By Kate Webster
1) Strong performance grows EY fleet and routes
Etihad Airways has posted strong results for the third consecutive year with the net profit up 48 percent from last year to USD62 million. Total revenue increased by 27 percent to USD6.1 billion while revenue passenger numbers also grew by 12 percent to 11.5 million. Partnership revenues rose 30 percent to USD820 million, representing 21 percent of passenger revenues. The airline increased its fleet from 70 to 89 aircraft while placing a USD67 billion order for a further 199 aircraft and 294 engines.
2) Qantas Sale Act causes political conflict
The Government’s push to remove foreign ownership restrictions on Qantas has sparked a political row. Prime Minister Tony Abbott announced last night that the Government wants to repeal Part 3 of the Qantas Sale Act, however the move is unlikely to pass the Senate, even when the Greens lose the balance of power and new micro-party Senators take their seats in July. Qantas issued a statement in response to the Prime Minister’s announcement, saying they have consistently said the removal of foreign ownership provisions that apply uniquely to Qantas is an important longer term objective to create a fair and free aviation market in Australia.
3) VA pleased air is still fair
Virgin Australia has backed the Federal Government’s decision which supports fair competition in the Australian aviation sector. In a statement by the airline, they continue to support the fact they have no issue with the amendment or repeal of the Qantas Sale Act. Virgin Australia will continue to focus on keeping the competition in Australia’s air and benefit all Australians through growing jobs and services.
4) Trade mission flies the Sunshine Coast flag in New Zealand
Sunshine Coast tourism operators in conjunction with Tourism and Events Queensland have travelled across the ditch with their Queensland on Tour Trade event. Held in Auckland, the group of providers supplied updates and training to over 75 retail and wholesale travel agents, conference organisers, product managers and other key industry contacts. The whirlwind trade mission included an appearance at the Flight Centre Travel Expo where more than 15,000 Kiwi consumers came through the doors.
5) Call for improved Visa to open China
China must improve visa access and processing to open the country and boost international visitor numbers, according to global authority on the social and economic impact of the Travel and Tourism, WTTC. Recent research unveiled the significance of travel and tourism to driving the Chinese economy and creating more jobs. WTTC Chief Executive Office, David Scowsill, said “China’s domestic market is strong, but it is not getting the growth in international visitors it could be.” WTTC recommends that the Chinese Government continues to strengthen its policies and strategies to capitalise on this growth.
6) Carnival Australia welcomes OPT development
The NSW Government’s decision to redevelop the Overseas Passenger Terminal at Circular Quay has been welcomed by Carnival Australia Chief Executive Officer, Ann Sherry. While the redevelopment will accommodate larger cruise ships at Circular Quay, it does not increase Sydney’s capacity, according to Ms Sherry. The option for Garden Island shared access is something Carnival Australia has long been an advocate for as they continue to work hard to build a positive and cooperative relationship with the Royal Australian Navy.
7) Diver delight at Malaysia’s Tanjong Jara Resort
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| Tanjong Jara Resort |
8) Marriott puts job hunting in palm of your hand
A new mobile phone app will allow job seekers the ease of searching for employment with Marriott International in the palm of their hands. The mobile app linked to their jobs site is an industry first, offering convenience to connect with potential employees. Marriott recognises that job hunting is changing rapidly, with 70 percent of job seekers using their mobile to research their next career move.
9) New strategy to boost Pacific Tourism
A new Pacific Regional Tourism Strategy (PRTS) set to launch soon is aimed to drive a tourism boost to Pacific Island Countries. The South Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) has been travelling through the Pacific countries to seek feedback through workshops and stakeholder discussions at a regional level. SPTO Chief Executive Office Mr Ilisoni Vuidreketi said “the intention is to formulate an updated medium-term strategic framework to guide the industry in developing and implementing specific action plans at a regional level.”
10) Trafalgar guarantees more departures
Travel agents can feel secure when booking Trafalgar as they confirm 90 percent of the Europe and Britain departures in 2014 as definite. Delivering on their promise of more ‘Definite Departures’ than their competitors, Trafalgar has gone beyond what they expected even earlier in the forthcoming season. Trafalgar Australia Managing Director Matthew Cameron-Smith said the company is wholly focused on strengthening relationships with valued industry partners, ensuring they are fully equipped to sell the guided holidays with confidence and with ease.
11) King Isl gourmet adventure teams with top talent
Barossa cook Maggie Beer will join culinary master Mark Best for the exciting gourmet adventure, the 2014 KI Food Safari at Southern Ocean Lodge. Coming of the success of last year’s event, the 7 night culinary itinerary kicks off at Southern Ocean Lodge on 2 August 2014 and will take guests on a hands-on journey through muddy-boots paddock and a vineyard discovery of Kangaroo Island’s best produce to the plates and glasses at the lauded Southern Ocean Lodge. Itinerary highlights include the fine cheeses and yoghurts of Island Pure Sheep Dairy, a visit to the green pastures of Southrock Lamb and a stroll through the shady groves of KI Olive Oil.
12) Starwood boosts portfolio
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This article was sourced from carryon
