Newsletter June 2011

Office News

  • We had staff traveling to Red Centre & Gawler Ranges 
  • We welcome our new staff members Linda & Tamara. We are sure that they will be a wonderful asset to the team!

    • Product of the Month

     

    exterior-view.jpgIconic hotel, Mercure Sydney Potts Point is set high on Victoria Street above Kings Cross Station, and offers arguably some of the most sweeping views of the city and Harbour as well as Sydney’s east.

    Located in the heart of the vibrant and sassy; urban landscape of Potts Point, the hotel is surrounded  by more than 250 restaurants, cafes and bars all within a short stroll from the hotel door.

    potts-reception-1-107.jpgMercure Sydney Potts Point was upgraded in 2011, and now boasts a contemporary and funky feel with modern furniture and fittings; facilities include the hotel’s restaurant ‘Cursa’ and the ‘Delta’ lounge bar, 5 meeting rooms and large Terrace overlooking Sydney’s iconic “Coca Cola” sign.

    potts-superior-room-2-121.jpgThe hotels Standard and Superior rooms have all been upgraded, and now have a fresher and more modern feel; but it’s the hotel’s Superior Habour view rooms that offer the most magnificent aspect of the Sydney skyline.

    Geographically, Mercure Sydney Potts Point is poised perfectly to anywhere you could possibly want to be in the heart of Sydney; be it the CBD, Circular Quay, Bondi, Sydney Cricket Ground, St Vincent’s Hospital; Sydney Harbour and the Opera House; a perfect location to entertain and be entertained.

    What’s New

    Australia Wide

    Qantas

    • Qantas has launched a new checked baggage policy for their domestic services.
    • The policy changed from a weight allowance to a piece allowance with maximum weights.

                        

    Queensland

    Hamilton Island

    • Hamilton Island has reduced their nightly rates for both Standard and Premium Villas effective from 1 July 2011.
    • The rate includes Personalised Executive Concierge Services (VIP meet and greet on arrival, return VIP transfers from Hamilton Island Airport/Marina to Yacht Club Villa and Concierge Services for duration of stay), use of non-motorised watersports, welcome fruit and bakery platter on arrival and mid stay clean for any reservations that are for 5 nights or longer.

    Fantasea

    • For the Whitehaven Beach product they have changed their lunch and guests will have the option to take a 20 minute guided ‘Solway walk’ to the lookout.

    New South Wales

    Wolgan Valley Resort and Spa

    • Wolgan Valley Resort has introduced a new package the “3 night Blue Mountains Experience Package”.
    • The package includes three nights accommodation, breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, non-alcoholic beverages, on-site nature based activities per person per day, a return private touring transfer from Sydney to Wolgan Valley via Katoomba and Three Sisters and from Wolgan Valley to Sydney via Bells Line of Road.

    Victoria

    Hidden Secrets Tour

    • Has launched a new tour: Melbourne Café Culture Walk.
    • The tour runs Monday to Friday from 11am and includes all coffee and food tastings, lunch and a goody bag filled with a coffee cup, maps, local coffee info and tram ticket.

    Melbourne Aquarium

    • The Melbourne Aquarium has a new on-ice Antarctic Experience.
    • This 45 minute tour takes visitors onto the ice where they have the opportunity to sit among majestic King and cheeky Gentoo penguins.
    • Guests will also have the chance to see food preparation and veterinary areas, as well as how the exhibit maintains sub-zero temperatures.

    Tour Times are at 1pm and 2pm from Friday to Monday.

    Specials

    Queensland

    Hayman Island - Pre-opening Special

    • Take a 3 or 4-Night Hayman Escape and receive a resort voucher.
    • Valid for new bookings prior to re-opening (until 31 July) for travel between 01 August 2011 and 31 March 2012

    Lizard Island

    • Delaware North extends their free return flights special to Lizard Island with a minimum stay of 5 nights.
    • Sale dates: until 31 July 2011
    • Travel dates: until 31 December 2011
    • Block out dates: 9 to 31 August, 1 to 8 October 2011

    Heron Island

    • Delaware North extends their free boat special to Heron Island and return with a minimum stay of 4 nights.
    • Sale dates: 11 July to 31 August 2011
    • Travel dates: 11 July to 17 December 2011
    • Block out dates: 15 September to 2 October 2011

    Mantra PortSea

    • Stay 3 nights, pay 2 special is now valid for new bookings in a one Bedroom.
    • Travel dates are 18 July to 31 August 2011
    • Previously stay 4 nights, pay 3 special has ended.

