By Kate Webster on KarryOn
1) QF jobs lost as airline posts $252m first half loss
Qantas has today announced it will axe 5000 jobs in the next three years and change fleet and routes as it posted a $252 million first half loss. The airline’s shares were 4c weaker at $1.23 in early trading on the Australian Securities Exchange. The job cuts and changes come as part of Qantas’s bid to cut costs by $2 billion over the next three years. The job cuts include 1500 management and non-operational roles along with jobs in maintenance. A wage freeze for executives will be extended to other staff, with the airline’s Chief Executive Alan Joyce taking a 36 per cent pay cut. Mr Joyce spoke at a press conference in Sydney today, saying the airline’s performance is “unacceptable” and the current situation is unsustainable.
2) Air NZ 40% profit rise
Air New Zealand has reported a 40 percent profit rise to an interim net profit of NZD140 million (AUD130 million). A strong first half helped by stable fuel prices justified the airline’s predictions of heading a full-year pre-tax profit of more than NZD300 million (AUD278 million). Air New Zealand Chief Executive Christopher Luxon said the airline has undergone significant restructuring and was in a position where it was able to adapt to a changing macro-economic and competitive environment. “The journey ahead is shaping up as incredibly exciting, particularly given the positive economic outlook in many of our key revenue markets,” Mr Luxon added.
3) Qantas sells BNE lease back for $112 mil
Qantas has reached a deal with Brisbane Airport Corporation to sell back its 31 year lease for $112 million while retaining exclusive use and operational control over much of the northern end of the terminal until the end of 2018. The deal includes securing rights to key infrastructure beyond this period, as the airline restructures to cut costs to eliminate $2 billion in costs over the coming three years. Qantas’ lease with Brisbane Airport covers terminal and runway access.
4) Brand USA partners with Flight Centre
Aiming to grow and diversify Australian travel to the US, Brand USA has announced a multi-million dollar partnership with travel agency group Flight Centre Travel Group. The six month commercial agreement follows the recent launch of Brand USA’s first ever consumer marketing campaign. Brand USA’s Senior Vice President Global Partnerships Development Alfredo Gonzalez said “Brand USA’s mission is to support these destinations and diversify travel patterns and expose all of the travel possibilities available in the U.S.” The partnership is the biggest retail partnership Brand USA has entered into in the Australian market, marking the beginning of the journey to change the mindset of travel to the USA.
5) Last places available for Samoan Tourism Exchange
Product managers can still snap up their place at this year’s Samoa Tourism Exchange running from 29 March to 6 April. The official opening at the Samoa Cultural Centre on 1 April will be followed by the Buyer/Seller Exhibition from 2 to 4 April. Themed ‘Holiday the Samoan Way’, the Exchange will help Samoa celebrate new properties opening up along the South Coast of Upolu and welcomes Starwood to the islands with its latest partnership with the Aggie Grey’s properties.
6) Nanuku Resort & Spa’s luxurious special
To celebrate the opening of Fiji newest luxury resort, Nanuku Resort & Spa on 01 March, guests can book on the celebratory incentive offering of stay five nights for the price of four. The deal includes accommodation in one of the five striking duplex residences, all meals, personal butler and nanny services, use of a golf buggy and all non-motorised watersports equipment, free Wi-Fi , daily hosted drinks and canapés with resort management and return private car transfers from either Nadi International Airport or Suva International Airport. Prices start from $7710 and valid for sale until 31 May 2014 for travel until 19 December 2014 inclusive of all school holiday periods.
7) New Horizons revamps look
Reinforce its commitment to quality travel experiences, wholesaler New Horizons has launched its fresh new look logo and brand tagline. The bright bold colours of the new logo replace the old logo that had not changed in the 36 years of operation. Managing Director Chris Evans said they felt it was time to refresh our look to reflect the changing travel landscape, with the new icon “representing the sun rising over the horizon – symbolizing the beginning of a new journey”. The new tagline “Travel…Go” illustrates the company’s passion for travel and dedication to creating unforgettable experiences which last a lifetime, according to Mr Evans.
8) Aussies love to Aloha
More Australians are travelling to the sun soaked paradise of Hawaii, according toHawai‘i Tourism Oceania. In a record breaking first, Australian visitor numbers to Hawaii have exceeded 300,000, an increase of 24.3 percent on 2012 figures. Aussies are also venturing beyond the traditional Oahu Island, exploring Hawaii’s neighbouring islands of Maui, Kaua‘i and Hawai‘i Island. The increase has been attributed to a number of factors including the continued strength of the Aussie dollar and increase in the number of direct flights.
9) Magic Kingdom mark-up
The price for Walt Disney World’s single-day admission increased to $99, the second price increase for the park in less than a year. The price has jumped $10 from the ticket price in June last year.
Universal Orlando has not implemented a price increase this year, though admission hikes are usually announced closer to the busy summer travel season. Admission prices for Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, The Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom also experienced an increase. The ticket price at the Disneyland Resort in California did not increase.
10) ‘Come Back New’ to Princess Cruises
Princess Cruises revealed to the local travel industry its new brand positioning titled ‘come back new’, designed to remind travellers that cruising can transform and enrich their lives. The digital and print campaign based on the new positioning will target Australian and New Zealand trade, enhanced by a range of unique selling tools available through its new digital platform World’s Leading Cruise Lines.
11) Las Vegas Cromwell opens for bookings
Las Vegas’ new stand-alone boutique hotel, The Cromwell will open for business and bookings starting 21 May 2014. Located on one of the Las Vegas Strip’s busiest intersections, the Cromwell Hotel and Casino will offer an exceptional luxury Las Vegas hotel experience in an intimate boutique hotel setting. With 188 rooms and suites and a 3,716 square metre casino boasting 66 table games, 440 slot machines and a reserved gaming salon, the Cromwell is a Caesars Entertainment owned and operated hotel.
