News in Brief: Monday February 3

News in Brief: Monday February 3
By admin


The second phase of a promotional campaign to entice visitors to the Whitsundays begins today, as the destination’s tourism marketing body spreads the word that it is open for business in the wake of Cyclone Dylan.

Whitsundays Marketing and Development Limited (WMDL) acting chief executive Daryl Hudson confirmed that the region had experienced “minimal damage” and that improving conditions had seen flight services and island ferry transfers resume over the weekend.

 

Etihad Airways and Alitalia have entered the final phase of a due diligence process regarding a possible investment by Etihad in the Italian carrier.

Etihad president and chief executive James Hogan and Alitalia chief executive Gabriele Del Torchio, Chief Executive of Alitalia, yesterday confirmed the start of a 30-day process in which both companies and their advisors will work to develop a common strategy to suit both parties.

“Any issues that may prevent the establishment of an appropriate business plan will have to be resolved to ensure the plan can be implemented to move Alitalia to sustainable profitability,” a statement said.

 

Virgin Australia will add an additional four flights per week between Bundaberg and Brisbane and an extra eight flights per week between Moranbah and Brisbane to support growing demand.

The flights will be operated by fuel efficient, 68-seat ATR Turboprop aircraft.

The airline will also retime some of the existing services to Moranbah and Bundaberg to “better meet the needs of the market”.

 

Tahiti Tourisme Australia has launched a new look tablet-ready website with new technology, features, content and a fresh design.

The revitalised www.tahitinow.com.au offers a “greater range” of travel information and inspiration in a mobile and tablet-friendly format, according to Australia director Robert Thompson.

 

Abercrombie & Kent has launched its new Connections Small Group Journeys program with the guarantee that each journey will operate with a minimum two guests.

The luxury operator's 11-day India: Spiritual Splendours Journey departs 16 February 2014 and is priced at US$4,875 per person.

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

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