Newsletter November 2010

Office News

APTC Fiji has changed its email domain. Please find below their updated email addresses:

We congratulate our staff member Joachim Klein to the safe arrival of his lovely baby boy Maximilian on 22 October 2010 and send all the best wishes to their small family.

Product of the Month

 

We have recently launched an enhanced version of our agent website, including an online tariff and an updated version of our online booking system, iCom. Through this dynamic website, you will now be able to create your own customised tariff, and therefore we will no longer be emailing you a tariff, from our Australian office.  

After you have signed in successfully on our homepage http://www.aptc.com.au/, you select the Online Tariff on the left hand side and it will give you the options to choose a selection of products by a number of different search criteria’s, and/or finetune particular room types, touring options etc. You also have the ability to search by destination, languages, star rating and key words.  Once you have made your selections, you can save your own tailor-made tariff for future reference, by printing it or export it to MS Excel for further customisation.

The online tariff is a great tool to access a wide range of products in our Database, including detailed product information, itineraries, bedding configuration, cancellation conditions etc. as well as being able to instantly view up to date prices (including specials) and attractive value adds.

Through our online booking system you will be able to check availability, do an instant quote and get immediate confirmations for many services.

Even though our agent website is rather self explanatory we are of course always happy to help with questions and are also available for training via phone or email. We also aim to have a manual prepared soon, which we will make available via the agent website in the near future.  

Please contact us on online@aptc.com.au to receive your confidential username and password.

What’s New

Australia wide

Qantas

  • Qantas announced a new Apple technology offering in Qantas Clubs across Australia inclusive latest generation Macs across all Australian Qantas.
  • They have also announced that Next Generation Check-in.
  • This reduces domestic check-in times for customers allowing them to move through the check-in area with speed and ease.

All Pacific Travel Concept

  • APTS’s “Australia’s Magica” program will no longer be available as there is no supplier offering Spanish “Seat in Coach” Language tours”, since  ”Outback Private Tours” is no longer operating.
  • NOTA: Con efecto inmediato el proveedor “Outback Private Tours” ya no está operando. Esto significa que nuestro programa “Australia Mágica” no estará disponible ya que no hay proveedores que ofrecen tours o guías en español en esta zona.

New South Wales

The Sebel Newcastle Beach

  • The Sebel Newcastle Beach is scheduled to open its doors on 1 November 2010 as part of Mirvac Hotels & Resorts.
  • It is located only 2 hours drive north of Sydney and boasts 88 well-appointed guestrooms, many with ocean and harbour vistas, well equipped gymnasium, spa, steam room and three superb meeting rooms.

Tower Lodge

  • Tower Lodge located in Hunter Valley has taken out top honours winning the “Global Luxury Lodge” award at the 2010 World Luxury Hotel Awards and was the only Relais & Châteaux property to receive an award during this year’s competition.

State Transit

  • State Transit Authority has advised that as from Sunday 28 November 2010 it will no longer operate Sydney and Bondi Explorer bus services.
  • They are currently finalising the sale of these services to CitySightseeing, which will operate tourist services using their own fleet of branded buses.
  • In addition, the SydneyPass ticket will be withdrawn from market and will not be available for sale in its present form, although the SydneyPass brand will remain under State Transit control.
  • All Explorer and SydneyPass tickets sold prior to 28 November 2010 will remain valid for use after that date but the Explorer component of these tickets will however be provided by CitySightseeing from 28 November 2010.

All seasons Norfolk Island Colonial

  • Please be advised that ALL SEASONS NORFOLK ISLAND COLONIAL on Norfolk Island leaves the Accor network on 01 December 2010.

Q Station

  • Sydney’s unique heritage retreat property, Q Station, is to be managed by Mirvac Hotels & Resorts, from November 2010.
  • Q Station now offers 73 guestrooms and six cottages along with a harbourside restaurant, conference facilities and a popular program of tours and activities, catering to more than 100,000 visitors a year.

Queensland

Fantasea Cruises

  • Due to the shutdown of the Hamilton Island Airport pontoon for maintenance, Fantasea has arevised timetable effective 31th ofOctober 2010.
  • For all Airport transfers, Hamilton Island will be using their on-island bus service to transport guests between Hamilton Island Airport and Marina.
  • Please contact our office for detailed information.

Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park

  • From 1st November 2010 Tjapukai by Day has two new presentations as part of its itinerary.
  • The History Film will no longer be part of the standard itinerary and will not be shown in the theatre but will now be added as a display in the Magic Space.
  • This theatre is making room for the installation of a brand new state of the art audio visual feast.
  • The other new development to the Tjapukai by Day itinerary will take place down in their Cultural Village. Visitors will have the opportunity to sit up with the cultural presenters.
  • For anyone that currently books Tjapukai by Day combined with other activities the full tour will still take 3 hours to complete and will not upset any existing full day schedules.
  • The other activities that your guests expect like the Creation Theatre and the Dance Theatre will still be part of the full itinerary and the restaurant and cafe are also open for meals and snacks.

Nomads Airlie Beach

  • The newest Nomads hostel, Nomads Airlie Beach, is renovated and opened on 8 October.
  • Nomads Airlie Beach is situated in the heart of Airlie Beach, opposite the swimming lagoon and beach. 
  • Set amongst 7 acres of tropical gardens abundant with native flower and fauna, Nomads offers luxury Melanesian style accommodation. 
  • They have 35 dorm rooms and 8 private rooms, all with ensuite & air-conditioning, plus lockers & individual reading lights in dorm rooms. 

Quay West Resort & Spa Noosa

  • They have a new courtesy Shuttle which departs the reception area of the resort and takes a direct route to the rear of The Sebel Resort Noosa, Hasting Street.
  • The courtesy shuttle departs 4 times a day commencing at 9.15am and is scheduled to depart every 3 hours. 
  • The Gecko’s Kids Club and Games room at Quay West Resort  is the only children’s facility located in a hotel/resort for the Noosa Heads area, with an unsupervised games room with coin operated arcade games, board games and more.
  • Children need to be between the ages of 5-12 years. 

Cruise Whitsundays

  • Cruise Whitsundays new ‘Resort Connection Timetable‘ is effective from now on until Tuesday 30th November.
  • Maintenance continues to be carried out on the Hamilton Island Airport jetty and is scheduled to be completed in the coming weeks.
  • During this time complimentary coach transfers from Hamilton Island Marina to the Airport have been and will continue to be provided until the maintenance is complete. 

Peppers Broadbeach

  • Mantra Group has announced details of the Gold Coast’s first new five-star property in more than a decade.
  • Broadbeach comprises two sculptured accommodation towers sharing 506 residences and will offer guests a fusion of city sophistication and coastal relaxation located 25 minutes north of the Gold Coast Airport.
  • The luxury Gold Coast accommodation at Peppers Broadbeach will include one, two and three bedroom suites, elegantly appointed with European appliances, imported stone and exceptional interior design creating a sophisticated backdrop. Each room will feature a pillow menu, gourmet minibar with local and organic products and a pre-order gourmet pantry delivery service.
  • Both towers of Peppers Broadbeach will welcome their first guests on 15 November, 2010.

Victoria

Heli Experiences Melbourne Australia

  • Great Ocean “Sights” departs daily from Melbourne and flys along the stunning Great Ocean Road coastline, taking in all the sights including the Otways wilderness to the Twelve Apostles.
  • Then they will land directly next to the 12 Apostles boardwalk and serve a picnic lunch with followed return flight (5 hr Tour).
  • With their ‘Coliban Park Heli Experience & Kangaroos’ they offer an opportunity to join the Barber family on their 10,000 acre working sheep station for an exclusive experience.
  • This includes sheep shearing, morning tea, lunch and Kangaroo round up. 

Australian Pacific Touring

  • Australian Pacific Touring has announced that their M2 tour ‘City Sights and Dandenong Ranges’ will no longer be operating, and this is effective from now on.
  • Of course this is also going to affect the M12 tour as the itinerary for this tour is a combination of the M1 & M2 city tours.
  • The M2 tour has been replaced with a new half day city tour, the M7 - Afternoon City Sights, Bays and Beaches and this tour is the same price as the M2 tour.
  • