World Travel Places To Go and Tourism

Thailand newest boutique hotel opening 1 Jan - 137 Pillars House Chiang Mai

2011-11-18T00:05:00.000-08:00

137 PILLARS HOUSE CHIANG MAI

From Historic Colonial Residence to Stunning 30 Suite Hotel

Opening January 1st, 2012

The stunning new 30 suite 137 Pillars House, Chiang Mai has a prime location in a tropical enclave near the Ping River; adjacent to the famous Wat Gate Khar Rham Temple. The hotel will open on January 1st, 2012.

The hotel offers guests every modern luxury, combined with the revival of 19th Century oriental elegance and nostalgic ambiance from its former days as the homestead of the Manager of the British East Borneo Company. Nearby cultural treasures await discovery as do the spa's Thai and aromatherapy treatments.

137 Pillars House is managed by SilverNeedle Hospitality and is a member of Small Luxury Hotels.

Historic Past

Founded in 1296, Chiang Mai was a prosperous trading center on the route from China and Burma. A city wall was built to protect the city, much of which is still visible and parts of which have been restored.

Wat Gate, the area of Chiang Mai surrounding 137 Pillars House, was formerly designated to foreigners. The traditional Thai temple complex of multiple pagodas and living quarters is also home to Wat Gate Khar Rham Museum, founded by former 137 Pillars House owner Jack Bain. It is filled with quirky memorabilia from ancient farm tools and pottery to ornate clothing of the Chiang Mai Royalty plus an extensive collection of historic photographs.

Guest Quarters

Four stunning suite types range from 70 square meters up to 135 square meters, each named after a famous Colonial settler.

Architectural historians and conservationists worked meticulously to retain the integrity of the original 1889 structure at 137 Pillars House. Tiled verandas, cane shades, rattan furniture and free standing Victorian baths are reminders of days gone by, blended with the modern facilities including outdoor garden showers, flat screen televisions and the all-important wi-fi access. Private Pools (5.5 x 2.5 meters) are featured in the two Louis Leonowens Suites.

Grounds and Gardens

Prior to its transformation, much of 137 Pillars House was enveloped in tropical northern Thai forest. The elegant Lady Palm and Mimosa trees were retained to honor the property's unique heritage while creating shade and breeze along the stone walkways. Fragrant, indigenous blooms line the original elephant path, a favorite outdoor reminder of 137 Pillars House's historical past.

In the hotel's Market Garden, the 137 Pillars House Master Gardener takes full advantage of Chiang Mai's cooler climate to grow organic fruit and vegetables.   He collaborates directly with the Executive Chef and is available upon request to guide guests through this edible landscape.

Guest entertainment on The Lawn is regularly scheduled, including Thai music and dancing, cocktails parties and cultural lectures.

Drinks and Dining - A range of options include:

The Library Bar - guests can linger over fresh fruit drinks, Italian and local coffee and teas, wines, brandy, port, sherry, cognacs and aperitifs.

The Parlor - afternoon high tea is served in the classic style as Chiang Mai's early foreign visitors enjoyed, with bespoke tea blends, coffee concoctions and complimentary Thai sweets.

The Wine Cellar – serving a selection of New and Old World vintages from around the world, including notable Thai wines.

The Dining Room - for breakfast, lunch and dinner, The Dining Room adjacent to Pillars House is a stylish yet comfortable environment to savor our favorite recipes prepared with fresh organic ingredients.

The Kitchen - a showpiece and gathering place for Thai cooking demonstrations.

Private Dining - in-suite dining or dine in a private spot on the grounds. Set at least one night aside for our chef's BBQ on the expansive verandah of your suite. For adventure filled days or upon departure, allow our kitchen team to prepare gourmet picnic baskets and light lunch boxes good to go.

Additional Features:

The Drawing Room

The 19th century directors of the British Borneo Company would certainly be impressed by our fully modern meeting facility supported by all necessary business centre services. It is the ideal venue for a small private dining function, social gathering or business meeting for up to 25 people.

Relaxation and Recreation

The Spa

Classical and current massage and spa treatments include Aromatherapy, Thai Massage and Yoga with private lessons available.   Beauty rituals integrate local organics and ancient secrets. Essential oils are distilled on site and freshly made beauty products come straight from our organic garden.

The Gymnasium

The gym is equipped with the latest multi-station free unit and free weights as well as computer controlled cardio-vascular equipment.

Swimming Pool

Dive into the shimmering 25 x 5.5 metre pool, where snacks, sweets and fresh fruit drinks, as well as items off the main menus are delivered by attentive staff who drop by with complimentary homemade sorbet, cool mineral water, cold towels and atomizer mist.

Opening Rate

Opening rates start from THB 12,333 (USD 400) per night, plus applicable service charge and Government taxes.

For more information and reservations, please contact Zulkifli Rahman, Director of Sales & Marketing for 137 Pillars House on:

Mobile: +66 81 55 34 871

Email: info@137pillarshouse.com

Website: www.137pillarshouse.com (coming soon) or www.slh.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/137pillarshouse.com

Prestigious accolades for 2011 NSW Tourism Awards Winners

2011-11-17T17:18:00.000-08:00

Winners of the Caravan & Camping Industry NSW

Tourism Industry Council NSW Chair, Ken Corbett

Minister for Tourism – George Souris

Winners of the 2011 NSW Tourism Awards

MC Mike Whitney, Jon Hutchinson and Minister George Souris

Mr Percival enthralling the crowd

From adventure pursuits such as Tri State Safaris in the outback and Sydney Harbour YHA backpacker accommodation, to Indigenous Tourism leaders Coffs Coast Aboriginal Discovery and major tourist attraction The Magic of Jenolan, NSW's most innovative and outstanding tourism businesses were recognised last night in Sydney as the winners of the 2011 NSW Tourism Awards.

Recognising 30 categories of tourism operators from NSW's exciting tourism industry, the winners were judged from hundreds of entries covering restaurant and catering services, accommodation, tourism education and training, heritage and cultural tourism, festivals and events.

Now in its 22nd year, the NSW Tourism Awards managed by Tourism Industry Council NSW supports the development of the tourism industry which contributes $28.7 billion per year to the NSW economy.

The depth of offering and professional calibre of product has strongly grown since the awards began and Ken Corbett, Chairman, Tourism Industry Council NSW, said that the range of entries symbolises that the entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well, especially in the many small businesses that make up the industry.

"Small businesses are a vital element to the NSW tourism landscape. The value that they bring to providing employment opportunities to their regions cannot be underestimated.

"This year the winners demonstrated an enormous amount of pride in what they do; this exceptional pride in their product is exemplified in the innovative thinking and dedication to client experiences that we see all around the state," said Mr Corbett.

Jon Hutchinson, outgoing CEO of Business Events Sydney was recognised for his Outstanding Contribution to Tourism and Lori Modde was recognised for her Outstanding Contribution to Regional Tourism.

The Young Achiever award was presented to Ollie Philpot, CEO of Central Coast Tourism.

The 2011 NSW Tourism Awards were announced at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre in front of 700 people. The NSW Tourism Award winners will automatically become finalists in the National Tourism Awards, to be held in Cairns in March 2012.

The Full List of Winners:

Category                                                        Winner

Adventure Tourism                                          Tri State Safaris

Backpacker Accommodation                         Sydney Harbour YHA

Deluxe Accommodation                  Macquarie Waters Boutique Apartment Hotel

Ecotourism                                                    Lane Cove River Tourist Park

Festivals and Events                NSW Caravan, Camping, RV & Holiday Supershow

Heritage and Cultural Tourism                      Written in Stone

Hosted Accommodation                           Mollymook Beach Waterfront

Indigenous Tourism                          Coffs Coast Aboriginal Discovery

Luxury Accommodation                         Sheraton on the Park

Major Festivals and Events                     Bluesfest Byron Bay

Major Tour and/or Transport Operators            Moonshadow Cruises

Major Tourist Attractions                                   Taronga Zoo

Meetings and Business Tourism                   Shoal Bay Resort & Spa

New Tourism Development                              Tandara

Outstanding Contribution to Regional Tourism       Lori Modde

Outstanding Contribution to Tourism by an Individual          Jon Hutchison

QANTAS Award for Excellence in Sustainable Tourism Lane Cove River Tourist Park

Specialised Tourism Services                      Newcastle Airport

Standard Accommodation                     Scone Motor Inn

Tour and/or Transport Operators             Tri State Safaris

Tourism Education and Training              Travel 21fiftythree

Tourism Marketing                             The Legendary Pacific Coast

Tourism Restaurants and Catering Services        Margan Restaurant

Tourism Wineries, Distilleries and Boutique Breweries       Wyndham Estate Winery

Tourist and Caravan Parks        BIG4 North Star Holiday Resort & Caravan Park

Tourist Attractions                             The Magic of Jenolan

Tourist Pubs                            Shoal Bay Country Club Hotel

Unique Accommodation                 Somewhere Unique – An Escape for 2 in the Hunter

Visitor Information and Services     Greater Port Macquarie Visitor Information Centre

Young Achiever in Tourism Award                 Ollie Philpot

SOFITEL'S LANDMARK NEW HOTEL IN FOSHAN, CHINA, WILL BECOME CITY'S TALLEST BUILDING

2011-11-17T16:37:00.000-08:00

New Sofitel opening in 2014 will become the city's tallest building

Sofitel Luxury Hotels today announced the opening of a prestigious, new 325-room hotel in the booming city of Foshan in 2014, which, at 236 meters tall, will become the city's tallest building. Foshan is a centuries-old but fast-growing city in China's Guangdong Province and has long been famous for its furniture, porcelain and martial arts industries.

Set to become one of Foshan's most instantly recognizable and luxurious hotels with unmatched visibility, the towering Sofitel Foshan will become a focal point of the 2nd phase of the Foshan Louvre International Furniture Exhibition Center – the biggest furniture exhibition mall in China. The Sofitel Foshan will feature 325 spacious hotel rooms and suites, four restaurants and three bars, a large pillar-free ballroom, ten meeting rooms of various sizes, the group's signature So SPA, a fitness center, a yoga room, a beauty salon and an indoor swimming pool. It will also have an executive lounge, which is complemented by a fully equipped business center, and 280 parking stalls. The stunning skyscraper will offer the first onsite luxury accommodation to Lecong's huge amount of daily furniture customers, as well as tourists and business travelers.

The Sofitel Foshan is being developed by Guangdong Louvre International Furniture Exhibition Center Co., Ltd. (whose parent company is Louvre International Furniture Group), and will be strategically located in Lecong – the largest high-end furniture trading center in the world.

Positioning the hotel in Lecong, where over 25,000 local and international customers including furniture wholesalers daily, makes the Sofitel Foshan an ideal choice for furniture shoppers as well as leisure and business visitors. For those wishing to visit the city's many cultural sites, the popular urban hub Dong Ping New Town is just five minutes away, downtown Foshan is a 15 minute drive and, for business, the Nanhai Financial District is 25 minutes away. Guangzhou is now easy to access from Foshan after the recent successful merging of the two cities by expressways and subways, while Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport is approximately 50 minutes away.

Ms Chen Gui Fang, General Manager of Louvre International Furniture Group, said, "Louvre International Furniture Group is one of the largest furniture wholesale and retail companies in China with customers from all over the world. Proving that high-end furniture shopping is big business in Foshan, Guangdong Louvre International Furniture Exhibition Center Co., Ltd. is committed to its first international brand hotel, the Sofitel Foshan, and the unparalleled convenience it offers in this bustling district."

Responding to the new project, Markland Blaiklock, Senior Vice President of Sofitel Asia Pacific said "Sofitel Foshan will be an inspiring project in Foshan, the fast growing city in Guangdong Province. With its latest address Sofitel Luxury Hotels will further reinforce its strong presence in the Pearl River Delta with hotels and resorts already established in Dongguan, Macau and most recently in Guangzhou."

Discover Sofitel on www.sofitel.com

Wolgan Valley Honoured with Condé Nast Traveler's World Savers Award

2011-11-17T15:33:00.000-08:00

Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa General Manager Joost Heymeijer hands the Conde Nast Traveler's World Savers Award to Phil Cram, Facilities Manager and Ben Boothby, Senior Field Guide with the resort's Conservation Team.

Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa, the world's first internationally accredited carbon-neutral resort, has been honoured at the prestigious 2011 World Savers Award for its pioneering work and commitment to wildlife conservation.

The Condé Nast Traveler's fifth annual World Savers Awards acclaims travel companies from around the world for their leadership in social responsibility. The rigorous process is judged across six categories including wildlife conservation, poverty relief, environmental and cultural preservation, education, and health initiatives.

"In just two years of opening, we're incredibly humbled to receive another global accolade for our commitment to wildlife conservation. From the outset, the resort has been built on the philosophy of complete integration with the Australian environment and a focus on endangered species protection," said Joost Heymeijer, General Manager, Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa.

Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa

A scenic three-hour drive from Sydney, Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa is nestled between two of Australia's most prominent national parks and borders the Blue Mountains World Heritage Area. The resort itself occupies just two per cent of the Emirates-owned 4,000-acre property, and combines the expectations of the high-end traveller with a commitment to broader social, ecological and environmental sustainability.

Travellers have become sensitive to environmental issues - in particular their own impact on the locations and communities they visit. They are equally are not expecting to lower their standards, and the quality of their experiences when travelling.

"When guests stay at Wolgan Valley, they immediately recognise our ethos and ongoing commitment to be truly environmentally and socially responsible; and of course also appreciate the unique, luxury world-class experiences delivered by Emirates have not been compromised.

"We commend our colleagues in Australia and around the world who are making contributions to become more socially responsible. We hope these efforts continue to protect our naturally beautiful landmarks and locations, ensuring our industry grows and prospers," concluded Mr Heymeijer.

With approximately 4,000 acres of land dedicated as a wildlife reserve, the Wolgan conservancy project re-establishes and secures a future for many of the region's indigenous and endangered species, which were under critical pressure from introduced flora and feral predators – the major cause of species extinction in Australia.

To date, over 175,000 indigenous trees have been planted in wildlife corridors and along creek banks at Wolgan Valley. The resort also incorporates many Ecologically Sustainable Design principles and resource-saving technologies, ranging from rainwater collection, full recycling of all domestic water, heat exchange technology to reduce electricity consumption and the use of solar panels for all hot water systems.

For further information on the conservation policies and work at Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa please visit www.wolganvalley.com.

It's Official ...The Villas Voted Indonesia's Best Spa Resort

2011-11-17T14:21:00.000-08:00

The Villas Bali Hotel & Spa in Seminyak has been announced as Indonesia's Leading Spa Resort 2011/2012 by Indonesia Travel & Tourism Award Foundation and The Board of Advisors at a glittering awards ceremony in Jakarta.

Industry representatives gathered at the gala dinner, which has been dubbed the Oscars of the Indonesian Tourism Industry, to recognise outstanding success by Indonesia's tourism businesses.

General Manger Andrew Keating said, "on behalf of our loyal staff I am delighted to have The Villas recognised by the renowned Indonesia Travel & Tourism Award Foundation and look forward to continuing to build the strong brand position The Villas & Prana Spa already enjoys".

The Villas Bali Hotel & Spa has established itself as one of Bali's finest and most enchanting villa style hotel resorts. The consistent level of service through high staff-to-guest ratios combined with an exceptional range of pampering treatments in Prana Spa ensures a true indulgent experience which has resulted in the Villas not only being awarded this latest award as Indonesia's Leading Spa Resort, but also joins the prestigious Trip Advisor award earlier this year having been voted in the Top 10 Relaxation/Spa Hotels across Asia.

The Villas has invested strongly through innovation in a range of areas to keep the Villas & Prana Spa top of mind among potential visitors. "This ITTA category win recognises the important work we have done and continue to do in this area."

"Spa culture has gained significant importance over the last few years and we made the conscious decision not to limit ourselves, we have created a great range of treatment options in line with the latest innovations and evolved The Villas into a sanctuary of well-being dedicated to relaxation," Mr Keating continued.

Timed to coincide with the winning of such a major award, The Villas and Prana Spa has a special deal on offer for direct bookings only, for a holiday of 3 nights or more, each new booking will enjoy a complimentary 2 hour Ayurvedic Simple Bliss Package in Prana Spa for each adult within the booking. (T&C's apply including - Must be booked and taken between 18th November 2011 and 29th February 2012 also not available from the 19th of December 2011 till the 5th of January 2012, subject to availability, please ask for further information).

Further information - www.thevillas.net

Romantic Bali Spa Resort The Dreamland Joins Worldhotels

2011-11-17T03:35:00.000-08:00

Global network attracting independent and unique properties

Global network for independent and unique properties Worldhotels has welcomed one of Bali's most romantic spa resorts, The Dreamland Villas & Spa, to its fast-growing Asia-Pacific portfolio.

The boutique resort is blessed with a spectacular location on the southernmost peninsula of Bali, overlooking Uluwatu's historic Hindu temple and Jimbaran's famous surfing beaches.

It is just minutes from Padang Padang beach, location for the recent Hollywood movie Eat, Pray and Love starring Julia Roberts.

Ideal for similar romantic adventures, The Dreamland Villas & Spa features 42 luxury villas, each with their own swimming pool, private courtyard and open-air pavilion.

Inspired by Indonesia's wealth of healing and beauty traditions, The Dreamland Spa is a journey of indulgence, from sauna to plunge pool, flower or milk bath, and pampering that can be shared with loved ones.

The idyllic retreat also neighbours the New Kuta championship golf course, with some of the most challenging links holes in the world.

A complimentary shuttle service links the romantic resort to nearby beaches and tourist centres of Kuta and Nusa Dua. For guests staying 3 consecutive nights, the hotel offers 10% off and return airport transfer.

Worldhotels Vice President Asia-Pacific Roland Jegge said: "The competitive edge to be gained from joining our global marketing and distribution network is proving increasingly attractive to both independent hospitality brands and unique boutique properties such as Dreamland."

For the most up-to-date news follow Worldhotels on Facebook and Twitter.

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Australia Toll free: 1-800-55 35 49 For groups: 61-2-8399 2210

Traveltalk November 2011

2011-11-16T23:53:00.000-08:00

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Stranded passengers forced to pay airline fuel bill

2011-11-16T22:35:00.000-08:00

Source: TravelMole

Passengers on a flight from India to Britain claim they were forced to fork out more than $31,000 in cash to pay for fuel to allow the plane to complete the journey, UK media reports.

More than 180 passengers on a chartered Austrian Comtel Air flight from Amritsar to Birmingham were stranded on the tarmac in Vienna during a refuelling stop after being told the airline "ran out of cash to fund the last leg of the trip", London's Daily Telegraph reported.

Passengers said the airline then threatened to remove their luggage from the plane if they did not pay up.

The passengers, who reportedly paid about $780 each for their flight, refused to get off the plane in a six-hour standoff.

The dispute was finally resolved when Austrian police were called and the passengers were escorted to ATMs to withdraw cash.

Bhunpinder Kandra, director of passenger services for Comtel Air, told BBC News that "there may have been some operational problem" in Vienna but denied people were asked to pay towards more fuel.

But the Press Association reported him saying: "I have heard what happened, it shouldn't have happened, and I will investigate why it happened.

"The people who had to pay the money will receive a refund."

Skimax New Zealand Winter Holiday Packages

2011-11-16T22:09:00.000-08:00

Skimax has been creating well-priced winter holidays to New Zealand's North and South Island for well over a decade.

As always, the competitive cost of its skier and boarder-friendly winter holiday packages to NZ's most popular ski areas is a major factor. However, for this winter there are additional offers that will entice more Australian skiers and boarders across the Tasman.

One. which is bound to appeal to cost-conscious families, is Kids 10 years and under stay and eat Free at selected Methven (Mt Hutt's closest ski town) hotels and there's no charge for using Mt Hutt's ski lifts if accompanied by one paying adult.

A Skimax consultant can provide all the details of that offer and its one Free night and one day's Free car hire with a large variety of Skimax New Zealand Earlybird packages.

Some examples of Skimax Ski New Zealand 2012 Early Bird offers:

Ski Queenstown from $579 pp twin share includes the use of a rental car for seven days, seven nights accommodation at Sherwood Hotel and a three-day ski pass valid at Coronet Peak or The Remarkables.

An earlybird weeklong holiday in picture-postcard Wanaka, the closest ski town to Treble Cone and Cardrona, costs from $565 pp twin share with seven nights accommodation at Base Backpackers and a three day ski pass valid at Treble Cone or Cardrona.

A Methven-based Earlybird package costs from $629 pp twin share. Included is seven days use of a rental car, seven nights at Forest Lodge, daily continental breakfast and a three-day ski pass for use of all lifts at Mt Hutt.

For even more Ski New Zealand Earlybird Savings, which must be booked and paid for by 15 January 2012, visit the Skimax website www.skimax.com.au

Or call its National Reservation number 1300 136 997

Phuket renewed in chic style at Club Med

2011-11-16T21:43:00.000-08:00

RENEWED PHUKET - SET TO DAZZLE

For Easter enjoy a taste of Thai at Club Med's amazing beachside Resort

Club Med Phuket will be looking brand new later this year after a stunning makeover that highlights its Thai culture, French influence and all set in the breathtaking seaside location of Phuket - the Pearl of the Orient. The new look oozes splashes of traditional Thai colours of purple and gold, and reflects French flair with design elements that will delight all guests from tots to teens and mums and dads to grandparents alike, wherever they turn.

Hugging the white sand beach in the peaceful and still waters of Kata Bay, the established tropical gardens encircle the accommodation wings, and a Mandara Spa secluded under the canopy soothes frayed nerves and eases tired muscles into holiday mode.

The new lobby & Reception welcomes travelers with a Thai inspired temple style entrance in red and gold. Comfortable sofas and low tables add a royal ambiance.

The new focal point of the resort will be a new and spectacular Thai boat oval bar. The color purple takes centre stage with a mix of bright colors to add modernity to traditional Thai design. It is an ideal spot for conviviality and meeting new friends. The expanded lounge is surrounded by armchairs and sofas that all reflect the same color and pattern effects. Together with its low wooden tables by local artisans, it is the perfect place to unwind with a cool drink or a snack.

Bali's hugely successful "quiet pool" concept is being replicated in the Phuket Resort, with an adults only pool area and tranquil zone with spectacular views right onto Kata Bay. Surrounded by super comfy long chairs and gazebos, it provides peace and intimacy for over 18's.

The restaurants have been divided into "stylized boutique zones' each with a different interpretation of Thai culture and offering gourmet cuisines from around the globe, many cooked before your eyes at food stations to ensure fresh and appetizing options. The 5 senses theme will enable our customers to choose an ambiance, with an international gourmet buffet loaded with a variety of culinary experiences.

The 5 different pavilions will be named Saveurs (taste), Fragrances, Music, Colors and Material. Four of the pavilions are air-conditioned and one is al fresco. The restaurant is overlooking the quiet pool and offers a direct view through to the ocean.

The Spa has received a makeover too, and guests will be welcomed in a Thai reception pavilion sunken in a Zen garden, specializing in Thai massages and a wide range of spa treatments.

A purpose built area houses all that is the Kid's Club and Baby Cub – (the first Baby Club in Asia Pacific) – with its own sheltered swimming pool, playground and interactive play area.

For the active guests there is a 9 hole golf course, multiple tennis courts, daily yoga and water fitness classes, a gym, and many sporting areas offering complimentary equipment and tuition.

Start planning for an Easter break now and you can take advantage of some great savings following price reduction earlier this year. For land content only, the 2nd person stays for half price - if you book and pay before December 4, 2011, and cost from $1970 (first adult), $1042 (2nd adult), $1168 (1st child 4-11 yrs) and $611 (2nd child 4-11).

If you book after Dec 4, 2011 – Early Bird rates are $1148 per adult, and $668 per child (4-11). Prices include return airport transfers and membership.

The renovations will be completed and the Resort ready to welcome Australian school holiday makers in 2012. Bookings are now open for Easter school holidays, and expected to fill very fast. Phuket bookings for Club Med have jumped a massive 123% in the past 12 month, so be quick and book early to avoid disappointment.

About the Designer

MARK HERTICH Graduated from a French Art school (Ecole Boule, Paris)

He worked on his first big projects under Michel Boyer, a famous architect in the late 1960s. He designed the Swiss luxury hotel Le Richemond. He has a career in luxury architecture including jewelry shops, restaurants, etc and has redesigned several exceptional resorts for Club Med, including Bali, Cancún Yucatán, Agadir, Ixtapa Mexico, and Albion in Mauritius.

To book - visit your preferred travel agent

Call Club Med on 1800 258 263 or go to www.clubmed.com.au

Are 'Guaranteed Departures' really guaranteed?

2011-11-16T21:18:00.000-08:00

Every year, an alarming number of Australians have their dream holidays ruined by tour companies who cancel group departures because they haven't reached what they may deem to be viable passenger numbers.

According to European tour specialists, Albatross Tours, to encourage bookings and gain the trust of travellers, a growing number of tour operators are skirting around this issue by offering 'Definite Departures'.

Managing Director, Euan Landsborough comments, "As reassuring as this sounds, only a limited percentage of their overall departures attract this apparent 'guarantee' and even those 'definite' departures are by no means certain."

"Travellers who read the fine print will learn that these operators can still cancel a tour at the drop of a hat. When Aussie's have planned a trip half way around the world and parted with their hard earned cash, this is a huge disappointment – not to mention a blow to their hip pocket."

Albatross Tours is one of the few tour operators in the industry who offer totally transparent 'Guaranteed Group Departures'. This means every one of their tours is guaranteed to depart with as few as seven passengers.

When a tour is cancelled due to lack of participation, the travel agent, hotels and other operators all have their businesses affected too. The Albatross Guarantee has secured strong relationships with suppliers who know they can rely on Albatross Tours for this invaluable commitment.

Leanda Blank, a travel agent from West Coast Tours and Travel in Perth knows first-hand how troublesome cancelled tours can be; "We book our clients tours in good faith that they will be departing. I've had as many as 23 passengers cancelled by one tour operator in one year. When tours are cancelled it creates a lot of stress for our clients and is costly exercise for us to rectify. Our repeat business is built on our reputation for being, reliable and easy to book with – when tour operators cancel, it reflects badly on us as a business."

The Hotel Dei Duchi in Spoleto, Italy comments, "It has been wonderful that every departure within two separate tour programs has been fulfilled with Albatross. It is a pleasure to be able to safely welcome our Australian guests and not suffer cancellations."

Travellers should be wary with 'Guaranteed Departures' as the terms and conditions could state there is still a chance that their holiday could be cancelled. The usual condition states it is only guaranteed once a certain number of bookings have been reached.

Euan said, "Albatross is unusual within the industry as we're prepared to underwrite our tours at a loss. We'd rather do this than disappoint not only travellers, but suppliers, agents and hotels too."

"This business strategy has been successful for us in the long term, as we've built valuable relationships with customers, who rely on us when making travel plans."

"Guaranteed Group Departures also mean that travellers can safely book and pay for early bird flights and their tours in advance.

So why do tour operators offer guarantees at all if they don't plan on honouring the promise?

"It gives people a sense of confidence and peace of mind. My advice for travellers is to always read the fine print before booking a tour. The safest option is to choose "Guaranteed Group Departures", which are provided with every Albatross Tour.

For further information about Albatross Tours and upcoming departures, please visit www.albatrosstours.com.au or visit http://www.facebook.com/AlbatrossTours

New website for Best Western Fiji hotels

2011-11-16T20:22:00.000-08:00

Discover Fiji from your desk – Best Western's new Fiji website introduces you to the culture, experiences and accommodation options available in Australia's favourite playground.

The website offers cultural tips in everything from race and religion, to etiquette for a village visit and even how to pronounce Fijian words.

Visitors to the new website can also view Best Western's three Fiji hotels in Nadi and Suva – with fantastic travel deals available all year round, like the "Internet Saver Rate", which can only be booked online.

Kimi Anderson, General Manager of Sales and Marketing said, "The new website also features a direct link to view live rates, availability and to book the Fiji hotel you want".

Best Western's Fiji hotels, which joined the global brand in June 2011, offer unique Fijian friendliness, global quality standards and affordable prices for families, business or leisure travellers.

Visit www.bestwestern.com.fj for more.

KAMALAYA KOH SAMUI IS HONOURED WITH THREE NEW AWARDS

2011-11-16T20:10:00.000-08:00

Koh Samui, Thailand - Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary & Holistic Spa was honoured with three awards in the last two months, including two awards for its cuisine. In October, Kamalaya was voted winner of Best Conscious Cuisine at the 2011 Crystal Awards Asia Pacific in Singapore. Then at a ceremony in Hong Kong on 9 November, Kamalaya was named Best Spa Retreat of the Year and Best Spa Cuisine of the Year at the 7th Annual AsiaSpa Awards.

