Grab yourself a coffee and catch up on today’s news in brief – the latest updates from the industry and everything you need to know in bite-size pieces.
ACA welcomes country’s first Shore Power project
The Australian Cruise Association (ACA) has welcomed the announcement by the NSW State Government of the contract being awarded to commence the landmark ship to shore power initiative at Sydney’s White Bay cruise terminal.
“This decision marks a significant step forward in progressing this important project that reinforces the commitment by NSW to assist the cruise sector in reaching the target of net zero emissions by 2050,” said Australian Cruise Association CEO, Jill Abel, expressing her support for the new infrastructure.
Around 35 ports in the world are now shore power enabled but White Bay will be the first port in Australia, as well as the first port in the Southern Hemisphere, to embrace this new technology.Enabling cruise ships to switch from their diesel engines to shore-based electrical power has a major impact in reducing emissions as well as minimising noise and air pollution, enhancing the overall in-port experience for both guests and the neighbouring communities.
New Helloworld Travel Rowville owners welcomed
Helloworld Travel is delighted to send a big congratulations to the new owners of Helloworld Travel Rowville, VIC – Amy Muratovic and Rebecca Shady.
Travel Industry stalwarts, and previous owners, Kath and John Williams are passing the baton to Amy and Rebecca. Having celebrated over 30 years in the industry, they leave behind a legacy of success for the store, and also the area.
L-R – Amy Muratovic, Janeene Lewis (HLO), Rebecca Shady and Adrian Boccia (HLO)
Amy and Rebecca are industry experts, each with well-established and successful travel industry careers themselves. They spoke of their excitement for the new chapter ahead.
“As a team, we are beyond thrilled to take the reins of this successful business that’s been a part of the local community for 32-years. Between us, we have over 38-years-experience in the travel industry and specialise in all aspects of travel from cruising to safaris and everything in between.”
“Thank you for the memories, the camaraderie, and the unwavering support,” said Kath and John. “As we pass the torch, we carry with us the warmth of these connections. Here’s to new beginnings—for all of us.”
Noosa QLD gets tough on short-term holiday market
Property investors nationwide are being warned to stay tuned to the outcome of the proposed amendments to the Noosa Plan 2020 in the coming weeks. The amendments, if passed, will result in a major crackdown on short term holiday accommodation – a popular choice for some of the two million holiday makers who visit Noosa annually.
If passed, the changes will mean property owners not located in the designated Tourism Accommodation Zone will be prevented from leasing their property as short term accommodation. In essence, properties outside of the zone will have the following limitations applied in regard to short term accommodation, “the use of dwellings for short term accommodation is limited to four times and 60 days per calendar year and is within the resident’s principal place of residence”.
Noosa property expert Kirstie Klein-Hunter of Klein Hunter Property Buyers says the changes will have a significant impact on the community.
“Many of my buyers prefer to buy in areas where they can maximise their investment through holiday lettings. The Tourist Accommodation Zone is a relatively small area and if these changes are adopted, owners outside of the zone may not be able to holiday let their properties,” she said.
“The impact will see a reduction in the availability of holiday lettings which in turn will increase demand and accommodation prices will follow suit.
“If there is less accommodation for holiday makers, nightly rates will rise and travellers may look to go elsewhere. The addition of holiday homes has made Noosa more accessible for travellers and reversing this style of accommodation will be bad news for small business owners who rely on the visitor economy including cafes and restaurants.”
New Qantas superjumbo route and codeshare
Qantas has made its inaugural Airbus A380 flight to Johannesburg, South Africa, the first time the national carrier has operated the Superjumbo to Africa.
The A380 will fly up to six times per week and will see a near-doubling of capacity, with an extra 130,000 seats between Australia and Africa every year. Qantas says it intends to relaunch direct flights from Perth to Johannesburg from mid-2025, subject to meeting border agency requirements.
TOP IMAGE: Kath and John Williams say farewell to Helloworld Rowville, VIC
