APTC wishes all of our clients a HAPPY 2009!!!   

APTC enjoyed a festive Christmas picnic at the Royal Botanical Gardens. Creativity abounded when each staff member was asked to paint a ‘representation’ of APTC.

 

 

APTC at FITUR 2009 

APTC will be participating in the FITUR 2009 in Madrid fom January 28th to 30th. Please visit us at the Asia Pacific hall (Australia - stand 6D06) for an update on our products and the latest news from Australia, New Zealand and the Fiji Islands. 
Alexandra Mejia will be representing the APTC group and is looking forward to welcoming you at the stand. Please contact Alexandra if you wish to set up a meeting travel@aptc.com.au

 

APTC at ITB Berlin 2009

This year’s tourism trade fair ITB is being held in Berlin, from 11^th to 15^th of March. Here you can meet with APTC Managing Director Stephanie Karst-McGrath and learn more about the APTC group and our latest travel ideas for Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific islands. We are looking forward to seeing you at our stand.

Product of the Month

Silky Oaks Lodge

Experience the soothing sights and sounds of the rainforest at Voyages Silky Oaks Lodge & Healing Waters Spa, nestled on the edge of the World Heritage-listed Daintree National Park.

The Lodge blends casual and contemporary design, amongst the most tranquil surrounds. 50 Treehouses and Riverhouses each feature wide verandahs and spa baths.

Enjoy fine food and wine at the Treehouse Restaurant - one of Northern Queensland’s premier dining experiences. This unique open-sided restaurant features unobstructed rainforest and river views set above the trees. The menu showcases the freshest local produce and Australian wines.

Only 20 minutes from Port Douglas, Silky Oaks Lodge provides the perfect base for exploring the Great Barrier Reef, Atherton Tablelands, Cape Tribulation and the Daintree River.

Take a relaxing stroll along the lush riverbanks, explore the local area by bike, paddle a canoe on the Mossman River or join a guided rainforest walk. Whichever pursuit you choose, the end of vigorous activity demands rest and rejuvenation at The Healing Waters Spa.

From 1 June 2008 Silky Oaks Lodge will cater for children 12 years and under.

Voyages Silky Oaks Lodge - 50% Rainforest Escape  

• The offer: 50% off based on NIGHTLY rateRoom & Breakfast
• Room type: Treehouse & Riverhouse
• Sale Dates: 1 November 2008- 31 March 2009
• Travel Dates: 1 January 2009 - 30 June2009
• Minimum night stay: Minimum 3 nights consecutive stay

 

*Images and Information courtesy of Voyages. www.voyages.com.au

What’s New

Free Sydney CBD Shuttle

• A free shuttle bus has been introduced in the Sydney CBD.
• The Shuttle will run in both directions between Circular Quay and Central Railway Station, along George and Elizabeth streets.
• The service will operate at a 10-minute frequency between 9.30am and 3.30pm on Monday to Friday, finishing at 9pm on Thursday evenings.
• Weekend services will also run between 9.30am and 6pm.

Mantra Bunbury WA

• Located on the historic Bunbury waterfront and at the gateway to the fabulous Ferguson Valley wine country, Mantra Bunbury offers 64 stylish studio and deluxe studio apartments with lounge and dining areas, kitchenettes, broadband, cable TV and in-house movies.
• Now open for bookings.

Mantra Tullamarine Hotel

• Mantra Tullamarine Hotel is a brand-new 4.5 star hotel with 277 spacious rooms consisting of executive, executive spa and deluxe studios, 4 suites and a penthouse.
• The Hotel is located less than 5 minutes from Melbourne Airport and takes the hassle and stress out of early-morning departures or late-night arrivals.
• Opening early January.

Sydney Aquarium- Mermaid Lagoon

• Sydney Aquarium has a brand NEW major exhibit
• Mermaid Lagoon is home to the only Dugongs on display in Australia
• Come and meet ‘Pig’ and ‘Wuru’ and learn all about these fascinating mammals

Pinctada Cable Beach - Broome’s new five star resort & spa experience

• Pinctada Cable Beach, Broome’s new five star resort and spa experience is now scheduled to open on 1 May 2009.
• Its opening will offer an escape to azure waters, lapping sweeping white beaches and the red earth of the Kimberley, like no other. Whether your quest is serenity or adventure, Broome’s new five star resort and spa experience is created to nurture. Here you’ll find understated elegance, around the clock attention and, your own treasures - personal moments, endless horizons.

The River Retreat

• Located in the Swan Valley, The River Retreat has launched its very own Indigenous experience.
• Learn how to throw a boomerang, crack a stockman’s whip, taste unique bushtucker or listen to the tales of dreamtime with local indigenous guides.

Rottnest Express

• Rottnest Express now offers an exciting new way for anyone to explore and discover Rottnest.
• The ‘Eco Express’, a speedboat adventure visiting untouched bays and coves of Rottnest Island. Visitors have a chance to see the pristine bays and coves as well as get up close to the wildlife in there natural habitat.
• Commentary will help visitors learn about the unique aspects of the island.

The Oaks Broome

• Opening in May 2009 this 4 ½ property will be located in old Broome. It will consist of 183 one and two bedroom apartments.
• Further information will be available closer to its opening.

Eco Beach Wilderness Retreat

• This property is an hour’s drive from Broome and will open in early 2009.
• It will consist of 25 Eco Villas and 35 safari-style Eco Tent’s. Facilities will include a beachfront bar and restaurant, infinity pool and full day spa.
• Further information will be available closer to its opening.

