Airlines/Airports.
Virgin Australia has launched Double Rewards for Virgin Australia Business Flyers
For a limited time, Virgin Australia Business Flyers can receive double the Velocity Points for their business, as well as double the Velocity Frequent Flyer Points and Status Credits for their business traveler’s individual Velocity account. This promotion applies to eligible domestic flights booked and flown between 6 June – 31 July 2022. Sign up to Virgin Business Flyer now and book your flights through the CTM portal.
USA discontinues pre-departure testing requirements for international travelers
As of June 12, international travelers flying to the USA will no longer be required to produce a negative pre-departure COVID-19 test before boarding their flight. Foreign nationals are still required to be fully vaccinated to enter the country, with limited exceptions. Contact your dedicated CTM consultant for travel booking advice prior to departure.
Virgin Australia and United Airlines Partnership is now in effect
The partnership between Virgin Australia and United Airlines is now in effect, providing Virgin Australia customers with more options for travel between Australia and the United States. Flights from Sydney to LAX and San Francisco have returned, along with flights from Melbourne to San Francisco.
United Airlines announces non-stop SFO to BNE services from October
United Airlines has announced year-round, nonstop service between San Francisco and Brisbane, beginning October 28, 2022. The airline’s new Brisbane service will operate three times weekly on a 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft which features 48 lie-flat, United Polaris® business class seats and 21 United Premium Plus® seats.
Air New Zealand appoints Chief Sustainability Officer
Air New Zealand has appointed Kiri Hannifin as Chief Sustainability Officer, in a newly created executive position recognizing the importance of sustainability across all aspects of the company’s operation, as well as the airline’s increased focus on addressing its environmental impact. Read the full announcement here.
Qantas resumes five trans-Tasman routes
As of May 23, Qantas resumed its Sydney flights to Queenstown and Wellington, and Melbourne flights to Christchurch and Wellington. The airline has also resumed flights from Brisbane to Christchurch.
Jetstar New Zealand increases trans-Tasman services
As of June 2022, Jetstar New Zealand has increased services across the Tasman, including four weekly Auckland-Sydney and Auckland-Melbourne services. Three weekly Queenstown-Sydney services are scheduled throughout June, with the airline increasing services for some routes even further in July.
Singapore Airlines increases Australian services and upgrades business class
As of June 2, Singapore Airlines has increased its Australian services, with 113 weekly services scheduled to operate between Singapore and seven Australian ports. The airline has also upgraded the business class of its entire Australian fleet to feature comfortable, lie-flat beds.
Qatar Airways’ A380 returns to Sydney
Qatar Airways’ A380 superjumbo has made its return to Australia and will fly the airlines’ daily Doha-Sydney service. The double-decker jet features an upper deck premium lounge, where business and first-class passengers can unwind, socialize, and enjoy refreshments.
New Zealand to open international borders from July 31
New Zealand has announced that its international border will reopen to all tourists and visa holders from 11:59 pm on 31 July 2022. Travelers will still be required to meet all health requirements to enter New Zealand, including providing proof of vaccination status and a negative pre-departure test. Contact your dedicated CTM consultant for travel booking advice or click here to view the New Zealand Government site.
New time-saving security screening technology installed at Sydney Airport
Passengers catching a Qantas or QantasLink flight from Sydney Airport’s Terminal 3 can now enjoy faster security screening, with Sydney Airport having recently installed new 3D scanning technology at this checkpoint. The new technology allows travelers to keep laptops, tablets, liquids, aerosols and gels in their carry-on bags.
Hotels.
Marriott International to join Western Sydney Airport Aerotropolis
Marriott International has announced that its Courtyard by Marriott brand will be the first hotel to join the Western Sydney Airport Aerotropolis. The 200-room hotel will feature an all-day dining restaurant, café and bar, a fitness center and 580 square meters of meeting and ballroom space. Development of the hotel is expected to be completed in 2026, coinciding with the opening of Nancy-bird Walton Airport.
Accor Pacific launches Winter Promotion
Accor Pacific is offering members of Accor Live Limitless 2 x the reward points and rates from $119, when members book a stay between 23 May – 30 September 2022 at participating hotels, resorts and apartments across Australia and New Zealand. Bookings must be made before June 30. Contact your dedicated CTM consultant for more information.
Porter House Hotel by MGallery set to open in Sydney from July
Accor is set to welcome guests into the new luxury Porter House Hotel by MGallery from July. Located in downtown Sydney, the highly anticipated hotel boasts 122 spacious rooms and suites, styled to reflect the contrast of historic and modern elegance the hotel’s building embodies. The hotel will also feature a fitness center and a 12.5 sqm heated pool, as well as multiple dining options housed within the restored heritage building alongside the hotel’s modern tower.
Holiday Inn Express Auckland City Center is now open
Holiday Inn Express Auckland City Center has officially opened its doors. The hotel is part of the first Pro-invest Hotels and IHG Hotels and Resorts dual branded hotel development in New Zealand, and neighbors the recently opened voco Auckland City Centre. The hotel features 294 modern guest rooms, each with floor to ceiling windows and workstations, along with a 24-hour reception, a fitness room and a self-service laundry. The hotel is also on track to achieve Green Engage Certification, with energy efficient equipment and systems used throughout the property and the hotel opting to avoid single-use plastics altogether.
QT Newcastle reveals signature restaurant and Newcastle’s newest rooftop bar
As of June 9, the luxury boutique hotel QT Newcastle is open for business. Housed within the heritage-listed, 113 year old David Jones building on Hunter Mall, the hotel features 104 guest rooms and suites, along with signature restaurant, Jana, and the Rooftop at QT, a rooftop bar offering sweeping views across the harbor.
New Zealand’s first Microtel by Wyndham Wellington Central opens its doors
New Zealand has received its first Microtel by Wyndham, with Wyndham Hotels and Resorts having officially opened the doors of Microtel by Wyndham Wellington Central in late May. This 81-room hotel is centrally located in Wellington’s CBD, ideal for business travelers seeking a convenient location. In support of Wyndham Green’s sustainability initiatives, the hotel will offer a recycling program for in-room amenities and environmentally friendly toiletries.
Information on this page is sourced from third party sources. While effort is taken to verify the accuracy of this information, CTM recommends that travelers seek independent advice and/or information from their CTM travel consultant, CTM travel tools, or directly from their chosen travel suppliers relating to the status of supplier services, schedules and booking conditions as information may change regularly.