8 global icons that turn 80 in 2017
The Volkswagen Group, The Hobbit, Transatlantic Flights, and the Golden Gate Bridge – there are plenty of wonderful things in our world that were born in 1937, and unsurprisingly, a number of them are travel related.
Because no one loves a party more than Travel Weekly, we’re celebrating all the good things to come out of that year.
Did someone say champagne? We’ll break out the party hats.
- The Volkswagen Group
The German automotive company started in Berlin in 1937, with the purpose being to manufacture the Volkswagen car, originally referred to as the Porsche Type 60, then the Volkswagen Type 1, commonly called the Volkswagen Beetle that we all know today.
Walt Disney’s Snow White and Seven Dwarfs
The classic Walt Disney flick first was the first full-length animation feature film, and the earliest Disney animated feature film. It was also first premiered at the Carthay Circle Theatre on December 21, 1937.
It was a whopping success, and its global $8 million earnings during its initial release briefly made it the highest-grossing sound film at the time.
The Golden Gate Bridge
A number of iconic international names came to fruition in 1937, and San Francisco’s iconic Golden Gate Bridge was one of them, officially opening in May of 1937.
Construction on the bridge began in 1933 and cost about $35 million to complete. At the time of its completion, the Golden Gate Bridge was the longest suspension bridge in the world, a title which it held continuously until 1964.
First commercial flight across Pacific operated by Pan Am
Pan American Airways, commonly known as Pan Am, was the principal and largest international air carrier in the United States from 1927. And in 1937, the first transpacific flight by a commercial passenger airliner is completed when Pan American Airways’ Martin M-130, China Clipper, arrived at Hong Kong.
The flight departed San Francisco Bay, California, on 21 April with seven paying passengers and then proceeded across the Pacific Ocean by way of Hawaii, Midway Island, Wake Island, Guam, Manila, Macau and finally Hong Kong.
Air Canada
Air Canada is Canada’s largest domestic and international airline serving more than 200 airports on six continents. It’s also among the 20 largest airlines in the world and in 2016 served more than 45 million customers.
But it wasn’t always this big. Born in 1937, Air Canada’s predecessor, Trans-Canada Airlines, was born out of the government’s desire to have an airline under their own control. Experienced execs from United and American Airlines were brought in, and two aircraft bought from Canadian Airways, before the first passenger flights took off in September 1937.
Starting with an Electra aircraft, the first flight carried two passengers and mail from Vancouver to Seattle, a $14.20 round trip, and, on 1 July 1938, TCA hired their first flight attendants.
Transcontinental routes from Montreal to Vancouver began on 1 April 1939, and by January 1940, the airline had grown to about 500 employees.
Air Canada today provides scheduled passenger service directly to 64 airports in Canada, 57 in the United States and 92 in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia, Australia, the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America and South America.
Amelia Earhart vanished
On March 17, 1937, Amelia Earhart took off from Oakland and flew west on an around-the-world attempt. It would not be the first global flight, but it would be the longest–29,000 miles, following an equatorial route.
Aboard her Lockheed were Frederick Noonan, her navigator and a former Pan American pilot, and co-pilot Harry Manning.
On July 2, 1937, the Lockheed aircraft carrying American aviator Amelia Earhart and navigator Frederick Noonan was reported missing near Howland Island in the Pacific. Neither Noonan or Earhart’s bodies were ever found.
The year Spam was born
The bizarre brand of canned precooked meat known as Spam was another curious, yet iconic, thing to come out of 1937.
It fast gained popularity worldwide after its use during World War II, with many believing the name is an abbreviation of “spiced ham”, “spare meat”, or “shoulders of pork and ham”. The difficulty of delivering fresh meat to the front saw Spam become an essential part of the US soldier’s diet, and by the end of the war, over 150 million pounds of Spam were purchased by the military.
By 2003, Spam was sold in 41 countries on six continents and trademarked in over 100 countries (except in Middle East and North Africa). In 2007, the seven billionth can of Spam was sold.
The Hobbit Book was released
The Hobbit, otherwise known as ‘There and Back Again’, is one of the most widely recognised children’s books in the world. Written by J. R. R. Tolkien, it was published in September 1937, and follows beloved hobbit Bilbo Baggins in his quest to win treasure guarded by by Smaug the dragon.
The book was made into a trilogy film series released between 2012 and 2014. It also is the predecessor to the even more famous Lord of the Rings.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
air canada amelia earhart golden gate bridge icon pan am spam transatlantic travel volkswagenLatest 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!