News in Brief: Tuesday March 18
The countdown to the 2014 AFTA National Travel Industry Awards is well and truly on with ticket sales for the event to open on Tuesday March 18.
The event has been a sell-out for the last five years, with AFTA expecting to see “robust” ticket sales again this year.
The size of the event has been further expanded to accommodate as many people as possible, it confirmed.
“AFTA received excellent feedback after the move to the Hordern in 2013 with the extra space much needed for the growing event, with as equally positive feedback regarding the AFTA Party sponsored by Singapore Airlines being able to hold all ticket holders,” chief executive Jayson Westbury said. “This year guests can expect an even more impressive night than the last.”
The nominees will be announced on Thursday.
Etihad Airways has appointed James Muller to the new position of senior vice president sales, following the announcement of the new Etihad Aviation Group.
The new structure also sees the establishment of the Hala Group, formed in recognition of the commercial opportunities beyond air travel and across a range of travel and hospitality businesses.
James Hogan, chief executive officer, said the development marks Etihad’s transition from a single airline to a global aviation and travel group.
“The creation of Etihad Aviation Groups reflects our growth as one of the world’s leading airlines,” he said.
Macau is set to celebrate its second annual four-day Wine and Dine Festival over March 20 – 23 at the outdoor lagoon of hotel the Venetian Macao.
Guests will enjoy wine appreciation courses, street and stage entertainment and the chance to learn about more than 100 international wine products.
UAE-based Done Events have announced the launch of a new two-day music festival in Dubai called Blended.
The festival will be held at Dubai Media Centre Amphitheatre over May 1 and 2 and will see international musicians perform such as Joss Stone, Elvis Costello and our very own Australian, Xavier Rudd.
Done Events chief operating officer Thomas Ovesen said Blended was established in response to the country’s growing desire for quality live music and is to become an annual event that showcases a diverse range of musical artists.
River cruise specialist Avalon Waterways has appointed TV presenter Deborah Hutton as brand ambassador for Australia and New Zealand.
As ambassador Deborah will feature in advertising campaigns and other marketing initiatives throughout 2014.
Tahiti Travel Connection has launched a new 52-page brochure featuring new information on budget and popular accommodation, a double-page map, tips for agents to sell Tahiti and luxury products such as the Paul Gauguin cruise ship.
The Dubai Food Festival drew to a close on March 15 after 23 days of food-focused events.
The citywide celebration saw 26 international chefs and over 700 restaurants take part in a wide range of food-related events, tastings, activities and promotions.
Laila Suhail, chief executive officer of the Dubai Festivals and Retail establishment, said the festival was a demonstration of the UAE’s growing profile as a culinary capital.
“2014 set a great benchmark for future Dubai Festivals and we look forward to an even more exciting celebration in 2015,” she said.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
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