New head turns Queenstown tourism

Destination Queenstown has announced current general manager, Graham Budd has been appointed as the Group’s new chief executive.

Air Pacific rebrands to Fiji Airways

Qantas cull countdown

Employees of Australian flag carrier are sitting on edge as reports fly that the airline is expected to make an announcement this week regarding the future of its heavy maintenance facilities in Victoria and Queensland.

Airport taxes, charges hurting tourism: ATEC

Accumulated taxes and charges applied at our airports amounting to more than A$750 million over the next four years will hurt Australia’s tourism industry, says ATEC managing director Felicia Mariani.

Heed his words. AAA pins tourism on Packer

Australia’s accommodation leaders say the country’s tourism industry needs to heed James Packer’s plans to kick-start tourism down under, claiming his vision would help “reinvigorate tourism”.

South Africa tourism needs collaboration: INDABA

Achieving the country's set target of up to 15 million visitors over the next eight years will require collaboration and support, according to South African Tourism chief executive Thulani Nzima.

Christchurch on the mend

Accor, New Zealand’s largest hotel group has announced plans to re-open two hotels following last year’s earthquake disaster.

London to score int’l Olympic tourism

The London 2012 Summer Games will see an estimated 294,000 international visitors descend upon the UK capital to witness the sporting event.

Air NZ adds more seats to Hawaii

In a move to meet high customer demand Air New Zealand will increase its seat capacity on its Auckland to Honolulu route.

Abbott focus, Sydney air travel

Adding to the Sydney Airport infrastructure debate Leader of the Federal Opposition Mr Tony Abbot says we need to look at immediate ways to improve air travel in and out of Sydney.

More fun = more people in the Philippines

Few destinations can lay claim to a viral tagline, boasting twitter trending and a flurry of social media spoofs, but the Philippines’ ‘It’s More Fun in the Philippines’ tag has done just that – and the proof is in the (coconut) pudding.

Alligator Airways request to fly denied

After being grounded due to safety concerns, Regional flight operator Alligator Airways request to return to the skies has been denied by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA).

Golden Gate Bridge preps for big party with new offerings

New views, a museum store, guided public tours, interpretive exhibits and even a new menu became available this week for Golden Gate Bridge visitors in the lead up to the iconic landmark’s 75th anniversary.

Sleep when you’re dead. 95 year old backpacker

Most 95 year olds consider a bus trip to the local bowls club or bingo a big outing, but not Gold Coast man Keith Wright, who is about to embark on his latest backpacking trip around Europe.

Budget: Help or hinder for tourism industry

Further to Tourism Australia announcing opportunities from the budget, Tourism and Transport Forum (TTF) suggests changes will affect Australia’s reputation as a destination.

Asia-Pacific visitors “critical” to US economy

In testimony before Congress, U.S. Travel Association president and chief executive Roger Dow said that travel from the Asia-Pacific region to the United States was “critical” to the US economy.

ACCC approves DJ, Skywest corporate alliance

Virgin Australia and Skywest Airlines have received the regulatory go-ahead on a proposed five year corporate alliance.

TRENZ back to Auckland 2013

New Zealand’s premier travel trade show, Tourism Industry Rendezvous New Zealand (TRENZ) will make its return to the North Island next year.

DJ, NZ add Queenstown ski services

Off the back of a recent announcement to increase capacity between Perth and Auckland, Virgin Australia said it would pick up more Tasman business this ski season through increased Queenstown services.

Borat thanked for lifting Kazakhstan tourism

On the eve of the release of his new film ‘The Dictator’, Sacha Baron Cohen and his previous flick, ‘Borat’ have been thanked for boosting tourism to Kazakhstan.

Qantas partner to promote NZ: TRENZ

In a bid to increase visitor arrivals, Qantas has announced a 50/50 partnership with Tourism New Zealand that will see both parties invest $4 million over the next two years.

TA hails $61 million for Asian Century

Tourism Australia says it can now tap into growing tourism opportunities following the Federal Budget announcement yesterday of a dedicated Asian Marketing Fund worth AUD$61 million over the next four years.

Bali no longer risky for Aus

Bali Hotels Association (BHA) has welcomed the Australian government's decision to downgrade the travel advisory to Bali that has remained in place since 2002.

Love Every Second in Sydney: Destination NSW

Aiming to build its winter numbers and reach 2020 overnight visitor targets, Destination NSW has launched a new ‘bold’ campaign telling Aussies and Kiwis they’ll ‘Love every second of Sydney’.