Melbourne https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/tag/melbourne/ Informing, connecting and developing the world’s travel industry professionals. Wed, 13 Dec 2023 02:48:25 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.3 Virgin Voyages Begins its Maiden Season in Australia   https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/virgin-voyages-begins-its-maiden-season-in-australia/ https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/virgin-voyages-begins-its-maiden-season-in-australia/#respond Tue, 12 Dec 2023 14:00:00 +0000 https://www.straynomad.com.au/?p=6181 The post Virgin Voyages Begins its Maiden Season in Australia   appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

The Virgin Voyages' Resilient Lady set off from Melbourne to Tasmania on her debut voyage, heralding the start of an incredible and spectacular cruising season. With the characteristic flare and panache for which Virgin Voyages is known.

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Sir Richard Branson personally hosted the sail away party as the third vessel in the Virgin Voyages fleet, Resilient Lady, set sail from Melbourne to Hobart Monday for her inaugural season in Australia. The voyage will take five days from Melbourne to Hobart. Following an exclusive media event, the founder of the Virgin Group threw a party on the ship’s top pool deck, where he bid farewell to guests with a jubilant Champagne toast. At the press conference, he spoke about his enthusiasm for the new chapter in Australian history as well as the cruise line’s long-term plans in the South Pacific. “It was great to be in Melbourne, a vibrant city that matches the vibe of Virgin Voyages,” he said. “Australia has always held a special place in my heart, and I’m so thankful for the warm welcome Australia has provided us. We are so excited to show you Resilient Lady and are determined to make waves Down Under with this new way of cruising.” This summer, Virgin Voyages will embark on 17 voyages in Australia, with the first one having just departed. The first season of the adults-only Resilient Lady includes voyages to places including the southern coast of Australia, the fjords of New Zealand, and Tasmania, ranging in length from two to fourteen nights. For the discerning travellers who embarked on this maiden voyage, the Resilient Lady promises a plethora of captivating encounters, both on board and at the enchanting destinations awaiting her arrival. As the ship navigates the pristine waters en route to Tasmania, guests can immerse themselves in the remarkable beauty of the Australian coastline while indulging in a myriad of exclusive experiences tailored to enhance their journey. With nine more ports of call, Virgin Voyages has already scheduled a second season of sailings between Australia and New Zealand, beginning in December 2024.

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Now fly Air India direct between Mumbai and Melbourne from 15 December https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/now-fly-air-india-direct-between-mumbai-and-melbourne-from-15-december/ Wed, 01 Nov 2023 03:30:52 +0000 https://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=852093 The post Now fly Air India direct between Mumbai and Melbourne from 15 December appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Air India announced it will be launching the first-ever non-stop services to Melbourne in Australia from Mumbai, as it expands its global route network.

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Air India announced it will be launching the first-ever non-stop services to Melbourne in Australia from Mumbai, as it expands its global route network.

Air India will operate three times a week between Mumbai and Melbourne starting 15 December 2023, becoming the only non-stop operator between Mumbai and Australia currently.

The new Mumbai-Melbourne services will add nearly 40,000 seats per year into the Australian state of Victoria, where the Indian community is estimated at over 200,000, constituting about 40% of the total Indian diaspora in Australia. The new services aim to respond to the growing demand to visit friends and relatives as well as to capture demand for business and leisure travel to the region.

Nipun Aggarwal, Chief Commercial & Transformation Officer, Air India, said: “We look forward to launching the only non-stop flight between Mumbai and Melbourne. This is a great step forward in our ongoing transformation programme, which among other aspects aims at connecting India to more of the world with non-stop flights. We are excited to showcase the positively changing Air India flying experience to travellers on this route, of which great Indian hospitality will remain a cornerstone.”

Natalie Hutchins, Minister for Jobs and Industry, Victoria State Government, Australia, said: “We’re very excited that the first direct flights from Mumbai to Australia will land in Melbourne. This new route will boost tourism, create local jobs and open more pathways for Victorian businesses to reach one of the world’s fastest growing economies.”

Travellers from 17 Indian cities can take convenient, one-stop connections to and from Melbourne via Delhi or Mumbai. The new Mumbai-Melbourne route further enables seamless two-way connectivity between London Heathrow and Melbourne via Delhi and Mumbai.

The flights on the Mumbai-Melbourne route will be operated by Air India’s Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft, featuring 18 flat beds in Business Class and 238 spacious seats in Economy.

SCHEDULE OF FLIGHTS BETWEEN MUMBAI AND MELBOURNE

Flight # Days of Operation From To Departure Arrival
AI310 Wednesdays, Fridays, Sundays Mumbai Melbourne 0050 Hrs 1810 Hrs
AI311 Wednesdays, Fridays, Sundays Melbourne Mumbai 2000 Hrs 0235 Hrs (+1)

Departure and arrival times are displayed in local times. +1 denotes next day arrival.

Flights are on sale on Air India’s website (www.airindia.com), mobile app, and through travel agents worldwide. Promotional all-inclusive, round-trip fares start from INR 48,999 in Economy.

Air India currently operates daily flights to Melbourne and Sydney from its home in Delhi, flying 28 times every week between India and Australia.

 

 

 

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Vietjet offers promotional tickets for Indians to Australia https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/vietjet-offers-promotional-tickets-for-indians-to-australia/ Thu, 02 Mar 2023 01:15:39 +0000 https://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=775160 The post Vietjet offers promotional tickets for Indians to Australia appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Vietjet has announced promotional offer for Indians travelling to Melbourne and Sydney in Australia with ticket priced from only USD0 (*), which will go on sale every Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday through its connecting services.

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Vietjet has announced promotional offer for Indians travelling to Melbourne and Sydney in Australia with ticket priced from only USD0 (*), which will go on sale every Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday through its connecting services. SkyBoss and SkyBoss Business tickets are also currently being offered at a 50% discount during these sales days. The offer is valid from now until October 25, 2023.

Passengers can avail this offer at www.vietjetair.com and Vietjet Air mobile apps, applying to all routes connecting Vietnam and Australia (Sydney, Melbourne). The offer is available for flights from April 8 to October 28, 2023.

The airline is particularly offering 50% off to SkyBoss/SkyBoss Business tickets from now until June 8, 2023 for the routes to Australia. Passengers can enjoy additional priorities for flights between April 8 to June 8 of 2023, including access to a luxury lounge, private cabins, a cocktail bar, flat bed seats, free up to 20 kg of carry-on baggage and 60 kg of checked baggage, a golf club set, and delectable organic cuisine.

The first direct flights connecting Ho Chi Minh City to Melbourne (Australia), Tullamarine airport will operate from April 8, 2023 with 6 flights per week (Every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday take off at 10:55 am and land at 10:35 pm (local time)). The flights from Melbourne to Ho Chi Minh City will operate on every Sunday, Wednesday, Friday take off at 12:30 am and land at 6:30 am (local time). The flights connecting Ho Chi Minh City and Sydney (Australia) will operate from April 12, 2023, with 6 flights per week (Every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday: take off at 7:30 pm and land at 7:20 am (local time)). The flights from Sydney to Ho Chi Minh City on every Monday, Thursday and Saturday take off at 10:15 am and land at 4:30 pm (local time).

 

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Now fly Vietjet direct from Ho Chi Minh City to Sydney and Melbourne from 8 April https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/now-fly-vietjet-direct-from-ho-chi-minh-city-to-sydney-and-melbourne-from-8-april/ Wed, 15 Feb 2023 05:44:43 +0000 https://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=771789 The post Now fly Vietjet direct from Ho Chi Minh City to Sydney and Melbourne from 8 April appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Vietjet will launch its new direct route connecting Ho Chi Minh City to Sydney and Melbourne. As part of the launch, thousands of free promotional tickets are available for travellers.

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Vietjet will launch its new direct route connecting Ho Chi Minh City to Sydney and Melbourne. As part of the launch, thousands of free promotional tickets are available for travellers. This marks a significant step in the company’s expansion of its international flight network, which will this year include all five continents.

From February 14 to 20, Vietjet will be selling tickets starting at AUD0.00* for its direct flights from Ho Chi Minh City to Melbourne (Tullamarine Airport) and Sydney. The tickets are available via the website www.vietjetair.com and mobile app, with a flexible flight period from April 8, 2023, to October 29, 2023

Announcing the offer, Nguyen Thanh Son, VP, Vietjet said, “With the careful preparation of the region’s newest and most mordern wide-body fleet and all-in service package to meet the demands of each passenger group, Vietjet is ready to expand the international network, restore trade tourism. We will bring Australia closer to Vietnamese, the demands for business investment, study abroad and tourism in this country become easy and convenient, following Melbourne we will expand to the cities of Sydney, Brisbane, Darwin, Adelaide this year. For the first time launching SkyBoss Business ticket class with luxurious services and Deluxe one with many package incentives, we have received the passengers’ love and support, which become the motivation for Vietjet to develop sustainably, offering more and more flying opportunities across the five continents for Vietnamese.”

The first direct flights to Melbourne will take off on April 8, 2023, with six flights per week, operating every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday from Ho Chi Minh City at 10:55 am and landing in Melbourne at 10:35 pm (local time). The return flights from Melbourne to Ho Chi Minh City will take place every Sunday, Wednesday, and Friday, departing at 12:30 am and landing at 6:30 am (local time).

The first direct flights connecting Ho Chi Minh City with Sydney will operate from April 12, 2023, with six flights per week: the flights from Ho Chi Minh City to Sydney will depart every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday, taking off at 7:30 pm and landing at 7:20 am (local time). The flights from Sydney to Ho Chi Minh City will take place every Monday, Thursday and Saturday, departing at 10:15 am and landing at 4:30 pm (local time).

Members who join the Vietjet SkyJoy reward programme and buy tickets can gain up to 3,300 SkyPoints via the SkyJoy app on Apple Store, Google Play Store or directly from the website https://skyjoy.vn. They can then use SkyPoints to redeem Vietjet coupons and presents from more than 250 preferred dining, shopping, and travel businesses in Vietnam.

Passengers flying the new routes can choose from a range of ticket classes, including SkyBoss Business, SkyBoss, Deluxe, and Eco, each offering all-inclusive services such as up to 60 kgs of checked baggage, organic food, free travel insurance, and more. Different travel classes include:

Additionally, customers who book and pay through Vietjet SkyClub are not charged any transaction fees. Passengers will receive a VND100,000 (*) e-voucher at evoucher.vietjetair.com from now until March 15, 2023, after successfully purchasing tickets.

 

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Emirates to restore daily direct service between Singapore and Melbourne https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/emirates-to-restore-daily-direct-service-between-singapore-and-melbourne/ Wed, 25 Jan 2023 07:08:24 +0000 https://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=766580 The post Emirates to restore daily direct service between Singapore and Melbourne appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Emirates will relaunch its daily direct flight between Singapore and Melbourne from 26 March 2023, as part of its frequency ramp up to Sydney and Melbourne in response to strong travel demand. 

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Emirates will relaunch its daily direct flight between Singapore and Melbourne from 26 March 2023, as part of its frequency ramp up to Sydney and Melbourne in response to strong travel demand. For the period 26 March to 01 April 2023, Emirates’ flight EK404, operated by a Boeing 777-300ER, will depart Dubai at 2115hrs and arrive in Singapore at 0850hrs. The flight will then continue on to Melbourne, taking off at 1025hrs from Singapore, and touching down in Melbourne at 2035hrs. The return service EK405 will take off from Melbourne at 0325hrs, and arrive in Singapore at 0815hrs, before departing for Dubai at 0940hrs. It will arrive in Dubai at 1300hrs.

Starting from 02 April 2023, Emirates’ flight EK404 will land in Melbourne at 1935hrs and take off to Singapore as EK405 at 0225hrs. The resumption of Emirates’ Singapore-Melbourne route will help serve the pent-up demand for air travel between the two cities and beyond across the airline’s global network, providing even more choice and flexibility for travellers with the capacity to transport up to 5,000 passengers a week between the two points.

Rashid Al Ardha, emirates’ country manager for Singapore & Brunei, said: “The return of our direct service between Singapore and Melbourne further establishes our commitment to supporting the local travel and tourism recovery in both markets. With travel restrictions easing globally, we are progressively restoring our operations to pre-pandemic levels, as we expect customer demand to remain strong in 2023.”

Emirates has been serving Singapore since 1990 and aside from the newly-restored Melbourne service, the airline continues to connect travellers to 130 cities across the globe through Dubai three times a day. Tickets can be issued on emirates.com, the Emirates App, or via both online and offline travel agents.

Emirates’ Boeing 777-300ER aircraft in a three-class configuration offers travellers 8 private suites in First Class, 42 lie flat seats in Business Class and 304 spacious seats in Economy Class. Travellers to and from Singapore will benefit from Emirates’ award-winning service and industry-leading products in the air and on the ground across all classes, with regionally-inspired dishes and complimentary beverages and the airline’s ice inflight entertainment system which offers up to 5,000 channels of on-demand entertainment in over 40 languages, including movies, TV shows, and an extensive musical library along with games, audio books and podcasts.

 

 

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Singapore Airlines to increase services to Australia, resume flights to Busan  https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/singapore-airlines-to-increase-services-to-australia-resume-flights-to-busan/ Wed, 23 Nov 2022 08:04:11 +0000 https://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=747597 The post Singapore Airlines to increase services to Australia, resume flights to Busan  appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Singapore Airlines (SIA) will boost frequencies to destinations across East Asia and South East Asia, resume flights to Busan, and increase Airbus A380 services to Australia during the Northern Summer operating season (26 March to 29 October 2023), supporting the strong  projected demand to these destinations. 

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Singapore Airlines (SIA) will boost frequencies to destinations across East Asia and South East Asia, resume flights to Busan, and increase Airbus A380 services to Australia during the Northern Summer operating season (26 March to 29 October 2023), supporting the strong  projected demand to these destinations. As a result, SIA’s flight frequencies will reach or exceed pre-pandemic levels in multiple destinations across East Asia and South East Asia by March 2024. These include Bangkok in  Thailand; Busan and Seoul in South Korea; Fukuoka, Nagoya, and Osaka in Japan; Ho Chi  Minh City in Vietnam; Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia; Siem Reap in Cambodia; and Taipei in  Taiwan, China. 

In addition, in Australia, Melbourne will get a new daily A380 service and Sydney will get a  second daily A380 service. Details on the destinations in SIA’s network that will have their pre-pandemic flight  frequencies restored can be found in Annexe A. Details on the flight schedules can be found  in Annexe B. 

JoAnn Tan, Senior Vice President Marketing Planning, Singapore Airlines, said: “Looking  ahead to 2023, we see stronger demand for flights to destinations across South East Asia,  parts of East Asia, and Australia. As we restore our network to these regions closer to pre pandemic levels, our customers have even more flight options as they make their holiday plans.”

East Asia
SIA will reinstate flight to Busan from 2 June 2023, with SQ616 (Singapore to Busan) and  SQ615 (Busan to Singapore) operating four weekly services on the Boeing 737-8. SIA will add  a fourth daily service between Singapore and Seoul, SQ612 and SQ611, from 1 June 2023 with the Boeing 787-10. From 1 May 2023, SIA will increase the flight frequencies of SQ618 (Singapore to Osaka) and SQ619 (Osaka to Singapore) from four-times weekly to a daily service. This will bring services to Osaka to 14-times weekly. 

From 26 March 2023, the Airline will operate SQ892 and SQ893, a daily service between Singapore and Hong Kong SAR, using the A380 aircraft. SIA will also reinstate SQ896 and SQ897, a daily service between Singapore and Hong Kong SAR, with the Airbus A350-900  medium-haul aircraft, from 1 October 2023. This will see SIA operating four daily flights to Hong Kong SAR. 

SIA will step up the flight frequencies of SQ876 (Singapore to Taipei) and SQ877 (Taipei to Singapore) from four-times weekly to a daily service from 26 March 2023. SQ878 and SQ879 between the two cities will also increase from three-times weekly to a daily service from 31  May 2023. This will bring the weekly services to Taipei up to 14-times weekly. 

South East Asia 
The Airline will add a fifth daily service, SQ706 and SQ705, between Singapore and Bangkok,  operated by the A350-900 medium-haul aircraft, from 1 October 2023. From 26 March 2023,  SIA will also add a fourth daily service, SQ726 and SQ725, between Singapore and Phuket,  operated by the Boeing 737-800NG. 

South West Pacific
The A380 will return to Melbourne after almost four years on 16 May 2023, while Sydney  will receive a second daily A380 from 17 May 2023. The A380 will replace the 777-300ER on SQ237 from Singapore to Melbourne, and the return service SQ228. SIA will also operate the  A380 on SQ221 from Singapore to Sydney and the return flight SQ232, instead of the A350- 900 medium-haul. 

The Americas and Europe
As part of its review of travel demand and capacity needs, SIA will adjust other parts of its  network. From 15 May 2023, SIA will operate the Boeing 777-300ER on SQ26 and SQ25, the daily  Singapore-Frankfurt-New York (JFK) service, instead of the Airbus A380. SIA’s 777-300ER  aircraft offer First Class cabins, which include the full roster of the Airline’s world-class  products and amenities. 

Customers will continue to enjoy two daily non-stop services to New York – flights SQ24 and  SQ23 between Singapore and New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport, as well as SQ22 and SQ21 between Singapore and New York’s Newark Liberty International Airport. 

Flights SQ36 and SQ35 between Singapore and Los Angeles will operate thrice weekly, instead of a daily service, from 26 March 2023. Customers will continue to have the option  of two existing daily flights to Los Angeles via the non-stop service SQ38 and SQ37 between  the two cities, or flights SQ12 and SQ11, which serve the Singapore-Tokyo (Narita)-Los  Angeles route.  

From 27 June 2023, the service between Singapore and Seattle, SQ28 and SQ27, will remain  as a thrice-weekly service. Flights SQ52 and SQ51 that serve the Singapore-Manchester-Houston route will operate  thrice weekly instead of four-times weekly from 28 March 2023. SIA will launch a new twice weekly service between Singapore and Manchester, SQ302 and SQ301, operated by the  A350-900 long-haul aircraft, from 2 April 2023.

SIA remains strongly committed to the North American market. Even with the above network adjustments, the Airline will operate a higher seat capacity to the United States of  America compared to its pre-pandemic levels. 

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AirAsia X resumes operations to Melbourne https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/airasia-x-resumes-operations-to-melbourne/ Wed, 02 Nov 2022 10:02:41 +0000 https://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=740268 The post AirAsia X resumes operations to Melbourne appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

AirAsia X (AAX) celebrated its resumption of services to Melbourne, as one of its first key destinations to return to post-pandemic.

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AirAsia X (AAX) celebrated its resumption of services to Melbourne, as one of its first key destinations to return to post-pandemic. The inaugural flight from Kuala Lumpur to Melbourne touched down at 6.25am and departed from Melbourne at 7.40am. With strong passenger loads on both flights, the new services signal a sharp rebound in demand for low cost mid range air travel, delivering a welcome boost to both Australian and Malaysian tourism.

Pre-pandemic, AAX contributed 45% of the market share for flights between Australia and Malaysia with up to 92 flights weekly to four destinations. Following the recent return to Sydney and with the resumption of services to Melbourne and Perth this week, AAX will reconnect a total of 24 flights weekly to three key destinations in Australia. AAX also plans to recover over 50% against its pre-pandemic flight frequency to Australia by the third quarter of 2023.

The return to Melbourne, with a balanced inbound/outbound traffic flow, allows AAX to review adding more services to meet a strong forecast growth in low cost travel demand. Moreover, AAX is looking forward to leveraging its operations at Australia’s core domestic cargo hubs including in Melbourne, to provide additional revenue streams.

The celebration of the inaugural flight and the return of AAX operations at Melbourne Airport was announced at a press conference hosted by Tunku Dato’ Mahmood Fawzy, Chairman of AirAsia X; Benyamin Ismail, CEO of AirAsia X; Lorie Argus, CEO of Melbourne Airport; and Brendan McClements, CEO of Visit Victoria. The event was also attended by the Consulate General of Malaysia in Melbourne, representatives of the Victorian Government and other key industry dignitaries.

Benyamin Ismail, CEO of AAX said: “Australia was our very first destination to fly to, back in November 2007 when we commenced operations. It has always been one of our core destinations with strong demand for two way travel which is historically proven.

“Our recently resumed Sydney services are already proving very popular and we are thrilled to now return to Melbourne as one of our top priority markets to return to first post-Covid alongside two more services down under commencing this week to Auckland and Perth, thanks to popular demand.

“Until March 2020, we have carried 12.7 million guests between Malaysia and Australia with almost four million guests arriving in Melbourne alone. We are also pleased to continue working with our key airport and industry partners to contribute to the millions of passengers that walk through Melbourne Airport’s doors each month.

“With today’s announcement, Asian travellers will benefit from more value and choice with convenient and affordable access to Australia. At the same time, Australians will have access to 130 destinations on the AirAsia route map, with many low-fare connecting services through to popular destinations on our short haul and long haul network group of airlines such as Thailand, Vietnam, India, Indonesia, Korea, Japan and more.

“Today our commitment to our guests in Asia Pacific does not end here, as we also celebrate the resumption of services from Sydney to Auckland and Kuala Lumpur to Perth also recommencing this week. We have seen tremendous forward booking trends for all of our routes to and from Australia and New Zealand and we will continue our focus to leverage this positive momentum by adding more services and frequencies in line with consumer demand in the future.”

Lorie Argus, CEO of Melbourne Airport said: “We are thrilled to welcome AirAsia X back to the Melbourne Airport family today. “Malaysia is an important market for Victoria for business, leisure and education travel. We know that our customers are happy to have the airline back here, offering even more choices for getting to Asia and beyond and driving competition.”

AAX also celebrates the recommencement of services from Kuala Lumpur, to Auckland, New Zealand via Sydney which touches down today at 17:20 local NZ time, and will welcome the inaugural flight from Auckland to Kuala Lumpur today at klia2 which arrives at 3:35 local time.

In celebration of the new services to Melbourne and Auckland today, AAX is offering great value all-in* fares on sale today until 6 November 2022 for the travel period between 1 January and 28 October 2023. Fly from Melbourne to Kuala Lumpur from AUD349 all-in one-way for economy or AUD2,099 one way for a Premium Flatbed. Guests flying from Auckland to Kuala Lumpur via Sydney can also enjoy fares from NZD429 all-in one-way for economy or NZD2,299 one way for a Premium Flatbed.

AAX is also painting the three cities red in Australia with prominent advertising in all markets this month and key consumer promotions in Sydney (Martin Place, Sydney CBD, 15 November) and Melbourne (Queensbridge Square, Melbourne CBD on 7 November) with exciting activities and giveaways, Malaysian food trucks, and more.

 

 

 

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Coral Princess visits Melbourne https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/coral-princess-visits-melbourne/ Fri, 16 Sep 2022 00:15:12 +0000 https://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=724153 The post Coral Princess visits Melbourne appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

The Coral Princess arrived at Melbourne’s Station Pier Cruise Ship Terminal early Thursday morning for her maiden visit. It is the first cruise ship to visit Melbourne in more than two years.

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The Coral Princess arrived at Melbourne’s Station Pier Cruise Ship Terminal early Thursday morning (Sep 15) for her maiden visit, emblazoned with a “We Love Melbourne” banner proudly displayed across its bow.  It is the first cruise ship to visit Melbourne in more than two years.

Stuart Allison, senior vice president Asia Pacific for Princess Cruises said it was exciting for Coral Princess to be the first ship to return to Melbourne following the cruise industry’s restart as well as being the first ‘smart ship’ MedallionClass vessel to visit the city.

“Princess Cruises is committed to the Australian cruise market for the long term and we value our loyal guests for whom cruising from Melbourne is their holiday choice and they will have opportunities for this during Grand Princess’s dedicated Melbourne cruise season,”  Allison said.

The ship was on a six-day sail from Sydney along the coast of southeastern Australia. After departing Melbourne, it sailed to Adelaide which will also be marking the return of cruising to South Australia.

Thirteen cruise ships will be visiting or home porting in Melbourne during the upcoming summer cruise season. Between them, they will make 70 calls — including nine overnight stays — and 11 calls to Phillip Island.

The Coral Princess is the vanguard for multiple Carnival Australia cruise lines basing ships in Melbourne or having ships call during the remainder of this year and in 2023. Beginning in November, three brands — P&O Cruises Australia, Princess Cruises and Cunard — will homeport ships in Melbourne for cruise seasons.

 

 

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Radisson Hotel Group to expand across Australasia https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/radisson-hotel-group-to-expand-across-australasia/ Thu, 01 Sep 2022 06:51:04 +0000 https://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=718295 The post Radisson Hotel Group to expand across Australasia appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

As part of the Group's APAC Expansion Plan, brands such as Radisson Individuals, Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, and Radisson RED will spearhead widespread growth in the market.

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Radisson RED lobby design render

As part of the Group’s APAC Expansion Plan, brands such as Radisson Individuals, Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, and Radisson RED will spearhead widespread growth in the market.

Radisson Hotel Group has announced significant expansion plans for Australasia, with a newly expanded brand portfolio, strategic partnerships and diverse business models that will enable the Group to achieve exponential growth across the region by 2025.

On Radisson Hotel Group’s plans for the Australasia market, Ramzy Fenianos, Chief Development Officer, Asia Pacific, commented: “Our ambitious plans in Australia and New Zealand are a testament to our success in the market and the relevance of our products to both inbound and domestic travelers seeking a diverse range of hotel and resort experiences. Our defined brand architecture is designed to be relevant for our guests and owners, delivering on meaningful experiences. With visa applications for Australia already being at 80% of pre-pandemic levels as of May this year, we’re optimistic that the market will see continued rapid recovery, and a surge in demand from inbound tourists as we approach the summer season.”

The expansion will target capital cities and popular regional destinations across Australia and New Zealand, such as Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, and will be driven through a combination of growth models such as strategic alliances and master license agreements with its esteemed partners.

 

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson lobby render

The Group will also seek opportunities to make tactical mergers & acquisitions, and will offer owners attractive, cost-effective options for property conversions. All of these initiatives will be powered by the new Business Unit in Sydney, which is already operational and providing dedicated local development and operational support for owners and investors, enabling them to customize their strategy.

The plans are particularly timely as the Australasia market is starting to see growing demand for hotels and resorts as it recovers post-pandemic, and ahead of the 2032 Olympics. Furthermore, recent research has shown that investors are eager to deploy capital into hotel assets in Australia and New Zealand, with their focus being very much on a “flight-to-quality” strategy, with notable returns being realized through both conversions and mid-market property.

To cater to this, the Group is doubling down on its mid-scale brands in the market – with Radisson Individuals, Country Inn & Suites by Radisson and Radisson RED spearheading the growth of its portfolio in Australasia. With a comprehensive collection of brands ranging from midscale to luxury, Radisson Hotel Group will now be able to customize its Australasian development strategy to meet the specific needs of owners and investors in every market segment and location.

 

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Radisson RED lobby design render Radisson RED lobby design render Country Inn & Suites by Radisson lobby render Country Inn & Suites by Radisson lobby render
Nine New Mercury Hotels in Australia https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/nine-new-mercury-hotels-in-australia/ Sun, 03 Jul 2022 23:37:00 +0000 https://eturbonews.com/?p=3074312 The post Nine New Mercury Hotels in Australia appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

The momentum behind Accor’s popular Mercure brand in Australia continues with the Group adding nine Mercure hotels to its collection.
Nine New Mercury Hotels in Australia

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Accor sets ambitious lineup for 2021 new hotel openingsThe momentum behind Accor’s popular Mercure brand in Australia continues with the Group adding nine Mercure hotels to its collection.

Nine New Mercury Hotels in Australia

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Accor sets ambitious lineup for 2021 new hotel openings
General Manager of new Porter House Hotel Sydney– MGallery named https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/general-manager-of-new-porter-house-hotel-sydney-mgallery-named/ Thu, 30 Jun 2022 21:07:25 +0000 https://eturbonews.com/?p=3074152 The post General Manager of new Porter House Hotel Sydney– MGallery named appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

MGallery is a collection of exclusive, design-led boutique hotels, each with its own original design and unique stories to tell
General Manager of new Porter House Hotel Sydney– MGallery named

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General Manager of new Porter House Hotel Sydney– MGallery namedMGallery is a collection of exclusive, design-led boutique hotels, each with its own original design and unique stories to tell

General Manager of new Porter House Hotel Sydney– MGallery named

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General Manager of new Porter House Hotel Sydney– MGallery named
Mövenpick hotel brand coming to New Zealand https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/movenpick-hotel-brand-coming-to-new-zealand/ Mon, 16 May 2022 19:20:49 +0000 https://eturbonews.com/?p=3070087 The post Mövenpick hotel brand coming to New Zealand appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Mövenpick hotel brand coming to New Zealand -
Accor’s premium Swiss-born hospitality brand, Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts, launches its first property in New Zealand with the official opening of Mövenpick Hotel Auckland today. The hotel will be a stan...

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Mövenpick hotel brand coming to New Zealand

Accor’s premium Swiss-born hospitality brand, Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts, launches its first property in New Zealand with the official opening of Mövenpick Hotel Auckland today. The hotel will be a standout in New Zealand with amenities such as a ‘Chocolate Hour’, 24-hour Sundae Service, and signature restaurant and bar, which are just a few of the splendours on offer, encapsulating the brand’s promise of indulgence done right. With its heart-of-the-city location and access to some of the best commercial, retail, […]

Click here to read: eTurboNews | TravelIndustry News

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MICE: When 12 heads are better than one https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/mice-when-12-heads-are-better-than-one/ Wed, 06 Feb 2019 01:30:38 +0000 https://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=494088 The post MICE: When 12 heads are better than one appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

BestCities Global Alliance, a community of 12 cities around the world, dedicated to the betterment of international conferences and meetings, believes, naturally, that the right partner is an essential component in planning and development of any MICE event.

