News in Brief: Thursday March 27
James Hewlett has been appointed to lead Singapore Airlines Holidays when it moves under the management of Wendy Wu Tours from April 1.
Hewlett, who has held roles with UK operator Titan travel and Norwegian cruise line Hurtigruten, promised the new expanded range will combine the quality of Singapore Airlines with the expertise of Wendy Wu.
“We’ve greatly increased the product range,” he said. “Agents can book with us by phone – we have extended our hours to include Saturday opening so that we’re here when our agents need us.”
The first ever Fijian Tourism Expo (FTE), to be held at the Sheraton Fiji Resort from May 5 to 8, has sold out of exhibitor space, Tourism Fiji has confirmed.
Record numbers of buyers from around the world are expected to attend the event which will feature more than 140 exhibition booths and 280 exhibitors. Pre and post-famil tours are now also at capacity.
"The program for this event is shaping up to be very exciting for the tourism industry,” Tourism Fiji chief executive Rick Hamilton said. “We’re truly delighted with the enthusiasm and support of FTE from both the Fijian tourism industry and offshore travel sellers.”
AAT Kings has unveiled an expanded Adelaide Day Tours program of eight tours under a new partnership with SeaLink which takes effect on May 1.
“We are thrilled to be entering into this new partnership with SeaLink in South Australia,” managing director Anthony Hayes said. “Our relationship with SeaLink, continues to go from strength to strength. This will be a major boost to tourism for the South Australian industry.”
AAT Kings’ previous Adelaide day touring options were via third parties.
Nanuku Resort & Spa is offering travel consultants opportunity to sample Fiji’s newest luxury resort offering with a special all-inclusive industry rate.
The $1765 rate is based on three nights accommodation for two people in a Vunikau Suite.
It includes all meals, personal butler and nanny services, use of a golf buggy and all non-motorised water sports equipment, free Wi-Fi and daily hosted drinks and canapés with resort management.
Return private car transfers from either Nadi International Airport or Suva International Airport are also included.
The offer is valid for sale until May 31 for travel by December 19 inclusive of all school holiday periods but it must be booked within 30 days of travel.
Emirates will add a third daily flight to Jordan from August 1, representing a further ramping up of services to Amman after Emirates’ flights to Jordan went double daily in October 2012.
Bunnik Tours has launched a new agent website which offers many new dedicated agent tools and resources.
“You’ll find information on promotions and incentives, upcoming webinars, online training tools and the ability to build your own flyers complete with your own company logo and call to action,” managing director Dennis Bunnik said.
To access the new site visit bunniktours.com.au/agents and log in with the following username and password; username: agent, password: 1300 125 007.
Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts will replace approximately two million complimentary print newspapers distributed annually to guests with environmentally-friendly digital versions from March 29.
The Hong Kong-based luxury hotel group has partnered with digital newspaper and magazine service PressReader giving guests and restaurant patrons will unlimited, complimentary access to more than 2,000 local, regional and international publications from 100 countries in 60 languages via WiFi.
The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) has launched a new Discover Hong Kong Tourist SIM Card for visitors.
The card takes the form of a five-day or eight-day passes providing 1.5GB and 5GB of mobile data usage respectively with unlimited local voice calls and Wi-Fi service. It also has a flat rate IDD 0060 service to 36 destinations.
The five-day pass retails at HK$69 (approx. AUD10) and the eight-day pass at HK$96 (approx. AUD14).
The Claremont Hotel Club & Spa in California will undergo a multi-million dollar refresh before becoming part of the Fairmont collection, following its purchase by FRHI Hotels & Resorts and the family of financier Richard C Blum.
The purchase supports FRHI’s growth strategy of acquiring strategic assets in key leading markets.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
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