Virgin Australia stops issuing credit vouchers and refunds

The news for anyone holding unused Virgin Australia tickets, or a swag of frequent flyer points, is not looking good.

The airline this week stopped issuing customers with credit vouchers or refunds, Travel Mole reports.

Customers received an email from the airline warning it has "temporarily paused issuing new travel credits and refunds while we wait for direction from the administrator".

The pause is designed to protect the administrators from personal liability under Australian law.

Outstanding refund and credit requests have been logged and will still be vaild - but only if a new buyer agrees to honour them.

In the meantime, all customers awaiting refunds or vouchers are technically unsecured creditors of the company.

"The administrators will be able to provide more certainty on arrangements for those customers in the coming days," a spokesperson for administrator Deloitte said.

Deloitte administrator Vaughan Strawbridge said the credits "are still there, they haven't gone anywhere and are intended to be used in the future.

"They are going to be an important part of the restructure of the business and an important part of loyalty to Virgin Australia."

Deloitte says there are 'high-quality bidders with fantastic credentials' with up to 20 entities showing an interest in taking over Virgin.

"We remain confident that our target of achieving a sale by the end of June is achievable," Strawbridge said.

I'm a whole lot less confident and have basically written off my 130,000+ frequent flyer points. 

And I'll be happy to tell former Virgin Australian chief John Borghetti - a man who lied repeatedly to customers - exactly what I think of him should our paths ever cross.  

Last chance for Thai Airways

Crisis-torn Thai Airways is set to get a government bailout but has been warned it will get no more cash.

The Thai Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha told the airline's management not to squander its latest bailout, Travel Mole reported. 

"This is the last time that Thai Airways will receive support from the government. If the situation worsens, there will be a complete structural overhaul of the airline," the PM said.

The Finance Ministry agreed to a THB54 billion ($US1.8 billion) bailout and up to THB80 billion in a recovery loan.

Prayut said the airline 'must achieve 10 goals and not waste the government-backed loan".

Conditions form part of a cost-cutting restructuring plan which will lead to a leaner airline business.

The fleet size will be gradually reduced from 103 to 84 planes by 2024, and loss-making routes and possibly staff numbers will be cut.

The national carrier had been in financial trouble long before the Covid-19 outbreak started and had been making a loss for the past few years.

The bailout is still awaiting full cabinet approval.

I've always considered Thai Airways to be one of my favourite Asian airlines, so fingers crossed for its future.  

Gambling industry in crisis: casinos empty

While many businesses in Australia are doing it tough during the Covid-19 crisis, nowhere is finding business slumping like Macao's casinos.

It is estimated that each casino property is losing about $1 million a day and casino gaming revenue was all but wiped out in April.

The gambling industry brought in just $94 million in gross revenues in April, compared to $3 billion in April 2019.

With income down nearly 97%, it was the worst month on record for the world's top gambling hub.

Casinos in the former Portuguese colony were all closed for two weeks in February but have reopened but travel restrictions have prevented customer from mainland China from visiting, leaving casinos virtually empty.

Casino operator Melco Resorts & Entertainment, which has cut salaries of top executives, told Travel Mole that guest numbers have been 'virtually zero' since reopening in February.

Ironically, Macao has had just 45 confirmed Covid-19 cases, with no deaths.  

American dream: a trip to the deep heart of the US

Calling all lovers of sport and Americana. 

Australians are being offered substantial savings on a dream trip encompassing a steamboat river cruise and the Kentucky Derby. 

The American Queen Steamboat Company is offering savings of up to $USS800 per couple and a free beverage package on a nine-day Kentucky Derby Cruise in 2021. 

The deal is valid for bookings made before June 30, 2020. 

The trip includes eight nights and days on the historic, all-suite paddle wheeler American Duchess starting in Cincinnati and south-west to Indiana and into Kentucky, stopping at Brandenburg, Owensboro and Louisville. 

Before Derby Day, however, guests will have the opportunity of competing in a race of their own. The Great American Steamboat Race runs prior to the Kentucky Derby and the American Duchess will be looking to regain the Silver Antlers she won in 2018. 

The highlight of the cruise is the Kentucky Derby, held annually on the first Saturday of May since 1875. 

Included in the package are tickets to the race where guests can get dressed up and revel in one of the most traditional events in the US.

Don't forget to try a mint julep – the famous bourbon-based cocktail associated with the race.

There is also plenty to do on board the paddle wheeler, with a jazz, blues and six-piece orchestra to entertain you in the evenings, daily lectures by American Queen’s history and culture expert and a bar, lounge, fitness centre and spa also available. Guests receive free onboard internet and complimentary 24-hour room service.

The package includes one night’s accommodation pre-cruise, the seven-night river cruise, guided shore excursions, a ticket to the 2021 Kentucky Derby on May 1, 2021, undercover seating, VIP fast access pass and premium on-track hospitality area to include a gourmet food buffet and premium open bar. 

Onboard gratuities and port taxes are also included. The stay and cruise package begins on April 25, 2021, and and prices start from US$4597 per person, twin share, for an interior stateroom, a saving of US$400 per person. The discount plus a free, unlimited beverage package onboard is valid for bookings made by June 30,

2020.

To book, consumers or travel agents can call the Australian representative for the American Queen Steamboat Company, Cruise Traveller, on 1300 680 374 or visit www.cruisetraveller.com.au/Kentucky-Derby-2021

Wine giants double down on the dope business

Global wine giant Constellation Brands has increased its stake in cannabis company Canopy Growth, meaning it now owns 38.6% of the business.

Constellation said it had made the investment through its subsidiary company Greenstar Canada Investment, Drinks Business reported.

Bill Newlands, president and CEO of Constellation Brands, said: “While global legalisation of cannabis is still in its infancy, we continue to believe the long-term opportunity in this evolving market is substantial. Canopy is best positioned to win in the emerging cannabis space and we are confident in the strategic direction of the company under David Klein and his team.”

CEO of Canopy Growth, David Klein, added: “This additional investment validates the work our team has done since attracting an initial investment in 2017. It also strengthens our ability to pursue the immense market and product opportunities available to Canopy in Canada, the US and other key global markets.

Constellation first invested in Canopy Growth in 2017. 

The drinks conglomerate's portfolio includes US wine brands Robert Mondavi, Wild Horse Winery, Clos du Bois, Franciscan Estates and Kim Crawford from New Zealand. 

Face masks to be made compulsory

Eurostar rail passengers will be forced to wear face masks from this week on.

Passengers refusing to wear face coverings in line with guidelines from the French and Belgian governments will be refused permission to travel.

Any type of face covering is allowed "as long as it effectively covers your nose and mouth", the company said.

Eurostar runs express trains between London and French and Belgian destinations including Paris and Brussels.

It has been running a reduced timetable since the outbreak, because of movement restrictions, enhanced border checks and lower demand.

The move comes as France announced that face masks will become compulsory on public transport when it begins to ease its Covid-19 lockdown on May 11.

In Belgium, face masks were mandatory on public transport as of Monday.

Manchester Airports Group, which operates Manchester, East Midlands and Stansted airports, has also said all passengers will be required to wear gloves and face coverings. Scarves and other makeshift measures are acceptable.

Manchester Airport said it will provide protective equipment for those without, but as numbers rise, all passengers will be expected to provide their own.