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BestCities Global Alliance, a community of 12 cities around the world, dedicated to the betterment of international conferences and meetings, believes, naturally, that the right partner is an essential component in planning and development of any MICE event.

Expanding on the philosophy Paul Vallee, MD of BestCities – whose members include Berlin, Bogotá, Cape Town, Copenhagen, Dubai, Edinburgh, Houston, Madrid, Melbourne, Singapore, Tokyo and Vancouver —  opens up and gives the low down on the importance of partnerships and how to find the right organisation to work and some of the challenges.

Paul Vallee speaking at the China International-Tourism Industry Expo in Guangdong, 2017

Why are partnerships so important?

We seek out partners to be able to do things we wouldn’t be able to on your own, to expand our skillsets, resources, and offerings. That’s how you create something of value. The beauty of a partnership, to me, is working together to complement one another and to build something creative and fresh that one may not have otherwise been able to do. That’s the primary advantage and the purpose of partnering. BestCities as an alliance has built its foundations on partnerships and works to help destinations and associations identify partnerships that would work for them.

Berlin Cathedral, Germany
Berlin Cathedral, Berlin

How can an organisation find the right partner for them?

Finding the right partner in association work is no different to finding a personal relationship or partner. You have to consider your association’s needs and areas of strength, using that as a basis to define where the best fit lies. What is it that will make you as an organisation prosper?

The best way to identify a suitable partner is to find those who are complimentary to what it is that you are doing. It’s not about the similarities, it’s the differences that organisations may have that can make the partnership flourish – meaning that even the more unconventional pairings shouldn’t be ruled out when considering a partnership.

When an association is considering a partnership, they need to find a party that are willing to put in an equal amount of effort – which takes shape in various forms, from money to time, as well as resources, knowledge and man power.

Bogotá, Colombia
Bogotá, Colombia

What are the key benefits of a partnership?

The key elements where partnerships can benefit an organisation are, like anything in business, improving the bottom line, whether it’s financial or otherwise, increasing sales and enhancing reputation. Those benefits can be reaped through:

  • Knowledge sharing; sharing of practises, skillsets and expertise across industry/destination/association.
  • Efficient use of resources; using partners to save time and combine forces reduces and prevents redundant work that you can do by finding a like-minded partner.
  • Brand association; partnering up with an organisation that already has an existing strong brand reputation in either your own market or another market you want to break into is critical.
Cape Town, South Africa

What’s an example of an effective partnership that you have observed?

One that I have overseen and have been closest to would be between BestCities and ICCA, because while we exist in the same sphere, we are not exactly the same. We work together with ICCA on various programmes that give back to the industry, such as the recognition programme and Incredible Impacts. We’re a business and a global alliance, whereas they are an association that works in education and holding conferences. They offer areas of skills and expertise that we don’t have and vice versa.

“Successful outcomes for all parties and a path to that success”

The foundation of any partnership is to establish what it is you’re hoping to achieve, what does success look like, and how you plan to deliver it. That’s the basis of what a successful partnership is; identifying successful outcomes for all parties and a path to that success. In the case of BestCities and ICCA, our idea of success was to recognise associations that are doing outstanding work and legacy development to support associations and collectively build our reputation in the industry overall.

Tokyo, Japan

What common challenges do associations need to overcome in partnerships?

There are definitely challenges that can arise when establishing a partnership. One thing to consider is that ‘no partner is more important that the other’. Regardless of the scale of the organisation, its key to avoid a hierarchal partnership, as each organisation involved should be bringing an equal amount of value to the collaboration. Another potential challenge is being able to agree upon and streamline the common goal and objective to work towards. You’ve got to be tolerant, you’ve got to be flexible, you’ve got to trust one another and recognise that each partner has strengths and weaknesses – understanding and overcoming cultural or operational differences.

“You have to have champions”

Consider your expectations. One cannot expect the other partner to commit to doing something that you would not do yourself. You have to establish clear direction as partners and agreeing what success looks like in terms of the partnership itself and how it impacts all parties involved. Finally, you have to have champions who are able to look outwardly, as opposed to the typical scenario where associations can be very internally focused. Establishing a partnership adds another layer to the association and the benefits of this should be communicated and shared.

Melbourne, Australia

Where do you see the future of collaboration and partnership with associations going and BestCities’ role within that?

When associations and destinations find common ground, great things can happen. For example, an association that specialises in the eradication of a disease will find common ground from destinations that wants to improve the health of the citizens. Or for instance, an association whose purpose is to reduce child poverty is really no different to a destination who wants to see their young people survive and thrive.

“Inspire associations to look outwards”

What we’re moving towards is associations taking advantage of the benefits of collaboration and partnership in refreshing new ways, using these to extend offers and working towards a better future that benefits all. That’s a partnership to me.

A key element of BestCities’ mission is to inspire associations to look outwards, beyond your own organisations, industries and existing skillsets, learning from other associations, destinations and industries to enhance each other’s abilities and enrich our industry.

Vancouver, Canada

How does BestCities decide on which destinations to join its partnership?

There are key criteria for the Alliance when considering new destinations joining the partnership. Among many things, we consider destinations that have demonstrated leadership in working towards joint goals, being accountable for results, having open and honest communications and thinking long term.

We look for partners that demonstrate a track record in partnering and collaboration, with a compelling reputation, which adds value to the Alliance through everything from cultural diversity, geographic balance and client reach. Furthermore, we look for general compatibility – from agreement to subscribe to BestCities commitments and Code of Ethics, to destination appeal, positive environmental reputation, cultural sensitivity and political stability.

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BestCities brain storm session China (Guangdong) International Tourism Industry Expo Paul Vallee Paul Vallee speaking at the China International-Tourism Industry Expo in Guangdong in 2017 Berlin Cathedral, Berlin Berlin Cathedral, Berlin Bogotá with the Andes Bogotá Capetown, South Africa Tokyo, Japan Melbourne Vancouver
onefinestay launches in Sydney, Melbourne and… Mykonos https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/onefinestay-launches-sydney-melbourne/ Wed, 02 May 2018 12:25:59 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=467468 The post onefinestay launches in Sydney, Melbourne and… Mykonos appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Private rental brand and Accor Group subsidiary onefinestay, has unveiled a glut of new sites to its global portfolio of luxury destinations today, with the announcement it will add 22 high-end residences in Sydney.

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Chinamans Beach residence

Private rental brand and Accor Group subsidiary onefinestay, has unveiled a glut of new sites to its global portfolio of luxury destinations today, with the announcement it will add 22 high-end residences in Sydney.

The expanded portfolio is the first big move into the Asia Pacific market from onefinestay, who promise to provide guests a ‘secure, luxury private rental alternative with 24/7 professional service and tailored experiences’. And, along with the 22 Sydney locations the company expansion will also see 20 homes in Melbourne and ten in Noosa, Queensland coming in June of this year.

These new locations expand our global footprint by a great margin, and allow us to offer new and incredible experiences to our guests-avier Cedillo-Espin, CEO onefinestay

Thrillingly for sports fans the Melbourne apartments, centred around the city’s central business district (CBD), will be available for the Australian Open tennis championships and the Australian Grand Prix, which speeds around the streets of Albert National Park each year.

Bullecourt Terrace

The company will also offer over 30 private rentals in New Zealand, specifically in Auckland, Queenstown and Wanaka. The company will also offer over 30 private rentals in New Zealand, specifically in Auckland, Queenstown and Wanaka, not to mention its first all-villa resort complex in Mykonos, Greece.

onefinestay, Mykonos

The Mykonos estate will feature ten luxury villas, located in the secluded south-west of the island, kitted out with amenities such as infinity pools, private docks and even a helipad. As well as onefineday’s Higher LivingConcierge Service.

“Our newest destinations are a dream come true for sun-seeking leisure travellers and those with discerning tastes and cultural appetites,” said Javier Cedillo-Espin, CEO of onefinestay.

“These new locations expand our global footprint by a great margin, and allow us to offer new and incredible experiences to our guests, as well as create a new model in the luxury private rental world, with our very first resort in Mykonos.” Cedillo-Espin continues.

To learn more please visit www.onefinestay.com

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Onefinestay Chinamans Beach_View_2 Chinamans Beach residence Onefinestay Bullecourt Terrace Bullecourt Terrace Onefinestay mykonos villa
Zhengzhou gets first Australian connection https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/zhengzhou-gets-first-australian-connection/ Wed, 23 Aug 2017 05:38:32 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=400428 The post Zhengzhou gets first Australian connection appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Zhengzhou, the capital of central China’s Henan province, will get its first direct connection to Australia later this year. Jetstar has announced plans to start flying direct to the city from Melbourne in December 2017, with twice weekly flights. The service, which will be operated by a twin-aisle Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, is expected to […]

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Jetstar reveals its latest route into China
Jetstar reveals its latest route into China

Zhengzhou, the capital of central China’s Henan province, will get its first direct connection to Australia later this year.

Jetstar has announced plans to start flying direct to the city from Melbourne in December 2017, with twice weekly flights. The service, which will be operated by a twin-aisle Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, is expected to bring 35,000 Chinese travellers to Australia each year.

“We expect our low-fares will further stimulate inbound tourism from China to Australia,” said Jetstar’s group CEO, Jayne Hrdlicka. “China already accounts for the largest source of tourism in Victoria, and by 2020 it’s predicted that China will overtake New Zealand to be Australia’s largest tourism market.

“We know that Chinese travellers generally visit two or three cities when they visit Australia so we expect this will boost tourism to other parts of Australia.”

John Eren, Victoria’s Minister for Tourism & Major Events, commented; “More direct flights to China means more visitors and greater business and trade opportunities for Victorians. To land Jetstar’s new direct service to Zhengzhou is another major coup.”

Zhengzhou provides a major potential source of visitors to Australia. The city itself is home to more than 10 million people and Henan province is one of the most populous regions in China, with around 100 million people – approximately the same as Thailand and Malaysia combined.

Zhengzhou
Zhengzhou

Jetstar’s Dreamliner can accommodate 335 passengers in two classes, meaning that the airline will offer 670 seats in each direction every week. Jetstar is partnering with China Comfort Travel on the Melbourne-Zhengzhou service, with the travel agency being tasked with selling flights and packages directly to Chinese travellers.

“The opening of the new route from Zhengzhou to Melbourne, which is the first non-stop intercontinental passenger route to Australia in Henan province, builds a direct bridge between the two cities. It will significantly promote the friendship and cultural exchanges between China and Australia,” said Jun Yan, general manager of Australia Comfort, a subsidiary of China Comfort Travel.

This isn’t Jetstar’s first foray into central China, however; the Australian low-cost carrier previously operated a similar “scheduled charter” service between the Gold Coast and Wuhan.

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OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA Jetstar reveals its latest route into China Zhengzhou Zhengzhou
Vietnam embarks on Australian tourism roadshow https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/vietnam-embarks-australian-tourism-roadshow/ Tue, 15 Aug 2017 07:41:16 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=375450 The post Vietnam embarks on Australian tourism roadshow appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

The Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT) has kicked off a three-city roadshow in Australia. Supported by Singapore Airlines, the Vietnam Tourism Roadshow will include events in Perth, Sydney and Melbourne from 15-18 August 2017. The event will be compered and co-hosted by Linh Le, managing director of Vietnam-based Asia DMC. The roadshow is aimed […]

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The Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT) has kicked off a three-city roadshow in Australia.

Supported by Singapore Airlines, the Vietnam Tourism Roadshow will include events in Perth, Sydney and Melbourne from 15-18 August 2017. The event will be compered and co-hosted by Linh Le, managing director of Vietnam-based Asia DMC.

The roadshow is aimed at promoting Vietnam’s potential as a tourist destination to the Australian travel trade, highlighting potential attractions and products, as well as providing an opportunity for Vietnamese suppliers and stakeholders to meet and do business with Australian travel agencies.

Linh Le, managing director of Asia DMC will co-host the events
Linh Le, managing director of Asia DMC will co-host the events

Australia has been identified as one of the key tourism markets for Vietnam. A total of 320,678 Australians visited the Southeast Asian country in 2016, which marked a 5.6% increase compared to the previous year and made Australia the eighth largest international source market for Vietnam.

In the first seven months of 2017, 217,977 Aussies have visited Vietnam, up 11.4% year-on-year, and this number is expected to increase in the coming months due to the expansion of air connections between the two countries, relaxed visa regulations and the rising number of Australian travellers seeking cultural and ecological tourism experiences.

The Vietnam Tourism Roadshow opened at the Crown Perth Hotel on Tuesday. It will then move on to the Pullman Hyde Park Hotel in Sydney on Thursday, before concluding at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Melbourne on Friday.

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Linh Le, managing director of Asia DMC will co-host the events Linh Le, managing director of Asia DMC will co-host the events
Australia’s Mantra Group agrees artistic acquisition https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/australias-mantra-group-agrees-artistic-acquisition/ Mon, 07 Aug 2017 06:06:25 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=351225 The post Australia’s Mantra Group agrees artistic acquisition appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Mantra Group, the Australian hotel company, has entered into an agreement to acquire the Art Series Hotel Group. The deal with the Deague Group is worth approximately AU$52.5 million (US$41.6m) and will see Mantra take control of seven luxury hotels featuring more than 1,000 guest rooms. As a result, Event Hospitality & Entertainment, which manages […]

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The lobby at The Larwill, Melbourne
The lobby at The Larwill, Melbourne

Mantra Group, the Australian hotel company, has entered into an agreement to acquire the Art Series Hotel Group.

The deal with the Deague Group is worth approximately AU$52.5 million (US$41.6m) and will see Mantra take control of seven luxury hotels featuring more than 1,000 guest rooms. As a result, Event Hospitality & Entertainment, which manages hotel brands including Rydges, QT and Atura, will terminate its marketing and distribution agreement with Art Series Hotels from November 2017.

For Mantra Group, the acquisition will boost its existing portfolio of 128 properties and more than 21,500 rooms across Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia and Hawaii.

The seven hotels added to Mantra’s collection include The Cullen, The Larwill Studio, The Olsen, The Blackman and The Chen, all of which are in the Melbourne area, plus The Johnson in Brisbane and The Watson in Adelaide. Each of these hotel names reflects the Australian contemporary artist to which the property is dedicated, with their namesake artist’s works being displayed throughout the hotel.

The Blackman, Melbourne
The Blackman, Melbourne

As well as artistic rooms and hallways, art libraries, art tours and the opportunity to rent art utensils, the hotels feature glass-bottomed pools, outdoor decks, modern fitness centres, large communal spaces and “boutique” function areas.

“This acquisition enhances our existing portfolio and presents a unique opportunity for Mantra Group to increase its footprint across three key locations – Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide – in a single transaction,” said Mantra Group’s CEO, Bob East. “This is a rare opportunity to acquire a collection of exceptional hotels and one which is expected to make a significant contribution to Mantra Group’s business.

“We look forward to working with the owners, team members and guests to ensure a smooth transition,” he added.

The acquisition of Art Series Hotel Group is expected to be completed in late 2017, following which each property will continue to operate under the Art Series brand. This will join Mantra Group’s existing brands: BreakFree, Mantra and Peppers.

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TravMedia_Australia_1234142_The Larwill_North Melbourne_Lobby The lobby at The Larwill, Melbourne TravMedia_Australia_1234140_The Blackman_Melbourne_Exterior The Blackman, Melbourne
AccorHotels plans first double-decker hotel https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/accorhotels-plans-first-double-decker-hotel/ Thu, 27 Jul 2017 06:01:37 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=319566 The post AccorHotels plans first double-decker hotel appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

AccorHotels has revealed plans for its first “vertical dual hotel”, with a new tower in Australia featuring a Novotel sitting on top of an ibis. Scheduled to open in central Melbourne in late 2018, the new 36-storey development will include a total of  483 rooms. The ibis Melbourne Little Lonsdale Street will comprise the lower […]

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AccorHotels has revealed plans for its first “vertical dual hotel”, with a new tower in Australia featuring a Novotel sitting on top of an ibis.

Scheduled to open in central Melbourne in late 2018, the new 36-storey development will include a total of  483 rooms. The ibis Melbourne Little Lonsdale Street will comprise the lower part of the tower with 270 rooms, while Novotel Melbourne Little Lonsdale Street will lie on top, with 213 rooms and suites.

Between the two hotels will sit a series of shared facilities, including a lobby, two F&B outlets, a gym and 10 meeting rooms.

“This is a significant, first-of-its-kind development for Melbourne and AccorHotels,” said AccorHotels’ chief operating officer for the Pacific, Simon McGrath. “While dual-branded hotels are not new and we have many examples of those, it’s certainly a global first for us to open two hotels that are scaled in a vertical integration.

“With development real estate in CBD locations becoming increasingly sparse and with construction costs soaring, it makes perfect sense to literally scale up and maximise the investment across a number of brands and price points.

The new dual hotel will open in late 2018
The new dual hotel will open in late 2018

“The hotels will be able to share back of house facilities from kitchen to engineering, common areas and even staff in housekeeping and finance resulting in greater efficiencies, but importantly, each property will maintain its brand integrity, standards and product experience,” he added.

Novotel and ibis Melbourne Little Lonsdale Street will expand AccorHotels’ presence in central Melbourne to more than 25 hotels and 3,600 rooms.

AccorHotels already operates co-branded hotels in Melbourne (Pullman and Mercure), Brisbane (Pullman and Mercure & Mercure and ibis) and Sydney (two Novotel and ibis developments). It is also planning to launch a dual Pullman and ibis property at Brisbane Airport in September 2017.

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TravMedia_Australia_1232945_Novotel and ibis Little Lonsdale Street 4 The new dual hotel will open in late 2018
Where to Stay: new hotels from Fairmont, Regent, Hilton and more https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/stay-new-hotels-fairmont-regent-hilton/ Wed, 05 Jul 2017 04:37:03 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=252768 The post Where to Stay: new hotels from Fairmont, Regent, Hilton and more appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Hilton Garden Inn Singapore Serangoon Location: Singapore’s Little India district Grade: Midscale Keys: 328 Facilities: Restaurant, 24-hour “grab and go” F&B outlet, fitness centre, outdoor pool, business centre Meeting space: One boardroom They say: “The opening of Hilton Garden Inn Singapore Serangoon furthers our mission to be the most hospitable company in the world, especially […]

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Hilton Garden Inn Singapore Serangoon
Hilton Garden Inn Singapore Serangoon

Hilton Garden Inn Singapore Serangoon

Location: Singapore’s Little India district
Grade: Midscale
Keys: 328
Facilities: Restaurant, 24-hour “grab and go” F&B outlet, fitness centre, outdoor pool, business centre
Meeting space: One boardroom
They say: “The opening of Hilton Garden Inn Singapore Serangoon furthers our mission to be the most hospitable company in the world, especially as we continue to tap the burgeoning potential of the mid-market sector in this region”
We say: This is the first Hilton Garden Inn in Singapore, providing a convenient and affordable new option for business travellers to the city
Opening: Already open

Park Hotel Farrer Park
Park Hotel Farrer Park

Park Hotel Farrer Park

Location: Above Farrer Park MRT station in Singapore
Grade: Upscale
Keys: 300
Facilities: Three F&B outlets including the Burger Company, plus a club lounge, outdoor pool, 24-hour fitness centre
Meeting space: Unspecified
They say: “The hotel promises to add further lustre to this buzzing city neighbourhood with a unique selection of rooms and dining options”
We say: The duplex rooms are an interesting touch, while the Burger Company and Coffee Belt outlets should be popular with both in-house guests and local residents
Opening: Already open

Hilton Garden Inn Shangri-La
Hilton Garden Inn Shangri-La

Hilton Garden Inn Shangri-La

Location: In the Shangri-La region of China’s Yunnan province, 7km from Diqing Shangri-La Airport
Grade: Midscale
Keys: 233
Facilities: A restaurant including a noodle bar, 24 “grab and go” F&B outlet, lobby lounge, business centre
Meeting space: 187m² of meeting space
They say: “Explore the Tibetan-style architecture of our Shangri-La hotel and enjoy picturesque views and modern amenities in a convenient location”
We say: A new affordable international accommodation option for travellers to this scenic region, which has strong Tibetan cultural influences
Opening: Already open

Regent Phu Quoc
Regent Phu Quoc

Regent Phu Quoc

Location: Part of luxury marina development on Vietnam’s southern island
Grade: Luxury
Keys: 400, including pool villas
Facilities: Spa, swimming pool, fitness centre, plus “Michelin-starred dining options”
Meeting space: Unspecified
They say: “[We] look forward to repeating the success of the Regent mixed-use hotel residential concept to the island and forming the very heart of the Pho Quoc Marina”
We say: Phu Quoc is Vietnam’s answer to Hawaii or Bali, and this new luxury resort and marina development will be another major piece in its tourism jigsaw
Opening: 2019

Fairmont Saint Lucia at Sunset Bay
Fairmont Saint Lucia at Sunset Bay

Fairmont Saint Lucia at Sunset Bay

Location: In a beachfront location on the southwest coast of Saint Lucia, in the Caribbean
Grade: Luxury
Keys: 120 rooms plus 40 residential villas
Facilities: Four restaurants and bars, spa, three pools, private marina
Meeting space: Approx. 930m² of indoor and outdoor function space
They say: “We are confident that we have assembled an extremely professional and motivated team that will create a remarkable luxury resort that is unique for the island”
We say: Impressive seafront setting and Fairmont’s usual high standards should attract well-heeled travellers from key source markets of US and UK, and further afield
Opening: 2019

Mantra Epping Hotel
Mantra Epping Hotel

Mantra Epping Hotel, Melbourne

Location: At the Northpoint Enterprise Park in Melbourne’s northern suburbs, 18km from the CBD
Grade: Upscale
Keys: 214 rooms and apartments
Facilities: Restaurant, brewhouse, fitness centre
Meeting space: Available but unspecified
They say: “Mantra Epping Hotel is surrounded by an array of retail shops, showrooms, business and industrial premises… which will all provide important business opportunities for the property”
We say: Australia’s largest domestic hotel group continues to expand its portfolio, taking advantage of strong local business in Melbourne
Opening: 2019

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Hilton Garden Inn Singapore Serangoon Hilton Garden Inn Singapore Serangoon Park Hotel Farrer Park Park Hotel Farrer Park Hilton Garden Inn Shangri-La Hilton Garden Inn Shangri-La Regent Phu Quoc Regent Phu Quoc Fairmont Saint Lucia at Sunset Bay Fairmont Saint Lucia at Sunset Bay TravMedia_Australia_1230173_Mantra Epping Hotel, Melbourne Mantra Epping Hotel
Qatar Airways flies A380 to Melbourne https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/qatar-airways-flies-a380-melbourne/ Mon, 03 Jul 2017 03:36:41 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=252700 The post Qatar Airways flies A380 to Melbourne appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Qatar Airways has started flying its largest aircraft, the Airbus A380, to Melbourne. The double-decker aircraft was introduced to the Australian city for the first time on 1 July 2017, increasing Qatar Airways’ daily capacity on the route by 44%. The A380 features 517 seats in three cabins – eight in first class, 48 in […]

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Qatar Airways has started flying its largest aircraft, the Airbus A380, to Melbourne.

The double-decker aircraft was introduced to the Australian city for the first time on 1 July 2017, increasing Qatar Airways’ daily capacity on the route by 44%.

The A380 features 517 seats in three cabins – eight in first class, 48 in business class and 461 in economy. There is also an onboard lounge for premium passengers and in-flight Wi-Fi.

The A380 flights will now depart Doha’s Hamad International Airport every day at 2010 and arrive in Melbourne at 1905 the next day. The return service will then take off from Melbourne at 2140 and land back in Doha at 0525 the following morning.

With the launch of A380 flights to Melbourne, Qatar Airways passengers can now travel all the way from the Australian city to London and Paris, via Doha, aboard the A380.

Melbourne is one of four Australian destinations for Qatar Airways, along with Perth, Sydney and Adelaide. The carrier’s Gulf rivals, Emirates and Etihad, also currently fly their A380s to Melbourne.

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Where to Stay: new hotels in Vietnam, China and Australia https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/stay-new-hotels-vietnam-china-australia/ Thu, 29 Jun 2017 04:52:49 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=252577 The post Where to Stay: new hotels in Vietnam, China and Australia appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Fusion Resort Phu Quoc Location: Cua Can Bay in the north of southern Vietnam’s Phu Quoc Island Grade: Luxury Keys: 97 pool villas with up to five bedrooms Facilities: Several F&B options including a tapas bar and seafood restaurant, plus extensive spa facilities, fitness centre and activities Meeting space: Unspecified They say: “It’s extremely exciting […]

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Fusion Resort Phu Quoc
Fusion Resort Phu Quoc

Fusion Resort Phu Quoc

Location: Cua Can Bay in the north of southern Vietnam’s Phu Quoc Island
Grade: Luxury
Keys: 97 pool villas with up to five bedrooms
Facilities: Several F&B options including a tapas bar and seafood restaurant, plus extensive spa facilities, fitness centre and activities
Meeting space: Unspecified
They say: “It’s extremely exciting to bring the concept of a wellness resort to Phu Quoc. We believe that vacations are the perfect opportunity to get fit, get healthy, and create some positive habits in your day-to-day routine”
We say: The resort’s luxury villas and spa-inclusive rates are likely to attract well-heeled wellness seekers
Opening: Already open

The hotel will be set on the shores of Wanfo Lake
The hotel will be set on the shores of Wanfo Lake

Dusit Thani Hot Springs Resort Wanfo Lake

Location: On the shores of Wanfo Lake, near Hefei in eastern China’s Anhui province
Grade: Upper-upscale
Keys: 150 rooms and villas
Facilities: International and Chinese restaurants, including private dining rooms, plus a gym, indoor swimming pool, kids’ club and spa
Meeting space: Conference facilities available
They say: “With its luxury wellness concept, we believe that Dusit Thani Hot Springs Resort Wanfo Lake will set a benchmark in guest experience in the local hospitality industry”
We say: Lakeside setting and wellness facilities will be key selling points. The hotel could also become an interesting new option for domestic events and incentives
Opening: 2019

Mövenpick Hotel & Residences Danang
Mövenpick Hotel & Residences Danang

Mövenpick Hotel & Residences Danang

Location: On the banks of the Han River in central Danang
Grade: Upscale
Keys: 150 hotel rooms and 354 residences
Facilities: Restaurants, lobby lounge, rooftop bar, outdoor pool, fitness centre, spa and kids’ club
Meeting space: Ballroom and meeting rooms available
They say: “The property is specifically being designed to serve Vietnam’s rapidly developing tourism and business and MICE sector while also meeting emerging demand for extended and long-term stays”
We say: Tourism arrivals to Danang and Vietnam’s Central Coast are booming, and this new project is well-placed to cater to several different traveller segments
Opening: 2019

Mandarin Oriental Melbourne
Mandarin Oriental Melbourne

Mandarin Oriental Melbourne

Location: In a new 185-metre-high tower Collins Street, central Melbourne
Grade: Luxury
Keys: 196 rooms & suite plus 148 residences
Facilities: Restaurant, bar, roof terrace, club lounge, spa, fitness centre, indoor swimming pool
Meeting space: Unspecified
They say: “The building’s innovative and distinctive design, created by the late award-winning architect, Dame Zaha Hadid, will become a landmark in the city”
We say: The plans for Mandarin Oriental’s Australian debut follow the recent announcement of the new Shangri-La Melbourne, bringing two of Asia’s most prestigious hotel brands to the city
Opening: 2023

 

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Fusion Resort Phu Quoc Fusion Resort Phu Quoc Dusit Thani Hot Springs The hotel will be set on the shores of Wanfo Lake Mov Danang Mövenpick Hotel & Residences Danang Mandarin Oriental Melbourne Mandarin Oriental Melbourne
Melbourne Airport unveils T4 upgrade https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/melbourne-airport-unveils-t4-upgrade/ Wed, 14 Jun 2017 04:41:34 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=251933 The post Melbourne Airport unveils T4 upgrade appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Melbourne Airport has revealed its new-look Terminal 4 to travellers flying on Tigerair. The enhancements made to the end of the terminal’s Pier F have almost doubled the available space to 2,000m² – an area equivalent to two Olympic-size swimming pools. Other upgrades include more seating, additional toilet facilities, lift access and improved wayfinding. “At […]

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Freya Appleford, Tigerair's 24 millionth passenger, is presented with a travel voucher
Freya Appleford, Tigerair’s 24 millionth passenger, is presented with a travel voucher

Melbourne Airport has revealed its new-look Terminal 4 to travellers flying on Tigerair.

The enhancements made to the end of the terminal’s Pier F have almost doubled the available space to 2,000m² – an area equivalent to two Olympic-size swimming pools. Other upgrades include more seating, additional toilet facilities, lift access and improved wayfinding.

“At Melbourne Airport we are continuing to exceed the industry’s growth expectations and are on target for annual passenger numbers to reach 60 million by 2033. In the past 12 months alone, more than 10 million passengers travelled through Terminal 4, making it a very busy domestic hub,” said Melbourne Airport’s chief of aviation, Simon Gandy.

“In the coming months we look forward to unveiling a number of other significant infrastructure upgrades including an eighth baggage carousel in our international terminal and our new T2 luxury precinct.”

The new T4 will initially cater to Tigerair Australia’s passengers, and the low-cost carrier’s head of communications, Vanessa Regan, called the terminal upgrade a “huge step change” which “supports future planned growth of Tigerair”.