    Mercure Brisbane

    • Get a free bottle of wine and a free upgrade to a river view room.
    • Validity: 1 June to 31 October 2011
    • Block out dates: 6 July to 27 August 2011 and 3 September 2011

    Coral Sea Resort

    • Stay 4 nights, pay 3 includingtropical breakfast daily in the Ocean View Room, Bayview Spa Suite &Coral Sea Spa Suites(Excludes Garden View Rooms, Apartments & Penthouses).
    • Stay 4 nights, pay 3 in the Apartments & Penthouses (room only).
    • Travel dates: 1 April to 24 December 2011 and 8 January to 31 March 2012
    • This offer is only available for new reservations.

    Peppers Beach Club & Spa Palm Cove

    • 7 night special package at Peppers Beach Club & Spa in a Lagoon Spa.
    • Sale and travel are valid until 31 October 2011.
    • Package includes accommodation with two free nights per booking, hot buffet breakfast daily, sparkling wine and chocolates on arrival and 10% off the total food bill when dining in the in-house restaurant for dinner.

    Peppers Beach Club & Spa Palm Cove

    • Bed & breakfast rate is available for selected room types at Peppers Beach Club & Spa.
    • Sale and travel dates are valid until 31 March 2012.

    Hilton Cairns

    • Hilton offers stay 3, pay 2 nights & stay 4, pay 3 nights & stay 6, pay 4 nights for their Hilton Deluxe Rooms.
    • Offers are for single or double occupancy, room only. A third person rate per night applies.
    • The offer is valid for new bookings until 31 March 2012 only.

    Sea Temple Palm Cove

    • Special rate for a 2 night stay.
    • Block out dates: 2 June 11 to 6 June 2011 and 24 December 2011 to 7 January 2012
    • Sale dates: 1 December 2010 to 31 March 2012
    • Travel dates: 1 April 2011 to 31 March 2012
    • These rates are for new bookings only.

    Sea Temple Port Douglas

    • Special rate for a 2 night stay.
    • Block out dates: 23 December 11 to 31 December 11; 02 June 11 to 06 June 11
    • Sale dates: 1 December 2010 to 31 March 2012
    • Travel dates: 1 April 2011 to 31 March 2012
    • These rates are for new bookings only.

    Cairns Harbour Lights

    • Special rate for a 2 night stay for a one and two bedroom.
    • Block out dates: 16 April to 25 April 2011, 17 September to 2 October 2011, 10 December 2011 to 15 January 2012
    • Sale dates: 1 December 2010 to 31 March 2012
    • Travel dates: 1 April 2011 to 31 March 2012
    • These rates are for new bookings only.

    Sebel Resort Noosa

    • Special rate for a 2 night stay.
    • Block out dates: 23 December 11 to 31 December 11; 02 June 11 to 06 June 11
    • Sale dates: 1 December 2010 to 31 March 2012
    • Travel dates: 1 April 2011 to 31 March 2012
    • These rates are for new bookings only.

    New South Wales

    The Grace Hotel

    • The Grace Hotel is offering Buffet lunch at a special rate with unlimited soft drinks. This special applies for group bookings as well as for FIT bookings from Monday till Friday, but will not be applicable during special event periods (eg.food festival).

    Tasmania

    The Sebel Launceston

    • The Sebel Launceston has reduced rates for accommodation only.
    • Sale dates: until 31March 2012
    • Travel dates: until 31 March 2012

    Rydges Hobart

    • Rydges Hobart extends their bed and breakfast special for the Minor Room for a low rate including late checkout at 2pm, extra person cost applies.
    • Sale Dates: 29 June to 31 August 2011
    • Travel dates: 29 June to 30 September 2011
    • This special applies for new bookings only.

