News in Brief: Tuesday November 25
Qantas and American Airlines have expanded their joint business, enabling Qantas customers to codeshare on an additional nine American Airlines services, including to four new destinations of Kona, Lihue and Maui in Hawaii, and Richmond, Virginia.
Effective for sale today and travel from November 27, the Qantas codeshare on American Airlines will extend to include nine new services departing Los Angeles and Dallas/Fort Worth.
The Australian Federation of Travel Agents has announced that Consolidated Travel Group is now ATAS travel accredited.
AFTA’s general manager Gary O’Riordan welcomed the long-standing AFTA members to the family, saying, “In becoming ATAS accredited they join the network of travel businesses that are synonymous with quality, credibility and a professional standing.”
In the midst of her adventures around the UAE, Kim Kardashian made the time to stop by YUAN, the signature Chinese restaurant, bar and lounge at Atlantis, The Palm.
The celeb’s visit comes just before YUAN celebrates its first anniversary, with the hotspot a favourite among other A-Listers such as supermodel Jourdan Dunn and fashionista Millie Mackintosh.
Travel Counsellors have reported an impressive sales growth over the past 12 months for both its corporate and leisure divisions at the company’s annual conference, with its global sales for the financial year end up $771 million from $693 million the previous year.
The Australian business grew by 5% over the past year for both its leisure and business division, with phenomenal growth of 53% over the past five years, while the company revealed repeat business levels of 95% for business travel customers, and 70% for leisure customers.
On average each Travel Counsellor grew their individual income by 10% last year, with 620 Travel Counsellors achieving their best ever sales months in 2014.
A group of 14 travel agents have recently returned from a luxurious cruise through Turkey and Greece aboard APT’s small expedition ship the MS Island Sky as part of its 2014 VIP Top Achiever Trip.
APT’s 12-day ‘Path of the Ottomans’ cruise set sail from Istanbul and stopping at various Turkish ports, heading to Rhodes and exploring the Greek Islands throughout the Mediterranean Sea, soaking up plenty of culture and history along the way.
Lizard Island will officially reopen on March 1 2015, following 12 months of extensive refurbishments and rebuilds after the impact of Cyclone Ita.
Returning guests will notice a few changes to the accommodation, including a new stand-alone suite with two bedrooms, en-suites, wraparound deck and beach views known as The Villa.
Other accommodation changes feature the expansion of The Pavilion, with separate lounge, private gazebo and plunge pool, Sunset Point Villas with new private plunge pools also, and the Anchor Bay Rooms and Garden Rooms restored to their original quality standards.
Australian travel industry leaders gathered on the decks of the destroyer HMAS Vampire in Sydney this week to hear Star Alliance chief executive Mark Schwab share news on how the company intends to continue its quality customer service.
Schwab took the opportunity to highlight some of the major developments for Star Alliance in 2014, including the arrival of Air India and the revamp of Star Alliance’s Round the World fare, which saw four new categories and greater flexibility.
He said that in 2015 Star Alliance would continue to enhance its global network, with a strong focus on South America, while also introducing new service innovations, including Gold Track, which will provide Star Alliance Gold members with priority clearance through airport security checkpoints.
Etihad Airways has announced the appointment of Shane O’Hare as its senior vice president for marketing.
O’Hare brings a mix of experience in airline marketing and management, with a range of senior executive positions in the Gulf and around the world under his belt, acting most recently as president and CEO of Royal Jet.
In his new role, O'Hare will have responsibility for developing the airline's marketing strategy, and for leading its successful implementation across commercial strategies, brand management, communications, product and service development, and sales and distribution strategies.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
Latest News
Princess names the Sun, unveils Sanctuary Collection + Star Princess to Alaska in ’26
A huge bottle Veuve was smashed into the side of the ship to make things official. So no, we couldn't snag a glass.
