News in Brief: Monday, January 14
Air France-KLM and Amadeus have renewed their content agreement giving Amadeus-connected travel agencies access to the full range of fares from both airlines and all regional carriers within the group.
In addition, agents will be able to book the "new economy offer" which offers customers a choice between the all-inclusive product, or a simplified fare with options.
Business remains "tough and tense" despite Swiss International Air Lines setting a yearly passenger record. The carrier said it carried 15.8 million passengers in 2012, the most in its history over a 12-month period.
"But greater passenger numbers do not necessarily translate into enhanced earnings," Swiss said in a statement. "Swiss's earnings performance continues to suffer from high oil prices and the downward pressure on fares."
Scoot has launched its eighth and ninth routes to Qingdao and Shenyang in China, ahead of Chinese New Year. The three times weekly service will fly Singapore-Qingdao-Shenyang-Qingdao-Singapore.
Mantra Group has consolidated its Australian trade sales team, in an effort to reflect the "dynamic landscape" of the travel trade market.
Director of sales Kent Davidson said the team of 10, which will report to newly appointed director of trade sales leisure Paula Maxwell, will now adopt a more "client specific" approach to leisure sales.
"This will make it even easier for travel trade clients to deal with Mantra Group and allow key account managers to have a more in depth relationship with their clients across all leisure market sectors," he said.
Wholesaler My Holiday Centre has joined forces with Tourism Fiji to launch a range of promotions to the destination. Several hotels are participating in the ‘No Bula Bonus Sale', including the Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa, Outrigger on the Lagoon and Fiji Hideaway Resort and Spa.
China Southern Airlines has announced that the term Canton Route will now be extended to describe its entire worldwide network.
New Caledonia's Aircalin has launched a range of sale fares combined with special offers from a range of hotels. Deals are available for booking by January 25 for travel between February 18 and March 27, and April 29 and May 31.
BIG4 Caloundra Waterfront Holiday Park has undergone a $10 million redevelopment which includes new cabins, site accommodation and park activities. Park manager Angus Booker reported a "marked increase" in bookings as a result of the revamp.
Hawaiian Airlines has reminded travel agents and passengers of the need to complete the online visa form for travel to the US. The Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) must be completed at least 72 hours prior to travel and a travel authorisation number presented at check-in at the airport, the carrier said.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
Latest News
Scoot announces discounted flights to a range of destinations
Scoot has announced its latest sale to help travellers plan the perfect getaway to some of the most sought-after destinations to end 2024 and kickstart the new year. Travellers can take advantage of discounted flights to a range of destinations, including; Athens, Osaka, Langkaw, Vientiane, and Hong Kong, plus more departing from Sydney, Melbourne, and […]
Newcastle Airport signs MoU with Destination NSW to lure new domestic and international routes
Destination Newcastle! Did we ever think we would see the day?
Celestyal Journey celebrates its first anniversary
Celestyal Journey has notched up one year with Celestyal, travelling 66,100 nautical miles in its first year, mostly around the Greek Islands. The 55,877-tonne ship joined the Celestyal fleet following a multi-million-dollar refurbishment made her maiden voyage for the Greek cruise line on 2 September 2023, a seven-night Idyllic Aegean cruise to Thessaloniki, Kusadasi, Heraklion […]
Aqua Expeditions is set to expand its fleet in 2025
Luxury sailings are now hitting far-flung destinations, and there is still a lot of coastline left uncovered.
Cathay Pacific now offers complimentary Wi-Fi to Business Class passengers
Not that we are against flying up front, but these guys put it on the expense account anyway!
Royal Caribbean’s grand design for Royal Beach Club Paradise Island in The Bahamas
It may not be Richard Branson's Necker but it's probably the closest we are going to get to a private island.
Railbookers Frank Marini on simplifying rail travel for agents: Travel Weekly TV
Travel Weekly is back with a bang... Which is not the sort of thing you want to hear when travelling by rail!
Iconic Dusit Thani Bangkok hotel’s bold reimagining as part of Dusit Central Park
It was THE place to go once upon a decade, and now it is set to reclaim that space, say its owners.
Fiji Airways unveils order of cutting edge flight simulators for in-house Aviation Academy
The news has left the editorial desk wondering how we can get a turn ourselves.
The tiny WA town named as top national tourist destination
It just goes to show that big towns and big tourism budgets do not make a destination.
The Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority goes off-track with trail destinations
The plan is to get people to see more than the double white lines of one of the greatest coastal drives in the world.
Qatar Airways celebrates 15 years of service in Australia
So Qatar has hit its teenage years in Australia. Let's hope they are well behaved and clean their room.
International Committee of Tourism Film Festivals announces new award recognising best tourism video of the year
Think you're a bit of a Spielberg behind the lens? Find out once and for all with this new competition.
NSW South Coast surfers in narrow escape after plane door plummets into the sea
What is it about aircraft doors? I mean, do you leave your front door unlocked all the time? Not us.
Virgin Australia announces enhanced partnership with Amadeus
Hot off the Virgin press is the latest in all things GDS... Do you see what we did there?
Japan Airlines becomes first carrier to sign on for Airbus’ virtual A350 trainer
Want to know how to make a plane geeks year? Stick one of these VR sets under their Christmas tree in December.
Emirates cans flight between Singapore and Melbourne
Rumour has it that Singapore just doesn't like Melbourne*. *This rumour has been fully fabricated by us.
New Qantas route from Brisbane to Port Vila takes off with full complement
While Air Vanuatu is flying again, other airlines are now scrambling to fill the slots it has left behind.
Surry Hills building that famously burnt to the ground set for $40m+ hotel renovation
Are you dating a pyromaniac? Consider Valentine's Day plans sorted... Once the renovations are complete!
ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW: Explora Journeys
The Aponte family and MSC have created an exquisite, modern luxury cruise experience like no other.
Raffles Hotel Le Royal names Dagmar Lyons as general manager
Raffles is always on our vision board of places we want to stay. Dagmar Lyons - work your magic!
Drifter Christchurch welcomes Rambler restaurant and bar in heritage space
The place has evolved from knitwear factory to hotel and bar. But hopefully it's still as cosy.
Explora Journeys appoints Anna Nash as president
We wish Anna the best of luck with both her new role and with writing her LinkedIn announcement.
Former hair-raising Hong Kong airport site now the height of luxury with Dorsett Kai Tak opening
Having flown into Kai Tak and lived under the flight path, this is a superior option to our Chungking Mansions digs.
Bali to ban development of hotels in busy areas in bid to tackle overtourism
The backlash against tourists continues. If you've ever badly-ridden a scooter in Bali it is probably your fault.
Star Clippers takes Australian advisors on Mediterranean adventure
If this doesn't want to make you sell more Star Clippers trips, then nothing will.
Holland America offers Aussie & Kiwis $1 deposits for 2024-26 seasons, today only
Given the cost of living, if you can find a dollar down the back of the couch, best go dig it out.
Intrepid Travel launches new Australian guide highlighting more than 60 local trips
Intrepid wants to have a bigger footprint in Oz. About a size 12 desert boot in the Simpson Desert should do it.
Journey Beyond launches Great Southern ‘Brisbane to Melbourne’ 3-day summer by train adventure
We remember driving this route as a child. It was significantly less picturesque and involved lots of Red Rooster.
‘Travly’ founders say new OTA is here to turn holiday dreams into reality
OK, you'll still need a bit of coin handy to book in the holiday, but if that's no issue, Travly is for you!
The $9billion monster wellness resort powered entirely by solar panels
This is less a wellness resort and more a wellness planet at this stage. Lets hope we will get fit by osmosis.
CAPA Airline Leader Summit, the biggest regional aviation event of the year, is set to open in Brisbane
This is on at new The Star, so we are expecting lots of oohs and aahs, and a late night at a very busy Sky Deck.
Victorian Tourism Industry Council boss slams Government’s proposed 7.5% ‘Short-Stay Levy’
All the more reason to stay in a hotel we say... Hoteliers, you can thank us later!
Unlock the world’s most captivating destinations with exclusive offers on select 2024-2025 Azamara cruises
Not only do you get to unlock captivating cruise destinations with Azamara, you get US$500 of their money to spend.
Aurora Expeditions names Greg Cormier as chief marketing officer
We are glad Greg got his new merch in time to sport this Aurora Expeditions windbreaker. Job done.
Etihad Airways announces new direct flights to Warsaw and Prague
Etihad Airways has announced new direct flights from Abu Dhabi to Warsaw, Poland and Prague, Czechia with four weekly flights to both destinations beginning 2 June 2025. The new routes are part of the airline’s growth strategy to diversify its European network and provide business and leisure travellers with convenient access to the vibrant European […]