Hamilton Island Golf Course

• Hamilton Island is looking forward to the much anticipated opening of its very own 18-hole championship golf course that is to be completed mid 2009.

Hybrid Solar Power Station for Lady Elliot Island

• Lady Elliot Island Management is very excited to announce our commitment to reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions by installing a Hybrid Solar Power Station on the island. The Power Station has been funded through a joint venture between Lady Elliot Island and the Australian Governments Renewable Remote Power Generation Programme administered by the Environmental Protection Agency.

Darwin Airport Inn

• Newly opened, the Darwin Airport Inn is one of the most contemporary hotels in town.
• Located next to the International terminal, the Airport Inn offers convenient accommodation with a tropical ambience.

Bombing of Darwin WWII Heritage Tour

To capitalise on the release of Australia, the Bombing of Darwin WWII Heritage Tour tells of a forgotten episode in Australia’s war history. The bombing of Darwin occurred on 19 February 1942 and is the setting of the finale in Baz Luhmann’s epic Australia.

Specials

The Sebel Playford Adelaide: Summer Bonus

• Stay three (3) consecutive nights in any room type and receive a parisienne style breakfast daily for two people served in your room.
• Validity: 7 December 2008 - 17 January 2009, inclusive.

Stay Pay offers for Voyages Dunk, Heron and Brampton Islands

• The offer: Stay 6 Pay 4 for all 3 properties.
• Sale Dates:15 December - 31 March 2009
• Travel Dates: 15 January - 30 June 2009

Bonus Kids Eat Free Offer for Hamilton Island Holiday Properties

• For a limited sale period Hamilton Island Holiday Properties are offering guests a BONUS Kids Eat Free inclusion.
• Kids Eat Free Offer*: Children 14 years & under eat FREE when selecting from the special kids menu and dining with parents in selected restaurants
• Sale period: 8 - 31 December 2008
• Travel period: 24 January - 31 March 2009

 Sullivans Hotel Sydney

The value adds apply to all new bookings made in Jan and Feb 09:

• Daily complimentary buffet breakfast for 2 persons
• Standard room and Garden room, or 2 free breakfasts in a triple
• Not available on interconnecting rooms
• Only for new bookings in Jan and Feb 09
• No restriction on length of stay or date of stay

Hamilton Island- Pay 4 Stay 5

• Hamilton Island is delighted give their international trade clients exclusive access to their Pay 4 Stay 5 special offer.
• This offer is available from April - August 2009 in a range of hotel style properties from 3 to 5 star.

Changes & Refurbishment

CHANGES & REFURBISHMENTS2009 ING Australian Formula One Grand Prix

• The 2009 ING Australian Formula One Grand Prix will be held from 26 - 29 March 2009.

Skycity Darwin

• Skycity Darwin willcommence enhancements to a selection of their rooms.
• The refurbishments willstart on5 January 2009 andwill be completed by 5 April 2009.

The Sebel Harbourside Kiama

• Mirvac Hotels & Resorts have been appointed to managetheKiama Blue Hotel, effective 1 December 2008 -and has beenre-branded immediately to The Sebel Harbourside Kiama.

Cairns Tilt Train

• Until further notice the Cairns Tilt Train service departing Brisbane each Wednesday and departing Cairns on Fridays will be cancelled.

Pensione Hotel Sydney

• The Pensione Hotel Sydney will be undergoing a refurbishment.
• The refurbishment will include all guest rooms and public areas.
• The refurbishment will commence from the 16th April 2009 and will be completed in several stages within a 12 month period

Aarons Hotel Sydney

• Aarons Hotel Sydney is now a completely non-smoking property.

Esplanade Hotel Fremantle- Atrium Garden Restaurant

• The Atrium Garden Restaurant will be undergoing refurbishment from the 9th January until the 20 February 2009.

Great Southern Rail- Redeployment

• Recent developments in the economy have led to a reduction in demand for all types of tourism and transport services, and travel on Great Southern Rail’s trains has also been affected by the difficult market conditions. Accordingly, GSR are implementing a plan to consolidate their service frequency on the Indian Pacific and The Ghan in accordance with anticipated demand.
• The Ghan and Indian Pacific schedules will be amended for 2009 as follows:

• Indian Pacific 2009:

Jan - Mar 2 services per week, except the first 2 weeks in January

Apr - Aug 1 service per week

Sep - Nov 2 services per week

Dec 1 service per week

• The Ghan 2009:

Jan 1 service per week

Feb - Mar 2 services per week

Apr - May 1 service per week, additional service in some weeks

Jun - Nov 2 services per week, then 1 from late November

Dec 1 service per week

Mantra Treetops Resort & Spa Port Douglas

• Please be advised that Mantra Treetops Resort & Spa Port Douglas has been sold and is under new management.
• Stella Hotel & Resorts will no longer manage the hotel and the new name will drop ‘Mantra’ to become Treetops Resort & Spa.
• All contracted rates are honoured.

Rydges Esplanade Resort

• Commencing Monday 19 January 2009, a refurbishment program will begin in the Coral Hedge Brasserie and Lobby Bar area at Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns.
• This program is being undertaken to rejuvenate the existing Food and Beverage outlets and offer a more relaxing, contemporary atmosphere for guests to enjoy in the future.
• At this time, the expected date of completion will be 6 February 2009.

Hamilton Island’s Palm Terrace closure

• The Palm Terrace is now closed.
• The Palm Terrace will undergo a complete enhancement to all guest rooms with a planned re-opening for late 2010.

Destination Management Company