Travellers to Europe get a reprieve on new red tape

Good news for anyone planning to visit Europe over the next 12 months or so. You've just saved €7. 

The ETIAS visa waiver system that is being introduced by European Union nations has been delayed again, Travel Mole reports.

The European Travel Information and Authorisation System had already been pushed back to November because of technical issues, but will now not be ready until sometime in 2024.

It was originally scheduled to begin in 2022.



The scheme’s website now says simply "starting from 2024", but no specific date has been announced.

The ETIAS scheme, which was approved back in November 2016, will require non-EU citizens to register for pre-approval to visit EU countries, with a charge applying.

The authorisation lasts for three years, and allows multiple trips to different countries in the bloc.

It is required for UK nationals and American citizens as well as Australian and New Zealand passport holders and other non-EU citizens.

The EU wants to strengthen its border security, as well as digitally screen and track travellers entering and leaving EU countries.

The system rollout has been pushed back several times as member nations fear the system will severely increase delays at border checkpoints. Which, of course, it will.

Another airline shuts its doors

Indian airline Vistara is to be shut down.

The giant Tata Group acquired the Air India and Air India Express brands 12 months ago and has now shut down AirAsia India and Vistara.

CEO Campbell Wilson said the decision was made to continue only with the two Air India brands, as they have the strongest brand recognition globally.

Vistara, a full-service carrier, will be be integrated into Air India, while low-cost-carrier AirAsia India will become part of Air India Express.

The moves should be completed over the next few months, Wilson told local media.

The integration of Vistara is still subject to approval from Competition Commission of India.

Vistara commenced operations on January 9, 2015 with its inaugural flight between Delhi and Mumbai and was one of India's leading domestic carriers.

The airline served 34 destinations with a fleet of Airbus and Boeing aircraft that will be merged into the Air India fleet.

A prickly delay at a New Zealand airport

An Air New Zealand flight was delayed taxiing to the terminal at Dunedin Airport (above) with a prickly problem. 

A stubborn hedgehog was blocking its route.

The pilot spotted the creature on the runway shortly after the flight touched down from Auckland, Travel Mole reported.

“I have to make an announcement I’ve never made before: 'there is a hedgehog on the runaway’,” the captain told passengers.

The plane stood still while firefighters were called to remove the stubborn critter.

They managed to coax the hedgehog off the runway and the plane the taxied to the gate.

“The hedgehog made if off the runway safely,” Air New Zealand said in a statement.

“Over the course of a year its not unusual to have a few hedgehogs walk across the runway,” an airport spokesperson said.

The Air New Zealand spokesperson confirmed flight NZ675 had a small delay of five minutes “while the aircraft waited for a hedgehog to be removed”.

It said: “The hedgehog made if off the runway safely.”

Star chef and iconic winery announce collaboration

Celebrity chef Matt Moran has linked with leading Barossa wine producer Peter Lehmann Wines with a two-year deal that will feature a range of collaborations.

Nigel Westblade, chief winemaker at Peter Lehmann Wines, said: “We are thrilled to be partnering with Matt Moran, who shares our commitment to quality and innovation.

"Together, we will bring the best of Australian wine and cuisine to tables across the country, and showcase the unique character of South Australia’s Barossa Valley, where our wines are crafted.”

Moran has over three decades of experience running some of Australia’s most-loved venues and is a familiar face to TV viewers.

“I have always admired Peter Lehmann Wines and their commitment to creating exceptional wines that reflect the unique landscape of the Barossa Valley," Moran said.

"As someone who is passionate about creating unforgettable dining experiences, I believe that wine plays an essential role in bringing people together and elevating any meal to a truly special occasion.”

As part of the partnership, Moran will collaborate with Peter Lehmann’s winemakers to create a series of food and wine experiences, including the listing of Lehmann Wines at venues including the Rockley Pub.

The partnership will commence with activity surrounding the celebration of 30 vintages of Stonewell Shiraz, one of Peter Lehmann’s flagship wines with further events and activations to follow.

Hot to get to Vietnam on a tight budget?

Keen to travel to Vietnam, but short on cash? 

Vietjet today launched a series of promotions on flights for Australian travellers looking to explore Vietnam and other Asian destinations on a budget. 

Eco-tickets are available every Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, starting from $200 plus taxes. 

Vietjet is also offering passengers promotional tickets at the same price for all routes connecting Vietnam and Australia (Sydney, Melbourne) every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday from now until October 25, 2023, when booking via www.vietjetair.com and the Vietjet Air mobile apps. 

The offer is valid for flights between April 8 and October 28 and fees will be waived when booking and paying via Vietjet SkyClub.

For those looking for a little more luxury, Vietjet is also offering a 50% discount on its SkyBoss/SkyBoss Business tickets. 

These feature a private cabin, flatbed seats, a lounge and a cocktail bar as well as up to 20kgs of carry-on baggage and 60kg of checked baggage. 

This offer is valid for flights taken between April 8 and June 8. 

The first direct flight to Melbourne will take off on April 8, 2023, with six flights per week, operating every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday from Ho Chi Minh City. The return flights from Melbourne to Ho Chi Minh City will take place every Sunday, Wednesday, and Friday.

The first direct flight connecting Ho Chi Minh City with Sydney will operate from April 12, with six flights per week. Flights from Ho Chi Minh City to Sydney will depart every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday, while flights from Sydney to Ho Chi Minh City will be every Monday, Thursday, and Saturday..

# Vietjet is a full member of International Air Transport Association (IATA) with the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) certificate. 

Tasmanian bubbles on the Hobart waterfront

Hobart luxury hotel MACq 01 has partnered with Australia’s world-regarded sparkling wine brand House of Arras to launch a tasting experience at the hotel's The Story Bar from March 1. 

The ‘Arras in the City’ experience will bring a slice of the Arras cellar door in the north of Tasmania to Hobart’s waterfront for the first time.

Guests will enjoy a flight of four of the brand’s highly-ranked releases paired with a selection of bites from MACq 01’s culinary team.

Available daily until June 30, the ‘Arras in the City’ experience includes two of the highest-awarded and newest wines available on release from the Arras portfolio.

Founded in 1995, House of Arras is Australia’s most-decorated sparkling wine brand, with 100 trophies and more than 268 gold medals.

The ‘Arras in the City’ tasting tipples include NV House of Arras Blanc de Blancs paired with Tasmanian crayfish, spanner crab, apple radish, dill, yuzu aioli and black sesame crisp; NV House of Arras Brut Elite Cuvée No. 1701 with buckwheat blini, Meander Valley crème fraiche, chives, dill and Avruga caviar; 2014 House of Arras Grand Rosé with King Island steak tartare, cornichon, caper, shallots, parsley, chives and crisp sourdough; and 2014 House of Arras Grand Vintage matched with Ashgrove cheddar, Red Cow Dairy gruyere and Italian Taleggio arancini, aioli and truffle pecorino.

The wines and canapes will be presented on a custom-made Tasmanian Blackwood platter alongside a tasting storybook for guests to delve into the story of House of Arras and each wine.

“We’ve worked closely with the MACq 01 team to develop the ‘Arras in the City’ experience to showcase some of my favourite Arras wines alongside a curated menu of canapes that highlight Tasmania’s best produce, which we know people will love,” says Arras head winemaker Ed Carr.

One of two bars at MACq 01 hotel, The Story Bar showcases Hobart’s history and stories.

The ‘Arras in the City’ experience will cost $95pp and be available seven days a week from 3-6pm. Bookings are not required. For more information, visit macq01.com.au.