“Terminal 4 offers a significantly enhanced and seamless customer experience at our busiest port. Our customers are telling us they love these new state-of-the-art facilities here at Terminal 4 and that’s important given Tigerair is an airline that evolves based on consumer demand,” Ms Regan said.

Meanwhile, Tigerair has also celebrated carrying its 24 millionth passenger. Freya Appleford was presented with a AU$500 (US$375) travel voucher at Melbourne Airport T4 by Vanessa Regan.

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IMG_2896 Freya Appleford, Tigerair's 24 millionth passenger, is presented with a travel voucher
Eco-friendly hotel brand to launch in Australia https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/eco-friendly-hotel-brand-to-launch-in-australia/ Mon, 12 Jun 2017 06:42:06 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=251829 The post Eco-friendly hotel brand to launch in Australia appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Marriott International has revealed plans to launch its eco-friendly Element Hotels brand in Australia. The company has penned a management deal for a new-build hotel located in Melbourne’s Botanicca Corporate Park, a new commercial and retail development. The property, to be named Element Melbourne Richmond, is scheduled to open in 2019. “We are delighted to […]

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Marriott International has revealed plans to launch its eco-friendly Element Hotels brand in Australia.

The company has penned a management deal for a new-build hotel located in Melbourne’s Botanicca Corporate Park, a new commercial and retail development. The property, to be named Element Melbourne Richmond, is scheduled to open in 2019.

“We are delighted to launch the Element Hotels brand in Australia, following the brand’s unprecedented growth worldwide,” said Sean Hunt, Marriott’s area vice president for Australia, New Zealand & Pacific.

“Sustainability is a growing concern for an increasing number of travellers globally, and Element Melbourne Richmond is ideal for guests looking for an eco-friendly alternative, with its clean, residential-style suites that make guests feel at home, whether they’re staying a short while or for a longer period.”

All Element Hotels are built green from the ground up using sustainable products and practices. Sustainable design components include low-flow rainfall and showerheads, no-PVC flooring, energy efficient LED lighting, electric-vehicle charging stations, filtered water, low-VOC paints, recycled carpeting and guestroom designs incorporating sustainable features.

Element Melbourne Richmond will feature 168 rooms, including many with kitchenettes, plus a 24-7 “grab and go” F&B outlet, a bike sharing programme, gym and outdoor yoga deck. It will also provide 250m² of meeting space.

The new hotel will add to Marriott’s Pacific portfolio, which currently includes 25 operational hotels and 22 properties in the pipeline, including W Melbourne, Aloft Melbourne South Yarra, Westin Brisbane, Westin Perth and W Brisbane.

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Jetstar’s Dreamliner takes off to Vietnam https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/jetstars-dreamliner-takes-off-to-vietnam/ Thu, 08 Jun 2017 04:43:41 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=251702 The post Jetstar’s Dreamliner takes off to Vietnam appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Australia’s Jetstar Airways has launched its first flights to Vietnam, using its new Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet. The inaugural service departed this week and Jetstar will now operate direct daily flights to Ho Chi Minh City – four times a week from Sydney and three times a week from Melbourne. “Vietnam is one of the […]

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Jetstar's 335-seat Boeing 787 aircraft will operate the flights
Jetstar’s 335-seat Boeing 787 aircraft will operate the flights

Australia’s Jetstar Airways has launched its first flights to Vietnam, using its new Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet.

The inaugural service departed this week and Jetstar will now operate direct daily flights to Ho Chi Minh City – four times a week from Sydney and three times a week from Melbourne.

“Vietnam is one of the fastest-growing holiday destinations in Southeast Asia, and until now has been the largest country in the region without a low-cost direct link to Australia,” said Jetstar’s CEO for Australia & New Zealand, Dean Salter.

“There is enormous potential for Vietnam to become one of the most popular destinations for Australian travellers thanks to its wonderful year-round climate and great beaches, food and culture.

“We are already the biggest Australian carrier operating into Bali, Phuket and Hawaii – Vietnam is the next step in expanding our international network for budget conscious travellers,” he added.

From Ho Chi Minh City, Australian travellers can connect to 15 other destinations within Vietnam on Jetstar Pacific, Qantas’ part-owned Vietnamese subsidiary.

The new routes will be operated by Jetstar’s Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, with a capacity of 335 passengers in two classes. Qantas will codeshare on the flights.

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Jetstar 787 Jetstar's 335-seat Boeing 787 aircraft will operate the flights
Asian air route updates from AirAsia, Bangkok Airways, Air Astana and more https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/asian-air-route-updates-from-airasia-bangkok-airways-and-more/ Wed, 07 Jun 2017 07:31:11 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=251660 The post Asian air route updates from AirAsia, Bangkok Airways, Air Astana and more appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

AirAsia launches Borneo’s new intra-island route Where? Kuching (Malaysia) to Pontianak (Indonesia) When? Daily, effective immediately Who? AirAsia Why? Low-cost carrier expands intra-island connectivity in Borneo, with new cross-border link between Malaysia and Indonesia Anything else? Pontianak is known as the “Equatorial City” as it is positioned exactly on the Equator. Air China expands European […]

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Photo 1AirAsia launches Borneo’s new intra-island route

Where? Kuching (Malaysia) to Pontianak (Indonesia)
When? Daily, effective immediately
Who? AirAsia
Why? Low-cost carrier expands intra-island connectivity in Borneo, with new cross-border link between Malaysia and Indonesia
Anything else? Pontianak is known as the “Equatorial City” as it is positioned exactly on the Equator.

Air ChinaAir China expands European network

Where? Beijing (China) to Zurich (Switzerland)
When? Four times a week, effective immediately
Who? Air China
Why? Chinese national carrier continues to expand long-haul network with new link to European financial hub
Anything else? Air China operates more flights between China and Europe than any other airline, with almost 300 weekly departures

Air AstanaAir Astana goes international from Uralsk

Where? Uralsk (Kazakhstan) to Frankfurt (Germany)
When? Once a week, effective 14 June 2017
Who? Air Astana
Why? Kazakhstan’s national carrier aims to boost connectivity in the west of the country, which has strong mineral and agriculture sectors
Anything else? This will be the first direct connection between Uralsk and Western Europe

shutterstock_342873575Capital connection for World Expo

Where? Astana (Kazakhstan) to Delhi (India)
When? Three times a week, effective 2 July 2017
Who? Air Astana
Why? Kazakhstan’s national carrier expands international links from the country’s capital, Astana, as it hosts the World Expo
Anything else? Air Astana already flies direct to Delhi from Kazakhstan’s largest city, Almaty

Spring AirlinesLow-cost Spring resumes Bangkok route

Where? Nanchang (China) to Bangkok (Thailand)
When? Four times a week, effective 2 July 2017
Who? Spring Airlines
Why? Chinese low-cost carrier continues to tap huge outbound demand for breaks in Thailand, resuming a previously suspended service
Anything else? Spring now connects 19 Chinese cities with Bangkok, either direct or as part of one-stop routes

Hong KongVirgin Australia starts flying to Hong Kong

Where? Melbourne (Australia) to Hong Kong
When? Five times a week, effective 7 July 2017
Who? Virgin Australia
Why? New service forms part of partnership between Virgin Australia and Hong Kong Airlines, with passengers offered codeshare connections in Australia and China
Anything else? Hong Kong Airlines’ parent company, HNA Group, has purchased an equity stake in Virgin Australia

BKK Air fuselageSamui gets connected to Chinese megacity

Where? Koh Samui (Thailand) to Chongqing (China)
When? Three times a week, effective 22 July 2017
Who? Bangkok Airways
Why? Thai carrier aims to take advantage of the huge Chinese appetite for Thailand’s beaches, with new flights from the megacity of Chongqing
Anything else? Home to more than 40 million people, Chongqing is one of the world’s most populous urban areas

AlitaliaAlitalia plans return to Delhi

Where? Rome (Italy) to Delhi (India)
When? Daily, effective 29 October 2017
Who? Alitalia
Why? Italian national carrier taps demand from fast-growing Indian outbound travel market, whilst also taking advantage of partnership with Jet Airways
Anything else? Alitalia previously flew between Milan and Delhi in 2008, but has not connected the Indian capital with Rome since the mid-1990s

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Photo 1 Air China Air Astana shutterstock_342873575 Spring Airlines Hong Kong BKK Air fuselage Alitalia
Asian air route updates: including Singapore Airlines’ latest European connection… https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/asian-air-route-updates-including-singapore-airlines-latest-european-connection/ Mon, 05 Jun 2017 06:45:32 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=251522 The post Asian air route updates: including Singapore Airlines’ latest European connection… appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

SIA expands A350 network in Europe Where? Singapore to Stockholm (Sweden) When? Five times a week, effective immediately Who? Singapore Airlines Why? SIA continues to utilise its new fleet of Airbus A350s (pictured) to expand its long-haul network Anything else? The new Stockholm service will operate via Moscow and as part of a joint venture […]

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SIA A350SIA expands A350 network in Europe

Where? Singapore to Stockholm (Sweden)
When? Five times a week, effective immediately
Who? Singapore Airlines
Why? SIA continues to utilise its new fleet of Airbus A350s (pictured) to expand its long-haul network
Anything else? The new Stockholm service will operate via Moscow and as part of a joint venture with SAS

DanangAnother Korean connection for Danang

Where? Seoul Incheon (South Korea) to Danang, pictured (Vietnam)
When? Daily, effective 14 June 2017 (rising to three times a day in peak period)
Who? Eastar Jet
Why? South Korean carriers continue to tap the rising demand for travel to Vietnam
Anything else? Seoul is the most well-connected international destination from Danang, with eight airlines operating the route

TigerairTigerair takes off to northern Queensland

Where? Melbourne to Townsville (both Australia)
When? Four times a week, effective 22 June 2017
Who? Tigerair Australia
Why? Low-cost carrier adds new connection from its main Melbourne base to northern Queensland
Anything else? If you tried driving overland between Melbourne and Townsville the journey would take about 28 hours

BruneiBrunei to get new direct link to China

Where? Kunming (China) to Bandar Seri Begawan, pictured (Brunei)
When? Twice a week, effective 8 July 2017
Who? Lucky Air
Why? The Chinese carrier expands its Southeast Asian connections, creating the first link between southwest China and Brunei
Anything else? No Chinese carrier currently serves Brunei, but Royal Brunei Airlines flies to Shanghai and Zhengzhou

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SIA A350 Danang Tigerair Brunei
Asian air route updates: new flights from JAL, Air Astana, China Southern and more… https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/asian-air-route-updates-new-flights-from-jal-air-astana-china-southern-and-more/ Thu, 01 Jun 2017 08:55:10 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=251336 The post Asian air route updates: new flights from JAL, Air Astana, China Southern and more… appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

China Southern adds Shenzhen’s first link to Melbourne Where? Shenzhen (China) to Melbourne (Australia) When? Twice a week, effective immediately (rising to three times a week on 3 July 2017) Who? China Southern Airlines Why? Further expanding China Southern’s international network from Shenzhen, and tapping demand for travel to and from the Pearl River Delta […]

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CSAChina Southern adds Shenzhen’s first link to Melbourne

Where? Shenzhen (China) to Melbourne (Australia)
When? Twice a week, effective immediately (rising to three times a week on 3 July 2017)
Who? China Southern Airlines
Why? Further expanding China Southern’s international network from Shenzhen, and tapping demand for travel to and from the Pearl River Delta
Anything else? Air China is also expected to launch Shenzhen-Melbourne flights later this summer

AstanaAir Astana resumes Kiev flights

Where? Astana, pictured (Kazakhstan) to Kiev (Ukraine)
When? Five times a week, effective immediately
Who? Air Astana
Why? Resuming a route that was suspended in 2014 to take advantage of rising traffic during the World Expo in Astana
Anything else? Passengers on the route will be offered free tickets to the World Expo, which runs from June to September 2017

TigerairTigerair launches longest Australian route

Where? Perth to Brisbane (both Australia)
When? Four times a week, effective immediately (rising to six times a week in peak seasons)
Who? Tigerair Australia
Why? Creating a new low-cost trans-continental connection between two of Australia’s largest cities
Anything else? At more than 3,600km, Perth-Brisbane is one of the longest domestic routes in Australia

Thai LionThai Lion takes off to Taiwan

Where? Bangkok Don Mueang (Thailand) to Taipei (Taiwan)
When? Daily, effective 1 August 2017
Who? Thai Lion Air
Why? Low-cost carrier further expands international links with launch of first ever route to Taiwan
Anything else? Having started operating as recently as December 2013,  Thai Lion now operates scheduled flights to 22 destinations in six countries

JALJAL spreads wings to Australia

Where? Tokyo Narita (Japan) to Melbourne (Australia)
When? Daily, effective 1 September 2017
Who? Japan Airlines
Why? Rising demand for travel between Australia and Asia, and especially to and from Melbourne
Anything else? Despite being a wide-bodied, twin-aisle aircraft, JAL’s Boeing 787-8s (which will serve Melbourne) feature fewer than 200 seats

Tel AvivHainan Airlines to launch new Israeli flight

Where? Shanghai Pudong (China) to Tel Aviv, pictured (Tel Aviv)
When? Three times a week, effective 12 September 2017
Who? Hainan Airlines
Why? Continuing the expansion of Beijing-based Hainan Airlines’ international network from Shanghai
Anything else? The Chinese carrier will serve Tel Aviv using its new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft

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CSA Astana Tigerair Thai Lion JAL Tel Aviv
Asian air route updates: new flights from AirAsia X, SriLankan, SilkAir and more… https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/asian-air-route-updates-new-flights-from-airasia-x-srilankan-silkair-and-more/ Tue, 30 May 2017 04:45:46 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=251204 The post Asian air route updates: new flights from AirAsia X, SriLankan, SilkAir and more… appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Thai Lion links Bangkok with Bali Where? Bangkok Don Mueang (Thailand) to Denpasar (Indonesia) When? Daily, effective 1 July 2017 Who? Thai Lion Air Why? Connecting two of Southeast Asia’s most popular tourism destinations, Bangkok and Bali Anything else? According to the latest MasterCard Destination Index, Bangkok and Bali will handle a combined total of […]

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TLAThai Lion links Bangkok with Bali

Where? Bangkok Don Mueang (Thailand) to Denpasar (Indonesia)
When? Daily, effective 1 July 2017
Who? Thai Lion Air
Why? Connecting two of Southeast Asia’s most popular tourism destinations, Bangkok and Bali
Anything else? According to the latest MasterCard Destination Index, Bangkok and Bali will handle a combined total of 150 million international visitor room nights in 2017

BaliAirAsia adds another KL-Bali service

Where? Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) to Denpasar (Indonesia)
When? Daily, effective 15 July 2017
Who? AirAsia X
Why? Adding more capacity to Bali (pictured) and allowing passengers to connect to the island via AirAsia’s main hub at KLIA2
Anything else? AirAsia X will become the fourth AirAsia subsidiary to serve the KL-Bali route, following AirAsia, Indonesia AirAsia and Indonesia AirAsia X

AI 787 cockpitAir India flies to Scandinavia

Where? Delhi (India) to Stockholm (Sweden)
When? Three times a week, effective 16 August 2017
Who? Air India
Why? Continuing the expansion of Air India’s long-haul network and providing a boost for trade and tourism between India and Scandinavia
Anything else? Air India will serve Stockholm using its new Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft

CanberraTigerair adds new capital connection

Where? Brisbane to Canberra, pictured (both Australia)
When? Three times a week, effective 14 September 2017
Who? Tigerair Australia
Why? Adding more connections to the Australian capital, Canberra, which is undertaking a major airport expansion project
Anything else? This will become Tigerair’s second service to Canberra, following its existing flight from Melbourne

HNA 787Hainan Airlines returns to Belgium

Where? Shanghai Pudong (China) to Brussels (Belgium)
When? Three times a week, effective 25 October 2017
Who? Hainan Airlines
Why? The resumption of a route previously suspended by Hainan Airlines six years ago
Anything else? The Chinese airline will serve the route using its new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft

SriLankanSriLankan spreads wings Down Under

Where? Colombo (Sri Lanka) to Melbourne (Australia)
When? Daily, effective 29 October 2017
Who? SriLankan Airlines
Why? SriLankan returns to Australia for first time since 2001, creating new option for “Kangaroo Route” travellers
Anything else? This will become the only direct connection between Sri Lanka and Australia

SilkAirSilkAir expands Japanese links

Where? Singapore to Hiroshima (Japan)
When? Three times a week, effective 30 October 2017
Who? SilkAir
Why? Further expanding trade and tourism links between Singapore and Japan
Anything else? This will become the only direct connection between Hiroshima and Southeast Asia

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TLA Bali AI 787 cockpit Canberra HNA 787 SriLankan SilkAir The distinctive Silk Air livery, set to be retired following SIA merger
Asian air route updates: new flights from Norwegian, Spring, Air China and more… https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/asian-air-route-updates-new-flights-from-norwegian-spring-air-china-and-more/ Tue, 16 May 2017 04:07:26 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=250583 The post Asian air route updates: new flights from Norwegian, Spring, Air China and more… appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Spring adds low-cost link between key Asian cities Where? Shanghai Pudong (China) to Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam) When? Four times a week, effective immediately Who? Spring Airlines Why? China’s largest low-cost carrier expands its international network with a new route connecting two of Asia’s key cities Anything else? Spring becomes the fourth airline operating […]

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Spring AirlinesSpring adds low-cost link between key Asian cities

Where? Shanghai Pudong (China) to Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam)
When? Four times a week, effective immediately
Who? Spring Airlines
Why? China’s largest low-cost carrier expands its international network with a new route connecting two of Asia’s key cities
Anything else? Spring becomes the fourth airline operating the route, but the first LCC

Jetstar PacificJetstar Pacific brings Chinese tourists to Nha Trang

Where? Cam Ranh (Vietnam) to Guiyang (China)
When? Three times a week, effective immediately
Who? Jetstar Pacific
Why? Bringing more Chinese tourists to the expanding Vietnamese beach resort of Nha Trang
Anything else? This becomes the airline’s third mainland Chinese route from Cam Ranh, following Wuhan and Changsha

VladivostokNortheastern cities get new direct connection

Where? Harbin (China) to Vladivostok, pictured (Russia)
When? Twice a week, effective 18 May 2017
Who? Sichuan Airlines
Why? Connecting two key economic hubs in northeast Asia, and providing a way for Chinese leisure travellers to access Russia’s casinos
Anything else? Vladivostok was part of China during several dynasties, including the Jin, Yuan and Qing

VientianeSichuan Airlines adds first link to Laos

Where? Kunming (China) to Vientiane, pictured (Laos)
When? Three times a week, effective 30 May 2017
Who? Sichuan Airlines
Why? Serving expanding trade and tourism links between southwest China’s Yunnan province and neighbouring Laos
Anything else? This will be Sichuan Airlines’ first connection to Laos

West AirWest Air connects Chongqing with the Philippines

Where? Chongqing (China) to Cebu (Philippines)
When? Three times a week, effective 2 June 2017
Who? West Air
Why? HNA’s Chongqing-based LCC expands international route map with first flights to the Philippines
Anything else? Chongqing is home to more than 30 million people – approximately the same as Malaysia

Air ChinaAir China flies Down Under from Shenzhen

Where? Shenzhen (China) to Melbourne (Australia)
When? Three times a week, effective 20 June 2017
Who? Air China
Why? Expanding international connectivity from Shenzhen, the Chinese city in the Pearl River Delta
Anything else? From being a small town of 30,000 people in the 1970s, Shenzhen is now one of the largest and wealthiest cities of China.

VietjetVietjet continues to connect key ASEAN cities

Where? Hanoi (Vietnam) to Yangon (Myanmar)
When? Daily, effective 31 August 2017
Who? Vietjet
Why? Fast-growing LCC continues to launch new services between key Southeast Asian cities
Anything else? Vietjet’s new service will make up for the suspension of Emirates’ Hanoi-Yangon flights in June

NAS 787Norwegian gives Singapore a new low-cost link to London

Where? London Gatwick (UK) to Singapore
When? Four times a week, effective 28 September 2017 (rising to five per week)
Who? Norwegian
Why? Fast-expanding LCC continues to develop long-haul network from London Gatwick, its main UK base
Anything else? Norwegian will operate the long-haul route using its 344-seat Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft

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Spring Airlines Jetstar Pacific Vladivostok Vientiane West Air Air China Vietjet NAS 787
Air New Zealand opens new Melbourne lounge https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/air-new-zealand-opens-new-melbourne-lounge/ Mon, 08 May 2017 04:52:57 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=250236 The post Air New Zealand opens new Melbourne lounge appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Air New Zealand opened a new, larger lounge at Melbourne Airport this week. Located on the ground floor of the terminal, the lounge follows the design concept first seen at Air New Zealand’s lounge at Sydney Airport. It offers space for up to 250 passengers in five separate areas, including a self-service food buffet, two […]

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Air New Zealand's new Melbourne Lounge
Air New Zealand’s new Melbourne Lounge

Air New Zealand opened a new, larger lounge at Melbourne Airport this week.

Located on the ground floor of the terminal, the lounge follows the design concept first seen at Air New Zealand’s lounge at Sydney Airport. It offers space for up to 250 passengers in five separate areas, including a self-service food buffet, two self-service drink stations and a coffee area.

The new facility offers 50% more space than Air New Zealand’s previous Melbourne lounge.

“The airline has been investing heavily in the Australian market and promoting its services through its ‘Better Way to Fly’ campaign starring Dave the goose which encourages Australians to travel Air New Zealand to North and South America,” said the airline’s general manager of customer experience, Anita Hawthorne.

“It’s also clear Australians love the Air New Zealand products and services after recently taking out the number one spot in AMR’s 2017 Australia Corporate Reputation Index so we look forward to welcoming customers to our new lounge.”

The Melbourne International Lounge forms part of Air New Zealand’s four-year, NZ$100 million (US$69m) lounge development programme, which has already seen the opening of new facilities in Sydney, Brisbane, Auckland, Nadi, Wellington, Queenstown, Hamilton and Invercargill.

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HyperFocal: 0 Air New Zealand's new Melbourne Lounge
Where to Stay: New hotels in Bangkok, New York, Melbourne and more… https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/where-to-stay-new-hotels-in-bangkok-new-york-melbourne-and-more/ Sun, 07 May 2017 08:55:55 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=250228 The post Where to Stay: New hotels in Bangkok, New York, Melbourne and more… appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Mercure Bangkok Makkasan Location: Next to Makkasan station, the main downtown hub for Bangkok’s Airport Rail Link Grade: Upper-midscale Keys: 180 Facilities: Outdoor pool with bar, fitness centre, restaurant, lounge Meeting space: Three meeting rooms They say: “Mercure offers an authentic experience that is rooted in the local surroundings and Mercure Bangkok Makkasan is located […]

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Mercure Bangkok Makkasan
Mercure Bangkok Makkasan

Mercure Bangkok Makkasan

Location: Next to Makkasan station, the main downtown hub for Bangkok’s Airport Rail Link
Grade: Upper-midscale
Keys: 180
Facilities: Outdoor pool with bar, fitness centre, restaurant, lounge
Meeting space: Three meeting rooms
They say: “Mercure offers an authentic experience that is rooted in the local surroundings and Mercure Bangkok Makkasan is located in the area’s century-old railway heritage”
We say: Makkasan isn’t a perfectly central location, but it is extremely well connected to the city’s BTS, MRT and airport rail networks, so this hotel will be ideal for short-stay business travellers
Opening: Already open

Hyatt Centric Waikiki
Hyatt Centric Waikiki

Hyatt Centric Waikiki

Location: In the former Waikiki Trade Center on Kuhio Avenue, 14km from Honolulu International Airport
Grade: Upscale
Keys: 230
Facilities: Restaurant and bar, outdoor seating with fire pits, 24-hour fitness area, pool, retail area
Meeting space: Small lobby meeting space
They say: “Our vision for this hotel was to create a unique, forward-looking offering for travellers that seek to incorporate exploration into their international experience”
We say: Hyatt’s latest lifestyle brand arrives in Hawaii, and the impressive revamp of this central landmark should provide an attractive new option for visitors
Opening: Already open

Best Western The Lagoon Hotel
Best Western The Lagoon Hotel

Best Western The Lagoon Hotel

Location: Overlooking the Bay of Manado, close to the centre of the city on the northern tip of Indonesia’s Sulawesi Island
Grade: Midscale
Keys: 187
Facilities: Restaurant, spa, fitness centre, outdoor swimming pool
Meeting space: Extensive conference and banqueting space, including a large ballroom
They say: “Best Western The Lagoon Hotel [is] an impressive hotel that belies its midscale status with a wealth of amenities and facilities for both business and leisure travellers”
We say: The hotel’s views over Bay of Manado and offshore islands should be appealing to guests seeking to take advantage of the area’s famed scuba diving and snorkelling opportunities
Opening: Already open

Luma Hotel Times Square
Luma Hotel Times Square

Luma Hotel Times Square

Location: A newly-built hotel on 41st Street in New York, close to Broadway
Grade: Upper-upscale
Keys: 130
Facilities: Tapas restaurant, bar, fitness centre
Meeting space: Unspecified
They say: “Luma Hotel Times Square shines a new light in the neighborhood, proudly welcoming guests with a contemporary and innovative approach to hospitality”
We say: Contemporary Spanish style, which extends to offering free sangria in the lobby, should set this modern hotel apart from the competition
Opening: Already open

Hotel Gracery Kyoto Sanjo South
Hotel Gracery Kyoto Sanjo South

Hotel Gracery Kyoto Sanjo South

Location: Within the Teramachi Kyogoku and Shin Kyogoku shopping arcades – Kyoto’s historical covered streets
Grade: Midscale
Keys: 97
Facilities: Restaurant, guest lounge, laundry, and a corridor dedicated to Kabuki, the ancient Japanese theatrical art
Meeting space: Unspecified
They say: “The hotel stands next to Hotel Gracery Kyoto Sanjo North, which the company opened in July 2016. Both moderately-priced hotels were constructed in adjacent lots, strategically complementing each other”
We say: New hotel takes the total inventory of the complex to 225 keys. Should be a good affordable option in the historic Japanese city
Opening: Already open

Novotel Melbourne South Wharf
Novotel Melbourne South Wharf

Novotel Melbourne South Wharf

Location: Next to the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre
Grade: Upper-midscale
Keys: 347
Facilities: Novotel Gourmet Bar and Food Exchange F&B concepts
Meeting space: Unspecified, but next to major conference centre
They say: “Significant investment in infrastructure such as this Novotel hotel will further increase the capacity for Melbourne to attract significant events, conferences and exhibitions”
We say: New-build hotel likely to become a popular choice for MICE delegates
Opening: Q1 2018

Hotel Indigo Melbourne Docklands
Hotel Indigo Melbourne Docklands

Hotel Indigo Melbourne Docklands

Location: Melbourne’s heritage-listed Docklands waterfront precinct
Grade: Upper-upscale
Keys: 170
Facilities: Large resort-style pool, fitness centre, street-facing restaurant and bar
Meeting space: Meeting room and boardroom
They say: “We expect Hotel Indigo Melbourne Docklands to become a leading lifestyle hotel in Melbourne, differentiating itself from other hotel offerings in the city thanks to the brand’s entirely unique style”
We say: Melbourne’s Docklands area gets yet another new development. All rooms in the new hotel will offer views of the water, which should attract guests, as should the Hotel Indigo brand’s local style
Opening: 2019

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Mercure Bangkok Makkasan Mercure Bangkok Makkasan Hyatt Centric Waikiki Hyatt Centric Waikiki Best Western The Lagoon Hotel Best Western The Lagoon Hotel (PRNewsfoto/LUMA Hotel Times Square) Luma Hotel Times Square Gracery Hotel Gracery Kyoto Sanjo South Novotel Melbourne Novotel Melbourne South Wharf TravMedia_Australia_1216878_Hotel Indigo_4 Hotel Indigo Melbourne Docklands
Asian air route updates: new flights from Korean Air, Vietjet, Air Canada and more… https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/asian-air-route-updates-new-flights-from-korean-air-vietjet-air-canada-and-more/ Fri, 05 May 2017 04:28:43 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=250171 The post Asian air route updates: new flights from Korean Air, Vietjet, Air Canada and more… appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Korean Air connects Seoul with Spain Where? Seoul (South Korea) to Barcelona (Spain) When? Three times a week, effective immediately Who? Korean Air Why? Rising demand for flights between Spain and the Far East, as Korean tourists set their sights on Europe Anything else? Barcelona will be Korean Air’s second destination in Spain, following Madrid […]

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Korean AirKorean Air connects Seoul with Spain

Where? Seoul (South Korea) to Barcelona (Spain)
When? Three times a week, effective immediately
Who? Korean Air
Why? Rising demand for flights between Spain and the Far East, as Korean tourists set their sights on Europe
Anything else? Barcelona will be Korean Air’s second destination in Spain, following Madrid

Turkmenistan AirlinesTurkmenistan gets connected with Abu Dhabi

Where? Ashgabat (Turkmenistan) to Abu Dhabi (UAE)
When? Twice a week, effective immediately
Who? Turkmenistan Airlines
Why? Central Asian country’s national carrier taps opportunities offered in the booming Gulf region
Anything else? Turkmenistan Airlines is the only Asian carrier still operating the single-aisle Boeing 717 aircraft

Jin AirJin Air sets sights on Bangkok

Where? Jeju (South Korea) to Bangkok (Thailand)
When? Four times a week, from 10 May to 5 June 2017
Who? Jin Air
Why? Short-term service to offer connections to Korean resort island to make up for slump in Chinese arrivals
Anything else? The diplomatic row over Korea’s decision to install a US missile defence system has had a severe impact on Jeju, which relies heavily on Chinese tourism

VietjetVietjet expands domestic network from Hanoi

Where? Hanoi to Dong Hoi (both Vietnam)
When? Daily, effective 1 June 2017
Who? Vietjet
Why? Further expanding the low-cost carrier’s domestic network with new link to the province of Quang Binh province, which has a long coastline and is home to the UNESCO-listed Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park
Anything else? Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park is the location of Son Doong, the world’s largest known cave system

IndiGoIndiGo connects Singapore with India’s Silicon Valley

Where? Bengaluru (India) to Singapore
When? Daily, effective 30 June 2017
Who? IndiGo
Why? New direct connection from India’s “Silicon Valley” to key Southeast Asian trading partner and visitor market
Anything else? Low-cost carrier IndiGo is India’s largest airline in terms of domestic market share

HKAHong Kong Airlines to resume Saigon route

Where? Hong Kong to Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam)
When? Five times a week, effective 20 July 2017
Who? Hong Kong Airlines
Why? Resumption of service between two major Asian cities forms part of airline’s expansion plan
Anything else? The Hong Kong-Ho Chi Minh City route is operated by four other airlines: Cathay Pacific, Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet and Jetstar Pacific

AirAsia IndoAirAsia creates first link between Macau and Indonesia

Where? Jakarta (Indonesia) to Macau
When? Three times a week, effective 7 August 2017
Who? AirAsia Indonesia
Why? Two-way traffic, adding new connection for Chinese travellers in the Pearl River Delta region and for Indonesian visitors to Macau’s casinos
Anything else? This will become the only direct link between Indonesia and Macau

AC 787Air Canada adds new seasonal service Down Under

Where? Vancouver (Canada) to Melbourne (Australia)
When? Four times a week, from 1 December 2017 to 4 February 2018
Who? Air Canada
Why? One of six new international routes announced by Air Canada for the winter 2017-8 season, with others including Vancouver-Orlando and Montreal-Lima
Anything else? Air Canada will deploy its newest long-haul aircraft, the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, on the new route

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Korean Air Turkmenistan Airlines Jin Air Vietjet IndiGo HKA AirAsia Indo AC 787
Air Canada expands APAC links from Vancouver https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/air-canada-expands-apac-links-from-vancouver/ Thu, 04 May 2017 04:33:51 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=250103 The post Air Canada expands APAC links from Vancouver appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Air Canada has continued to expand its trans-Pacific connections from Vancouver, with the launch of a new route to Asia Pacific. The airline has already announced plans to launch new routes from Vancouver to Taipei and Nagoya this summer, and later in the year it will commence a brand new service to Melbourne. Initially operating […]

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Air Canada has continued to expand its trans-Pacific connections from Vancouver, with the launch of a new route to Asia Pacific.

