Australia News

Mantra Epping prepares to debut in May
Designed by architects Peddle Thorp and Bruce Henderson Interiors, the two-wing 214-room hotel will feature a selection of light-filled, contemporary hotel rooms, one-bedroom apartments and two-bedroom interconnecting apartments.

Five killed in Melbourne light aircraft crash
Five people have been killed after a light plane crashed into a shopping centre in Melbourne, Australia. Four United States citizens and their Australian pilot are confirmed dead following the accident.

ICC Sydney on track for December 2016 opening
International Convention Centre Sydney has launched a virtual tour of the much anticipated world class venue, on track to open in December 2016, to a global audience in Melbourne at the Asia-Pacific Incentives and Meetings Expo. Kicking off AIME’s media program this morning, at Australia’s largest business events trade show, ICC Sydney has for the first time provided the industry with an animated movie that explores the sparkling new Sydney city waterfront venue and its magnificent views.

Ash cloud halts Australia flights
Hundreds of passengers are facing travel disruption after a volcanic eruption in Indonesia sent ash clouds over the region, forcing airlines to cancel flights to and from Northern Australia.

Australian visitor numbers up in 2013
Australia welcomed 6.3 million visitors in the 12 month period ending August 2013, an increase of 5.6 per cent relative to the previous year. Of the total, 611,300 visitors arrived from the UK representing a three per cent increase on the previous 12 months.

Australia declares emergency over bushfires
New South Wales has declared a state of emergency for the next 30 days as firefighters try to contain the worst bushfires the state has seen in four decades.

Travellers Autobarn Launches Brand New 2013 2-berth Campervan Rental Models
Travellers Autobarn is launching brand new 2013 2-berth campervan rental models - the newest of its kind in the Australian budget market.

Tourism Australia launches new campaign in India
Tourism Australia, India has launched a new global promotional campaign, ‘There’s Nothing like Australia’ aimed at promoting Australia as a must-see destination with some of the world’s best tourism experiences. Australia has a wealth of assets, natural and man-made, that differentiate it from other destinations around the world.

WTTC: Australia’s carbon tax is a cost burden on struggling industry
Speaking at the Australian Tourism Directions Conference in Canberra, David Scowsill, President and CEO of the World Travel&Tourism Council (WTTC) recognized Australia’s commitment to the promotion of travel and tourism, but attacked the carbon tax announced by the government.

Tourism Victoria launches interactive training programme
Tourism Victoria has launched Road Trip Victoria, an exciting new online training programme and incentive that allows agents to improve their knowledge of the Australian state online in a fun and original way. Through a YouTube video, Road Trip Victoria follows local Tourism Victoria representatives in a bright red Mini Cooper visiting the state’s best and newest experiences.

Etihad eyes $12bn Australian aviation market
Peter Baumgartner, Chief Commercial Officer, Etihad Airways, will reveal Etihad’s plans to gain a greater share of Australia’s $12 billion aviation market during a keynote address at the Aviation Outlook Australia Pacific 2011.

Sydney Airport board appoints Kerrie Mather as MD
The Board of Sydney Airport Corporation Limited (SACL) today announced Ms Kerrie Mather has been appointed as Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Sydney Airport, effective 1 July 2011. Ms Mather will continue as CEO of MAp which holds a 74% interest in Sydney Airport.