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The event brought together hundreds of travel industry suppliers and corporate travel decision makers from around the Latin American region. Argentina’s Tourism Secretary Enrique Meyer opened the event, expressing his optimism in the growing sector and the overall importance of tourism to the economy of Argentina. According to Meyer, “Business tourism has risen 20 percent over the previous year, and on the Ministry’s side, we are implementing several initiatives in order to ensure business tourism continues to grow.” At the forum, the results of the groundbreaking corporate travel survey in the Americas conducted by Airclaims International Transport & Tourism Consultancy exclusively on behalf of GlobalStar, was revealed. Peter Morris, Airclaims International Chief Economist, delivered the results of a survey which was distributed to more than 3000 travel industry players throughout the Americas. The findings show a positive trend in corporate travel throughout the Americas despite the tough times seen over the last four years in which North American travel agency locations have shrunk by just over 40 percent. More...

“We are delighted to welcome Swire Travel into GlobalStar”, comments Martin P. Metzler, GlobalStar’s worldwide President. “We were looking into strengthening our presence in the important Chinese-speaking markets for some time and could not have found a better and more professional partner than Swire Travel.” Managing Director of Swire Travel, Andrew Leung expresses that “Swire Travel’s participation into GlobalStar will surely create exciting new opportunities for both parties and benefits from the synergy are evident. We look forward to a close relationship”

In addition the airline is replacing the 747 on the Auckland-Los Angeles-London route with 777 aircraft and switching the 747 to their new service Auckland-Hong Kong-London that commences at the end of October. The carrier is looking to this routing to become their flagship entry into Europe with travellers keen to avoid the protracted security checks required to transit the US.

Ironically, the move came on the eve of Austrian unveiling its new business class seats to the Australian trade. The carrier currently flies six times weekly from Vienna into Sydney and three to Melbourne. All will be suspended from the end of March.

Although passenger numbers were said to be strong, the spiralling cost of fuel – resulting in poor yield on the route – was blamed for the decision. Astrid Mulholland-Licht, director of the Australian and New Zealand Austrian National Tourist Office, described the new as “sad” but said stressed there was no shortage of routes and carrier operating between the two countries.

“Lauda began flying here in 1988 and what began as one flight a week is now nine,” she said. “Austria is now an established market in Australia and there are plenty of carriers in the Star Alliance network that can connect with Austrian Airlines into Vienna.”

source = Travel Weekly

source = Travel Daily

The enhanced "Corporate Plus" fare comes as a result of feedback from Virgin Blue’s existing corporate and Government clients who have been limited in their ability to use Virgin Blue due to the instant purchase requirement.

Corporate Plus fares come with a host of benefits for business travellers. These include:

Complimentary access to The Lounge, an oasis for the weary business traveller, now with wireless broadband facilities and complimentary food and beverages. 

Priority check-in to express Corporate Plus Guests through the process.

Generous baggage allowance of up to 32 kg.

Instant purchase requirement is removed, allowing the benefit of booking and holding for up to 48 hours.

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