1) ‘World’s Leading Cruise Lines’ unveiled by Carnival Australia
Reaffirming its leadership to the travel agent community, Carnival Australia today unveiled its ‘World’s Leading Cruise Lines’ trade marketing umbrella representing seven iconic cruise lines. Launched by CEO Ann Sherry at the Cruise3sixty conference in Sydney, the ‘World’s Leading Cruise Lines’ umbrella unites P&O Cruises Australia, Princess Cruises, Carnival Cruise Lines, Cunard, P&O Cruises World Cruising, Holland America Line and Seabourn under the one banner. Used to engage with Australian travel agents, the ‘World’s Leading Cruise Lines’ replaces the previous ‘Complete Cruise Solution’, and provides a single first contact point to with all brands from the group.2) SAA codeshare with VA adds Africa choice
A new codeshare agreement between South African Airways (SAA) and Virgin Australia will offer customers more travel choices from Australia to Africa. Tickets on the codeshare go on sale today for travel starting 11 February. The codeshare offers seamless travel while earning status miles through SAA Voyager frequent flyer programme and the benefit of through-checking baggage from the original location in Australia to any destination in Africa served by SAA. SAA’s Country Manager for Australasia Tim Clyde-Smith said the codeshare was an exciting development for the airline in the Australian market.
3) VA and EY key airline partners for ATE14
Virgin Australia and Etihad Airways have emerged as key airline partners for the Australian Tourism Exchange (ATE14). The previous 35 years exclusive sponsorship was severed by Qantas, who has also been replaced as sponsors for the Dreamtime business travel event in December. The ATE14 will run from 11 – 15 May in Cairns and host around 600 tourism buyer delegates from 38 countries and 1200 Australian delegates. As a platinum sponsor, Virgin will provide flights for delegates from Australia, New Zealand and North America. Gold sponsor, Etihad, will offer flights from Europe, the Middle East and Singapore.
4) IATA reveals strong overall growth
Full year traffic results for 2013 by the International Air Transport Association(IATA) revealed a 5.2 percent growth in passenger demand compared to 2012. Load factor was up 0.4 percent to 79.5 percent and capacity rose 4.8 percent. The demand across international markets grew more than domestic markets. Carriers in the Middle East reported the strongest growth at 11.4 percent, followed by Asia-Pacific at 7.1 percent, Latin America at 6.3 percent and Africa at 5.2 percent. Developed markets North America and Europe experienced the slowest growth.
5) QF chases Moree – Sydney route
The community of Moree are a step closer to the return of Qantas to the town as the airline formally applies to operate the Moree – Sydney route. Under the NSW Government’s five-year regulated route licensing agreement, the submission of the competitive tender will ensure Qantas can continue the interim flights currently operating twice daily return. QantasLink Chief Executive Officer John Gissing praised the community for their support and thanked them in person, making the announcement in Moree and thanking the community. The decision on granting the license to operate the route will be made in the coming weeks.
6) Princess Cruises Love Boat sale
Princess Cruises suggest getting your clients feeling loved-up this Valentine’s Day, with savings of up to $800 per person off the launch fares. From a charming quick Tasmanian getaway for 8 days to an epic 28-night Round Australia itinerary, the itineraries on-board the love boat offers some of the world’s most unforgettable scenery. Wherever their heart lies, Princess Cruises offers a voyage to leave guests totally smitten. Sale ends 18 February 2014 on cruises to Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and the South Pacific.
7) EK A380 daily Spain service
Emirates will add over 2,200 seats to Barcelona, Spain, replacing the route daily with an A380 aircraft instead of the Boeing 777. The aircraft upgrade is in response to the strong passenger demand and will help contribute to Spain’s economic growth. Barcelona will be the 25th major city worldwide to be served by the Emirates A380. Of the 35 million passengers that passed through Barcelona-El Prat Airport in 2013, over 50,000 travelled to the United Arab Emirates, according to the Barcelona Chamber of Commerce’s Air Route Committee.
