Celebrity’s Edge series of ocean ships is renowned for its luxurious accommodation and innovative features, such as transformable stateroom living spaces that can double as verandas and the “Magic Carpet,” a cantilevered platform that rises 16 stories above the water, serving as a bar and multifunctional space.

The new aircraft not only brings increased capacity but also marks a significant step towards sustainability. Demonstrating their commitment to a greener future, the inaugural flight of the A350 was flown using Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), showcasing their dedication to creating a more environmentally conscious travel industry.

The new A350 aircraft will increase capacity across the airline’s popular destinations including North American long-haul routes, as well as service Australia, New Zealand and Hong Kong, providing greater options and connections for Australians.

An additional 30,000 seats per month will be available across the Fiji Airways network thanks to the airline’s two newest A350s.

The modern aircraft features lie-flat beds in Business Class, increased space and comfort in economy, new generation engines for less noise and is made from lightweight materials, to bring a 25% reduction in fuel burn and 20% lower carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.

Icon of the Seas will sail from Miami beginning 27 Jan 2024 and offer alternative Eastern and Western Caribbean sailings. The ship has 20 decks and a capacity at double occupancy of 5,610 passengers. Other fascinating facts:

• 20 total decks (18 guest decks)
• 5,610 guests @ double capacity and 7,600 max guests
• 2,350 crew (bringing ULTIMATE total to 9,950 guests)
• 7 pools, 9 whirlpools
• 6 record-breaking waterslides
• 250,800 GT
• 365m long

She will have eight ‘neighbourhoods’ – Aquadome, Central Park, Chill Island including Swim & Tonic (a swim up bar), Royal Promenade, Surfside, Suite Neighbourhood, The Hideaway and Thrill Island.

Icon of the Seas will be the first Royal Caribbean International cruise ship to be powered by a combination of liquified natural gas (LNG) and fuel cell technology. LNG is the cleanest-burning marine fuel and a substantial improvement over traditional marine heavy fuel.

Bookings open 25 Oct 2022 so get in touch with your MTA Travel Advisor to make sure you’re onboard!

The Fijian Government has announced that from May 1, fully vaccinated visitors to Fiji will no longer be required to produce a pre-arrival negative test, in a move that reduces costs for travellers and makes it even easier to travel to paradise.

However, there are still some travel requirements:

• You’ll need to show proof of vaccination for all those 16 years old and above travelling when you check-in at the airport to travel
• You’ll also need to show proof of valid travel insurance when you check in at the airport to travel
• Finally, you’ll need to confirm a RAT test booking from entrytestfiji.com within 48-72 hours of your arrival in Fiji. In Fiji, costs for a RAT test start from $30FJD (AUD$20)
• You can undertake your RAT test at a health centre in Fiji, at your hotel or resort. To find out if your hotel or resort offers a testing service, click here.

“While we absolutely wish to encourage family and friends to reunite and visitors to come and enjoy the hospitality New Zealand is ready and waiting to offer, those undertaking travel on either side of the ditch will do so under the guidance of flyer beware,” says Ms Ardern.

“People will need to plan for the possibility of travel being disrupted if there is an outbreak.”

Ms Ardern said New Zealand now has a framework for managing an outbreak in Australia. “Once we know about a case in Australia, we will have three possible responses when it comes to flights and access to our border.

“We’ve captured these with a framework based on continue, pause, or suspend. For instance, if a case is found that is quite clearly linked to a border worker in a quarantine facility and is well contained, you’ll likely see travel continue in the same way. If, however, a case was found that was not clearly linked to the border, and a state responded by a short lockdown to identify more information, we’d likely pause flights from that state in the same way we would stop travel into and out of a region in New Zealand as if it were going into a full lockdown.”

Ms Ardern said if New Zealand saw multiple COVID-19 cases of unknown origin, the country would likely suspend flights for a set period of time.

While in New Zealand, travellers will need to provide information on how they can be contacted while in New Zealand and they will also be asked to download and use the NZ COVID Tracer app.
When travellers fly, they will be required to wear a mask on the flight but Australians won’t be able to travel if they have cold or flu symptoms.

On arrival, passengers will be taken through “green zones” at the airport which means there’ll be no contact with those arriving from other parts of the world.
“We expect flights and packages to be in hot demand,” says MTA-Mobile Travel Agents CEO – Don Beattie “As well as the many people who haven’t seen friends and family for over a year, there is also pent-up demand for an overseas break and New Zealand, with its laid back nature and world-class food and wine, maybe just the tonic!”

Contact your MTA Mobile Travel Advisor to book your New Zealand getaway now.

Our lifestyles have changed dramatically, and many businesses have been left economically devastated.

There is also no doubt that the travel industry has borne the brunt of this devastation.

