News in Brief: Tuesday December 9
Creative Holidays and Dubai Tourism has kicked off the second instalment of its exclusive comp with Travel Today, giving away a $150 spa voucher for this week’s ‘spa & relaxation’ theme.
To enter, answer these five questions and send your answers to competition@themisfits.media by the end of the week. Winners will be notified by Travel Today.
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Australasia is urging Aussie and New Zealand travel agencies to get their nominations in for the 2014 Cruise Industry Awards.
CLIA Australasia general manager Brett Jardine said he hopes that the outstanding work of this year will result in more entries in the Agency and Network Promotion of the Year categories before the cut-off date on December 19.
The 14th Annual Cruise Industry Awards will be held at the Star Event Centre on February 28, with those wishing to attend or submit nominations to visit the website.
Qantas will begin direct flights from Brisbane to Tokyo’s Narita Airport from August next year as part of the airline’s expansion into Japan services.
The new direct service will operate four times a week and complement a new direct daily Sydney to Haneda service, while also flying to Narita on three alternate days from another Australian port, yet to be finalised.
The Langham, Sydney re-opened its doors recently to reveal a new standard of elegance, with features such as private butler tennis, pink taxi transport cars and dog-friendly suites.
The property previously known as The Observatory Hotel was closed for redevelopment plans this year, with new afternoon tea spaces, a day spa, and new restaurant Kent Street Kitchen, operated by Parisian trained chef Daniel Rudolph.
“Our hopes are that the new Langham Sydney will be recognised as one of the premium luxury hotels in Sydney and be testament to the eminent Langham brand,” general manager Sonia Lefevre said.
Hertz is expanding in NSW, with a new location opening in Sydney’s suburb of Pyrmont, ideally located for both business and leisure travellers in inner-Sydney.
Renters will have a wide selection of fleet available to choose from including economy, intermediate and full size vehicles, with the location open for extended hours of 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday, and 8am to 1pm on weekends.
Mobile Travel Agents’ co-managing directors Karen and Roy Merricks enjoyed the Australia Zoo Steve Irwin Gala Dinner recently, taking place at the Brisbane Convention Centre.
The Merricks played an active role in the fundraiser, successfully bidding for three framed tennis rackets signed by Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic.
Travel Alberta in partnership with Rocky Mountaineer recently showcased ‘A Taste of Alberta’ at Sydney’s Shangri-La Hotel, with almost 150 key industry partners invited to cook up a storm.
Award-wining executive chef Jean Pierre Guerin led the class and demonstrated his skills, made famous on-board the rail experiences, with lucky attendee Yen Nguyen winning a deluxe Canadian adventure, including Air New Zealand flights, Rocky Mountaineer rail journey, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts accommodation and a range of fun activities with Brewster Travel.
Best Western is rolling out a new Design Excellence Program, offering exclusive design services to hotels as part of their membership with Best Western.
The international program aims to ensure all existing and potential Best Western properties achieve and then maintain a globally certified high level of design, teaming up with interior designer Cassandra Sasso to make it all happen.
Infinity Holidays has introduced an array of products in New Zealand, now with so many self-drive products and extended tours they warrant their own brochure.
The New Zealand Self Drive & Extended Tours brochure will make its debut on the shelves around December 19, with options such as self-drive care hire packages, motorhome packages, extended touring and escorted guided walks on offer.
Frasers Hospitality has launched its new website, designed to optimise the browsing experience with seamless, responsive access across desktop and mobile devices, enhanced content and advanced operational functionalities.
Designed by TravelClick, the new website features built-in user-friendly search functions, filters and reservation options to help guests navigate properties, as well as enabling travellers to search, book, manage reservations, communicate preferences, receive news on special offers and access other privileges.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
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