The airline has already announced plans to launch new routes from Vancouver to Taipei and Nagoya this summer, and later in the year it will commence a brand new service to Melbourne.

Initially operating as a seasonal service from 1 December 2017 to 4 February 2018, the Vancouver-Melbourne route will run four times a week. Air Canada will serve the route using its new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft.

“Vancouver-Melbourne is our third route to Australia, in addition to year-round service to Sydney and Brisbane,” said Benjamin Smith, Air Canada’s president of passenger airlines. “Our seasonal Melbourne service will provide additional options for business travellers between North America and Australia as well as Australians seeking a Canadian winter vacation experience.”

Vancouver-Melbourne is one of a series of new seasonal routes Air Canada is planning to launch for the 2017-18 winter season; the airline is also planning to link Vancouver with Orlando, Toronto with Belize City and St Vincent, and Montreal with Lima and Phoenix.

Also this summer, Air Canada will start flying from Vancouver to Denver, Frankfurt, London Gatwick and Boston.

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Virgin Australia kicks off new trans-Pacific route https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/virgin-australia-kicks-off-new-trans-pacific-route/ Thu, 06 Apr 2017 07:11:31 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=249073 The post Virgin Australia kicks off new trans-Pacific route appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Virgin Australia launched a new trans-Pacific route this week, flying direct between Melbourne and Los Angeles. The inaugural service departed at 1130 on 4 April 2017 and landed at LAX at 0900. The return flight then departed at 2055 and arrived back in Melbourne at 0545 on Thursday morning. The service will now run every […]

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Virgin Australia's business class cabin
Virgin Australia’s business class cabin

Virgin Australia launched a new trans-Pacific route this week, flying direct between Melbourne and Los Angeles.

The inaugural service departed at 1130 on 4 April 2017 and landed at LAX at 0900. The return flight then departed at 2055 and arrived back in Melbourne at 0545 on Thursday morning.

The service will now run every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday, aboard Virgin Australia’s Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, which is equipped with 37 flat-bed seats and a bar in business class.

“Los Angeles and North America is an important market for us and through our partnership with Delta Air Lines, we offer passengers 25 return flights per week across the Pacific and remain the only trans-Pacific alliance to offer business class guests lie-flat beds with direct aisle access on all services,” said Virgin Australia’s group executive, John Thomas.

Delta will codeshare on the new route, and passengers of both airlines will be able to earn frequent flyer points.

This week, Travel Daily chatted to Virgin Australia’s chief executive, John Borghetti. CLICK HERE to read the interview.

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VA_0226 Virgin Australia's business class cabin
Where to Stay: New hotels in Melbourne, St Petersburg, Marbella and more https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/where-to-stay-new-hotels-in-melbourne-st-petersburg-marbella-and-more/ Wed, 29 Mar 2017 09:24:19 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=248756 The post Where to Stay: New hotels in Melbourne, St Petersburg, Marbella and more appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Four Points by Sheraton Melbourne Docklands (pictured above) Location: Part of the Marina Tower complex on Pearl River Road, in Melbourne’s Docklands area Grade: Midscale Keys: 273 Facilities: Restaurant, bar, 25-metre outdoor heated swimming pool, 24-hour fitness centre, spa, steam room Meeting space: Five function rooms with space for up to 450 guests They say: […]

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Four Points by Sheraton Melbourne Docklands (pictured above)

Location: Part of the Marina Tower complex on Pearl River Road, in Melbourne’s Docklands area
Grade: Midscale
Keys: 273
Facilities: Restaurant, bar, 25-metre outdoor heated swimming pool, 24-hour fitness centre, spa, steam room
Meeting space: Five function rooms with space for up to 450 guests
They say: “Four Points by Sheraton Melbourne Docklands will bring stylish design and modern comfort at an affordable price to Australia’s most cultural and creative city”
We say: Architecturally impressive, this property belies its midscale status with a range of upscale amenities. Good choice for leisure travellers, and proximity to exhibition centre should also be a strong selling point
Opening: Already open

Hilton Saint Petersburg ExpoForum
Hilton Saint Petersburg ExpoForum

Hilton Saint Petersburg ExpoForum

Location: Part of the ExpoForum MICE complex in the southern part of the Russian city
Grade: Upper-upscale
Keys: 169
Facilities: Two restaurants, bar, two-level spa, indoor swimming pool, 24-hour fitness centre
Meeting space: Eight function rooms and one ballroom for up to 550 guests, plus large pre-function area. Attached to ExpoForum complex which hosts 400 events per year
They say: “Business and leisure guests alike can experience the beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage city, outstanding architecture, and long summer… while enjoying unparalleled access to one of the world’s largest exhibition centres”
We say: Clearly designed for the MICE market, this hotel is set away from the city’s main tourist areas. Will complement Hilton’s existing Hampton Inn property at the ExpoForum
Opening: Already open

ibis Styles Makassar Sam Ratulangi
ibis Styles Makassar Sam Ratulangi

ibis Styles Makassar Sam Ratulangi

Location: In the centre of Makassar, the largest city on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi
Grade: Economy
Keys: 117
Facilities: Restaurant, outdoor swimming pool, gym, spa
Meeting space: Four meeting rooms for up to 180 delegates
They say: “ibis Styles Makassar Sam Ratulangi offers a strong proposition for both leisure and business travellers with its generous all-inclusive room package offering an all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet, broadband internet, plus a host of little extras”
We say: Downtown location and good selection of amenities for its price point should make this hotel popular with travellers on a budget
Opening: Already open

Marbella
Marbella

W Marbella

Location: On the beach at Playa Real de Zaragoza, a short drive from downtown Marbella on Spain’s Costa del Sol
Grade: Luxury
Keys: 200, plus 100 apartments and villas
Facilities: Restaurant, bar, spa, beauty salon, fitness centre, two swimming pools, beach club
Meeting space: Five meeting rooms and covered outdoor terrace
They say: “We believe that the W brand is the perfect fit for this landmark location and look forward to seeing W Marbella emerge as the most sought after and admired resort in Spain”
We say: W Hotels should be a good fit for this market, which is fashionable and upmarket. The beach club (which is opening earlier than the hotel in 2018) will no doubt become a popular social spot
Opening: 2021

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Hilton SP Hilton Saint Petersburg ExpoForum ibis Styles Makassar Sam Ratulangi ibis Styles Makassar Sam Ratulangi shutterstock_606306350-1 Marbella
Asian air route updates: Virgin Australia, Thai Lion, Air India and more… https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/asian-air-route-updates-flydubai-malindo-air-india-and-more/ Mon, 20 Mar 2017 06:38:26 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=248356 The post Asian air route updates: Virgin Australia, Thai Lion, Air India and more… appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Bangladesh gets low-cost Dubai link Where? Dubai (UAE) to Sylhet (Bangladesh) When? Four times a week, effective immediately (rising to six per week in May 2017) Who? Flydubai Why? New low-cost link to tap demand for trade between two Muslim countries, including overseas workers in the Gulf Anything else? Located in northeast Bangladesh, Sylhet is […]

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SylhetflydubaiBangladesh gets low-cost Dubai link

Where? Dubai (UAE) to Sylhet (Bangladesh)
When? Four times a week, effective immediately (rising to six per week in May 2017)
Who? Flydubai
Why? New low-cost link to tap demand for trade between two Muslim countries, including overseas workers in the Gulf
Anything else? Located in northeast Bangladesh, Sylhet is a major tea-growing area. It also hosted matches in the 2014 ICC Twenty20 cricket world cup.

TLAExpanding ASEAN connections for Thai Lion Air

Where? Bangkok Don Mueang (Thailand) to Hanoi (Vietnam)
When? Eight times a week, effective 24 March 2017
Who? Thai Lion Air
Why? Low-cost carrier continues to expand international operations from Bangkok. This will become its second Vietnamese route, after Ho Chi Minh City
Anything else? Bangkok is the most connected international city from Hanoi, with multiple airlines operating almost 80 weekly flights between the two capitals

VASCOVASCO adds new domestic route from Hanoi

Where? Hanoi to Dong Hoi (both Vietnam)
When? Daily, effective 26 March 2017
Who? VASCO
Why? Vietnam Airlines’ domestic subsidiary continues to take over national carrier’s smaller operations. This is the fourth domestic route transferred to VASCO
Anything else? Dong Hoi is the closest city to Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, which houses the world’s largest cave

shutterstock_550050499Bangkok-based LCC boosts coverage in China

Where? Bangkok Don Mueang (Thailand) to Nanjing, pictured (China)
When? Daily, effective 26 March 2017
Who? Thai Lion Air
Why? Low-cost carrier continues to expand international operations in China. This will become its fifth Chinese destination, with a sixth (Nanchang) to follow shortly afterwards
Anything else? Nanjing literally means “southern capital”, as opposed to Beijing with is China’s “northern capital”

MalindoMalindo adds second service to Hainan

Where? Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) to Haikou (China)
When? Twice a week, effective 28 March 2017
Who? Malindo Air
Why? Serving the ever-expanding trade and tourism links between Malaysia and China. Flight will operate via Penang.
Anything else? This won’t be Malindo’s first connection to Hainan Island – the airline already flies to the beach resort of Sanya

CSA 737New beach flights from China’s landlocked Ningxia region

Where? Yinchuan (China) to Phuket (Thailand)
When? Three times a week, effective 10 April 2017
Who? China Southern Airlines
Why? Tapping the ever-increasing Chinese demand for tourism in Thailand. Flights will operate via Zhengzhou, the capital of China’s populous Henan province
Anything else? Yinchuan is the capital of the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, which sits on the ancient Silk Road and is predominantly Muslim

MacauSpring adds new low-cost link to Macau

Where? Hangzhou (China) to Macau, pictured
When? Daily, effective 16 April 2017
Who? Spring Airlines
Why? A new low-cost connection for residents of eastern China wanting to visit the casinos of Macau
Anything else? Gambling revenues in Macau – the world’s biggest gaming market – declined for 26 straight months before rebounding in August last year

Tel AvivAir India to start flying to Israel

Where? Delhi (India) to Tel Aviv, pictured (Israel)
When? Three times a week, effective May 2017
Who? Air India
Why? Part of national carrier’s international expansion plan, which is also expected to include new services to Washington DC and Stockholm
Anything else? Only Israel’s El Al currently operates direct flights between Israel and India

VA A330 economyVirgin Australia launches Hong Kong flights

Where? Melbourne (Australia) to Hong Kong
When? Five times a week, effective 5 July 2017
Who? Virgin Australia
Why? Part of a proposed alliance with HNA, which will see Virgin team up with Hainan Airlines, Hong Kong Airlines, Capital Airlines and Tianjin Airlines
Anything else? Virgin Australia and its new partners will offer connections from Hong Kong to 13 destinations in mainland China

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Sylhetflydubai TLA VASCO shutterstock_550050499 Malindo CSA 737 Macau Tel Aviv VA A330 economy
Cunard to spend record two months in Australia https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/cunard-to-spend-record-two-months-in-australia/ Tue, 14 Mar 2017 05:27:17 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=248163 The post Cunard to spend record two months in Australia appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Queen Elizabeth

Cunard has released details of its 2019 international cruise programme, which will include a record two-month season in Australia. Australians will be able to choose from 27 local cruises on the Queen Elizabeth cruise ship, which will be based in Melbourne and Sydney from February to April 2019. The longest deployment Down Under for any […]

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Queen Elizabeth
Queen Elizabeth
Queen Elizabeth

Cunard has released details of its 2019 international cruise programme, which will include a record two-month season in Australia.

Australians will be able to choose from 27 local cruises on the Queen Elizabeth cruise ship, which will be based in Melbourne and Sydney from February to April 2019.

The longest deployment Down Under for any of Cunard’s current fleet, Queen Elizabeth’s Australian season forms part of the cruise line’s global “Oceans of Discovery” programme, which features cruises on all three Cunard ships: Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth. This programme will include 109 destinations in 49 countries, including 21 maiden port calls.

In Australia, Queen Elizabeth will operate seven roundtrip cruises from Sydney and Melbourne. These include a five-night cruises to Tasmania from Sydney, a six-night Melbourne-Tasmania voyage, and 12-night cruises from both Sydney and Melbourne to New Zealand, including an overnight call in Wellington.

The season will also include Queen Elizabeth’s maiden call to Burnie, in northern Tasmania.

Another feature of Queen Elizabeth’s 2019 programme will be two roundtrip cruises in Japan, including a nine-night circumnavigation of Honshu during the cherry blossom season. From Japan, Queen Elizabeth will sail across the Pacific Ocean to Vancouver and Alaska.

Queen Victoria meanwhile, will embark on a round-the-world voyage from the UK in January 2019, including calls in New Zealand and Australia. And Queen Mary 2 will offer a series of regional cruises in Asia, with calls at Singapore, India, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Malaysia.

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Cunard QE Queen Elizabeth
Garuda boosts Australian routes https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/garuda-boosts-australian-routes/ Wed, 08 Mar 2017 06:05:30 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=247950 The post Garuda boosts Australian routes appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Garuda Indonesia will increase its flights to Australia this summer, providing more connections to and from Jakarta and Bali. In a joint press conference with Tourism Australia, the national carrier announced that it will increase its services between Jakarta and Australia from four to five flights per week, while its flights from Bali to Australia […]

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Garuda Indonesia will expand its Australian operations from Bali and Jakarta
Garuda Indonesia will expand its Australian operations from Bali and Jakarta

Garuda Indonesia will increase its flights to Australia this summer, providing more connections to and from Jakarta and Bali.

In a joint press conference with Tourism Australia, the national carrier announced that it will increase its services between Jakarta and Australia from four to five flights per week, while its flights from Bali to Australia will rise from six to seven per week.

Currently, Garuda operates six routes Down Under, linking Jakarta and Bali with Sydney, Melbourne and Perth. The additional flights will operate from May to October 2017, and will be adjusted to suit the demand of each market.

“The enhancement of our services to Australia will offer our customers a wider choice of flight schedules and ultimately greater travel convenience to Australia. We also want to thank our customers for their trust in flying Garuda Indonesia, and to Tourism Australia for its continuous support for Garuda Indonesia through our partnership campaign. We hope this successful partnership between Tourism Australia and Garuda Indonesia will continue in the upcoming years,” said Garuda’s CEO, Arif Wibowo.

In 2016, Garuda achieved a 17% increase in passenger traffic on its Australian routes, compared to 2015.

“Indonesia is one of Australia’s fastest-growing markets for international visitors and is Australia’s 12th largest market for international visitor arrivals. Indonesia has the potential to be worth over AU$1 billion (US$760 million) in overnight visitation by 2020 and we hope that today’s announcement by Garuda Indonesia will help us achieve that,” said Australia’s Minister for Trade, Tourism & Investment, Steven Ciobo.

“On behalf of Tourism Australia, we look forward to the joint campaign promoting the increased services across the airlines’ key gateways of Sydney, Melbourne and Perth.”

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shutterstock_519889789 Garuda Indonesia will expand its Australian operations from Bali and Jakarta
Qantas forms Asian connections with Israel https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/qantas-forms-asian-connections-with-israel/ Thu, 23 Feb 2017 07:09:54 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=247489 The post Qantas forms Asian connections with Israel appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Qantas and El Al have formed a new partnership aimed at improving flight connectivity between Australia and Israel. Under the new agreement, the national carriers will connect with other’s services via two key Asian transit points: Bangkok and Hong Kong. Qantas will place its code on El Al’s flights between Tel Aviv and the two […]

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Qantas and El Al have formed a new partnership aimed at improving flight connectivity between Australia and Israel.

Under the new agreement, the national carriers will connect with other’s services via two key Asian transit points: Bangkok and Hong Kong. Qantas will place its code on El Al’s flights between Tel Aviv and the two Asian cities, while El Al will codeshare on Qantas’ flights linking Bangkok with Sydney, and Hong Kong with Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.

The PMs of Australia and Israel oversaw the signing of the agreement
The PMs of Australia and Israel oversaw the signing of the agreement

The partnership will also extend to South Africa, with both airlines codesharing on the other’s flights to Johannesburg – Qantas from Sydney and El Al from Tel Aviv.

The agreement was signed by Gareth Evans, CEO of Qantas International, David Maimon, president & CEO of El Al, in a ceremony attended by Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and his Israeli counterpart, Benjamin Netanyahu. It followed the signing of a new air service agreement between Australia and Israel.

“We’re really pleased to be teaming up with El Al and adding Tel Aviv to our network,” said Evans. “It’s a popular destination for the many Australians with family and friends in Israel, including a lot of Qantas frequent flyers who we know will welcome the option to book with us.

“The timing’s especially good when you think about the growing number of Australian companies doing business with Israel’s world-class technology and start-up sectors,” he added.

Maimon added that Australia is a “growing destination for Israelis, especially from the business and tourism segments”.

“To have the national carriers of both Israel and Australia further enhance cooperation will strengthen the ties between our countries and provide a seamless mode of travel for our passengers,” he commented.

Under the arrangement, premium passengers of both airlines will be offered access to airport lounges in the cities included in the codeshare, and frequent flyers will be able to earn miles. The joint flights will go on sale in the second half of 2017.

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Qantas-ElAl The PMs of Australia and Israel oversaw the signing of the agreement
Australia considers high-speed Hyperloop https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/australia-considers-high-speed-hyperloop/ Wed, 08 Feb 2017 08:15:10 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=246872 The post Australia considers high-speed Hyperloop appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

The Australian government is considering plans to use Elon Musk’s Hyperloop as an ultra-high-speed way of connecting Sydney and Melbourne. The Hyperloop was suggested this week in a report by the Parliamentary Committee on Infrastructure, Transport & Cities, which said it was a viable alternative to a traditional high-speed railway. At present, the journey between […]

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The Hyperloop could cut the Sydney-Mebourne travelling time to just one hour
The Hyperloop could cut the Sydney-Mebourne travelling time to just one hour

The Australian government is considering plans to use Elon Musk’s Hyperloop as an ultra-high-speed way of connecting Sydney and Melbourne.

The Hyperloop was suggested this week in a report by the Parliamentary Committee on Infrastructure, Transport & Cities, which said it was a viable alternative to a traditional high-speed railway.

At present, the journey between Sydney and Melbourne takes 12 hours by train and almost 10 hours by car. The Hyperloop, which shoots capsules of passengers through a tube at the speed of sound, would reduce the travelling time to just one hour.

The development of a Hyperloop is also likely to be cheaper to develop than high-speed railway.

Other countries considering the Hyperloop include the UAE and India.

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HyperloopTT_station slide The Hyperloop could cut the Sydney-Mebourne travelling time to just one hour
W Hotels to debut in Melbourne https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/w-hotels-to-debut-in-melbourne/ Fri, 03 Feb 2017 06:58:04 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=246685 The post W Hotels to debut in Melbourne appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

W Hotels, the former Starwood luxury brand now operated by Marriott, has unveiled plans to make its debut in Melbourne in 2020.   The new-build property will rise on Collins Street in the city centre, as part of Collins Arch – a major new AU$1 billion (US$765 million) luxury mixed-use development. Once open, W Melbourne […]

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W Melbourne will open in 2020
W Melbourne will open in 2020

W Hotels, the former Starwood luxury brand now operated by Marriott, has unveiled plans to make its debut in Melbourne in 2020.  

The new-build property will rise on Collins Street in the city centre, as part of Collins Arch – a major new AU$1 billion (US$765 million) luxury mixed-use development.

Once open, W Melbourne will feature 294 rooms and suites, a bar and restaurant, spa, fitness centre, indoor heated swimming pool and approximately 1,200m² of meeting space, including a ballroom. Designed by New York-based SHoP Architects, the property will also feature many of the ultra-modern aspects that identify the W brand.

“Melbourne, with its vibrant music, emerging fashion and bold street art, is a destination made for the W brand,” said Anthony Ingham, W Hotels’ global brand leader. “Located in the epicentre of the city, W Melbourne will embody the city’s creative spirit while showcasing the brand’s bold and energetic take on luxury.”

Melbourne marks the second W Hotel planned for Australia, following W Brisbane which is scheduled to open its doors in 2018. Globally the brand now has a portfolio of 50 hotels, including the recently opened W Las Vegas and W Goa and the soon-to-open W Shanghai.

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W Melbourne W Melbourne will open in 2020
Australian hotel rates hit record high https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/australian-hotel-rates-hit-record-high/ Thu, 26 Jan 2017 07:51:04 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=246420 The post Australian hotel rates hit record high appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Hotels in Australia are cashing in on strong demand by raising room rates to record levels. According to the latest data from STR, the country’s average daily rate (ADR) reached AU$200.03 (approx. US$151) in December 2016, up 3.2% year-on-year and the highest monthly ADR on record. For the full-year, Australian ADR increased 1.3% to AU$184.65, […]

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Sydney's revPAR increased 4.4% in 2016
Sydney’s revPAR increased 4.4% in 2016

Hotels in Australia are cashing in on strong demand by raising room rates to record levels.

According to the latest data from STR, the country’s average daily rate (ADR) reached AU$200.03 (approx. US$151) in December 2016, up 3.2% year-on-year and the highest monthly ADR on record.

For the full-year, Australian ADR increased 1.3% to AU$184.65, while occupancy edged 0.9% higher to 75.4%. Revenue per available room (revPAR) rose 2.2% to AU$139.84.

Sydney finished the year with revPAR growth of 4.4%, while Melbourne reported a slight increase of 0.8%.

The hotel sector is being boosted by strong inbound tourism figures; in the first 11 months of 2016, international arrivals to Australia jumped 11.3%.

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Sydney hotel window Sydney's revPAR increased 4.4% in 2016
Asian air route updates: HK Express, Tianjin Airlines and more https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/asian-air-route-updates-hk-express-tianjin-airlines-and-more/ Mon, 23 Jan 2017 09:12:25 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=246278 The post Asian air route updates: HK Express, Tianjin Airlines and more appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

HK Express completes Pacific island double Where? Hong Kong to Saipan (Northern Mariara Islands) When? Three times a week, effective immediately Who? HK Express Why? New leisure travel destination for Hong Kong travellers Anything else? This is the second part of Pacific island double for HK Express, following recent launch of flights to Guam New […]

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HK Express SaipanHK Express completes Pacific island double

Where? Hong Kong to Saipan (Northern Mariara Islands)
When? Three times a week, effective immediately
Who? HK Express
Why? New leisure travel destination for Hong Kong travellers
Anything else? This is the second part of Pacific island double for HK Express, following recent launch of flights to Guam

West AirNew Philippine links from Chongqing

Where? Chongqing (China) to Kalibo and Cebu (Philippines)
When? Daily (four times a week to Kalibo and three to Cebu) effective 26 March 2017
Who? China West Air
Why? Providing tropical beach links to residents in western China’s largest metropolis
Anything else? The municipal area of Chongqing home to almost 50 million people

PhuketJuneyao Airlines adds another Phuket connection

Where? Nanjing (China) to Phuket (Thailand)
When? Daily, effective 26 March 2017
Who? Juneyao Airlines
Why? Fulfilling Chinese tourist demand for Thailand’s beaches
Anything else? More than 20 different airlines now fly between Phuket and China

TA A320Tianjin Airlines to make debut Down Under

Where? Chongqing (China) to Melbourne (Australia)
When? Three times a week, effective 27 September 2017
Who? Tianjin Airlines
Why? Continued long-haul expansion of Chinese airline following launch of Auckland and London flights
Anything else? New alternative “Kangaroo Route” for travellers between Australia and UK

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HK Express Saipan West Air Phuket Phuket TA A320
Australia’s Jetstar plans first flights to Vietnam https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/australias-jetstar-plans-first-flights-to-vietnam/ Thu, 19 Jan 2017 07:19:40 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=246168 The post Australia’s Jetstar plans first flights to Vietnam appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Vietnam’s tourism industry will get a lift this year when Australian low-cost carrier Jetstar launches its first two routes to the country. In May 2017, Jetstar will start operating daily flights to Ho Chi Minh City – four times a week from Sydney and three per week from Melbourne. All services will be operated using […]

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Jetstar will fly ts Boeing 787 Dreamliner to Vietnam
Jetstar will fly ts Boeing 787 Dreamliner to Vietnam

Vietnam’s tourism industry will get a lift this year when Australian low-cost carrier Jetstar launches its first two routes to the country.

In May 2017, Jetstar will start operating daily flights to Ho Chi Minh City – four times a week from Sydney and three per week from Melbourne. All services will be operated using Jetstar’s largest aircraft, the 335-seat Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

“Vietnam has the potential to become as popular as Bali or Thailand for Australian travellers,” said Jetstar’s group CEO, Jayne Hrdlicka. “We expect our low fares and direct flights will generate even more demand for holidays to Vietnam.

“From Ho Chi Minh City, travellers can fly to 15 other destinations within Vietnam on Jetstar Pacific, which offers the same low fares that Australians have come to expect from Jetstar.”

Australian visitor arrivals to Vietnam increased 6% in 2016, while the number of Vietnamese travellers to Australia jumped 21%. At present, Vietnam Airlines flies direct to both Sydney and Melbourne from HCMC. It will also start flying from Hanoi to Sydney on 28 March 2017.

Jetstar’s flights from Melbourne to HCMC will commence on 10 May 2017, with the Sydney services scheduled to kick off on 11 May.

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Jetstar 787 Jetstar will fly ts Boeing 787 Dreamliner to Vietnam
Melbourne hotels exceed 80% occupancy https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/melbourne-hotels-exceed-80-occupancy/ Thu, 12 Jan 2017 07:15:04 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=245893 The post Melbourne hotels exceed 80% occupancy appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Hotels along Melbourne's Yarra River

Melbourne’s hotel sector continues to boom, with rates rising and occupancy in excess of 80%. Publishing the city’s preliminary results for December 2016, hotel analysts STR revealed that Melbourne’s occupancy averaged 80.8% last month, while average daily rate (ADR) increased 3.1% to AU$190.50 (approx. US$141). Melbourne’s occupancy climbed above 90% on New Year’s Eve, while […]

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Hotels along Melbourne's Yarra River
Hotels along Melbourne's Yarra River
Hotels along Melbourne’s Yarra River

Melbourne’s hotel sector continues to boom, with rates rising and occupancy in excess of 80%.

Publishing the city’s preliminary results for December 2016, hotel analysts STR revealed that Melbourne’s occupancy averaged 80.8% last month, while average daily rate (ADR) increased 3.1% to AU$190.50 (approx. US$141).

Melbourne’s occupancy climbed above 90% on New Year’s Eve, while ADR exceeded AU$320 – approximately 4% higher than on 31 December 2015.

During the week of the Boxing Day Test, Melbourne’s famous annual cricket fixture, the market’s hotel performance was “mostly flat”, according to STR, with rising ADR offset by declining occupancy.

Overall, Melbourne’s revenue per available room (revPAR) increased 1.4% to AU$153.91 in December 2016.

