News in Brief: Monday July 28
Christmas in the Mediterranean just got better as MSC Cruises offers last-minute money-saving festive cruising specials from as little as $81 per person per night, twin share.
The special is valid on ocean view cabins aboard MSC Sinfonia’s 11-night cruise from Genoa, departing 19 December 2014. Other winter program specials are available until sold out.
American Airlines has announced a record $1.5 billion second quarter 2014 non-GAAP net profit. Excluding net special charges, the figure was a record for any quarter in the history of American Airlines.
Additionally, the company announced a capital deployment program, including over $2.8 billion in debt and aircraft lease prepayments, a $1 billion share repurchase program, the initiation of a quarterly cash dividend, and $600 million of additional pension contributions.
The Solomon Islands Visitors Bureau (SIVB) ‘Green Team’ has taken its message online with the help of two local schoolgirls.
The video entitled ‘Our Home – look after it’ was posted this week on the SIVB facebook page, and underlines the impact littering and the tipping of general rubbish across the country is having on the local environment – both for the local people and international visitors.
‘Green Team’ leader, SIVB marketing manager, Freda Unusi said while the clip is short, it has a very strong message that needs to reverberate for years.
Travelmarvel has set its sights on China, offering more of China for less with the launch of their new dedicated brochure for 2015.
The China brochure offers a combined total of 16 departures with new program offers and exceptional value premium cruising and touring, according to Travelmarvel general manager, David Cox.
Taking the Bold move with the destination by reducing costs, adding to itineraries and offering special deals, Cox said “we hope our travel agents will agree when we say Travelmarvel’s China program offers exceptional value.”
Cook Islands Tourism has launched a Discover Our World sale, taking Australians to the South Pacific country for a week long holiday under $1000.
On sale from 27 July to 16 August 2014, Cook Islands Tourism’s Discover Our World sale prices on both airfares and air and land packages are available for travel 4 October to 5 December 2014, 24 January to 3 April 2015 and 2-29 May 2015.
Tourism Australia’s latest foodie campaign Restaurant Australia has announced head chefs Neil Perry AM, Peter Gilmore and Ben Shewry will share the kitchen for the first time as part of Tourism Australia's 'Invite the World to Dinner'.
Up to 80 of the world's top food and wine influencers will dine from a 'best of Australia' menu prepared by multi-awarded chefs at the dinner, held in Tasmania this November.
TripAdvisor has acquired one of the largest online tours-and-activities booking agencies, Viator in an approximate $200 million cash deal.
The deal is expected to close within three months.
Viator will be TripAdvisor’s forth acquisition, after it also bought lafourchette, Tripbod, and Vacation Home Rentals.
TripAdvisor president and chief executive officer Stephen Kaufer said “Viator will be a great addition to the TripAdvisor family, as online and mobile bookings for attractions and activities represents a huge opportunity for our business.”
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
american airlines cook islands msc solomon islands tourism australia travelmarvelLatest News
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!
Globally-renowned chefs gather for Vivid Food 2024
As a human, we agree that food is a fundamental part of the human experience. Some might say the most fundamental.
Air New Zealand returns to Hobart and Seoul
If you notice an uptick in Kiwis making their way through the Mona, you know why.
European Waterways targets multi-generational families with ‘floating villa’ deal
The jury is still out on whether spending a week on a 'floating villa' with family is a hell or a paradise.
Luxury Escapes launches ‘sail away’ sale
Rest assured, you'll be getting your 'sails' and 'sales' mixed up for the rest of the day.
Rex-owned National Jet Express adds weekly charter between Brisbane and Orange
This is for mining and civil contractors, so please, put your holiday attire away.
Let the games begin. Viking introduces eye-watering benefits for the industry’s top 10 advisors
Did someone say 'trip to Venice'? Hold my coat, this one is far too good to miss!
Best friends or frenemies? What is the REAL relationship between sales and marketing?
We can all stop fighting over the corner office because our mothers were right - we are all important in our own way.
The Walshe Group Announces Two Key Appointments
What we really want to know is whether they got joint or separate welcome parties.
