Virgin Australia’s $69 flights and five more ways the industry is celebrating Valentine’s Day
Ah, Valentines Day.
Whether you’ve spent the past week stealing rose petals from your neighbours garden for an elaborate picnic or you’re the guy on the train with an arm full of half-dead roses from the clearance rack, it’s hard to escape the fluorescent pink and red cut out hearts plastered on your local grocery store.
In fact, it’s estimated that Aussies will spend a whopping $415 million on Valentine’s Day gifts this year, with flowers, chocolates and jewellery set to be the most popular items, according to Roy Morgan.
If you or your clients want to get a bit more creative on this year’s last-minute splurge, we’ve gathered together the best bits of the travel industry’s Valentine’s Day sales.
Virgin Australia’s $69 flights
Today Virgin Australia will operate the first service in the history of the airline comprised entirely of crew who have met their soulmate on the job. The loved-up couples, including pilots and cabin crew, will be joined by specially appointed celebrity CFO (chief flower officer) and The Bachelor alumni, Brittany Hockley alongside postponed honeymooners, who are set to give guests the most romantic flight they’ve ever taken.
The loved-up flight, VA519 from Sydney to the Gold Coast, will include three couples on a mission to re-do their honeymoons after they were originally cancelled due to circumstances related to COVID-19. Each couple will enjoy an overnight stay at the stunning JW Marriott Gold Coast, complete with bubbles, handmade chocolates, complimentary breakfast and breathtaking ocean views.
Onboard VA519, CFO, Hockley, will finally be on the other side – handing out roses instead of receiving them – and will personally give each guest a long-stemmed red rose to spread the love and inject some romance into the experience from the moment they board the aircraft.
In further celebration of the most romantic day of the year, Virgin Australia is set to drop 1.5 million airfares to some of Queensland’s hottest destinations from less than $69 including flights to the Gold Coast, Cairns, Hamilton Island, Sunshine Coast, and the Whitsundays.
Take your love to new heights with SKYWALK
This Valentine’s Day and for three days only, Sydney Tower Eye is introducing private SKYWALK sessions giving couples the chance to share the ultimate view of Sydney with no other guest but your boo.
As well as private access to SKYWALK, the Valentine’s Private Package also includes an all-inclusive photo pack, videos for the ‘gram, access to the Observations Deck, SKYWALK cap and hoodie to take as souvenirs to remember your special date.
A dedicated SKYWALK guide will also be on hand to point out iconic landmarks and help you capture romantic insta-worthy moments.
Tickets for these special Valentine’s Day Private SKYWALKs are limited, so be sure to book and avoid heartbreak!
Intrepid’s last-minute V Day deals
Leave it to the last minute? Intrepid has you covered, with savings of 15 per cent on Intrepid Travel’s six-day Whitsunday Islands Explorer departing 22 February 2022, 25 per cent on its five-day Queensland Daintree Explorer departing 18 February, 25 per cent on a six-day Highlights of Tasmania tour departing 19 February and 15 per cent a seven-day Queensland Coast & Islands Adventure departing 27 February.
Play romantic roulette with QT Hotels
Book the Love Is Blind package and stay with your partner in crime between 11 to 15 February 2022 across any QT in Australia and New Zealand, and QT will dole out the good, the questionable and the get-on-one-knee level unbelievable.
One couple at every hotel will be extremely lucky in love, where they will check-in for a night and keep the romance alive with an extended stay for the remainder of February.
Guests will be surprised on check-in when Champagne bottles are made magnums, or rooms upgraded to the highest of suites. Some will get balcony views while others will be welcomed with bath bombs on cue. Although downgrades are rare, land on something lacklustre and the limits of your love may be put to the test… guests could receive a mere chocolate on the pillow to unrequested twin beds.
Inspiring Journey’s Valentine’s Day savings
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and let’s face it – chocolates and flowers are SO overdone, especially in 2022! Give your loved one the ultimate unique experience off the back of almost two years of closed borders with a romantic 5-day food-lovers trip to stunning South Australia from AAT Kings’ Inspiring Journeys. And, for a limited time, score a great deal
in the process, with savings of $345 per couple!
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
Inspiring Journey intrepid QT Hotels skywalk valentines day virgin australiaLatest News
Australia fails to make top 10 destination list for American travellers
Australia's top cities have failed to make the grade with American travellers this northern summer, with no local city in the top.
APT Launches 2025 Asia Adventures
APT has launched its Asia Adventures for 2025, including new luxury holidays in India, Sri Lanka and Japan. Five new tours lead guests to the highlights of India, including a seven-night cruise along the rarely travelled Lower Ganges aboard the Ganges Voyager. Further south, Sri Lanka’s greatest destinations are revealed on a new 15-day Land […]
ANZAC Battlefield travel on the 2025 bucketlist
As Anzac Day dawns, agents prepare for a surge in bookings for the 110th anniversary of the Anzac Cove landings.
Former Channel 9 Getaway host and founder of TRIBE Jules Lund to speak at Travel DAZE
From blond-tipped travel reporter to Travel DAZE speaker, Jules Lund cuts through the BS.
