now travel with.
4. New screening measures introduced to US airports
Image Source: Mumbrella.
AMERICA will require all travellers arriving from Ebola outbreak countries to pass through one of five US airports, as enhanced screening begins.
Enhanced screening has expanded today to Washington’s Dulles, Chicago’s O’Hare, New Jersey’s Newark and Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson airports on Wednesday, USA Today reports.
Passengers arriving from Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea are already subjected to temperature checks and questions about possible exposure to Ebola at New York’s John F Kennedy airport.
The airports are expected to screen 94 per cent of the average 150 people per day arriving from the three crisis-hit countries.
The beefed-up screening measures came as US health officials issued new guidelines to promote head-to-toe protection for health workers treating Ebola patients.
5. helloworld secures soccer stars for Frontliners Conference
Image Source: Fox Sports.
Australia’s Travel Agency Group, helloworld is set to kick more goals with Australian Football super star, Harry Kewell secured as the keynote speaker for the 28-30 November Frontliners Conference in Adelaide.
helloworld’s front line staff will also benefit from the insights and life lessons of adventurer and former Young Australian of the Year, Jessica Watson as well as a full program of expert speakers, networking and workshops.
The specialised Frontliners Program, which is designed for both new and experienced consultants, will culminate with a Christmas-themed Gala Dinner and Awards night.
“We are bringing together business, sales and travel experts, along with our preferred suppliers and business partners to create an environment which engages, inspires, educates and rewards,” helloworld’s chief executive officer, Elizabeth Gaines said.
“Our consultants are our frontline ambassadors and they play a huge role in the success of our agents’ businesses so we want to acknowledge and celebrate their contribution.”
The Frontliners Conference is being held at the Convention Centre, Adelaide.
Major Conference sponsors are Qantas, SA Tourism Commission, AAT Kings, Qantas Holidays, Viva Holidays, Ready Rooms, Travel Indochina, Rail Tickets and The Cruise Team.
6. Sri Lanka introduces travel bans for foreigners travelling to the north
The state’s flag on a cliff face in Point Pedro, north Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka has introduced new rules banning foreigners from visiting a former war zone in the north of the country, unless they secure permission first, amid security concerns.
Tourists wishing to visit the region will now have to obtain prior approval, the country’s defence ministry said in a statement on Wednesday.
It added that the need for permits, which will be in place indefinitely, was in order to prevent “negative interventions”.
The defence ministry has provided no explanation as to what activities had caused the concern, but said foreigners would be required to clearly indicate the “objectives and purposes of the projects or other reasons for which they intend to travel”.
7. Park Hotel Group scores trifecta at World Travel Awards 2014
The majestic Grand Park Orchard.
Park Hotel Group has continued its winning streak, clinching three highly-acclaimed awards at the World Travel Awards Asia & Australasia Gala Ceremony 2014 which was held on 10 October in New Delhi, India. The three awards – Asia’s Leading Hotel Brand (Park Hotel Group), Asia’s Leading Luxury City Hotel (Grand Park Orchard) and Asia’s Leading Lifestyle Hotel (Park Hotel Clarke Quay), are somewhat of a double celebration after the group was honoured with Best Regional Hotel Chain at the 25th Annual TTG Travel Awards 2014 earlier this month.
“These awards cement Park Hotel Group and its group of hotels as the leading hotel brand of choice for discerning business and leisure travellers,” said Mr Allen Law, Chief Executive Officer of Park Hotel Group.
“This achievement would not have been possible without our dedicated team and their commitment to bring the Group’s service ethos and business performance to new heights; as well as the strong support from our valued customers, partners and media friends. We are honoured to be conferred these awards and we would like to extend our heartfelt appreciation to all of you who contributed to the success of Park Hotel Group.”
8. A 1000 in cred cash for FTC travellers
French Travel Connection (FTC) has released a special offer for Australian travellers booking a six Night Luxury Belmond Afloat in France canal cruise.
When booking one of the suggested Belmond Afloat in France cruise products, travellers will receive (AUD) $1,000 French Travel Connection credit per person to be packaged and used in conjunction with the Belmond Afloat in France new bookings in 2015.
“We are very happy to launch this offer as it is a great opportunity for travellers to extend their stay in France,” says French Travel Connection Product Manager Lea Granado.
“Clients can enjoy a pre or post-cruise experience in Paris or regional France, or use the credit for any of our products.”
The offer is valid for travel in 2015 and applies to cabin and charter rates.
9. International showcase opportunity for NZ tourism operators
The country’s best tourism operators are being invited to showcase their businesses at TRENZ 2015, New Zealand’s most important annual international tourism trade event.
More than 1000 delegates are expected to attend the four-day event which is being held at the Rotorua Energy Events Centre, 17-20 May. For the first time, TRENZ is being hosted by eXplore Central North Island, a collective representing eight regions – The Coromandel, Bay of Plenty, Eastland, Hawke’s Bay, Ruapehu, Lake Taupo, Rotorua and Hamilton & Waikato.
Applications for New Zealand tourism operators to attend TRENZ 2015 open on Tuesday 28 October 2014 at www.trenz.co.nz
“TRENZ is an opportunity for the country’s top tourism businesses to meet face to face with international travel and tourism buyers from around the world – the most influential people in terms of generating visitors to New Zealand,” Chris Roberts, Chief Executive of the Tourism Industry Association New Zealand said.
“We are looking forward to welcoming international buyers and media to TRENZ 2015 and think the involvement of eight central North Island regions will give next year’s event a real edge.”
10. Travelmarvel urges clients to reap benefits of early bird specials
Travelmarvel is urging travel agents to advise their clients to book now if they want to take advantage of its Earlybird Specials, including free flight deals to Europe across a range of cruises and tours.
Clients who book any Travelmarvel European River Cruise holiday of 21 days or longer, that features a 15-day European Gems cruise, before 31 October 2014 will receive free return flights, including air taxes of up to (AUD) $950 per person.
The deal represents a saving of up to (AUD) $6,400 per couple and applies to all departures between March and December 2015. Space is limited and time is running out so agents are advised to book for clients now to avoid disappointment.
Flights are with Singapore Airlines or an airline of Travelmarvel’s choosing. Terms and conditions apply and offer is subject to availability.