News in Brief: Tuesday October 21
Former prime minister Gough Whitlam, who passed away this morning aged 98, has been described as “a giant of his time” by PM Tony Abbott. Whitlam was the first Australian PM to visit China and established diplomatic relations with the country which is now the nation’s largest trading partner, which Abbott describes as an “enduring legacy”.
Rail Plus’ General Manager Sales and Marketing, Greg McCallum has been made redundant after 9 years in the role, following the company's review of operational resources. Following the success of its automated reservation and bookings systems, the company’s CEO James Dunne said they decided to redirect resources towards roles more focused on marketing and sales support.
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide has sold The St Regis, Rome to subsidiaries of Constellation Hotels Holding Limited for €110 million. Under a new long-term agreement, Starwood will continue to operate the hotel under the St. Regis brand.
Trafalgar and Insight Vacations are reminding agents there is less than two weeks to take advantage of the exclusive 10% Early Payment Discount across all 2015 USA & Canada programs, with the client offer available when booked and paid in full by October 30.
Agents can also save clients 7.5% with Contiki’s Early Payment Discount, which is available until November 27, with in excess of 90 itineraries available across the three tour operators.
LAN Airlines has launched its special sale with return economy flights to Santiago starting from $1399 when booked before November 19 and used between May 1 and August 31.
In addition to this offer, travellers can also book discounted flights from Sydney through to Lima via Santiago or Buenos Aires and Sao Paulo from $1499.
For travellers keen to head to ANZAC for the centenary year, but who did not secure a ticket in the ballot, then On The Go Tours have developed a range of tours to commemorate the occasion, including an eight-day Lone Pine Express tour and a 10-day Remembrance Day tour through Turkey.
The company guarantees departures with a minimum of two people, employs qualified local guides, and offers flexibility in both arrival and departure dates.
Independent Travel Group’s retail brand italktravel has opened new stores in Doncaster, Glen Waverley and Fountain Gates in Victoria, taking its store total to 21.
ITG has confirmed that another four stores are close to opening in NSW and Victoria, with the group saying it remains on track to having 100 stores by the end of 2015.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
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