Backtrack: A recap of the travel news in August
1 The Travel Compensation Fund expects claims resulting from Kumuka’s collapse will exceed $2 million.
2 James Packer announces that Crown intends to build “the best hotel in the world” at Barangaroo, Sydney.
2 Tourism bodies welcome a $568 million Crown hotel development in Perth which is set to ease acute room shortages in the city.
3 Accor will incorporate Sebel and Grand Mercure properties into a major apartment hotel chain in Australia.
3 IATA results indicate weak air travel demand with growth at 2% between February and June.
6 Virgin Atlantic slides into the red with chief executive Steve Ridgeway blaming an “incredibly challenging market”.
6 International Airlines Group considers buying a minority stake in American Airlines to reinforce its Oneworld membership.
7 Qantas’ international outbound traffic weakens as Emirates, Singapore Airlines and Virgin Australia gain market share.
7 Two Thai men plead guilty to the murder of travel agent Michelle Smith.
8 Webjet seeks government compensation for the collapse of Air Australia.
8 Virgin Australia questions the benefit of a proposed Pan-Asia union between Qantas and Jetstar.
9 Tourism Australia will devise a “shorter and sharper” Australian Tourism Exchange format for next year in response to industry feedback.
9 Online retailer Webjet announces a 25% increase in profit.
10 Tourism Australia chairman Geoff Dixon calls on the industry to support marketing campaigns as China claims “too many voices” promote the country.
13 The Travel Compensation Fund abandons a review of membership fees.
13 Qantas confirms flights to the Gold Coast after a four year absence.
14 Industry bodies voice their opposition to the proposed removal of depreciation tax initiatives for aircraft and accommodation.
14 Visit Britain’s Mark Haynes says the body will capitalise on the “unprecedented exposure” of the London Olympics.
15 China Southern Airlines announces flights to Cairns from December and Tourism Australia signs a $9million marketing deal with the airline.
16 Tourism Australia draws $8.5 million from the Asia Marketing Fund to invest in China and the wider region.
16 Etihad Airways announces a daily service between Brisbane and Abu Dhabi from next year.
20 Webjet’s launch into Mexico could pave the way for the company’s future expansion into Latin America.
21 Christchurch appeals for Australians to return as officials launch a five-year vision to revamp the city.
21 South America increases its presence in Australia with road shows for Chile, Argentina and Colombia.
22 Tourism Australia’s partnership with overseas investors is hoped to fund at least 12 Australian tourism projects.
23 Qantas dips $244 million into the red and cancels 35 Boeing aircraft orders.
24 Australian Federation of Travel Agents chief executive Jayson Westbury welcomes a draft plan for industry regulation.
27 Jetset Travelworld Group’s profits tumble 72% on last year with outgoing boss Lacaze calling the year “challenging”.
28 Flight Centre will roll out an online sales network to match its shop presence in the next six to 12 months.
28 Flight Centre predicts a tough year ahead despite forecasting another record year of profit.
29 Magellan Travel dismisses suggestions its members will defect to Travelscene American Express.
30 Air New Zealand reports a 12% decline in net profit after tax but expects earnings to more than double in the current financial year.
30 Corporate Travel Management reports a net profit after tax of $11.8 million, a 43% rise on the previous year.
30 Etihad increases it stake in Virgin Australia to almost 7.3%
31 Chaos is expected at Australian airports as new duty free regulations are introduced and officials predict the seizure of 400,000 cartons of cigarettes.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
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