News in Brief: Thursday June 27
Tourism minister Gary Gray has apologised after delivering a speech last night in which he said Nelson Mandela had died.
Gray said he passed on information to the Minerals Council of Australia that he thought had come from a reliable source.
"I apologise unreservedly and am deeply sorry to have relayed what I thought was reliable advice," he said.
Rail Plus is offering a 10% discount on bookings on Italo, Italy's new, and first, privately-owned rail network.
Owned by Nuovo Trasporto Viaggiatori (NTV), Italo operates daily services from Rome, Florence, Milan, Venice and Naples.
Bookings must be made before August 28 to qualify for the discount.
Etihad Airways has met with bankers from across Australia as the airline looks to strengthen relations with financial institutions.
The 'financial roadshow', which follows similar events in New York and London ealier this year, outlined the airline's strategy to achieve "consistent, sustainable profitability".
"Etihad Airways continues to expand its flight network, fleet of aircraft, and passengers carried, and the banking community around the world, and in Australia, play a key role in helping ensure this successful growth is maintained," chief executive James Hogan said.
American Express has launched a new-look currency ordering website, FX4You, which charges travellers zero commission. But orders are only accepted for values between $500 and $10,000.
More than 60 currencies are available with consumers able to pick up their money from 3,200 locations across Australia.d
Small group tour specialist Back-Roads Touring has cut $371 from the price of two September tours in Wales. The seven-day Wonder of Wales itineraries now cost from $2104 per person.
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