News in Brief: Friday September 26
Excite Holidays and Malaysian Airlines, along with Express Ticketing, recently hosted a group of travel agents on a famil to Malaysia and Thailand.
Flying into Kuala Lumpur with Malaysian Airlines they spent a few nights at Berjaya Times Square. Once in Thailand the group were hosted by Centara Grand Resort & Villas and Centara Anda Dhevi Resort & Spa in Krabi.
Holidays business development manager, Walter Nand said “It’s fantastic to be able to reward some of our loyal agents with such a great experience.”
The Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk will host this year’s Blackall 100 on the weekend of Novemeber 8, 2014.
The Blackall 100 is expected to draw up to 1000 participants from all levels of competitiveness to take part in 50km and 100km runs.
Travelmarvel is offering extensive discounts across its European land journeys in 2015.
The offer is valid on all bookings made until 31 October 2014, so for more information call 1300 196420.
Etihad Airways has unveiled a new livery design to be introduced across its fleet, with the new look reflecting the traditional Emiriati design patterns, the landscapes of the desert and the modern archietectural shapes of Abu Dhabi.
The new livery was unveiled as the airline's first A380 rolled out of the paint hangar at the Airbus Finkenwerder facility in Germany, with the designs also a key feature of the new cabin interiors onboard Etihad's A380 and Boeing 787 aircraft.
Tourism Australia took out the award for ‘Best Social Media Presence in the Tourism Board category,’ at this year's ‘Skiftie’ awards.
Skift, CEO and co-founder Rafat Ali, said the judging had been extremely competitive.
"To us, acquisition of users was not enough to make a brand stand out, it was about how their content engaged the community, and how present and genuine the brands were in their attempt to inspire and convert their audience.” Ali said.
Intrepid Travel’s aims to cater for adventure travellers in Hawaii for 2015, with the inclusion of two new departures.
The ten-day Hawaiian Highlights trip takes travellers to spot humpback whales in Maui, surf at lesser known beaches, explore volcanoes, and kayak or zip line on Kauai.
For more information click here.
Emirates will operate a one-off Airbus A380 service to Imam Khomeini International Airport, Tehran, on September 30, 2014 in celebration of the launch of the fourth daily flight between the two cities which began on 1st September 2014.
The flight will operate as EK979 and will depart Dubai at 1415hrs, arriving at Imam Khomeini International Airport at 1600hrs. On the return flight EK980 will depart Imam Khomeini International Airport at 1905hrs arriving in Dubai at 2150hrs.
Bench International has opened an office in Cape Town, South Africa to handle its rapidly expanding operation there.
Bench International, chairman Mike Kirkland said that the new office in Cape Town will give them flexibility when designing itineraries as well as provide quality service and client care.
P&O Cruises World Cruising is putting the finishing touches on its brand's new livery for its latest ship Britannia, the largest ship built for Britain and set to launch in an official ceremony in Southampton in March 2015.
The new look features a contemporary version of the Union Flag, with two distinctive blue funnels carrying an illuminated rising sun motif to depict the Oriental part of the Peninsular and Oriental (P&O) name on the company's coat of arms.
Latest News
Holland America Line gives agents the chance to visit Alaska on 11-day Famil
If you've ever wanted to see a Polar Bear (and who doesn't?), now is your time.
More than 65 luxury agents gather in Sydney for Best of the Best dinner
This looks like a fabulous do. We imagine there may be a few (or maybe 65) sore heads this morning!
Globally-renowned chefs gather for Vivid Food 2024
As a human, we agree that food is a fundamental part of the human experience. Some might say the most fundamental.
Air New Zealand returns to Hobart and Seoul
If you notice an uptick in Kiwis making their way through the Mona, you know why.
European Waterways targets multi-generational families with ‘floating villa’ deal
The jury is still out on whether spending a week on a 'floating villa' with family is a hell or a paradise.
Luxury Escapes launches ‘sail away’ sale
Rest assured, you'll be getting your 'sails' and 'sales' mixed up for the rest of the day.
Rex-owned National Jet Express adds weekly charter between Brisbane and Orange
This is for mining and civil contractors, so please, put your holiday attire away.
Let the games begin. Viking introduces eye-watering benefits for the industry’s top 10 advisors
Did someone say 'trip to Venice'? Hold my coat, this one is far too good to miss!
