Office News

OFFICE NEWS

• Mandy Nichols from APTC New Zealand will attend Fitur at 10 January in Madrid
• All three Managing Directors (Stéphanie Karst-McGrath, APTC Australia; Stephan Wendler APTC New Zealand & Monika Oldenburg    , APTC Fiji) will attend the ITB Germany next year in March 2010
• We congratulate Natalie Huynh     on the birth of her son Andy Chau, born on the 25 of October.

Product of the Month

Bruny Island Cruises

Bruny Island Cruises, part of the Pennicott Wilderness Journeys Company, is a multi-award winning three hour eco-adventure along Bruny Island’s rugged coast, Southern Tasmania.  Cruise alongside some of Australia’s highest sea cliffs; drift up close to listen to the awesome ‘breathing rock; enter deep sea caves; pass through the narrow gap between the coast and the Monument, a tall slender stack - and feel the power of nature at the point where the Tasman Sea meets the might of the Southern Ocean. Join in the search for abundant sea and coastal wildlife such as seals, dolphins, whales and birds of prey.

The custom built eco-cruisers are ideal for viewing the spectacular coastline and abundant sea and coastal wildlife of Bruny Island.  Covered open-aired tiered seating means an excellent all-round view and connection with the environment.  Nicknamed the ‘4WD’s of the sea’ because of their unequalled sea-keeping abilities these boats are safe, comfortable and gentle on the environment due to their fuel efficiency, low emission and quiet operation.

Customers can choose between driving themselves to Adventure Bay, Bruny Island or taking a full day tour from Hobart including guided return bus tour, three hour cruise, morning tea and lunch.

Bruny Island Cruises was published in the prestigious Travel & Leisure Magazines 2008 Year book as one of the Greatest 100 Trips of the World. Also winners of numerous awards including Telstra’s National Business and Social Responsibility Awards for 2008 and Tasmanian Best Tourist Attraction in 2006 & 2008.

The business has a sound Commitment to sustainability shown through its Ecotourism and Green Globe Lite Accreditation as well as its donation to the Tasmanian Coast Conservation fund into which a portion of every ticket sold is donated.  To date $65,000 has been donated to provide support to the Tasmanian Parks & Wildlife service in their work of managing the national parks, marine reserves and marine wildlife along the spectacular coastlines of Tasmania.

What’s New

Queensland

 Kingfisher Bay Resort

• From 1 November 2009, Kingfisher Bay Resort Group will be relocating its Marine Operations and Mainland Reception from Urangan Boat Harbour to premises at nearby River Heads, Hervey Bay.
• To ease the transition both operationally and for the guests with forward bookings, they will be running marine transfer services from both Urangan Boat Harbour and River Heads - with a view to switching operations completely to the River Heads terminal as of February 1.
• APTC has contacted and informed all clients affected regarding the changes

Mercure Port Douglas Treetops Resort and Spa

• Treetops is renowned as one of Port Douglas’ favourite resorts and has just completed a total refurbishment.
• The Resort is ideally positioned a short walk from the pristine Four Mile Beach at the heart of Tropical North Queensland’s reef and rainforest region.

Mercure Clear Mountain Lodge

• Accor will add a new Mercure hotel to the Australian network in December 2009, the Mercure Clear Mountain Lodge
• The hotel will undergo a complete refurbishment prior to opening on 1 December 2009
• Facilities include a restaurant and bar and seven function rooms, catering for up to 250 people. There is also a Day Spa and Winery.

South Australia

Arkaba Station

• The Arkaba Station in the Flinders Ranges has re-opened on 1^st of November after a general makeover.
• Three swag camps have been constructed across the station and Arkaba Walking Safaris will be running guided bush walks in the ranges
• The new swimming pool overlooks Arkaba Creek and fire pit in one corner of the garden provides a setting for pre or post dinner drinks.

Northern Territory

Uluru Sunrise Viewing platform

• On October 8^th the new Uluru sunrise viewing platform was finally completed and officially launched with shade structures, visitor walkways and elevated paths.
• The platform offers improved views from a site that was previously inaccessible.
• The new platform will cater for 3,000 visitors and is supported by improved infrastructure, including a new 11km scenic road around the Rock plus a new car park and coach area.

