News in Brief: Friday August 8

Qantas will increase capacity to Hawaii starting 20 December this year, to meet demand especially during peak holiday periods.
Services from Sydney to Honolulu will increase from three to four per week and will include an upgrade in aircraft from a B767 to an A330, adding 253 seats per week on the route.
The new service will operate on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from both Sydney and Honolulu.
Air New Zealand and Singapore Airlines have formed firmed their alliance after the decision was made by the New Zealand Minister of Transport.
Once the two carriers announce operational dates and alliance services the partnership will allow for the airlines to share flights to the UK, Europe, Africa and Asia and Singapore.
Members of both airlines’ frequent flyer schemes can now already earn and redeem points on each other’s flights and enjoy the reciprocal benefits across both programs.
“It’s very pleasing to receive regulatory approval for this alliance which will enable us to grow our network with operations between Auckland and Singapore in the very near future,” says Air New Zealand chief executive officer Christopher Luxon.
Azamara club cruises are offering guests a “Buy One, Get One Up To Fifty Percent Off” sale.
Travellers looking to book on a 2015 or 2016 voyage can receive up to 50% off their second guests far for most sailings from a choice of up to 100 voyages. Bookings must be made before 31 August 2014.
P&O cruises world cruising has disclosed its plans for a £26 million make-over for Aurora this year, making it the first ship in its fleet to receive a luxurious refurbishment.
The changes will take place over a three week period starting 29 November 2014 in Hamburg, ahead of Aurora’s Christmas New Year cruise and its South America & Pacific Adventure world cruise departing Southampton on 8 January 2015.
Almost every existing feature of the Aurora will be getting a complete upgrade as well as the introduction of a few new aspects including the new Sindhu restaurant and The Glass House restaurant.
Excite Holidays, New Caledonia Tourism and Aircalin have joined forces to give travel agents the chance to win a four-night getaway to the island paradise of New Caledonia.
In order to win, agents must book accommodation in New Caledonia through Excite Holidays between now and 25 August 2014, and also book flights with Aircalin.
The lucky winner and their guest will be flown to Noumea where they’ll spend two nights at Chateau Royal Beach Resort and Spa, one night at Le Meridien and one night at the Noumea Hilton. They’ll also be treated to dinner at Noumea’s top-rated restaurant, Au Petit Caf√©.
Indochina’s unique charms were embraced by a select group of Australian conference organizers recently on a magical famil hosted by Asian Trails and Vietnam Airlines.
The seven-night famil toured Vietnam and Cambodia which allowed guests to experience a speed-boat ride to spectacular the Cham islands, a sidecar tour through Hoi An’s and its surrounding villages, a sunset cruise on Thu Bon River, a visit to the Temple of Literature, a candlelit dinner in Trong caven and a tour of the temples of Angkor
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
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