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shutterstock_415628215 Hotels along Melbourne's Yarra River
Qantas boosts Japan with new Narita service https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/qantas-boosts-japan-with-new-narita-service/ Mon, 19 Dec 2016 08:35:23 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=245200 The post Qantas boosts Japan with new Narita service appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Qantas has expanded its presence in Japan with the launch of new direct flights linking Melbourne with Tokyo’s Narita Airport. The new daily service, which is being operated using a two-class Airbus A330-300 aircraft, takes the number of weekly seats the Australian national carrier offers on its Japanese routes to 6,000. This follows the launch […]

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Qantas has expanded its presence in Japan with the launch of new direct flights linking Melbourne with Tokyo’s Narita Airport.

The new daily service, which is being operated using a two-class Airbus A330-300 aircraft, takes the number of weekly seats the Australian national carrier offers on its Japanese routes to 6,000. This follows the launch of new Sydney-Tokyo Haneda and Brisbane-Tokyo Narita routes in 2015.

Qantas International CEO, Gareth Evans, said that Qantas was aiming to “meet demand and unlock opportunities for Australia in Asia”.

“The clear message from our Japanese customers was that they wanted a direct link into Melbourne, so we’re delighted to be opening up that gateway for them today,” Evans said. “We’ve had a great response from Victorian tourism operators and the many companies in Melbourne who do business with Japan.

“With a new Free Trade Agreement in place, there’s tremendous potential to build on the fantastic growth we’ve already seen in this market, and we want the Qantas Group to lead the way in making it happen.”

Tokyo becomes the eighth international destination served by Qantas serves out of the Victorian capital. Flights to Christchurch began on 4 December, and the airline confirmed earlier this week that Melbourne-Los Angeles would be the launch route for its new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft in 2017.

Qantas’ low-cost subsidiary, Jetstar also currently flies between Melbourne and Narita, but this service will cease operating early next year. Jetstar also links Narita with Cairns, Sydney and the Gold Coast.

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Qatar Airways reveals latest A380 destination https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/qatar-airways-reveals-latest-a380-destination/ Wed, 14 Dec 2016 05:46:36 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=244990 The post Qatar Airways reveals latest A380 destination appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Qatar Airways' 517-seat A380

Qatar Airways has revealed that Melbourne will become the next destination to be served by its largest aircraft, the Airbus A380. Commencing on 30 June 2017, the 517-seat double-decker jet will fly daily to the Australian city, increasing capacity on the route by 44%. The airline first started flying to Melbourne in December 2009, using […]

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Qatar Airways' 517-seat A380
Qatar Airways' 517-seat A380
Qatar Airways’ 517-seat A380

Qatar Airways has revealed that Melbourne will become the next destination to be served by its largest aircraft, the Airbus A380.

Commencing on 30 June 2017, the 517-seat double-decker jet will fly daily to the Australian city, increasing capacity on the route by 44%. The airline first started flying to Melbourne in December 2009, using a 259-seat Boeing 777 aircraft. With the introduction of daily A380 services, capacity on the route will have doubled since in the last seven years.

“As we continue to grow apace in Australia, we have seen a clear need to inject additional capacity on the Melbourne service,” said Qatar Airways’ group chief executive, Akbar Al Baker. “Melburnians will find our… quick connections via Doha’s Hamad International Airport a great and easy travel option. And our expansive European network provides plenty of homecoming options for one of Australia’s most culturally diverse cities.”

From next summer, Qatar Airways’ A380 will depart Doha daily at 2050 and arrive in Melbourne at 1720. The return service will then leave the Australian city at 2205 before arriving back in Qatar at 0525 the next morning.

The A380 offers three classes, with eight seats in first class, 48 in business class and 461 in economy. Passengers travelling from Melbourne to London and Paris will be able to fly the entire way on the A380.

Melbourne is one of four Australian cities served by Qatar Airways, along with Sydney, Adelaide and Perth, and the airline is also planning to fly to Canberra in 2017. Sydney is already served by the airline’s A380.

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shutterstock_451840504 Qatar Airways' 517-seat A380
Qantas reveals first Dreamliner route https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/qantas-reveals-first-dreamliner-route/ Tue, 13 Dec 2016 08:26:38 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=244936 The post Qantas reveals first Dreamliner route appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Qantas has revealed that the trans-Pacific route between Melbourne and Los Angeles will be the first to be operated by its new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. The long-haul jet’s inaugural international service will take-off for the first time on 15 December 2017. Operating six times per week, the Dreamliner will replace the B747 service that currently […]

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Economy class onboard the new Boeing 787-9
Economy class onboard the new Boeing 787-9

Qantas has revealed that the trans-Pacific route between Melbourne and Los Angeles will be the first to be operated by its new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner.

The long-haul jet’s inaugural international service will take-off for the first time on 15 December 2017. Operating six times per week, the Dreamliner will replace the B747 service that currently operates on this route, alongside Qantas’ daily Airbus A380 flights.

The new B787-9 will carry 236 passengers in a three-cabin configuration, with business, premium economy and economy class seating. The larger, 364-seat B747 currently operates the route twice a week, so the additional flights will lead to a capacity increase of approximately 1,400 weekly seats.

The expansion of the Melbourne-LA service from nine to 13 return weekly flights will also give passengers the option of morning or afternoon departure from Melbourne on most days.

The new Qantas Dreamliner
The new Qantas Dreamliner

“The Dreamliner is a game-changing aircraft that opens up a new era for Qantas, and it’s been designed with passenger comfort in mind,” said Qantas International’s CEO, Gareth Evans. “The aircraft itself offers passengers larger windows, a smoother ride and better air quality to reduce jetlag.

“In economy there’s more room and plenty of storage. In business, our suites will offer a fully flat-bed and direct aisle access. We’ll be unveiling our premium economy in the first quarter of next year and it will set new standards for the industry,” he added.

Today’s announcement follows the recent revelation that Qantas will fly non-stop from Perth to London from March 2018, also using the new aircraft.

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Economy class onboard the new Boeing 787-9 QF B787 slider The new Qantas Dreamliner
AccorHotels adds upscale apartments in Melbourne https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/accorhotels-adds-upscale-apartments-in-melbourne/ Wed, 07 Dec 2016 05:42:06 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=244672 The post AccorHotels adds upscale apartments in Melbourne appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

The Sebel Melbourne Moorabbin

AccorHotels will open a new apartment hotel in Melbourne next month. The Sebel Melbourne Moorabbin, which is a new-build upscale property, is scheduled to open its doors in January 2017. Located in the southeastern suburbs of Melbourne, 45 minutes’ drive from the airport, the hotel will become the third Sebel in Melbourne and the brand’s […]

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The Sebel Melbourne Moorabbin
The Sebel Melbourne Moorabbin
The Sebel Melbourne Moorabbin

AccorHotels will open a new apartment hotel in Melbourne next month.

The Sebel Melbourne Moorabbin, which is a new-build upscale property, is scheduled to open its doors in January 2017.

Located in the southeastern suburbs of Melbourne, 45 minutes’ drive from the airport, the hotel will become the third Sebel in Melbourne and the brand’s fifth property in the state of Victoria. It is owned by the Accommodation Management Group, which also own the Mercure Warragul.

“This is a strategic and significant new development for Moorabbin, and we are delighted to once again be working with Accommodation Management Group Limited to provide more places to stay in the area,” stated Simon McGrath, AccorHotels’ chief operating officer for Australia and the Pacific.

AccorHotels took control of the Sebel apartment hotel brand in 2012, following the company’s acquisition of the Mirvac Group.

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Sebel The Sebel Melbourne Moorabbin
Mantra signs five in Australia & NZ https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/mantra-signs-five-in-australia-nz/ Thu, 24 Nov 2016 07:04:22 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=244168 The post Mantra signs five in Australia & NZ appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Mantra has taken over The Observatory Hotel in Port Macquarie

Australia’s Mantra Group has added five more hotels to its portfolio. The new signings cover two of its brands – upscale Mantra and luxury Peppers – and five destinations, including four different Australian states and New Zealand’s South Island. In total, they will add more than 900 keys to the group’s inventory. “This latest group […]

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Mantra has taken over The Observatory Hotel in Port Macquarie
Mantra has taken over The Observatory Hotel in Port Macquarie
Mantra has taken over The Observatory Hotel in Port Macquarie

Australia’s Mantra Group has added five more hotels to its portfolio.

The new signings cover two of its brands – upscale Mantra and luxury Peppers – and five destinations, including four different Australian states and New Zealand’s South Island. In total, they will add more than 900 keys to the group’s inventory.

“This latest group of acquisition reinforces the strong momentum in our growth strategy and highlights our ability to convert our pipeline,” said Mantra’s CEO, Bob East. “With seven acquisition announcements in the first five months of [financial year] 2017, we’re well-placed to exceed last year’s record result.”

Two of the new properties will be under the Peppers brand; the 164-room Peppers Southbank in Melbourne and the 260-key Peppers Queenstown Resort in New Zealand. Both properties will launch in late 2018.

Three Mantra-branded properties will also join the company’s portfolio, starting with the 85-unit Mantra Observatory in Port Macquarie, New South Wales, and the 160-room Mantra Club Crocodile, in Queensland’s Airlie Beach, which will reopen in time for the Christmas season. Then in 2018, a brand new 26-storey hotel, Mantra 900 Hay Street, will open in central Perth.

These new hotels join Mantra’s existing portfolio of 126 properties with more than 21,000 rooms across Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia and Hawaii.

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Mantra Observatory High Mantra has taken over The Observatory Hotel in Port Macquarie
Hainan Airlines opens first two routes to Melbourne https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/hainan-airlines-opens-first-two-routes-to-melbourne/ Wed, 09 Nov 2016 05:24:25 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=243457 The post Hainan Airlines opens first two routes to Melbourne appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Hainan Airlines will fly an Airbus A330 to Melbourne

Hainan Airlines launched its first flights to Melbourne this week, from two Chinese cities. On Tuesday (8 November 2016), the carrier kicked off a new twice weekly service from Xi’an to the Australian city, and then on Wednesday it commenced twice weekly flights from Changsha to Melbourne. The Xi’an service will now depart the capital […]

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Hainan Airlines will fly an Airbus A330 to Melbourne
Hainan Airlines will fly an Airbus A330 to Melbourne
Hainan Airlines will fly an Airbus A330 to Melbourne

Hainan Airlines launched its first flights to Melbourne this week, from two Chinese cities.

On Tuesday (8 November 2016), the carrier kicked off a new twice weekly service from Xi’an to the Australian city, and then on Wednesday it commenced twice weekly flights from Changsha to Melbourne.

The Xi’an service will now depart the capital of Shaanxi province at 1630 every Tuesday and Friday, while the Changsha route will leave the capital of Hunan province every Wednesday and Sunday at 1740.

Hainan Airlines will deploy its two-class, 292-seat Airbus A330 aircraft on both routes, configured with 36 flat-bed seats in business class and 256 seats in economy.

The Melbourne service will complement Hainan Airlines’ existing flights to Sydney from Xi’an and Changsha.

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shutterstock_324191351 Hainan Airlines will fly an Airbus A330 to Melbourne
Air India adds Australian flights due to “overwhelming” demand https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/air-india-adds-australian-flights-due-to-overwhelming-demand/ Fri, 30 Sep 2016 05:13:29 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=241790 The post Air India adds Australian flights due to “overwhelming” demand appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Air India's Boeing 787 Dreamliner

Air India will introduce three more flights to Australia next year. The Economic Times reported the national carrier’s chairman & managing director, Ashwani Lohani, as confirming that the services linking Delhi with Sydney and Melbourne would increase from seven to 10 flights per week in 2017, due to a high level of demand. “The response […]

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Air India's Boeing 787 Dreamliner
Air India's Boeing 787 Dreamliner
Air India’s Boeing 787 Dreamliner

Air India will introduce three more flights to Australia next year.

The Economic Times reported the national carrier’s chairman & managing director, Ashwani Lohani, as confirming that the services linking Delhi with Sydney and Melbourne would increase from seven to 10 flights per week in 2017, due to a high level of demand.

“The response to Air India’s non-stop Dreamliner between Delhi and Sydney-Melbourne has been overwhelming and we will be deploying the additional capacity on this route in the second quarter of 2017,” Lohani was quoted saying.

Air India initially operated a triangular route between Delhi and Australia’s two largest cities, but this was later switched to point-to-point flights, with the Delhi-Sydney route running four times a week (Sundays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays) and Delhi-Melbourne operating on the remaining three days of the week. It was not confirmed which route the three additional flights will be placed on.

All of Air India’s Australian flights are served using its two-class Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft.

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shutterstock_322945325 Air India's Boeing 787 Dreamliner
Virgin Australia spreads wings east and west https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/virgin-australia-spreads-wings-east-and-west/ Thu, 22 Sep 2016 03:33:19 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=241457 The post Virgin Australia spreads wings east and west appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Photo by Peter Gudella

Virgin Australia has revealed plans to revise and expand its long-haul routes, both east across the Pacific and west across the Indian Ocean. Commencing in 2017, the airline will launch five weekly direct flights between Melbourne and Los Angeles, and three weekly services from Perth to Abu Dhabi. But to enable the new services, Virgin […]

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Photo by Peter Gudella
Photo by Peter Gudella
Photo by Peter Gudella

Virgin Australia has revealed plans to revise and expand its long-haul routes, both east across the Pacific and west across the Indian Ocean.

Commencing in 2017, the airline will launch five weekly direct flights between Melbourne and Los Angeles, and three weekly services from Perth to Abu Dhabi.

But to enable the new services, Virgin Australia will cease operating its thrice times weekly Sydney-Abu Dhabi flights, while its Brisbane-Los Angeles schedule will be reduced from daily to six flights a week.

The trans-Pacific Melbourne-LA route will commence on 4 April and will be operated using a Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, while the Perth-Abu Dhabi service will run three times a week from 9 June using an Airbus A330-200.

Virgin Australia will leverage its partnerships on the routes, with Delta Air Lines codesharing on the Melbourne-LA flights and Etihad teaming up on the Perth-Abu Dhabi services.

“The United States is a key market for Virgin Australia and this enables us to service Los Angeles from the three biggest gateways in Australia – Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney,” said Virgin Australia’s group CEO, John Borghetti. “In partnership with Delta Air Lines, we will soon offer 25 services each week from Australia to Los Angeles and remain the only trans-Pacific alliance to offer business class guests lie flat beds with direct aisle access on all services.

“Our A330 aircraft will be deployed on a long-haul international route for the first time on flights between Perth and Abu Dhabi, which increases the number of services offered on the route from seven to 10 per week through our alliance with Etihad Airways,” he added.

Following the schedule changes, passengers will continue to have the option of twice daily flights between Sydney and Abu Dhabi with Etihad.

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shutterstock_192358655 Photo by Peter Gudella
THAI postpones A350’s international launch https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/thai-postpones-a350s-international-launch/ Mon, 12 Sep 2016 04:38:14 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=241027 The post THAI postpones A350’s international launch appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

THAI's new Airbus A350-900

Thai Airways International (THAI) has delayed the launch of its brand new Airbus A350 on the Bangkok-Melbourne route. Following a series of short-haul services to Chiang Mai, the Australian city was due to become the first long-haul destination for the new twin-aisle aircraft on 16 September 2016. But THAI has now said that it the […]

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THAI's new Airbus A350-900
THAI's new Airbus A350-900
THAI’s new Airbus A350-900

Thai Airways International (THAI) has delayed the launch of its brand new Airbus A350 on the Bangkok-Melbourne route.

Following a series of short-haul services to Chiang Mai, the Australian city was due to become the first long-haul destination for the new twin-aisle aircraft on 16 September 2016. But THAI has now said that it the new aircraft will not be cleared by Australian authorities in time for the launch.

“Due to additional inspections and requirements from Australian authorities on THAI’s newest aircraft type A350XWB, the approval process is not able to be completed in time for THAI to operate the maiden flight by 16 September,” said THAI’s president, Charamporn Jotikasthira.

The airline noted that Australia’s previous approval of its Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner was “much shorter”.

Since then however, Thailand’s aviation safety standards have been subject to international scrutiny, following an unsuccessful ICAO audit and the downgrading of the country’s FAA rating. The lower category two FAA rating, when applied to US routes, would prevent changes of aircraft.

THAI said that it now plans to continue operating the A350 on domestic routes to Chiang Mai and Phuket until the end of October, by which time it hopes to receive clearance for the new aircraft.

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First_A350_XWB_delivery_to_THAI-Morning_Ambiance-05 THAI's new Airbus A350-900
Qingdao gets connected with new long-haul flights https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/qingdao-gets-connected-with-new-long-haul-flights/ Fri, 26 Aug 2016 06:37:17 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=240389 The post Qingdao gets connected with new long-haul flights appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Qingdao

The Chinese port city of Qingdao will soon be accessible from more parts of the world, following the launch of a series of new international flights. China Eastern Airlines recently revealed plans to launch Qingdao’s first trans-Pacific flight to the US, with direct services to San Francisco starting on 29 September 2016. And it has […]

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Qingdao
Qingdao
Qingdao

The Chinese port city of Qingdao will soon be accessible from more parts of the world, following the launch of a series of new international flights.

China Eastern Airlines recently revealed plans to launch Qingdao’s first trans-Pacific flight to the US, with direct services to San Francisco starting on 29 September 2016.

And it has now been revealed that another Chinese carrier, Capital Airlines, will launch direct flights between Qingdao and Melbourne on the same day. This will mark the airline’s first foray into the Australian market and Qingdao’s first direct link Down Under.

Flights will operate three times a week, departing Qingdao every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday and returning from Melbourne the next day. All services will be operated using an Airbus A330 aircraft and continue onwards between Qingdao and Shenyang.

Qingdao, which is located on the shores of the Yellow Sea in eastern China’s Shandong province, is best known as being the birthplace of Tsingtao, China’s most famous beer.

Following the launch of its Melbourne route, Capital Airlines will also start flying from Qingdao to Vancouver on 30 December 2016. The city is already connected to Europe by Lufthansa’s flights to and from Frankfurt.

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shutterstock_418510924 Qingdao
Australian prison hotel to offer nights behind bars https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/australian-prison-hotel-to-offer-nights-behind-bars/ Wed, 03 Aug 2016 06:44:12 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=239477 The post Australian prison hotel to offer nights behind bars appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Pentridge Prison dates back to 1851

Visitors to Australia will soon be able to spend the night behind bars, without the need to get arrested first. The historic Pentridge Prison, which is located just 8km from central Melbourne, will soon be transformed into one of Australia’s most unique accommodation offerings, with TFE Hotels signing an agreement to operate an Adina Apartment […]

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Pentridge Prison dates back to 1851

Visitors to Australia will soon be able to spend the night behind bars, without the need to get arrested first.

The historic Pentridge Prison, which is located just 8km from central Melbourne, will soon be transformed into one of Australia’s most unique accommodation offerings, with TFE Hotels signing an agreement to operate an Adina Apartment Hotel on the site.

Pentridge Prison dates back to 1851
Pentridge Prison dates back to 1851

The new hotel comprises several elements, including the opportunity to stay in a converted prison cell. The prison’s former chapel will also be transformed into a venue for weddings and functions.

In addition, another building will be constructed on vacant land adjacent to the prison, providing a further nine levels of accommodation, residential apartments and other facilities.

“This hotel will sensitively reopen this historic asset in a way for the entire community to experience and appreciate,” said Anthony Goh, a spokesperson for the Shayher Group, which is redeveloping the prison. “In developing these plans, we have taken inspiration from similar projects in the United States and United Kingdom that have readapted jails into beautiful accommodation, paying tribute to the past by repositioning them for the future.

A rendering of how the new prison hotel could look
A rendering of how the new prison hotel could look

“We have challenged Cox Architects to deliver a design that sets a benchmark in sensitive and adaptive reuse and breathes new life into this historic asset, returning it to the public.”

Rachel Argaman, CEO of TFE Hotels, said the hotel would attract “locals and visitors from overseas” who will be “intrigued to learn about Australia’s penal past”.

“Hotels provide a great way to preserve the history of heritage-listed buildings, allowing unique and memorable experiences for guests who learn and experience aspects of that rich past,” she added.

The hotel is expected to open in 2020, pending planning and heritage permits and construction approvals.  Pentridge Prison dates back to 1851 and housed prisoners until 1997. It once contained the notorious Jika Jika – a “jail within a jail” which housed some of Australia’s most dangerous prisoners.

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Prison hotel1 Pentridge Prison dates back to 1851 Prison hotel2 A rendering of how the new prison hotel could look
Starwood brings Aloft brand to Melbourne https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/starwood-brings-aloft-brand-to-melbourne/ Tue, 26 Jul 2016 09:44:54 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=239163 The post Starwood brings Aloft brand to Melbourne appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Aloft Melbourne South Yarra will open in 2019

Starwood has signed an agreement to debut its Aloft brand in Melbourne. Scheduled to open in early 2019, the new-build hotel will form the centrepiece of the 402 Chapel development, located in the city’s South Yarra district. The hotel will be 40 minutes’ drive from Melbourne Airport. “We’re delighted to bring the first Aloft hotel […]

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Aloft Melbourne South Yarra will open in 2019
Aloft Melbourne South Yarra will open in 2019
Aloft Melbourne South Yarra will open in 2019

Starwood has signed an agreement to debut its Aloft brand in Melbourne.

Scheduled to open in early 2019, the new-build hotel will form the centrepiece of the 402 Chapel development, located in the city’s South Yarra district. The hotel will be 40 minutes’ drive from Melbourne Airport.

“We’re delighted to bring the first Aloft hotel to the city of Melbourne. The brand continues to experience rapid growth globally and locally here in Australia, where we currently have two Aloft hotels under construction in Adelaide and Perth,” said Sean Hunt, Starwood’s vice president for the Pacific.

“The Aloft brand… is the perfect match for a vibrant and sophisticated city like Melbourne, where there is a growing demand for affordable yet stylish tech-forward hotels.”

Aloft Melbourne South Yarra will offer 176 rooms, all featuring the brand’s signature high ceilings and large windows. It will also include a lounge, bar and “grab and go” F&B area, plus a fitness centre, rooftop terrace, swimming pool and 300m² of function space.

The new Aloft joins Starwood’s portfolio of 29 hotels in the Pacific region, 17 of which are currently operating. The Aloft Perth Rivervale and Aloft Adelaide are set to open in 2017 and 2018 respectively.

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Aloft Melbourne South Yarra Aloft Melbourne South Yarra will open in 2019
SilverNeedle continues Sage expansion in Australia https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/silverneedle-continues-sage-expansion-in-australia/ Mon, 25 Jul 2016 04:31:00 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=239090 The post SilverNeedle continues Sage expansion in Australia appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Sage Hotel Ringwood

SilverNeedle Hospitality has continued to expand its Sage Hotels brand in Australia with the signing of a new property in Melbourne. The new Sage Hotel Ringwood will form part of new hotel and shopping complex being developed by QIC. The six-storey hotel will feature 120 rooms and several function spaces. “Sage Hotel Ringwood brings good […]

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Sage Hotel Ringwood
Sage Hotel Ringwood
Sage Hotel Ringwo

SilverNeedle Hospitality has continued to expand its Sage Hotels brand in Australia with the signing of a new property in Melbourne.

The new Sage Hotel Ringwood will form part of new hotel and shopping complex being developed by QIC. The six-storey hotel will feature 120 rooms and several function spaces.

“Sage Hotel Ringwood brings good growth and infrastructure prospects because it is a gateway to the Yarra. Its mixed-used design, with shopping and dining options, is key to attract travellers who want to experience local, which gives the area more opportunities to benefit from the increase in tourism dollars,” said Cameron Stewart, SilverNeedle’s managing director for Australia & New Zealand.

This announcement follows the most recent opening of Sage Hotel West Perth in May 2016. Other Sage Hotels are currently operating in Adelaide and Wollongong, and SilverNeedle also plans to open the Sage Brisbane early next year.

And with two more Sage Hotels slated to open in 2017 and 2018, the brand’s Australian portfolio will reach seven hotels in the coming years.

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Sage Melbourne Sage Hotel Ringwood
Emirates promises shorter flight times to Melbourne from the UK https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/emirates-promises-shorter-flight-times-to-melbourne-from-the-uk/ Mon, 20 Jun 2016 11:27:29 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=237875 The post Emirates promises shorter flight times to Melbourne from the UK appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Passengers travelling to Melbourne, Australia from the UK will now have another direct flight option with Emirates announcing that flights EK408 and EK409 will begin operating as nonstop services from Dubai from 30 October.  Operated by an Emirates B777-300ER aircraft, EK408 will depart Dubai at 03:00hrs and arrive in Melbourne (MEL) at 23:20hrs. The return […]

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Passengers travelling to Melbourne, Australia from the UK will now have another direct flight option with Emirates announcing that flights EK408 and EK409 will begin operating as nonstop services from Dubai from 30 October. 

Emirates A380.
Emirates A380.

Operated by an Emirates B777-300ER aircraft, EK408 will depart Dubai at 03:00hrs and arrive in Melbourne (MEL) at 23:20hrs. The return flight, EK409, will leave Melbourne at 06:00hrs and land in Dubai (DXB) at 13:05hrs.

The current service from Dubai to Melbourne operates via Kuala Lumpur (KUL) in both directions. These flight changes will save passengers approximately two and half hours in travel time in each direction when travelling between Dubai and Melbourne on these services.

The change to these services will provide passengers with improved one-stop connectivity when travelling with Emirates from its UK gateways (London Heathrow, London Gatwick, Birmingham, Newcastle, Glasgow and Manchester) to Melbourne via Dubai.

Emirates offers a total of four daily flights from Dubai to Melbourne with codeshare partner Qantas, including three services operated by an A380 aircraft and one flight on an Emirates B777-300ER. With this change, from 30 October, these four daily services will include two daily nonstop flights to Melbourne from Dubai on Emirates and one flight on Qantas aircraft, as well as one daily Emirates flight to Melbourne from Dubai that operates via Singapore.

 

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Emirates A380 A6-EDE departs Birmingham (BHX) for Dubai on EK040 on 9 Sep 2009. Emirates A380.
Emirates de-links KL from Melbourne https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/emirates-de-links-kl-from-melbourne/ Thu, 16 Jun 2016 23:43:05 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=237770 The post Emirates de-links KL from Melbourne appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Emirates will offer two non-stop flights to Melbourne

Emirates will cease operating its Dubai-Kuala Lumpur-Melbourne service later this year, as it opts to cut out the Malaysian capital and fly direct to Australia. The re-routing, which comes into effect on 30 October 2016, will mean that Emirates will operate two non-stop daily flights between Dubai and Melbourne, plus a third daily service which […]

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Emirates will offer two non-stop flights to Melbourne
Emirates will offer two non-stop flights to Melbourne
Emirates will offer two non-stop flights to Melbourne

Emirates will cease operating its Dubai-Kuala Lumpur-Melbourne service later this year, as it opts to cut out the Malaysian capital and fly direct to Australia.

The re-routing, which comes into effect on 30 October 2016, will mean that Emirates will operate two non-stop daily flights between Dubai and Melbourne, plus a third daily service which operates via Singapore. The airline will retain three daily direct flights between Dubai and KL.

Including its partnership with Qantas, Emirates will offer a total of four daily services to and from Melbourne – three of which operate non-stop, including Qantas’ daily flight. These form part of a total of 91 weekly flights between Australia and Dubai offered by the Emirates-Qantas partnership – including six daily A380 flights – to Brisbane, Perth, Melbourne, Adelaide and Sydney.

The news is not great for Malaysian passengers however; Malaysia Airlines suspended its own KL-Dubai service earlier this year as part of a major tie-up with Emirates, whereby passengers can tap into the Middle Eastern carrier’s global route network via Dubai. The reduction of another daily flight between KL and Dubai will reduce the opportunities for a quick connection.

Malaysia Airlines and AirAsia X will both continue to fly direct between KL and Melbourne.

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EK fuselage Emirates will offer two non-stop flights to Melbourne
Etihad upgrades Australian routes with newest aircraft https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/etihad-adds-fifth-a380-route/ Thu, 02 Jun 2016 02:55:39 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=237122 The post Etihad upgrades Australian routes with newest aircraft appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

The First Apartment on Etihad's A380

Etihad Airways has upgraded its Australian network with the deployment of new aircraft to two destinations. The UAE-based airline’s Airbus A380 will touch down in Melbourne today (2 July 2016), marking the fifth global destination for the carrier’s largest aircraft. And also on Thursday, Etihad’s Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft (pictured top) will touch down in […]

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The First Apartment on Etihad's A380

Etihad Airways has upgraded its Australian network with the deployment of new aircraft to two destinations.

The UAE-based airline’s Airbus A380 will touch down in Melbourne today (2 July 2016), marking the fifth global destination for the carrier’s largest aircraft. And also on Thursday, Etihad’s Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft (pictured top) will touch down in Perth for the first time.

The 496-seat A380 departed Abu Dhabi International Airport at 2215 on Wednesday night, and is scheduled to land in Melbourne at 1745 on Thursday. The return flight will leave Melbourne at 2210 tonight and lands back in the UAE capital at 0625 the next morning.

The First Apartment on Etihad's A380
The First Apartment on Etihad’s A380

The A380 will operate one of two daily Etihad flights on the route, with the second service being operated by a three-class Boeing 777-300ER aircraft.

The inaugural Dreamliner flight to Perth took off from Abu Dhabi at 2230 yesterday and is scheduled to arrive in the Western Australian capital at 1350 today. The return flight will depart Perth at 1700 this evening and arrive in Abu Dhabi at 0025 on 3 June. Flights will operate daily.