Collette special offers across peak northern summer season
Global tour operator Collette has announced a series of special offers on selected dates across a range of tours in the peak northern hemisphere 2024 summer season. Greece The offers include ‘Greece & Its Islands’ features classics such as the Parthenon as well as the picturesque islands of Mykonos and Santorini. A saving of $700 […]
Air India and All Nippon codeshare between the two countries
Air India and All Nippon Airways have signed a codeshare agreement connecting their networks. The new commercial partnership will provide more travel opportunities for customers of both India’s leading global airline and the largest Japan’s largest carrier. Effective from 23rd May, the Air India and All Nippon Airways agreement will see passengers fly to their […]
A&K offers minimum 18 weeks paid parental leave
A&K Travel Group will now provide a minimum of 18 weeks paid parental leave for both care-givers, setting a new standard for the travel industry. By providing 18 weeks of paid time off for all new parents, regardless of gender, A&K Travel Group is not only enabling parents to spend valuable time with their newborns […]
NH Hotel Group rebrands as Minor Hotels Europe & Americas
Hang around the bends of the hotels. We imagine they will be full of a lot of branded content.
Scenic Eclipse II – the business of creating unforgettable life-changing memories
These cruise brothers from another mother offer a view of cruising on Scenic Eclipse II that is poles apart.
MSC builds new hospital ship with Mercy Ships
If you want to read a story that puts a smile on your face then this is the one for you.
“I peed on myself watching this” – Social media users squirm at Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of The Seas 55ft dive video
TW is not responsible for any involuntary actions your body might have after watching this video.
FLIGHT REVIEW: Qantas Boeing 787 Dreamliner business class
The real bonus is you're unlikely to be around screaming children. Hoorah!
Traveltek offers travel agents new rapid deploy cruise website
As always, if you have any issue with the platform, just turn it off and on again.
Experience whale watching & classical music at the Australian Festival of Chamber Music in Townsville
Disappointedly, the whales do not start singing in tune with the orchestra. Opportunity missed.
Fond, very Fond. London hotel famed for James Bond link adds ‘Classic Comforts’ lunch menu
James Bond author Ian Fleming was so fond if this hotel, it inspired the legendary phrase ‘shaken, not stirred’.
What sets Eclipse Travel apart with Africa expert Hilary Dubyk: Travel Weekly TV
If you want to know more about Africa, then Hilary Dubyk is your person.
Surge in Australians visiting Japan
Feel like all of your friends have just returned from Europe? Now it's Japan.
Seabourn announces Western Kimberley Traditional Owners as Godparents of Seabourn Pursuit
Seabourn has named Western Kimberley Traditional Owners, the Wunambal Gaambera, as Godparents of the ultra-luxury purpose-built Seabourn Pursuit. It is the first cruise line to appoint Traditional Owners as godparents of a ship. Seabourn Pursuit embarks on its inaugural season in the Kimberley region this June. The naming ceremony will take place on Seabourn Pursuit’s […]
Sydney named 17th best place to work remotely
If you struggle to get a seat within Sydney's coffee shops, you now know why.
W Melbourne grows sales team
We appreciate the thought that has gone into this team photo.
Cunard welcomes new ship Queen Anne
This might be the most impressive ship handover in ship handover history.
Intrepid Travel appoints Yvette Thompson as general manager sales & marketing ANZ
It isn't end-of-day Monday and Yvette Thompson has already nabbed herself an impressive promotion.
Anna Fawcett re-joins Global Touring in newly-created APAC role
With such an impressive CV, Global Touring is no doubt thrilled to have Fawcett back.
“We know our response has been far from perfect” – Emirates’ open letter following Dubai flooding
If you also need to write an apology letter, then this is a pretty good template.
Malolo Island Resort opens brand new Spa
Fiji’s Malolo Island has added another string to its bow – opening its $1.3 million day spa on Thursday, 18th April 2024. (Lead Image: matriarch Rosie Whitton with spa staff) Located at the edge of the resort’s luscious patch of tropical rainforest, the new “Leilani’s Spa” adds another level of elevated experiences to Malolo’s already […]
Virgin Australia’s HILARIOUS second instalment of the ‘Bring on Wonderful’ campaign
We don't use the word 'hilarious' lightly, but this is worthy of the title.
Visit Sunshine Coast reveals new brand identity
If you were looking for another reason to visit the Sunshine Coast then this is it.
Sofitel launches brand campaign starring Sex Education’s Gillian Anderson
We can confirm the content of this video is less spicy than Sex Education.
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.