Corporate Travel News

Destination NSW announced (24-Mar-2017) the NSW Indigenous tourism sector has experienced a 50% increase in participation rates. The announcement coincides with the launch of six new Aboriginal owned and operated tourism businesses in the state. [more - original PR]

Tourism Australia, via its weekly newsletter, stated (19-Apr-2017) Australia's Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Steven Ciobo MP is leading a business delegation to Japan during the week of 17-Apr-2017 to pursue new commercial opportunities, promote 'brand Australia' and forge new business partnerships. During his visit Minister Ciobo met with tour operator JTB, Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways and hosted an event for Tourism Australia's partners. Japan is Australia's sixth largest market for visitor arrivals with 417,000 for the year ending Feb-2017, up 19% year-on-year.

Qantas completed construction on its new lounge at Karratha Airport, scheduled to open in May-2017 (The West Australian, 19-Apr-2017). Karratha Mayor Peter Long stated: "We look forward to an exciting new phase for the airport with new airline lounges being developed, international flights being explored and planning for growth in passenger numbers expected as new resource projects come on line and the local economy diversifies".

Qantas announced change fees would be increasing by up to 45% from 28-Apr-2017 (finder.com.au, 19-Apr-2017). The new fees apply for all classes and booking types depending on the route and class.

Queensland Government announced (19-Apr-2017) the launch of twice weekly Mount Isa-Karumba-Cairns service under a three month trial on the regulated air route. Assistant Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Glenn Butcher stated the trial would see if regular services were viable and determine if demand can support permanent operations. Regional Express (Rex) will operate 34 seat Saab 340 B Plus aircraft on the route until 29-Jun-2017.

Sydney Airport announced (20-Apr-2017) it will hold its annual general meeting on 30-May-2017 comprising the two entities that make up ASX-listed Sydney Airport, namely Sydney Airport Limited and Sydney Airport Trust 1. The AGM aims to consider and approve the following:

• Adoption of Remuneration Report;
• Appointment of directors for the following term;
• Approval for the giving of termination benefits to outgoing CEO Kerrie Mather;
• Amendment to maximum aggregate remuneration payable to non-executive directors. [more - original PR]

Virgin Australia confirmed four agencies remain in the pitch for the carrier's creative account (Mumbrella, 19-Apr-2017). DDB, M&C Saatchi, TBWA Sydney and Clemenger BBDO Sydney, are believed to still be involved in the creative pitch. Virgin Australia CMO Inese Kingsmill stated customer experience was at the core of the creative brief for the four advertising agencies.

Cook Islands Ministry of Finance & Economic Management reported (19-Apr-2017) visitor arrivals to Cook Islands reached 10,954 in Mar-2017. Details include:

• Visitor arrivals: 10,954, +10.4% year-on-year;
• • New Zealand: 6787, +12.2%;
  • Australia: 1723, -4.8%;
  • US: 605, +39.4%;
  • Canada: 296, +15.2%. [more - original PR]

Norfolk Island Airlines, via its official Facebook page, announced (14-Apr-2017) the launch of once weekly Auckland-Norfolk Island-Brisbane service on 17-Jun-2017. Tickets are now available for purchase on the carrier's website. Norfolk Island Airlines will charter a Boeing 737-300 aircraft from Nauru Airlines to operate this service.

Virgin Australia announced (19-Apr-2017) the introduction of a new in-flight entertainment (IFE) user interface for passengers who are blind or have low vision. Developed by globally recognised IFE innovator CoKinetic Systems, the interface is available on Virgin Australia's entire fleet of Boeing 777-300 aircraft which feature a seatback entertainment system and will be rolled out on the A330 fleet in the first half of 2017. Virgin Australia is the first carrier in Asia Pacific and the second in the world to introduce this type of interface. Virgin Australia GM in flight experience Tash Tobias stated the new technology allows vision impaired guests to access important flight information such as the time and distance to their destination. [more - original PR]