News in Brief: Tuesday June 17

News in Brief: Tuesday June 17
By admin


Travelport has launched an upgraded version of its Travelport Mobile Agent (TMA) tool with a range of new features and functionality. 

The mobile app which was developed in partnership with TTS, an active member of the Travelport Developer Network, allows travel agents to make bookings for their customers from handheld devices.

Enhancements include improved interface, graphics and data along with faster response, customisable quick keys, a newsfeed and integration with Travelport’s ViewTrip itinerary tool.

 

Strong growth from Australia has prompted Air Canada to upgrade the aircraft on its daily Sydney-Vancouver service to a Boeing 777-300 from October 2014.

The new aircraft will replace the current B777-200 aircraft between October 28 and March 28, adding 79 economy seats to the route each day.

General manager Australia and New Zealand Paul McLean described the seasonal upgrade as a “significant development” for the carrier.

"This is the first time that we have upgraded to a larger aircraft and done so for an extended period of time. It reflects Australian travellers' sustained interest in Canada as an exciting year-round holiday destination and as a convenient gateway to America," he said.

 

Tourism and Events Queensland (TEQ) has launched a new tourism campaign showcasing the natural beauty of the Whitsundays using footage filmed exclusively on a smartphone.

The concept behind Every Shade of Perfect was to demonstrate the breathtaking natural beauty of the Whitsundays without the use of high-tech production equipment, according to TEQ chief executive Leanne Coddington.

“Filming the campaign exclusively on a smartphone is further evidence for viewers of the natural perfection of the destination,” she said.

The 30 second commercial is complemented by seven 15 second ‘behind the scenes’ videos, to verify that the commercial was filmed on a smartphone. 

 

This year’s Vivid Sydney festival has smashed its 2013 attendance record, attracting more than 1.43 million people over the course of the 18-day event.

NSW deputy premier and minister for tourism and major events Andrew Stoner announced the record on Monday, revealing Vivid 2014 had attracted 79% more attendees than the previous year.

More than 19,500 of the visitors were international travellers on Vivid Sydney packages – a 74% increase on 2013.

 

French cruise line Compagnie du Ponant has reported 50% growth for the first five months of 2014, with more than 2,200 passengers booked in the month of May alone.

The record result follows its decision to open sales for 2015 cruises six months earlier than  usual and its launch into Oceania for the 2014/15 summer season.

Ponant is now preparing for the arrival of its fifth ship, Le Lyrial, and its launch into the Alaska market, both scheduled for 2015.

 

Travelmarvel is marking the launch of its 2015 Canada and USA brochure with an early booking deal.

Under the offer, passengers that book a trip by November 28 can choose from free return flights with Air Canada, with taxes from $900 to pay, or an eight-day West Coast USA itinerary to add to their trip for $1,195 – half its usual price.

 

The 2014 FIFA World Cup has generated a “huge” amount of interest and bookings for Premium Sports Tours, according to managing director John Schibli.

He revealed that it has been the most significant World Cup for the company to date.

“We are looking at capitalising on this interest for the recently released World Cup Cricket and Ashes series packages coming soon for next year,” he said.

“Early bookings have been excellent, as have Grand Prix, Golf, US Sport and Tennis packages.”

 

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

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