    Northern Territory

    Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia

    • Voyages announcedafurther extension of thetwo night tactical special at Ayers Rock Resort (excluding Longitude 131and Outback Pioneer Lodge).
    • They will continue to offer an extra night ratefor these Voyages propertiesfor a low rate.
    • Sale dates: 21 June to31 August 2011
    • Travel dates: 21 Juneto20 December2011

    Holiday Inn Esplanade Darwin

    • Offer a rate reduction for the Superior Room, Studio Loft and Suite.
    • Sale dates: 15 June 2011 to 31 October 2011
    • Travel Dates: 1 September 2011 to 31 October 2011
    • Applies for new bookings only.

    Crowne Plaza Darwin

    • Offer a rate reduction for the Superior Room and Harbour View Room.
    • Sale dates: 15 June 2011 to 31 October 2011
    • Travel Dates: 1 September 2011 to 31 October 2011
    • Applies for new bookings only.

    Wayoutback’s Red Centre

    • Wayoutback’s Red Centre extends their special for the tours 3 Day Goanna Dreaming 4WD Safari & 5 Day Kangaroo Dreaming 4WD Safari.
    • Sale dates: 21 February 2011 to 30 September 2011
    • Travel dates: 21 February 2011 to 31 March 2012

    Western Australia

    Cable Beach Club Resort & Spa

    • Stay 4 nights or more in a Garden View Studio and receive a dining voucher for all on site Restaurants.
    • Sale dates: 30 May to 26 September 2011

    Travel dates: 1 July to 30 September 2011

    Changes & Refurbishment

    Mantra Group

    • Mantra One Bright Point, Magnetic Island, Mantra Sand Dunes and Marcoola Beach will be removed from the Mantra portfolio and Mantra Group will no longer facilitate reservations.

    Northern Territory

    Rydges Hotels and Resorts

    • The Darwin Airport Resort was rebranded as “Rydges Darwin Airport Resort” after Darwin Airport Hotels Ltd acquired the hotel.
    • With an established network of over 41 hotels, covering throughout Australia and New Zealand, Rydges aims to set new performance benchmarks for the property located just a short walk from the Main Terminal of the Darwin Airport.

    Queensland

    Hayman Island

    • Hayman Island advised their re-opening date in August 2011.
    • The garden landscape has been replanted and restored to a new and beautiful botanic garden.
    • New restaurants have been concepted and the Hayman Activities Centre is undergoing an upgrade including new floodlit tennis courts and expanded outdoor recreation and sports facilities providing nature-inspired fitness.

    Down Under Tours

    • From 1 August 2011, Down Under Tours will cease operating its Cape Tribulation by appointment (CTBA-PCTBA) FIT product. Due to the extremely high costs associated in operating this small group product, the inability to operate it during the wet season, and the low patronage.
    • They will cease operating its Tablelands Waterfalls & Spanish Castles (ATS) FIT product from 1 August 2011 as well.
    • Alternatives:
    1. Cape Tribulation & Daintree (CTR): With a maximum of 23 passengers and the unique style of vehicle, this alternative operates daily.
    2. Daintree Walkabout (DWA): The new product, Daintree Walkabout, gives a great indigenous rainforest interpretation special lunch at Silky Oaks and a Daintree River Cruise. This product    operates Monday, Wednesday & Friday.
    • From 1 August 2011, the Daintree Walkabout tour will no longer be operating on Saturday. Days of operation will be Monday, Wednesday & Friday.

    Grand Mercure Rockford Esplanade

    • The Grand Mercure Rockford Esplanade is changing their reception times as of the 1 July 2011.
    • The new Reception Hours will be Monday to Friday 7.00am to 9.00pm, and Saturday and Sunday 7.00am to 7.00pm instead of 24 hours as it has been.
    • After Hours Arrival: If guests are arriving outside the reception hours, they ask to advise the receptionist in advance to assure arrangements for keys.
    • For After Hours enquiries they will provide a ‘night phone’ on the reception desk that transfers guests to an assisting service or in urgent cases a staff member will attend to their needs.

    The Sebel Resort Noosa

    • The Noosa Triathlon dates are confirmed for the 28 to 30 October 2011.
    • All surcharges of the old contract for this period remain.

