Milestones

Press, 4 October 1977, Page 41

Milestones

Qantas has suspended its service to South Africa, officially on the grounds that the flights were uneconomic. The airline in recent weeks, however, had been dogged by a series Of disputes involving aircrew on the route — action which resulted in a number of the flights being cancelled. The link between Sydney and Johannesburg will be maintained once a week by South African Airways’ 747 sendee. International tourism is expected to beat all

records in 1977 with an estimated 230 million people taking holidays in foreign countries. Worldwide data monitored by the International Labour Office in Geneva indicates that a 10 per cent increase is likely compared with the 1976 level. In addition to those going abroad this year, some 900 million more are travelling within their own country on holiday. Early this month two luxury cruise ships, Sitmar’s Fairsea and

Fairwind, will sail for a Pacific rendezvous with one of nature’s rarest phenomena, a total eclipse of the sun. En route, 1700 sky-watchers will be treated to a galaxy of eclipse-related lectures, seminars and mini-courses by a panel of scientists. The ships will arrive at the path of eclipse, 1200 miles s o u t h-west of Los Angeles, on October 12.

A “free Sydney tour” is being advertised as part of an "All New Zealand Spectacular” by a Singapore travel firm.

The Hobart Highland Pipe Band will make a twoweek tour of New Zealand in January to promote tourism in Tasmania.