Best friends or frenemies? What is the REAL relationship between sales and marketing?
We can all stop fighting over the corner office because our mothers were right - we are all important in our own way.
The Walshe Group Announces Two Key Appointments
What we really want to know is whether they got joint or separate welcome parties.
FAMIL: Agents explore the delights of Mauritius on 7-day tour
Go green with envy as you read this fabulous itinerary! Time to book that second honeymoon.
Hamad International recognised as world’s best airport at 2024 Skytrax World Airport Awards
Hamad airport is so good it is almost considered a destination in itself. Ballina, up your game.
Saudi Arabia highlights tourism investment opportunities at global investment event
Now is the time to start looking at Saudi Arabia if you are not already. There's big things to come.
“Rampant” – Aussies warned as dengue fever cases spike in Bali
Worried about Bali belly? Now you have something else to worry about.
TTC Tour Brand reveals slew of deals across operators including Trafalgar and Contiki
Everybody loves a bargain and you could do lot a lot worse than check out these deals from TTC!
Fiji Airways partners with Porter Airlines in US growth bid
Any initiative that gets more people visiting the delights of Fiji is a good initiative.
Flight Centre launches CruiseHQ – a marketplace exclusively for agents
The cruise industry has surpassed pre-Covid levels so this isn't one to miss!
Feeling festive? Wendy Wu tours unwraps Christmas collection
Get the Christmas hols booked now and avoid spending it with that elderly relative with dubious political views.
OPINION: In a world of screens, we crave experience
If you get feelings of deep shame and regret when you see your screen time, don't worry - you're not alone.
Sun Princess: High-end dining and world class entertainment awaits
If you are a foodie and you are not currently on the Sun Princess, we really have to ask - what are you doing?
YouGov: 2 in 5 Aussies would pay more for a sustainable hotel
If you want to be REALLY sustainable you can go camping. You just might lose the will to live.
“Can planes swim?” – Planes become boats as Dubai Airport is savaged by severe storm
Unfortunately, "can planes swim?" is a real life question and not an opener to a really bad joke...
Explora journeys reveals bespoke outdoor furniture designed by Matteo Nunziati
This is making your plastic table and chairs look really bad now, isn't it?
Bangkok Airways targets growth with renewed Sabre deal
Two stories abut Sabre's growth in one week and its only Wednesday! Watchout world.
PR agency Example wins pitch for InterContinental Sydney
We also went in for the contract but they said that a 'Be Our Guest'- themed TikTok was unoriginal! The cheek.
Norwegian Cruise Line reveals culinary experience aboard Norwegian Aqua
Once again, this TW journalist REALLY regrets writing this before getting lunch.
Signature Queensland hosts luxury tourism event
Known for its tropical beaches and unique wildlife, Queensland also offers luxury.
Capella Sydney recognised in prestigious Travel + Leisure’s 2024 ‘it list’ of best new hotels
You know that 'it girl' at school who everyone wanted to hang out with? Capella is the hotel version of that.
Rex launches 72-hour fare sale with NO school holiday blackout so you can take your kids (if you want to)
Sadly, leaving your children at home whilst you go on holiday is generally frowned upon.
Adventure World offers chance to connect with “heart and soul” of the US
I mean who hasn't dreamed of a road trip around the US?! Go with Adventure World and you're less likely to get lost.
Fiji’s family-owned luxury resort Likuliku Lagoon launches its own app
We were relieved to find out that having a "concierge in your pocket" referred to an app on your phone.
Hawaii: The US’ laid-back front door for Australians
If you needed another sign that you should definitely head to Hawaii - this is it!
Sabre targets Asia Pacific growth with latest hire
Call the Avengers! Sabre continues its bid for world domination with latest hire.
Air New Zealand signs its largest EVER deal for sustainable aviation fuel
Air New Zealand makes huge step towards sustainable travel. We bet it recycles its rubbish properly too.
IHG Hotels & Resorts continues regional growth with Sunshine Coast Holiday Inn
This Holiday Inn looks considerably flashier than some of the ones we have stayed at in our time.
Budget carrier Scoot welcomes first of 9 E190-E2 aircrafts
Here at TW we would like to offer Embraer E190-E2 a warm welcome! It's not easy being the first of the fleet.