    Spirit of Freedom

    • The Spirit of Freedom vessel underwent a $300,000, 5-week long annual refit and recommenced operations in the beginning of June.
    • The hull was stripped, painted and polished and mechanically, it was fitted with the latest Electronic Stabilizers, reducing the amount of ‘rock n roll’ in unusual, unsavoury weather conditions. The interior of the vessel was almost totally refurbished.

    Billy Tea Safaris

    • Billy Tea Safaris has changed the itinerary for their Chillagoe Tour by replacing the Skybury Coffee with the Mt Uncle Distillery.

    Big Cat Cruises

    • Big Cat will undertake a scheduled refit of the vessel and therefore change the Full Day Big Cat (FDBC) cruise.
    • It will operate with amended itinerary from 9am to 3.15pm or 11am to 5pm on 18 September to 22 September 2011.
    • Passengers booked on Pak 2 or Pak 4 will be offered an Aussie Buffet lunch at Green Island Resort over the above five days.
    • All other inclusions will operate as per normal.

    Orpheus Island

    • The Orpheus Island resort is currently closed for renovation and re-branding and will re-open on 29 September 2011.
    • Due to the change of ownership, the following packages have been removed from the trade:
    1. Nights Orpheus Indulgence
    2. 3 Nights Orpheus Wedding Indulgence
    3. 6 Nights Tropic Sail and Orpheus Island

    Accor

    • Accor announced to add a further Grand Mercure to the network in Australia in July 2011.
    • Grand Mercure Apartments Magnetic Island is an existing property previously known as Mantra One Bright Point with 82 rooms located on Magnetic Island. Guest facilities include four swimming pools, a gymnasium and outdoor entertainment areas.
    • Sales for this property start from 16 June 2011 with stays from 1 July 2011.

    Novotel Brisbane

    • Novotel Brisbane has completed its refurbishment. The $12 million renovation program included the refurbishment of all 296 guest rooms, new top floor premier room type, the Lobby & Bar and a complete makeover of the hotel’s restaurant.

    Hilton Cairns

    • Hilton Cairns informed that all the refurbishment works of the hotel rooms have been completed.
    • The new rooms feature fresh colours, contemporary artwork, plush carpets and custom made furniture, including the luxurious Hilton Signature Chair and new bathrooms.
    • These latest refurbishments follow extensive refurbishment works completed in 2008, which included the lobby, events floor, Executive Lounge, Six Degrees Bar and signature restaurant, Hanuman.

    New South Wales

    The Sebel Manly Beach

    • The Sebel Manly announces refurbishment of the South Tower.
    • Renovations commenced on 1 June 2011 and are expected to continue until 30 November 2011 with work running from 8am - 4pm, Monday to Friday.
    • During this period the hotel will upgrade guests to the North Tower if possible. 
    • They ensure minimal impacts for guests staying in North Tower.

    Harbour Rocks Hotel

    • The Harbour Rocks Hotel has changed their room types effective from 1 July 2011.
    • The changes are due to refurbishments and the current major redevelopment of the Museum of Contemporary Art, which is adding new levels to their existing building. The development will affect the views from their Harbour View rooms.
    • The Harbour View Rooms will change to Studio Suites. All existing bookings for Harbour View Rooms will be allocated into the Studio Suites with views of the Harbour. The Penthouse Apartment will change to Harbour View Suite and the Junior Suite to Heritage Deluxe Room.

    Sydney Attraction Group

    • Sydney Attraction Group announced a temporarily closure of Sydney Wildlife World from the 25 July to 3 September 2011 for new constructions.
    • Sydney Aquarium, Sydney Tower, Skywalk and Manly Ocean World will operate as usual.

    The Grace Hotel

    • The Grace Brasserie, located on Level 2, will have a soft refurbishment, including new fittings, carpet and a service bar. It will be closed for approximately 4 weeks from Friday, 1st July 2011 and re-open on Wednesday, 27th July 2011.
    • During this period, buffet breakfast and lunch will be served in their banquet rooms Marra, Kirralaa and Jarara on Level 2.
    • The quality of service and operational hours will remain the same and work will be carried out Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm. The hotel lobby, hallways and lift foyers will remain unaffected during this hotel improvement.

