News in Brief: Monday July 28
Christmas in the Mediterranean just got better as MSC Cruises offers last-minute money-saving festive cruising specials from as little as $81 per person per night, twin share.
The special is valid on ocean view cabins aboard MSC Sinfonia’s 11-night cruise from Genoa, departing 19 December 2014. Other winter program specials are available until sold out.
American Airlines has announced a record $1.5 billion second quarter 2014 non-GAAP net profit. Excluding net special charges, the figure was a record for any quarter in the history of American Airlines.
Additionally, the company announced a capital deployment program, including over $2.8 billion in debt and aircraft lease prepayments, a $1 billion share repurchase program, the initiation of a quarterly cash dividend, and $600 million of additional pension contributions.
The Solomon Islands Visitors Bureau (SIVB) ‘Green Team’ has taken its message online with the help of two local schoolgirls.
The video entitled ‘Our Home – look after it’ was posted this week on the SIVB facebook page, and underlines the impact littering and the tipping of general rubbish across the country is having on the local environment – both for the local people and international visitors.
‘Green Team’ leader, SIVB marketing manager, Freda Unusi said while the clip is short, it has a very strong message that needs to reverberate for years.
Travelmarvel has set its sights on China, offering more of China for less with the launch of their new dedicated brochure for 2015.
The China brochure offers a combined total of 16 departures with new program offers and exceptional value premium cruising and touring, according to Travelmarvel general manager, David Cox.
Taking the Bold move with the destination by reducing costs, adding to itineraries and offering special deals, Cox said “we hope our travel agents will agree when we say Travelmarvel’s China program offers exceptional value.”
Cook Islands Tourism has launched a Discover Our World sale, taking Australians to the South Pacific country for a week long holiday under $1000.
On sale from 27 July to 16 August 2014, Cook Islands Tourism’s Discover Our World sale prices on both airfares and air and land packages are available for travel 4 October to 5 December 2014, 24 January to 3 April 2015 and 2-29 May 2015.
Tourism Australia’s latest foodie campaign Restaurant Australia has announced head chefs Neil Perry AM, Peter Gilmore and Ben Shewry will share the kitchen for the first time as part of Tourism Australia's 'Invite the World to Dinner'.
Up to 80 of the world's top food and wine influencers will dine from a 'best of Australia' menu prepared by multi-awarded chefs at the dinner, held in Tasmania this November.
TripAdvisor has acquired one of the largest online tours-and-activities booking agencies, Viator in an approximate $200 million cash deal.
The deal is expected to close within three months.
Viator will be TripAdvisor’s forth acquisition, after it also bought lafourchette, Tripbod, and Vacation Home Rentals.
TripAdvisor president and chief executive officer Stephen Kaufer said “Viator will be a great addition to the TripAdvisor family, as online and mobile bookings for attractions and activities represents a huge opportunity for our business.”
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
american airlines cook islands msc solomon islands tourism australia travelmarvelLatest News
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