This is the first time Kamalaya has been awarded for its cuisine, which is an integral part of the spa's holistic wellness concept. Over the past two years Kamalaya has invested in sharing its healthy eating message, something that Karina Stewart, Kamalaya Co-founder and the creator of the cuisine concept, is passionate about. "The things we do regularly have the biggest impact on our health, and because food is an essential part of our daily life, it is the perfect vehicle to provide the support necessary for enhanced vitality and optimal health. Not everybody has the means to visit Kamalaya, but everybody can eat healthier. That is why we decided to make our recipes and healthy eating principles more readily available. We published a cookbook edition of Reconnect, began sharing recipes through our Healthy Living newsletters and next month we will release a DVD collection. Hopefully these latest awards will help to create awareness about our healthy eating message so that more people will be inspired to take advantage of what we are offering."

The Crystal Awards Asia Pacific is an annual event organized to honour and give due recognition to the crème de la crème of the spa and wellness industry. The awards are given to properties and individuals that not only spearhead trends, but also enhance the industry and influence its overall future direction.

The AsiaSpa Awards were created in 2005 in order to recognise the best spas in Asia, setting a benchmark for spas in the region, as well as around the world. The awards have grown to encompass 25 categories and are judged by the industry's top leaders.

These latest awards follow on from Kamalaya's success in the prestigious Prime Minister's Export Awards in Bangkok on 19 September, when the Wellness Sanctuary and Holistic Spa was named The Best Service Provider – Spa Category. Since opening in 2005, Kamalaya has won more than 15 awards.

"It really is a great honour to win these awards. Our vision has always been to inspire our guests and our team, and hopefully people everywhere, to live with greater health and harmony. Each award is a reminder of that vision, a confirmation that we are having an impact and a motivation for us to continue evolving and improving," said John Stewart, Kamalaya Chairman and Co-founder. "We applaud our team as this is very much their success and it is wonderful to see their work and dedication acknowledged," he said.

Kamalaya is located amid a lush, tropical landscape on the southern coast of Koh Samui, Thailand. The resort integrates healing practices and treatments from East and West, a beautiful natural environment, inspired healthy cuisine, customised programs and wellness retreats to offer a unique concept in personal well-being and holistic lifestyle possibilities.

For bookings and enquiries please visit www.kamalaya.com.

Opera Australia coming back to Brisbane after two decades

2011-11-16T19:53:00.000-08:00

The 2012 Brisbane season by Opera Australia has been announced today, with tickets going on sale to the public from Monday 21 November, through QPAC. In May and June 2012 Australia's national opera company will present two spectacular and engaging operas, The Magic Flute and A Midsummer Night's Dream at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre for the first time. The casts include Queensland-based singers, Conal Coad, Andrew Collis and Milica Ilic as well as some of Opera Australia's most renowned stars such as Taryn Fiebig, Lorina Gore and Jacqueline Dark.

Lyndon Terracini, Artistic Director of Opera Australia and former director of the Brisbane Festival and Queensland Music Festivals, said: "From the moment I joined Opera Australia I knew I had to bring the Company to Brisbane. The Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) is a magnificent space for opera, and I'm delighted we can present two such magnificent productions.

"The Magic Flute is like nothing you have ever seen. Giant puppets, sculptural costumes and dance convey the fantastic world of Mozart's final opera. This is a night in the theatre for the whole family.

"Baz Luhrmann's production of A Midsummer Night's Dream breaks all the rules – Shakespeare's masterpiece is transported to India, the orchestra is on the stage, and Puck is a blue-faced Hindu god! We've assembled a dream cast and one of the world's greatest authorities on Benjamin Britten, Paul Kildea, is conducting. It will be, in a word, magical."

Bringing Opera Australia to Brisbane is no small undertaking. The sets and costumes for the two operas will travel from Opera Australia's workshop in Surry Hills, Sydney, to Brisbane on large semi-trailers. The sets and costumes for The Magic Flute, have been rebuilt specifically for the Australian production, from the original model of New York's Metropolitan Opera. Director Julie Edwardson, who has worked on many revivals of A Midsummer Night's Dream, will restage Baz Luhrmann's legendary production for the Lyric Theatre.

"At Opera Australia we take our role as Australia's national opera company very seriously," said Opera Australia Chief Executive, Adrian Collette. "Given the complexity of fully-staged opera and the vastness of our country, it is not always easy, but we are passionate about making opera available to the widest possible audience. So it is with great pleasure that in 2012 we expand our range of presentations to include this inaugural Brisbane Season at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre

In addition, we will bring our new travelling production of Mozart's Don Giovanni directed by Michael Gow to regional Queensland as part of Oz Opera, the touring arm of Opera Australia."

QPAC Chief Executive John Kotzas said that the Opera Australia productions were one of the highlights of the Centre's 2012 program which featured a diverse mix of live performance experiences that would resonate deeply with the Queensland community.

"It has been over two decades since there has been a season by the national opera company in Brisbane. Opera Australia's season in 2012 in QPAC's Lyric Theatre will be definitely worth the wait and will complement the already rich program of opera on offer in Brisbane."

"Brisbane will be the only city in Australia where audiences can experience Opera Australia's performances of A Midsummer Night's Dream in 2012."

Tickets and packages range $60-$165* - Available through QPAC Box Office - Phone 136 246 - www.qpac.com.au

Port Moresby’s newest hotel - Grand Papua Hotel joins Summit Hotels & Resorts

2011-11-15T00:09:00.000-08:00

Summit Hotels & Resorts™, a brand of Preferred Hotel Group™, is pleased to announce its first member property in Papua New Guinea – Grand Papua Hotel. The collection includes more than 150 internationally acclaimed hotels and resorts that celebrate local luxury.

Opening on 1 December, 2011, Grand Papua Hotel will be the flagship hotel and the 9th property in the Coral Seas Hotel group collection. Located in the city centre of Port Moresby, the 161-room hotel will offer the latest in technology with innovative paperless check-in system using tablet technology. As the first newly built hotel in Port Moresby in over two decades, it will be the most technically advanced building in the country with a fully integrated building management system to maximize energy efficiency.

Situated on the highest point in the city, the hotel is ideal for both corporate and leisure guests with only a short walk to Ela Beach, the craft market and the city's business and commercial centre. Guestrooms and suites are contemporary in feel with local indigenous accents and features a 32-inch LCD screen cable TV, Wi-Fi internet connection and other international standard amenities. Balconies at every room offers spectacular views of Ela Beach and Fairfax Harbour. The most exclusive executive lounge in the country is housed in Grand Papua Hotel providing all the standard benefits and services as well as three executive boardrooms.

Equipped with state-of-the-art audio visual equipment, there are 6 conference rooms that can accommodate meetings and private functions for up to 200 participants. The hotel's facilities also include three levels of underground secured parking, 24-hour security, 330sqm of spa and beauty treatment services, outdoor Jacuzzi, a 15-metre swimming pool and a fully-equipped fitness centre. Two atmospheric venues offer a creative modern menu with Asian influences and drinks in a colonial setting.

Opening offer: 20% discount off Best Available Rate including breakfast for one person. Valid from 1 Dec 2011 to 30 June 2012.

# # #

About Summit Hotels & Resorts
The Summit sensibility is world-wise with a local point of view. It is a global concierge, multi-lingual and multi-cultural, providing guests in every location with an insider's knowledge of the neighborhood. Ranging from historic urban hotels to exclusive beach resorts, the distinctive hotels and resorts of Summit can be found in many of the world's most enticing destinations. Summit Hotels & Resorts is a member of the Preferred Hotel Group™ family of brands which also includes: Preferred Boutique™, Preferred Hotels® & Resorts, Sterling Hotels™ and Historic Hotels of America®. For reservations and a complete description of the Summit Hotels & Resorts collection, please visit www.SummitHotels.com.

Summit Hotels & Resorts guests are eligible to enroll in the I Prefer™ Guest Benefit Program, featuring benefits such as early check-in/late check-out, space-available upgrades and more. For more information, please visit www.iprefer.com.

Sculpture at Scenic World inaugural event

2011-11-03T14:40:00.000-07:00

Scenic World to host Australia's first ancient rainforest sculpture exhibition

The Blue Mountains World Heritage Area will be transformed into one of the world's most spectacular art galleries for the inaugural Sculpture at Scenic World cultural event.

Australia's only ancient rainforest sculpture exhibition will feature 26 unique artworks in a pristine Jurassic valley, from 16 February until 11 March 2012.

Artworks selected from Katoomba to Belfast will be judged for the $20,000 Scenic World Acquisitive Award during this major event where you can meet the makers at artist talks and view the pieces on guided and independent tours.

The dynamic program of curious, grand, emotional and thought-provoking works can be observed from the elevated Scenic Walkway that winds its way through old growth tree ferns and dappled sunlight.

More than 800,000 visitors experience Scenic World each year for its range of experiences found nowhere else on Earth: the world's steepest incline to the Jamison Valley floor, the Scenic Cableway overlooking the rainforest canopy 200m below, and the Scenic Walkway through this unique ecosystem.

Scenic World Joint Managing Directors, Anthea and David Hammon, said more than 60,000 international and national visitors were expected to visit the iconic attraction for the event.

"Sculpture at Scenic World will be an annual exhibition and one of the most innovative events staged here since our family opened the doors three generations ago," Anthea said.

"This exhibition is part of our new direction of further connecting and educating our visitors to the World Heritage listed environment. Alongside our Advanced Ecotourism Certification, Sculpture at Scenic World will establish a solid reputation for its benchmark artistic and environmental standards."

Sculptures for display have been selected by prominent judges, Macquarie University Sculpture Park Curator, Leonard Janiszewski, and University of Western Sydney Collection Curator, Monica McMahon.

Further information visit http://www.scenicworld.com.au/sculpture

Proudly supported by:

Tourism hit hard by the Qantas grounding

2011-11-03T03:09:00.000-07:00

The Qantas grounding that saw 98,000 passengers disrupted and 108 aircraft immobilised is having a negative impact on an already struggling Australian tourism industry, according to an expert from The University of Queensland.

Associate Professor
Brent Ritchie

The UQ School of Tourism's Associate Professor Brent Ritchie said the tourism industry was already in poor shape prior to the grounding.

“The industry is losing market share to more cost-effective international destinations,” Dr Ritchie said.

“Barriers of distance, a high Australian dollar and competition from other more cost-effective tourist destinations are already impacting our tourism industry, any industrial action which risks access to destinations will only cause more harm,” he said.

The Global Financial Crisis, January floods and the industrial action that occurred in the months prior to the Qantas grounding left their mark on Australia's regional tourist hot spots.

The Australian Tourism Export Council reported a loss of 16,000 full-time jobs in the regional tourism industry.

“The areas where travel is primarily recreational will be hit the hardest, while destinations with a high proportion of business travellers are less likely to be affected in the long term,” Dr Ritchie said.

The full extent of the damage to the industry will continue to unravel in the months ahead.

However, the impact is expected to be felt beyond the current customers whose travel plans were disrupted, to future travellers within Australia and international inbound tourism.

“If people perceive a risk to their ability to access destinations and have confidence in planning a trip they may look at other destinations,” Dr Ritchie said.

“As an international travel destination, Australia is already falling behind in market share with outbound tourism growth of 9 percent and inbound tourism growth of just 0.5 percent.”

The effects of the industrial action will be felt across the entire industry including accommodation providers, transport companies, tour operators, and businesses in regional communities.

According to Dr Ritchie, Australian event organisations in the professional conference market field were likely to take a “long time to recover” due to the large financial investment for conference events and the “difficulty of making alternate arrangements for delegates, speakers and locations” if industrial action occurred.

While not commenting on the reasons why Qantas made the decision to ground the fleet, Dr Ritchie believed the loss in customer loyalty would be most significant in their international bookings.

“Domestically there is a reliance on Qantas as one of the few major domestic carriers, and some people will go back to them based on necessity. Internationally, they will face more of a struggle to get customers back with many more competitors often with lower pricing and operating costs,” he said.

Singapore Airlines reveals plans for Scoot, a new low-cost long-haul carrier

2011-11-01T14:02:00.000-07:00

Singapore Airlines has confirmed details of the worst kept secret in aviation – revealing its new long-haul budget carrier will be called Scoot.The carrier will fly to destinations in Australia and China, with Singapore Airlines outlining longer-term ambitions to reach Europe.

No-frills carriers are booming in the region, with AirAsia X leading the way and established carriers, including Qantas, unveiling rival services.

From mid-2012 Scoot will operate a fleet of four Boeing B777-200 aircraft. It will be wholly owned by Singapore Airlines, but managed independently.
According Scoot chief executive, Campbell Wilson, the airline will operate as many as 14 planes by 2016, charging passengers some 40 per cent less than rival, full-service, airlines.

The airline will operate from Changi Airport Terminal 2, with bookings being taken from early next year.AirAsia X – the long-haul arm of Malaysia-based AirAsia - is likely to be the main competition for Scoot in the short-term.The carrier presently flues to several destinations including London, Taipei, Tehran, Paris, Seoul, Tokyo and a number of cities in China and India.Qantas has also unveiled plans to launch a rival carrier.Singapore Airlines is considered as offering the World’s Leading Airline Inflight Entertainment by the prestigious World Travel Awards.

DESIGN HOTELS PRESENTS TEN NEW MEMBERS

2011-10-31T02:53:00.000-07:00

DESIGN HOTELS BRINGS YOU THE POWER OF TEN…FIVE TIMES THE CITY GLAMOUR, FIVE TIMES THE GETAWAY GOODNESS

Whether it's Mediterranean warmth, Caribbean cool, dramatic snowscapes or big city thrills that engage attention this season, Design Hotels™ has them all.

"We are excited to welcome ten exceptional and diverse properties to our portfolio. We have not only increased our presence in major hubs like New York and London, but found natural luxury retreats in St. Barts in the Caribbean and in Rovinj, Croatia," says Design Hotels™ Founder and CEO Claus Sendlinger. "Although different in look and feel, the hotels all share one characteristic: they are deeply rooted in their neighborhood. They act as ambassadors for their region, offering guests meaningful experiences along with a connection to their surroundings."

Grand Goes Glam
Legendary hotels in some of the world's most glamorous cities attain new-age relevance thanks to careful nurturing and original renovation work. In New York, this enormous task was carried out by the artistic touch of Julian Schnabel for Gramercy Park Hotel. Kissed by the bounteous (and city's only) private park, the curated art flourishing inside the property is an enviable contemporary collection. In the UNESCO-listed historic heart of Bern is Hotel Schweizerhof whose understated luxury and reclaimed glory also includes tech essentials for today's traveler. Therefore stuccoed ceilings, quaint Juliet balconies and grand chandeliers bestow the right kind of majesty to cozy modern furniture and conveniences. Across the channel in London is Blakes Hotel, the iconic property from Anouska Hempel that has recently undergone a multimillion pound refurbishment. With a fusion of eastern and western styles, the hotel rooms' eclectic design transports guests to other worlds and eras. In Barcelona, the 1920s-Chicago-skyscraper-inspired Grand Hotel Central goes back to the 20th century to invoke the romance of Catalonian high society, yet stays at the top of modern opulence with its rooftop pool. While in a quiet enclave hidden from the bustle of the wealthy Salamanca district in Madrid sits Hotel Único, a tranquil 19th century palace that belies the heart of a sophisticated, with-it hotel. Find iconic modern furniture alongside luxurious fabrics, mosaic floors and a quaint garden.

Luscious Landscapes
At the other end of the spectrum, Design Hotels™ has fantastic new remote destinations. Perfect for the time of year, three are winter wonderlands: Nira Alpina, a sanctuary on the Swiss slopes, offers warm hospitality and an enviable ski in / ski out location. Opening in November 2011, it is just five kilometers from St Moritz and a great year-round destination. In Zermatt, Cervo Mountain Boutique Resort is a mini hamlet composed of five chalets each contemporary yet cozy, where clean lines and expansive interiors converge with local materials like felt and loden. Situated in Kitzbühel, the bosom of the Austrian Alps, is Hotel Kitzhof Mountain Design Resort, a farmhouse converted into an elegant retreat with a large spa and Tyrolean-style restaurant. In warmer climes, showing off Caribbean lifestyle at its best, is Hotel La Banane on St. Barts, an homage to '50s funk in vibrant colors. The nine bungalows of this intimate resort are named after well-known modernist architects from Pierre Jeanneret to Jean Prouvé. Design Hotels™' first member in Croatia is Hotel Lone in Rovinj. Thanks to the building's Y-shape, guests can enjoy uninterrupted views of the island-speckled coastline or the historical Mediterranean forest from each of the 248 rooms and suites.

The complete list of ten new members with opening dates is below.
To view them online please visit www.designhotels.com/newmembers

AMERICAS

FRENCH WEST INDIES
La Banane, St. Barts (November 2009)

UNITED STATES
Gramercy Park Hotel, New York (August 2006)

EUROPE

AUSTRIA
Hotel Kitzhof Mountain Design Resort, Kitzbühel (January 2005)

CROATIA
Hotel Lone, Rovinj (July 2011)

SPAIN
Grand Hotel Central, Barcelona (January 2006)
Hotel Único Madrid (April 2011)

SWITZERLAND
Cervo Mountain Boutique Resort, Zermatt (December 2009)
Hotel Schweizerhof Bern (May 2011)
Nira Alpina, Silvaplana (November 2011)

UNITED KINGDOM
Blakes Hotel, London (refurbishment: 2011)

Design Hotels™ Best Rate Guarantee

For reservations, please refer to the webpage www.designhotels.com or the appropriate Design Hotels™ toll-free number:

Breaking news - All Qantas flights worldwide grounded

2011-10-29T01:13:00.000-07:00

Qantas grounds entire domestic and international fleet

Qantas has just announced that effective immediately there will be no further domestic or international departures of its aircraft anywhere in the world, with the carrier locking out all employees who will be covered by the industrial agreements currently being negotiated with the Transport Workers Union (TWU), the Australian Licenced Engineers Union (ALAEA) and the Australian and International Pilots Union (AIPA).

CEO Alan Joyce said the step is being taken under the provisions of the Fair Work Act in response to the ongoing industrial action taken by the unions, with the lock-out in place until the unions drop their "extreme demands".

"Pilots, licenced engineers and baggage, ground and catering staff are essential to Qantas operations and the lock-out will therefore make it necessary for all Qantas aircraft to be grounded," he said, with this occurring effective 5pm Sat 29 Oct 2011.

Aircraft currently in the air will complete the sectors they are operating, but all future departures are cancelled "until the ALAEA, the TWU and AIPA drop the extreme demands that have made it impossible for agreements to be reached," Joyce said.

Jetstar and QantasLink flights will continue to operate, along with Qantas flights across the Tasman operated by its NZ-based Jetconnect subsidiary.

The lock-out is effective from 8pm AEDT on Mon 31 Oct, and until it commences all employees are require at work as normal and will be paid. Once it commences, employees who are locked out will not be required at work and will not be paid; employees working overseas will not be locked out and will continue to be paid; and all other employees are required at work and will be paid as normal.

Customers booked on Qantas flights should not go to the airport until further notice. Qantas is offering full refunds to customers who choose to cancel their flights, while full rebooking flexibility will be available to customers who want to defer their travel.

Customers who are mid-journey will be given assistance with accommodation and alternative flights, Joyce said, asking that only customers travelling within the next 24 hours call Qantas contact centres.

"Qantas regrets that this action has become necessary and apologises sincerely to all affected passengers," Joyce said.

He said the cost impact of the grounding would be $20 million per day, but said that the move was necessary because "customers are now f.leeing from us," with key high value customers now actively seeking to fly with other carriers because of the ongoing strike action uncertainty.

Joyce urged the union members to "consider their own interests and tell their leaders they want to reach reasonable and fair agreements that will be good for them and for Qantas".

MEANWHILE Virgin Australia has also just issued a statement saying it will accommodate Qantas passengers on current services where possible, and is also looking at putting on additional flights to support affected travellers.

Special "Stranded Passenger" recovery fares will be offered for those who are at a port away from home and hold a QF ticket to return home, initially within the next five days, with details to be shortly available at www.virginaustralia.com.

More information in Monday's Travel Daily.

Nine reasons to dine at Australia's Best Restaurant in a Winery

2011-10-25T17:58:00.000-07:00

Media Release

Tower Lodge's nine wins Best Restaurant in a Winery

Tower Lodge's restaurant nine has won the "Best Restaurant in a Winery" at the 2011 National Awards for Excellence held at Luna Park on October 24.

Tower's award is in succession to its win of Best Restaurant in a Winery" and "Restaurant of the Year in the Hunter Valley" at the 2011 Australia Restaurant & Catering Regional NSW Awards for Excellence.

Located nine feet underground in the original Tower Estate cellar, nine and its unique dining concept, was the brainchild of Andreas Breitfuss, Maître de Maison who developed the idea with the aim of offering different dining experiences for Tower Lodge guests.

Nine's private dining space is surrounded by warm earthy sandstone and wood surfaces providing an intimate and luxurious dining experience for up to 16 guests.

"To win the award of Best Restaurant in a Winery in Australia further reflects the hard work and dedication Andreas and his team put into Nine and Tower Lodge," said Matt Cowley, CEO, Tower Estate.

"It is also a reflection on my long term vision for Tower Lodge, to offer our guests a truly unique experience in the areas of dining and accommodation."

Nine features nine seasonal degustation menus (one vegetarian) using, where possible, local Hunter Valley produce paired with one of six optional wine lists, featuring a selection of premium local and imported varieties along with Tower Estate's own wines.

The National Awards for Excellence are the culmination of 10 regional Award events held throughout the year across the nation. Over 270 finalists in 34 categories competed at a ceremony at Luna Park to determine the best of the best of Australia's restaurants and caterers.

Restaurant & Catering represents around 4,000 restaurants and caterers across Australia. Each year over 900 members are reviewed in the Awards of Excellence.

nine Facts

opening times: Friday & Saturday nights 6.30pm to 8.30pm (last booking 8.30pm sharp)

menu type: 9 course degustation (chefs selection created seasonally) excl wines, $180 per person, or 9 course degustation paired with a selection of premium local and imported wines, including picks from the Tower Estate cellar, $250 per person.

wine list: selection of Australian premium wines and exclusive imported varieties including Champagne, sparking, red, white and dessert. The wine list includes specially selected Tower Estate wines.

Tower Lodge, part of the gold standard Relais & Chateaux association is Australia's best shared secret comprising of 12 distinctly different guest rooms including two premier suites. Each of the rooms are uniquely furnished with no room the same and feature a king size bed, deep soaking spa bath, complimented with antique pieces and rich fabrics creating an opulent setting for any guest.

For those who truly want to indulge and enjoy a Hunter Valley weekend, Tower Lodge has packages which include the following:

2 night's accommodation in a Lodge room
Dinner for 2 guest in Roberts Restaurant
Dinner for 2 guests dining in restaurant Nine
Complimentary upgrade to high tea
Breakfast
Pre- dinner beverages daily
Private wine tasting at Tower Estate Winery

Prices are based on twin share and start from $1,035 per room per night.

To make a reservation at Tower Lodge and/or nine visit www.towerestate.com or call (02) 4998 7022

About Tower Lodge

Opened in May 2001, and situated on the grounds of Tower Estate, Tower Lodge is the only 5-star boutique luxury lodge in the Hunter Region.

The Lodge features 12 rooms including two suites accommodating up to 24 guests. Room rates range from $720.00 per night and include accommodation for two, full buffet and a la carte cooked breakfast, complimentary afternoon tea, a pre-dinner drink and an evening turn down service

Website www.towerestate.com

Tower Lodge is a member of Relais & Châteaux.

NORFOLK ISLAND TOURISM'S HERITAGE OFFERING GETS 'SIRIUS'

2011-10-25T00:40:00.000-07:00

Norfolk Island tourism's Heritage offering has been bolstered with today's elevation of the Sirius shipwreck site to National and Commonwealth Heritage status.

Norfolk Island's Chief Minister, David Buffett joined local school children at the Norfolk Island Central School for a Video Link to participate with Australian Government Environment and Heritage Minister Hon Tony Burke , MP at the National Maritime Museum in Sydney.

The event also commemorated the 225th Anniversary of the Sirius commissioning. Today, the HMS Sirius artefacts are mostly all housed in the Norfolk Island Museum. They compromise the most significant display of First Fleet cultural heritage held anywhere in Australia and its territories.

The new national and Commonwealth heritage listing follows the recent addition of Norfolk Island's Kingston and Arthur's Vale Historic Area (KAVHA) to the World Heritage List, as part of the Australian Convict Sites inscription.

Mr Buffett spoke on the Video Link following Mr Burke's announcement of the listing both welcoming and congratulating the Australian Government for its timely initiative.

"The listing properly recognises the significance of the site as this is perhaps Australia's most important shipwreck. The Sirius' role as the lead ship for the First Fleet places her at the very start, and heart of the Australian Nation," Mr Buffett said.

"And, of course, she was the only link the fledgling communities of Port Jackson and Norfolk Island had to the outside and was critically important to the survival of both colonies," he said.

"It was on our small isolated Island 1500 kilometres north east of Port Jackson that HMS Sirius was lost on 19 March, 1790," the Chief Minister said.

Her demise caused great distress to both settlements and as Capt Arthur Phillip, Governor of New South Wales recorded at the time, "You never saw such dismay as the news of the wreck occasioned amongst us all; for, to use a sea term, we looked upon her as our sheet anchor."

"The story of the life and wrecking of HMS Sirius is completed with the story of the recovery of her artefacts from the reef at Norfolk Island. This rich source provided answers to the circumstances of British Settlement in Australia, the Sirius' construction as a Baltic trader, and the perilous state of the fledgling Nation of Australia when she was lost," Mr Buffett told the children.

Mr Buffett thanked Minister Burke for inviting the Norfolk Island community to be part of this historic occasion.

"The full story of the life, wrecking and recovery of the Sirius artefacts can be found at the Norfolk Island Museum website www.hmssirius.com.au.," the Chief Minister advised.

Caravanning and Camping- the Experts Advice

2011-10-25T00:34:00.000-07:00

Caravan and camping holidays have been the fastest growing tourism sector in Australia for the past 15 years and definitely don't appear to be taking a back seat. Caravan and camping getaways are the number one choice for many holiday makers throughout Australia and as the trend continues more families and couples are likely to dip their toes into the water and trial this great holiday option. However, there are a couple of things that everyone should know before they purchase a caravan or set up camp for the night.

We asked Barry Baillie, the CEO of the Caravan and Camping Industry Association of NSW for any tips and hints he has for beginners.

"The best thing about a caravan or camping holiday is that there is something for every budget. From a $200 tent to a $500, 000 motorhome whatever you choice of accommodation everyone can still enjoy their greatly deserved holiday.

Many caravan parks throughout NSW are situated in some of the best locations throughout Australia, often neighbouring shopping centres, national parks and pristine beaches. You can have a five star holiday without the expensive price tag.

Caravan and camping holidays cater for every lifestyle and the first step of any touring holiday is finding the type of holiday that suits you. Generally speaking, retirees travel in caravans or motorhomes, depending on how they feel about towing. Families and young couples usually prefer camping or staying in a cabin.

I would suggest that beginners who want to go caravanning should hire a van first to see if they are happy towing and, most importantly, like the lifestyle. First time buyers should also do a towing course.

Comfort is another must when going camping and there is definitely no shortage of luxury accessories available to give you that home away from home feeling. You won't regret the choice of a good quality mattress or camp chair.

Two elements that are crucial on any caravan or camping holiday are the first aid kit- health and safety are always a priority and… a great esky to keep the beer cold. An increasing number of parks are accepting dogs so you don't have to leave your favourite pet behind any longer.

My greatest piece of advice would be to try to get the best equipment you can so you can spend more time relaxing and enjoying your holiday and less time doing the dirty work. Find a park with a good feel about it with lots of trees, grass and water. Make the most of interacting with the great outdoors and the new friends you will make along the way. Take the time to say G'day."

For more information on caravan and camping and for a comprehensive listing of parks and product providers go to www.caravan-camping.com.au

THAI Launches Direct Flights to Brussels, 14th European City on The Network

2011-10-24T13:28:00.000-07:00

Mr. Pandit Chanapai , Executive Vice President, Commercial Department of Thai Airways International Public Company Limited (THAI), chaired the press conference that officially launches THAI's newest and 72 nd destination (14th destination in Europe) Brussels, Belgium with direct flights to and from Bangkok beginning 17 November 2011.

Mr. Chanapai said, "Brussels was chosen as THAI's new destination to facilitate the growing number of passengers travelling between Australia, Thailand and Europe and for travellers' convenience via a direct route. It is in line with THAI's strategy for expanding and serving other European cities, through a feeder city such as Brussels. Today approximately 12-15% of passengers from Belgium and neighboring countries, especially those destined for Australia, make their connections in Frankfurt. THAI expects these passengers will appreciate the convenience of the route to and from Brussels to Southeast Asia and Australia."

Flight TG934 from Bangkok will depart three times per week - on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays at 00.30 hours, arriving in Brussels at 07.00 hours the same morning. Flight TG935 from Brussels will depart the same days at 13.30 hours, arriving in Bangkok at 06.20 hours the following day. Direct connections are available to/from these flights from Sydney, Melbourne and Perth and outbound from Brisbane.

