OCTOBER 2015 TRAVEL NEWS

New railway networks, new airline routes, new tax hikes, weve got all this and more in
this months travel news round up.

Singapores Merlion under renovation

Singapores iconic landmark will be undergoing restoration works over the next two months.
The smaller Merlion will be hoarded up from 8th October to 17th November whilst the bigger
Merlion will be hoarded up from 3rd November to 26th November. Read more at TTG Asia >>

Asias first Cosplay cruise

The very first Cosplay cruise is to set sail from Singapores shores on 8th January 2016 which
will end at Port Klang three days later. This special cruise is in conjunction with the Royal
Caribbeans Mariner of the Seas 15th year anniversary celebrations. The theme of the cruise
is Cosfest Sea: The Rising Tide and is organized by Singapore Cosplay Club. Read more at
TTG Asia >>

Tax hike hits Greek Islands

The popular Greek isles of Mykonos, Santorini, Naxos, Paros, Skiathos and Rhodes have been
affected by the local changes to the increased VAT rates which will cause the prices of
beverages and food to rise. Due to this, accommodations on these islands will also see a slight

increase. Despite this, Greek tourism authorities state the impact on tourists will be minimal.
Read more at The Telegraph >>

Flight attendant arrested for gold smuggling

A Jet Airways cabin crew member was arrested at Mumbai International Airport for smuggling
gold bars of 1.2kg on a Mubai Dubai return flight. The 25 year old had allegedly taken the
goods from a contact at Dubai Airport before handing it over to someone after clearing through
customs. Read more at E Turbo News >>

Laos China railway in the near future

A railway network linking Laos to China is expected to begin construction this November
2015. The project will connect the Lao capital of Vientiane with the Chinese border spanning
a distance of 417km. Upgraded rail lines to Thailands eastern seaport are planned as well as
an extension towards Malaysia and Singapore. It is estimated to be completed within the next
five years. Read more at TTR Weekly >>

Petition for airline seat size

A US group, FlyersRights, has filed a petition to demand legislation to set legal limits on how
small and narrow airline carriers are allowed to make their seating. According to the group,
due to limited regulation on seats, airlines have decreased seat width and pitch to fit in more
passengers. Americas Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will make its decision on the
petition by 26th February 2016. Read more at The Telegraph >>

Qatar unveils new Sydney route

Qatar Airways will launch daily direct services from Doha to Sydney commencing 1st March
2016. The service will be operated on Boeing 777-300 aircraft on evening departure timings
for both return flights. This is the third Australian city in Qatars Airways network. Read more
at Breaking Travel News >>