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. Did a man hijack a plane just to see his ex-wife?
This is either incredibly stupid or weirdly romantic – we’re leaning towards the latter although we can see (not really) why some might deem this an act of love.
In case you missed it, an EgyptAir plane was hijacked yesterday by a passenger wearing what appeared to be an explosive belt.
Flight MS181 was en-route from Alexandria to Cairo when Seif Eldin Mustafa faked a suicide attack on the aircraft.
2. Australian Escapes is ‘back in business’
Australian Escapes says it’s “back in business” after entering voluntary administration earlier this month.
The online discounted travel company folded on 9 March, leaving some 15,000 holidaymakers unsure about their travel plans.
At the time of the collapse, the Southport-based company said it was “highly unlikely” members would get their money back and it wasn’t sure of the impact to travellers, The Gold Coast Bulletin reported.
3. Star Alliance experiences ‘major development’ in Australia
When it comes to air connectivity, Star Alliance’s Tim Clyde-Smith says the airline network is second to none especially in the Australian market.
Speaking to KarryOn, the Country Steering Committee Chair said the alliance has undergone “major development” in the local market over the last year, which has expanded its reach from across Australia to the rest of the world.
Among the biggest changes to the Star Alliance last year was the addition of an extra online member when All Nippon Airways resumed its Tokyo–Sydney service. This brings the alliance up to 11 online members and 12 offline – that’s 23 of the group’s 28 members represented in the country.
4. Volcanic ash disrupts Alaska services
Alaska Airlines has had to cancel flights this week after an eruption at Alaska’s Pavlof Volcano sent ash some 20,000-feet in the air.
Around 41 flights were cancelled on Monday and Tuesday affecting around 3,300 passengers.
The airline says it is monitoring the situation and will resume scheduled flights if conditions improve.
5. Agents securing more International Rail sales
International Rail says it’s experiencing a sharp increase in bookings amongst agents thanks to its new online booking processes and technology.
According to the company, 2016 European peak season sales are up 25 percent compared to the same period last year.
IR Chief Executive, Jonathan Hume, said the new system has made complex rail schedules and ticket types more agent-friendly than ever before.
“This involves new live bookings to reduce time consuming and frustrating procedures for agents with the IR booking site doing all the hard work.”
Jonathan Hume, IR Chief Executive
6. APT adds departures to Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre
APT has reported unprecedented demand amongst those keen to experience the spectacular natural floorshow that occurs following the flooding of Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre.
With 14 of APT’s original dates now fully sold out, the award winning travel operator has announced 18 new departure dates of its 7-day Lake Eyre & Flinders Ranges small group 4WD adventure.
Up to 130mm of rain fell in the Winton and Diamantina region recently and with more wet weather forecasted, APT is anticipating continued high levels of demand amongst guests still seeking to book its new tours to the region.
There is now availability on 18 dates between April and July 2016, ensuring plenty of opportunity to witness this rare occurrence.
Travelling aboard one of APT’s custom built 4WD drive coaches in small groups of just 20 people, guests will visit Port Augusta, Lake Eyre, Marree, William Creek, Birdsville, the Flinders Ranges, Wilpena Pound, Clare Valley and Adelaide.
The first port of call on the tour is a visit to the award-winning Wadlata Outback Centre in Port Augusta, which provides a detailed backdrop to the region. Then it’s on to Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre via Marree to see the lake in full flood.
7. REDY2Go adds private transfers + a new app
Sydney’s airport-CBD direct bus transfer operator, REDY2GO, has expanded its operation with the introduction of private car transfers.
Available from Sydney Domestic and International Airport’s T1, T2 and T3 terminals the private car transfers are easily booked at either of the company’s airport-based reservations desks or online.
Announcing the news, REDY2GO business development manager, Kevin Millard said the difference between the shared ride product and the private car transfers is that they are not limited to the Sydney CBD/North Sydney and can be booked at any time, irrespective of location
All pricing for both transport options is available via the REDY2GO website or via the company’s newly launched app.
According to the company, the new app has made the booking process even easier with the release of a new smartphone app.
8. Hong Kong Airlines hosts trade in Brisbane & GC
Hong Kong Airlines recently hosted trade during two events in Brisbane and the Gold Coast.
The events were designed to introduce travel agents to the products and services offered by Hong Kong Airlines for the new routes to the Gold Coast and Cairns.
In addition to learning about new routes, agents were also given the chance to meet the airline’s local representatives as well as bosses from the Hong Kong Tourism Board.
9. Contiki shocks Rock Around the World wildcard winner
https://youtu.be/nuiMXoQyqUM
Contiki has made one agent’s day (and probably whole year) by awarding her the wildcard winner to attend its ROCK Around the World trip to Fuji Rock in Japan. Sarah Russell from Flight Centre Canelands will join 19 other agents who have all been vying for a top seller spot since Contiki launched the incentive in January.
In order to really surprise Sarah, Contiki revealed the exciting news via a secret agent-style mission which saw a Contiki team member go ‘undercover’ as a client looking to book Contiki’s Japan Unrivalled before revealing her true identity and that the person actually being booked on the trip, was Sarah herself.
The celebrations following the announcement included champagne, sushi and tears of joy all captured by Contiki’s undercover camera.
Following the incentive’s earlier than ever announcement in January, agents from all around Australia have raced to lock in as many bookings as possible to secure one of the 19 top seller spots, with one wildcard place also up for grabs, now nabbed by Sarah.
Contiki’s ROCK Around the World to Japan and Fuji Rock will kick off in July this year, joining a long line of legendary trips to Osheaga, Lollapalooza, Coachella, V Festival and many more in ROCK Around the World’s 14 year history.
10. Jones & Co Collection goes wine-tasting with the industry
The team at Jones & Co Collection hosted a group of Melbourne travel agents to a fun evening of wine-tasting at Get Wine Direct in Richmond.
Travel agents were also introduced to the “Collection” which comprises of a select number of premium Destination Management Companies (DMCs) and Tour Operators including CIE Tours and Barge Vacations.
The ‘Collection’ partners offer tailored services, local knowledge and access to ‘money can’t buy experiences’ giving travel agents a great point of difference.
Jones & Co Collection is passionate about connecting the travel trade through the engagement of specialists on the ground in exciting locations around the world.