Thai Airways Boeing 777-200 ER

Flight reservations opened in July 2011 and the seating capacity on the Boeing 777-200 ER aircraft has already reached 80% full for the first flight to Brussels on 17 November 2011.   THAI's Boeing 777-200 ER aircraft is configured for 30 seats in Royal Silk Class and 262 seats in Economy Class, with all 292 seats equipped with personal screen and the latest in-flight entertainment system.

THAI is the first carrier in Southeast Asia to operate direct flights between Thailand and Belgium, adding convenience for passengers travelling from Belgium's capital, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, and France.   These passengers may also take advantage of direct flights into Bangkok, then traveling beyond to Thai domestic destinations and other parts of Southeast Asia and Australia.

Fares to Brussels start from $1,767* per person including taxes for travellers taking advantage of THAI's Europe 'Earlybird' Deals on sale until 20 Nov '11, travel from 01 Mar - 30 Sep '12. Fares are available for travel from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane or Perth. Bonus special offer of a free overnight stay in Bangkok is added for travellers who book and ticket by 31 Oct '11 and 30kgs luggage allowance offered.

Contact travel agents for more information and bookings; call THAI on 1300 651 960 or log on to www.thaiairways.com.au.

For THAI's Royal Orchid Plus frequent flyer members, THAI is offering the following special launch promotion from 17 November 2011 to 31 January 2012:

-          Earn 2,000 Bonus Miles for each way in Royal Silk Class between Bangkok and Brussels on THAI

-          Earn 1,000 Bonus Miles for each way in Economy Class between Bangkok and Brussels on THAI

-          Redeem 97,500 miles for award travel in Royal Silk Class between Bangkok and Brussels (25% discount)

-          Redeem 52,500 miles for award travel in Economy Class between Bangkok and Brussels (25% discount)

For more information on frequent flyer promotions, contact THAI on 1300 651 960 or visit www.thaiairways.com.

TripAdvisor's Top 10 all-inclusive resorts in the world

2011-10-20T22:26:00.000-07:00

All of the details are taken care of. Relax in these best-of-the-best resorts.

1. Iberostar Grand Hotel Paraiso
Playa Paraiso, Mexico
"We felt like we were living in a palace..." more

2. Garonga Safari Camp
Makalali Private Game Reserve, South Africa
"sooooooooooo good" more

3. Le Blanc Spa Resort
Cancun, Mexico
"Where A Travel Agent Honeymoons" more

4. Drowsy Water Ranch
Granby, Colorado
"Best Family Fun!" more

5. Nukubati Private Island Great Sea Reef
Labasa, Fiji
"Unbelievable Honeymoon!" more

6. East Winds Inn
Gros Islet, St. Lucia
"Absolutely Amazing" more

7. Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun
Playa del Carmen, Mexico
"Great resort, great holidays!" more

8. Ceylon Tea Trails
Hatton, Sri Lanka
"Unique" more

9. Iberostar Grand Bavaro Hotel
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
"Treated like royalty..." more

10. The Caves
Negril, Jamaica
"Fantastic stay, best trip ever!" more

MSC DONATES $NZ1 MILLION TOWARDS MARITIME CLEANUP

2011-10-19T17:37:00.000-07:00

Deeply concerned and saddened by the New Zealand accident involving container ship Rena, the Mediterranean Shipping Company is to donate $NZ1 million towards the clean up in the Bay of Plenty.

The goodwill gesture comes in the light of the environmental and economic damage such an incident would have on the Bay of Plenty region.

"We are deeply concerned about, and saddened by, the environmental damage, economic impact and disruption to lives caused by the accident involving the Rena," said Kevin Clarke, managing director of the Mediterranean Shipping Company (Australia and New Zealand).

"We acknowledge the distress and concerns of local residents, businesses and individuals, as well as those with cargo aboard the vessel," he said.

"Our own staff in Tauranga are part of the local community, and are as concerned about the grounding and its implications as everyone else in the Bay of Plenty - and throughout New Zealand."

In speaking of his concerns and the generous donation to accompany them, Mr Clarke emphasised that MSC did not own the Rena.

Furthermore, Mr Clarke said his company did not employ the ship's crew and was not responsible for the maintenance and operation of the vessel.

"From the outset we have been working behind the scenes with the authorities, including Maritime New Zealand and Ports of Tauranga," he said.

"We have put our resources at their disposal and have been in constant contact with the Rena's owners Costamare," Mr Clarkes added.

"At our meeting with the Minister of Transport yesterday (Monday, Oct 17) we discussed other ways in which we might support the cleaning operation.

"Today (Tuesday, Oct 18), we thus want to put at disposal of the relevant authorities NZ$1 million as a voluntary donation.

"We also would like to thank the professionals and the dedicated volunteers who are helping and spearheading the cleaning."

The Chic Tourism Collection Launches First Cultural Experience In Their Travel Anthology

2011-10-19T15:36:00.000-07:00

ACCLAIMED AUTHOR, THOMAS KENEALLY TO HEADLINE "THE AUTHOR'S TALE" AT THE TENNESSEE WILLIAMS / NEW ORLEANS LITERARY FESTIVAL

The Chic Tourism Collection is proud to announce that the prize-winning author, Thomas Keneally will headline The Author's Tale, the first program in The Chic CULTURAL Collection, one of six featured in the company's travel anthology.

"An Evening With Thomas Keneally" in New Orleans is one of the many thrilling and exclusive experiences guests will enjoy in The Author's Tale, which incorporates the 2012 Tennessee Williams / New Orleans Literary Festival and other literary-themed venues in New York and Beverly Hills.

"I am delighted to be visiting New Orleans again to speak about books and writing with The Chic Tourism Collection. I am also excited about attending the Tennessee Williams / New Orleans Literary Festival, which connects major writers from throughout the world," says author, Thomas Keneally.

Winner of the prestigious Man-Booker Prize for Schindler's Ark (later republished as Schindler's List, which was adapted into the Academy Award-winning film by producer/director, Steven Spielberg), Mr. Keneally was also shortlisted for The Chant of Jimmy Blacksmith, Gossip From The Forest, and Confederates and twice won the Miles Franklin Literary Award for The Widow and Her Hero and Three Cheers for the Paraclete. His more recent titles include Searching for Schindler: A Memoir and Australians: Origins to Eureka.

"We are honoured to have Thomas Keneally host an exclusive dinner in New Orleans. Not only is Mr. Keneally an Australian icon and giant in modern literature, he is one of the few world-acclaimed authors who can eloquently engage his audience on the correlation between words, language and historic themes in literature and enrich the minds of his readers through his impressive body of work," says Elizabeth Laursen, Executive Director, The Chic Tourism Collection.

Throughout the festival The Chic Tourism Collection guests will enjoy the VIP literary parties, panel discussions, writing workshops and literary readings with the guest authors along with other events relating to American literature and the arts. Other prize-winning authors and playwrights who have attended the festival over the past few years include Robert Olen Butler (A Good Scent from a Strange Mountain), Michael Cunningham (The Hours), Edward Albee (Who's Afraid Virginia Woolf), Margaret Atwood (Alias Grace), Richard Ford (The Sports Writer and Independence Day) and historian, Stephen Ambrose.

Complementing the event are a number of sumptuous dining experiences and a luxurious six-night stay at International House, one of New Orleans' finest properties located near the French Quarter.

"THE AUTHOR'S TALE"

Priced at $ 13,100 per person, double occupancy or $ 14,990 per person, single occupancy, the 11 day / 10 night travel experience commences in New Orleans, Louisiana, on March 20, 2012 and concludes in Beverly Hills, California, on March 30, 2012.

The Author's Tale features an exclusive event with author, Thomas Keneally, a host of VIP receptions and literary events at the Tennessee Williams / New Orleans Literary Festival and a surprise cocktail reception in New York, five-star dining at Bayona, Commander's Palace and Broussard's in New Orleans, dinner at Daniel - one of New York's most lauded cuisine experiences, fine dining at Wolfgang Puck's new five-star establishment at Hotel Bel Air, cocktails at the Beverly Hills Hotel's famous The Polo Lounge, night time jazz at Preservation Hall and a Broadway show and dinner.

The travel experience also includes six nights accommodation at the luxury boutique hotel, International House, three nights accommodation at New York's Midtown boutique property, The Muse, one night's accommodation at the luxurious Montage Beverly Hills – a Preferred Hotels & Resorts property, daily breakfast including a lavish brunch at Brennans in New Orleans, a walking tour of New Orleans' Garden District, a nighttime New Orleans Ghost Tour, high-tea at Lady Mendl's in Gramercy Park, a New York Museum Pass and an Edith Wharton literary walk in Gramercy Park, economy flights from New Orleans to New York and Los Angeles, taxes, porterage and meal gratuities, airport, hotel and venue transfers.

In New Orleans, The Chic Tourism Collection can arrange an optional airboat trip to Jean Lafitte Swamp in Louisiana's backcountry, a Steamboat Natchez Harbour Jazz Cruise or an excursion to Oak Alley Plantation on Louisiana's historic River Road, in the 'shadow of the slave master.'

"The Author's Tale is truly a magnificent cultural journey and once-in-a-lifetime experience that is exclusive to The Chic Tourism Collection, where guests meet and interact with the world's most celebrated authors; most notably with Thomas Keneally at an private dinner in New Orleans," adds Ms. Laursen.

In addition to enjoying a variety of 'Chic' travel experiences and program surprises, The Author's Tale has been customised so that guests have personal time to explore New York and New Orleans at their leisure including the bustling downtown district of Manhattan, the jazz bars and antique shops that flank the French Quarter and the literary establishments that were once home to playwright, Tennessee Williams and authors, William Faulkner, Truman Capote, John Kennedy Toole, Elmore Leonard, Anne Rice and Lillian Hellman.

The Author's Tale caters for small groups of up to a maximum of 20 travellers over the age of 18 years, and will be expertly hosted with a guaranteed departure. Packaged as a 'land-only' experience so guests can choose to fly with their preferred airline carrier, the fully-escorted 'Chic' program can be personally customised to include pre or post travel itineraries and international flights in conjunction with the company's licensed travel partner, Momento Travel Services.

The Author's Tale's is price-guaranteed until December 15, 2011 and all bookings must be confirmed by February 10, 2012 (terms and conditions apply).

For further information on The Chic Tourism Collection's 2012/2013 travel anthology -

Email: travel@thechictourismcollection.com

Website: www.thechictourismcollection.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/thechictourismcollection

ABOUT THE CHIC TOURISM COLLECTION:

The Chic Tourism Collection is an independent, boutique tourism operator based in Sydney, Australia, which was first established nearly two decades ago as a destination marketing and media company. Its special interest travel division was created in 2010 to showcase some of the world's finest travel and cultural experiences via the talented creators at the core of fashion industry, the arts (film and literature) and wildlife conservation.

Featuring incomparable and bespoke travel experiences in six 'Chic' collections – The Chic LUXURY Collection, The Chic DELUXE Collection, The Chic CULTURAL Collection and The Chic SPORTS Collection, The Chic GASTRONOMY Collection, The Chic WILDERNESS Collection – each program has been meticulously produced so that every journey is exclusive, evocative and unforgettable.

The Chic Tourism Collection's hospitality partners have earned the highest levels of professional recognition, with each selected by the Chic team for their dazzling locations, luxury amenities, exemplary service delivery and environmental conservation policies (in South Africa). The company's program partners in Australia and New Zealand include Preferred Hotels & Resorts, Preferred Boutique Hotels, Baglioni Hotels and Dorchester Collection.

FOOTSTEPS IN ASIA GOES RETAIL WITH WHOLESALE PRICES

2011-10-18T23:42:00.000-07:00

Australians travelling to South East Asia will gain direct access to exceptionally competitive packages to Asia hot spots from 1 November with popular boutique wholesale tour operator FOOTSTEPS IN ASIA offering retail bookings to travellers at great wholesale rates.

After nearly 18 years of creating unique adventure and tailored holiday packages for the world's most iconic tour companies including Peregrine Adventures, Gecko Adventures and Exodus Travel, John Powell and his team at Footsteps are making South East Asian destinations directly available to the public.

Powell said that direct bookings will provide independent and small to large groups with exciting Asia travel options tailored to suit all budgets, styles and departures - many of them guaranteed – at difficult to match prices.

"By offering retail services for the first time, Footsteps in Asia is able to better share its experience, know-how and buying power with consumers who book direct or go through their local travel agent."

Powell, founder of fully accredited tour company Footsteps in Asia, has organized more than 250,000 visitors to Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos with tailored options ranging from backpacking to five star comfort. Activities include trekking, cycling, cultural, eco and home stays as well as gourmet and special interest tours.

Based in Bangkok, Footsteps in Asia has offices in Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos and has a team of professional English speaking local guides recognized for their deep knowledge of the regions and friendly support.

The guides, Powell admits, are the secret to FIA's huge travel industry success.

"To ensure customers obtain a great travel experience, Footsteps' guides are continually undergoing training and building on their skills," he said.

"They often share special relationships with the regions they work in and are very sensitive to local people and their customs and the environment. As a result, they have earned a wealth of local knowledge very difficult to find elsewhere."

Powell said the company's highly experienced hands-on western management team living in Asia provided the foundation for the design and administration of the quality Footsteps in Asia tours.

"Ongoing feedback and research gives us a greater understanding of the expectation of our clients. And we certainly deliver," said Powell.

"We pride ourselves on creating safe, sustainable, quality tours and our attention to detail in selecting accommodation and transport guarantees an enjoyable and fulfilling travel experience."

John Powell and his team at Footsteps in Asia tours have organized SE Asia tours for Peregrine Adventures, Gecko Adventures and Exodus Travel. More recently, it has managed the tours for The Imaginative Traveler, Sawadee Reisen and The Adventure Company.

For further information on tours: www.footstepsinasia.com

Park Hyatt Sydney Due to Unveil end 2011

2011-10-18T18:02:00.000-07:00

THE UNVEILING OF AN ICON

Marking twenty one years of hospitality in Sydney's most sought after waterfront location, Park Hyatt Sydney will soon reveal a spectacular rebuilt residence, pairing an unrivalled location with an unrivalled hotel.

In the most dramatic transformation of Sydney's harbour frontage, Park Hyatt Sydney has closed its rooms, spa, restaurant and bars for most of 2011 to undergo a complete rebuild.

When Park Hyatt Sydney re-opens its doors it will feature three rooftop Suites built on a new fourth level. This new level boasts, just shy of 360-degree, views spanning Sydney's iconic Sydney Harbour, the Opera House and Harbour Bridge and includes the city's largest suite at 350sqm, offering the most discerning guest, Sydney's absolute finest.

Importantly Park Hyatt Sydney honours its' heritage by ensuring original Sydney Sandstone and local woods are incorporated in the rebuild. The hotel has undertaken to commission a number of Australian artists including sculptors, painters and photographers for artworks designed especially for the new hotel. The twenty one years that Park Hyatt Sydney have called their Circular Quay pier home, is respected and celebrated throughout the hotels' redesign.

Australian hotel design firm, BARstudio are creating a new intimate and stylish interior, featuring an art gallery of interior pieces, including artefacts, books and artworks on the bedroom shelves and walls in all 155 bedrooms, and unique items throughout the hotel. Floor-to-ceiling glass doors open onto spacious private balconies for most bedrooms, which no other accommodation in Sydney can provide. Custom-designed lighting and new natural tone furnishings and fixtures enhance the indoor-outdoor lifestyle that Park Hyatt Sydney observe.

The multi-million dollar renovation includes a total reconfiguration of the low rise serpentine designed building, introducing a new and larger day spa, restaurant, bars, private dining rooms, enhanced and larger conference facilities, gymnasium and recreational spaces in addition to Sydney's largest guest rooms.

The new restaurant, The Dining Room is led by country Australia born chef, Andrew McKee, who brings with him a fundamental appreciation of the premium quality of Australian produce. Offering guests his authentically inspired cuisine, sourced from specialty local farmers and fishermen, his meals can be enjoyed while relishing the clean air and sunshine from one of the hotel balconies or open dining areas, making a uniquely Australian experience.

Park Hyatt Sydney's general manager, Andrew Mensforth stated, "Park Hyatt Sydney is close to the completion of the rebuild of this fine property. We continue to target a late 2011 opening. We are delighted with the progress so far, having undertaken a total rebuild with only the external wall remaining and we look forward to showcasing the new hotel to our ever discerning local and international guests".

General Manager, Mr Mensforth will advise the opening date via video announcement, once it is determined with the hotel's construction team. The hotel is now accepting bookings from 1 February 2012.

sydney.park.hyatt.com
PH: (02) 9256 1234

Amex Survey Predicts Increase in American Holiday Travel Spending

2011-10-18T14:14:00.000-07:00

Forty-two percent of Americans plan to increase their holiday travel budget compared to last year, according to the latest American Express Spending & Saving Tracker. The average family of four intends to spend $2,636 on holiday travel, or $659 per person, an increase of nearly $200 from last year.

No matter where consumers choose to go, there is a clear interest in getting more out of travel, according to the study. From dining to adventure, it’s all about making memories. More travelers are flying, with just over one-third (36 percent) flying to their destination (versus 26 percent last year). More consumers also plan to dine out (31 percent versus 20 percent in 2010) and take part in entertainment-focused activities (24 percent versus 20 percent in 2010).

Twenty-one percent are taking a longer trip, 19 percent are staying in better accommodations and 17 percent are traveling with more people. Twelve percent are choosing a more-expensive destination and 6 percent are flying first or business class.

A growing number of consumers expressed interest in doing more while they’re away this holiday season. When asked how they would spend an extra $500 if it were available, nearly one quarter (24 percent) of consumers said they would rather use the extra funds for new experiences than to extend the length of their stay (18 percent).

When asked which travel experiences they would be most interested in trying, consumers ranked outdoor adventure first (19 percent), followed by a mystery vacation (16 percent), culinary-focused experience (13 percent), holistic spa retreat (12 percent), volunteerism trip (5 percent) and a ski holiday (4 percent).

Even though consumers expressed a desire to have more unique travel experiences, budget (40 percent) still trumped all as the key decision making factor when making holiday travel plans. Destination (25 percent) and experience (11 percent) came in second and third.

The majority of consumers will pay for travel with credit or charge cards, and 26 percent of travelers are turning to rewards points or miles as a primary way to pay for all or part of their trip. Fifty-six percent of Americans do not plan to travel this holiday season, significantly down from 61 percent in 2010. On average, Americans are early birds when it comes to booking holiday travel, with most booking their holiday travel three months in advance. However, 21 percent will book less than a month before their trip, with the vast majority of late bookers (73 percent) waiting until one week or less before holiday vacation. Late-bookers are also more likely to purchase using online travel engines and drive to their destinations.

Consumers are also looking to travel experiences as a source for creative gift giving this holiday season. More than one in four consumers have received and given a vacation as a gift. Many affluents and young professionals similarly have given a vacation as a gift (41 percent and 38 percent, respectively).

Hotel is ‘worst building in the world’

2011-10-14T07:10:00.000-07:00

By Roderick Eime

Rivalling the famous Barcelona Cathedral for accolades as huge, ugly and unfinished, Pyongyang’s Ryugyong Hotel may be shedding one of those attributes at least; unfinished.

With the approaching centenary celebrations for the founder of the world’s most reclusive, secretive and oppressive nation, the "Eternal President" of North Korea, Kim Il-sung, it appears the 105-storey, 330m building may be nearing some type of completion.

Begun in 1987 by the specially-formed Ryugyong Hotel Investment and Management Co, the objective was to create the tallest hotel in the world. But construction of the quasi-pyramidic, 3000-room structure stalled in 1992 soon after the collapse of the Soviet Union. It was hoped that the over-optimistic tower would attract US$230 million in foreign investment with one North Korean official promising a relaxed oversight: "The foreign investors can even operate casinos, nightclubs or Japanese lounges if they want to."

The money never came.

Without funds and facing issues with building materials, construction only resumed in April 2008 after a deal was struck with Egyptian telecommunications company, the Orascom Group, who are also installing a 3G mobile phone network for North Korea (where mobile phones are banned).

The US$400 million deal apparently involves rendering the building to a point where it no longer resembles a concrete monstrosity. As of September 2011, some glass panels, the spire and telecommunications antennae were installed and its appearance altered to merely glass monstrosity. The resemblance and connection to the fabled pyramids of Giza is only coincidental, and by many accounts, the ancient Pharaohs were better builders.

Dubbed the Hotel of Doom, the Phantom Hotel and the Phantom Pyramid, some are calling for the estimated US$750m tower’s demolition. Inspection of the structure by the European Union Chamber of Commerce in Korea (EUCCK) a decade ago found the elevator shafts were crooked and the building “irreparable”. And even if by some re-engineering marvel the rooms were complete, where was North Korea going to get enough visitors to fill 3000 rooms?

Perhaps then, the Ryugyong Hotel will serve merely as a gleaming monument to the Stalinist regime's failed ambitions.

Celebrity Movember at Byron at Byron

2011-10-13T22:42:00.000-07:00

The 25th of November at The Byron at Byron will see many mustachioed men, and their supporting ladies, enjoying the inaugural Sports Charity Lunch as a culmination of the Resort’s month-long support for Movember. The delicious three course meal will be graced by celebrity sports stars and feature an auction of money-can’t-buy prizes. Proceeds will go to the Movember charity to raise awareness for men’s health including depression and prostate cancer.

Celebrity sports guest speakers include legendary NRL coach Wayne Bennett, Peter Jacobs who recently finished second in the grueling Hawaii Ironman Triathlon and ex-professional world famous surfer Wayne "Rabbit" Bartholomew. Other sports persons who will be interviewed on the day and sitting amongst the 120 guests include Trevor Hendy and Karla Gilbert two of Australia’s all-time great Surf Life Savers and ex-NRL player and commentator Ben Ikin. Network Ten’s Brad McEwan will act as MC, overseeing the auction of prizes with all proceeds going to Movember including private dinner for two with head chef Gavin Hughes, a complete spa indulgence package, a round of golf with the resident professional at the Byron Bay Golf Course and a NRL State-of-Origin jersey signed by all players from the 2011 series.

Tickets to the event hosted in The Restaurant at The Byron at Byron are $95 with $5 from each booking being donated to raise vital funds and awareness for men’s health. Tables of 8 and 10 are available for bookings. It promises to be a great celebration for all those who have cultivated their mo’s throughout November and all their other-halves who have had to put up with them! Seats are limited! Alternatively, book a weekend for two including two night’s accommodation in a Standard Suite, buffet breakfast daily and two tickets to the luncheon for $495 per person.

The Byron at Byron will be supporting Movember for the entire month with male staff growing moustaches and seeking sponsorship. Other Movember fund-raising initiatives will see the ‘Mo-Burger’ and ‘Mojito’ served in The Restaurant and ‘From Mo’s to Toes’ spa treatments available in the Spa and Wellness Centre.

Since the first annual ‘Movember’ in 2003 The Movember Foundation has raised an astonishing $170+ million to continue to change established habits and attitudes men have about their health. They seek to educate men about the health risks they face, thereby increasing the chances of early detection, diagnosis and effective treatment, specifically in regards to depression and prostate cancer. Many more men are expected to join the 1.1 million who have registered with Movember in the past when they will clean-shave their faces on 31 October.

Clearly an important cause, it is no wonder that The Byron at Byron, a resort and spa that promotes well-being, has got involved with Movember. Set within a stunning subtropical rainforest The Byron at Byron Resort provides an idyllic escape in a relaxed atmosphere whilst offering all the special touches you expect. The spacious resort comprises ninety-two one-bedroom suites set within forty-five acres so you truly have the space you need to unwind. Stroll the boardwalks to nearby Tallow Beach, enjoy daily yoga or simply retreat to the resort Spa & Wellness Centre for the ultimate indulgence.

The Byron at Byron Resort and Spa

77 – 97 Broken Head Road, Byron Bay NSW Australia

+61 2 6639 2000 or 1300 554 362 | www.thebyronatbyron.com.au

Grand Mauritian Destroyed by Fire

2011-10-12T19:13:00.000-07:00

The Starwood managed Grand Mauritian Resort & Spa has been ravaged by fire.

A wildfire originating in the neighbouring cane fields is understood to have spread to the property causing extensive damage to several villas, rooms, suites, restaurants, reception and conference rooms.

All guests were safely evacuated and relocated to other properties. In light of this event, no further bookings are being accepted and the hotel's website [http://www.thegrandmauritian.com/] carries the following message:

On October 9th at 12 noon local time, a wild fire originating from the surrounding area spread to the The Grand Mauritian Resort & Spa in Turtle Bay, Mauritius. The hotel was promptly evacuated and the local fire brigade got on site to control and extinguish the blaze. Thankfully, none of our hotel guests, associates or other persons were injured. All guests have been offered the opportunity to relocate to other properties nearby, including the resort's sister property, Le Méridien Ile Maurice. Currently, the hotel is not accepting any reservations.
Hotel management is working closely with the local authorities to investigate the cause of the fire. The safety, security and well-being of our guests and associates is our paramount priority.
For more information please contact our temporary Control Centre on +230 2043416.
For more information on Reservations, please contact our reservations office on +230 2043415.

SINGAPORE AIRLINES WELCOMES ACCC DRAFT APPROVAL OF ALLIANCE WITH VIRGIN AUSTRALIA

2011-10-12T18:01:00.000-07:00

Singapore Airlines today welcomed the ACCC's draft approval of its proposed alliance with Virgin Australia. Regulatory approval will enable Singapore Airlines and Virgin Australia to build an integrated alliance, an expanded network and seamless service offerings for travellers in Australia.

The alliance will connect Singapore Airlines' global network with Virgin Australia's wide range of Australian and Pacific destinations, offering customers seamless connections, convenient flight schedules, access to more airport lounges and greater opportunities to earn and redeem frequent flyer miles.

Singapore Airlines Regional Vice-President South West Pacific Subhas Menon said: "We are pleased with the ACCC's draft approval. We pride ourselves on setting the benchmark for service excellence, product innovation and network connectivity in line with our customers' needs and our partnership with Virgin Australia will enable us to deliver a best-in-class travel experience across Australia. Today's announcement will be welcome news to leisure and corporate travellers alike who will benefit from the more attractive and competitive travel options this alliance will provide."

Singapore Airlines and Virgin Australia lodged an application with the ACCC in June under which the airlines propose to:

- Codeshare on each other's international and domestic flights;

- Offer reciprocal frequent flyer programme benefits and lounge access;

- Coordinate schedules between Singapore and Australia and beyond to provide seamless connections; and

- Engage in joint sales, marketing and distribution activities.

The proposed alliance is subject to regulatory approvals in Australia and Singapore.

King of the Outback - Tales from an off-road adventurer

2011-10-12T04:12:00.000-07:00

Bill King

The life of the legendary pioneer of outback travel - the man who opened up Australia to adventure travel.

A modern-day explorer who took everyday Australians along for the ride.

Bill King is the pioneer who put the Australian outback on the map for both local and international tourists. Through an enterprise founded on hope and grit-now operating as AAT Kings-he opened up a completely new branch of Australian tourism. Thousands of Australians have experienced the adventure of a lifetime in Bill's capable hands, often walking in the footsteps of explorers such as Burke and Wills, Leichhardt, Sturt and Stuart.

Eccentric drivers, mad passengers and sticky situations abound against the backdrop of the glorious Australian outback. Bill and his tour groups sometimes got lost, bogged or stranded-sometimes even scared out of their wits-but there was always a fierce determination to bring the show back home. Bill never lost a passenger or brought one to harm, though by heck they did sometimes try his monumental patience.

Bill King is a living treasure of the Australian travel industry who spent thirty years experiencing everything under the sun. There are few Australians who could match his incredible fund of real-life yarns.

ISBN: 9781742376950
Australian Pub.: October 2011
Edition: 1
Publisher: ALLEN & UNWIN
Imprint: ALLEN & UNWIN
Subject: Memoirs
Edition Number: 1

Branson says fossil fuel addiction will lead to the mother of all recessions

2011-10-12T02:02:00.000-07:00

Virgin founder says much more needs to be done to encourage green energy

by Valere Tjolle

Sir Richard Branson, the founder and Chairman of the Virgin Group, has said that the world faces “the mother of all recessions” unless much more is done to encourage the development of renewable energy.

See also: http://www.travelmole.com/stories/1149740.php

Addressing delegates at the third annual Six Senses SLOW LIFE Symposium at Soneva Fushi in the Maldives, Sir Richard said that governments had to provide additional incentives to support the adoption of alternative fuel sources.

He said: “If we don’t have alternative fuels we are going to have the mother of all recessions. The way to kick-start the revolution is to have no tax on all clean energy while slowly increasing tax on dirty energy.”

“We have been diverting our profit from airlines into developing fuel for aircraft that won’t damage the environment.”

Sir Richard called on European aviation authorities and airports to do more to reduce the aviation industry’s energy emissions and said that the climate change battle is the “biggest entrepreneurial opportunity of our lifetime”.

He added: “Every single ecosystem is in decline. We must revalue how we value our natural assets and how we reduce our consumption patterns. But it is important for all of us to stay positive. Martin Luther King did not get his message across by saying “I have a nightmare”.”

