News in Brief: Monday, January 14

News in Brief: Monday, January 14
By admin


Air France-KLM and Amadeus have renewed their content agreement giving Amadeus-connected travel agencies access to the full range of fares from both airlines and all regional carriers within the group.

In addition, agents will be able to book the "new economy offer" which offers customers a choice between the all-inclusive product, or a simplified fare with options.

 

Business remains "tough and tense" despite Swiss International Air Lines setting a yearly passenger record. The carrier said it carried 15.8 million passengers in 2012, the most in its history over a 12-month period.

"But greater passenger numbers do not necessarily translate into enhanced earnings," Swiss said in a statement. "Swiss's earnings performance continues to suffer from high oil prices and the downward pressure on fares."

 

Scoot has launched its eighth and ninth routes to Qingdao and Shenyang in China, ahead of Chinese New Year. The three times weekly service will fly Singapore-Qingdao-Shenyang-Qingdao-Singapore.

 

Mantra Group has consolidated its Australian trade sales team, in an effort to reflect the "dynamic landscape" of the travel trade market.

Director of sales Kent Davidson said the team of 10, which will report to newly appointed director of trade sales leisure Paula Maxwell, will now adopt a more "client specific" approach to leisure sales.

"This will make it even easier for travel trade clients to deal with Mantra Group and allow key account managers to have a more in depth relationship with their clients across all leisure market sectors," he said.

 

Wholesaler My Holiday Centre has joined forces with Tourism Fiji to launch a range of promotions to the destination. Several hotels are participating in the ‘No Bula Bonus Sale', including the Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa, Outrigger on the Lagoon and Fiji Hideaway Resort and Spa.

 

China Southern Airlines has announced that the term Canton Route will now be extended to describe its entire worldwide network.

 

New Caledonia's Aircalin has launched a range of sale fares combined with special offers from a range of hotels. Deals are available for booking by January 25 for travel between February 18 and March 27, and April 29 and May 31.

 

BIG4 Caloundra Waterfront Holiday Park has undergone a $10 million redevelopment which includes new cabins, site accommodation and park activities. Park manager Angus Booker reported a "marked increase" in bookings as a result of the revamp.

 

Hawaiian Airlines has reminded travel agents and passengers of the need to complete the online visa form for travel to the US. The Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) must be completed at least 72 hours prior to travel and a travel authorisation number presented at check-in at the airport, the carrier said.

 

Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au

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