Fiji Airways’ managing director and CEO Stefan Pichler will be leaving the company and returning home to Germany in February next year to help turn around national airline Air Berlin at the request of the German Government.

Chairman Nalin Patel said the Board of Fiji Airways regrettably accepts Pichler’s announcement, and would immediately begin a search for a suitable successor.

“Great progress has been made at Fiji Airways and the company is definitely on track for a successful future. The Board will make sure that Fiji Airways will continue to deliver outstanding value to its customers, its staff and its shareholders,” Patel said.

Excite Holidays has announced the opening of its European operation at World Travel Market in London, exhibiting for the first time this year, and launching both its wholesale and Web Services channels into the UK and throughout Europe.

The company’s product portfolio is now available to travel agents in Great Britain and Europe through its booking platform, with CEO George Papaioannou saying the expansion is based on high demand on a global scale.

Beyond Travel has marked its 21st anniversary in 2015 by releasing a special brochure collection that offers a large number of new products through Croatia and the Balkans, Eastern Europe, Russia and Central Europe, as well as introducing new options in Scandinavia.

The 2015 brochure range includes expanded product options across all destinations with new exclusive special journeys, small escorted group tours, small ship sea cruises, sea and land itineraries, and suggested tailor made privately escorted tours and hotel options.

Beyond Travel's 2015 brochure range also includes the Discover More Travel Credits, which are available on a choice of tours, cruises, hotels and more range from $300-$800 per couple to be used towards any additional services booked with Beyond Travel until December 19, 2014 or February 28, 2015.

A consortium of successful Queensland businessmen has launched plans for a Cairns style, $100 million Gold Coast cableway in the Hinterland.

Gold Coast Skyride is planned to be built and operational before the Commonwealth Games in 2018 if it receives the necessary approvals.

The consortium behind the project plans to float the Gold Coast Skyride company once it is operational enabling ‘mum and dad’ investors to become part owners, with Queensland investors being given preference.

New Caledonia Tourism Board has collaborated with Australian fashion swimwear label We Are Handsome to create an exclusive print and capsule collection inspired by the Pacific island’s backdrop of a lagoons and lush greenery.

The limited edition collection includes the brand’s signature scoop neck one piece and string bikini, with duo Jeremy and Katinka Somers working to bring a piece of the French infused island to Australians and encourage them to explore the nearby Pacific paradise.

Chef Nobu Matsuhisa is bringing his expertise aboard Crystal Cruises’ European cruise from Lisbon to London on July 12, with planned special dinners, sake tasting and celebrations set to feature Matsuhisa’s famous Peruvian-infused Japanese fare, as the cruise line marks its 25th anniversary.

Throughout the 13-day voyage Matsuhisa, whose cuisine is already featured in Crystal Cruises’ Silk Road and The Sushi Bar, will offer cooking demos, book signings and sake tasting with Sake Master Hazu.

ATEC today announced three new corporate partnerships agreements across a range of industry stakeholders, including the accommodation and horse racing segments and one of Australasia’s biggest inbound tour operators.

The new partners include the AOT Group, TFE Hotels and the Australian Turf Club, with ATEC’s managing director Peter Shelley saying ATC has recognised the value of the international visitor market in showing just how widely the reach of the export tourism industry now extends.

Outrigger Resorts Australia has announced the appointment of Paul Brent to the role of director of sales for Australia, which will see Brent oversee the development and implementation of sales strategy and planning for Outrigger Surfers Paradise.

In addition, Brent will also provide support and leadership to the group’s three other Australian restorts – Outrigger Twin Towns Resort, Outrigger Little Hastings Street Resort and Spa, and Outrigger at Airlie Beach.

Brent’s experience spans more than 20 years, including similar senior positions for hospitality brands including Wyndham Hotel Group and Mantra Group.