The 2014 Independent Travel Group  has finalized Hawaii as the destination for its business forum from November 13-16, with Hawaiian Airlines confirmed as the major airline sponsor.

The three-day event will be held at The First Lady of Waikiki the Moana Surfrider, a Westin Resort and Spa will feature business networking, supplier engagement, technology innovations and the latest travel developments from industry leaders. 

Choice Hotels Australasia has partnered with three new properties in New South Wales and Queensland.

The Oceans Resort and Spa Hervey Bay and the Kingsford Brisbane are the two latest Queensland based Ascend Hotel Collection properties to join the group’s portfolio of hotels, as well as the Comfort Inn The Lodge Mudgee in New South Wales. 

he additions form part of the company’s plans for further expansion, with 20 other properties already added to its portfolio this year.

Air Malta and Etihad Airways have expanded their codeshare agreement to provide travellers with improved connections between Europe, the GCC region and Australia.

Air Malta is placing its ‘KM’ code and flight number on the newly launched Etihad service between Abu Dhabi and Rome, while Etihad Airways is placing its ‘EY’ code and flight number of Air Malta’s non-stop service between Rome and Malta.

In addition, Air Malta’s code and flight number will be placed on Etihad Airways services from Abu Dhabi to Australia for the first time, covering the UAE carrier’s existing flights to Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, as well as Perth, which also launched this week. 

Captain Cook Cruise Fiji has appointed Tony Acland as the new general manager based in the Fiji head office and Clinton Perkins aboard the Reef Endeavour as hospitality manager.

Both men bring an in-depth knowledge and love for Fiji to their new roles.

“I’m delighted to welcome Tony and Clinton to the Captain Cook Cruises Fiji team. They both bring to their roles a wealth of skills, experience and knowledge, which will be a great asset to the company.  I am delighted to join with our Executive Chairman, Semi Koroilavesau, in extending a big Bula welcome to them both” said Jackie Charlton, Captain Cook Cruises Fiji, Australian managing director. 

Travelmarvel is guaranteeing all cruise inventory, alongside 100% of its Paris and Prague stays with all ‘European Gems’ departures for 2015.

“Since we launched our new brochure three months ago, we’ve seen a strong early response from our travel agency partners, who tell us more and more clients are asking for Travelmarvel’s European cruises. With more people wanting to book our product and continued travel industry support, we are really pleased to be able to offer guarantees across our cruise and land departures,” general manager David Cox said.

With two new riverships joining the Travelmarvel Europe fleet for 2015, double the number of cruise departures, a new land itinerary through Spain and Portugal and 21 new insider experiences, the cruise and tour operator is enjoying a strong following among Australians and New Zealanders. 

The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority with 12 key partners will be hosting trade events in Sydney and Melbourne next month.

Guests are invited to meet industry partners and learn about the extensive list of world-class entertainment options and US$8 billion product investments that are underway in Las Vegas, with prizes on offer also.

Las Vegas Unlocked event dates are as followed:

Melbourne – Tuesday August 2

5.30pm to 9.00pm at Bobby McGee’s, 186 Exhibition St, Melbourne

Sydney – Thursday August 7

5.30 to 9.00p, at Dolton House, Darling Island South Wharf, 48 Pirrama Rd, Pyrmont

Register by July 29 by clicking here.

Health and Fitness Travel has launched its new discover recover holidays, created for clients looking for a mix of wellness and culture on their getaways.

Discover recover meets the growing trend of combining the benefits of exploring different cultures whilst staying healthy and active, with getaway destinations including India, Italy, Costa Rica and Croatia.

For more information visit: www.healthandfitnesstravel.com.au/discover-recover-holidays

InterContinental Hotels Group is set to return to Brisbane with the signing of a franchise agreement for the city’s first Holiday Inn Express hotel in the Spring Hill area.

The announcement follows the signing of a deal with international investment group Pro-Invest for the 226-room property which is located to both the CBD and the airport.

“The development of the new Holiday Inn Express in Brisbane is a significant milestone for IHG as it marks our return to the city with the entry of our largest and one of our fastest growing brands into the market, IHG head of development Australasia said.

Ibis has launched its Paint it Red campaign to pitch the hotel portfolio as an ideal place for budget-conscious music lover to rest their heads after a gig or festival outing.

Under the campaign’s special offers, valid for stays booked by September 30, guests will receive a voucher equal to 15% of their total accommodation bill at participating Ibis hotels to be used for beverages at the hotel bar and/or restaurant.