News in Brief: Tuesday October 15
Low cost carrier AirAsia X has received approval of its Thai Air Operator Licence from the country’s ministry of transport, taking it a step closer to the establishment of its first international hub outside Kuala Lumpur in Bangkok in 2014.
Final approval of the Air Operators Certificate is expected by end of 2013, after which Thai AirAsia X will be able to commence operations, with a focus on flying to long-haul destinations in North Asia and Australia.
“Passenger traffic from destinations in these markets to Bangkok is very high, largely leisure travelers, and primarily served by higher-cost full service airlines,” chief executive Azran Osman-Rani said. “Thai AirAsia X expects to significantly grow tourist arrivals to Thailand.”
As the Christchurch recovery efforts stimulate travel demand, Air New Zealand has confirmed it will boost capacity on domestic services to the port.
Capacity between New Plymouth and Christchurch will more than double from this week, with 14 additional Bombardier Q300 services per week. Services between Tauranga and Christchurch will rise by a third to 24 direct Q300 services per week. Further seats have also been introduced between Hamilton and Christchurch with eight additional Q300 services per week between the two ports.
South African Tourism has promised that next year’s Indaba trade show will go to the “next level” with the 2014 event is expected to attract more than 6,400 attendees, with 3,000 of those global buyers and 800 journalists.
“The African continent is potentially the biggest travel and tourism opportunity in the world right now,” chief executive Thulani Nzima said. “Therefore Indaba 2014 is the paramount gateway to networking, planning and writing business. No other show has stood the test of time on our continent like Indaba.”
There are just two weeks to enter Uniworld's incentive offering the travel agent with the most 2014 bookings between September 1 and October 31 the choice of a cruise onboard the new Super Ship, S.S. Catherine sailing through Burgundy & Provence, or a cruise in new destination Bordeaux onboard River Royale.
A second prize of $1000 of Le Creuset cookware and a third prize of a $350 case of French wine up to the value of $350 are also up for grabs.
Winners will be based on the highest number of new bookings made and deposited within the incentive period.
Eastern Europe specialist Beyond Travel is offering travellers travel credits worth up to $500 per couple on a range of escorted tours in Croatia, Russia and Eastern Europe in 2014 when booked and deposited by December 20.
The credits can be used to pay for any additional Beyond Travel Service such as additional accommodation, sightseeing tours, flights, cruises and transfers.
Travel recruitment firm C&M will hold an after-hours open evening for candidates to come along and discuss their next career move with one of its specialists.
The event will take place on Thursday October 24 from 4.30pm until 7.30pm at C&M’s office in Sydney.
To attend, call the C&M team on 02 8272 5400.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
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