8) Canada shifts to multiple-entry visas
Travellers will find it easier and cheaper to visit Canada with multiple entry visas at a reduced cost. Starting 6 February, visitors to Canada will automatically be considered for a multiple entry visa, allowing qualified visitors to come and go from the country without having to reapply each time. The fee for temporary visitors will also be reduced from CAD$150 to CAD$100.9) YTL Hotels operate Thermae Bath Spa
One of Bath’s most-visited attractions, the Thermae Bath Spa, has been contracted to operate by YTL hotels. The takeover was a mutual agreement from Thermae Development Company and will further position Bath’s developing standing as one of Europe’s leading spa destinations. Henk Verschuur, who has been involved with the operations of Thermae Bath Spa said the takeover heralds the start of a very exciting future and was confident that its future is in safe hands.
10) Free France train travel for kids in 2014
Australian and New Zealand families holidaying in France can take advantage of free rail travel for kids in 2014. Kids aged between four and 11 can travel free on the France Rail Pass when bookings are made by 30 June. The passes are valid up to six months from the date of issue. The France Rail Pass can be purchased through Rail Plus, Rail Tickets, CIT Holidays and Infinity Rail in Australia, and Rail Plus and Go Holidays in New Zealand.
11) 2nd Centara opens in Sri Lanka
Centara Hotels & Resorts of Thailand will open its second resort in Sri Lanka later this year, the Centara Ceysands Resort & Spa Sri Lanka. The resort is set on the Bentota Peninsula, with the Bentota River on one side and the Indian Ocean on the other, which means guests arrive by five minute journey across the water by barge. All the 165 rooms and suites, including family residences with bunk beds for the children, feature views across the river, or across the beach and the ocean.
12) NZ safety video a beauty
Air New Zealand has partnered with Sports Illustrated to showcase Safety in Paradise, with some of the biggest names in modelling. With the background of the idyllic Cook Islands, the video launch on 12 February coincides with the start of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit’s 50th anniversary global celebrations. Air New Zealand expects the core safety messages in the video will engage with customers and drive more traffic on its Auckland – Rarotonga and Los Angeles – Rarotonga services in 2014.13) Club Med invites Aussies to create new resort
Club Med has launched ‘My Val Thorens’ Facebook application across the Club Med Facebook, allowing customers to help create the brand’s new 4 Trident Snow Resort, Val Thorens in France.
The interactive application invites people to vote for a range of features to be adopted by Val Thorens including the Resort’s name, logo, design features and activities. Participants who vote also go in the draw in April 2014 to win one of two prizes, including the grand prize of an all-inclusive week’s holiday for two at the new Val Thorens Resort.
14) CX launch 16hr daily NY to HKG flight
Cathay Pacific Airways will next month launch a daily non-stop Newark, New York to Hong Kong flight to its already four flights out of JFK, New York. The ultra-long distance 16 hour flight makes up for the suspended Singapore Airlines service which was the longest route from New York to Singapore in 19 hours. Cathay Pacific Airways Senior VP for the Americas, Mr Tom Owen, said the airline was now the fastest option to get from the USA to Southeast Asia. Cathay Pacific offers four cabins on the route, coach, premium economy, business, and first class.
15) New Shangri-La Hotel, At The Shard tallest London Hotel
Opening 6 May 2014 isShangri-La Hotel, At The Shard. Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts new London property, the. The hotel will become the first high-rise hotel in London, and ranks the tallest hotel in Western Europe, occupying levels 34 to 52 of the 72 storey Shard. Breathtaking views from the 202 guestrooms reveal iconic landmarks such as St. Paul’s Cathedral, Tower Bridge and the Houses of Parliament. Every detail of the hotel environment has been taken into consideration, with its contemporary interior design and spectacular grand staircase sweeping across double length floor‑to‑ceiling windows, linking levels 34 and 35 within the hotel’s sky lobby.
16) Scenic adds Irrawaddy departure
Scenic Tours will add an additional departure on their luxury private chartered cruise on the Irrawaddy due to overwhelming demand. The cruise ship Irrawaddy Navigator will sail between, Mandalay and Yangon, offering an exclusive Burmese experience in pure floating luxury. The 10 Day Luxury Irrawaddy River cruise from Mandalay to Yangon will depart on 5 November, with prices starting from $4,185 per person twin share. Bookings made by 31 March receive a $700 airfare credit per couple. Conditions apply.
