News in Brief: Wednesday March 6

A new aquarium in Cairns will become the first project to benefit from the federal government's Tourism and Major Projects Facilitation Service, the tourism minister has confirmed.
The Cairns Aquarium and Reef Research Centre will create 150 jobs through its design and construction, and 75 full-time and 25 part-time jobs going forward.
Speaking at an event in Cairns last night, minister for tourism Martin Ferguson expressed hopes the new facility would deliver a boost to Queensland tourism, adding "something new and different" to Cairn's existing attractions. He expected cruise visitors would be drawn to the new aquarium.
Topdeck has launched its 2013/14 Egypt, Jordan and Israel brochure featuring 22 trips. Morocco and Turkey are also covered in the 48-page program.
New product includes the seven-day Jewels of Israel tour and nine-day Promised Land to Petra itinerary.
Garuda Indonesia will fly daily between Denpasar and Melbourne with the addition of two new weekly services from April 1.
Vice president Australia and South West Pacific Bagus Y Siregar said the move is part of the airline's commitment to providing "better service" for its Australian customers.
Skycity Entertainment Group will move to the next stage in the tender process for a new tourism development on the Gold Coast, it has been revealed. The new casino and hotel development will be located in Broadwater.
Emirates has opened its 35th lounge for first and business class passengers at Milan Malpensa Airport.
Wildman Wilderness Lodge will add a new touring experience to its network when the resort re-opens for the 2013 season on March 29. The Mary River Wetlands Air Boat Tour will take guests on a wildlife tour of the wetlands over one and a half hours. Prices start from $215 per person.
Niue Island is inviting agents to enter a competition to go win a seven night holiday to the South Pacific island. Seven nights' accommodation at the Matavai Resort and return flights with Air New Zealand are up for grabs. The competition closes on April 15. Visit niue@ptm.net.au to enter.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
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