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Virgin Australia to Cease Cairns-Tokyo Flights Due to Slow Recovery Post-COVID
Virgin Australia has announced that it will cease operating its once-daily flight between Cairns and Tokyo, Haneda, from 24 February 2025. The decision is based on factors including the slow recovery of inbound visitors from Japan, which is up to 35 percent below pre-COVID levels. The airline first launched its Cairns-Tokyo, Haneda services in June 2023. However, a below-expected recovery of visitors travelling from Japan to Australia due to sustained weakness in the Japanese Yen has impacted demand for the services, rendering the route commercially unsustainable. Impacted Customers Offered a Refund Approximately 2,000 customers travelling with Virgin Australia to Tokyo and Haneda after 24 February 2025 will be impacted. Customers who booked travel after 24 February via virginaustralia.com will be contacted by email within the next 24 hours to arrange a refund of their booking. Customers who booked through a travel agency or third-party booking website are encouraged to contact them to request a refund and to make alternative travel arrangements. Impacted customers should refer to the Virgin Australia Guest Compensation Policy for further information on their options. Despite the changes, Virgin Australia remains committed to providing guests with great service and value onboard its remaining Cairns-Haneda services until 24 February 2025. Insight from Virgin Australia Virgin Australia Chief Transformation and Strategy Officer Alistair Hartley apologised to impacted customers. “Our international network continues to be a central part of our strategy. Withdrawing from Cairns-Tokyo services was a tough decision, but unfortunately, the recovery of inbound visitors from Japan is significantly below forecast, and therefore, operating our own service to Tokyo is no longer commercially viable,” said Mr Hartley. He added, “We have a strong partnership with All Nippon Airways (ANA), which will allow us to continue to support inbound tourism from Japan to Australia and popular tourist destinations like Far North Queensland. Equally, Virgin Australia customers and Velocity Frequent Flyer members will be able to book seamless flights with ANA from just about anywhere in Australia to Japan directly on our website.” Virgin Australia to Continue Offering Japan Flights through ANA While Virgin Australia will cease operating its daily flight between Cairns and Tokyo from 24 February 2025, the airline will continue to offer up to 17 flights per week between Australia and Japan through All Nippon Airways (ANA), which can be booked directly on the Virgin Australia website. The partnership will also continue to play an important role in seamlessly connecting Japanese tourists to popular Australian destinations on the Virgin Australia domestic network, including to Far North Queensland. Virgin Australia operates up to 13 flights from major Australian cities into Cairns daily. Improved Utilisation of Virgin Australia Boeing 737 MAX 8 Aircraft Virgin Australia will re-deploy its Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, which currently operates Cairns-Tokyo services, to its existing domestic schedule. Virgin Australia has seven fuel-efficient Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, with one additional aircraft scheduled to enter the airline’s fleet next month. This decision marks a significant shift in Virgin Australia’s strategy, demonstrating the airline’s commitment to sustainable aviation and its adaptability to changing market conditions.
Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort is the first Sustainable Tourism Certified resort in North Queensland
Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort has achieved Ecotourism Australia’s Sustainable Tourism Certification becoming the first resort in North Queensland to hold this prestigious certification. As the sixth Accor property to achieve Sustainable Tourism Certification, Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort joins a growing cohort of sustainably focused urban hotels that meet international best-practice sustainability standards against environmental, social, cultural and sustainable management pillars. Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort General Manager, Shelly Cuthbertson, said they were thrilled to announce their certification achievement. “Becoming the first Sustainable Tourism Certified resort in North Queensland is an achievement we are immensely proud of,” said Ms Cuthbertson. “Our hotel has been on a dedicated journey of sustainability over the past few years, and we have developed several initiatives to support our local community and minimise our impact on the environment. Being nestled at the gateway to the iconic Great Barrier Reef motivates us to identify innovative sustainability solutions, including our biodiversity reef restoration program, partnership with ecoSPIRITS and Indigenous employment scheme.” Elissa Keenan, Chief Executive of Ecotourism Australia, said the resort’s certification achievement is helping to solidify the region as a sustainable urban destination as well as a sustainable nature destination. “We are pleased to see the Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort achieve one of the first Sustainable Tourism Certifications in the region and join more than 70 existing ECO Certified operators in Tropical North Queensland,” said Ms Keenan. “As the demand for sustainable tourism experiences continues to grow, it is great to see the enthusiasm from non-nature-based experiences and accommodations to become sustainability leaders through globally recognised certification standards that provide assurance to their guests.” Mark Olsen, Chief Executive Officer of Tourism Tropical North Queensland, offered his congratulations to the resort for their certification accomplishment and their contribution to the ongoing sustainability story of Tropical North Queensland. “The Great Barrier Reef is a drawcard for visitors from around the world who are seeking experiences and accommodations that contribute to the sustainability of the destination. Our region is proud to have one of the highest concentrations of certified tourism businesses in Australia,” said Olsen. Ecotourism Australia launched the Sustainable Tourism Certification program late last year to provide non-nature based tourism businesses the opportunity to achieve credible and independently verified certification that meets globally recognised sustainable tourism standards. Earlier this year, Ecotourism Australia entered into a strategic partnership with Accor to independently certify their Australian and Pacific properties as Sustainable Tourism Certified or ECO Certified. Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort joins five other Accor properties that have achieved Ecotourism Australia’s Sustainable Tourism Certification standard.
Cairns Convention Center to Open $176 Million Expansion
eTurboNews: Cairns Convention Centre is opening its highly anticipated AUD$176 million expansion next month. With this transformative development, the Centre solidifies its position as a premier business events destination for both corporate and association conferences, delivering sustainable, world-class events with a lasting impact. The expansion project encompasses a significant number of enhancements. Among the additions are a rooftop banquet area, three state-of-the-art meeting rooms and an exhibition and plenary lecture space, providing a total of 10,500 square meters of new floor space. This significant expansion enables the Centre to accommodate multiple or larger events, with conferences and exhibitions for up to 2,500 guests possible across the entire venue. “Coupled with the latest audio-visual technology, the additional space offers conference organisers a wealth of flexibility and industry leading infrastructure for their events,” comments Janet Hamilton, general manager at Cairns Convention Centre. “The new interior features significant new exhibition space, a plenary space capable of hosting 400 people and three new meeting rooms.” The new Trinity Level is a key part of the expansion, offering guests breath taking natural views of two world heritage sites – the Wet Tropics Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef. The Trinity Room, an ideal setting for gala dinners and large cocktail functions, can accommodate up to 500 people; whilst the outdoor Trinity Terrace offers panoramic views of the Trinity Inlet, providing a unique backdrop for cocktail functions, lunches, and other events seeking to embrace Cairns’ tropical climate. Janet Hamilton continues: “With face-to-face events more popular than ever, we have proactively equipped the venue with cutting-edge audio-visual equipment. This technology meets the needs of not just the many live events we host but also their hybrid and digital requirements. This ensures that every delegate, whether here in person or on the other side of the world, has an incredible event experience.” hybrid meetings and online collaborations continues to grow, we have proactively equipped the venue with cutting-edge audio-visual equipment to meet the needs of all clients.” The Centre’s commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship remains unwavering. The expansion project incorporates numerous eco-conscious features such as high-performance glazing on the building, which increases energy efficiency by up to 30 percent. 