News in Brief: Thursday January 30
Places are still available for the AIME Knowledge education and professional development program which will feature Dr Adam Fraser, Margie Warrell, Todd Sampson, Debbie Mayo-Smith and Graeme Joy along with Todd Sampson from Gruen Planet and Michelle Bridges from The Biggest Loser.
Tickets for the events, which will take place during AIME on February 18 and 19, are $55 for visitors with free visitor pre-registration now available via the AIME website. There is also a visitor all access pass available that will allow attendees to go to all sessions for $175.
For further information on the program offering in 2014, please visit the AIME website www.aime.com.au.
Hilton Sydney has appointed Brigid Kennedy as director of sales.
Kennedy, who started her career at Hilton Melbourne on the Park, was most recently executive officer for Ultimate Winery Experiences of Australia.
Today marks 10 years since Virgin Australia’s first international flight departed from Christchurch, with the airline announcing a number of new codeshare services to celebrate the occasion.
The eight new international codeshare services include Seattle and Boston with Delta Air Lines, Zurich, Minsk, Medina and Rome with Etihad Airways and Athens and Brunei with Singapore Airlines.
“Over the past 10 years, we have operated over 100,000 international flights, carrying around 15 million passengers,” chief commercial officer Judith Crompton said.
“Our strategy of flying into key international hubs and creating a virtual global network with our alliance partners has brought significant benefits for consumers and for our business.”
Qantas will boost its Sydney-Santiago service with three additional services over the Easter school holidays to support strong demand.
The three extra services will operate on 4 April, 25 April and 2 May. Qantas currently operates three per week return Santiago to Sydney services (QF27 & QF28) on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays, with codeshare partner LAN.
“South America is an important market for Qantas and the additional services result in more than 1,000 seats available for customers travelling between Sydney and Santiago over the peak holiday period,” executive manager international sales Stephen Thompson said.
The Oaks on Lonsdale Serviced Apartments complex in Melbourne is to be offered for sale via an International Expressions of Interest campaign.
CBRE Hotels has been appointed to sell the freehold interest in the property on behalf of receivers and managers PPB Advisory, with the campaign expected to generate significant interest, largely from South East Asian and Chinese investors seeking a foothold in the Australian hotel market.
Emirates and Rugby World Cup Limited (RWCL) have signed a sponsorship agreement for Rugby World Cup 2015 and 2019, to be held in England and Japan respectively.
In addition, the Dubai-based carrier has extended its sponsorship of the International Rugby Board’s (IRB) match officials until the end of 2019, which includes rights to brand the shirts of match officials on the field of play during the tournament – a first in Rugby World Cup (RWC) history.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
Latest News
Alluna Motel, Armidale undergoes reimagining with Choice Hotels Asia-Pac
A little bit of country comfort is fine, but we like our modern conveniences, and a little style as well.
ASIC to sue REX over allegations of deceptive and misleading conduct
What's that? An Aussie airline in legal trouble again... You guessed it.
ICC Sydney team and social impact initiative triumphs at ABEA inaugural awards
Top of the tree at an inaugural awards event? Great work again from the ICC Sydney team.
Fiji Airways first-ever direct service to DFW plus new Business Class amenity kits
Are you a fan of long flights? We don't want any answers from those who turn left...
Taylor Swift closes largest grossing music tour ever, providing huge global tourism boost
With these kind of figures, Swift is a welcome guest!
Mackay Airport flying high for festive season
Mackay is hot right now and expected to get hotter with more Virgin flights to Brisbane.
Crowne Plaza announces refurbishment of Sydney Airport property
Missed that flight - again! Then here's a place to rest your head, just make sure to set your alarm for AM.
The future is here! Travel DAZE is back for 2025
Check out all the details for the 2025 Travel DAZE here! It is not one to miss!
Blossoms, Louboutins and tears: behind the scenes at the Women in Travel Awards 2024
Behind the scenes of one of the travel industry's most colourful and important events!
An event producer’s take on Alma Resort – the ultimate MICE destination
We dispatch one of our own events brains to Cam Ranh in Vietnam to put its MICE facilities to the test!