    Shangri-La Hotel Sydney

    • Shangri-La Hotel Sydney announced to be running on schedule for the refurbishment which is expected to be completed by 30 September 2011.
    • It includes upgrade of 477 guestrooms located on levels 4 to 29.
      The refurbishment includes up-to-date furnishings, purpose-built window seating, carpet, curtains and bed heads. Other enhancements to the rooms will include iHome docks, media hubs and custom designed furniture.
    • Even at the peak of this project with 8 guestroom floors out of service no disruption has been caused to in house guests.
    • The Hotel has announced that packages with the Spa CHI are now available and can be pre-booked with your accommodation

    Victoria

    APT Melbourne

    •  2 Day Sovereign Hill, Ballarat including Blood on the Southern Cross Show Sovereign Hill Lodge DBBS has been discontinued, effective immediately.
    • Sovereign Hill Transfers - this tour has been discontinued, effective immediately.

    Quay West Suites Melbourne

    • Quay West Suites Melbourne is undergoing asoft refurbishment for all suites from May to December 2011.
    • This refurbishment includes new carpets,interior painting andinnovative lighting designs. All suites nowinclude blue-ray players and digitalTVs.
    • The hours of refurbishment are Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, with 6 rooms completed each week.
    • The refurbishment of Jarrah Bar andRestaurant was completed in 2010.

    Melbourne

    • The dates for the Australian Grand Prix 2012 held in Melbourne have been confirmed for 15 to 18 March 2012.

    Crown Towers

    • Crystal Club will be closed from 14 June until 9 September 2011 for refurbishment.
    • Crystal Club guests will be able to enjoy breakfast at the newly opened Bistro Guillaume.
    • Upon completion, the hotel’s new Crystal Club will set a new benchmark for hotel guest lounges and will include an inviting reception and entrance, a truly unique garden terrace and an open air lounge.

    Go West Tours

    • Segway Victoria announced that Victoria’s first Segway Tour will commence on 2 July 2011. Segway Guided Tours will operate around the extensive grounds of the Yarra Valley at Rochelle.
    • Guests will glide among the grapevines, while learning a little about vineyard practices and what goes into making award-winning wines. Tours will conclude with a Segway skills session where guests may briefly compete with other riders around a designed obstacle course.
    • Tours are of 90 minutes duration and include all equipment, comprehensive training and a one-course lunch at Rochford’s award-winning restaurant.
    • Departing at 10.30am and 2.30pm on weekends & public holidays, tours will also be available by appointment on weekdays for group bookings.

    Western Australia

    Sail Ningaloo

    • Sail Ningaloo is now an official member of the PADI dive community.
    • With the addition of a compressor on board in early 2011 Sail Ningaloo is well-equipped to cater to divers needs.
    • They offer a 3 day ‘Coral Garden Spectacular’, a 5 day ‘Ningaloo Escape’ and a 9 day ‘Ultimate Ningaloo’ tour.

    Eight Hotels

    • 8Hotels announced it has entered into a definitive long-term management agreement to operate a 96 room Pensione Hotel in Perth, WA.
    • The property currently known as Aarons Hotel Perth will undergo a $3.5m refurbishment to all guest rooms and common areas and re-branded Pensione Hotel Perth.
    • The Pensione Hotel Perth is superbly located in the heart of Perth’s CBD.
    • It will fill a niche in the Perth market for a quality boutique hotel experience, catering to both business and leisure travellers.

    Cable Beach Club Resort & Spa Broome

    • Cable Beach Resort completed the refurbishments of family facilities.
    • In addition to the tennis courts, gym and kids’ activities centre, the resort now features a new water playground with water cannons, fountains and others and a mini golf court.

    Quay West Resort Bunker Bay

    • Quay West Bunker Bay has undergone an extensive refurbishment program that will be finished by mid 2011 including the day spa Mii Spa.

    APT Group/ Kimberley Wilderness Adventures

    Kimberley Road Closure: the Kalumburu and Port Warrender Roads between Drysdale River Station and Mitchell Falls Wilderness Lodge are now open. Self drive passengers will be able to travel on these roads to the Mitchell Falls Wilderness Lodge effective immediately. All Kimberley Wilderness Adventure touring is now operating as per itinerary.