1,200 sun blades and biophilic design living greenery over the façade reduce heat gain from the sun. “Smart building management systems monitor and control power usage daily. All the lighting is high-efficiency LED with automated dimming control and motion sensors, we have solar-boosted hot water generation and energy efficient fans and equipment. We are installing electric vehicle charging stations and priority is given to Energy Star ratings when buying new appliances,” concludes Janet Hamilton. Read more: Cairns Convention Center to Open $176 Million Expansion Copyright: eTurboNews is Travel Industry News - Travel & Tourism Story Telling Exposed
Arinex heads to Cairns for 50th anniversary conference
In a significant milestone in the 50th anniversary year of Australasian event management company Arinex, around 55 team members will gather in for their first face-to-face conference. The Arinex Conference will be held at the Cairns Convention Centre from Monday (27 Mar). This carbon neutral event will feature three days of presentations and workshops, followed by eco-certified tours of the World Heritage-listed tropical rainforests and iconic Great Barrier Reef. Arinex Managing Director Nicole Walker said Cairns was chosen as the location for the company-wide conference due to its blend of exceptional event and accommodation options, warm hospitality and awe-inspiring natural wonders. “This year marks Arinex’ 50th year in business, making this conference all the more special. Cairns is the perfect location for us to celebrate this momentous occasion, reflect on our progress and set our sights on the path ahead,” Walker said. “The Arinex Conference boasts an impressive line-up of external and internal speakers, who will delve into topics ranging from trends in event design and management to sustainability, marketing, data privacy and more. “In keeping with Arinex' commitment to sustainability, the first day of the conference promises to be a memorable one with a panel discussion featuring Tourism Tropical North Queensland (TTNQ) CEO Mark Olsen, Cairns Convention Centre General Manager Janet Hamilton and Crystalbrook Collection CEO Geoff York. The trio will share their insights on the region's latest sustainability initiatives and discuss the importance of collaboration in driving positive change.” TTNQ and the Cairns Convention Centre were equally enthusiastic about the Arinex Conference, lending their expertise and support to ensure the team experiences the best of what the region can offer business events. "Given the crucial role that business events play in our region's economy, we are proud to showcase our world-class facilities and natural wonders to this respected group of event professionals, guaranteeing an unforgettable experience for all,” said TTNQ CEO Mark Olsen. Cairns Convention Centre General Manager Janet Hamilton added: "We are thrilled to host the Arinex team at our world class venue and showcase our centre’s soon-to-be-completed 10,500 sqm expansion including a large undercover forecourt, new conference and exhibition spaces and a stunning third level with beautiful large banquet room and rooftop terrace.” The Arinex Conference is just the beginning of the company's 50th-anniversary celebrations, with more planned for the coming months. In a significant milestone in the 50th anniversary year of Australasian event management company Arinex, around 55 team members will gather in Cairns next week for their first face-to-face conference.
Accor brings new Mercure hotel brand to Cairns
Accor, the largest hotel operator in Australia, has announced that it is bringing its leading Mercure hotel brand back to the coastal holiday hotspot of Cairns in Tropical North Queensland with the opening of new Mercure Cairns. The new hotel emerges following a multi-million dollar upgrade and rebrand of ibis Styles Cairns and comprises 75 spacious guestrooms, including Standard Queen, Standard Twin Singles, Standard Twin, Superior King Room, Family Room, Loft Spa Room, Executive King Room, a pool deck and a new modern Australian restaurant – The Stanley – serving the finest local produce. The makeover of the quintessential Cairns hotel brings a new level of style to the accommodation landscape in the city, without compromising on its relaxed Queensland coastal lifestyle. Mandala Hospitality Group Manager, Murray Emerton, said: “We are excited to be working with Accor to bring Mercure Cairns to Far North Queensland and feel the refurbishment of this asset will provide a new look to the Cairns market for our leisure and corporate guests.” With 55 properties in key metropolitan and leisure destinations across Australia, Mercure is the largest and fastest growing global midscale