One thing that can be taken away from this disastrous time is the success of the working-from-home model.

Businesses around the world have been forced to empty out their offices and allow employees to work from home, proving that you do not need an office to run a successful business.

According to MTA – Mobile Travel Agents veteran Kim Newton, the home-based agent model has been a blessing in disguise, eliminating many costs typically found in a traditional travel agency while still providing access to loads of support.

“I really feel for the shopfront agencies that have had to pay overheads, rent, staff etc,” she told Travel Weekly.

“It breaks my heart what they are going through. Being home-based, I have been able to avoid most of this.”

Newton has been in the travel industry for 31 years and has worked with MTA for 11 years now.

“I have had many issues that MTA have supported me with during COVID. Being a group specialist, MTA has really helped me deal with airlines and the legal side of my business,” she said.

“Initially when COVID hit, I was devastated in so many ways. You work so hard to create that perfect experience, amazing memories for your clients and they were all shattered very quickly.

“All the work that had been put into my clients came to a screaming halt.

“OBVIOUSLY, THERE WERE MANY REFUNDS, MANY POLICY AND PROCEDURE CHANGES WITHIN THE INDUSTRY. IT WAS TOUGH; HOWEVER, I WAS DETERMINED NOT TO LET IT GET TO ME. I WAS AND AM, HERE TO STAY.”

Throughout the pandemic, MTA chose not to go into hibernation by focusing on things that would help its advisors to continue working and re-engineer their businesses.

The company has been providing training and new domestic product offerings, many of which have been added as part of its partnership with Virtuoso.

“Virtuoso has been an absolute saviour to my business,” Newton said.

“Being Sydney-based, during COVID when nobody could leave the four walls of NSW, I was able to promote Virtuoso hotels within Sydney.

“I formed some amazing relationships within the hotels, created some amazing memories for over 2,000 clients.

“I have been number one Luxury Circle seller for Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts in Australia for the past eight of nine months, and a top seller for Sofitel Darling Harbour Sydney and Four Seasons Sydney also.”

Despite not selling much domestic pre-COVID, MTA’s partnership with Virtuoso helped Newton get up to speed and quickly pivot her business towards what was available in her own backyard.

“To be honest, I didn’t sell much domestic pre-COVID. However, now I can call myself an expert,” she said.

“Virtuoso has bought on many regional partners which have enabled my clients to have nice amenities and extras along the way included in their experiences. I am selling lots of the Northern Territory, Tasmania and The Whitsundays.”

According to Newton, the pandemic has helped her develop stronger marketing skills for her business.

“I had never really used social media for my business before. However, I have during COVID,” she said.

“I now know how important it is for my business which has grown dramatically.

“All these city stays soon turned into groups, birthdays, Christmas parties, weddings.

“I CERTAINLY DID NOT GO INTO HIBERNATION. I HAVE BEEN BUSIER THAN EVER.”

So, is switching to MTA a good way for retail agents to brave the remainder of the pandemic? Newton seems to think so.

“It isn’t for the faint-hearted, business doesn’t fall into your lap. Like anything you need to work hard, what you put in is what you will get out,” she said.

“MTA appreciates this and is reflected in their support when support is needed.

“I think we have all had to change the way we operate our business; we all know that the world is a different place now and I really do not think it will get back to the way it was pre-COVID for a very long time.

“We need to take this in our stride. Our country, for now, is a beautiful place.

“People have been so thankful that they have had the opportunity to explore what we have on our doorstep. None of this would have happened in our pre COVID life.”

Credit: Ali Coulton, Travel Weekly

Arriving is part of the romance, for the resort is located on its own island in the South Ari Atol, and guests have the option of taking a seaplane from Malé airport, landing just off the white beach of the resort.

The ultimate all-inclusive programme really does include everything, from champagne breakfasts through to sunset cocktails, and lazy times in the spa through to exciting off-island excursions as well as all meals and wine.

Honeymooners have the additional treat of being presented with a bottle of sparkling wine when they arrive, along with a personal gift from the resort.

A private romantic dinner can be arranged on a completely deserted beach with butlers serving from a beachside mobile kitchen.

The resort has a great choice of restaurants and lounges, with breakfast, lunch and dinner all included in the programme. Thai cooking classes are also conducted in the ‘Lotus’ restaurant.

There is plenty of leisure action, both on and off the island. This includes snorkelling and diving excursions, island trips, sunset cruises, feeding the sting rays and swimming with whale sharks, fishing trips, spa credit and a sundowner cocktail party on the beach every evening.

With the all-inclusive package there is no need to worry about budgets and carrying wallets around, unless you decide to go scuba diving or take an exotic excursion such as the resort’s picnic on a sandbank. For more information, contact your MTA Travel Expert!