Etihad’s A380 comes fitted with the airline’s latest cabin products, including The Residence by Etihad, which covers nearly 12m² and features a living room, bedroom and en-suite shower room. There are also nine ‘First Apartments’, 70 ‘Business Studios’ and 415 economy class seats. For premium passengers, there is a lounge area that features two leather sofas and a bar.

The B787-9 Dreamliner meanwhile, comes fitted with 299 seats in two cabins, with 28 Business Studios and 271 economy class seats. It will replace the A330-200 aircraft Etihad previous deployed on the Perth route.
Commenting on the launch of the A380 flights to Melbourne, Etihad’s senior vice president of marketing,

The Boeing 787's Business Studio
The Boeing 787’s Business Studio

Shane O’Hare, said; “Our Abu Dhabi to Melbourne services generate very high seat load factors year-round. The A380, with 70 seats in business class, enables us to better meet the demand we have for our premium cabins and will boost our market share of this important segment.”

And regarding the Perth service he added; “Since launching flights between Perth and Abu Dhabi two years ago we have enjoyed strong two-way demand from business and leisure travellers on the route. The Dreamliner, which adds 518 weekly seats to the route, gives us the extra capacity needed to meet this ever-increasing demand.”

Etihad now operates its A380 to five international destinations: London, Sydney, New York, Mumbai and Melbourne. Perth also becomes the fifth destination for Etihad’s B787 fleet, following Singapore, Washington DC, Zurich and Dusseldorf. It also plans to deploy the aircraft on its routes to Istanbul, Johannesburg and Shanghai later this year.

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6320_Etihad_First_Apartment_Landscape The First Apartment on Etihad's A380 Business Studio_45098_257933_Etihad85077_RGB The Boeing 787's Business Studio
China’s Capital Airlines flies to Australia https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/chinas-capital-airlines-flies-to-australia/ Sun, 29 May 2016 03:01:00 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=236940 The post China’s Capital Airlines flies to Australia appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Melbourne

Capital Airlines, a subsidiary of China’s HNA Group, will make its debut in Australia later this year. Commencing on 29 September 2016, the airline will operate three weekly flights from Shenyang, the capital of northeast China’s Liaoning province, to Melbourne, via the port city of Qingdao, in eastern China’s Shandong province. Under the new schedule, […]

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Melbourne
Melbourne
Melbourne

Capital Airlines, a subsidiary of China’s HNA Group, will make its debut in Australia later this year.

Commencing on 29 September 2016, the airline will operate three weekly flights from Shenyang, the capital of northeast China’s Liaoning province, to Melbourne, via the port city of Qingdao, in eastern China’s Shandong province.

Under the new schedule, flights will depart Shenyang’s Taoxian International Airport every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 1525, arriving at Melbourne Airport at 0825 the next day. The return service will leave Melbourne on every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday at 1025 and get back into Shenyang at 2335.

Capital Airlines will deploy its 211-seat Airbus A330 aircraft on the route, configured with 33 seats in business class and 178 in economy.

The Beijing-based airline has expanded its international network significantly in recent months, including the launch of its first European flights to Copenhagen and Madrid.

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Melbourne Melbourne
Melbourne convention centre to expand by 40% https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/melbourne-convention-centre-to-expand-by-40/ Sun, 29 May 2016 01:52:46 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=236928 The post Melbourne convention centre to expand by 40% appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre (MCEC)

Plans have been unveiled for a significant expansion of the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre (MCEC). The project will add nearly 20,000m² of event space to the facility, including new exhibition halls and more meeting and banqueting rooms. Once complete, the MCEC will cover a total floorspace of more than 70,000m² and will enable the […]

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Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre (MCEC)
Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre (MCEC)
Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre (MCEC)

Plans have been unveiled for a significant expansion of the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre (MCEC).

The project will add nearly 20,000m² of event space to the facility, including new exhibition halls and more meeting and banqueting rooms. Once complete, the MCEC will cover a total floorspace of more than 70,000m² and will enable the facility to handle an additional 74,000 visitors per year.

“This new boost will help our state bid for more events, which will see more people visiting, more jobs created as we become an even stronger state,” said Victoria’s Minister for Tourism & Major Events, John Eren.

The expansion project forms part of the South Wharf development that will connect the MCEC with a new 341-room hotel and multi-storey car park.

While the development takes place, MCEC said that it would continue to be “business as usual” at the conference centre. Construction is expected to be completed in early 2018.

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MCEC Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre (MCEC)
SilverNeedle unveils Next hotel in Australia https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/silverneedle-unveils-next-hotel-in-australia/ Tue, 10 May 2016 02:16:32 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=236182 The post SilverNeedle unveils Next hotel in Australia appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Next Hotel Melbourne

SilverNeedle has signed an agreement for another Next hotel in Australia. The contract with QIC Global Real Estate will see the new-build hotel rise in Melbourne, as part of a mixed-use development on Collins Street. The overall complex will feature 45,000m² of commercial space and 9,000m² of retail space. Next Hotel Melbourne will add 300 […]

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Next Hotel Melbourne
Next Hotel Melbourne
Next Hotel Melbourne

SilverNeedle has signed an agreement for another Next hotel in Australia.

The contract with QIC Global Real Estate will see the new-build hotel rise in Melbourne, as part of a mixed-use development on Collins Street. The overall complex will feature 45,000m² of commercial space and 9,000m² of retail space.

Next Hotel Melbourne will add 300 rooms and suites to Melbourne’s inventory. And in line with the Next brand ethos, the hotel will incorporate many high-tech features, such as self-check-in and keyless room entry.
Cameron Stewart, managing director of the SilverNeedle Group, explained on the brand’s concept.

“A great example is our mobile app, an evolution of an already world-class system that simplifies the check-in process for time poor guests on the go,” he said.

“There are millions of smartphone users only clicks away from completing check-in, unlocking rooms via keyless entry, selecting room preference, and accessing self-service kiosks for check-in. Guests at Next are encouraged not to queue to check-out, we see this as a superfluous process.

“Innovations like these provide huge benefits by giving our customers invaluable choice, speed and flexibility.”

SilverNeedle currently operates a Next hotel in Brisbane, but is planning to launch new properties in Perth and Darwin in future.

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Next Melbourne Next Hotel Melbourne
Etihad opens new Melbourne lounge https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/etihad-opens-new-melbourne-lounge/ Mon, 09 May 2016 07:22:57 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=236143 The post Etihad opens new Melbourne lounge appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Etihad Airways has opened its new Premium Lounge at Melbourne Airport. Measuring 800m² and with floor-to-ceiling glass windows that overlook the runway, the new facility is the airline’s largest Premium Lounge outside Abu Dhabi. It can seat 133 people and features a 26-seat dining area with a la carte and buffet options, plus a bar […]

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Etihad Airways has opened its new Premium Lounge at Melbourne Airport.

Measuring 800m² and with floor-to-ceiling glass windows that overlook the runway, the new facility is the airline’s largest Premium Lounge outside Abu Dhabi. It can seat 133 people and features a 26-seat dining area with a la carte and buffet options, plus a bar stocked with local Victorian wines and more than 70 spirits and aperitifs.

The bar area at Etihad's new Premium Lounge
The bar area at Etihad’s new Premium Lounge

Other amenities include separate male and female bathrooms with shower facilities, male and female prayer rooms, a children’s playroom and a luggage room. The lounge will also be connected with free Wi-Fi, power sockets and USB ports.

The launch of lounge comes as Etihad prepares to launch its first Airbus A380 flights to Melbourne next month.

“The new Premium Lounge at Melbourne Airport is in a class of its own. Blending the best of a fine-dining restaurant and a chic city cocktail bar, this lounge is a showcase of intelligent design and sophistication,” said Shane O’Hare, Etihad’s senior vice president of marketing.

“The opening of this remarkable new facility and the launch of our flagship A380 services on 1 June, offer travellers on the Melbourne-Abu Dhabi route our most compelling guest experience proposition ever.”

The new lounge is located at Melbourne Airport’s Terminal 2, adjacent to gate 10. It will open approximately three hours prior to the departure of Etihad’s twice daily Melbourne-Abu Dhabi flights.

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Bar_2 The bar area at Etihad's new Premium Lounge
AccorHotels adds four in Australia https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/accorhotels-adds-four-in-australia/ Tue, 03 May 2016 08:34:41 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=235931 The post AccorHotels adds four in Australia appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Mercure Sydney Bankstown will open in 2017

AccorHotels, which is already Australia’s largest hotel operator, has continued to expand its nationwide portfolio with the addition of four new properties. Announced at the Australasian Hotel Industry Conference and Exhibition (AHICE) in Melbourne, the new properties include two new-build hotels and two rebrandings in three key Australian cities: Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. The two […]

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Mercure Sydney Bankstown will open in 2017
Mercure Sydney Bankstown will open in 2017
Mercure Sydney Bankstown will open in 2017

AccorHotels, which is already Australia’s largest hotel operator, has continued to expand its nationwide portfolio with the addition of four new properties.

Announced at the Australasian Hotel Industry Conference and Exhibition (AHICE) in Melbourne, the new properties include two new-build hotels and two rebrandings in three key Australian cities: Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.

The two new-builds include the 240-room Mercure Sydney Bankstown hotel, which will open in late 2017 as part of a AU$60 million (US$46m) mixed-use development in western Sydney, and the 238-room Novotel Brisbane South Bank, which will open close to the Brisbane Convention Centre in late 2018.

AccorHotels has signed new ibis hotels in Melbourne and Sydney
AccorHotels has signed new ibis hotels in Melbourne and Sydney

AccorHotels has also expanded its economy hotel collection with the rebranding of the former Tune Hotel in Melbourne, which now becomes the 235-room ibis Melbourne Swanston Street, and an agreement to transform a former backpacker hostel into the 97-room ibis Budget Sydney Central, which is due to open in mid-2017.

“AccorHotels has the largest hotel pipeline in the Asia Pacific region outside of China, with more than 230 hotels and 48,000 rooms in the pipeline. Locally across Australia and New Zealand our development team work very hard to grow our pipeline with a balanced footprint across the luxury and upscale, midscale and economy segments,” said Simon McGrath, the company’s chief operating officer for the Pacific region.

“Within the next two years will see over 10 new hotel projects scheduled to open or commence construction between 2016 and 2018, adding some 2,500 rooms across Australia and New Zealand.”

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Mercure Sydney Mercure Sydney Bankstown will open in 2017 ibis Melbourne AccorHotels has signed new ibis hotels in Melbourne and Sydney
China Southern plans second Australian route from Shenzhen‏ https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/china-southern-plans-second-australian-route-from-shenzhen%e2%80%8f/ Tue, 03 May 2016 04:10:59 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=235908 The post China Southern plans second Australian route from Shenzhen‏ appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Credit: Nieuwland

China Southern Airlines has applied for permission to launch direct flights between Shenzhen and Melbourne. If approved by the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), the new route could launch as early as September 2016. The carrier plans to serve the Shenzhen-Melbourne route daily using an Airbus A330, Boeing 787 or B777 aircraft. This will […]

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Credit: Nieuwland
Credit: Nieuwland
Credit: Nieuwland

China Southern Airlines has applied for permission to launch direct flights between Shenzhen and Melbourne.

If approved by the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), the new route could launch as early as September 2016.

The carrier plans to serve the Shenzhen-Melbourne route daily using an Airbus A330, Boeing 787 or B777 aircraft. This will mark China Southern’s second Australian route from Shenzhen, following the launch of flights to Sydney earlier this year.

And China Southern is likely to face competition on the Shenzhen-Melbourne sector; Air China is also planning to launch a daily flight on the same route in October 2016.

Currently four mainland Chinese airlines operate flights to Melbourne, with Air China, China Eastern, China Southern and Sichuan Airlines connecting the Australian city with Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Chengdu respectively. And three more Chinese carriers, Xiamen Airlines, Hainan Airlines and Capital Airlines, are also planning to fly to Melbourne in future.

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shutterstock_365561039 Credit: Nieuwland
AirAsia X adds more flights to eight destinations https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/airasia-x-adds-more-flights-to-eight-destinations/ Wed, 27 Apr 2016 06:17:31 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=235717 The post AirAsia X adds more flights to eight destinations appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

AirAsia X's Airbus A330-300 aircraft

AirAsia X has unveiled plans for a major expansion of its operations, with additional flights to eight destinations across the Asia Pacific region. The Kuala Lumpur-based low-cost carrier will gradually ramp up the frequency of its flights to destinations in Australia, Japan, China and Taiwan over the coming months. In Australia, services to Melbourne and […]

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AirAsia X's Airbus A330-300 aircraft
AirAsia X's Airbus A330-300 aircraft
AirAsia X’s Airbus A330-300 aircraft

AirAsia X has unveiled plans for a major expansion of its operations, with additional flights to eight destinations across the Asia Pacific region.

The Kuala Lumpur-based low-cost carrier will gradually ramp up the frequency of its flights to destinations in Australia, Japan, China and Taiwan over the coming months.

In Australia, services to Melbourne and Perth will both increase to twice a day, while Sydney will be ramped up to 11 flights per week.

In Japan, AirAsia X’s Osaka service will rise to nine weekly flights and Sapporo will increase to five weekly services. The airline’s routes to mainland China’s two largest cities, Beijing and Shanghai, will both increase to 11 flights per week, and in Taiwan the airline’s Taipei service will rise to two flights per day.

All of AirAsia X’s flights are operated using its two-class, 377-seat Airbus A330-300 aircraft, which come equipped with flat-bed seats in the premium cabin.

“As the pioneer for low-cost long-haul travel, we are pleased to offer our guests greater value with additional flight options to selected destinations. Our guests can now enjoy more flexibility in their traveling plans for the coming few months through the added flight frequencies which will be an added convenience factor,” said Arik Kumar De, AirAsia X’s head of commercial.

Passengers travelling on these routes can also connect to AirAsia’s short-haul flights at Kuala Lumpur International Airport, using the group’s ‘Fly-Thru’ service.

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shutterstock_279905465 AirAsia X's Airbus A330-300 aircraft
Tigerair Australia touches down in Asia https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/tigerair-australia-touches-down-in-asia/ Wed, 23 Mar 2016 01:20:34 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=234234 The post Tigerair Australia touches down in Asia appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

The Bali services mark Tigerair Australia's first international flights (photo by Peterfz30)

Tigerair Australia embarks on its first flights to Asia today (23 March 2016), with two the launch of three flights to Bali. The low-cost carrier’s first Bali-bound flight departed Melbourne at 0915, and was followed by the launch of a service from Adelaide at 0945. These flights will arrive in Denpasar at 1225 and 1235 […]

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The Bali services mark Tigerair Australia's first international flights (photo by Peterfz30)
The Bali services mark Tigerair Australia's first international flights (photo by Peterfz30)
The Bali services mark Tigerair Australia’s first international flights (photo by Peterfz30)

Tigerair Australia embarks on its first flights to Asia today (23 March 2016), with two the launch of three flights to Bali.

The low-cost carrier’s first Bali-bound flight departed Melbourne at 0915, and was followed by the launch of a service from Adelaide at 0945. These flights will arrive in Denpasar at 1225 and 1235 respectively.

A third flight from Perth to Bali will depart at 1925 today, arriving in Bali at 2310.

This marks the start of a regular service of 19 weekly flights between Australia and Bali, with the Melbourne and Perth services operating daily and the Adelaide route running five times a week. Combined, these flights will bring up to 6,800 weekly visitors to the Indonesian resort island.

Tigerair Australia’s CEO, Rob Sharp, was onboard the inaugural service from Melbourne today.

“This is a significant milestone for Tigerair Australia as we continue to grow in line with consumer demand. Bali is renowned as a popular holiday destination for many Australians looking for an affordable tropical holiday year round and we are confident our new services will prove popular with our core market of leisure travellers,” Sharp said.

Tigerair Australia is operating the new flights using three recently reconfigured Boeing 737-800 aircraft. These aircraft feature 180 seats in a single economy class cabin, including five rows of seats with extra legroom. And for the first time on a Tigerair Australia flight, passengers will be offered in-flight entertainment, with a streaming service allowing them to watch video content on their own devices.

The new services mean that Bali will now welcome four Tigerair flights, along with an existing service operated by the low-cost carrier’s Singapore-based unit.

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shutterstock_233067970 The Bali services mark Tigerair Australia's first international flights (photo by Peterfz30)
Xiamen Airlines reveals new long-haul routes https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/xiamen-airlines-reveals-new-long-haul-routes/ Thu, 17 Mar 2016 09:27:10 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=234046 The post Xiamen Airlines reveals new long-haul routes appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Xiamen Airlines' Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft at Sydney Airport (photo by PomInOz)

China’s Xiamen Airlines is stepping up its long-haul expansion with plans to launch flights to Vancouver, Seattle, New York and Melbourne in the coming months. The airline launched its first ever long-haul flights to Amsterdam in September last year, and then followed this up with the start of services to Sydney in December. This Australian […]

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Xiamen Airlines' Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft at Sydney Airport (photo by PomInOz)

China’s Xiamen Airlines is stepping up its long-haul expansion with plans to launch flights to Vancouver, Seattle, New York and Melbourne in the coming months.

The airline launched its first ever long-haul flights to Amsterdam in September last year, and then followed this up with the start of services to Sydney in December.

Xiamen Airlines' Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft at Sydney Airport (photo by PomInOz)
Xiamen Airlines’ Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft at Sydney Airport (photo by PomInOz)

This Australian expansion will continue in June 2016 with the start of three weekly flights to Melbourne, direct from Xiamen, the airline’s base in southeast China’s Fujian province.

Then in July it plans to launch four weekly flights from Xiamen to Vancouver, marking its first ever trans-Pacific flight, and in September the carrier will start flying four times a week from Xiamen to Seattle, via Shenzhen.

And finally in January 2017, Xiamen Airlines will launch a new daily flight between Fuzhou, the capital of Fujian province, and New York.

Xiamen Airlines’ long-haul expansion is being enabled by its new fleet of Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft. The airline already operates six B787-8 Dreamliners and will start taking delivery of the larger B787-9 aircraft later this year.

The airline has significant future expansion plans, with a target of increasing its current fleet of 152 aircraft to 270 jets by the end of 2020.

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shutterstock_370663499 Xiamen Airlines' Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft at Sydney Airport (photo by PomInOz)
Air China to connect Shenzhen with Melbourne‏ https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/air-china-to-connect-shenzhen-with-melbourne%e2%80%8f/ Fri, 26 Feb 2016 02:24:06 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=233182 The post Air China to connect Shenzhen with Melbourne‏ appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Air China plans to deploy an Airbus A330 on the route

Following the recent launch of the first flights between Shenzhen and Sydney, Air China has applied for permission to launch services from the southern Chinese city to Melbourne. In January 2016, China Southern Airlines commenced three weekly flights on the Shenzhen-Sydney, marking the first Australian link for the Pearl River Delta hub. And Air China, […]

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Air China plans to deploy an Airbus A330 on the route
Air China plans to deploy an Airbus A330 on the route
Air China plans to deploy an Airbus A330 on the route (photo by TonyV3112)

Following the recent launch of the first flights between Shenzhen and Sydney, Air China has applied for permission to launch services from the southern Chinese city to Melbourne.

In January 2016, China Southern Airlines commenced three weekly flights on the Shenzhen-Sydney, marking the first Australian link for the Pearl River Delta hub.

And Air China, has now submitted an application to the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) to launch the Shenzhen-Melbourne route. If approved, it intends to operate the flights daily from October 2016, using an Airbus A330 aircraft.

Air China’s launched its first ever long-haul flights from Shenzhen’s Bao’an International Airport in February this year, when it commenced services to Los Angeles, via Beijing.

Both Air China and China Southern are planning to ramp up their long-haul operations from Shenzhen in the next five years.

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shutterstock_145656893 Air China plans to deploy an Airbus A330 on the route (photo by TonyV3112)
Australian Open boosts Melbourne hotels https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/australian-open-boosts-melbourne-hotels/ Thu, 04 Feb 2016 03:44:22 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=232360 The post Australian Open boosts Melbourne hotels appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

The Australian Open boosted occupancy at Melbourne's hotels (photo by Neale Cousland)

Hotels in Melbourne experienced significant increases in occupancy and average daily rate (ADR) during the recent Australian Open tennis tournament. According to data from STR Global, the city’s occupancy during the tournament (18-31 January 2016) increased 16.3% compared to the previous week, reaching an average of 90.4%. ADR was up 36.3% to AU$238.13 (approx. US$168). […]

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The Australian Open boosted occupancy at Melbourne's hotels (photo by Neale Cousland)
The Australian Open boosted occupancy at Melbourne's hotels (photo by Neale Cousland)
The Australian Open boosted occupancy at Melbourne’s hotels (photo by Neale Cousland)

Hotels in Melbourne experienced significant increases in occupancy and average daily rate (ADR) during the recent Australian Open tennis tournament.

According to data from STR Global, the city’s occupancy during the tournament (18-31 January 2016) increased 16.3% compared to the previous week, reaching an average of 90.4%. ADR was up 36.3% to AU$238.13 (approx. US$168).

“The Australian Open brings business to Melbourne during what would normally be an off-peak month,” said Matthew Burke, STR Global’s business development manager for Australia. “Meetings and normal business travel activity usually kick in around the beginning of February, as most people in Australia take longer summer holiday vacations during January.”

Compared with 2015 market performance for the other three Grand Slam tournaments (the French Open in Paris, Wimbledon in London, and the US Open in New York), the Australian Open appears to make the largest impact on its host market.

STR Global noted however, that New York, London and Paris usually maintain consistently high occupancy and ADR during the months of their events.

ADR appears to be the driving force for performance during the other three tournaments, while occupancy increases are much more prevalent during the Australian Open in Melbourne.

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shutterstock_70006387 The Australian Open boosted occupancy at Melbourne's hotels (photo by Neale Cousland)
Tigerair Australia welcomes new aircraft for Bali flights https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/tigerair-australia-welcomes-new-aircraft-for-bali-flights/ Tue, 02 Feb 2016 02:08:19 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=232244 The post Tigerair Australia welcomes new aircraft for Bali flights appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Local Sunbury MP Josh Bull, Melbourne Airport CEO Lyell Strambi, Tigerair Australia CEO Rob Sharp, and Minister for Industry Lily D’Ambrosio

Tigerair Australia has unveiled the first of three Boeing 737-800 aircraft to be based at Melbourne Airport, ahead of the airline’s new direct services to Bali. The new single-aisle jets will enable the airline to launch its new Melbourne-Denpasar services on 23 March 2016, and the airline has also recently recruited more than 100 new […]

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Local Sunbury MP Josh Bull, Melbourne Airport CEO Lyell Strambi, Tigerair Australia CEO Rob Sharp, and Minister for Industry Lily D’Ambrosio
Local Sunbury MP Josh Bull, Melbourne Airport CEO Lyell Strambi, Tigerair Australia CEO Rob Sharp, and Minister for Industry Lily D’Ambrosio
Local Sunbury MP Josh Bull, Melbourne Airport CEO Lyell Strambi, Tigerair Australia CEO Rob Sharp, and Minister for Industry Lily D’Ambrosio

Tigerair Australia has unveiled the first of three Boeing 737-800 aircraft to be based at Melbourne Airport, ahead of the airline’s new direct services to Bali.

The new single-aisle jets will enable the airline to launch its new Melbourne-Denpasar services on 23 March 2016, and the airline has also recently recruited more than 100 new cabin crew for the flights.

“Tigerair Australia’s new services to Bali will deliver over 2,500 additional seats through Melbourne Airport weekly.  As well as more jobs and additional aircraft, today’s announcement provides numerous other benefits for the Victorian economy, tourism and consumers,” said the low-cost carrier’s CEO, Rob Sharp.

The new B737s come equipped with 180 economy class seats and passengers will be offered in-flight entertainment on their own electronic devices.

Tigerair Australia currently operates 14 Airbus A320 aircraft, so the three new B737s will take its total fleet to 17 aircraft.

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H60C9608 Local Sunbury MP Josh Bull, Melbourne Airport CEO Lyell Strambi, Tigerair Australia CEO Rob Sharp, and Minister for Industry Lily D’Ambrosio
Jetstar adds more Melbourne flights https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/jetstar-adds-more-melbourne-flights/ Tue, 08 Dec 2015 04:28:54 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=230265 The post Jetstar adds more Melbourne flights appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Jetstar will connect Avalon Airport with Adelaide and Hobart

Jetstar will expand its operations at Melbourne’s Avalon Airport next year, with the launch of flights to Hobart and Adelaide. The new service to Adelaide will commence on 27 March 2016, operating three times a week, while the Hobart route will launch on 28 March with four weekly flights. This will boost Jetstar’s network from […]

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Jetstar will connect Avalon Airport with Adelaide and Hobart
Jetstar will connect Avalon Airport with Adelaide and Hobart
Jetstar will connect Avalon Airport with Adelaide and Hobart (photo by Peterfz30)

Jetstar will expand its operations at Melbourne’s Avalon Airport next year, with the launch of flights to Hobart and Adelaide.

The new service to Adelaide will commence on 27 March 2016, operating three times a week, while the Hobart route will launch on 28 March with four weekly flights.

This will boost Jetstar’s network from Melbourne’s second airport to four destinations, following the recent launch of flights to Sydney and the Gold Coast.

“In less than a year we will have expanded from a single route to Sydney to offer local travellers direct flights to four major Australian cities,” said Jetstar’s CEO for Australia and New Zealand, David Hall.

“Adelaide and Hobart offer some of the country’s best tourism experiences and we’re confident the convenient mid-morning departures will appeal to travellers from Geelong and western Melbourne.

“We were overwhelmed by the community support for our Gold Coast services earlier this year, and we’re looking forward to a similarly positive customer response to these new flights to Hobart and Adelaide,” he added.

Avalon Airport is located 50km southwest of downtown Melbourne and close to the city of Geelong.

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shutterstock_284045219 Jetstar will connect Avalon Airport with Adelaide and Hobart (photo by Peterfz30)
China Southern to connect Shenzhen with Sydney https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/china-southern-to-connect-shenzhen-with-sydney/ Wed, 25 Nov 2015 02:05:12 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=229748 The post China Southern to connect Shenzhen with Sydney appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

China Southern Airlines is a member of the Skyteam alliance

China Southern Airlines will launch a new service connecting Shenzhen with Sydney early next year. Commencing on 20 January 2016, the new route will mark the first direct link between the two cities, and China Southern’s second long-haul service from Shenzhen’s Baoan International Airport, following an existing route to Mauritius. Flights will operate three times […]

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China Southern Airlines is a member of the Skyteam alliance
China Southern Airlines is a member of the Skyteam alliance
China Southern Airlines is a member of the Skyteam alliance

China Southern Airlines will launch a new service connecting Shenzhen with Sydney early next year.

Commencing on 20 January 2016, the new route will mark the first direct link between the two cities, and China Southern’s second long-haul service from Shenzhen’s Baoan International Airport, following an existing route to Mauritius.

Flights will operate three times a week, departing Shenzhen every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday at 1930 and arriving in Sydney at 0730 the following day. The return flight will leave Sydney every Monday, Thursday and Saturday at 0930, arriving back in Shenzhen at 1600.

China Southern will deploy a 284-seat, four-class Airbus A330 aircraft on the route, offering four seats in first class, 24 in business class, 48 in premium economy and 208 in economy.

In addition, the Chinese carrier will increase the frequency of its flights from Guangzhou to Melbourne and Sydney next month. Effective 5 December 2015, China Southern will add four more weekly flights on the Melbourne route, operating every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, while a third daily service will be added to the Sydney route from 10 December.

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shutterstock_271730078 China Southern Airlines is a member of the Skyteam alliance
UAE to increase flights to Australia https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/uae-to-increase-flights-to-australia/ Fri, 20 Nov 2015 10:39:59 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=229596 The post UAE to increase flights to Australia appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

The UAE and Australia have signed an agreement that will see a significant boost in flights between the countries.  It is hoped the move will see an increase in tourism between the two countries and a reduction in ticket prices. Carriers based in Dubai and Abu Dhabi are now able to operate an extra 14 […]

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The UAE and Australia have signed an agreement that will see a significant boost in flights between the countries. The Tourism Australia and Etihad Airways deal will provides $30m for Australia Tourism

It is hoped the move will see an increase in tourism between the two countries and a reduction in ticket prices.

Carriers based in Dubai and Abu Dhabi are now able to operate an extra 14 flights a week to Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and Brisbane.

The total number of services is 161 with Australian airlines getting an additional14 flight slots in return to the UAE.

“The Australian Government is committed to supporting the entry of Australian airlines into foreign markets and ensuring we have the aviation capacity necessary to meet future demand,” Acting Prime Minister Warren Truss said.

Emirates boasts more than 25% of the traffic between Australia and Europe, according to a report in Reuters.

UAE airlines already have the right to offer unlimited services to other Australian destinations, including Darwin, Cairns, Adelaide and the Gold Coast under existing open access agreements.

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The Tourism Australia and Etihad Airways deal will provides $30m for Australia Tourism
Beijing Capital Airlines targets UK, Australia https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/beijing-capital-airlines-targets-uk-australia/ Wed, 04 Nov 2015 03:25:47 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=228824 The post Beijing Capital Airlines targets UK, Australia appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Beijing Capital Airlines

Beijing Capital Airlines, the Chinese airline that recently entered the long-haul market, is planning to launch its first flights to the UK and Australia. According to a statement on the website of the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), the airline has applied for the permission to launch scheduled services to Birmingham and Melbourne next […]

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Beijing Capital Airlines
Beijing Capital Airlines
Beijing Capital Airlines

Beijing Capital Airlines, the Chinese airline that recently entered the long-haul market, is planning to launch its first flights to the UK and Australia.