hotel brand in the country. Accor Pacific Chief Executive Officer, Sarah Derry, said: “We are delighted to open Mercure Cairns. “Holding appeal for both leisure and business travelers, Mercure Cairns has been tailored to suit travelers who value quality accommodation, incredible guest experiences, great dining and leading design. “Mercure is the largest and fastest growing global midscale hotel brand in Australia and, with its genuine warmth and excellent guest service, the popularity of Mercure Cairns is assured.” Surrounded and inspired by nature, the hotel boasts a curated design of cool and coastal aesthetics from leading Australian designer, Scott Carver, and acts as a meeting place – with the hotel lobby, restaurant and outdoor dining and lounge area providing opportunities to congregate, work, dine and relax. On the ground floor of the hotel, The Stanley serves a delicious modern Australian menu of fresh and local produce. The restaurant has been carefully designed to marry the coastal charm of the region with a refined yet casual dining experience. The restaurant’s comfortable and stylish indoor / outdoor spaces transition seamlessly from day to night, and evoke a sensory experience though quality touches, locally-sourced handmade elements and a focus on ambience. Located in the heart of Cairns, Mercure Cairns is perfectly placed just two blocks from the Esplanade and across the road from Cairns Aquarium, Munro Martin Parklands, and Cairns Performing Arts Centre. The Night Markets and food court, casino, Reef Fleet Terminal and convention centre are just a short walk away. Opening Special: Beamong the first to experience Mercure Cairns with the hotel’s Opening Special Offer from $139.92 per night in a Standard Room – a saving of 12%. Accor brings new Mercure hotel brand to Cairns
Virgin Australia Announces New Cairns-Tokyo Flight
Virgin Australia has announced a new international route, with a daily return flight from Cairns to Tokyo (Haneda) beginning on 28 June 2023. The route is being introduced for the first time in collaboration with the Queensland Government and Cairns Airport under the Queensland Government’s Attracting Aviation Investment Fund. Virgin Australia has also started a ‘Hello Tokyo’ promotion, with roundtrip flights starting at $699 for Economy Lite until midnight on 20 December 2022 or until sold out. The introduction of Virgin Australia’s new Cairns-Haneda route caps off a remarkable year for the airline, which has dramatically extended its short-haul international network over the previous year, according to Virgin Australia Group Chief Executive Officer Jayne Hrdlicka. “I’m excited to announce the commencement of our brand-new daily, year-round Cairns-Haneda service with VA77, which will take off on 28 June next year.” “We’re thrilled to be able to provide our customers direct access into and out of Tokyo’s Haneda Airport on modern, fuel-efficient planes,” she added. “Virgin Australia is a proud Queensland company. We’re thrilled to offer over 2,000 seats between these famous cities weekly, providing greater value and choice for Australians looking to travel to Japan.” Importantly, it means bringing more Japanese visitors to the Sunshine State to appreciate our unparalleled natural treasures, such as the Great Barrier Reef and the Whitsunday Islands. We understand how important the Japanese market is to trade and tourism in Far North Queensland and the Sunshine State. Our service will result in more international visitors coming to Cairns each year, which will positively impact the State’s economy.” Stirling Hinchliffe, Queensland Minister for Tourism, said the State’s $200 million funded Virgin Australia’s direct service from Haneda Attracting Aviation Investment Fund in collaboration with the State’s four international airports. “Japan is a vital part of our inbound international tourist recovery strategy for iconic places like Cairns and Tropical North Queensland,” he said. Virgin Australia will deepen its strategic alliance with All Nippon Airways (ANA), Japan’s largest airline, to increase flying access between Australia and Japan. The partnership will see Virgin Australia and ANA grant members of the airline’s Velocity and ANA Mileage Club frequent flyer programmes, reciprocal loyalty benefits when travelling on either carrier during 2023 and beyond, and increased code-share flying connectivity between the countries. Mr Junichiro Miyagawa, ANA EVP of Alliances & International Affairs, said, “As a strategic and major partner to ANA, we are thrilled about Virgin Australia’s debut flight to Haneda, which strengthens our commercial partnership.” We are thrilled to welcome customers, with the shared purpose of both airlines serving as a bridge between Australia and Japan, providing the best standards of customer care and unique customer experiences in both countries.” The news caps off a fantastic year for Virgin Australia, which returned to profitability after completing the first stage of its transformation programme and recently celebrated Velocity’s 11-million-member milestone. Since international borders reopened a year ago, the airline has started flights to Bali, Fiji, and Queenstown, with services to Vanuatu, Samoa, and Tokyo set to begin in the first half of 2023.
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