News

Tourism New Zealand secured (02-May-2017) the cover story of the Chinese edition of National Geographic Traveler for May-2017. The 16 page feature story called Green Pass New Zealand showcases wildlife of the lower South Island, as well as images of Dunedin, Southland coasts and Rakiura/Stewart Island. Tourism New Zealand GM Asia David Craig stated the feature story showed there is significant interest in New Zealand beyond the well known tourist areas and "having New Zealand on the cover of such a prestigious and well read publication is really important. The readers are the perfect target market – high-value free independent travellers who will get out into the lesser-visited areas like Southland and Dunedin". [more - original PR]

Tourism Whitsundays plans to launch a AUD1 million (USD754,615) national tourism campaign to highlight the destination in partnership with some of Australia's most iconic tourism brands (Whitsunday Times, 01-May-2017). Queensland Tourism Minister Kate Jones stated the marketing plan is in partnership with Tourism and Events Queensland (TEQ), the Flight Centre Travel Group and Virgin Australia. TEQ and Flight Centre will invest the funds in the three month campaign which will have a strong focus on the Whitsundays region and be supported by Virgin Australia and Infinity Holidays. The campaign will send a clear message the region is open for business.

Redspot Enterprise Car Rentals announced (02-May-2017) its newest location at Melbourne Avalon Airport. Melbourne continues to experience year on year growth from international visitors and Redspot Enterprises’ newest location will help to support and encourage both international and domestic tourism booms in the area. Redspot Enterprise Car Rentals MD Dan Mekler stated: "The tourism industry is made up of a number of different businesses and relies heavily on the support of these sectors for its continual growth. Redspot Enterprise is proud to be one of the businesses that continues to support Australia’s domestic and international tourism industry, by expanding our car rental facilities in convenient locations for travellers to help meet the demand".[more - original PR]

Sydney Airport advised (02-May-2017) the Australian Federal Government that it has not accepted the offer in the Notice of Intention (NOI) to develop and operate the Western Sydney Airport (WSA). Upon receipt of the NOI in Dec-2016 and after taking into consideration the feedback from the recent market engagement process and investors, and the outcomes of its own evaluation, Sydney Airport determined that the terms of the WSA NOI do not meet its investment criteria. Sydney Airport MD and CEO Kerrie Mather stated despite the opportunities that WSA will present, the risks associated with the development and operation of WSA are considerable and endure for many decades without commensurate returns for our investors. [more - original PR]

Airservices Australia announced (01-May-2017) it is moving to replace its air traffic management system as part of a major capital expenditure programme of more than AUD1 billion (USD752 million) over the next five years. Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Darren Chester stated: "The programme includes investment in critical air traffic infrastructure, facilities and services to enhance the safety, efficiency and capacity of the Australian air traffic network to meet anticipated continuing growth in the Australian aviation industry". [more - original PR]

Australia's Federal Government announced (01-May-2017) the appointment of John Weber to the Board of Airservices Australia for a three year term. Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Darren Chester stated Mr Weber previously worked extensively in the transport sector and his experience will be invaluable to the board as it continues to guide Airservices' delivery of safe and efficient air traffic and aviation rescue and fire fighting services to the industry and the community. [more - original PR]

Sydney Airport introduced (01-May-2017) indoor Google Maps on its app and website to facilitate passengers with real-time navigation across its terminals. The zoomable maps feature airport facilities including gates, check in counters, retailers, points of interest and outdoor facilities covering various modes of transport. This feature covers multi-levels at Terminal 1 International and T2 Domestic, with T3 to be added shortly. It also incorporates Google’s intuitive search capabilities that locates similar nearby stores based on past searches. Visitors have the option to share live social media feedback on retailers directly from the app or website. [more - original PR]

Air New Zealand appointed (01-May-2017) former New Zealand Prime Minister John Key as a board director effective 01-Sep-2017. Air New Zealand Board chairman Tony Carter stated Mr Key will bring extensive international commercial experience, outstanding leadership skills, global perspective and a keen understanding of the tourism sector gained during the years he was Tourism Minister as well as Prime Minister of New Zealand. Air New Zealand is also announcing that its longest serving director Paul Bingham will be retiring at the Annual Shareholders’ Meeting in Sep-2017. [more - original PR]

Western Sydney Minister Stuart Ayres insisted Western Sydney Airport "won't work" with a curfew, as currently implemented at Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (Sydney Morning Herald, 30-Apr-2017). Mr Ayres added "you want to make sure… that airport has a chance to be successful" and "making it available... 24 hours a day".

Air Niugini named (28-Apr-2017) its latest Fokker 70 aircraft "Kokoda", in a ceremony officiated by Papua New Guinea Prime Minister Peter O’Neill. The name is to commemorate of the 75th anniversary of the World War Two Battle of Kokoda. The aircraft will operate domestic routes, as well as services to Australia and the Pacific. [more - original PR]