News in Brief: Monday September 23

News in Brief: Monday September 23
By admin


Air services to Hong Kong are resuming as Typhoon Usagi moves away from the destination after causing disruptions yesterday.

Cathay Pacific confirmed it would resume services from 12 noon today although warned that flights may still be delayed or disrupted due to the "impact of the adverse weather and operational constraints".

The airline is waiving re-booking fees for all tickets issued worldwide issued on or before September 20 for travel between September 22 and 24 (Hong Kong time), irrespective of fare type.

 

Agents from Western Australia are being invited to take part in a Tourism New Zealand familiarisation event, to take place in October.

From October 16 to 20, the 45 agents selected will attend a welcome event in Christchurch before being shown the "must-do" experiences available in different regions. The event precedes the start of Air New Zealand's direct seasonal services between Perth and Christchurch on December 4.

"By fully integrating trade into our marketing campaigns, agents are better placed to generate and convert consumer interest," general manager Australia Tim Burgess said.

 

President and chief executive of Pan Pacific Hotels Group, Patrick Imbardelli, will stand down from the role on November 30 in order to pursue other career opportunities.

 

Serviced apartment firm Quest has offically opened its $30 million property in the centre of North Queensland town, Mackay, with "thriving business conditions" behind the property's development.

The 115-room Quest Mackay on Gordon consists of studio, one and two bedroom serviced apartments along with meeting and conference facilities.

 

African Travel Specialists has joined Express Ticketing's list of preferred suppliers, with Independent Travel Group and Select Group members now able to access its range of Africa product.

Those agents will also be able to access Indian subcontinent product under its India Tours & Travel Specialists brand, and Croatia product under the Croatia Travel Specialists brand.

 

The co-listing of Port Stephens as a destination for Jetstar flights to Newcastle has been welcomed by the region's tourism body as a boost for local tourism.

The low cost carrier has amended the listing of Newcastle on its booking engine to instead read Newcastle-Port Stephens, with Virgin Australia expected to follow suit in October.

Destination Port Stephens described the move as a "watershed change", following years of liaison with both carriers.

 

Etihad Airways’ loyalty program, Etihad Guest, will integrate the Extra Flight Club frequent flyer program of Air Serbia, currently Jat Airways, from October 28.

The move follows Etihad’s acquisition of a 49% stake in Air Serbia, subject to regulatory approvals, with it to manage the Serbian national carrier under a five year contract.

 

The start of Boeing 777-200LR services between Dubai and Boston from March 10 will mark Emirates' eighth route into the US.

 

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

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