FAMIL: Agents explore the delights of Mauritius on 7-day tour
Go green with envy as you read this fabulous itinerary! Time to book that second honeymoon.
Hamad International recognised as world’s best airport at 2024 Skytrax World Airport Awards
Hamad airport is so good it is almost considered a destination in itself. Ballina, up your game.
Saudi Arabia highlights tourism investment opportunities at global investment event
Now is the time to start looking at Saudi Arabia if you are not already. There's big things to come.
“Rampant” – Aussies warned as dengue fever cases spike in Bali
Worried about Bali belly? Now you have something else to worry about.
TTC Tour Brand reveals slew of deals across operators including Trafalgar and Contiki
Everybody loves a bargain and you could do lot a lot worse than check out these deals from TTC!
Fiji Airways partners with Porter Airlines in US growth bid
Any initiative that gets more people visiting the delights of Fiji is a good initiative.
Flight Centre launches CruiseHQ – a marketplace exclusively for agents
The cruise industry has surpassed pre-Covid levels so this isn't one to miss!
Feeling festive? Wendy Wu tours unwraps Christmas collection
Get the Christmas hols booked now and avoid spending it with that elderly relative with dubious political views.
OPINION: In a world of screens, we crave experience
If you get feelings of deep shame and regret when you see your screen time, don't worry - you're not alone.
Sun Princess: High-end dining and world class entertainment awaits
If you are a foodie and you are not currently on the Sun Princess, we really have to ask - what are you doing?
YouGov: 2 in 5 Aussies would pay more for a sustainable hotel
If you want to be REALLY sustainable you can go camping. You just might lose the will to live.
“Can planes swim?” – Planes become boats as Dubai Airport is savaged by severe storm
Unfortunately, "can planes swim?" is a real life question and not an opener to a really bad joke...
Explora journeys reveals bespoke outdoor furniture designed by Matteo Nunziati
This is making your plastic table and chairs look really bad now, isn't it?
Bangkok Airways targets growth with renewed Sabre deal
Two stories abut Sabre's growth in one week and its only Wednesday! Watchout world.
PR agency Example wins pitch for InterContinental Sydney
We also went in for the contract but they said that a 'Be Our Guest'- themed TikTok was unoriginal! The cheek.
Norwegian Cruise Line reveals culinary experience aboard Norwegian Aqua
Once again, this TW journalist REALLY regrets writing this before getting lunch.
Signature Queensland hosts luxury tourism event
Known for its tropical beaches and unique wildlife, Queensland also offers luxury.
Capella Sydney recognised in prestigious Travel + Leisure’s 2024 ‘it list’ of best new hotels
You know that 'it girl' at school who everyone wanted to hang out with? Capella is the hotel version of that.
Rex launches 72-hour fare sale with NO school holiday blackout so you can take your kids (if you want to)
Sadly, leaving your children at home whilst you go on holiday is generally frowned upon.
Adventure World offers chance to connect with “heart and soul” of the US
I mean who hasn't dreamed of a road trip around the US?! Go with Adventure World and you're less likely to get lost.
Fiji’s family-owned luxury resort Likuliku Lagoon launches its own app
We were relieved to find out that having a "concierge in your pocket" referred to an app on your phone.
Hawaii: The US’ laid-back front door for Australians
If you needed another sign that you should definitely head to Hawaii - this is it!
Sabre targets Asia Pacific growth with latest hire
Call the Avengers! Sabre continues its bid for world domination with latest hire.
Air New Zealand signs its largest EVER deal for sustainable aviation fuel
Air New Zealand makes huge step towards sustainable travel. We bet it recycles its rubbish properly too.
IHG Hotels & Resorts continues regional growth with Sunshine Coast Holiday Inn
This Holiday Inn looks considerably flashier than some of the ones we have stayed at in our time.
Budget carrier Scoot welcomes first of 9 E190-E2 aircrafts
Here at TW we would like to offer Embraer E190-E2 a warm welcome! It's not easy being the first of the fleet.