1) What the QF fallout means for travellers
As Qantas tries to find a massive $2 billion in savings, what do the changes mean for consumers and travellers? Flight prices are not likely to increase as the airline remains competitive in the market. It is also unlikely to see any mass-scale renewal of Qantas aircraft as to reduce cost; the airline has delayed delivery of new planes. In total, 50 aircraft will have their delivery deferred or sold, including eight flagship A380s. Route changes include the withdrawal of the Perth to Singapore service by September this year, a downgrade in aircraft capacity for the Sydney and Brisbane to Singapore routes and the re-timing on the Melbourne to London flights come November. Any plans to expand and grow the Jetstar Asia network will also be suspended.
2) Japan and Indo gives bang for buck
As the Aussie dollar drops, Australian travellers’ feeling the pinch in the pocket are looking for destinations to stretch their money. Indonesia and Japan have ranked as the best bang for the buck when it comes to exchange rates, according to the 2014 Expedia Foreign Exchange Index. The index revealed the Australian dollar gained 2.3 percent on the Yen and 7 percent on the Rupiah over the past twelve months. Expedia Australia and New Zealand Managing Director Georg Ruebensal said “Aussies aren’t being deterred from international travel, but they need to be smarter with their spending.”
3) Amadeus positive full year results
Technology partner for the global travel industry, Amadeus, has reported strong performance and growth with a 6.6 percent growth in revenue for the year ending 31 December 2013. Adjusted profit rose to EUR619.5 million, up 7.8 percent on last year. Total air travel agency bookings increased by 6.5 percent to 443.4 million. Strong growth markets include North America (+38.1 percent) and Latin America (+12.5 percent). The move into new business areas including the acquisition of Newmarket International for USD 500 million, helped accelerate Amadeus.
4) Fiji’s new Convention Centre
The purpose built Denarau Island Convention Centre at Sheraton and Westin Resorts Fiji is due for completion by the end of March 2014. The centre will be the largest event space in Denarau, with a capacity of 1200 seated guests. It will aim to attract larger conventions and exhibitions to Fiji from Australia, New Zealand, USA and Asia, starting with the first big event in May 2014, the Fijian Tourism Expo (FTE).
5) MH Formula One incentive
New South Wales and ACT travel agents, start your engines, as Malaysia Airlines are giving the chance to one of 10 spots on the Formula One famil to be held in Kuala Lumpur. To win, agents must book and ticket their clients on Malaysia Airlines between 03 March to 14 March for departures between 03 March and 07 December 2014. The top sellers and five most improved will earn a spot on the exciting famil. The incentive is for New South Wales and ACT agents only and terms and conditions apply.
5) Centara enters Middle East
Centara Hotels & Resorts has extended their portfolio into the Middle East with the opening of its first five-star property at West Bay, in Qatar’s capital Doha. The Centara Grand West Bay Hotel Doha in the newly developed district of West Bay in Doha is within easy access of the Corniche and to the airport. Centara Hotels & Resorts Chief Executive Officer Thirayuth Chirathivat said the hotel brand’s distinctive Thai identity is now being accepted by international investors, with the hotel brand moving into markets that are strategically important for our overseas expansion. Centara Grand West Bay Hotel Doha boasts 264 guest rooms and 96 residences, with a great variety of room and apartment styles all under one roof.
6) Mardi Gras Queen of the night
She was the biggest Queen in Sydney over the weekends’ Mardi Gras, and all eyes were on her as Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth made her grand entrance into Sydney Harbour. In time for the city’s biggest international festival, the Queen donned a massive ‘Happy Mardi Gras’ cape that billowed from her top decks in a salute the Mardi Gras Festival. The cape stretched 126 metres long and formed part of a head-turning outfit for iconic performer and personality Vanity Faire, who was positioned on top of Queen Elizabeth on a giant glittering 2.2 metre-high stiletto.See gallery.
7) MTA BDM appointment pure gold
Sally Gorringe has been appointed as the BDM across Queensland, NT and South Australia for MTA, as the mobile agency group looks to strengthen its national business development. MTA Chief Executive Officer Don Beattie described the appointment as a “pure gold recruitment coup” for the company. Ms Gorringe brings 20 years of industry experience in retail and sales management roles to MTA, including 10 years with the UTAG travel network in NSW/ACT and subsequently, senior sales roles with MSC Cruises and Insight Vacations. Ms Gorringe can be contacted on 0499 088 339 or via email at sally@mtatravel.com.au.
8) MEL ‘Bus’n'Bed’ hotel-snow transfer offer
FallsBus and HothamBus have made getting to the Victorian ski fields easier with the release of the ‘Bus ‘n’ Bed’ package. Combining Melbourne hotel accommodation with coach transfers to and from Falls Creek, Hotham Alpine Resort and Dinner Plain, the package starts at $129 per person twin share. The packages mean travellers don’t have to book overnight flights into Tullamarine Airport. For those staying in on-snow accommodation, over-snow transfers can easily be added into the ‘Bus’n’Bed’ package.
9) Adventure World appoints new Head of Sales
Wholesaler Adventure World has appointed Carole Perrin to the position of Head of Sales to steer the company towards new and continued sales growth. Ms Perrin comes from her previous role as Director of Sales for Hotelbeds and is backed by over 20 years of experience in the travel and tourism industry. Adventure World Managing Director Fiona Hunt welcomed the appointment that will start in Sydney in mid-March. Read more.
10) Accor extends footy partnership with NRL
Accor is kicking goals with the National Rugby League (NRL), partnering for the second year running. The NSW VB Blues State of Origin team will be based at Novotel Pacific Bay Resort in Coffs Harbour for Games One and Three, while the Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) and NRL executives, as well as all 16 NRL clubs will be accommodated at Accor hotels across Australia and New Zealand.
This article was sourced from carryon
This article was sourced from carryon