Other speakers at the Six Senses SLOW LIFE Symposium included President Nasheed of the Maldives and Hollywood actors and renowned environmental campaigners Edward Norton and Daryl Hannah.

Mark Lynas, the Climate Change Advisor to President Nasheed of the Maldives, said that the island state is the perfect test-bed for cutting edge environmental technologies.

“What has really struck me is that this is a country that intends to be master of its own destiny. The phrase is “victim to victor”,” he said.

“What the Maldives has managed to do is to say that going carbon neutral is good for the economy – it is the engine for growth.”

It was a theme picked up by Jakob von Uexkull of the World Future Council.

He said: “Climate change is the only threat that the media downplays rather than exaggerates. Natural laws can not be changed. Nature provides no bail out packages and you can’t negotiate with melting glaciers.”

Valere Tjolle
Valere edits and publishes the authoritative Sustainable Tourism Report Suite

Noosa Food And Wine Festival Goes Global

2011-10-12T01:51:00.000-07:00

The Noosa Food & Wine Festival has a new name - The Noosa International Food & Wine Festival. The name change heralds a new focus on both Australian and International chefs and cooking identities as well as a global interest in the festival itself.
Expect four action-packed days from May 17 to May 20 in 2012 when two hundred of the world's most prominent chefs, winemakers, media and food personalities descend upon Noosa and the Sunshine Coast.

The final details of the full program are being locked in but it has been confirmed we can announce that molecular gastronomist and 'Demon Chef', Alvin Leung of Bo Innovation in Hong Kong and Davide Scabin of Combal Zero in Turin Italy will both participate in the Qantas 'Best Dinner in the World' event. Each course of the degustation meal will be created by a different chef from the prestigious S.Pellegrino World's Best Restaurant List. The list is created from The World's Best Restaurants Academy, an influential group of over 800 international leaders in the restaurant industry, each selected for their expert opinion of the international restaurant scene.

Local restaurateur and Festival Director, Jim Berardo, is thrilled with the international focus of the 2012 festival. "We are proud to have built this event over eight years to something truly world class" says Mr Berardo. "The Festival originated to acknowledge and promote Australian produce, wine and talent. Now Australia has a real presence in the world of food and wine and we want to recognise this by including overseas talent. "

Watch this space as more International and Australian names for the festival are announced: http://www.facebook.com/NoosaFoodWineFestival

Or for further information on the Festival check out: www.noosafoodandwine.com.au

Sifawy Marina Boutique Hotel opens in Oman

2011-10-10T15:24:00.000-07:00

Sifawy Marina Boutique Hotel launched in Jebel Sifah

The Sifawy Boutique Hotel marks Muriya Tourism Development's* foray into the hospitality industry. The hotel is ideally located in the heart of the picturesque Marina Town of Jebel Sifah, which will be the resort's main entertainment hub with a range of restaurants, cafés, shopping avenues and nightlife activities. It is all set to welcome guests at its 55 elegantly appointed guestrooms – 25 standard rooms, 30 fully furnished suites and 3 suites equipped for physically challenged guests. All rooms have private balconies with comfortable seating, overlooking the beautiful marina or the swimming pool. Marina Suite guests may also avail the services of a private butler

Expressing delight at the launch of the Hotel, Daniel Fanselow, General Manager of Sifawy Boutique Hotel said, "We are very excited to launch our first hotel in Jebel Sifah. It exudes a sense of intimacy and reflects all the charm nature has bestowed it with. It takes Jebel Sifah to an all new level, offering visitors and tourists a very unique opportunity to experience the splendour of the land in an ambience that is truly special. Jebel Sifah's ideal location, just 45 km away from downtown Muscat, fringed by the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Oman and the majestic Hajjar Mountain range, adds to the distinctive appeal of Sifawy Boutique Hotel."

The Hotel, designed by renowned Italian architect Alfredo Freda, is equipped with all the essential amenities and services, catering to even the most discerning guests. It has on offer a wide range of activities and excursions, including a large swimming pool, outdoor Jacuzzi, fitness centre and treatment room. The ambience within the Hotel is warm and friendly, reflecting Oman's typical hospitality. It is all set to welcome guests to an experience that is a contemporary blend of European design with a strong essence of traditional Omani influence – in concept as well as service.

Guests can look forward to authentic regional and international dining experiences at 'Al Sabla', the all-day dining restaurant serving buffet breakfast and dinner in addition to an a la carte lunch menu. There is also 'The Captain's Lounge & Bar', which is situated on the Jebel Sifah Marina, offering gourmet coffee or cool drinks with music and entertainment in the evenings. Closer to the Hotel's swimming pool is the Breeze Bar, which caters to guests seeking refreshing poolside snacks, fresh juices and cool drinks. Other facilities offered at the Hotel include wireless internet access in all rooms, LCD television with satellite channels, pillow menu, 24-hour in-room dining, and much more.

For guests and visitors looking for a slice of serenity in a nature created haven, Jebel Sifah is the place to be. Spread over an area of 6.2 million square meters with luxurious residences of diverse and distinct styles, a 100-berth marina and marina town, an 18-hole Golf Course, other retail venues and various food outlets.

For more information and details visit www.jebelsifah.com l www.sifawyhotel.com

*Muriya Tourism Development is a leading developer of fully integrated towns that includes hotels, private villas and apartments, leisure facilities such as golf courses, marinas and supporting infrastructure. Established as a joint venture between Orascom Hotels and Development with 70 per cent, and Omran 30 percent, a government owned company, Muriya is committed to taking the lead in promoting environmental and social responsible tourism, while offering unique opportunities such as non-resident ownership in its integrate tourism complex (ITC).

Two of the ongoing projects are integrated tourism complexes (ITCs) offering freehold properties – 'Jebel Sifah' and 'Salalah Beach'. In addition, Muriya also has extensive plans to develop a 'City Walk' in Muscat and is ongoing on the boutique hotel on 'As Sodah Island'

Japan offers free flights to boost tourism

2011-10-10T15:21:00.000-07:00

Japan will offer 10,000 foreigners free plane trips to the country next year to try to kick-start the tourism industry.

The country's tourism agency announced the plan to counter the slump in visitor numbers since the March tsunami and nuclear disasters.

In the three months since the disasters, the number of foreign tourists visiting Japan has crashed by more than 50 per cent.

The sharp drop began to ease somewhat in the summer.

Full Story

Beautiful Hotel Fort Canning Singapore wins Architectural Heritage Award 2011

2011-10-09T23:11:00.000-07:00

My client is the Hotel Fort Canning, a beautiful boutique heritage hotel in Singapore which is independently owned and was recently reopened after an extensive renovation by award-winning DP architects. I am pleased to share this good news regarding its winning one of the Architectural Heritage Awards for 2011 from the Urban Redevelopment Authority of Singapore.

Having formerly housed the British Far East Command and set amidst the lush green gardens of Fort Canning Park, this former colonial building was built in 1926 and unlike most other hotels in the region, maintains much of its heritage and character, including the multi-columned fascade and a grand staircase, while combining it with a sympathetic contemporary makeover that makes it unique in one of the world's busiest cities and most popular stopover destinations.

The Hotel Fort Canning perfectly combines the best of modern amenities with timeless elegance and character.

www.hfcsingapore.com

Struth! Carnivore Carnage at Oktoberfest

2011-10-09T18:12:00.000-07:00

IN his continuing search for the more weird, wacky and wondrous in the world of travel, David Ellis says that if you thought patrons at this year's Oktoberfest in Munich were pretty good at tossing down the amber stuff, they were anything than remiss when it came to getting stuck into the tucker as well.

This year's 6.9-million visitors drank their way through 7.5-million litres of beer, about half a million more litres than last year, and to go with it chomped down steaks and other cuts from 118-roasted oxen, 53-calves, thousands of roast chickens, truck loads of pork knuckles, and pork sausages whose consumption was counted in the tens of thousands each day.

But revellers who came from across Europe and as far away as the United States and Australia for the three weeks of the festival that's just ended, must have found all that beer and food a bit taxing on the memory: amongst 4570 items handed-in to the Lost & Found office were 1045 passports, 390 mobile phones, a walking frame, two un-matching crutches, a set of dentures – and a Viking helmet and 48 children.

"We are still trying to find owners for many of these items," a spokesman said a week after the festival closed. "But at least all the 48 children were claimed."

The history of Oktoberfest goes back 201 years to when Bavaria's Crown Prince Ludwig married Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen and invited the townspeople of Munich to join their wedding party on a public green called the Theresienwiesen, just outside the city centre.

Oktoberfest is still held there to this day, with fourteen massive beer tents – some holding up to 10,000 people – erected just for the occasion and dismantled straight after so that the green can revert to public use.

Next year's Oktoberfest will be held there from September 22 to October 7.

Andrew Harper's Hideaway Report 2011 Reader Survey Awards

2011-10-09T15:22:00.000-07:00

The Farm at Cape Kidnappers

# 12 - Top 20 International Hideaways - highest rated in Australasia + South Pacific
#14 - Top 20 International Golf Resorts - highest rated in the Southern Hemisphere

The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs

#15 - Top 20 International Golf Resorts - - one of the two highest rated in the Southern Hemisphere along with The Farm at Cape Kidnappers

Andrew Harper's Hideaway Report 2011 Reader Survey Awards have been announced, and both THE FARM AT CAPE KIDNAPPERS and THE LODGE AT KAURI CLIFFS have triumphed.

THE FARM AT CAPE KIDNAPPERS was voted #12 in the TOP 20 INTERNATIONAL HIDEAWAYS, making it the highest rated property in Australasia + the South Pacific. THE FARM AT CAPE KIDNAPPERS was also voted #14 in the survey's TOP 20 INTERNATIONAL GOLF RESORTS, and the highest rated golf resort in the Southern Hemisphere.

THE LODGE AT KAURI CLIFFS was similarly honoured, named #15 in the TOP 20 INTERNATIONAL GOLF RESORTS, and one of the two top highest rated golf resorts in the Southern Hemisphere along with sister property THE FARM AT CAPE KIDNAPPERS.

Andrew Harper's Hideaway Report is a private monthly publication for sophisticated travellers. It is widely regarded as the definite guide by those in the know, as it has been free of advertising since its inception. The writer's travel independently and their reviews are completely unbiased.

Jay Robertson, Managing Director of the awarded lodges, commented, "It is especially rewarding to know that the extremely savvy and well-travelled readers of Andrew Harper's Hideaway Report have voted our lodges into this survey award, as they would have experienced some of the world's best. Again, my family along with the teams at Kauri Cliffs and The Farm at Cape Kidnappers are absolutely thrilled to be honoured with such very special accolades".

The latest awards cap off a year of recognition for Kauri Cliffs, The Farm at Cape Kidnappers and their newest sister property, Matakauri Lodge.

Earlier this year Travel + Leisure Magazine readers chose THE LODGE AT KAURI CLIFFS as the #1 Lodge/Resort in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific in their 2011 World's Best Awards reader's survey and #11 in the 2011 World's Best Awards list of Top 100 Hotels Overall.

Conde Nast Traveller (UK) Magazine readers chose THE LODGE AT KAURI CLIFFS # 8 and THE FARM AT CAPE KIDNAPPERS #13 in the BEST ACCOMMODATION in Australasia & the South Pacific category in their 2011 READERS' TRAVEL AWARDS.

MATAKAURI LODGE has also had a spectacular year, being named on the Conde Nast Traveller HOT LIST 2011 and also as one of the "101 Best Hotels" by Tatler Magazine.

For more info on Andrew Harper's Reader Survey Awards visit

www.andrewharper.com/articles/reader-survey

To reserve please contact reservations:

The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs
P +64 9 407 0010 or E reservations@kauricliffs.com

The Farm at Cape Kidnappers:
P +64 6 875 1900 or E reservations@capekidnappers.com

Matakauri Lodge:
P +64 3 441 1008 or E reservations@matakaurilodge.com

MASSIVE UPGRADE GIVES NEW LIFE TO AGATHA CHRISTIE'S 'DEATH ON THE NILE HOTEL

2011-10-09T15:07:00.000-07:00

Sofitel Luxury Hotels has reopened its venerable Old Cataract hotel in Aswan Egypt following a three-year closure and extensive renovation program.

Perhaps most famous for inspiring author Agatha Christie's 'Death On Nile' novel, penned while in residence, the hotel has been both preserved and updated as a result of the renovation. The result is a new look and new name to become the Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Aswan, joining Sofitel's illustrious 'Legend' collection of historically significant hotels around the world which includes the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi Vietnam, and the Sofitel Legend The Grand in Amsterdam.

Located in the Nubian Desert on the banks of the Nile River across from Elephantine Island, the revived Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Aswan has risen again after its closure to continue a long story that began back in 1899 in the heart of sparkling Aswan. It's very name was taken from the marriage of the river and the granite wall that forms the first cataract of the Nile. More than a hotel, Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Aswan is a destination unto itself.

Sofitel entrusted French interior designer Sybille de Margerie with the task of bringing the luxury of the myth to life once again while conserving the original beauty of the Victorian building. A true challenge, given the weight of history that every wall bears and the rich memories of the legendary visitors who once crossed its threshold. The soul and splendor of the place are preserved, and the architecture updated for a decidedly contemporary face – Sybille de Margerie has risen to the challenge by bringing together Victorian, Middle Eastern and French styles.

From its rose granite plateau rising above the sacred river, the Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Aswan offers visitors two different experiences in the hotel's rooms and suites[1]. The historic charm of The Palace pervades its 76 accommodations, including 45 suites.

From Agatha Christie to Sir Winston Churchill and including Agha Khan, many famous faces have stayed here, movie stars, heads of state and crowned heads. Once a legend always a legend, and here that has held true through the extravagant transformation that managed to preserve the site's heritage in such touches as the Byzantine-style striped arches.

The two most spacious suites, named the Agatha Christie Suite and the Winston Churchill Suite offer their own private terraces and amazing views.

The contemporary and elegant new The Nile wing features 62 rooms, 37 of which are suites. All offer a balcony and a view of the famous Nile river. Each room also boasts intricate artwork (friezes) and chandeliers, reproducing and reflecting the historic aspects of the original historical wing to inextricably link the two buildings. Particular attention was paid to the bathrooms; some rooms even offer guests the luxury of taking a bath while gazing out over the Nile. The biggest suite in this wing is the Agha Khan Suite.

Some moments seem to exist out of time. Tea served in the setting sun, a ritual as Agatha Christie experienced it, is a must while visiting.

Emblematic spa and hammam created

The Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Aswan unveils a brand new 1200m² So SPA that is a temple of well-being with 8 treatment booths, 3-room hammam and indoor pool. Impressive views, and elegant, original décor along with French cosmetic expertise from Cinq Mondes makes this So Spa space one of the finest new additions to the hotel.

So Spa treatments are an original well-being concept from Sofitel that draw inspiration from gastronomical French cuisine, another of Sofitel's areas of expertise. The Starters, lasting 30 minutes, are aimed at active young urban dwellers seeking a moment's rest after a full day. The Main Dishes and Desserts last an hour and include full massages, facial care, hot rock massages and other luxuries that will nourish you body and soul.

A veritable icon of fashion and cinema, Marisa Berenson has created a beauty ritual just for Sofitel that includes her secret to beauty and youth – Soin Sublime with precious prickly pear oil. A unique beauty ceremony, made truly stunning by the use of gold and crystal accessories from the maison Saint-Louis.

So SPA has also developed its own products, So Exhilarating and So Rejuvenating, exclusive treatments that become classics when accompanied by Sofitel music played on So SPA iPods for the full experience. Every massage table offers an adapted version of the famous Sofitel MyBed concept, the bedding used in all Sofitel Luxury Hotels, for optimum comfort and complete relaxation.

Legendary 1902 Gourmet Restaurant

Sofitel Legend Old Cataract now boasts a choice of four restaurants, including the legendary 1902, made famous by its Qualaun crypt. A majestic 20-metre high dome with décor worthy of the Thousand and One Nights theme evoked by the region. A true experience is to have dinner in this breathtaking outlet, as in ancient times, and indeed there is still a dress code to get in. Wooden floors, beautiful lights and chandeliers, delicate and elegant table settings make it an unforgettable dining experience.

In addition, guests can enjoy Sofitel's new Mediterranean restaurant Oriental Kebabgy and its superb terrace overlooking the Nile. Le Palms, located poolside, beckons with light snacks throughout the day. Lastly, a gem of the renewed hotel is new restaurant Al Saraya offering exceptional breakfasts and dinners with a breathtaking view of the eternal Nile.

As if it were still the Belle Epoque, four bars provide four different experiences and many more unforgettable moments, beginning in La Terrasse, with its famous "King Fouad's Corner". La Promenade on the rose granite walkway offers a first-class view of Elephantine Island, making it THE place in Aswan to meet for a cocktail or a traditional tea. In the lobby, THE BAR has all the magic of a piano bar amidst the elegance of Middle Eastern décor. The Yasmin Vitamin Bar & Lounge overlooks the pool and gardens.

Sofitel Legend, Live the Legend

Created by Sofitel Luxury Hotels, Sofitel Legend is a label, a seal, an exclusive club of hundred-year old establishments, as often as not historic monuments, legendary places full of history, destinations unto themselves set like jewels in the cities or landscapes that surround them. Every Sofitel Legend is a unique gem, a guaranteed seat on a journey to luxury and history, where legend and reality become one.

Service, a true feature of the Legend hotels, is at the heart of this experience. Precision and elegance, discreet and devoted attention, delicate and effective service, every thought is given to guests' needs and to making every day a pleasure.

The Metropole Hanoi was the first of the collection, followed by the Grand Amsterdam (Netherlands) and the Old Cataract Aswan (Egypt). As renovations are completed, more hotels will join the Sofitel Legend offering – the Santa Clara (Colombia), the Winter Palace Luxor (Egypt), the Palais Jamai (Morocco), the Cecil Alexandria (Egypt) and others.

www.sofitel-legend.com

Lilianfels reigns as an international standard luxury resort in the face of tough tourism times

2011-10-07T03:16:00.000-07:00

Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort & Spa has again proven its position as the ambassador of Australia’s luxury accommodation market after winning another major international tourism award.

The World Tourism Awards, dubbed the ‘Oscars’ of international tourism and travel, saw Lilianfels take out Australasia’s Leading Resort in Thailand at the weekend.

The accolade follows last month’s Travel & Leisure magazine’s award, naming Lilianfels as one of the Top 5 Resorts and Spas in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific.

Group General Manager, Brian McHenry, said after 20 years’ operation, Lilianfels continues to be a successful national tourism treasure despite growing concern for the travel and leisure market.

“At Lilianfels we evolve with international trends in the luxury end of the market, while understanding the needs of our national audience,” Mr McHenry said.

“Our awards and strong visitation are the result of refining and refreshing operations in times where the Tourism Research Committee predicts a downturn in the expected inbound arrivals, and a 6 per cent growth in Australians travelling overseas in 2012.”

Lilianfels representatives attended the red carpet World Travel Awards in Bangkok to receive the prestigious award following a vote of 213,000 industry professionals around the world.

The 5-star luxury resort at Katoomba, NSW, is located on the fringe of the world famous Jamieson Valley and the Three Sisters. The converted 1890s country mansion features 85 exquisitely elegant rooms, spa and treatment facilities, pools and intimate lounge areas, English gardens and the multi award winning Darley’s restaurant.

For more information visit www.lilianfels.com.au or call 02 4780 1200.

Qantas to Add More Dallas/Fort Worth Flights

2011-10-04T20:35:00.000-07:00

Qantas to Add More Dallas/Fort Worth Flights: Qantas will increase the frequency of its services between Sydney and Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) from four per week to daily by July 2012. Capacity on the route will grow to six services per week on 15 January 2012 and to seven per week on 1 July 2012....

Qantas/SriLankan Fares are Back

2011-09-27T14:37:00.000-07:00

After a break of over a year, the popular Qantas / SriLankan fares to Colombo and beyond are again available in the market. The fares will offer daily QF departures from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth to Singapore or Hong Kong and additionally Qantas from Sydney to Bangkok.

Alan Wilcock, National Sales Manager for SriLankan Airlines said "It is great news that these fares are available once again. The availability of these fares is well timed to coincide with a new double daily SriLankan frequency from Singapore to Colombo effective 23 December 2011".

The new fares also offer levels via Bangkok, where SriLankan now operate some 14 services per week to Colombo. Inbound connections are also very attractive and these combine nicely with SriLankan's other fares with Malaysian, Emirates, Thai, Cathay Pacific and Virgin Atlantic.

SriLankan has also commenced direct services from Colombo into Moscow (DME ) from 19 September 2011 and also Zurich from 23 December 2011

For enquiries call 1300 703 731

New holiday ideas in Koh Samui as Hilton opens luxury hotel

2011-09-27T13:11:00.000-07:00

Hilton Worldwide has announced the opening of Conrad Koh Samui in Thailand.

Located on the secluded Aow Thai Beach, the luxury villa resort joins its sister hotel, Conrad Bangkok, which recently celebrated its 8th anniversary in Thailand.

“Conrad Hotels & Resorts offers today’s affluent travellers a world of style, service, and connection with the luxury of being themselves,” said John Vanderslice, global head of luxury and lifestyle brands for Hilton Worldwide.

“Conrad Koh Samui personifies the Conrad spirit of individuality and commitment to service, and strengthens the brand’s presence in global gateway cities and most sought-after resort destinations.

Located 28 kilometres from the airport, Conrad Koh Samui is the only west-facing luxury resort in Koh Samui that offers guests breathtaking sunset views from every villa.

“We continue to expand our strong presence in Thailand and are now proud to introduce Conrad’s world of style, service and connection in Koh Samui.

“This magnificent resort is the second of our Conrad properties to open in Thailand and caters to the needs of the ever increasing number of global, affluent travellers to this popular resort destination,” said Martin Rinck, president, Asia Pacific, Hilton Worldwide.

The luxurious resort features 80 freestanding villas with private plunge pools and sundecks, comprised of 65 one-bedroom villas, 14 two-bedroom villas and a Royal Villa, integrated within 25 acres of tropical features and dramatic cliff-side landscapes.

Other resort features include an on-site diving and sailing centre, a 130 metre floating pier, a 24-hour state-of-the-art Fitness Centre and an outdoor yoga pavilion.

Biggest Ferry Launched by Tourism Minister in Docklands

2011-09-27T01:55:00.000-07:00

The newly refurbished MV Queenscliff, the pride of the Queenscliff to Sorrento ferry fleet, has launched officially at Waterfront City, Docklands by The Hon Louise Asher, Minister for Tourism and Major Events, and the crew from Searoad Ferries. This official event followed on from a successful free public event that saw a whopping 20,000 people alight the vessel to get their first glimpse of the ferry's retro-inspired new interior. The vessel also broke a record for being the biggest vessel to have moored in the Docklands since the area was transformed into a residential precinct in the 1990s.

At the official launch event, guests including media, members of the tourism industry and friends of the ferry, celebrated the vessel's shining new fit-out with a perfect Melbourne spring day, a glass of Victorian sparkling wine and an afternoon high tea in the new lounge.

"I was delighted to re-launch the upgraded MV Queenscliff. The MV Queenscliff is an important tourism infrastructure and has been for some time as it links Mornington Peninsula and the Great Ocean Road, showcasing the Bay. I think it's a wonderful addition to the tourism product we have in Victoria. The upgrade is outstanding and I'm particularly interested in the High Tea on the High Seas event - it's a great concept!" said The Hon. Louise Asher MP.

The new ferry is unlike any other ferry in Australia, creating a new, world-class tourism entity. The refurbishment sees a new lounge with super comfortable chairs and full 360-degree views. It provides a haven for relaxing and reading the complimentary newspapers, whilst the kids can enjoy a dedicated children's playground. A new on-board café led by well-known local chef Ken Wall has been built and offers a grazing menu with drinks and produce sourced from neighbouring regions. And of course, excellent coffee from a qualified barista is a mandatory addition.

The refurbishment of the 18-year old signals a change in direction for the newly re-branded Searoad Ferries business. Operating since 1987, it is Australia's busiest car and passenger route, with over 700,000 passengers transported per annum. It generates some $130 million in revenue for the local economy and is a primary cog in the whole region's tourism experience. Searoad Ferries links the Great Ocean Road, The Bellarine, Mornington Peninsula, Phillip Island and Wilsons Promontory, providing a unique, continuous coastal tourism experience in a four-hour journey that has become one of Victoria's most popular touring routes.

Driving these changes and responsible for creating a new vision for Searoad Ferries is the brand new captain of the business, General Manager and CEO, Matt McDonald. Aged just 29, Matt is a veteran of the high seas. A qualified scuba diver, marine biologist and ship's captain, he decided early on to commit to his love of the sea and has clocked up some 50,000 nautical miles, the equivalent to sailing twice around the world. He has circumnavigated Tassie in a tall ship and toured pleasure craft around some of the world's most picturesque and sun-kissed spots. His most recent role was captain and manager of the luxury yacht Platinum. A 140ft vessel, it plied Australia and the South Pacific, creating an absolute luxury cruising experience attracting superstar passengers the likes of Robbie Williams and Lily Allen.

"We were thrilled that Minister Asher could join us again today to relaunch the new-look MV Queenscliff. Judging from the number of people that came to visit her yesterday and their glowing reviews I'm sure she will have a very warm welcome when she gets home. A world-class experience awaits travellers on the MV Queenscliff and we're looking forward to welcoming people onboard. Searoad Ferries is now truly about the journey, and not just the destination," said Matt.

The new-look MV Queenscliff made her way back to Queesncliff yesterday afternoon to recommence her regular route from Queenscliff to Sorrento return.

Searoad Ferries, 1 Wharf St Queenscliff, Victoria 3225

T: 03 5258 3244 | E: travel@searoad.com.au | W: searoad.com.au | Twitter & Facebook: Searoad Ferries

Searoad Ferries operates in all weather, seven days a week, 365 days a year, on the hour, every hour from 7am until 6pmfrom both Queenscliff and Sorrento. An extra service at 7pm is available from 26 December 2011 until 9 April 2012. For fares visit www.searoad.com.au.

Upcoming onboard events:

High Tea On The High Seas - the last Sunday of each month (excl Dec and Jan):

Be served High Tea in the privacy of the Portsea Lounge on board the Queenscliff to Sorrento ferry. Indulge in an afternoon tea of exquisite cakes and desserts, finger sandwiches, espresso coffee, freshly brewed tea or sparkling wine and watch the spectacular coastal scenery slide past. Cost: $35.

Australian War Memorial Goes Beyond the Line of Duty for Battlefield Tours

2011-09-26T22:42:00.000-07:00

"The Last Post" (pic: news.com.au)

The Australian War Memorial reveals a unique and personalised service for travellers aspiring to walk in the footsteps of their military ancestors who fought during the First World War in Gallipoli and on the Western Front.

While many tour operators visit the famous battlefield sites and retell the many stories of courage and sacrifices made by our Australian diggers, the Australian War Memorial has extended their services by assisting their tour participants with their family research and ensuring they visit sites of particular interest to them.

"Researching family connections helps create a personal experience when touring the battlefields," says Nick Fletcher, a curator at the Australian War Memorial. "For those Australians who may not have any military ancestry, our tours also provide an opportunity to honor these men who sacrificed their lives by visiting the scenes of their gallant deeds which have helped form our nation's character."

The battlefield tours are designed and led by the Memorial's historians and curators, who have access to a vast array of resources such as documentation, maps, films and photographs from the Australian War Memorial archives, providing them an expert advantage in their field and unrivalled level of personalised service in their tours.

"These tours are both a commemorative and educational journey into an important part of our nation's history, yet for some it becomes a personal pilgrimage", expressed John Waller, CEO, Boronia Travel Centre, and 'official travel agent' to the Australian War Memorial.

"By providing such a personalised family research service, the Australian War Memorial and Boronia Travel Centre can not only enhance the overall travel experience but also touch the hearts of those seeking to connect with their family history", noted John.

For more information contact:

http://www.boroniabattlefieldtours.com.au/family-search
or call Boronia Travel Centre on 1800 035 350

Emirates Releases Early Bird Airfares to Europe, Middle East and Africa

2011-09-26T15:21:00.000-07:00

-Fly from Australia to 29 European destinations via Dubai from $1798 return-

Award-winning Emirates has unveiled competitive Early Bird airfares to destinations across Europe, the Middle East and Africa for travel in 2012.

Australian travellers can fly to 29 destinations in Europe from $1798 return, experience 7 Middle Eastern cities from $1642 return, or sample a selection of 4 destinations in Africa from $1779 return.

All destinations are within convenient reach from Australia via one stop in Emirates' exciting hub-city of Dubai, with one free stopover in Dubai permitted in each direction of travel.

Emirates operates 70 flights per week from Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney to Dubai, and onwards to more than 110 destinations in over 65 countries. Passengers enjoy service from an international crew, gourmet food and wine menus, an award-winning inflight entertainment system, and a generous 30kg luggage allowance.