According to a statement on the website of the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), the airline has applied for the permission to launch scheduled services to Birmingham and Melbourne next year.

If approved, the Birmingham service will commence in April 2016, operating twice a week – once from Beijing and once from Hangzhou. The Melbourne route meanwhile, would operate three times a week direct from Qingdao, a port city in Shandong province. All three routes are new city pairs.

Beijing Capital Airlines plans to deploy its 222-seat Airbus A330 aircraft on the routes, configured with 36 seats in business class and 186 in economy.

Previously a domestic and short-haul airline, Beijing Capital launched its first ever long-haul services to Copenhagen in September 2015, connecting the Danish capital with Beijing and Hangzhou. It is also planning to fly to Madrid in December.

The carrier, which is owned by the HNA Group, will take delivery of over 30 new twin-aisle aircraft by end of 2020.

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BCA Beijing Capital Airlines
Scoot launches first flights to Melbourne https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/scoot-launches-first-flights-to-melbourne/ Mon, 02 Nov 2015 03:48:48 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=228680 The post Scoot launches first flights to Melbourne appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Scoot's Dreamliner received a water cannon salute on arrival in Melbourne

Scoot touched down in Melbourne for the first time on 1 November 2015. The Singapore-based low-cost carrier received a traditional water cannon welcome on Sunday, when its Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft arrived at Melbourne’s Tullamarine Airport. This marked the start of a new scheduled service to Australia’s second largest city, with flights operating five times […]

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Scoot's Dreamliner received a water cannon salute on arrival in Melbourne

Scoot touched down in Melbourne for the first time on 1 November 2015.

The Singapore-based low-cost carrier received a traditional water cannon welcome on Sunday, when its Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft arrived at Melbourne’s Tullamarine Airport. This marked the start of a new scheduled service to Australia’s second largest city, with flights operating five times a week, rising to daily in peak travel periods.

Scoot's Dreamliner received a water cannon salute on arrival in Melbourne
Scoot’s Dreamliner received a water cannon salute on arrival in Melbourne

Depending on the departure date, flights will depart Singapore at 0010 every Tuesday and Wednesday and 0100 on the remaining days of the week, landing in Melbourne at 1030 or 1120.

The return flights also operate on a split schedule, departing Melbourne at 1145 every Tuesday and Wednesday and 1230 on all other days, and arriving back in Singapore at 1615 or 1725.

All flights will be operated using Scoot’s two-class B787 aircraft.

“Scoot has long received requests to fly to Melbourne, Australia’s sporting and cultural capital, so we’re delighted to finally be doing so,” said Campbell Wilson, Scoot’s CEO. “We’re even more pleased to be using a brand-new 787, part of the world’s first all Dreamliner fleet.”

Melbourne becomes Scoot’s fourth Australian destination, following Sydney, Perth and the Gold Coast.

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Scoot arrival Scoot's Dreamliner received a water cannon salute on arrival in Melbourne
Etihad to launch A380 flights to Melbourne https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/etihad-to-launch-a380-flights-to-melbourne/ Mon, 26 Oct 2015 03:32:59 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=228374 The post Etihad to launch A380 flights to Melbourne appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Etihad's 496-seat Airbus A380

Etihad Airways will commence daily Airbus A380 services to Melbourne next summer. Launching on 1 June 2016, the 496-seat double-decker jet will operate as flights EY460/461 – one of the airline’s twice daily Abu Dhabi-Melbourne services. The other daily service will continue to be operated using a three-class Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. The A380 deployment will […]

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Etihad's 496-seat Airbus A380
Etihad's 496-seat Airbus A380
Etihad’s 496-seat Airbus A380

Etihad Airways will commence daily Airbus A380 services to Melbourne next summer.

Launching on 1 June 2016, the 496-seat double-decker jet will operate as flights EY460/461 – one of the airline’s twice daily Abu Dhabi-Melbourne services. The other daily service will continue to be operated using a three-class Boeing 777-300ER aircraft.

The A380 deployment will mean that Melbourne passengers will be offered access to Etihad’s latest cabin products, including the three-room Residence.

“The launch of A380 services to Melbourne is good news for travellers on the very popular route,” said James Hogan, Etihad’s president & CEO.  “From June next year, guests on our Abu Dhabi-Melbourne A380 flights will discover what travellers the world over are talking about – the superior level of luxury, comfort, service, and in-flight technology.

“What’s more, the A380 service from Melbourne will connect seamlessly in Abu Dhabi to the A380 to London, offering our London-bound guests the convenience and class-leading comfort of an all-A380 service all the way.”

The new A380 will increase the total number of seats on the Abu Dhabi-Melbourne route by 26% to more than 11,500 seats per week.

“Melbourne is an important point on our global network, and our Abu Dhabi to Melbourne services continue to generate very high seat load factors on a year round basis. After just three months of operations, demand for our second daily service is already exceeding our expectations,” Hogan added.

Etihad’s passengers will also be offered connections from Melbourne to multiple destinations in Australia and New Zealand with the airline’s codeshare partners Virgin Australia and Air New Zealand. Destinations include Adelaide, Auckland, Brisbane, Cairns, Canberra, Christchurch, Darwin, Gold Coast, Hobart, Perth, Queenstown, Sunshine Coast, Sydney and Wellington.

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shutterstock_322945316 Etihad's 496-seat Airbus A380
Emirates expands A380 services to Asia Pacific https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/emirates-expands-a380-services-to-asia-pacific/ Tue, 11 Aug 2015 07:28:17 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=225440 The post Emirates expands A380 services to Asia Pacific appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Emirates will deploy its 519-seat, three-class A380 on the route (photo by Chris Parypa Photography)

Emirates will expand its Airbus A380 services in the Asia Pacific region next year, with the addition of a second daily flight to Singapore and its sixth A380 service to Australia. Effective 1 March 2016, Emirates will upgrade its daily Dubai-Singapore-Melbourne service from a Boeing 777 aircraft to the double-decker A380. This will make Australia […]

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Emirates will deploy its 519-seat, three-class A380 on the route (photo by Chris Parypa Photography)
Emirates will deploy its 519-seat, three-class A380 on the route (photo by Chris Parypa Photography)
Emirates will deploy its 519-seat, three-class A380 on the route (photo by Chris Parypa Photography)

Emirates will expand its Airbus A380 services in the Asia Pacific region next year, with the addition of a second daily flight to Singapore and its sixth A380 service to Australia.

Effective 1 March 2016, Emirates will upgrade its daily Dubai-Singapore-Melbourne service from a Boeing 777 aircraft to the double-decker A380.

This will make Australia the third largest A380 destination for Emirates (after the UK and US), with six daily A380 services to four Australian cities – Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth.

“Emirates’ daily service between Dubai and Melbourne, through Singapore, has proven a popular choice amongst travellers and we’re pleased to be able to provide additional capacity on this route by up-gauging the aircraft to our flagship A380,” said Barry Brown, Emirates’ divisional senior vice president of commercial – east.

“With 65 A380s in the Emirates fleet serving 35 destinations globally, and a further 75 aircraft on order, it remains firmly embedded in the future expansion plans for our global network.”

The Emirates’ A380 operating the Dubai-Singapore-Melbourne route is able to carry 519 passengers in three cabins, with 14 seats in first class, 76 in business class and 429 in economy.

The latest A380 service to the Asia Pacific region follows the announcement of Emirates’ fourth daily A380 flight to Bangkok, which will start on 1 December 2015.

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shutterstock_127862327 Emirates will deploy its 519-seat, three-class A380 on the route (photo by Chris Parypa Photography)
Jetstar flies Dreamliner to Singapore https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/jetstar-flies-dreamliner-to-singapore/ Thu, 06 Aug 2015 10:09:33 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=225314 The post Jetstar flies Dreamliner to Singapore appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Jetstar's Boeing 787 Dreamliner

Jetstar has deployed its Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft to Singapore for the first time. The twin-aisle jet started operating the Melbourne-Singapore route on Thursday and will now fly five times a week between the two cities. The new aircraft will replace the Airbus A330 that has been deployed on the route since 2010. “Five years […]

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Jetstar's Boeing 787 Dreamliner
Jetstar's Boeing 787 Dreamliner
Jetstar’s Boeing 787 Dreamliner

Jetstar has deployed its Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft to Singapore for the first time.

The twin-aisle jet started operating the Melbourne-Singapore route on Thursday and will now fly five times a week between the two cities. The new aircraft will replace the Airbus A330 that has been deployed on the route since 2010.

“Five years ago, Jetstar was the first low fares airline to introduce long-haul flying with the Airbus A330-200 aircraft in Singapore and the two-class service was popular with both leisure and business travellers,” said Jetstar Asia’s CEO, Bara Pasupathi.

“The introduction of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner will mean a more consistent customer experience for Jetstar’s long-haul customers and also offer the airline substantial fuel savings and cost benefits to help us keep fares low,” he added.

Jetstar’s Dreamliner is configured with 335 seats in two classes.

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Jetstar B787 from front Jetstar's Boeing 787 Dreamliner
China Airlines expands in Oceania https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/china-airlines-expands-in-oceania/ Mon, 03 Aug 2015 06:23:45 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=225081 The post China Airlines expands in Oceania appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

China Airlines will deploy an Airbus A330 on the new route

Taiwan’s China Airlines will add Melbourne to its route map in October. Commencing on 25 October 2015, the airline will operate three weekly flights (departing every Tuesday, Friday and Sunday) from Taipei‘s Taoyuan International Airport to Melbourne. The flight will then continue across the Tasman Sea to the New Zealand city of Christchurch. Operating on […]

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China Airlines will deploy an Airbus A330 on the new route
China Airlines will deploy an Airbus A330 on the new route
China Airlines will deploy an Airbus A330 on the new route

Taiwan’s China Airlines will add Melbourne to its route map in October.

Commencing on 25 October 2015, the airline will operate three weekly flights (departing every Tuesday, Friday and Sunday) from Taipei‘s Taoyuan International Airport to Melbourne. The flight will then continue across the Tasman Sea to the New Zealand city of Christchurch.

Operating on a seasonal basis until 26 March 2016, this route will complement China Airlines’ existing Taipei-Sydney-Christchurch service, which launched in December 2014 and also operates three times a week.

Combined with the airline’s eight weekly flights from Taipei to Auckland, via Sydney or Brisbane, China Airlines will operate a total of 14 flights per week to Australia and New Zealand this winter.

Numbered CI057 and CI058, the Taipei-Melbourne-Christchurch route will be operated using a 307-seat Airbus A330-300 aircraft with seats in 30 business class and 277 in economy.

China Airlines said the new route would “flesh out” its Oceania network and “provide business and tourist passengers with more options”.

“Demand is strong on the Christchurch route from both Asian tourists and travellers between Australia and New Zealand. Average loading factor during the summer season in the Southern Hemisphere reached 90% and was extended to March 2015, due to positive passenger demand,” the airline said in a statement.

“The addition of the Taipei-Melbourne-Christchurch route this year will enable China Airlines to build on the existing Taipei-Sydney-Christchurch route to provide a more comprehensive network between Taipei, Australia and New Zealand.”

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CAL A330 China Airlines will deploy an Airbus A330 on the new route
Etihad launches second daily Melbourne flight https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/etihad-launches-second-daily-melbourne-flight/ Fri, 31 Jul 2015 04:58:48 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=225019 The post Etihad launches second daily Melbourne flight appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Melbourne

Etihad Airways’ second daily flight to Melbourne will launch on Saturday. The new service, EY462, will depart Abu Dhabi at 1030 and touch down in Melbourne at 0605 the next day. The return flight, EY463, will depart Melbourne at 1500, arriving back into the UAE capital at 2305. This complements the existing 2145 daily departure […]

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Melbourne

Etihad Airways’ second daily flight to Melbourne will launch on Saturday.

The new service, EY462, will depart Abu Dhabi at 1030 and touch down in Melbourne at 0605 the next day. The return flight, EY463, will depart Melbourne at 1500, arriving back into the UAE capital at 2305.

This complements the existing 2145 daily departure from Abu Dhabi, and the 2240 return service from Melbourne.

Melbourne
Melbourne

Etihad said the new flight would enable Australian passengers to connect to several European destinations, including Edinburgh, Geneva, Madrid, Zurich, Stuttgart, Vienna, Athens and Brussels.

“Becoming the only airline to offer double daily non-stop flights between Melbourne and the UAE clearly demonstrates our ongoing commitment to Victoria and exponentially increases the attractiveness of our customer proposition,” said Etihad’s president & CEO, James Hogan.

“From August 1 we will connect more international visitors to Melbourne from more markets in the Middle East and Europe and will offer Melbournians the convenience of two daily departures and one-stop connectivity to more than 50 great destinations.”

The new service will be operated by a three-class Boeing 777-300ER aircraft with eight seats in first class, 40 in business class and 280 in economy.

Following the launch, Etihad will operate a total of 39 direct weekly flights to four Australian cities: Brisbane, Perth, Sydney and Melbourne.

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Melbourne Melbourne
China Southern ramps up Australian routes https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/china-southern-ramps-up-australian-routes/ Mon, 20 Jul 2015 09:23:13 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=224555 The post China Southern ramps up Australian routes appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

China Southern flies its Boeing 787 Dreamliner to Perth

China Southern Airlines will enhance its Australian operations in the coming months, with the addition of more flights to Perth and Melbourne. Last week, the Chinese airline added an extra weekly flight on its Guangzhou-Perth route. This means China Southern now operates four weekly flights to the Western Australian city, every Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and […]

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China Southern flies its Boeing 787 Dreamliner to Perth
China Southern flies its Boeing 787 Dreamliner to Perth
China Southern flies its Boeing 787 Dreamliner to Perth

China Southern Airlines will enhance its Australian operations in the coming months, with the addition of more flights to Perth and Melbourne.

Last week, the Chinese airline added an extra weekly flight on its Guangzhou-Perth route. This means China Southern now operates four weekly flights to the Western Australian city, every Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.

All flights are operated using the carrier’s new three-class Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft, which offers four seats in first class, 24 seats in business class and 200 in economy.

And China Southern is also planning to increase the frequency of its Guangzhou-Melbourne route. Between 13 September and 5 December 2015, the airline will gradually add four more weekly flights to the route, taking the total frequency to daily.

The additional flights will run every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday using a 275-seat Airbus A330-300 aircraft.

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CSA B787 China Southern flies its Boeing 787 Dreamliner to Perth
Company launches Hindi tours in Melbourne https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/company-launches-hindi-tours-in-melbourne/ Fri, 05 Jun 2015 05:43:46 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=222633 The post Company launches Hindi tours in Melbourne appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

The 12 Apostles

Safir Tours has launched the first ever Hindi language tours in Melbourne. Designed for Indian visitors to the Australian city, including the large VFR (visiting friends and relatives) market, new bus tours will take guests from Melbourne to some of the region’s most popular tourist destinations, including the 12 Apostles and Yarra Valley. Two scheduled […]

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The 12 Apostles
The 12 Apostles
The 12 Apostles

Safir Tours has launched the first ever Hindi language tours in Melbourne.

Designed for Indian visitors to the Australian city, including the large VFR (visiting friends and relatives) market, new bus tours will take guests from Melbourne to some of the region’s most popular tourist destinations, including the 12 Apostles and Yarra Valley.

Two scheduled tours are available, the first of which heads out along the Great Ocean Road to the 12 Apostles – the limestone rock formations located off the Victoria coast. This tour will run on 27 June, 4 and 11 July, and 8 and 22 August.

The second tour to the Yarra Valley is timed to coincide with the Tesselaar Tulip Festival. Departures are available on 13, 19, 20, 26, and 27 September, and on 3 and 4 October, and the tour also includes a visit to the Healesville Wildlife Sanctuary and Cherry Hill Orchards.

Both tours will include an Indian lunch.

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shutterstock_181355888 The 12 Apostles
Abu Dhabi International Airport’s busiest summer ever https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/abu-dhabi-international-airports-busiest-summer-ever/ Sun, 31 May 2015 10:37:11 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=222379 The post Abu Dhabi International Airport’s busiest summer ever appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Abu Dhabi International Airport is readying itself for its busiest ever summer.  It is scheduled to note 1,504 flights departing from the UAE capital each week, 22% more than in the previous year. New destinations available to passengers this summer include Johannesburg in South Africa, Madrid in Spain, Venice in Italy, Pune in India, Entebbe […]

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Abu Dhabi International Airport is readying itself for its busiest ever summer. Abu DHabi International Aiport

It is scheduled to note 1,504 flights departing from the UAE capital each week, 22% more than in the previous year.

New destinations available to passengers this summer include Johannesburg in South Africa, Madrid in Spain, Venice in Italy, Pune in India, Entebbe in Uganda and Edinburgh in Scotland as well as direct flights to Brisbane in Australia.

Etihad Airways alone has increased its weekly schedule by 68 flights, with 963 flights taking off to destinations all around the world, compared with 895 flights per week in the summer of 2014.

More aircraft will fly this summer to India, Pakistan and Bangladesh, with 49 additional flights per week to Indian destinations Pune, Mangalore, Ahmedabad, Kozhikode, Kochi, Delhi and Hyderabad, five additional flights per week to Pakistan, and two extra flights per week to Bangladesh. Certain other routes around the world, such as Hong Kong, Milan, Seychelles, Melbourne, Jeddah & Riyadh and Tehran, will also see increased frequencies.

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Abu DHabi International Aiport AUH
Air China flies to Melbourne and Montreal https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/air-china-flies-to-melbourne-and-montreal/ Fri, 29 May 2015 02:51:38 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=222336 The post Air China flies to Melbourne and Montreal appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Air China will fly to Melbourne and Montreal (photo by Tupungato)

Air China is expanding its long-haul international network with the launch of two new routes, to Melbourne and Montreal. The new direct Beijing-Melbourne service will commence on 1 June 2015, operating four times a week (Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays). Flights will depart the Chinese capital at 0105, while the return flight will leave Melbourne […]

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Air China will fly to Melbourne and Montreal (photo by Tupungato)
Air China will fly to Melbourne and Montreal (photo by Tupungato)
Air China will fly to Melbourne and Montreal (photo by Tupungato)

Air China is expanding its long-haul international network with the launch of two new routes, to Melbourne and Montreal.

The new direct Beijing-Melbourne service will commence on 1 June 2015, operating four times a week (Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays). Flights will depart the Chinese capital at 0105, while the return flight will leave Melbourne at 2040. Air China will deploy a two-class Airbus A330-200 aircraft on the route.

The airline currently flies between the two cities five times a week with a stop in Shanghai, but this service will now be suspended.

Then on 29 September 2015, Air China will launch a new trans-Pacific route between Beijing and Montreal. The new route will initially run three times a week using a Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. Flights will depart Beijing every Tuesday, Friday and Sunday at 1350, with the return service leaving Montreal at 1620 on the same days. Air Canada will codeshare on the route.

“This new route to Canada’s second largest city will strengthen the links between China and Canada; it will provide travellers with convenient travel options in cooperation with our partner Air Canada whose extensive North American network includes many cities easily served from Montreal throughout Quebec, Atlantic Canada and the United States,” said Song Zhiyong, president & CEO of Air China.

The new Beijing-Montreal route will be the Canadian city’s first direct link to Asia.

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AC B777 (credit Tupungato) Air China will fly to Melbourne and Montreal (photo by Tupungato)
Air China expands international network https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/air-china-expands-international-network/ Mon, 23 Mar 2015 09:04:13 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=219693 The post Air China expands international network appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Air China will odd more Boeing 777 flights to LAX (photo by Tupungato)

Air China has unveiled plans to launch several new international services, including an alliance with Air New Zealand. The Beijing-based carrier will launch a new daily direct service to Auckland as part of the partnership with the Kiwi national carrier. Air China will also continue to codeshare on Air New Zealand’s daily Shanghai-Auckland service, which […]

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Air China will odd more Boeing 777 flights to LAX (photo by Tupungato)
Air China will odd more Boeing 777 flights to LAX (photo by Tupungato)
Air China will odd more Boeing 777 flights to LAX (photo by Tupungato)

Air China has unveiled plans to launch several new international services, including an alliance with Air New Zealand.

The Beijing-based carrier will launch a new daily direct service to Auckland as part of the partnership with the Kiwi national carrier. Air China will also continue to codeshare on Air New Zealand’s daily Shanghai-Auckland service, which will be operated exclusively by a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft from late August 2015.

“We are committed to working with our Star Alliance partner Air New Zealand to provide better air connectivity between China and New Zealand in order to meet the growing demand from travellers in both markets,” said Air China’s CEO, Song Zhiyong.

“The proposed alliance with Air New Zealand allows both flag carriers to build a sustainable air service between Beijing and Auckland and supplement the existing connectivity between China and New Zealand. This service, along with Air New Zealand’s Shanghai-Auckland service, will provide greater benefits to travellers in both countries in the coming years.”

Meanwhile, Air China has also announced plans to launch a new route to Melbourne and more trans-Pacific flights to Los Angeles.

The Beijing-Melbourne route will commence on 1 June 2015, operating four times a week (Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays) using an Airbus A330-200 aircraft. This will take the total number of weekly Air China flights to Australia to 23.

And finally, Air China will add more flights to its existing Beijing-LA route. Effective 2 May, the airline will increase the frequency of the route by four weekly flights (Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays). And from 1 July to 24 October 2015, the extra flights will rise to daily. All the new services will be operated using a Boeing 777-300ER aircraft.

Currently, Air China operates 104 weekly flights to six destinations in the US: New York, LA, Houston, San Francisco, Washington DC and Honolulu.

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AC B777 (credit Tupungato) Air China will odd more Boeing 777 flights to LAX (photo by Tupungato)
Ritz-Carlton hits new heights in Melbourne https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/ritz-carlton-hits-new-heights-in-melbourne/ Thu, 19 Mar 2015 03:35:14 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=219530 The post Ritz-Carlton hits new heights in Melbourne appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Ritz-Carlton Melbourne will be located on floors 64 to 77 of a high-rise tower

Ritz-Carlton has signed a new property in Melbourne which is set to become the highest luxury hotel in Australia. Located on Spencer Street, the Ritz-Carlton Melbourne will form part of a new mixed-use project in the central of the city also featuring residential apartments and retail outlets. The hotel will be located on floors 64 […]

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Ritz-Carlton Melbourne will be located on floors 64 to 77 of a high-rise tower
Ritz-Carlton Melbourne will be located on floors 64 to 77 of a high-rise tower
Ritz-Carlton Melbourne will be located on floors 64 to 77 of a high-rise tower

Ritz-Carlton has signed a new property in Melbourne which is set to become the highest luxury hotel in Australia.

Located on Spencer Street, the Ritz-Carlton Melbourne will form part of a new mixed-use project in the central of the city also featuring residential apartments and retail outlets.

The hotel will be located on floors 64 to 77 of a high-rise tower, with views of the city from all 250 rooms. The hotel will also include “restaurants and a host of services and facilities”, according to Ritz-Carlton.

The move marks the second partnership between Ritz-Carlton and the Far East Consortium (FEC) in Australia, following last year’s collaboration on the Ritz-Carlton at Elizabeth Quay in Perth.

“We are honoured to partner once again with [Far East Consortium] on a second, spectacular project in Australia,” said Herve Humler, Ritz-Carlton’s president & chief operating officer. “We look forward to welcoming Ritz-Carlton guests from around the world to a sensational high-rise hotel in Melbourne.”

FEC’s chairman, David Chiu, added; “We believe Australia has plenty of opportunities in the tourism industry. The country has many unique offerings which are driving the growth in tourist arrivals. We are delighted to bring this international luxury brand to Perth and now Melbourne.”

Located on the site of the former Age newspaper offices, FEC’s new West Side Place development will comprise four separate towers ranging from 62 to 79 floors. As well as the Ritz-Carlton, FEC said the complex will house 2,600 residential apartments, 7,000m² of retail space and another 3-4 star hotel.

Ritz-Carlton currently operates 25 hotels in Asia Pacific and its new Perth hotel will debut in 2018.

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RC Melbourne Ritz-Carlton Melbourne will be located on floors 64 to 77 of a high-rise tower
AirAsia finally gets approval for Bali-Melbourne flight https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/airasia-finally-gets-approval-for-bali-melbourne-flight/ Sat, 07 Mar 2015 02:25:21 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=219008 The post AirAsia finally gets approval for Bali-Melbourne flight appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

The route will be operated by Indonesia AirAsia X (photo by MrNovel)

AirAsia has finally received permission to launch its direct Bali–Melbourne service and will commence flights on 18 March. The route, which will be the first operated by new subsidiary Indonesia AirAsia X, was originally scheduled to commence on 26 December 2014, and its last-minute postponement left many passengers’ festive holiday plans in tatters. But Australia’s […]

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The route will be operated by Indonesia AirAsia X (photo by MrNovel)
The route will be operated by Indonesia AirAsia X (photo by MrNovel)
The route will be operated by Indonesia AirAsia X (photo by MrNovel)

AirAsia has finally received permission to launch its direct BaliMelbourne service and will commence flights on 18 March.

The route, which will be the first operated by new subsidiary Indonesia AirAsia X, was originally scheduled to commence on 26 December 2014, and its last-minute postponement left many passengers’ festive holiday plans in tatters.

But Australia’s Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has now cleared Indonesia AirAsia X to launch the route, and AirAsia’s group CEO, Tony Fernandes, said he was “delighted” with the decision.

“We have been working very closely with CASA and are very pleased to have their full approval to operate,” said Fernandes. “We adhered to standard aviation practice in selling the flights but unfortunately we were caught up by bad timing during Christmas, in which we were not able to rectify the matter in time.

“We deeply apologise for the inconvenience caused to all of our guests and now look forward to welcoming them on board,” he added.

The Bali-Melbourne route will now commence on 18 March, initially with two weekly flights. But this frequency will be increase to five flights per week from 1 April 2015.

The flight time is approximately six hours and 10 minutes, and all flights will be operated using a 377-seat Airbus A330-300 aircraft, which includes 12 flat-bed seats in business class.

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shutterstock_240542446(1) The route will be operated by Indonesia AirAsia X (photo by MrNovel)
Jetstar expands Dreamliner flights across Asia Pacific https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/jetstar-expands-dreamliner-flights-across-asia-pacific/ Wed, 25 Feb 2015 08:43:32 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=218539 The post Jetstar expands Dreamliner flights across Asia Pacific appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Jetstar will operate Boeing 787s on all its long-haul routes by September 2015

Jetstar has unveiled plans to launch its new Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft on a series of new routes across the Asia Pacific region. Already this month, the low-cost carrier has deployed the new twin-aisle aircraft on its six weekly flights between Sydney and Honolulu. And this summer it will start operating the Dreamliner on four […]

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Jetstar will operate Boeing 787s on all its long-haul routes by September 2015
Jetstar will operate Boeing 787s on all its long-haul routes by September 2015
Jetstar will operate Boeing 787s on all its long-haul routes by September 2015

Jetstar has unveiled plans to launch its new Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft on a series of new routes across the Asia Pacific region.

Already this month, the low-cost carrier has deployed the new twin-aisle aircraft on its six weekly flights between Sydney and Honolulu. And this summer it will start operating the Dreamliner on four more routes: MelbourneTokyo, Melbourne-Singapore, Melbourne-Honolulu and Brisbane-Honolulu.

This expansion comes as Jetstar prepares to transition to an all Boeing 787 fleet for its long-haul operations by September 2015.
“We’ve had great feedback from our customers travelling on the 787 across our international network – the bright spacious feel in the cabin and the gate-to-gate seat back in-flight entertainment has been a hit,” said Jetstar’s group CEO, Jayne Hrdlicka.

“We’re excited for more of our customers to enjoy this in-flight experience to Australia, whether travelling direct from Singapore or connecting from more than 20 destinations across Asia with Jetstar Asia.”

Jetstar’s 335-seat, two-class B787s will be rolled out on the Melbourne-Tokyo Narita route from 10 July 2015, operating four times a week. Then from 5 August the aircraft will start flying five times a week between Melbourne and Singapore.

The expansion will conclude on 14 September, when Jetstar deploys the Dreamliner on six weekly flights to Honolulu – three from Melbourne and three from Brisbane.

This means that by the end of September 2015, all of Jetstar’s long-haul operations will be operated by the Dreamliner, replacing the airline’s old fleet of Airbus A330s. In total Jetstar has ordered 14 B787s.

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Jetstar B787 Jetstar will operate Boeing 787s on all its long-haul routes by September 2015
Mantra opens biggest hotel https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/mantra-opens-biggest-hotel/ Tue, 17 Feb 2015 06:10:13 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=218250 The post Mantra opens biggest hotel appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

The Mantra Bell City hotel

Mantra Group has added the largest hotel to its network, with the rebranding of the 844-room Bell City hotel complex in Melbourne. The group now manages the two hotel towers, which it has dual-branded as the Mantra Bell City (383 rooms) and BreakFree Bell City (461 rooms). The property forms part of a mixed-use development […]

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The Mantra Bell City hotel
The Mantra Bell City hotel
The Mantra Bell City hotel

Mantra Group has added the largest hotel to its network, with the rebranding of the 844-room Bell City hotel complex in Melbourne.

The group now manages the two hotel towers, which it has dual-branded as the Mantra Bell City (383 rooms) and BreakFree Bell City (461 rooms). The property forms part of a mixed-use development in the Preston area of Melbourne, 9km from the city centre.

The property also offers a range of F&B outlets and 15 conference rooms, including a large 500-pax capacity ballroom.