Tonight is the night! Industry braces for the 2024 Women in Travel Awards
We are so excited we could literally scream. Okay we are doing it, we are screaming!!!
Philippines’ Department of Tourism launches its first dive experience
One to check out if you are a keen diver! See you under the water.
Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon draws over 55,000 participants
Given our performance at the City to Surf this year, we're not going to be adding to the numbers at the next marathon.
Celestyal F1 Doha trip offers triple treat for travel advisors and destination managers
Seeing Piastri snatch third almost made us want to jump onboard again for the next race.
Events deliver $777 million in impact for Melbourne, Geelong and beyond
Events are big business in the State of Victoria!
Events deliver $777 million in impact for Melbourne, Geelong and beyond
Events are big business in the State of Victoria!
Korea strengthens MICE play with new convention centres
Okay, here us out. What about a Squid Games-themed conference!? We'll see ourselves out.
Crown Resorts to house new Golden Century restaurant and Icebergs Harbour Bar
An old inner-city favourite and an Eastern Suburbs hotspot to open at the Crown, seems like a winner to us.
Major events shape Accor success as new openings promise even more
Now that Taylor Swift and Coldplay have been and gone, who's going to do the numbers for Accor in 2025?
Celestyal Journey debut and F1 race mark busiest week in Qatar, since 2022 World Cup
A feast of options for cruise, fight, MICE and motor racing fans. It's a hot destination - literally.
All the details for Travel Weekly’s 2025 luxury roadshows
We've had a bunch of you sign up already! The appetite for luxury is high.
An afternoon of elegance and exploration with The Peninsula Hotels
This sounds like a wonderful way to spend an afternoon. Much better than sitting at the desk.
Finding life’s potential at Kamalaya: a conversation with Gopal Kumar
A must-read for all our wellness fans out there!
Creating a lounge experience for everyone is what brings me joy, says Song
Speaking of lounges, we wonder who will get a start at the new Western Sydney International!
Nibbler publisher shortlisted for Best Conference Award
Misfits Media, publisher of The Nibbler, Travel Weekly and B&T, has been shortlisted at the Australian Business Events Association Awards for Best Conference Award which was held at Cairns Convention Centre. Cairns Convention Centre was shortlisted as a finalist in three prestigious categories at the Australian Business Events Association Awards, including Best Conference for Cannes […]
Victoria Tourism Awards celebrates leading tourism operators
We imagine there are some sore heads and happy hearts this morning!
Skyscanner surprises Scotland rugby captain by flying in his Aussie grandma
A story to warm the cockles, but we still hope the Wallabies smash Scotland. Although we'll claim it either way.
Major events help Sunshine Coast tourism shine in 2023-24
From Surf Life Saving titles to long lunches or a marathon, the Sunshine Coast had something for everyone in 2023/24.
MCEC earns best Business Event Venue Award for the second year in a row
Forget the gold and the bronze, we think the key is in the stainless-steel coffee cup initiative.
MCEC earns best Business Event Venue Award for the second year in a row
Forget the gold and the bronze, we think the key is in the stainless-steel coffee cup initiative.
Luxury Beverly Hills hotels unwrap Christmas festivities
No decisions on what clients want to do Christmas? Here's an idea, tell them to pack a bag and jump a flight to LAX.
The Bohoho opens in Camps Bay, Cape Town
There doesn't seem to be anything subtle about these content creator spaces. Beige walls are not an option.
New York City Tourism + Conventions launches NYC Hotel Week with massive savings
At up to a quarter off the price of a room, we might even be able to book one ourselves.
Webjet shares plummet 8% as group delays financial results due to ‘technical’ issue
While the vast majority of shareholders voted for this demerger, we now await the curly questions at the AGM.
Travel Weekly to host 2025 three-city Luxury roadshow across Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane
Clear your diary now! The hottest event in luxury travel is coming to a venue near you.
Vale Jackie McKeown of Visit Canberra
Our thoughts go out to all those who knew and worked with Jackie over the years.