Early Bird airfares to Emirates' newly announced European destinations start from $1805 to Dublin, $1808 to St Petersburg, $1807 to Copenhagen, and $1804 to Geneva.

Lead in return airfares to the exotic destinations of the Middle East include $1650 to Dubai, $1642 to Muscat and Cairo from $1653.

Australians looking for an African adventure can fly to Cape Town, Durban or Johannesburg in South Africa from $1832 return, or try Nairobi from $1779 return.

All airfares are quoted based on travel in Economy Class and include all taxes and charges.*

Bookings must be completed by 30 November 2011. Early Bird airfares are available for travel between 1 February and 30 September 2012, fare levels vary during this period. Flight restrictions apply.

For flight information and bookings contact Emirates on 1300 303 777, visit your local travel agent or go to www.emirates.com/au.

Terms and conditions for the offer:

·         Ticketing and sales between now and 30th November 2011 only
·         Valid for departures from 1st February until 30th September 2012 only

Valid for travel outbound to Dubai on EK405, EK409, EK415, EK419, EK433, EK425 only

·         Fees for changes and cancellations apply
·         One free stopover is permitted in Dubai city in each direction
·         Seats and Class are subject to availability at time of booking

*The inclusive taxes and surcharges quoted are correct at 19th September 2011. These may vary slightly over the travel period.

For flight information and bookings contact Emirates on 1300 303 777, visit your local travel agent or go to www.emirates.com/au.

Mercure Melbourne's $4 Million Makeover First to Unveil New Mercure Design Standard

2011-09-26T02:05:00.000-07:00

Four-star hotel, Mercure Melbourne Spring Street has added the finishing touches to its $4 million refurbishment of 164 rooms and is the first hotel in Australia to showcase new Mercure design standards.

The design aims to reflect the area's local character in the room, with black and white photography of Melbourne architecture and landmarks emblazoned on the bed heads. A bright carpet design and cube lounge, a visually striking piece of space-saving furniture immediately energises the look and feel of the room.

Rooms have been fitted with new bathrooms complete with walk-in showers, large hand basins and LED mirror lights. New lighting, digital LCD TVs, glass fronted fridges, internet access, room safes and clock radios with iPod docks have been installed to instantly modernise the rooms.

With stunning views overlooking the Treasury Gardens, Mercure Melbourne Spring Street is the perfect place to stay while exploring Melbourne's iconic sporting attractions like the MGC and Rod Laver Arena or shopping the 'Paris end' of Collins Street.

Hotel General Manager, Phil O'Brien said that the Mercure Melbourne Spring Street will set a new benchmark in the design of a Mercure room and are excited to be the first to bring this vision to life in Australia.

"We are very excited about the excellent standard of room we now have available to our guests after three months of renovations. We have made significant changes to uplift the style and functionality of the rooms, a Mercure first which we hope will attract even greater leisure and conference numbers to our hotel," he said.

"With major international sporting events fast approaching and held just moments from our doorstep, we look forward to welcoming domestic and international visitors to our new look Mercure this summer".

Mercure Melbourne has refurbished rooms starting from $149 per night. For bookings or hotel information, please visit www.accorhotels.com or phone (03) 9205 9999.

Mercure Melbourne is located at 13 Spring Street, Melbourne VIC 3000.

Mercure
There are 30 Mercure hotels in Australia, including Mercure Ballarat and Mercure Yarra Valley in regional Victoria. Mercure hotels are also located in resort destinations such as Cairns, Lake Macquarie and Broome and major city centres.
For more than 35 years, within the Accor Group, Mercure has exemplified expert hospitality and personalised service. Operating in more than 50 countries around the world, Mercure boasts hotels with distinctive personalities carefully preserved through the type of services offered and the decor, both of which vary from one hotel to the next. The hotel managers and staff of the 700 Mercure hotels are hospitality professionals. Attentive and available, they are ready to listen and make sure their guests enjoy a stay full of genuine moments of pleasure and relaxation in a truly warm and comfortable setting. More information on Mercure hotels is available on www.mercure.com.

First Boeing 787 Delivery

2011-09-25T14:30:00.000-07:00

Boeing (NYSE: BA) and ANA have signed the formal documents completing the contractual delivery of the first 787 Dreamliner. Celebrations to mark this historic milestone begin tomorrow in Everett with a delivery ceremony followed by flyaway of the airplane on Tuesday. Today's signing comes after a series of flights, inspections and the transfer of funds.

"Now that the airplane is ready to deliver, the entire team is ready to celebrate," said Scott Fancher, vice president and general manager of the 787 program. "We look forward to honoring our launch customer ANA before they fly their first Dreamliner home to Japan."

Takeo Kikuchi (left), All Nippon Airways' general manager for its Seattle office, shakes hands with Paul Baldwin, Boeing's Aircraft Contracts, after signing the final paperwork for contractual delivery of the first-ever 787 Dreamliner

Celebrations for Boeing employees begin Monday at 6 a.m. (Pacific time) outside the 787 factory in Everett with the static display of ZA002, one of the flight test airplanes painted in ANA's livery. ANA and Boeing executives, employees, partners and government officials will gather at 9 a.m. for the delivery ceremony in the same location. Airplane 24, painted in ANA's special livery, will join the display during the ceremony. Flyaway of the airplane to Tokyo is scheduled Tuesday morning at 6:35 a.m. from Paine Field.

A live webcast of Monday's delivery events and Tuesday's flyaway can be seen at www.newairplane.com. Video highlights of those events also will be posted to the website.

"ANA has been a tremendous partner from day one," said Fancher. "Through the hard work and challenges, the Boeing team never lost focus on the commitments to our valued customer. We know ANA's customers will love this airplane."

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner is an all-new airplane featuring a host of technologies that provide exceptional value to airlines and unparalleled levels of comfort to passengers. It is the first mid-size airplane capable of flying long-range routes, enabling airlines to open new, non-stop routes preferred by the traveling public.

Composite materials, more-electric systems, advanced aerodynamics and modern engines combine to make the 787 more fuel efficient and provide lower operating costs. Passengers will appreciate the cleaner cabin air, higher humidity and lower cabin altitude that combine to help them feel more refreshed after flying on the 787. Other innovations include larger windows with electrochromic shades, bigger onboard luggage bins and LED lighting.

Mantra on the Park Melbourne Unveils Newest Apartments in Town

2011-09-22T16:09:00.000-07:00

Popular Melbourne CBD apartment hotel, Mantra on the Park has unveiled a $4million upgrade to offer business and leisure travellers the newest apartment product in town.

All 144 fully self-contained One and Two bedroom Apartments have completed a full $4 million refurbishment which includes stylish and bold new furniture from local and European manufacturers, 37" LCD TVs, iPod docking stations, new kitchens and appliances, new carpet and paint in all corridors and public areas.

In total, there was 3,000 metres of carpet laid, 786 designer lamps built, 120 litres of paint and 2506 pieces of furniture installed to complete the new look.

"It's a whole new era for Mantra on the Park," says General Manager, Michael McKinnon.

"The hotel has always had loyal customers both from interstate and regional Victoria and it is great to be offering them - and new guests - a fantastic new product that reflects the high standards of the Mantra brand."

Mantra on the Park's two split level 3 bedroom penthouses have also been completely upgraded with stunning individual pieces and unique furnishings ensuring they satisfy the needs of discerning travellers. All apartments are spacious with full kitchen and laundry facilities and separate lounge and dining areas with large balconies and views overlooking the Carlton Gardens or city skyline.

The extra space and convenience provided by Mantra on the Park's apartment style rooms comes at no extra cost to that of a traditional hotel room with 1 bedroom apartments starting from $159 per night and 2 bedroom apartments from $259 per night. Now the first choice of accommodation in Melbourne, visit www.mantraonthepark.com.au or phone 13 15 17 for bookings.

The central CBD location at the top end of Exhibition Street is popular with corporate travellers with business services including 24 hour reception, in room internet access, secure undercover parking, express check in, daily housekeeping, onsite Terrace Restaurant Bar & Grill, laundry service and dry cleaning and room service breakfast and dinner.

The location is also ideal for leisure guests and families with Melbourne Museum - currently showing the Tutankhamen Exhibition - within walking distance and easy access to the Lygon Street restaurant precinct, the Royal Exhibition Building and Her Majesty's Theatre. An indoor pool is also located in the hotel for year round access.

The free City Circle tram stops directly outside the hotel, stopping at all of Melbourne's best tourist attractions. Melbourne Central, China Town and Federation Square are just minutes away and for the sports enthusiasts the MCG, Rod Laver Arena, AAMI Park, and Etihad Stadium are just a short taxi ride.

Mantra on the Park is one of seven Mantra hotels and apartments in Melbourne which include Mantra 100 Exhibition Street (which recently completed a $1million upgrade), Mantra On Russell, Mantra Southbank and Mantra on Little Bourke all in the CBD; Mantra on Jolimont which is the closest hotel to the MCG and Melbourne Park sporting and entertainment precinct; and Mantra Tullamarine Hotel.

about to combust

2011-09-22T04:59:00.001-07:00

about to combust

Fashionable Facelift Underway at the Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa

2011-09-21T13:00:00.000-07:00

Silence is golden - and so is the upgrade taking place at the Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa between the 24th of October and the 18th of December 2011.

Sofitel's extensive guestroom refurbishment program will commence this October, and is expected to create maximum impact on completion yet minimum interruption during its progression, thanks to forward thinking from management and the resort's vast layout

General Manager Adam Laker says following a soft renovation of certain public areas at the resort over the past 12 months, focus has now shifted to guest rooms.

"We will update half of our room inventory from mid October," Mr Laker says. "During this time we will change the look and feel of our guest rooms, including ten suites."

Mr Laker explained that the integrity of the resort experience for current guests is a priority over the renovation period. "We don't want our current guests to be inconvenienced, so at no time will they ever see any work in progress, as we will isolate each block being worked on one at a time.

"Unlike a city hotel where there is noise floor to floor, our resort is only three floors high and expansive, so we have the luxury of being able to close off entire blocks with minimal disruption. There will be no jack hammering, pulling down of walls or any other excessive noise."

Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa's new look will involve a luxury upgrade of all furniture, carpet floorings, paint, wallpaper and glass shower screens. As part of the facelift, Sofitel will also introduce a new Luxury Room category available from April 2012, positioned above the resort's Superior Room type yet below its suites.

These new Luxury Rooms will receive personal Bose iPod and iPhone docking stations and an updated version of Sofitel's famous Mybed, to ensure the most comfortable sleep in Fiji.

In collaboration with leading hotel interior design consultants, the Carmody Group, Adam Laker and the Sofitel team have designed a vibrant yet refined room concept seemingly inspired by the muted yellow and leather colours made famous by iconic French fashion house, Louis Vuitton.

The result is an exuberant blend of texture and colour, befitting its refined Sofitel label, and Fijian island address.

Stitched high leather bed heads, desk chairs and strong timber and polished Fijian shell writing desks provide a handsome structure reminiscent of LV's tell tale travel totes and luggage. These strong elements are complemented by the otherwise soft yet elegant furnishings of each guest room and suite, punctuated with crisp white quilts and cool colonial style shutters to provide light relief from the bright Fijian sun.

Fijian floral signatures are evident on contemporary cushions, intricate wood and shell ornaments and other artwork have been introduced to reinforce the resort's tropical location and appreciation of local culture and style. For more information about the refurbishment contact the resort's Director of Sales & Marketing Nicholas Mina at Nicholas.mina@sofitelfiji.com.fj

For reservations and general information about the Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa and other hotels in the network, www.sofitel.com

A Taste Of Eden For Cruise Passengers

2011-09-20T13:43:00.000-07:00

Travellers cruising Australian waters next month may be in for a surprise - they're being transported to Eden.

The Sapphire Coast town of Eden (NSW) nestles beside Twofold Bay, the third deepest natural harbour in the southern hemisphere, a harbour that has become a second home for many of the cruise ships plying the eastern Australian coastline.

The ms Volendam (Holland America Line) will arrive in Twofold Bay on Monday, October 3, the first of five visits to the town over the summer cruise season, which ends in March. After Volendam, Orion will dock twice (November 13, 25), then Spirit of Adventure (December 18) and finally Athena (January 31, 2012).

When the ships come in, they are met by a team of volunteers representing Cruise Eden, a group which liaises between the cruise ships and the local operators in the town to co-ordinate a range of on-shore activities.

These include tours to wilderness areas and national parks, gourmet tours, an oyster farm, various sites related to the region's Aboriginal culture and whale hunting history, and - especially for foreign visitors - the chance to meet Australian native animals.

The volunteers are students from the local TAFE tourism and hospitality courses, as well as volunteer staff from the Eden Visitor Information Centre. They greet the passengers when they arrive on shore, helping with directions, acting as tour guides or providing commentary on the buses for the tours, and stationed throughout the town to answer any questions the visitors may have.

Gail Ward is the co-ordinator for Cruise Eden, which is a sub-committee of the local chamber of commerce. She says 2005 was the first time a cruise ship stopped at Eden but many years of planning had gone into it.

"We like to offer the passengers a range of options for the time they are in port, which can be up to eight hours," Ms Ward says.

"They might do a single longer tour or take several different options, but we work with the cruise ship operations team to ensure they have a really good experience while they are here."

Eden's Twofold Bay is a very deep, safe harbour with safe anchorage for the large liners, and easy access to shore. For passengers on the really big ships, it's a five-minute tender ride from the ship to Snug Cove. Ms Ward says the smaller ships can tie up directly alongside at Snug Cove.

"From there, the passengers can board a coach if they are doing a tour, or either walk into town, or take one of our shuttle buses and get on and off at different points around the town.

"There are only three ports in NSW big enough to take these ships and the other two are Sydney and Newcastle, so this is a unique opportunity for us to show our international visitors this beautiful part of the world.

"It's interesting to see that the cultural tours to the national parks are proving to be the most popular with the passengers. They are always booked out.

"We've been told we run one of the best meet-and-greet operations the regular cruise passengers have experienced. They love the naturalness of the towns, the coast and the country and they enjoy the friendliness of the people."

Ms Ward has been in her role for nearly two years and juggles it with managing one of Eden's most successful and popular B&Bs. She admits life can be pretty hectic when the ships are in port, but loves the experience and the opportunities it offers the town and its economy.

However, the big cruise liners are not the only ships that call into Twofold Bay. The tall ship HMB Endeavour will be in port for a full week next year, from May 7-15.

www.sapphirecoast.com.au

Toga Partners with Sydney Festival

2011-09-19T17:02:00.000-07:00

Toga Hospitality announces new partnership with Sydney Festival

Medina, Travelodge and Vibe hotels named Sydney Festival's Official Accommodation Partner

Toga Hospitality is pleased to announce a new partnership with Sydney Festival. As a Star Sponsor of Sydney Festival 2012, Toga Hospitality will be the Official Accommodation Partner of the 2012 Festival. The partnership will span across Medina Apartment Hotels, Travelodge Hotels and Vibe Hotels.

Toga's hotel brands fit perfectly with the diversity of Festival audiences. Enjoy Festival First Night and a great night's sleep at Travelodge's central locations with rates that won't break the budget; stay a little longer to soak up the space and style offered by Medina Apartment Hotels; or stay like a rock star at Vibe Hotels.

Toga will work closely with Sydney Festival on a series of exclusive accommodation packages for visitors to Sydney and Sydneysiders treating themselves to a stay-cation to make the most of the city's festive atmosphere. Details of the accommodation packages are soon to be announced.

Toga Hospitality's CEO, Rachel Argaman said: "We're thrilled to stand beside Sydney Festival as their Official Accommodation Partner. Toga has a strong passion for the arts and enjoys long-standing partnerships with a range of arts organisations. Year after year, Sydney Festival continues to deliver an innovative program that attracts large audience numbers from interstate, international destinations, and from within our own city. We look forward to welcoming these guests to our hotels whatever their accommodation needs or budget."

Next year, the Sydney Festival 2012 will run from 7th – 29th January, 2011. Every January, Sydney Festival enlivens and transforms Sydney with a bold cultural celebration based on the highest quality art and big ideas. The program is kaleidoscopic in its diversity on a national and international scale: from cabaret and all genres of music to cutting-edge theatre; from contemporary dance to family programs and massive free outdoor events. In all, the program comprises around 300 performances and 80 events performed by over 1000 artists in at least 20 venues each year.

Malcolm Moir, Sydney Festival's Head of Business Development said, "Sydney Festival is very excited to be working with Toga Hospitality, not only for the sake of our interstate and international Festival artists, who will now experience the warm hospitality of some of Sydney's best hotels, but also for our national and international visitors, who will enjoy the very best of Sydney's accommodation."

For more information about the Sydney Festival, visit: www.sydneyfestival.org.au

BOOK ONLINE @ www.togahotels.com.au

TRAVELLING TO EUROPE? Visit www.adina.eu

NEW MERCURE GLADSTONE HOTEL TO JOIN ACCOR'S QUEENSLAND HOTEL NETWORK IN 2012

2011-09-18T18:02:00.000-07:00

Construction has commenced on the new Gladstone Mercure Hotel in Queensland, expected to welcome its first guests in September 2012.

The new hotel will be built onsite at the Yaralla Sports Club and provide 60 hotel rooms, and conference facilities, catering to the need for more corporate level accommodation options in the region.

The Mercure hotel will complement the extensive existing facilities at the Yaralla Sports Club and adjoin the club's current front entrance. Vice President of Accor Australia Simon McGrath says the timing of the hotel is ideal to maximise on the region's considerable growth forecasts.

"The Mercure is an exciting new addition to the Group's growing network of Queensland hotels in regional locations," said Mr McGrath.

"Gladstone is a thriving industrial hub, and it's a perfect time for Accor to be partnering with the well established Yaralla Sports Club to leverage the significant development and economic opportunities that are driving the region's growth."

Yaralla Sports Club's long term business plan has seen a growth in membership to more than 31,000, with the club employing 120 people within the Gladstone area. The significant multi-million Mercure hotel development comes off the back of a strong period of renovation and growth which has been ongoing for the popular sports club since 2001.

Yaralla's Chief executive officer Will Schroeder said the Club was still very focused on maintaining some of Central Queensland's finest sporting facilities, which supports 12 active sports Sub-Committees including lawn bowls, cricket, hockey and basketball.

"The addition of a Mercure hotel will increase and diversify the level of service offered to both the local community and visitors by providing much-needed additional luxury and business accommodation options," he said.

"Hotel guests will have access to conference facilities, fitness services, and our wide variety of restaurants and entertainment."

Accor currently operates 30 properties in Queensland ranging from the Formule 1, Ibis and Mercure brands through to the Grand Mercure, Novotel, and Sofitel brands, plus 29 Mercure hotels across Australia. Visit accorhotels.com for more.

www.mercure.com.

Landmark Hilton Surfers Paradise Officially Opens

2011-09-13T13:14:00.000-07:00

The landmark AUD$700 million Hilton Surfers Paradise complex on Queensland's Gold Coast has officially opened its doors, making it the newest leisure property for Hilton Hotels & Resorts in Australia, and the first Hilton property in the country to offer a combination of guest rooms and holiday residences.

Martin Rinck, president, Asia Pacific, Hilton Worldwide, said, "Hilton Surfers Paradise is our eighth Hilton-branded property in Australia, and is a significant milestone for the tourism industry in the Gold Coast being the first new upscale, global hotel to be built in the Gold Coast in over 10 years. We are delighted to continue to grow the footprint of Hilton Worldwide in this important market."

David Horton, global head, Hilton Hotels & Resorts brand, said, "Hilton Surfers Paradise presents a range of unique accommodation, dining and meeting options. Apart from appealing to the leisure traveller, we believe that the hotel will also contribute to the growth of the meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) industry in the area."

Featuring an unprecedented range of accommodation options to suit the needs of all guests, the hotel offers a total of 169 guest rooms and 250 modern one-, two- and three-bedroom residences. David Kelly, general manager, Hilton Surfers Paradise commented that the complex was specifically designed in response to the demand for more flexible and spacious holiday options in the area.

"The facilities at Hilton Surfers Paradise are so diverse that you can enjoy time with your family in the comfort of a spacious residence one weekend, and return another time as a couple for a romantic break and enjoy the serenity of a guest room.

"Our self-contained residences include full kitchens, laundry facilities, as well as separate living and dining spaces, and are ideal for families, groups or anyone looking beyond the traditional hotel for superb accommodation.

"Guests at our residences also have access to all the services of the hotel including in-room dining, mini bar, daily housekeeping, valet parking, 24-hour reception and concierge," he said.

Hilton Surfers Paradise has also tailored its food and beverage, and recreational facilities to specifically cater for the sophisticated traveller and local guest. These include:

Salt grill by Luke Mangan: Celebrity chef and restaurateur Luke Mangan is the culinary visionary behind Hilton Surfers Paradise's signature restaurant, Salt grill. Luke brings a whole new level of dining to the area as the first celebrity chef to establish a restaurant on the Gold Coast. With a relaxed, stylish atmosphere, and a large open-plan kitchen offering direct interaction with the chefs, guests of Salt grill enjoy quality and innovation in all aspects of food, wine and service.

FIX: Renowned international and Sydney-based mixologist, Grant Collins, has taken the lead role with the opening of FIX, an ultra stylish lounge bar. Having served the likes of Madonna, Kate Moss, Elton John, Russell Crowe and the Beckhams, Grant says the bar is unlike anything the Gold Coast bar scene has experienced before and offers beverages that are not readily available anywhere else in Australia, including a 'Fix Breeze' and 'Surfers Sling' served in vintage glassware.

The Food Store: A concept unique to Hilton Surfers Paradise, The Food Store is a gourmet marketplace and European-style delicatessen. With an exclusive range of cheeses, charcuterie and small goods that are not readily available anywhere else on the Gold Coast, The Food Store also serves Artesian breads baked on site, organic yoghurts, natural ice creams and provides a delicious retail offering, including a range of wines, olive oils and hand-made pastas.

eforea: spa at Hilton: Hilton Surfers Paradise is home to the first brand new, purpose-built eforea: spa at Hilton in Australia. The global spa experience from Hilton Hotels & Resorts combines three distinct ranges of treatments for men and women alike. Hilton pulled the best elements and practices from Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East, Africa and the Americas to create a unique spa experience for today's global travellers.

The Deck: A spectacular focal point at the centre of the hotel, The Deck is a vast 1500-square metre space with four stylish pools, a spa, sauna, private day beds, shaded picnic areas, an outdoor terrace, and BBQ pavilions. Serviced by a team of 'Poolside Valets', The Deck is a stunning backdrop for everything from a relaxing poolside afternoon to a chic cocktail evening.

Events: The hotel's boutique ballroom is equipped with the latest audio-visual technology and has a maximum capacity of 350 guests, cocktail style. It is also complemented by a range of spectacular outdoor event spaces, a business centre, theatre, a number of smaller boardroom- style breakout rooms, and a Hilton Executive Lounge that offers 270-degree views of the Gold Coast. Extending his culinary flair and creativity to the entire complex, Luke Mangan has also created the menus for conference and events, in-room dining, Fix and The Food Store.

"At Hilton Surfers Paradise we are combining the energy of Surfers with the style of Hilton, and we look forward welcoming guests to experience our unique offering," said Mr Kelly.

Rates at the new Hilton Surfers Paradise start from $259 for a one-bedroom residence and from $279 for a hotel room. For bookings visit www.hiltonsurfersparadise.com.au or phone 1300 445 866.

T+L world awards confirm Lilianfels in the Blue Mountains as an iconic international luxury escape

2011-09-07T04:17:00.000-07:00

Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort and Spa has cemented its position as an iconic Australian luxury escape after being named one of the five top lodges and resorts in the Oceana region in the 2011 Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards.

After pampering its guests for 20 years, Lilianfels was joined by only one other Australian property in the category of Top Lodges and Resorts in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific.

Lilianfels Group General Manager, Brian McHenry, said the award consolidated that Lilianfels continued to have the right formula in the competitive international luxury market after two decades of operation.

“Lilianfels has again proven to be a timeless luxury resort,” Mr McHenry said.

“We opened our doors 20 years ago setting the benchmark in Australia for providing guests with an unforgettable experience and today, Lilianfels still appeals to the world’s premium market.”

Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards recommends Lilianfels’ Deluxe Valley View Rooms, overlooking Katoomba’s famous Jamison Valley and the Three Sisters.

Its Insider Tip is to splurge on a meal at the resort’s Darley’s restaurant which was the former home of the sixth NSW Chief Justice, Frederick Darley.

Lilianfels, on the bluff of the Blue Mountains National Park, is a 5-star resort renowned for relaxation and superior service. The converted historic country mansion features 85 exquisite rooms, multi-award winning Darley’s restaurant, the Lilianfels Spa, indoor and outdoor pools, and The Lounge area with its calm and elegant atmosphere.

For more information on packages visit www.lilianfels.com.au or call 024780 1200.

Blanket Bay wins the title of "New Zealand's Best Lodge" at the coveted HM Awards 2011

2011-09-04T17:29:00.000-07:00

Blanket Bay's reputation as this region's ultimate alpine escape and New Zealand's finest luxury lodge continues to be upheld with its win last Friday night, 2 September 2011, at the hotel industry's prestigious HM Awards.

Spanning Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands the HM Awards are this region's only independent benchmark for excellence in hospitality management, voted on by a panel of judges consisting of leading travel writers, hoteliers and travel industry professionals.

Philip Jenkins, Blanket Bay's General Manager, was delighted with this further accolade: "This HM Award again illustrates our staff's consistently high service standards, and the resultant guest satisfaction that comes from Blanket Bay's unique blend of luxury and location".

"New Zealand is widely acknowledged as having a collection of outstanding lodges, a concept which has also been adopted in Australia and Southern Africa. It is gratifying to see the recognition that luxury lodge accommodation is now achieving worldwide. The success of Blanket Bay is based upon this significant growth in demand for small luxury hotels that offer truly intimate hospitality and local flavor in stunning destinations", states Philip.

Blanket Bay regularly features amongst the world's best. Along with last Friday night's HM Award win, Conde Naste Traveler's 2010 Gold List ranked Blanket Bay as the second-highest scoring property in the world and the top-scoring hotel in Asia, Australia and Pacific nations. Also last year the discerning readers of the prestigious Andrew Harpers Hideaway Report voted Blanket Bay 6th in the Top 20 Hideaways in the world, and the best in New Zealand. In 2009 Blanket Bay also won the HM Award for "New Zealand's Best Regional Property".

"Even in these turbulent economic times there is strong short breaks market. Blanket Bay is just over three hours flying time from the major centres of Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Auckland and attracts more and more discerning Australian and New Zealand travellers seeking the ultimate alpine escape", comments Philip Jenkins.

About Blanket Bay

Established in 1999, Blanket Bay is an expansive lakeside property on a 65,000 - acre high country farm, combining the sophistication of the world's finest alpine lodges and the unique characteristics of New Zealand. The intimate resort consists of 12 guest rooms including spacious suites, intimate lodge rooms and elegant chalets. A member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, accommodations offer travellers vast sitting rooms, king-sized beds, stone fireplaces, secluded balconies and spectacular views.

www.blanketbay.com

About HM Awards

Held in the form of a black tie dinner at the prestigious Sydney Town Hall this year, these 9th HM Awards for Hotel & Accommodation Excellence received over 1600 entries from across Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and selected South Pacific nations. The event attracted the who's who of Australia's, and the regions, hotel industry.

www.hmawards.com.au

Toga Hospitality Puts the Competition to Bed at the 2011 HM Awards

2011-09-04T16:30:00.000-07:00

Nominated across eight categories, Toga Hospitality has taken out three much coveted awards and was highly commended in one category at the ninth annual HM Awards for Hotel and Accommodation Excellence, 2011.

Toga Hospitality was awarded:

Winner: Economy Hotel: Travelodge Docklands (Melbourne)
The newest addition to the Travelodge portfolio after opening its doors over a year ago, Travelodge Hotel Docklands in Melbourne was awarded winner of the Economy Hotel of the year. Travelodge Hotel Docklands is an outstanding hotel in Melbourne's emerging precinct, Docklands. Travelodge is the perfect base from which to explore all of Melbourne's key attractions including Etihad Stadium and is committed to consistently delivering great value accommodation.

Winner: Midscale Hotel: Vibe Hotel Rushcutters (Sydney)
Vibe Hotel Rushcutters boasts an exceptional city fringe location overlooking Rushcutters Bay Park. Guests feel every bit the rockstar chilling out and staying up late in the near by Kings Cross, Double Bay, Paddington, Woollahra and Potts Point or escaping the action and heading to the rooftop pool, voted in the 'Top Five' pools in Sydney.

Winner: Marketing Campaign: Vibe Towel
Vibe Hotels scored the Marketing Campaign award in recognition of the Vibe Towel campaign. The Vibe Towel campaign was delivered via an integrated marketing campaign incorporating extensive PR, promotion, online and print advertising. The result was a much loved summer accessory for our guests and increased brand recognition for Vibe Hotels.

