News in Brief: Thursday June 12

Cathay Pacific has confirmed that Dominic Perret will depart the role of general manager South West Pacific, with global sales manager Nelson Chin to take up the reigns.

Perret will return to Hong Kong to become general manager of its inflight services department, effective from mid-July.

 

Emirates has cancelled a $2.6 billion order for 70 Airbus A350 aircraft, Rolls-Royce has revealed.

“While disappointed with this decision, we are confident that the delivery slots which start towards the end of this decade vacated by Emirates will be taken up by other airlines,” the manufacturer said.

“Demand for the Airbus A350 remains strong, with more than 700 aircraft and 1,400 Trent XWB engines already sold.”

 

In partnership with Scoot Airlines, the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) is offering travel agents and two of their companions return flights to Singapore starting from $310 ex Perth and $360 ex Sydney Gold Coast.

The offer aims to assist agents in expanding their knowledge and ability to sell Singapore more effectively.

Rates include baggage and taxes with more information available at YourSingaporeXperience.com.au.

 

Between June 1 and September 30, Expedia TAAP will increase commission for Expedia activities and transfers from 12% to 13.5%.

Over 7,000 activities are available to be booked through Expedia TAAP, as well as airport transfers from most major airports.

“This is a great incentive for agents to add fantastic value for their clients and earn additional commission. They are easy to book and come with Expedia TAAP’s usual highly competitive Internet prices.” Expedia TAAP’s Stuart Udy said. 

 

APT has acquired an equal share in the Peruvian-based land operator Setours, making it the only Australian operator to have ownership of its operations in South America.

That means the company has the ability to control not only the product offering but the overall experience of APT, Travelmarvel or Botanica guests, according to chief executive Chris Hall.

“Of course, expansion is a key motivator for us, but so too is the ability to play a much more involved role in shaping the experiences that we offer,” he said.

Meanwhile, the operator has released its new China 2015 brochure, with the cities of Suzhou and Hangzhou added to the new itineraries.  

 

Mantra Group has completed the rebranding of two new hotel acquisitions in Melbourne and Brisbane – Mantra St Kilda Road Melbourne and Mantra on the Quay Brisbane.

Both properties were formerly managed by Mint Hotels and Apartments.

This adds to the expanding CBD portfolio of the Australian hotelier which currently has seven hotels across Melbourne and three in Brisbane.

 

TravelManagers has reported a new sales revenue record for the first quarter of 2014 with February sales in particular showing strong growth, 17% higher than the same month in 2013 – previously the company’s strongest sales month.

Worldwide cruise and escorted touring itineraries, predominantly those based in Europe, played a major part in these record sales, according to the firm, with increases of 66% and 46% respectively year on year.

 

Tourism New Zealand’s communications manager Deborah Gray has been promoted to the position of general manager of corporate affairs.

From July she will replace the current general manager Chris Roberts, who is leaving to take up the role of chief executive officer at the Tourism Industry Association. 

 

A new partnership between El Questro Homestead and luxury adventure cruise ship True North offers travellers a combined Kimberley experience.

The tie-up features a journey across the coastline as well as a stay in the 1 million acre oasis of El Questro Wilderness Park where the homestead is located.

“Combining the spectacular coastline of the Kimberley on a True North cruise with a stay at El Questro Homestead, in the heart of this raw and rugged landscape, is a fantastic way to experience this stunning part of Australia,” El Questro general manager Lori Litwack said..

 

A series of three information sessions nationwide will celebrate the launch of Scenic Tours’ 2015 Canada, Alaska and USA programs.

The sessions will be held from June 19 until July 10 in Newcastle, Sydney, Terrigal, Canberra, Parramatta, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Adelaide with two free consumer webinars also planned. 

For more information, call 1300 723 642.

News in Brief: Thursday June 12