“This hotel is a game changer for Mantra Group in terms of conferencing offerings – its sheer capacity teamed with its exceptional level of quality has really put us on the map in Greater Melbourne,” said Mantra Group’s director of MICE, Paul Wilson.

The new property becomes Mantra’s 10th hotel in Melbourne and its 116th in total.

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Mantra Bell City exterior The Mantra Bell City hotel
Royal Brunei and RAK Tourism seek UK consumers https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/royal-brunei-and-rak-tourism-seek-uk-consumers/ Mon, 16 Feb 2015 13:43:30 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=218235 The post Royal Brunei and RAK Tourism seek UK consumers appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Royal Brunei Airlines has forged a long-term agreement with Ras al-Khaimah Tourism (RAK) to develop the UAE destination with UK consumers.  As part of the agreement, Royal Brunei will work with new and existing tour operators and travel trade partners, with a number of marketing and branding initiatives including travel agent familiarisation trips. The carrier […]

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Royal Brunei Airlines has forged a long-term agreement with Ras al-Khaimah Tourism (RAK) to develop the UAE destination with UK consumers. 

Ras al Khaimah is an UAE Emirate.
Ras al Khaimah is an UAE Emirate.

As part of the agreement, Royal Brunei will work with new and existing tour operators and travel trade partners, with a number of marketing and branding initiatives including travel agent familiarisation trips.

The carrier also said it was committed to working with its travel trade partners to offer competitive package deals for UK travellers looking for affordable year-round sunshine breaks.

Aiden Walsh, UK and Ireland country manager for Royal Brunei, said: “As a predominantly leisure carrier in a highly competitive market, aligning ourselves with Ras al-Khaimah makes perfect sense.

“The destination has so much to offer travellers who want to enjoy a year-round resort-style experience, with excellent hotels including international brands such as Hilton, Rixos, Banyan Tree and Rotana,” he added.

Royal Brunei currently operates daily flights out of London Heathrow to 16 cities around the world, including Melbourne, Kota Kinabalu, Bali and Dubai.

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RAK Ras al Khaimah is an UAE Emirate.
Qantas to add new Queensland connections https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/qantas-to-add-new-queensland-connections/ Wed, 11 Feb 2015 02:27:28 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=218039 The post Qantas to add new Queensland connections appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Qantas will deploy an Airbus A330 on the Brisbane-Tokyo route

Qantas has unveiled a series of new domestic and international services for Queensland. Following the recent announcement of its new Brisbane–Tokyo Narita service, which starts in August 2015, Qantas has now decided to operate the route daily, rather than four times a week as initially promised. The airline was considering an alternative city from which […]

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Qantas will deploy an Airbus A330 on the Brisbane-Tokyo route
Qantas will deploy an Airbus A330 on the Brisbane-Tokyo route
Qantas will deploy an Airbus A330 on the Brisbane-Tokyo route

Qantas has unveiled a series of new domestic and international services for Queensland.

Following the recent announcement of its new BrisbaneTokyo Narita service, which starts in August 2015, Qantas has now decided to operate the route daily, rather than four times a week as initially promised.

The airline was considering an alternative city from which to operate the remaining three weekly services, but has now opted to use Brisbane for all seven weekly flights.

And the Australian carrier has also unveiled two new domestic routes for Queensland, connecting Melbourne with the Whitsunday Coast and Hamilton Island.

Launching on 25 June 2015, the Melbourne-Whitsunday Coast route will be operated by Jetstar three times a week (Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays). Then on 27 June, Qantas will start flying the Melbourne-Hamilton Island route twice a week (Saturdays and Sundays).

And Jetstar will fly an A320 to the Whitsunday Coast
And Jetstar will fly an A320 to the Whitsunday Coast

“This is great news for Qantas customers who now have a range of new, direct travel options on our international and domestic network,” said Qantas’ regional manager for Queensland, Peter Collyns. “We’ve worked closely with Brisbane Airport to increase our upcoming Tokyo route to a daily service. This is a big positive for local tourism because it makes Queensland even more accessible to Japanese travellers.

“Qantas customers now have a direct premium service from Melbourne to Hamilton Island, and Jetstar will offer the only low fares between Melbourne and the Whitsunday Coast Airport,” he added.

All Qantas’ Brisbane-Narita flights will be operated using an Airbus A330 aircraft, while the Hamilton Island route will use a Boeing 737. Jetstar will deploy an A320 on the new Whitsunday Coast service.

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shutterstock_246833362 Qantas will deploy an Airbus A330 on the Brisbane-Tokyo route Jetstar A320 tail And Jetstar will fly an A320 to the Whitsunday Coast
Rydges adds new hotel in Melbourne https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/rydges-adds-new-hotel-in-melbourne/ Tue, 20 Jan 2015 09:43:44 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=217240 The post Rydges adds new hotel in Melbourne appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Rydges St Kilda

Rydges will launch its third hotel in Melbourne next month. Following a rebranding and refurbishment of the former Urban St Kilda hotel, the new Rydges St Kilda will launch on 2 February 2015, offering a “quirky” new accommodation option in the city. Located just 200 metres from the beach, the hotel will feature a contemporary […]

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Rydges St Kilda
Rydges St Kilda
Rydges St Kilda

Rydges will launch its third hotel in Melbourne next month.

Following a rebranding and refurbishment of the former Urban St Kilda hotel, the new Rydges St Kilda will launch on 2 February 2015, offering a “quirky” new accommodation option in the city.

Located just 200 metres from the beach, the hotel will feature a contemporary design and a series of upscale facilities, including a restaurant and bar, business centre, gymnasium and two conference rooms. The property will also offer free Wi-Fi to both in-house guests and visitors.

The St Kilda hotel will become Rydges’ third property in Melbourne, joining the Rydges Melbourne and Rydges on Swanston.

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Rydges St Kilda Rydges St Kilda
P&O ships tennis fans to Australian Open https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/po-ships-tennis-fans-to-australian-open/ Mon, 19 Jan 2015 04:15:46 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=217181 The post P&O ships tennis fans to Australian Open appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

The cruise will bring 1,800 people to the Australia Open (photo by FlashStudio)

A shipload of tennis fans set sail for Melbourne on Monday, to watch the Australian Open. A total of 1,800 cruise passengers were onboard P&O Cruises’ Pacific Pearl liner when it departed Sydney on Monday for a special voyage to Melbourne. The cruise will deliver the tennis fans to the Victorian capital to watch two […]

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The cruise will bring 1,800 people to the Australia Open (photo by FlashStudio)
The cruise will bring 1,800 people to the Australia Open (photo by FlashStudio)
The cruise will bring 1,800 people to the Australia Open (photo by FlashStudio)

A shipload of tennis fans set sail for Melbourne on Monday, to watch the Australian Open.

A total of 1,800 cruise passengers were onboard P&O CruisesPacific Pearl liner when it departed Sydney on Monday for a special voyage to Melbourne.

The cruise will deliver the tennis fans to the Victorian capital to watch two days of the tournament, in a visit expected to inject around AU$1 million (US$820,000) into the state economy. The passengers will represent one of the biggest single groups to attend the Australian Open on any one day.

The tennis cruise is now an annual event for P&O, following last year’s inaugural Australian Open voyage which visited the tournament for one day.

“Last year’s event was a huge hit with our guests but we think this year’s will ace it, serving up two full days and one evening of tennis,” said P&O’s senior vice president, Tammy Marshall.

“Australians love big sporting events and they also love cruise holidays, so being able to combine the two is a match made in heaven for many people.”

The price of the cruise includes transfers and tickets to the tournament. Pacific Pearl will arrive in Melbourne on Wednesday morning.

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shutterstock_69741115 The cruise will bring 1,800 people to the Australia Open (photo by FlashStudio)
Jetstar to link Cairns with Bali https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/jetstar-to-link-cairns-with-bali/ Tue, 23 Dec 2014 07:53:04 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=216461 The post Jetstar to link Cairns with Bali appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Jetstar will launch three new routes in March 2015

Jetstar will expand its operations in Bali next year, with the launch of a new direct service to the island from Cairns. Commencing on 31 March 2015, the Australian low-cost carrier will operate three weekly flights on the Cairns-Bali route, every Thursday, Friday and Sunday. “We’re always looking to open up new travel opportunities for […]

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Jetstar will launch three new routes in March 2015
Jetstar will launch three new routes in March 2015
Jetstar is preparing to launch three new routes in March 2015

Jetstar will expand its operations in Bali next year, with the launch of a new direct service to the island from Cairns.

Commencing on 31 March 2015, the Australian low-cost carrier will operate three weekly flights on the Cairns-Bali route, every Thursday, Friday and Sunday.

“We’re always looking to open up new travel opportunities for our customers and I’m delighted that we’re the first low fares carrier to offer direct flights from Cairns to Bali,” said Jetstar’s CEO for Australia & New Zealand, David Hall.

“Bali is one of Australia’s favourite overseas holiday destinations and I’m sure our direct low fares flights will appeal to families and groups of friends looking for a relaxing beach getaway.”

Cairns-Bali is one of three new routes being launched by Jetstar next March, along with a brand new service linking Melbourne with Wellington, and the resumption of flights between the Gold Coast and Perth.

“I’m really pleased that we’re bringing low fares to the Melbourne-Wellington route for the first time,” Mr Hall added. “I have no doubt our flights will help stimulate growth for both tourism markets as we entice new travellers to take up the opportunity of a short break across the Tasman.”

The new three new routes will add up to 4,500 extra weekly seats to Jetstar’s network.

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Ground staff Jetstar is preparing to launch three new routes in March 2015
Etihad goes double daily to Melbourne https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/etihad-goes-double-daily-to-melbourne/ Mon, 22 Dec 2014 05:02:48 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=216388 The post Etihad goes double daily to Melbourne appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Etihad will deploy a Boeing 777-300ER on the second daily flight

Etihad Airways will continue its expansion in Australia next year with the launch of a second daily flight between Abu Dhabi and Melbourne. Commencing on 1 August 2015, the additional flight depart the UAE capital at 1030, arriving in Melbourne at 0605 the following day. The return service will leave the Australian city at 1515, […]

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Etihad will deploy a Boeing 777-300ER on the second daily flight

Etihad Airways will continue its expansion in Australia next year with the launch of a second daily flight between Abu Dhabi and Melbourne.

Commencing on 1 August 2015, the additional flight depart the UAE capital at 1030, arriving in Melbourne at 0605 the following day. The return service will leave the Australian city at 1515, getting back into Abu Dhabi at 2320.

Etihad will deploy a Boeing 777-300ER on the second daily flight
Etihad will deploy a Boeing 777-300ER on the second daily flight

This will complement the existing 2220 departure from Abu Dhabi and 2240 return flight from Melbourne.

The additional service will be operated using a 328-seat, three-class Boeing 777-300ER aircraft with eight seats in first class, 40 in business class and 280 in economy.

“We commenced flights to Melbourne in 2009 and it has since become one of the strongest routes on our network,” said James Hogan, president & CEO of Etihad. “The new schedule will offer our guests a choice of two convenient departure times and seamless connectivity over Abu Dhabi to the Etihad Airways and Etihad Partners’ global networks.

“Significantly, we will be the only airline offering double daily non-stop flights between Melbourne and the UAE, and twice daily one-stop services to a vast network of business and leisure destinations worldwide,” he added.

The second daily service will also offer passengers new one-stop connections to destinations including Edinburgh, Geneva, Madrid and Zurich with Etihad, Stuttgart and Vienna with airberlin, and Venice with Alitalia.

Etihad commenced daily flights between to Melbourne in March 2009 and has since carried more than 900,000 passengers on the route. It also operates double daily flights to Sydney and daily services to Brisbane and Perth.

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Etihad_-_Boeing_777_300_ER
Scoot moves into Melbourne https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/scoot-moves-into-melbourne/ Tue, 09 Dec 2014 02:35:11 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=215838 The post Scoot moves into Melbourne appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Campbell Wilson, CEO of Scoot

Singapore-based low-cost carrier Scoot has revealed that it will launch its first flights to Melbourne next year. Commencing on 1 November 2015, the airline will use its brand new Boeing 787 Dreamliner on the direct Singapore-Melbourne route. Flights will run five times a week. “We’ve heard loud and clear the demands of Scoot to fly […]

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Campbell Wilson, CEO of Scoot
Campbell Wilson, CEO of Scoot
Campbell Wilson, CEO of Scoot

Singapore-based low-cost carrier Scoot has revealed that it will launch its first flights to Melbourne next year.

Commencing on 1 November 2015, the airline will use its brand new Boeing 787 Dreamliner on the direct Singapore-Melbourne route. Flights will run five times a week.

“We’ve heard loud and clear the demands of Scoot to fly to Melbourne, and we’re delighted to finally be able to answer them,” said Campbell Wilson, the airline’s CEO. “Melbourne… has long been on our radar and the arrival of our new Boeing 787s gives us the chance to add it to our network.”

Scoot’s Dreamliners will be configured in a two-class layout with economy and ‘ScootBiz’ cabins. All passengers will be offered Wi-Fi and in-seat power sockets.

Melbourne will become Scoot’s fourth destination in Australia, following Sydney, Perth and Gold Coast.

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Scoot B777 Campbell Campbell Wilson, CEO of Scoot
Mantra to manage large hotel complex in Melbourne https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/mantra-to-manage-large-hotel-complex-in-melbourne/ Wed, 03 Dec 2014 05:43:40 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=215613 The post Mantra to manage large hotel complex in Melbourne appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

The Bell City site offers 844 rooms and apartments

Mantra Group is set to manage an 844-room complex in Melbourne. The Australian hotelier has been appointed to operate the Bell City development, which is currently managed by Rydges. The complex will be relaunched under the Mantra and BreakFree brands in late December. The Bell City site consists of two towers – one comprising a […]

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The Bell City site offers 844 rooms and apartments
The Bell City site offers 844 rooms and apartments
The Bell City site offers 844 rooms and apartments

Mantra Group is set to manage an 844-room complex in Melbourne.

The Australian hotelier has been appointed to operate the Bell City development, which is currently managed by Rydges. The complex will be relaunched under the Mantra and BreakFree brands in late December.

The Bell City site consists of two towers – one comprising a 383-room upscale hotel and apartment complex. This part will carry the Mantra brand.

The second tower, which will become a BreakFree hotel, offers 461 midscale rooms, apartments and studios, as well as budget accommodation for students.

“The consistently high-performing greater Melbourne hotel market, combined with the metropolitan location of the Bell City hotels and its unique market drivers, presented us with an exceptional opportunity to capitalise on our existing portfolio of seven hotels in the Melbourne CBD,” said Mantra Group’s CEO, Bob East. “We… believe [this complex] has great potential to service a number of markets.”

Bell City is located approximately 11km north of Melbourne’s CBD.

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Mantra room The Bell City site offers 844 rooms and apartments
DoubleTree debuts in Melbourne https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/doubletree-debuts-in-melbourne/ Mon, 01 Dec 2014 07:06:43 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=215548 The post DoubleTree debuts in Melbourne appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

DoubleTree by Hilton Melbourne Flinders Street offers 180 rooms

Hilton has opened its first DoubleTree hotel in Melbourne. The new DoubleTree by Hilton Melbourne Flinders Street marks a rebranding of the former Citigate Melbourne. It reopens following a comprehensive, multi-million dollar refurbishment. “The addition of DoubleTree by Hilton Melbourne Flinders Street to our fast-growing global portfolio underscores our brand’s commitment to delivering our upscale, […]

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DoubleTree by Hilton Melbourne Flinders Street offers 180 rooms
DoubleTree by Hilton Melbourne Flinders Street offers 180 rooms
DoubleTree by Hilton Melbourne Flinders Street offers 180 rooms

Hilton has opened its first DoubleTree hotel in Melbourne.

The new DoubleTree by Hilton Melbourne Flinders Street marks a rebranding of the former Citigate Melbourne. It reopens following a comprehensive, multi-million dollar refurbishment.

“The addition of DoubleTree by Hilton Melbourne Flinders Street to our fast-growing global portfolio underscores our brand’s commitment to delivering our upscale, full-service hotel offering in all key markets and gateway cities around the world,” said John Greenleaf, global head of DoubleTree by Hilton.

“We are proud to mark our brand’s entry into Melbourne with this stylish and centrally-located hotel, and we look forward to delighting guests with the award-winning service culture.”

Located opposite Flinders Street Station, the new DoubleTree offers 180 rooms, all with HDTVs and high-speed Wi-Fi. There is also a lobby bar with an open fire, a restaurant with an open kitchen, plus two meeting rooms accommodating up to 140 people. The hotel also operates 24-hour fitness and business centres.

The new hotel joins the existing Hilton Melbourne South Wharf and Hilton on the Park Melbourne hotels in the city.

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DT Melbourne DoubleTree by Hilton Melbourne Flinders Street offers 180 rooms
Ovolo opens Australian headquarters https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/ovolo-opens-australian-headquarters/ Tue, 25 Nov 2014 05:13:00 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=215309 The post Ovolo opens Australian headquarters appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Ovolo now owns four hotels in Australia

Hong Kong’s Ovolo Hotels has established a new international headquarters in Australia. The new Melbourne office forms part of a major Australian expansion effort for the company, which earlier this year acquired three more properties Down Under. These added to its first Australian property, Ovolo Laneways, which opened in Melbourne two years ago. “Ovolo Hotels […]

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Ovolo now owns four hotels in Australia

Hong Kong’s Ovolo Hotels has established a new international headquarters in Australia.

The new Melbourne office forms part of a major Australian expansion effort for the company, which earlier this year acquired three more properties Down Under. These added to its first Australian property, Ovolo Laneways, which opened in Melbourne two years ago.

Ovolo now owns four hotels in Australia
Ovolo now owns four hotels in Australia

“Ovolo Hotels has found a home in Melbourne,” said Ovolo’s chief operating officer, Dirk Dalichau. “Now we will get to work growing our business and contributing to Melbourne’s buzzing tourism sector.”

Ovolo now owns four properties in Australia – Ovolo Laneways and the former Oaks on Lonsdale hotel in Melbourne, and the Hotel 1888 and Blue Hotel in Sydney.

And the group said it is now “exploring more investment opportunities in other major urban centres in Australia, as well as international markets further afield”.

Ovolo properties offer a range of guest-friendly amenities, including free breakfast, minibar items and Wi-Fi, plus self-service laundry facilities and flexible check out times.

In addition to the Australian hotels, Ovolo also operates five properties in Hong Kong, including the recently-opened Ovolo Southside, which has become a member of Design Hotels.

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Ovolo Melbourne Exterior Ovolo now owns four hotels in Australia
Qantas reschedules London-Melbourne A380 service https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/qantas-reschedules-london-melbourne-a380-service/ Thu, 03 Jul 2014 19:48:13 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=209545 The post Qantas reschedules London-Melbourne A380 service appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Formula 1 racing driver Daniel Ricciardo was on hand as Qantas Ambassador to launch the airline’s new schedule for its London to Melbourne A380 service. The reschedule means the out-going flight will leave Heathrow at 13.30 to arrive in Melbourne the next day at 20.55. The return leg will depart Melbourne at 22.55 to land […]

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Ricciardo with Maddy Grant and Eric Jelinek
Ricciardo with Maddy Grant and Eric Jelinek

Formula 1 racing driver Daniel Ricciardo was on hand as Qantas Ambassador to launch the airline’s new schedule for its London to Melbourne A380 service.

The reschedule means the out-going flight will leave Heathrow at 13.30 to arrive in Melbourne the next day at 20.55.

The return leg will depart Melbourne at 22.55 to land in London at 13.40 the following day.

The new schedule will commence on 21 July and will provide more flexibility at its current schedule means both A380 services leave within an hour of each other.

The London to Sydney service will take off at 21.20 and land at 06.20 in Sydney two days later, while the return departs Australia at 15.50 to arrive in London the following day at 06.45.

“Qantas offers double daily A380 services to Australia via Dubai. Our new schedule means our customers now have a choice between an afternoon departure or an evening departure from London, and an early morning or lunchtime arrival on their return journey to the UK,” said Eric Jelinek, regional general manager UK & Ireland at Qantas.

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Daniel Ricciardo web Ricciardo with Maddy Grant and Eric Jelinek
Australia attracts Indian television audience https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/australia-attracts-indian-television-audience/ Wed, 05 Mar 2014 05:57:10 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=204566 The post Australia attracts Indian television audience appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

A still from the Hindi television serial ‘Pyar Ka Dard’

Australia will showcase Melbourne as a honeymoon destination through primetime television show in India. Tourism Australia (TA) along with Tourism Victoria (TVIC) and Malaysia Airlines has collaborated with Star Plus to showcase Melbourne in television serial ‘Pyar Ka Dard’. As a part of the serial, lead actors Aditya and Pankhuri, along with Rubel and Payal […]

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A still from the Hindi television serial ‘Pyar Ka Dard’

Australia will showcase Melbourne as a honeymoon destination through primetime television show in India.

A still from the Hindi television serial ‘Pyar Ka Dard’
A still from the Hindi television serial ‘Pyar Ka Dard’

Tourism Australia (TA) along with Tourism Victoria (TVIC) and Malaysia Airlines has collaborated with Star Plus to showcase Melbourne in television serial ‘Pyar Ka Dard’. As a part of the serial, lead actors Aditya and Pankhuri, along with Rubel and Payal will visit Melbourne on their honeymoon. The lead actors shot at Flinders Station and Federation Square, Melbourne Cricket Ground, interacted with kangaroos and koalas at Ballarat Wildlife Park, gold rush at Sovereign Hill, self-drive across Great Ocean Road, helicopter ride over Twelve Apostles and visiting Phillips Island.

“Through this integration we have the fantastic opportunity to showcase Australia to dedicated viewers of daily soaps and entice them to replicate the holiday experiences of their favourite television actors. This ties in well with our strategy of educating the audience on the range of experiences available in Australia and we look forward to it translating into higher visitor arrivals for the destination,” said Nishant Kashikar, country manager for India and Gulf at Tourism Australia.

The tourism board will conduct brand promotion activities till the end of March 2014 in two primary markets of Delhi and Mumbai, featuring television, print, digital and out-of-home advertising. The recent release of Bollywood movie ‘Shaadi Ke Side Effects’ shot in Gold Coast is expected to further enhance top-of-mind recall as the next holiday destination for Indian travellers.

As part of the airline co-op activities, Tourism Australia will have a campaign with Malaysia Airlines, also a key partner in the Star Plus content integration project with attractive tactical offers for Indian travelers to Australia.

Australia recorded 20,600 Indian visitors during December 2013, bringing the total for the 12 months to December to 171,700, an increase of 7.9% relative to the same period previous year.

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australiatelevisionserial1 A still from the Hindi television serial ‘Pyar Ka Dard’
Melbourne hits the right social media note https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/melbourne-hits-the-right-social-media-note/ Fri, 25 Oct 2013 13:09:05 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=199266 The post Melbourne hits the right social media note appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Tourism bosses in Melbourne, Australia have hailed a ‘remote control tourist’ campaign a success after its website and YouTube views soared. More than 103,000 people visited Tourism Victoria’s website during the cycling and video recording campaign, which also racked up 150,000 YouTube views. Two tourists visited Melbourne for five days in the promotion, visiting 321 […]

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The Remote Control Tourists in action (photo credit: Roberto Seba)
The Remote Control Tourists in action (photo credit: Roberto Seba)

Tourism bosses in Melbourne, Australia have hailed a ‘remote control tourist’ campaign a success after its website and YouTube views soared.

More than 103,000 people visited Tourism Victoria’s website during the cycling and video recording campaign, which also racked up 150,000 YouTube views.

Two tourists visited Melbourne for five days in the promotion, visiting 321 businesses and recording more than 80 hours of footage.

Video footage will be used in further marketing material for the region to promote the city, with highlights of the campaign up online.

“Primarily aimed at Sydney, Brisbane and New Zealand, the campaign has successfully reached a global audience with strong initial results. The campaign has also received extensive international media coverage for its innovation and uniqueness which has helped further promote Melbourne as a desirable travel destination,” said Leigh Harry, chief executive of Tourism Victoria.

Around 96% of those tweeting its videos said they liked the campaign and would consider visiting the city.

Victoria has seen a 7% growth in UK tourists visiting the region in the last year, with 197,000 travelling there from September 2012 to September 2013.

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Tom and Lucy web The Remote Control Tourists in action (photo credit: Roberto Seba)
Etihad Airways outlines Australian expansion https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/etihad-airways-outlines-australian-expansion/ Mon, 12 Aug 2013 06:34:51 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=195769 The post Etihad Airways outlines Australian expansion appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Etihad Airways outlined a range of major changes to its Australian operations, including new aircraft, new routes, additional flights and new airport facilities. James Hogan, president and chief executive officer of Etihad Airways, said Australia was a key and long-term market for the airline and one for which there were exciting growth plans.  The developments […]

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Etihad Airways outlined a range of major changes to its Australian operations, including new aircraft, new routes, additional flights and new airport facilities. James Hogan, president and chief executive officer of Etihad Airways, said Australia was a key and long-term market for the airline and one for which there were exciting growth plans. 

Etihad Airways spells out Australia expansion
Etihad Airways spells out Australia expansion

The developments for the Australia market included deploying an Airbus A380 aircraft from Sydney and Melbourne to Abu Dhabi; construction of premium lounges at Sydney and Melbourne Airports from 2014; additional flights from Melbourne and Brisbane to Abu Dhabi and finally, commencement of non-stop flights between Perth and Abu Dhabi

He also reaffirmed that Etihad Airways was already moving to increase its equity in Virgin Australia, following recent approval by the Foreign Investment Review Board to increase from a 10% shareholding to 19.9%.

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Vivid 2013 Concept Drawings Etihad Airways spells out Australia expansion
Qatar Airways brings on a flavour of jazz in Melbourne https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/qatar-airways-brings-on-a-flavour-of-jazz-in-melbourne/ https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/qatar-airways-brings-on-a-flavour-of-jazz-in-melbourne/#respond Sun, 03 Jun 2012 13:21:28 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=127741 The post Qatar Airways brings on a flavour of jazz in Melbourne appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Qatar Airways brought in a flavour of Jazz in the city down under, Melbourne with the sponsorship of the world renowned Melbourne International Jazz Festival, which kicked off in the Victorian capital. Jazz lovers from around the world converged in Melbourne for the 10-day festival. The airline has signed an exclusive partnership deal that sees […]

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The post Qatar Airways brings on a flavour of jazz in Melbourne appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Qatar Airways brought in a flavour of Jazz in the city down under, Melbourne with the sponsorship of the world renowned Melbourne International Jazz Festival, which kicked off in the Victorian capital. Jazz lovers from around the world converged in Melbourne for the 10-day festival.

The airline has signed an exclusive partnership deal that sees some of the world’s leading jazz musicians, celebrities and artists visit the state capital for the musical extravaganza. The festival takes place in different venues across the city.

The free Qatar Airways opening Celebration Concert featured Chris Potter and the Jazzgroove Mothership Orchestra, followed by Robert Hurst, Jamie Oehlers and Dave Beck and The Cactus Channel who are making huge waves on the Melbourne live music scene.

Effective July 3rd, Qatar Airways will introduce its second Australian gateway with thrice-weekly services linking Doha with Perth. The route will operate daily from December.

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Grand Hyatt Melbourne unveils revamped rooms https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/grand-hyatt-melbourne-unveils-revamped-rooms/ Mon, 24 Oct 2011 09:09:29 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=175 The post Grand Hyatt Melbourne unveils revamped rooms appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Grand Hyatt Melbourne

Grand Hyatt Melbourne is pleased to announce that the interior redesign of the hotel’s premium suites, the Grand Club Lounge and the Club floors (the hotel’s top seven floors) are now complete. Guests can book and experience a brand new Club room from June. The complete interior redesign program commenced in October 2009, and all […]

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The post Grand Hyatt Melbourne unveils revamped rooms appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Grand Hyatt Melbourne
Grand Hyatt Melbourne
The exterior of the Grand Hyatt Melbourne

Grand Hyatt Melbourne is pleased to announce that the interior redesign of the hotel’s premium suites, the Grand Club Lounge and the Club floors (the hotel’s top seven floors) are now complete. Guests can book and experience a brand new Club room from June.

The complete interior redesign program commenced in October 2009, and all 546 rooms will be complete by 2011. The project is isolated floor by floor, ensuring that there is minimal disruption to in-house guests.

The complete interior redesign includes an update of the carpets, drapery and furniture. Renowned designer Joseph Pang completed the design concept, his brief to match the luxury image of the newly refurbished public areas with a contemporary residential style.

The brand new design concept enhances the hotel’s uninterrupted Melbourne city views, with new custom-made beds facing the floor-to-ceiling windows. The new work area comprises an L-shaped sofa, a round table and a leather upholstered armchair, a total departure from the conventional work desk and chair. This comfortable and efficient work area next to the window suits both business and leisure travellers, enabling them to appreciate the Melbourne skyline while watching the LCD flat-screen TV or enjoying in-room dining. The classic marble bathrooms are complemented by new tap ware, shower screens and Italian porcelain basins.

All furniture pieces, decorative light fittings and built-in joinery items are custom-designed for a unique look, while the palette of beige, bronze and charcoal is complemented by highlights of lime green, creating an eclectic mix. The use of Australian Blackbean timber for the furniture and custom-made white linen lampshades creates a warm, relaxing mood, enhancing the residential feel of the room.

Guests booking into a new Club room will also enjoy access to the redesigned Grand Club lounge. Situated on the 31st floor, the lounge offers panoramic city and river views, deluxe complimentary breakfast, all-day refreshments and evening drinks with canapes

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Grand Hyatt Melbourne The exterior of the Grand Hyatt Melbourne