Highly Commended: Serviced Apartment Property: Medina Grand Adelaide Treasury
Medina Grand Adelaide Treasury, which was highly commended in the Serviced Apartment Property category, is the historic jewel in Medina Apartment Hotel's crown. The Heritage Listed hotel has maintained many of the original 19th Century architectural features and has a string of awards under its belt. Situated at the true heat of Adelaide's CDB, the hotel over looks Victoria Square and is adjacent to the Town Hall. Originally the offices for the State Treasury, the hotel blends the old with the new and is well know for its historic underground tunnels.

Rachel Argaman, CEO of Toga Hospitality, said: "We are thrilled that the industry has recognised us for these awards. Our success is the result of continued commitment to our team's achievements and the strength in our brands. We look forward to another year of growth and excellent results."

The HM Awards for Accommodation and Excellence are presented annually to showcase outstanding achievements within the hospitality and tourism industry across Australia, New Zealand and some South Pacific countries. The event took place at Sydney's Town Hall on Friday 2 September, 2011.

About Toga Hospitality www.togahotels.com.au

Toga Hospitality is one of the largest accommodation providers in Australia and currently operates 52 strategically located apartment hotels and hotels in Australia, New Zealand and Europe.

· Adina Apartment Hotels in eight locations (Australia and Europe)
· Medina Apartment Hotels in 21 locations (Australia)
· Vibe Hotels in seven locations (Australia)
· Travelodge Hotels in 16 locations (Australia and New Zealand)

That equates to over 6,000 apartments and hotel rooms which vary in price, location and design in order to meet a range of different accommodation needs.

The Bed Bugs Bite - Rash of Claims Feared

2011-09-03T06:12:00.000-07:00

By(bug-free) Roderick Eime

A recent compensationpayout by a Londonhotel could lead to a rash (pun intended) of similar claims.

Kent (UK) sisters Melanie Carmen and Joy McDonagh, both intheir 40s, travelled to Londonand stayed at the £90/night Airways Hotel in Pimlico, South West London. Duringthe night the women were bitten dozens of times each and required hospitaltreatment for their painful swellings.

After contacting solicitors, they received over £1,600 incompensation based on pain and suffering.

While the women blamed the conditions of the hotel, bed bugsare easily transportable in clothing and baggage and every hotel runs the riskof an infestation. They can hide easily, go months without feeding, resisttreatment and travel easily from room to room or common areas. They hide duringthe day and feed at night, making them all the more insidious.

While the bug bites themselves are not known to be poisonousor disease-carrying, the bites are unsightly and very irritating – to saynothing about what they can do for the guest experience.

"It's very unfortunate what happened to these twoladies, but we have no way of being able to trace exactly where theseinfestations came from," a hotel spokesman said. "'This incidenthappened 18 months ago and experts say there are 20,000 cases of bedbugs inhotels across the UK every year, five-star hotels included, so we're not immuneto the problem. We have a full-time contract with a pest control company andwhen problems are reported they come in immediately to deal with anyissues."

The SA Department of Health advises:

Bed bugs can often be difficultto eradicate because their hiding spots are hard to find or inaccessible.

Repeat application of a treatmentproduct may be necessary, depending on the chemical used and the success of theoriginal application.

Thoroughly vacuum the infestedarea including the mattress and place the contents of the vacuum cleaner bag ina sealed plastic bag for disposal.

Clothes and bedding suspected ofbeing infested should be washed in hot water (at least 60oC) and/or heatedironing or drying.

Hotels should educate housekeeping staff in theidentification of possible bed bug infestations. Clues such as blood spots onlinen, dead insects or droppings should ring alarm bells and prompt actionshould be initiated.

TripAdvisor Under Fire for Fake Review Claims

2011-09-03T04:43:00.000-07:00

TripAdvisor.com - Internet giant under fire for fake review claims

By Roderick Eime, HotelManagement.com.au

The peak advertising standards authority in the UK has announced a formal investigation into claims by thousands of disgruntled hoteliers and restaurateurs who assert many TripAdvisor reviews are made up, defamatory or both.

The Expedia-owned, US-based website, widely acknowledged as the world’s most influential hotel rating site, contains around 50 million reviews that are read by the same number of visitors every month. On their website, TripAdvisor claims to post “trusted advice from real travellers” and offer the following reassurance on their site:
We have a team of moderators that examine questionable reviews. We also use automated tools on the site that help flag questionable content for review, and our large and passionate community of millions of travelers keep an eye out on our site as well.

UK-based online reputation company, KwikChex.com, has convinced the ASA to begin the formal investigation based on TripAdvisor’s apparent lack of accountability citing that companies are not allowed to use “unverifiable” testimonials on their promotional material.

Chris Emmins, the cofounder of KwikChex.com, said in a statement in The Telegraph (UK): “KwikChex.com believes that such an evaluation is vital because evidence of epidemic levels of abuse, flaws and distortion are being rebutted at present only with standard statements from TripAdvisor repeating clams of diligence and trustworthiness - and the public need to weigh the evidence properly.”

KwikChex.com also plans a similar action with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in the USA.

TripAdvisor Media Group has acquired and operates 17 travel brands including TripAdvisor, Airfarewatchdog, BookingBuddy, Cruise Critic, Family Vacation Critic, FlipKey, Holiday Lettings, Holiday Watchdog, Independent Traveler, OneTime, SeatGuru, SmarterTravel, SniqueAway, Travel Library, TravelPod, VirtualTourist and Kuxun.cn.

TripAdvisor declined to comment and at time of writing, the Kwikchex.com website was the subject of a hacking attack.

2011 HM Awards winners announced in front of record audience

2011-09-03T04:37:00.000-07:00

In front of a record crowd of 600 hoteliers, industry leaders and major suppliers, the winners of the 2011 HM Awards for Hotel and Accommodation Excellence, presented by Sealy, have been announced.

Held at the prestigious Sydney Town Hall last night (Sep 2) and hosted by television personality Larry Emdur, the HM Awards have, for the 9th time, recognised the accommodation industry’s finest staff, properties, brands and chains across Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific.

Major winners on the night were Pan Pacific’s CEO and President, A Patrick Imbardelli (Asia-Pacific Hotelier of the Year), IHG’s COO for Australasia – Bruce McKenzie (Australian Hotelier of the Year), Accor New Zealand’s Paul Richardson (New Zealand Hotelier of the Year), Accor Hotels (Accommodation Chain), Hilton (Hotel Brand), InterContinental Sydney (Hotel of the Year) and Wolgan Valley Resort and Spa (Environmental Program).

Hamilton Island’s qualia picked up three key awards (Australian Lodge, Resort and Spa), while Hilton Sydney also claimed a trifecta (Hotel Bar – Zeta, Engineer – Craig Cavers and General Manager – Paul Hutton).

Over NZD$80,000 was also raised on the night for the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal Trust in the greatest charity display the accommodation industry has seen for years.

“The accommodation industry’s generosity and desire to help the people of Christchurch was absolutely remarkable,” said HM magazine managing editor James Wilkinson. “I am incredibly proud of the way the accommodation industry dug deep to help our friends and family across the Tasman in what are still such challenging times.”

The 2011 HM Awards were hosted by HM magazine, presented by Sealy, and co-hosted by AHS Hospitality, Intrust Super, ISIS and Philips.

“Once more we were proud to recognise the industry’s finest, particularly the staff that have been doing such an amazing job over the last 12 months,” Wilkinson said. “Sure a hotel can be rewarded for its aesthetics, style, design and comfort, but it is the people who work in hotels that gives the accommodation industry in Australasia its soul.

“This year, our people categories generated the most interest and in the case of Rising Star, held for the first time in 2011, the most nominations out of the 48 categories.

“On behalf of the team at HM magazine and all of our fantastic sponsors this year, congratulations to all of the winners, highly commended recipients and finalists in 2011,” Wilkinson said.

Four Hoteliers were also inducted into the HM Awards Hall of Fame. Former Mirvac CEO Andrew Turner was joined by Fritz Gubler, Max Player and Gavin Faull, with the trio recognised for their services to education, having been responsible for starting the Blue Mountains Hotel School outside Sydney and the Pacific International Hotel Management School in New Zealand.

The 2011 HM Awards saw not just a record crowd, but also a record number of entries with 1600 this year.

2011 HM AWARDS – WINNERS AND HIGHLY COMMENDED RECIPIENTS

AUSTRALIAN PROPERTY AWARDS

1. Serviced Apartment Property
Presented by: AHS Hospitality
Winner: Fraser Suites, Sydney
Highly Commended: Medina Grand Adelaide Treasury

2. Budget Accommodation
Presented by: Intrust Super
Winner: Econolodge Sydney South
Highly Commended: Aarons Hotel, Sydney

3. Economy Hotel
Presented by: AHS Hospitality
Winner: Travelodge Docklands
Highly Commended: Pensione Hotel Melbourne

4. Midscale Hotel
Presented by: Vintech Systems
Winner: Vibe Hotel Rushcutters
Highly Commended: Holiday Inn Burswood

5. Upscale Hotel
Presented by: Philips
Winner: Q Station Retreat
Highly Commended: The Sebel Pier One

6. Upper-upscale Hotel
Presented by: ISIS
Winner: The Byron at Byron Resort and Spa
Highly Commended: Crown Metropol

7. Luxury Hotel
Presented by: HotelHome Australia
Winner: Crown Towers, Melbourne
Highly Commended: The Observatory Hotel, Sydney

8. Australian Lodge
Presented by: Sealy
Winner: qualia
Highly Commended: Wolgan Valley Resort and Spa

9. Business Hotel
Presented by: FOXTEL
Winner: InterContinental Sydney
Highly Commended: Hilton Sydney

10. Resort
Presented by: DALLEN
Winner: qualia
Highly Commended: Wolgan Valley Resort and Spa

11. Hotel Interior Design
Presented by: ISIS
Winner: The Olsen
Highly Commended: Emporium Hotel, Brisbane

12. Boutique Hotel
Presented by: Intrust Super
Winner: Emporium Hotel, Brisbane
Highly Commended: Henry Jones Art Hotel

13. New Hotel
Presented by: Philips
Winner: Peppers Broadbeach
Highly Commended: Wildman Wilderness Lodge

14. MICE property
Presented by: SPICE magazine and spicenews.com.au
Winner: The Langham Melbourne
Highly Commended: Q Station Retreat

15. Regional Property
Presented by: Sealy
Winner: Wolgan Valley Resort and Spa
Highly Commended: Kim’s Beach Hideaway

16. Day Spa
Presented by: ISIS
Winner: Spa qualia, qualia
Highly Commended: Isika Day Spa and Urban Retreat, Crown Metropol

17. Hotel Bar
Presented by: Southtrade International
Winner: Zeta Bar, Hilton Sydney
Highly Commended: Blu Bar on 36, Shangri-La Hotel Sydney

18. Hotel Restaurant
Presented by: San Pellegrino
Winner: Est, Establishment
Highly Commended: Lake House Restraurant, Lake House Daylesford

19. Tech-Hotel
Presented by: DOCOMO interTouch
Winner: Crown Metropol
Highly Commended: Hilton Sydney

NEW ZEALAND & SOUTH PACIFIC PROPERTY AWARDS

20. New Zealand Hotel
Presented by: PHILIPS
Winner: Sofitel Queenstown Hotel and Spa
Highly Commended: Hilton Queenstown

21. New Zealand Regional Property
Presented by: Sealy
Winner: Hilton Lake Taupo
Highly Commended: Millbrook Resort, Queenstown

22. New Zealand Lodge
Presented by: Robert Oatley Vineyards
Winner: Blanket Bay, Glenorchy
Highly Commended: Huka Lodge, Taupo

23. Fijian Property
Presented by: ISIS
Winner: Likuliku Lagoon Resort
Highly Commended: InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort and Spa

24. South Pacific Property
Presented by: Ernst&Young
Winner: InterContinental Bora Bora Resort and Thalasso Spa, French Polynesia
Highly Commended: Sofitel Moorea, French Polynesia

GENERAL AWARDS (ALL COUNTRIES)

25. Marketing Campaign
Presented by: Time Out Sydney and Time Out Melbourne
Winner: Vibe Hotels, Toga Hospitality
Highly Commended: Hilton Melbourne South Wharf

26. Service to the Community
Presented by: Intrust Super
Winner: Mercure Sydney
Highly Commended: Hilton Cairns

PEOPLE AWARDS

27. Concierge
Presented by: Intrust Super
Winner: Steve Ciric, The Westin Melbourne
Highly Commended: Ronald Maskell, Crown Towers Melbourne
Highly Commended: Alex Williams, Sheraton on the Park, Sydney

28. Hotel Chef
Presented by: FRANKE
Winner: Brendon Coffey, Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa
Highly Commended: Anthony Ross, The Langham Melbourne
Highly Commended: Andrew McCrea, The Sebel Suites Brisbane

29. Food and Beverage Associate
Presented by: Coca-Cola Amatil
Winner: Cherie Stubbs-Timbery, Swiss-Grand Resort and Spa, Bondi Beach
Highly Commended: Chris Hough, Sheraton on the Park, Sydney
Highly Commended: Chris Smith, Assistant F&B Services Manager, The Sebel Parramatta

30. Human Resources Associate
Presented by: TMS Asia-Pacific
Winner: Nicole Salonga, Four Seasons Sydney
Highly Commended: Amanda Lutvey, Emporium Hotel Brisbane
Highly Commended: Bronwyn Knutson, Mantra Group, New Zealand

31. Sales and Marketing Associate
Presented by: Vacations & Travel magazine
Winner: Blair Weir, Sofitel Melbourne on Collins
Highly Commended: Ivy Zhang, Sheraton on the Park, Sydney
Highly Commended: Evelyn Page, Best Western Sanctuary Inn, Tamworth

32. Communications Associate
Presented by: Travmedia.com
Winner: Linda Sweeney, Mirvac Hotels and Resorts
Highly Commended: Rebecca Freestun, Sofitel Luxury Hotels
Highly Commended: Tara Bishop, Crown Hotels Melbourne

33. Front Office Associate
Presented by: AHS Hospitality
Winner: Calisha Allsworth, 8Hotels
Highly Commended: Simon Wanstall, Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Sydney
Highly Commended: Joseph Kuchappan, Quest Suva, Fiji

34. Procurement Associate
Presented by: Sealy
Winner: Michael Thomas, Hyatt Hotels and Resorts
Highly Commended: Nicholas Grandioso, Accor Hotels, Australia
Highly Commended: Lori Finglas, Mantra Group

35. Housekeeper
Presented by: AHS Hospitality
Winner: Chona Ogilvie, Four Points by Sheraton Sydney
Highly Commended: Elizabeth York, Chifley Hotel Penrith Panthers
Highly Commended: Karina Gordon, Diamant Hotel Canberra

36. Hotel Engineer
Presented by: Philips
Winner: Craig Cavers, Hilton Sydney
Highly Commended: Sean Smith, The York by Swiss Belhotel, Sydney
Highly Commended: Dieter Spielkamp, Novotel Twin Waters Resort

37. Rising Star
Presented by: TMS Asia-Pacific
Winner: Danielle De Veaux, Establishment Hotel
Highly Commended: Rebecca Patterson, Swiss Grand Resort and Spa, Bondi Beach
Highly Commended: Cory Clark-Goodison, The Sebel Resort and Spa Hawkesbury Valley

MAJOR AWARDS

38. South Pacific General Manager
Presented by: Sealy
Winner: Julian Moore, Pacific Resort Aitutaki, Cook Islands
Highly Commended: Adam Laker, Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa
Highly Commended: Wayne Milgate, Vomo Island, Fiji

39. New Zealand General Manager
Presented by: Philips
Winner: Bruce Garrett, The George, Christchurch
Highly Commended: Wouter de Graaf, Sofitel Queenstown Hotel and Spa
Highly Commended: Callum Mallett, SkyCity Hotels, Auckland

40. Australian General Manager
Presented by: Intrust Super
Winner: Paul Hutton, Hilton Sydney
Highly Commended: Peter Tudehope, Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Sydney
Highly Commended: Michael Sheridan, The Sebel Pier One Sydney

41. Environmental ProgramPresented by: ISIS
Winner: Wolgan Valley Resort and Spa, Lithgow
Highly Commended: Hilton Sydney

42. Supplier
Presented by: HM magazine and hotelmanagement.com.au
Winner: MICROS-Fidelio
Highly Commended: Sealy

43. Hotel Brand
Presented by: AHS Hospitality
Winner: Hilton
Highly Commended: Sofitel

44. Accommodation Chain
Presented by: Sealy
Winner: Accor Hotels
Highly Commended: Langham Hospitality Group

45. Hotel of the Year
Presented by: Sealy
Winner: InterContinental Sydney
Highly Commended: Crown Towers, Melbourne

46. HM magazine New Zealand Hotelier
Presented by: HM magazine and hotelmanagement.com.au
Winner: Paul Richardson, Accor Hotels

47. HM magazine Australian Hotelier of the Year
Presented by: HM magazine and hotelmanagement.com.au
Winner: Bruce McKenzie, InterContinental Hotels Group

48. HM magazine Asia-Pacific Hotelier of the Year
Presented by: HM magazine and hotelmanagement.com.au
Winner: A. Patrick Imbardelli, Pan Pacific Hotels Group

HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES
Presented by: HM magazine and hotelmanagement.com.au
Recipients: Fritz Gubler, Max Player and Gavin Faull, and Andrew Turner

GUANGZHOU WELCOMES NEW ERA OF HOTEL LUXURY WITH SOFITEL IN CHINA

2011-09-02T00:44:00.000-07:00

Sofitel Luxury Hotels has opened of its first address in Guangzhou (formerly Canton, in southern China) with the Sofitel Guangzhou Sunrich. The launch has now increased the Sofitel Luxury Hotels network to a total of 20 addresses in China.

Ideally located in the heart of Tianhe, Guangzhou's most dynamic financial and business district, the Sofitel Guangzhou Sunrich is less than one kilometre from the emblematic skyscraper CITIC Plaza and a few minutes from the East Railway Station, a veritable hub that connects Guangzhou to Dongguan, Shenzhen and Hong Kong.

"Sofitel Guangzhou Sunrich is going to breathe a little of the unique French culture into Guangzhou. The goal of this address is to become the meeting place for the city's cultural events and especially through all forms of Art," said Robert Gaymer-Jones, CEO Sofitel Worldwide.

The hotel offers 493 rooms and suites, whose decor elegantly blends contemporary Asian design and Parisian chic. All rooms overhang the characteristic skyline of the Tianhe district. Everyone is pampered right into their dreams in the exclusive softness of the MyBed™ bedding signed Sofitel.

Sofitel Guangzhou Sunrich features five bars and restaurants, including the fine dining-restaurant "Robata Grill & Bar", which combines a classy steakhouse with modern Japanese Izakaya. Robata also features an authentic Robatayaki - a sushi bar with en extensive elegant walk-through wine cellar. Additionally, "Le Chinois" restaurant highlights famous Cantonese gastronomy and "8 Faubourg" reproduces around an elegant bar the décor typical of a Parisian apartment. The "Mar-Tea-Ni" lounge bar provides fine French pastries accompanied by rare teas suggested by a Tea sommelier, and is a perfect example of how Sofitel strives to create a link between French culture and Chinese culture – a key value of the brand.

The Sofitel Guangzhou Sunrich has 17 meeting rooms that can be adapted and personalized as well as a 900 sq.m. conference room offering the best of multimedia technology and equipment. The InspiredMeetings Planner, a personalised service for unique, inspired and inspiring meetings, is available to tailor-make project while creating memorable experiences for the participants.

The hotel is the first Sofitel in Asia to offer Sofitel Luxury Hotel's own So SPA branded day spa, which uses L'Occitane products from France. So Spa's serene environment has an original signature scent, and uses exclusive rituals employed by highly qualified personnel to help create a sense of total well being.

So Spa complements the hotel's fitness area, So FIT, which offers fitness and well-being equipment at the leading edge of technology and design in addition to a stunning indoor pool with a sub-aquatic music broadcaster.

Guangzhou is the capital of southern China and has a rich history and cultural heritage. It also hosts one of the world's largest commercial trade shows: The Canton Fair. If its gastronomy is famous around the world, Guangzhou is also known for the Pearl River landscapes and the luxurious Bai Yun mountain.

Discover Sofitel on www.sofitel.com

Discover A|Club at Sofitel, the worldwide Accor loyalty program on www.a-club.com

Tourism Fiji launches dedicated ‘Fiji Me’ Australian website

2011-08-31T17:46:00.000-07:00

Tourism Fiji has this week launched a dedicated Australian version of the global 'Fiji Me' website intended to make visiting the destination even easier than ever before.

Located at www.fijime.com.au, as would be expected the new website is literally awash with information truly reflecting the multi-faceted nature of the destination – from family fun and boutique cruising to soft adventure, culture, surfing, spas and wellness, weddings and honeymoons and not forgetting simple relaxation!!

And with everything geared to reflect Fiji's ability to deliver a total holiday experience - Irrespective of taste, requirement or budget!

Tourism Fiji Regional Director Australia, Paresh Pant said a major component of the new website was an inbuilt holiday planner which offers access to literally thousands of travel products and ideas.

Making life even easier and allowing travellers access to expert advice, the site also offers a comprehensive listing of the national tourist office's more than 400 nationally-spread 'Matai' specialist travel agents, each of which is well fully equipped to handle any Fiji holiday requirement.

The website is also accessible via iPhones, iPads and Android powered tablets.

Mr Pant said the release of the new website was timely given Fiji's ongoing popularity with Australians.

"We welcomed more that 320,000 Australian visitors last year - some 50,000 more than we originally anticipated at the beginning of 2010," he said,

www.fijime.com.au

FREE INFLIGHT INTERNET IN SEPTEMBER FOR ALASKA AIRLINES PASSENGERS

2011-08-30T16:43:00.000-07:00

Alaska Airlines has introduced Gogo inflight internet aboard most of its flights and is celebrating by offering passengers free Wi-Fi access for smartphones and iPod touch devices until the end of September.

The Gogo service enables passengers to browse the web, use emails, access online music, play games, view podcasts and connect to private networks throughout their flight.

It is available from US$4.95 on other Wi-Fi enabled devices including laptops, iPads, netbooks and tablet computers. Charges are based on the length of flight and the device used.

From 30 September, charges will apply to use Gogo internet on all devices in flight.

Alaska Airlines and its partner, Horizon Air, are based in Seattle, Washington, and fly to over 90 destinations in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

From Australia, passengers can connect with Alaska Airlines in Los Angeles, San Francisco and Hawaii.

Alaska Airlines is a code share partner with Qantas on flights from Australia to the US cities of Seattle, Portland and Anchorage, and to Vancouver and Calgary in Canada. It is also a partner airline with V Australia on flights from Los Angeles to Seattle, Washington, Vancouver and Mexico.

Alaska Airlines is represented in Australia by World Aviation Systems. For more information or to make a booking, contact 1300 304 135.

Kenya Reports Significant Increase in Australian Visitors

2011-08-29T21:09:00.000-07:00

Kenya has proven its popularity with Australian safari seekers, recording an impressive 19.3% growth in Australian visitor numbers for the first six months of 2011 compared with the same period 2010. January-June, 8,975 Australians experienced the magic of Kenya, compared with 7,522 in the same period last year.

The biggest increases were seen in January (32.2%) and May (29.4%). The Kenya Tourist Board is expecting to see major growth in the second half of 2011, when visitors will flock to the country to witness the annual wildebeest migration.

African specialist wholesalers have reported excellent forward bookings for the rest of the year, despite the expectations of this being peak period for Kenya, reports have identified this as one of the best years on record with bookings for Kenya outperforming those of other African destinations.

www.magicalkenya.com

Air Pacific Brings Biggest Names In Paddling To Fiji

2011-08-29T17:08:00.000-07:00

Fiji National carrier Air Pacific is bringing the first ever Fijian World Paddle Challenge and some of the biggest names in world paddling to Namotu Island

Fiji and its national carrier Air Pacific are hosting some of the world's biggest names in the sport of Stand Up Paddling (SUP) this November.

To be held just 10 minutes by boat from the Nadi International Airport on the island of Namotu, the Namotu World Paddle Challenge Fiji will consist of a two-part international challenge, featuring the two principal components of current stand up paddle racing: Long distance and Sprint style surf slalom.

It will be an epic battle of skill between all the athletes but all eyes will be on current World Surfing Champion Kai Lenny (HI), who is looking to secure his second world title this year and the current champion, Hawaiian (HI) Connor Baxter who is leading the racing discipline. Hot on their heels is Australian Jamie Mitchell, a 10-time Paddleboard World Champion who will be looking to assert his dominance close to home.

Chuck Patterson (USA), a premier figure in California's exploding market for SUP and winner of some of the biggest races in the last two years, rounds out the world champion roll call.

Athletes from every corner of the globe will stand up to be counted; battling for the Long Distance title as they race across Fiji's unparalleled calm ocean surface and ride the gnarly surf breaks for the Sprint Style title. The event will also provide the perfect platform to generate a wave of adventure tourism in Fiji and position Fiji's affordability as a destination and the Air Pacific's well-established routes from Australia, New Zealand, Hawaii, Hong Kong and the US mainland Los Angeles.

For Air Pacific, this is only the start of a weeklong festival of paddling. The entire event is seen as the perfectopportunity to introduce the sport to the Fijian people and encourage localparticipation across all levels. The participating athletes will hold clinicsfor the youth of Fiji, shaping future champions of this unique sport and offering some of their best tips to catch the perfect wave. On the final day of the festival Fijian locals and visitors alike will be invited to participate in fun races, family relays and initiation lessons.

The sport of Stand Up Paddling has experienced staggering growth over the last 5 years, reaching all corners of the globe and inspiring people to get out on the water regardless of age, location, and level of physical prowess.

"Air Pacific is honoured to be bringing this exciting event to our own backyard,' said Dave Pflieger, the airline's Managing Director and CEO. "The Ocean is an integral part of Fiji's everyday life and an essential experience for tourists. We strongly believe that the Namotu World Paddle Challenge Fiji will not only bring visitors directly to the event but also ignite the SUP momentum here, both on local and international fronts.

For more information visit http://www.airpacific.com/worldpaddlechallenge

Agents: Win a Trip to PNG

2011-08-25T18:12:00.000-07:00

Travel Weekly has teamed up with the Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority to offer budding photographers the trip of a life time. Five talented travel agents will win a place on a photo safari that will see them visit the remote interior jungle of PNG and its hill tribes as well as the stunning islands off the mainland’s coast.

For a chance to win a place on this amazing journey, send us your best pictures from either a famil or a personal holiday. Along with the image, we want you to tell us which of PNG’s special interest holidays appeal to you, whether its jungle landscapes, portraits of unique people or the underwater realm.

Email your photos and answer to us by October 31, 2011 for your chance to be one of the five agents selected to take part in this life-changing adventure.

ENTER

Full Steam Ahead: North Borneo Railway

2011-08-25T17:53:00.000-07:00

FULL STEAM AHEAD WITH THE BRITISH ‘VULCAN’ STEAM ENGINE LOCOMOTIVE OF THE NORTH BORNEO RAILWAY

Visitors to Kota Kinabalu, Sabah Malaysia are now able to experience the good old era of the steam locomotive onboard the North Borneo Railway.

The North Borneo Railway is a joint project between the Sutera Harbour Resort and the Sabah State Railway Department to help enhance the existing infrastructure and to promote Sabah as a tourist destination. The North Borneo Railway was officially launched on 22nd January 2000 in honour of Kota Kinabalu achieving city status on 2nd February 2000 and it was temporarily closed due to the reconstruction of the track by the Sabah State Railway Department.

The North Borneo Railway features a British ‘Vulcan’ Steam Engine number 6-016 manufactured by the Vulcan Foundry Ltd in Newton-le-Willows in Lancashire, United Kingdom and is the last of a fleet of locomotives that plied the tracks through Borneo since the late 1880s.

The British ‘Vulcan’ steam engine locomotive, which commenced operation on 4th July 2011, is one of the few functional locomotives fueled by wood that is now plying these very tracks to offer passengers an unforgettable journey of rediscovery into the heart of Borneo.

The train has a capacity for 80 passengers accommodated in 5 colonial-period carriages that have been refurbished and restored to reflect the luxury of the era. A kitchen car serves ‘Tiffin’ styled meals, highlighting an exotic blend of colonial and continental cuisine. The railway, managed by Sutera Harbour Resort is operated to the highest of international standards and is fully compliant with modern safety standards.

Passengers on board the train will be able to take in the sights and sounds of the countryside, paddy fields, mangrove jungles and pristine coastal beaches as the train chucks along the tracks from Tanjung Aru to Papar and return to Kota Kinabalu after an hour sojourn in Papar, a small town famed for being the rice bowl of Sabah. The entire train ride takes approximately 3 hours with a typical ‘tiffin’ colonial lunch serve on the return trip. Throughout the entire train ride, passengers can be assured of hospitality and 5-star service that is synonymous with Sutera Harbour Resort. Also to be available on sale is a unique collection of memorabilia and replicas of the locomotive for passengers to remember their journey on board the steam locomotive.

Be the first to take a nostalgic trip into the bygone days of the British North Borneo Charter Company. The train is also available for group, incentive and private parties including a series of tailor-made theme events.

