News in Brief: Monday April 28

News in Brief: Monday April 28
By admin


Recent growth of the Select Travel Group, Independent Travel Group and ITG italktravel franchises has prompted Express Ticketing to make three management appointments.

National sales manager and state manager VIC/TAS Jonathan Nelson becomes national sales manager with former network manager Independent Travel Group VIC Vito Romeo promoted to the role of national sales manager VIC/TAS.

Meanwhile, former Virgin Atlantic national corporate account manager Roni Trieu has been appointed Select Travel Group network manager NSW/ACT from May 5.

The appointments will “enhance the controlled growth of the business into its next phase of national development,” Express Ticketing executive general manager Ari Magoutis said.

 

Australian travel agents can now book instant purchase fares on Italian rail network Trenitalia 120 days before a train's departure under new changes from the Italian rail operator.

Until now, the competitive point-to-point rates could only be booked a maximum of 90 days prior to a Trenitalia train's departure.

Rail Plus General Manager Sales & Marketing Greg McCallum described the extension as a "welcome development" for travel agents, enabling them to "wrap up" all elements of a European itinerary simultaneously.

"Until now agents have regularly had to lock in accommodation and airfares, but sit on the rail component until they entered the 90-day booking period," he said. "Now an Italian rail journey is far less likely to hold up the process."

 

Adventure Associates is offering a 9-day expedition of the Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard, the wildlife capital of the High Arctic, on board the historic 12-passenger ice-strengthened Swedish vessel M/S Malmö.

The expedition will be led by Danish-born Henrik L√∏vendahl who has worked in both the Arctic and Antarctic for the past 20 years.

Prices for the Svalbard Explorer Voyage start from $9490 per person twin-share. This once-only voyage departs on July 29.

 

APT has launched its new European river cruise program for 2015, featuring the addition of three new ships.

There is also a 25% increase in Magnificent Europe departures, 20% more land departures, and a range of new Signature Experiences and Freedom of Choice touring options.

 

P&O Cruises is offering a record number of sailings to Victoria in 2015-16, with the program on sale today.

It features five Melbourne P&OMainEvents itineraries including the cruise line’s first Melbourne Cup three-ship trifecta and a maiden cruise to the city’s Food and Wine Festival in March 2015.

Meanwhile the regional areas of Mornington Peninsula and Portland are also set to experience the economic benefits of the cruise industry, with P&O Cruises making its first visits to both areas next year. 

In total, P&O Cruises’ Victorian visits in 2015-16 are estimated to inject around $15 million into the state’s economy.

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

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