NEWS
Around the world in seven stories… AV I AT I O N
COV I D -1 9
KIWI NATION UNPEELS TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS
PHOTO BY JOHN TAGGART FROM CLAYDON BANBURY, OXFORDSHIRE - VH-ZND 11042018LHR, CC BY-SA 2 .0
SUCCESS IS PLANE TO SEE AUSTRALIAN FLAG CARRIER airline Qantas has set a historical record by ferrying passengers nonstop between South America and Australia. Departing Buenos Aires just after midday local time, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner touched down in Darwin, 9,300 miles and 17 hours of flight time later. In achieving this monumental feat, the airline set two internal records:
longest distance covered, and longest time spent in the air for a commercial flight. Captain Alex Passerini, who commanded the flight said, “Qantas has always stepped up to a challenge, especially when it comes to long-haul travel, and this flight is an excellent example of the capabilities and attention to detail of our flight planning team.”
JACINDA ARDERN, PRIME Minister of New Zealand, has announced that the country will fully reopen all its international borders from 11:59 p.m. on July 31st. New Zealand will welcome back all cruise ships to local ports on the same day. This relaxing of restrictions at all borders, comes two months earlier than the government’s previously announced time frame and will arrive with new rules regarding visas for incoming visitors. Ardern said in a speech given in Auckland that reopening the borders in the wake of the continued road to COVID-19 recovery would help to relieve urgent skills shortages, open all forms of tourism, and help to put immigration settings on a more secure footing going forward.
LEISURE TOURISM
PORTUGUESE PINTEREST PILGRIMAGE TRENDY SOCIAL MEDIA giant Pinterest has revealed the most popular destination for holidaying this summer is Porto, Portugal. Using data from their site based on search volume and post activity, they have compiled a top 10 list of the most anticipated vacation destinations. Corfu, Greece and Lake Como, Italy came in at second and third 6 | Outlook Travel issue 08
respectively. Social media-savvy travellers are repeatedly drawing inspiration for their getaways from vibrant imaging sites such as Pinterest. Offering something for every variety of traveller, Porto boasts a warm summer climate, and caters to all relaxed or active needs. Whether it’s sampling the country’s delicious wines or walking through the rugged coastlines and sprawling city.
