News in Brief: Wednesday March 26
Fiji Airways has confirmed its new twice weekly direct service between Sydney and capital Suva will commence from Monday May 2.
The new flights will give Aussies easier access not only to Suva but to tourist hotspots Pacific Harbour abd the outer islands of Beqa, Laucale and Vatuale.
“The introduction of the direct Sydney to Suva flight will open up tourism for Suva, and its surrounding islands,” managing director and chief executive Stefan Pichler said.
“The new service is a clear demonstration of our desire to grow our network, and boost Fijian tourism and economy.”
TravelManagers has reported a strong start to 2014 with monthly sales revenue and recruitment hitting new heights.
January sales climbed 29% year on year, with February up 11% with cruise and European touring contributing strongly to the growth, executive general manager Michael Gazal revealed.
“We couldn’t have asked for a better start to 2014,” Gazal said. “Our consistent increase in sales further cements TravelManagers’ standing in the industry and naturally we are seeing more interest from travel agency owners and managers to join our business model.”
The number of new recruits in January surged 120%, with February rising 20% on the same months last year.
Travellers Choice has unveiled the latest version of its website offering for members, Site Builder 2.0.
The upgraded technology, described as a major element of the network's digital marketing strategy, gives agents additional flexibility to add more content and create "customised virtual shop-fronts" while retaining the Travellers Choice look and feel.
"By using Site Builder 2.0 our members can express their company's particular interests, activities or specialist areas just as they would if they were dressing their shopfront," marketing manager Robyn Mitchell said.
Youth operator Topdeck has released its new Egypt, Jordan, Israel, Turkey and Morocco 2014/15 brochure.
The program offers 22 adventures designed for 18 to 39 year olds. These include visits to the Giza Pyramids, the Jordanian desert by 4×4 in Wadi Rum and cruising the River Nile on a traditional felucca and a five-star boat.
More departures had been added on trips in Morocco, Asia Pacific director of sales Ben Ittensohn revealed.
“Morocco is growing in popularity and is our best-selling country in the Middle East and North Africa,” he said.
China Southern will add Frankfurt to its European network. A three time weekly A330-200 service will operate from Guangzhou to Frankfurt via Changsha from June 20.
The German city will become the carrier's sixth European port alongside Paris, London, Amsterdam, Moscow and Istanbul.
Accor’s program to recruit and train close to 100 refugees over a six month period has seen the hotel giant win the Business Inclusion Award at the Migration and Settlement Awards.
The awards ceremony recognises the work of organisations and individuals assisting new migrants and refugees to become part of the local community.
Chief operating officer Simon McGrath described it as a “great honour”.
“Accor is committed to cultural inclusion and creating programs that encourage diversity,” he said. “We are proud to have many nationalities represented throughout our network of hotels and will work to increase this by expanding the program in the future.”
The first of Evergreen Tours new “Star Ships” has been delivered to sister company Emerald Waterways in Lobith, Northern Holland.
Emerald Sky is due to be christened on April 9 with British style icon Twiggy as Godmother.
The second ship, Emerald Star, will be delivered by the end of April, with a further two ships – Emerald Sun and Emerald Dawn under construction for delivery in early 2015.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
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