News in Brief: Monday October 21

Mobile Travel Agents (MTA) has launched a series of new technological tools developed in-house which build on its virtual office technology in a bid to enhance client service delivery.

New developments include enhancements to the invoice and itinerary system, live credit card and eNett supplier capability, automated BPAY allocations, client profile upgrades and the ability to export itineraries into Microsoft Word.

In addition, they feature a honeymoon gift registery and an e-travel gift voucher system.

The third quarter saw gross revenue across Accor's hotel portfolio fall 3.1% due to "highly negative" currency and the impact of asset disposals.

However, at comparable scope of consolidation and exchange rates, the figure actually represents a 3.8% increase, according to the hotel firm.

The first nine months of the year has seen the group's gross revenue rise 4.2% to 8.6 billion euro, despite the negative currency effect in the third quarter.

The Australian Tourism Export Council has welcomed news that Anthony Albanese will add the tourism portfolio to his list of responsibilities as show minister for infrastructure and transport/tourism.

"This portfolio alignment is a good fit and recognises the strong tourism position has in contributing to the strength of Australia's economy," managing director Felicia Mariani said.

Meanwhile, the Tourism and Transport Forum said his appointment "brings closer bipartisan support" for the selection of Badgery's Creek as Sydney's secondary airport.

The chief executive of Sabre Pacific, Gai Tyrell, will step down from her role after six years, with the search for a replacement underway.

Tyrell leaves to pursue an “exciting new challenge”, according to the technology firm.

Abacus vice president commercial, Brett Henry, will assume her responsibilities until a new appointment is made.

Hawaiian Airlines will operate non-stop Boeing 767-300ER services between Los Angeles and the islands of Kauai and Hawaii for the first time during the peak summer period.

From June 26 to September 19, the carrier will fly between Los Angeles to Lihue in Kauai four times a week, and to Hawaii Island's Kona three times a week.

California's Yosemite National Park has now reopened to visitors following the recent government shutdown.

The park has been closed since October 1.

Travelport has announced its first ever distribution deal with Polish regional airline Eurolot.