Kakadu knowledge for tour guides

• The Kakadu Knowledge for Tour Guides program provides guides with materials, knowledge and confidence to showcase Kakadu’s cultural and natural values
• From April 1 2008, this training became a compulsory requirement for guides leading tours into Kakadu. Guides can complete the course anywhere and at their own pace.
• For more information go to www.cdu.edu.au or contact Kakadu National Park on +61 8 8938 1176, or at kakadu.permits@environment.gov.au

Chifley to launch in Alice Springs

• Constellation Hotels will launch Chifley Alice Springs Resort on Nov 11 2009
• Formerly managed by Voyages Hotels and Resorts, the new Chifley Alice Springs Resort is situated on the banks of the famous Todd River and is a 5 minute walk from the town centre

Kea Campers

• KEA Campers has increased its fleet of top-of-the-range 4WD campers in the Northern Territory,
• The Campers are available for rental from its depots in Darwin and Alice Springs
• Please contact APTC for further details

Hawk Dreaming Wilderness Camp

• From now on APT will be the only operator with special access to the incredible Hawk Dreaming Wilderness Camp, a private and exclusive camp site in the heart of Kakadu National Park.
• Located at Cannon Hill near Ubirr on the Aboriginal land of Hawk Dreaming, the camp offers just eight tented cabins with comfortable twin beds
• Please contact APTC for further details

New South Wales

Australian Eco Adventures-Blue Mountain tours

• The Katoomba Golf Club replaces the Imperial Hotel at Mount Victoria for the lunch break on the Blue Mountains tours.
• The clubhouse and restaurant of the Katoomba Golf Club are brand new due to recent redevelopment of the club.

All Seasons Tamworth

• The All Seasons Tamworth Towers was newly added by Accor to their the Australian network
• The All Seasons Tamworth is the largest hotel in Tamworth, with 108 rooms and is situated right in the heart of Tamworth. The hotel features a restaurant, bar and swimming pool and there are conference facilities for up to 150 delegates.

All Seasons Crows Nest

• Accor will add a new Mercure hotel to the Australian network in December 2009, called the All seasons Crows Nest Sydney
• The property is a 91 room hotel located on Sydney’s North Shore with views across Sydney Harbour
• Facilities include a restaurant and bar and a swimming pool. There are also three meeting rooms catering for up to 100 people

Ibis Sydney Airport

• The shuttle service to and from the Ibis Sydney Airport to the International & Domestic terminal has changed and is now operated by Sydney Super Shuttle
• A small fee is payable to the hotel, $6 per person each way.

Sydney Sea Cruises

• Sydney Sea Cruises has just released a new evening departure from October through to April (Excludes period 21 December - 10 January 2010)
• Departing Campbell’s Cove, Circular Quay, 6:00 -9:00pm Tues, Wed & Thursday evenings only, inclusive of a 3 course BBQ dinner & drinks

Victoria

Melbourne Observation Deck at Rialto

• The Melbourne Observation Deck at Rialto Tower will be closing for business on the 31st of December 2009
• Until that date it will remain open and everything is business as usual

Melbourne Airport

• A new policy at Melbourne airport means that no vehicles are to be left unattended whilst at Melbourne Airport
• This means that drivers will not be able to meet their passengers inside their terminal anymore
• All passengers will be required to meet the coach outside at the parking area

Specials

South Australia

Arkaba Station - Opening Celebration Specials

• Arkaba Station has re-opened on 1st November and has a special offer for the opening.
• Stay 4 Nights Pay 3 Nights, or
• Stay 3 Nights and receive a free 30 minute scenic flight over Wilpena Pound
• 3 nights at Arkaba Station in a Guest room with all meals, beverages and guided activities
• Choice of 1 additional night at no extra cost or a 30 minute scenic flight over Arkaba, Wilpena Pound and the Elder Range
• Valid for travel from 1 November 2009 to 31 January 2010 (excluding 22 Dec 2009 to 3 Jan 2010)
• Minimum 2 Adults

Hotel Grand Chancellor Adelaide on Hindley

• The Hotel Grand Chancellor Adelaide on Hindley has introduced special rates between 1 December 2009 and 31 January 2010
• Rates are only valid for new bookings from date of issue
• Block out dates apply
• Please refer to iCom for updated prices

Queensland

Cairns Colonial Club Resort

• Kids 12 and under stay and at free at Cairns Colonial Club Resort!
• Offer open to all guests travelling with kids
• The offer is valid between 01/10/09 and 31/03/11
• Conditions: maximum of 2 children and existing beddings are used