For bookings and further details, please email to: sales@suteraharbour.com.my or info@northborneorailway.com.my

Virgin Australia $67.8m full year loss

2011-08-24T17:16:00.000-07:00

Virgin Australia has just released its results for the 12 months to 30 Jun, with the net result after tax being a $67.8 million loss.

CEO John Borghetti said it had been a year of "enormous challenge and significant change as we began repositioning the company to ensure a more stable financial future".

He said the figures reflect the impact of an "unprecedented series of external events" and reinforce the importance of the ongoing Game Change Program strategy.

Total revenue was up 9.7% to $3.27 billion, and Borghetti said the airline was beginning to reap the benefits of the changes, with corporate and government revenues up a healthy 29% year on year. Borghetti said this segment now makes up 13% of the airline's total revenue.

"We expect to see further gains in the 2012 financial year as we complete the roll-out of our new product offering," he said.

As well as natural disasters the result was hit by high fuel prices and the failure of the Navitaire system in Oct 2010.

Borghetti said Virgin Australia was firmly committed to its revamp, with the ongoing expansion of its alliance network set to see the Delta Air Lines pact launch by the end of the year - by which time DJ is also expecting a decision on its proposed agreement with Singapore Airlines.

He also announced the first stage of a revamped Velocity loyalty program, which will offer a "global network of 600 services internationally, simplified earn and burn structrues, innovative rewards for loyalty such as complimentary lounge passes and parental leave options, and importantly a new Platinum tier to provide unique benefits to our most frequent flyers".

Going forward, "we are confident we have the right strategy to manage our response to changes in future market conditions and to ensure a stable and successful future for Virgin Australia," Borghetti said.

More information in today's Travel Daily. www.traveldaily.com.au

Insurance Warning on Schoolies

2011-08-21T17:07:00.000-07:00

Happy schoolies. (pic: mygc.com.au)

Schoolies and offshore party-goers are at risk of having insurance claims rejected if they mix drugs, alcohol and dangerous activities, Australia's top online travel insurer has warned.

With end-of-year celebrations approaching, Travel Insurance Direct spokesman Phil Sylvester said injuries at full-moon parties and schoolies celebrations were an increasing concern, yet many travellers were unaware they compounded the risks by acting outside the cover of their insurance.

"Party destinations in countries like Thailand and Bali are increasing in popularity, but revelers need to be aware that drugs, excessive alcohol and dangerous behavior are all legitimate grounds for an insurer to reject a claim," Mr Sylvester said.

"Travel insurance is essential to get you out of trouble if the worst happens, but it's important to remember you still need to act responsibly and within the bounds of local laws."

In Thailand, parties in beach destinations like Ko Phangan have become popular for schoolies, along with mega-clubs in Bangkok. Bali attracts schoolies to clubs and raves in Seminyak, Legian and Kuta, while emerging party scenes are growing in destinations like Nha Trang in Vietnam and Vang Vieng in Laos.

Mr Sylvester said it had become common for riverside bar owners in Vang Vieng to offer free whiskey shots or cannabis as an enticement to travellers who came for the region's river-tubing. Injuries were common and deaths had been reported among those who combined drugs and alcohol with activities like tubing, swing ropes and zip lines on the Nam Song river.

"If excessive drinking or drug-taking contributes to a predicament, you could have more than a monster hangover to deal with the next morning," Mr Sylvester said. "Travel insurance is not a licence to behave stupidly, you still need to take responsibility for your own safety."

While alcohol itself may not automatically jeopardise insurance cover, excessive or over-the-limit consumption could give insurers grounds to refuse a claim if it was deemed to be a factor, Mr Sylvester said.

As well as the potential for injuries, travellers also needed to be aware of the risk of theft. Hostels in Koh Phangan were commonly robbed while guests were at beach parties, Mr Sylvester said, a trend that seemed to be spreading in other parts of Asia.

"Secure any valuables, especially important things like passports and flight tickets," he said. "It might be tempting to take your camera or phone to record the moment, but the gangs of thieves know you'll be off-guard and not paying attention to your possessions."

Travel Insurance Direct is Australia's number one online travel insurer. For more information see www.travelinsurancedirect.com.au

Sigatoka River Safari Help Build Mavua Village Kindergarten

2011-08-21T16:43:00.000-07:00

16 August 2011

Sigatoka River Safari showed helping the villages they work with still remains a number one priority for the company even five years after it first began, with the recent opening of Mavua Kindergarten, in the village of Mavua, Fiji.

With 40 children under 7 years of age living in the village of Mavua a kindergarten was desperately needed and had been wanted for a very long time. The only thing stopping Mavua from building their dream kindergarten was money. Sigatoka River Safari decided to help the village by advancing money to the village to help pay for the building of the kindergarten.

More unexpected funds also came Mavua's way after Sigatoka River Safari hosted a group from Nutrimetics on their tour. Mavua Village was visited by the Nutrimetics Group and after hearing of the village's plight for a kindergarten they generously donated FJD$2000 to the village.

"I decided early on when I started the business in 2006 that I was going to do something every six months to benefit the 15 villages we work with in the hills of Navosa and I have completed numerous projects for all the different villages. With Mavua it was fantastic to see that the Nutrimetics group was also willing to help and were so generous with their donation as it really helped Mavua complete their kindergarten" Said Jay Whyte, Sigatoka River Safari, founder and CEO.

Other village projects completed by Sigatoka River Safari include supplying all the remote villages with new Easy-Tel phones so for the first time ever the villager's could communicate instantly with the outside world, installing fixed water filters in all the villages so they could access clean drinking water all day every day, donating the company's old life jackets to various villages so they could be used when crossing the river to reduce the incidents of drowning and installing a Bore Hole (drinking water) in the local Naqalimare District School after the Government threatened to close the school down unless one was installed.

A percentage of all Sigatoka River Safari fares are also paid directly to the village visited on that day to fund their various respective village projects which have included putting footpaths throughout their villages, fixing and renovating community hall's, improvements to district schools, completing village churches and many other culturally important projects.

For reservations and enquiries please contact Sigatoka River Safari's toll free on 0800 6501 721, Email: safari@sigatokariver.com or visit www.sigatokariver.com

SILVERSEA UNVEILS 2012 VOYAGE ATLAS

2011-08-14T21:34:00.000-07:00

Silversea has unveiled its new full-colour, 200-page 2012 Voyage Atlas. The visually captivating picture-book details over 200 itineraries exploring seven continents, over 100 countries, and more than 450 destinations.

The 2012 Voyage Atlas opens with an easy-to-read, voyage-by-voyage summary followed by a section revealing the hallmarks of Silversea's unique luxury lifestyle. The balance of the brochure provides detailed worldwide cruise itineraries by region, including highlights of shore excursions, descriptions of land programs, deck plans and general information.

New for 2012 is a pricing summary booklet inserted into the back cover pocket.

Plus, for the first time, the brochure features a Microsoft Tag 2D bar code on its back cover that enables smartphone users to view The World of Silversea, the company's exciting new video that invites travellers to step aboard and experience the award-winning luxury and pampering ambiance of Silversea.

"We're delighted to be able to offer travellers an engaging interactive experience by incorporating the latest mobile tagging technology in our new brochure," said Karen Christensen, Silversea's director of sales and marketing and general manager for Australia and New Zealand.

"Not only will you be able to read about the rewards of an all-inclusive, ultra-luxury cruise holiday, but by accessing our new video from your mobile phone, you will get to see the experience come to life."

2012 HIGHLIGHTS:

Passport to Luxury

The company's popular "Passport to Luxury" promotion is available on all voyages in 2012, with the exception of Silver Explorer expedition cruises. The multi-tiered program provides an Onboard Spending Credit of up to US$1,500 per suite (US$750 per person).

World Cruise 2012

Silver Whisper will embark January 6 from Fort Lauderdale on her first-ever World Cruise, a remarkable 115-day journey that concludes in glamorous Monte Carlo. On this magnificent odyssey, her guests will visit 45 ports in 27 countries stretching from the Caribbean and South America to Africa, the Far East, Arabia and Europe. Along the way, they will enjoy multi-day stays in 13 major cities and exclusive insider access to seldom seen global treasures.

Grand Voyages

Created for the sophisticated traveller who has the time and passion to indulge in travel on a grand scale, this special collection offers extended voyages from 24 to 61 days. These odysseys combine the luxury of sailing aboard the line's elite, all-suite ships with expanded journeys to diverse regions of the world, featuring visits to must-see traditional ports, as well as exotic destinations that are off the beaten path - all on one cruise.

West Africa Expeditions

Silversea has created three new West Africa expedition itineraries for 2012 that visit the once colonised northwest countries, travel along coastlines infamous for their historic role in the slave trade, and explore the southern waters where vast seabird colonies are sustained by the nutrient-rich upwelling of the icy Benguela current.

For more information please contact Silversea Cruises on +61 2 9255 0600 or toll free 1300 306 872 (Australia) or 0800 701 427 (New Zealand), or visit www.silversea.com

Château Élan: Best Luxury Accommodation in Central Coast Tourism Awards

2011-08-14T21:31:00.000-07:00

Château Élan at The Vintage, Australia's premiere five star golf and spa resort, was awarded Gold in the prestigious Luxury Accommodation category at the 2011 Hunter & Central Coast Awards for Excellence in Tourism, announced at Ausgrid Stadium on Thursday night. The Resort, which opened in February 2010, was also a finalist in both Health and Well Being Tourism and Meetings and Business Tourism awards.

These annual awards produced by the Hunter and Central Coast Tourism attracted more than 45 entries across 23 categories. The awards recognise the best tourism products and services in the region. Erik Stuebe, CEO Château Élan Hotels & Resorts, who accepted the awards at the ceremony said, "We are thrilled that Château Élan has been recognised with this key award. As a newcomer to the Hunter Valley we have aimed at establishing a new benchmark for service and luxury in the area, both for leisure and for the MICE market. The quality of our Spa and Resort facilities is second to none and our team has worked extremely hard to ensure we are worthy of this wonderful accolade."

Château Élan at The Vintage www.chateauelan.com.au is located in the Hunter Valley, just north of Sydney. The $40m development, offers luxury retreats for up to 200 guests. The resort sits among the celebrated fairways of The Vintage – the Greg Norman-designed golf course and comprises a large Spa, a collection of super-luxury spa suites and a series of private lifestyle villas. The Spa complex has 17 treatment rooms dedicated to exclusive spa rituals, traditional hydrotherapies and social relaxation. It is one of very few places in the world where people can experience Terraké treatments supplemented by products from prestige group, Thalgo. The Couples Spa Package, a delicious shared and totally immersive experience including indulgence in the Hydrolounge, Thai Herbal Compress massages and soothing heated paraffin foot treatments, has been just one of the overwhelmingly popular packages available.

Château Élan, features a purpose built and state of the art conference and events venue in the Hunter, offering five flexible conference rooms, premium dining and a range of team building activities with access to the championship golf course. Air access with flights from Queensland and Melbourne into Newcastle Airport, is an easy 50 minute drive from the Resort.

Book online at www.chateauelan.com.au.

About Château Élan at The Vintage, Hunter Valley, NSW

Château Élan at The Vintage is Australia's finest conference, golf and spa resort. It is located in the heart of the Hunter Valley. Offering a luxury escape for up to 200 guests, the resort comprises a spa with 17 treatment rooms, a hair and beauty salon, 20 super-luxury spa suites and a series of private lifestyle villas. The $40m development is just two hours north of Sydney. It has been co-conceived by the group behind Château Élan in Atlanta, Georgia.

The Vintage is the Hunter Valley's premier residential lifestyle community. At its heart is a Greg Norman-designed course, which is ranked #2 in New South Wales. The Vintage has bar, conference and full dining and catering facilities; the Clubhouse is home to the renowned Legends Grill restaurant.

For more details and to book, visit: www.chateauelan.com.au

Hawai'i Tourism Launches i-phone app

2011-08-09T19:12:00.000-07:00

New Festivals of Hawai'i App for iPhone

Visitors to Hawai'i can now find timely information on events sponsored by Hawai'i Tourism Authority (HTA) at their fingertips. HTA, the state's official tourism agency, has launched its first smartphone application for Festivals of Hawai'i, providing details on more than 100 events throughout the islands. The free app is available for download on iTunes for iPhone, iPod and iPad devices.

"Festivals of Hawai'i are instrumental in bringing together both residents and visitors to celebrate cultures and traditions in Hawai'i. They present travellers with a way to engage in unique island experiences and provide a taste of Hawaii's rich cultural diversity to the world." said Hawai'i Tourism Oceania Country Manager, Helen Williams.

Search by Island

When opening the app, the user can select any of the six Hawaiian Islands to see what's happening that day. Islands include Kaua'i, O'ahu, Moloka'i, Lāna'i, Maui and Hawai'i. Events closest in date will appear first.

Search by Category

The four most popular categories featured at the bottom of the homepage are: Hawaiian, Arts & Music, Cuisine and Sports. The user may select one of these categories or choose "More" to see the full range of categories.

The 12 categories are
· Hawaiian: Hula, Hawaiian music and Hawaiian culture

· Arts & Music: Concerts, art exhibits and shows

· Cuisine: Food and wine events

· Sports: Ocean and land activities

· Ethnic Culture: Non-Hawaiian cultural events including Korean, Japanese, Chinese and more

· Agriculture: Farmers' markets
· Education: Seminars and conferences

· Nature/Eco-Tourism: Plant shows and botanical garden tours

· Signature Events: Hawai'i's most prominent festivals and parades

· Health/Wellness: Spiritual and healing events

· Technology: High-tech shows and events

· Other

Search by Location

The "Near Me" button pulls up and displays events closest to users based on their location in the Hawaiian Islands.

Event Profiles

Each profile includes a photo along with a brief description of the event. Selecting "Favourite" bookmarks the event, while Facebook and Twitter links enable users to share the event with friends.

GPS Capabilities

Selecting "Directions" will pull up Google maps so that the user can obtain directions to the event of choice.

"This app helps to simplify life for travellers who are looking for things to do in our islands," said HTA Tourism Brand Manager Michael Story. "As technology evolves, we will continue to look for new and innovative ways to deliver information to Hawai'i residents and visitors alike."

While the first phase of the mobile app development features festivals and events sponsored by HTA, the next phase will widen the searchable database to include other events happening in Hawai'i. All events featured in the app are imported from www.gohawaii.com/FestivalsofHawaii.

For more information on Festivals of Hawai'i, download the app on iTunes, "like" the page on Facebook at Festivals of Hawaii, follow @FestivalsHawaii on Twitter or visit www.gohawaii.com/FestivalsofHawaii.

New Luxury Fijian Resort to Open 1 Sept

2011-08-08T21:49:00.000-07:00

Tadrai Island Resort, Fiji -The Ultimate in Luxury

The luxurious Tadrai Island Resort - Fiji will be officially open on September 1 and will be the Mamanuca Island's only all inclusive, five star, couples only resort. Some may even mistake it for the most romantic place on earth!

Tadrai Island Resort is located on the northern side of the exclusive and idyllic Mana Island in the Mamanuca Island Group of Fiji. The resort has been designed by award winning architectural firm TropicX Design Studio with interiors by renowned Australian designer Meryl Hare.

"We are very excited to be able to offer clients a new luxury 5 star resort in the Mamanuca Islands. We are particularly excited that we have the first truly all inclusive resort for our customers in this part of Fiji."

"We want Tadrai Island Resort to be seen as the ultimate paradise for guests, who will experience a level of Fijian service and hospitality not yet seen in the Mamanucas. It is a very exciting time." explains Managing Director, Mr Aaron McGrath.

This beautiful resort consists of five elegantly designed ultra deluxe villas all located on a serene, secluded cove with exclusive access to Selena Beach, just one of four magnificent white sand beaches that form part of Tadrai Island Resort.

All beachfront villas are 100sqm in size and feature their own outdoor plunge pools, private decks with day beds, personal butler service, king beds, indoor/outdoor showers, complimentary high speed wireless internet and ipads, ipod/iphone docking stations, air conditioning and ceiling fans, flat screen LCD TV's, cable/satellite TV, DVD Library, in-house movies, personal wine coolers, larger stone bathtubs, in room safe, IDD telephone, and espresso/coffee machines and tea making facilities.

Situated at Selena Cove in the resorts main complex is the signature restaurant, Na Vatu. A stunning indoor/outdoor restaurant overlooking the magnificent pool area and directly out over the Pacific Ocean. The restaurants menu showcases the finest of fresh ingredients, with an emphasis on local seafood, affording guests the unique opportunity to experience the clean, crisp flavours of Pacific Rim cuisine.

Guests can also indulge in in-villa dining, where they can enjoy any dish featured on the restaurants menu, or request a special dish of their own, in the privacy of their own villa. For true romantics a picnic for two can also be organised at any of the resort's wonderfully secluded locations.

Also found in the resort's central facility is Tadrai's Bar, the perfect place to indulge in a cocktail or two, the resorts large fresh water pool and a guest lounge and library.

All resort activities and excursions can be tailored to individual guests and include sea kayaking, hobie catamaran sailing, handline fishing, reef snorkeling, various diving tours. Alfresco Spa services are also available for those seeking a higher level of pampering, with the opportunity for guests to be treated in their villa, if they wish.

As Tadrai will be strictly adults only, this resort is the perfect location for couples, weddings, honeymooners or for that romantic getaway.

For further information visit www.tadrai.com

World Title Surfing Competition Returns to Fiji

2011-08-07T14:58:00.000-07:00

Fiji has just experienced one of the biggest swells of the last twenty years, at the legendary Cloudbreak - a permanent six-metre wave found offshore at Tavarua. Professional and Big Wave surfers from all over the world flew in to experience what is recognized as one of the most perfect waves on the planet.

So it is fitting that the ASP International, The Association of Surfing Professionals, has just announced they will be hosting the Volcom Fiji Pro at Fiji's Cloudbreak in 2012. The event will see the return of the Worlds' best surfers to Fiji for the 2012 ASOP World Title season.

Fiji will also be hosting a stand up paddle event in November 2011, where 150 competitors from around the world are expected to take part.

Famous with surfing aficionados the world over, Fiji offers perfect reef breaks that remain uncrowded - it is still possible to visit Fiji and discover un surfed waters that most surfers dream of!

Fiji has around 11,000 dedicated surf tourists who visit the 333 islands that make up the South Pacific country. Other well-known breaks include Restaurants, Mini Cloudbreak, Nomotu left and Desperations in the Mamanuca Islands. On the Coral coast there are many dedicated waves such as Hideaway Reef, Sigatoka Beach, Serua Reef and off Bega Lagoon there is the world famous Frigates Passage. In addition there are now waves opening up off the rarely visited Lau group of islands and off Qamea Island.

STA Travel and Trailfinders both offer a good selection of low cost flights and accommodation to Fiji.

Recent Video Footage from Cloudbreak: http://surfbang.com/videos/2011/07/pacific-pirates-at-cloudbreak.html

Blog on Cloudbreak: http://kurungabaa.net/2011/07/22/that-2011-cloudbreak-swell/

Australian Business Travellers - Not So Keen To Be Green (If It Costs) Despite Having Largest Travel Budgets in Asia Pacific

2011-08-07T14:33:00.000-07:00

Business travel research highlights differences between corporate 'road-warriors' from eight Asia Pacific countries

Australia might portray itself internationally as a leader in environmental commitment, but a new business travel survey shows that if this translates into paying extra to stay in an environmentally-sensitive hotel, Australian corporate road-warriors appear to be more mean than green.

The Accor Asia Pacific Business Traveller Survey 2011 shows that out of the 10,437 respondents, Australian business travelers were the second least-inclined to pay more for a credentialed "green" hotel. This was despite the fact that Australians had the largest and least-restricted travel budgets in Asia Pacific.

The research, conducted by leading Asia Pacific research consultancy Cimigo Ltd, surveyed members of Accor's A|Club loyalty programme from eight destinations: Australia, China, Hong Kong SAR, India, Indonesia, Singapore, New Zealand and Thailand. Accor is Australia's largest hotel group with over 150 hotels under brands including Sofitel, Pullman, Novotel, Mercure, All Seasons and Ibis.

Highlights of the research findings include:

Australians more likely to be mean, than green – when asked whether they would choose a hotel above others simply because it was more environmentally conscious, Australian corporate travelers were the least likely to show their green colours, and only 38% of Australians said they would be prepared to pay more to stay at a conspicuously green hotel. This compares with 91% of Chinese, 67% of Indonesians and 62% of Indians. Females were by far more committed to the green cause than their male counterparts, with 42% of females (compared to 32% males) prepared to pay more.

Australians had the largest hotel travel allowance in the Asia Pacific region – Australians had an average of US$158 allowance to spend on their nightly accommodation, almost 20% higher than business travelers from any of the other seven countries surveyed. Travellers from Australia are also likely to have 'no defined allowance' for business travel.

Location and familiarity come well before price in determining choice of hotel – while location was the primary reason for travelers from all Asia Pacific countries selecting a hotel, Australians placed higher importance on location (56%) and familiarity with the hotel/brand well ahead of price.

Corporate travelers increasingly want 'quality' internet access above merely free internet access – internet access was high on the list of 'preferred' services for the overwhelming majority of respondents, but increasingly corporate travelers are seeking 'quality' download speeds rather than just free (slower) internet. They want to be able to work fast and efficiently, and many will pay a "reasonable" amount for the service. Others just want to answer emails and print out airline tickets, which is why a large number of Accor hotels have introduced free internet stations in the lobby areas

Technology is king for the 'hotel of the future' – at least for Australians. Online check-in and check-out were key demands of the 'hotel of the future' as far as Australian corporate travelers were concerned. Smartphone in-room access and online booking for hotel facilities were considered far more important than fully personalised services, which was a higher priority for most Asian business travelers

Australians less likely to work in hotel rooms during business trips – Where as 82% of Chinese and Singaporean corporate travelers will work in the hotel during their international business trips, only 72% of Australians said they worked at the hotel during trips. This is possibly because Australians are more likely to travel overseas for "conventions' and "trade shows", rather than the more direct sales missions undertaken by Chinese and Singaporeans.

Australian corporate travelers plan less business travel in the next 6 months – not surprisingly Chinese business travelers are way out in front in terms of projected business travel, where as Australian corporate travelers anticipate marginally less travel in the second half of 2011 compared to the first six months

The 21st century doesn't seem to have changed the inequality between the sexes in terms of business travel – if there was one area of agreement across the eight countries surveyed it was that the boys club was alive and thriving in 2011. In each market, the majority of respondents were male, especially in India, where female business travellers were a significant minority. The discrepancy might be higher in Asia – eg 93% vs 7% male vs female in India – but Hong Kong and Thailand had the highest incidence of female business travelers, while there was a major imbalance in Australian corporate travelers: 71% males and just 29% females.

"While some of the results could have been predicted, there were other areas that showed marked differences in business travel habits and preferences depending on the respondent's country of origin," said Evan Lewis, Vice President Communications for Accor Asia Pacific.

"It would seem that most companies in most countries – apart from China – are cautious about business travel in the second half of the year, with no discernible rise in trips planned. Short-haul international trips such as intra-Asia or trans-Tasman were nominated as the most likely journeys.

"The survey found that business travelers in Asia Pacific were increasingly 'environmentally aware' but travelers from Asia were far more likely to put their money where their convictions were when it came to supporting environmentally-friendly hotels. This is possibly because in Asia environmental awareness is a newer phenomenon than in Australia, where the current carbon tax debate may have led to greater environmental apathy towards paying more for supporting green hotels. Having said that our Mercure hotels' carbon-neutral conferencing has proved extremely popular, and the difference in the survey findings between Australia and Asia may be because travelers expect hotels to be environmentally conscious and don't think they need to pay for that. Female travelers across the region were more environmentally driven than their male counterparts.

"The question of internet access remains a contentious one. Many hotels across the region now offer limited free internet access, which does satisfy the needs of a large number of travelers, but for corporate travellers who need to work in their rooms, prepare reports or presentations or download large attachments, the issue is more of speed and capacity. They are prepared to pay if the capacity is high and speed fast. The importance of the net is also being reflected in Australia with many companies now negotiating 'bed and broadband' deals in preference to 'bed and breakfast', though it would appear from our research that Asian business travelers believe they work harder while on the road than Australians.

"With over 10,000 respondents to the survey it was a surprise to find that business travel was still so comprehensively dominated by male road-warriors. Whether that has been exacerbated by the GFC is hard to know, but the discrepancy does not appear to have narrowed all that significantly in recent years, despite all the efforts made."

Accor, the world's leading hotel operator and market leader in Europe, is present in 90 countries with 4,200 hotels and more than 500,000 rooms.

Accor's broad portfolio of hotel brands - Sofitel, Pullman, MGallery, Novotel, Suite Novotel, Mercure, Adagio, ibis, all seasons, Etap Hotel, Formule 1, hotelF1 and Motel 6, and its related activities, Thalassa sea & spa and Lenôtre - provide an extensive offer from luxury to budget. With 145,000 employees worldwide, the Group offers to its clients and partners nearly 45 years of know-how and expertise.

Bangkok Awarded "Best City in the World" by Travellers for Second Consecutive Year

2011-08-03T12:20:00.000-07:00

Thailand Also Home to Best City Hotel in Asia, Best Resort in Asia and Strongly Represented in the World's Top 50 Hotels and Resorts

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) proudly acknowledges Bangkok as "Best City in the World 2011" as judged by the readers of the popular Travel + Leisure magazine which was announced at an award ceremony held in Los Angeles . It was the second consecutive year for Bangkok to win the prestigious award and just one of many accolades and awards presented to destination Thailand and Thai properties at this year's ceremony.

In addition to the "Best City in the World" accolade, Bangkok's tourism acumen was further highlighted among the "Best Hotels of the World" list, with the Mandarin Oriental Bangkok, ranking at No. 23 in the world; making it the best city hotel in Asia. Additionally, The Peninsula Bangkok was also featured ranking at No. 40.

Thailand's hotels and resorts outside Bangkok also demonstrated the kingdom's strong appeal especially among international holiday makers with the Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi, located in Thailand's northern city of Chiang Mai, surging to No. 7 on the world's best overall list, and making it the world's second "Best Resort" and "Asia's Best Resort". Also located in Chiang Mai and performing strongly was the Four Seasons resort ranking No. 45, overall and seventh as a resort.

As resorts, the Dusit Thani Laguna Resort located in Phuket was ranked 11th, while the Anantara Golden Triangle Resort & Spa located in Chiang Rai was ranked 15th.

Tourism Authority of Thailand Director for Dubai and Middle East Office, Mr. Pramoth Supyen says: "It was indeed, an overwhelming recognition for Thailand. Despite the tight competition for best hotels and resorts in the world, Thailand still managed to win the hearts of many travellers. These results are clear proof of how tourists truly fall in love with Thailand."

Tourism plays a vital role in Thailand's economy, and the recognition provided by the latest Travel + Leisure survey is expected to bode well as a destination of sustained potential for both investors and tourists alike. Says Supyen: "All Thais hope that people around the world and especially the Middle East, will once again return and experience the vibe and excitement of Thailand no matter what time of the year, and in order to encourage tourists to do so, we as a tourism board, will continue to challenge ourselves by producing newer and more effective informational channels, campaigns and promotions."

www.thailand.net.au

Hawaiian Ranks #1 with Travellers to Hawaii

2011-08-02T18:41:00.000-07:00

The readers of Travel + Leisure have voted and ranked Hawaiian Airlines as the top U. S. carrier serving Hawaii, according to the magazine's 2011 World's Best Awards.

Blaine Miyasato, Hawaiian's vice president of product development, credits the authenticity of Hawaiian's "Hawaii flies with us" service experience for the high ranking. Miyasato says the Hawaiian Airlines experience begins well before you arrive and is celebrated throughout each flight with the culture, natural beauty, people, and aloha spirit of Hawaii.

"We're thrilled the readers of Travel + Leisure recognize the careful thought and effort we put into making a trip to and from Hawaii as enjoyable as possible," said Miyasato. "Starting from our initial encounter, we embrace our guests with the true spirit of aloha, and show them what makes Hawaii such a beautiful experience through the sights, sounds and tastes of the islands."

Hawaiian's quality of service to travellers goes beyond its distinctive brand of service. Along with being the nation's best on-time airline and offering conveniently scheduled daily, nonstop flights from 10 gateway cities, Hawaiian is the only U.S. carrier serving Hawaii to provide complimentary meals in coach and use exclusively wide-body, twin-aisle aircraft for all of its transpacific flights.

Readers of Travel + Leisure were invited by the magazine earlier this year to rate the quality of service offered by domestic carriers in four categories: cabin comfort, in-flight service, customer service, and value. Hawaiian came out as the top-ranked carrier serving Hawaii and ranked third overall following Virgin America and JetBlue Airways.

Travel + Leisure is one of the travel industry's most respected publications with a readership largely comprised of sophisticated world travellers. The magazine's 2011 World Best Awards is published in the August issue and, in addition to airlines, includes rankings of the best hotels, cities, islands, cruise lines, tour operators and safari outfitters, rental-car agencies, destination spas, and hotel spas worldwide.

