News in Brief: Wednesday December 18
Helen Wong's Tours has guaranteed departures for six passengers on its Vietnam tours with group size limited to 25.
The new 68-page Vietnam brochure for 2014-15 maintains similiar prices to the previous year.
"The lead in price for our Glimpses of Vietnam has increased by only $10," Helen Wong's Tours founder Helen Wong said.
Rocky Mountaineer has appointed Nikki Hellyer to the role of global marketing director.
“We are delighted to welcome Nikki to our strong team of talented and dedicated Marketing professionals,” Rocky Mountaineer global marketing vice-president Hubert Wat said.
“Her diverse background across a variety of industries will provide us with a more broadened approach to our marketing activities, taking our company brand to a whole new level.”
Treasure Island Resort in Fiji has reopened after the one year anniversary of tropical cyclone Evan which reached land on 17 December last year.
President of the Republic of Fiji His Excellency Ratu Epeli Nailatikau officiated the opening and praised the resort's traditional owners for a swift renovation after the damage closed the resort last year.
“It is almost impossible to imagine that just 12 months ago, the damage was so extensive it forced Treasure Island Resort to completely shut down operations and begin the lengthy task of rebuilding,” he said.
Singapore Airlines has revealed the new SilverKris Lounge in Sydney, part of a global investment to upgrade airport lounges.
The lounge is designed to be homely and this concept will be rolled out in 15 SilverKris lounges around the world.
"Our customers frequently tell us that they have a feeling of ‘home’ as soon as they board our aircraft, and our aim is to extend this experience to the ground," Singapore Airlines’ Senior Vice President Product & Services Tan Pee Teck said.
airBaltic and Etihad Aiways have launched their direct Riga to Abu Dhabi service with a ceremony at Riga airport.
“This direct flight will open up a range of business and leisure opportunities, which previously never existed," Latvia Prime Minister Vladis Dombrovskis said.
"It will support trade development between Latvia and the rest of the world, increase tourism in both directions, and result in a range of new connection options for customers of both airlines,” he added.
Garuda Indonesia has expanded its frequent flyer program to include a buy mileage, buy to extend mileage and buy to mantain tier options.
"These new options allow for greater freedom for our passengers, and they are the first part of our GFF revamp," Garuda vice president Australia Uun Setiawan said.
Cox & Kings has increased its Russia 2014 departure dates by 25% with 29 tours taking place between March and November on the Classic Russia itinerary.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
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