Cairns Plaza Hotel

• The hotel offers special Group rates from 1 January 2010 to 31. March 2010
• Rates are subject to availability and apply to bookings for 10 or more rooms
• For further information please contact APTC

Paradise on the Beach

• The stay 5 pay 4 special is now offered for sale all year around and not only in off-season.
• The stay 7 pay 5 special is now also offered for sale all year around and not only in off-season.
• This offer starts in November 2009

Hayman Great Barrier Reef

• Hayman’s Stay Another Day campaign was extended and is now also available for travel from 7 January to 31 March 2010
• Special rates for the “Hayman’s Festive Escape” are also available for travel from 22 December to 6 January 2010 (for bookings of more than 3 nights)
• For further information please contact APTC

New South Wales

Novotel Rockford Darling Harbour

• The Novotel Rockford Darling Harbour has lowered the rates for the rest of the 2009/2010 season
• For further details please refer to iCom

Northern Territory

Connections Safaris

• Connections offer a “book 2 people and one travels for free” special on selected tours in November in Northern Territory.
• Valid for sale in November and travel at selected dates between November and January.
• Valid for new bookings only
• For further information please contact APTC office in Sydney

Western Australia

Cable Beach Club Resort & Spa        

• The Existing Summer Special Stay 5 Pay 4 Offer - Now includes $100 dining voucher
• Valid new bookings only from 2nd October 2009
• Valid for travel 16th October 2009 - 31st March 2010
• Valid across all room types

Please contact APTC office for further information

Changes & Refurbishment

  

New South Wales

 The Byron at Byron Resort and Spa

• The Byron at Byron Resort and Spa will be closed temporarily in 2010 due to maintenance work
• The dates for this work are 1 June 2010 - 4 July 2010, and the resort will be closed during this time.

The Menzies

• The Menzies Sydney will commence a maintenance project to change chilled water pipes in the south wing of the hotel.
• This project will be carried out between 2nd November 2009 and 3rd May 2010. During this period three floors will be closed off at any given time.
• At the completion of this maintenance project the heating and cooling systems in all south wing rooms will be greatly improved.

Queensland

Skyrail Rainforest experience Kuranda

• Skyrail Rainforest Cableway has confirmed programmed preventative maintenance works to occur in mid 2010. These works will require the cableway to be closed at following dates
• May: Monday 17th, Tuesday 18th and Monday 31st
• June: Tuesday 1st, Saturday 19th and Saturday 26th
• August: Monday 30th

Whitsunday Holiday Apartments, Hamilton Island

• The Whitsunday Holiday Apartment swimming pool will be undergoing routine maintenance between the dates of 15 - 25 November 2009
• Works will take place between 9.00am and 4.30pm daily and noise will be kept to a minimum
• The Whitsunday Holiday Apartment pool will consequently be closed from 15 - 25 November 2009 and all Whitsunday Holiday Apartment guests will be given access to the Reef View Hotel Pool

Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns

• A refurbishment program is underway at Rydges Esplanade Resort, Cairns.
• This program is being undertaken to rejuvenate the exterior paintwork of the hotel.
• The timeline for the work program has been extended and the expected date of completion will now be 30 December 2009
• The hotel will be fully operational and it is anticipated the refurbishment program will cause minimal disruption and noise disturbance to guests during their stay

Victoria

Novotel Melbourne on Collins

• Novotel Melbourne on Collins is building an additional 56 rooms and a new room fit out for existing rooms
• Impact on guests should be non-existent as the new rooms are part of an extension and not part of existing structure.
• Room fitout will not be visible and noisy works are expected to be minimal
• Expected date of completion: July 2010

Northern Territory

Aurora Alice Springs

• The Aurora Alice Springs Hotel will be completing its refurbishment program from December 2009 till April 2010 which only involves one floor level of one accommodation block.
• The hotel is expected to operate normally during the refurbishment program

Canberra

Olims Hotel Canberra

• The heritage-listed rooms at Olims Hotel have been fully refurbished. While still offering all the charm of yesteryear, the rooms boast great modern features to suit leisure and business guests alike
• These updated Heritage Rooms now include: Queen Size beds with feather down quilts, fully-renovated ensuite bathrooms, mini bars, and large plasma screen TVs with FOXTEL channels and pay per view movies.
• All rooms also feature reverse-cycle air-conditioning with Internet access available.