HX’s Roald Amundsen finds aliens in the Antarctic
Forget whales, HX's MS Roald Amundsen captures aliens in the Antarctic - and they're not pretty.
Mayhem in France as 70% of flights face cancellation
I mean it wouldn't be France if there wasn't at least one strike.
Etihad Airways launches double-decker service with world’s only in-air three-room suite
We imagine falling asleep in the three-room suite is superior to falling asleep on your neighbour's shoulder.
Norwegian Cruise Line launches 2024 Europe travel season
Europe certainly has a lot of ports. Its time for Australia to up its game.
“The power of travel for positive change” – Intrepid’s Jenny Gray hails controversial all-women Saudi Arabia trip
There is an awful lot to love about this tour from Intrepid. Where do we sign up?
Princess names the Sun, unveils Sanctuary Collection + Star Princess to Alaska in ’26
A huge bottle of Veuve was smashed into the side of the ship to make things official. So no, we couldn't snag a glass.
Collette special offers across peak northern summer season
If you are craving a trip to Europe then grab this deal with both of your grubby hands.
Air India and All Nippon codeshare between the two countries
Here at TW we agreed that the photo would have worked better if they had swapped planes.
A&K offers minimum 18 weeks paid parental leave
Contrary to what the photo suggests this benefit is only applicable for humans. Back to work Mrs Jumbo.
NH Hotel Group rebrands as Minor Hotels Europe & Americas
Hang around the bends of the hotels. We imagine they will be full of a lot of branded content.
Scenic Eclipse II – the business of creating unforgettable life-changing memories
These cruise brothers from another mother offer a view of cruising on Scenic Eclipse II that is poles apart.
MSC builds new hospital ship with Mercy Ships
If you want to read a story that puts a smile on your face then this is the one for you.
“I peed on myself watching this” – Social media users squirm at Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of The Seas 55ft dive video
TW is not responsible for any involuntary actions your body might have after watching this video.
FLIGHT REVIEW: Qantas Boeing 787 Dreamliner business class
The real bonus is you're unlikely to be around screaming children. Hoorah!
Traveltek offers travel agents new rapid deploy cruise website
As always, if you have any issue with the platform, just turn it off and on again.
Experience whale watching & classical music at the Australian Festival of Chamber Music in Townsville
Disappointedly, the whales do not start singing in tune with the orchestra. Opportunity missed.
Fond, very Fond. London hotel famed for James Bond link adds ‘Classic Comforts’ lunch menu
James Bond author Ian Fleming was so fond if this hotel, it inspired the legendary phrase ‘shaken, not stirred’.
What sets Eclipse Travel apart with Africa expert Hilary Dubyk: Travel Weekly TV
If you want to know more about Africa, then Hilary Dubyk is your person.
Surge in Australians visiting Japan
Feel like all of your friends have just returned from Europe? Now it's Japan.
Seabourn announces Western Kimberley Traditional Owners as Godparents of Seabourn Pursuit
Seabourn has named Western Kimberley Traditional Owners, the Wunambal Gaambera, as Godparents of the ultra-luxury purpose-built Seabourn Pursuit. It is the first cruise line to appoint Traditional Owners as godparents of a ship. Seabourn Pursuit embarks on its inaugural season in the Kimberley region this June. The naming ceremony will take place on Seabourn Pursuit’s […]
Sydney named 17th best place to work remotely
If you struggle to get a seat within Sydney's coffee shops, you now know why.
W Melbourne grows sales team
We appreciate the thought that has gone into this team photo.
Cunard welcomes new ship Queen Anne
This might be the most impressive ship handover in ship handover history.
Intrepid Travel appoints Yvette Thompson as general manager sales & marketing ANZ
It isn't end-of-day Monday and Yvette Thompson has already nabbed herself an impressive promotion.
Anna Fawcett re-joins Global Touring in newly-created APAC role
With such an impressive CV, Global Touring is no doubt thrilled to have Fawcett back.
“We know our response has been far from perfect” – Emirates’ open letter following Dubai flooding
If you also need to write an apology letter, then this is a pretty good template.
Malolo Island Resort opens brand new Spa
Fiji’s Malolo Island has added another string to its bow – opening its $1.3 million day spa on Thursday, 18th April 2024. (Lead Image: matriarch Rosie Whitton with spa staff) Located at the edge of the resort’s luscious patch of tropical rainforest, the new “Leilani’s Spa” adds another level of elevated experiences to Malolo’s already […]
Virgin Australia’s HILARIOUS second instalment of the ‘Bring on Wonderful’ campaign
We don't use the word 'hilarious' lightly, but this is worthy of the title.
Visit Sunshine Coast reveals new brand identity
If you were looking for another reason to visit the Sunshine Coast then this is it.
Sofitel launches brand campaign starring Sex Education’s Gillian Anderson
We can confirm the content of this video is less spicy than Sex Education.
Holland America Line gives agents the chance to visit Alaska on 11-day Famil
If you've ever wanted to see a Polar Bear (and who doesn't?), now is your time.
More than 65 luxury agents gather in Sydney for Best of the Best dinner
This looks like a fabulous do. We imagine there may be a few (or maybe 65) sore heads this morning!