Fiji serves up ‘Bula’ breakfast TV to millions of Australians

2011-08-01T04:53:00.000-07:00

Fiji will be the venue for the Channel Nine's Today Show's national Australian weather reports this week.

Scheduled from tomorrow (02 August), the program will feature five daily crosses broadcast live from hotels and resorts on Viti Levu and in the Mamanuca Islands.

An estimated national daily audience peaking at around the 2.7 million mark is expected to tune in to the high rating show.

Fiji hoteliers joining Tourism Fiji and its chief partner in the exercise Qantas Holidays include the Intercontinental Golf Resort & Spa at Natadola (Tuesday), the Westin Denarau Island Resort & Spa (Wednesday), Plantation Island Resort (Thursday) and Tokoriki Island Resort (Friday).

All four hotelier partners' properties and their various activities – from sports, spas and kids clubs to culture and romantic venues – will provide settings for the weather updates delivered by weather presenter Steve Jacobs.

Air Pacific has also joined in the exercise flying the crew and its equipment to Fiji.

Tourism Fiji Regional Director Australia, Paresh Pant said the advertising and PR value of the exercise was significant, estimated in excess of AUD1.6 million per day.

"This event provides Tourism Fiji and its partners with a huge opportunity to directly reach large numbers of Australian consumers," he said.

"At the same time the mix of hotels and resorts involved in the broadcast allows us to demonstrate just how multi-faceted Fiji has become to a discerning, nationally-spread audience and our ability to service all travel requirements, irrespective of taste, requirement or budget."

www.fijime.com

Sydney reveals its new Darling

2011-07-26T00:18:00.000-07:00

The Darling, Sydney's newest hotel, will breathe new life into the Sydney hotel landscape when it opens in October 2011. Nestled on the edge of Sydney harbour, The Darling will exemplify attention to detail, making this imaginative gem an indulgent and relaxing experience. The boutique accommodation will boast panoramic views of the city skyline, Harbour Bridge and out to the Blue Mountains.

The Darling will include 171 stylish rooms and suites, with the top floors dedicated to the ultimate in luxury, featuring two bedroom penthouse suites. The suites, uniquely designed by renowned LA designer, Lawrence Lee, feature floor-to-ceiling Sydney harbour views, bespoke furniture, fireplaces, media rooms, butler service and a private VIP arrival.

The Darling is a key feature in the $860 million refurbishment and extension of The Star, transforming it into a one-of-a-kind entertainment destination and a strong addition to Sydney's overall leisure landscape. The entire complex will be re-orientated to face Darling Harbour, plus will introduce over 20 new bars, cafes and restaurants, a shopping area and a fully refurbished casino when it re-opens towards the end of the year.

The Darling has been designed as a stand-alone hotel, with its own arrival experience, amenities and alluring personality. It is the first five-star new build hotel in Sydney since the 2000 Olympic Games. Built in addition to the existing hotel and apartments, The Darling will bring the total rooms and suites at The Star to over 650 across three towers.

Introducing Drew Schlesinger

The new hotel General Manager, Drew Schlesinger, was hand-picked to manage the new hotel, based on his experience and success of opening and managing landmark hotels around the globe including the InterContinental at New York Times Square, The Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa and The Water Club in Atlantic City and the Mondrian Hotel Los Angeles.

"Our philosophy of The Darling is to take every aspect, whether it is a water glass or a coat hanger, and pay close attention to its form and function. From the coloured, soft coat hangers, to the hand-made drinking glasses in guest rooms. From the Egyptian cotton thread count bed sheets to the quality of the mattresses," Drew explained.

"The architecture and design is sleek with subdued hues, yet the ambiance is warm and inviting – and there's certainly nothing modest about our plush comforts. The spa will round out the experience and be a welcome addition to Sydney," he added.

Spa and Restaurant

A luxurious day spa with 16 private rooms is set to deliver pampering to the highest levels. An extensive array of Asian and European inspired treatments will feature at the spa, including an indulgent hamam, which is a Turkish variant of a steam bath, sauna or Russian Bath, distinguished by a focus on water.

The spa will be run by experienced international spa operator, Jeanette Haua. Jeanette's experience includes managing Shangri La CHI spas in Mactan, Boracay and Manila in the Phillipines, plus spa experience in Fiji and Turkey.

The hotel will also be home to a stunning, contemporary Japanese restaurant called Sokyo, from Chase Kojima, formerly with Nobu restaurants, delivering an exciting and unexpected menu.

Luxury Retail Offering

A sophisticated new retail area will feature some of the leading luxury brands, including Chanel Fragrance and Beauty Boutique, Gucci and Bottega Veneta. Boasting 5,500m2 of floor space, the upscale retail space will be conveniently located between the hotel, refurbished casino, restaurants and entertainment venues.

Other features of The Darling include:

An outdoor custom designed pool area with a deck, cabanas and bar.
Access to the 20 new restaurants, bars and cafes featuring renowned Australian and international chefs including David Chang, Teage Ezard, Stefano Manfredi, Adriano Zumbo, Flying Fish & Chips and Golden Century.
Access to the new retail collection including the following brands:

G Star Raw, Calvin Klein Jeans, IM lingerie, Chanel Fragrance and Beauty Boutique, Salvatore Ferragamo , LK Jewellery, Gucci, Bottega Veneta , Moda Emporio

Reservations for The Darling will start from August 2011, on 1800 800 830. The Star will open its new bars, restaurants and retail collection from September whilst The Darling opens in late October 2011.

For further information, please visit www.thedarling.com.au

Register now for AHICE 2011 Hotel Industry Confernce

2011-07-25T23:32:00.000-07:00

Patrick Imbardelli joins AHICE line-up

Pan Pacific Hotels Group President and CEO Patrick Imbardelli has joined the stellar line-up for the second annual Australasian Hotel Industry Conference and Exhibition (AHICE) at the Four Seasons Hotel Sydney on September 2, 2011.

Imbardelli is one of around 30 influential hotel owners, CEOs and industry leaders that have confirmed their attendance at AHICE, a conference firmly focused on the management and operation of accommodation hotels throughout Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific region.

Some of the speakers confirmed alongside Imbardelli include owners and investors Nigel Greenaway (Eureka Funds Management), John Hudson (Thakral Holdings Group), Graham Wilkinson (Retirement Assets Limited NZ) and Will Deague (Art Series Hotel Group), as well as Hoteliers Ashley Spencer (Hilton Worldwide), Bob East (Mantra Group), Paul Constantinou (Quest Serviced Apartments), Paul Fischmann (8Hotels), Stephen Burt (Mirvac Hotels and Resorts) and Simon McGrath (Accor Hospitality).

AHICE is being hosted by leading industry magazine HM (Hotel & Accommodation Management) and is expected to attract over 300 leading Hoteliers and industry executives from across the Asia-Pacific region and globally.

During the day, delegates will be given a snapshot of the accommodation industry, from an overall outlook to specific topics ranging from social media to the MICE market, food and beverage trends, human resources issues and managing distribution channels.

HM magazines Managing Editor, James Wilkinson, says a number of the world's leading hoteliers will be involved in plenary and breakout sessions during the conference.

We have a fantastic program that will look at the major trends in the travel industry, he says.

The day will be a great insight to the industry for Hoteliers, major suppliers and industry leaders and the program will be one where delegates leave with a firm understanding of the major factors impacting on the accommodation industry.

Some of the major topics and issues this year include: a performance outlook for the remainder of 2011/2012, the major issues facing the industry at present, low-cost airlines, international markets, the 2011 Rugby World Cup, social networking, human resources, the boutique segment and franchising.

Trends in hotels from food through to design, technology and beverages will also be analysed and we have a number of fantastic speakers that are specialists in their respective fields, he says.

Speakers who have confirmed their attendance at AHICE include:
A. Patrick Imbardelli, President and CEO, Pan Pacific Hotels Group
Ashley Spencer, Vice President Australasia, Hilton Worldwide
Barry Robinson, Managing Director - Asia Pacific, Wyndham Hotel Group
Bob East, CEO, Mantra Group
David Bayes, CEO, Choice Hotels Australasia
Dino Mezzatesta, General Manager - Franchising, Accor Hospitality
Graham Wilkinson, owner, Retirement Assets Limited (NZ)
Howard Kemball, Kcom
James Hines, owner, Hines Property
James Wilkinson, Managing Editor, HM Magazine
Jayson Westbury, CEO, Australian Federation of Travel Agents
John Hudson, Managing Director, Thakral Holdings Group
Kim McKay, Director, Klick Communications
Marcus Niszow, Deputy CEO, Pacific Resort Hotel Group (Cook Islands)
Nigel Greenaway, Eureka Funds Management
Paul Constantinou, Chairman, Quest Serviced Apartments
Paul Fischmann, CEO, 8Hotels
Paul Richardson, Vice President - New Zealand, Accor Hospitality
Peter Savoff, General Manager, Emporium Hotel, Brisbane
Richard Dalman, Managing Director, Dalman Architecture (NZ)
Rutger Smits, National Leader - Tourism, Hospitality and Leisure, Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu
Simon McGrath, Vice President - Australia, Accor Hospitality
Stephen Burt, CEO, Mirvac Hotels and Resorts
Ted Horner, Managing Director, E Horner and Associates
Vincent Hoogewijs, General Manager, Four Seasons Hotel Sydney
Will Deague, owner, Art Series Hotel Group

Once again, AHICE will be held prior to the HM Awards, with the 2011 event also hosted by HM magazine on September 2.

Early bird registration is still available for just $350 per delegate and a special deal of four for the price of three is also currently on offer. Bookings are available online at www.ahice.com.au or by calling 1300 789 845 (within Australia) or 0800 451 590 (from New Zealand).

Combination packages are also available for both the AHICE conference and the HM Awards being held later that night. Packages start from just $400 per person (for both events) and full details are also available at www.ahice.com.au

A limited number of sponsorship opportunities exist for both AHICE and the HM Awards, but these are filling up fast on the back of a successful event in 2010.

More information is available by contacting Adam Daff on +61 (0)2 8586 6207 or email adaff@intermedia.com.au

*The above speaker list is subject to change due to availability.

Hawaiian Airlines Sydney-Honolulu Service To Go Daily Year-Round

2011-07-25T22:49:00.000-07:00

Daily Flight Schedule Starts December 14

Responding to increasing demand for its service to Hawaii from Australia, Hawaiian Airlines will increase its service from five flights a week to year-round daily nonstop flights between Sydney and Honolulu starting December 14.

“Australians are increasingly finding great value in Hawaii vacations, and demand for our services has never been greater,” said Glenn Taniguchi, Hawaiian’s senior vice president of marketing and sales. “The arrival of another aircraft later this year will allow us to meet the increased demand starting in December.”

The company in April increased its Sydney flight schedule from four days per week to daily for the peak winter season and, because of aircraft availability, will operate five days per week between August 3 and December 13, before starting year-round daily service on December 14.

Hawaiian’s Flight #452 will depart Sydney Airport daily at 9:20 p.m. and arrive at Honolulu

International Airport at 10:10 a.m. the same day.

Return Flight #451 will depart Honolulu daily at 11:50a.m. and arrive in Sydney at 7:20 p.m. the following day. (Sydney is currently 20 hours ahead of Honolulu and the flight crosses the International Dateline.)

Hawaiian flies a wide-body Boeing 767-300ER aircraft on the Sydney route. The twin-aisle B767 comfortably seats up to 264 passengers with 18 in Business Class and the remainder in Economy Class.

Adding to the enjoyment of the Hawaii travel experience is Hawaiian’s promise to “start your Hawaii vacation the moment you board” with its distinctive and award-winning “Hawaii Starts Here” onboard service, showcasing the culture, music, natural beauty, and people of the Hawaiian Islands.

Travelers can purchase tickets for Hawaiian’s Sydney-Honolulu flights from their favorite travel agent, online via Hawaiian’s website at www.HawaiianAirlines.com or its Australia site at www.HawaiianAirlines.com.au, or by calling Hawaiian toll-free in the U.S. through its reservations center at 1-800-367-5320 or in Australia at 1300-669-106.

About Hawaiian Airlines

Hawaiian has led all U.S. carriers in on-time performance for each of the past seven years (2004-2010) as reported by the U.S. Department of Transportation. In addition, consumer surveys by Condé Nast Traveler, Travel + Leisure and Zagat have all ranked Hawaiian the top domestic airline offering flights to Hawaii. Hawaiian was also the nation’s highest-ranked carrier for service quality and performance in the prestigious Airline Quality Rating (AQR) study for 2008 and 2009.

Explore the lesser known northern sites of Peru

2011-07-25T17:37:00.000-07:00

Australians who want to get off the beaten track in Peru can book a trip along the Moche Route in northern Peru, where a range of archaeological sites, local traditions, sports, cuisine, beaches and history can be discovered.

Northern Peru is home to fascinating pre-Incan sites of the Moche culture who ruled much of this area from 100- 800 AD. This ancient culture is most present in the museums and archaeological sites of the northern region and in exciting discoveries which are still being made. Sites along the route include El Brujo in the lower Chicama Valley, Chan Chan by the banks of the Moche River in the La Libertad region, and Huaca of the Sun and of the Moon located just 15 minutes south of Trujillo.

The El Brujo site dates back to the first and seventh centuries AD and was the final resting place of Señora de Cao, who lived around the year 450 A.D, while Chan Chan spans an area of 20km² and is the largest mud-brick citadel dating back to the pre-Hispanic era. Huaca del Sol y Huaca de La Luna are distanced 500 metres apart from one another and are two of the most impressive Peruvian pyramids, built for ceremonial purposes by the Moche around 500 AD.

The Royal Tombs of Sipán Museum in Lambayeque also offers a fascinating insight into the history of the Moche people. According to studies, the Lord of Sipan died 1,770 years ago and it is estimated he lived for approximately forty years and was buried in an elaborate ceremony. The museum is a 10 minute drive from the city of Chiclayo, the capital city of the Lambayeque region, and houses some of the best exhibition rooms in the world.

Less than one hour north of Lima by air, Trujillo, the colonial city of the north, provides the gateway to the Moche Route. Trujillo is the capital of the La Libertad and sits on the banks of the Moche River. It is a vibrant city with plenty to offer visitors to the region. Learn to dance the Marinera, the 'National Dance of Peru' at the annual Marinera Festival in January which celebrates this graceful, romantic dance between two people representing a combination of the different cultures of Peru.

For the outdoor enthusiast the north offers a year-round warm climate and beautiful coastline where a popular surfing culture thrives. Here many Moche cultural practices are still very much alive today. 'Caballitos de Totora', reed watercrafts used by the Moche people for fishing, are now used to surf the waves.

Among other activities available, why not try riding a paso fino horse or visit the many local farms in the area that breed these beautiful animals. Then after a busy day, the region's delicious cuisine will satisfy any appetite. The popular and tasty 'ceviche' which combines fresh fish and seafood mixed with onions, lemon juice, salt, and a touch of chilli pepper offers the perfect taste of Peru.

With the Peruvian government investing in the infrastructure of the northern region and many operators in Australia now featuring the north of Peru, it has never been so easy to explore the Moche Route and the rich Peruvian culture surrounding it.

For more information on Peru, please visit www.peru.travel

UNWTO Extends Its Condolences To Norway

2011-07-25T07:56:00.000-07:00

Following the terrible events in Norway, the UNWTO Secretary-General, Taleb Rifai, made the following statement:

“UNWTO was profoundly shocked by last Friday’s appalling attacks in Norway which claimed many innocent lives.

On behalf of UNWTO and the international tourism community, I wish to convey our sincere condolences to all those that have lost loved ones and to the Government and people of Norway in this difficult time”.

TAUCK AWARDED - 'World's Best River Cruise'

2011-07-25T00:10:00.000-07:00

Tauck voted # 1 as "World's Best River Cruise" 2011.

16th Annual Travel + Leisure "World's Best Awards"

Tauck which operates four custom built riverboats throughout Europe has been awarded as the "World's Best River Cruise" for 2011 by Travel + Leisure Magazine. So much effort has gone into maintaining Tauck's premium standard, and with over 85 years in the business Tauck's relationships with their worldwide partners ensures that their travellers get the best value for their travel dollar. Tauck's first river cruise was in 1992, almost ten years before riverboats became one of the 'hottest' ways to travel.

Life on board Tauck's riverboats are often referred to as a 'private-club'. It's comfortable, relaxed, warm and inviting. Tauck's intimate, yet spacious design holds no more that 118 guests while other boats hold 160. That means more room for you. In addition there are 14 suites (300 sq.ft) and 7 junior suites on every ship – four times more than most other European riverboats and 85% of cabins have floor-to ceiling windows with French balconies.

Imagine paying for a river cruise and having nothing else to pay for. No additional costs to Tour Directors while onboard, no options are sold to you, no sales pitches are made while you're enjoying your cruise and no fuels surcharges come onto your final bill. Refreshing? This is all part of the 'Tauck Difference' compared to other river cruise specialists. And this is why Tauck guests keep coming back time and time again. Their testimonials say it all.

It's the quality of what's included that defines the word "value". Have a look at what is included in the price of your river cruise:

All private Tauck shore excursions – led by Tauck Directors, local experts and guides, and featuring Tauck Exclusives
All gratuities to the Tauck Directors and Tauck Cruise Directors, ship staff, drivers, local guides and local experts
Special insider sightseeing and exclusive Tauck experiences guided by our Tauck Directors and local guides
Included meals ashore at local restaurant and special venues
Local artists and cultural performances
Airport transfers upon arrival and departure as noted
Hotel accommodations handpicked for your location
Most meals, all-day soft drinks, wine with dinner onboard the riverboat, beer with lunch and dinner onboard
Welcome and farewell cocktail parties, special evenings of local entertainment, cooking demonstrations and more
Port charges, all taxes, luggage handling and more; no hidden surcharges
Sumptuous new bedding, with comfort top mattresses, 400-thread count linen, hypoallergenic duvets and pillows
Walk in closets, marble baths with full size tubs in suites, L'Occitane toiletries
Complimentary bikes on shore excursions

Tauck's land excursions are second to none and for 2012, and with professional guides who are familiar with the local customs and traditions and often fluent in several languages, Tauck has special culinary departures for your delight.

So if you're interested in treating your taste buds to a new level of nirvana, and to trace the footsteps of the locals, come on board with one of our partners named "World's Best Culinary Tour Specialist" by Conde Nast Traveler, and experience authentic French cuisine and village life: April 25, June 28, August 17 & October 20. Priced from $4,636 8-day French Waterways & Vineyards is a magnificent way to see France!

To obtain further information about Tauck or to make a booking, please contact Travel the World on 1300 950 622 or visit www.traveltheworld.com.au. To order your 2012 Tauck River Cruise Brochure, go to

http://www.traveltheworld.com.au/Tours/Brochures.html

Master Italian cooking at Peppers Coral Coast Resort

2011-07-24T08:05:00.000-07:00

Peppers Coral Coast Resort at Airlie Beach is giving foodies an exclusive opportunity to advance their kitchen expertise and know-how by experiencing their Taste of Italy Masterclass Event with Executive Chef Gregory Devine on Thursday August 18.

Inspired by MasterChef’s pursuit of cooking excellence, the specially crafted Masterclass provides the ideal opportunity to learn first-hand how to prepare dishes from one of the world’s favourite countries when it comes to food – Italy.

Over the course of three hours, guests will learn valuable tricks of the trade as they are guided step-by-step through creating the perfect Italian dinner party.

Share Chef Devine’s passion as he demonstrates how to prepare an authentic antipasto plate, Milanese risotto and a sumptuous traditional Tiramisu dessert.

Guests will also have the rare opportunity to discuss all things food – taste, smell, colours and textures - with Chef Devine.

And of course, guests will not only delight their senses watching the meal prepared, cooked and presented, but will also treat their taste buds with a serving of each dish accompanied with a selection of Italian originated beverages.

The Peppers Coral Coast Resort Taste of Italy Masterclass Event begins at 5pm and will be held at the resort’s private Ocean's Edge Villa.

Priced at $130 per person, this rare event is one not to be missed, with each guest receiving a complimentary MasterChef apron and MasterChef Series 2 cookbook to take home.

To secure a place at this memorable MasterChef event call 07 4962 5100. Bookings are essential as places are limited.

Guests can also make a weekend of it with Peppers Coral Coast Resort’s MasterChef Package from $427* per room per night. Includes accommodation in a One Bedroom Suite, an eight-course food and wine degustation dinner for two on one evening in the chic, open-air surroundings of Tides Restaurant and Bar overlooking the magnificent Whitsundays, a la carte breakfast for two each morning, sparkling wine on arrival and a MasterChef designer apron and copy of the MasterChef Series 2 cookbook to take home.

*Subject to availability. Valid for travel until 30/11/2011. Two night minimum stay applies.

The Luxury Travel Bible On Location

2011-07-24T08:02:00.000-07:00

Wendi Deng is the unintentional star of the phone-hacking hearings since she jumped forward late last week to smack a pink-clad arm at a protester aiming a pie at Rupert Murdoch's face.

Deng has been dubbed the original crouching tiger but it is her own just-released movie which might get the most mileage out of the incident.

Deng co-produced, Snow Flower and the Secret Fan, starring Bingbing Li, Gianna Jun and Australia’s Hugh Jackman.

The Chinese epic is based on Lisa See's best-selling book.

The Luxury Travel Bible went on location to find out exactly where the film was shot, what the stars did and if Wendi Deng strong-armed anyone else during the making of the movie.

For more details of the travel locations including The Peninsula Shanghai, click here:

http://luxurytravelbible.com/Luxury-Hotel-Reviews.asp?active_page_id=174

Meet Anantara's Culinary King - The Proof Really is in the Pudding

2011-07-24T07:59:00.000-07:00

Chef Don Lawson has been delighting guests’ palates at Anantara Bophut Resort and Spa since the luxurious Koh Samui hideaway first opened in 2004. His imaginative expertise was put to excellent use in devising unique culinary concepts, cooking classes and opportunities to learn the finer points of perfect food and wine pairing. At Anantara, Chef Don has free reign to dish up distinctive Thai and Italian flavours for guests, keeping the passionate chef burning the culinary candles at both ends.

A stickler for perfection, Chef Don is adamant about the importance of pushing the boat out when it comes to food. “If you never try, you never know! As a chef it’s essential to never get discouraged. As I always say to my students, if you make a mistake when cooking, as we all have, think what an amazing lesson you’ve just learnt and use that to your advantage.

Chef Don demonstrated his devotion to gastronomy from an early age. At just 17 years old he was offered a four year apprenticeship, at the famous Southern Cross Club in Canberra, Australia. He recalls, “I really enjoyed the work and thought that if I learned the art of cooking I would get to eat grand cuisine, and never go hungry for life’s gourmet pleasures! I still remember receiving my first monthly pay cheque of 80 Australian dollars - it didn’t last long but it felt great to be paid for doing something I love, and with a bit of extra effort to show how serious I was about progressing further, the Executive Chef saw my potential.”

Fast forward twenty five years later, the boy from Oz now calls Thailand home and for Chef Don, the wonderful local produce and seafood means that the world is his oyster in terms of creativity. His recent infused food pairing with tea giants Dilmah has also inspired an Anantara Tea Guru program. It is through this flair that the gastronomic genius has become an instrumental part of a dedicated team of culinary experts at Anantara, developing new concepts and signatures dishes, thus ensuring that guests enjoy his culinary influence at all Anantara hotels and resorts.

Whether it’s touring the local spice markets, leading a cooking class or holding a banquet for visiting dignitaries you’ll be sure to see Chef Don passing on and sharing his cooking tips passionately with guests and discussing the best ingredients possible to create simple yet effective flavorsome dishes. It is this expertise that guests take away with them and bring Don’s fusion techniques to dinner tables around the world.

On his success he explains, “I cook because it fulfills something inside of me. There’s no better feeling of satisfaction and gratitude than knowing that my guests are leaving feeling “Wow - that was a wonderful experience!” It’s also great to meet so many different people from around the world, sharing experiences and gaining friends. To be successful you have to be 100% committed and instead of counting up the long hours I’ve put in, I stack up the results, and this reminds me of how far I’ve come.”

THE ULTIMATE DUST UP- FIA WORLD RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP- COFFS HARBOUR

2011-07-22T16:28:00.000-07:00

8-11 September 2011

TICKETS ON-SALE

LEAVING Sweden's snow and Jordan's desert dust behind, the world's fastest rally drivers hit the New South Wales Coffs Coast on 8-11 September for Rally Australia, round 10 of the epic FIA World Rally Championship (WRC).

Piloting million-dollar machines, drivers from around the world will clash over three days and nights on the Coffs Coast's most testing terrain.

After surviving snow, desert, high altitude and rock-strewn tracks on three continents, who will come unstuck on the Australian gravel and tarmac? Who will get the better of the gruelling stages through forests and farmland and alongside city beaches? Will Australian stars like Chris Atkinson and Coffs Harbour's Nathan Quinn show the international visitors the way on home turf?

Among those battling for one of motorsport's most prestigious prizes will be seven-time World Champion Sebastien Loeb and Citroen teammate Sebastien Ogier from France, Ford aces Mikko Hirvonen and Jari-Matti Latvala from Finland, Formula 1 champion Kimi Raikkonen, Norway's Petter Solberg and American Ken Block.

Tickets for the 'Ultimate Dust Up' are on-sale via Ticketek (www.ticketek.com.au, phone132849 and retail outlets) nationally to see the best of the best fighting for the most prestigious international championship next to Formula 1. Tickets are priced from as little as $15 for an adult.

"The WRC is a dazzling spectacle played out in 13 locations around the globe. This will be the 21st Rally Australia but the first time people will be able to see it in this beautiful part of New South Wales," said Michael Masi, General Manager of Rally Australia.

"It will be an opportunity for spectators of all kinds to witness the skills of these spectacular drivers and experience all the exciting atmosphere of a world championship contest – without having to travel far from their accommodation base and with access to all the attractions and facilities of a major holiday region."

The WRC's swing Down Under also will showcase top Aussie driving talents, keen to test themselves against the world's best. In a field of up to 100 cars, Australians will compete in WRC classes or in two companion events, the Coffs Coast Forest Rally, a round of the Bosch Australian Rally Championship, and the Coffs Coast Classic Rally, a nostalgia feast for lovers of Seventies-era models such as the Ford Escort, Datsun 1600 and Mazda RX-7.

Michael Masi adds, rally driving at the elite WRC level is "adrenalin-charged to the max" and thrilling for spectators to see.

"They're the gravel masters, riding their turbocharged machines from rest to 100 kmh in three seconds, racing through the forests at more than 160 kmh, jumping and sliding at impossible speeds. Spectators won't have seen anything like it – it's a stunning, unforgettable experience."

The nightly Superspecial Stage on closed bitumen streets in Coffs Harbour's Jetty precinct will be a spectator highlight. Drivers will compete under lights over a 3.77 km course that runs right beside the harbour, with thousands of spectators on boats and in every available on-land vantage point creating an electric atmosphere.

In total, the Rally Australia WRC course covers 369 kms on 26 timed competitive stages through the Nambucca, Bellingen, Coffs Harbour and Clarence Valley regions, all within a convenient 75 km drive from Coffs Harbour.

Rally Australia General Admission tickets can be purchased on-line at ticket.com.au, which also provides full information about ticket choices, including maps and Spectator and Enthusiast Point descriptions..

Access to trackside Spectator Points will cost as little as $25 with family discounts available, free entry for children under six and pre-event discounts for online ticket purchases.

"An Adult ticket to visit one Special Stage Spectator or Enthusiast Point every day and the Superspecial Stage every night is just $99, with an option to buy a Superspecial grandstand seat for a further $76," he said.

"An Event Super Pass means spectators will see the field race past their viewing location twice every day and twice every night – that's fantastic value!

"We expect this will be a very popular choice, as past research shows many fans like to follow the rally from start to finish.

"Alternatively, there are three-day passes for just the Spectator Points, Enthusiast Points or Superspecial, plus individual-day stage passes.

"All in all, there's a ticket for every viewing preference or budget, but I urge intending spectators to book early as capacity at all points is finite due to various conditions and some may sell out before the event."

Tickets at slightly higher prices also will be for sale to walk-up spectators at stage entry points during the event, when there is unsold capacity. Entry will be free to the official start in the centre of Coffs Harbour and finish at The Jetty and throughout the weekend at the Service Park at Coffs Harbour Regional Airport.

All event spectator points have catering, toilets and parking or free shuttle-bus transport. Corporate hospitality is also offered on several stages, including the Superspecial Stage.

EDITORS' NOTES:

·         Ticketing details at www.ticketek.com.au or www.rallyaustralia.com
·         Travel and accommodation information at www.coffscoast.com.au
·         The 2011 FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) pits cars and drivers on events in 13 countries, including Australia, though some of the toughest, and most varied, conditions on the planet. Crews and manufacturers, including Citroen, Ford and Mini, will battle it out for the annual drivers' and makes' championship trophies.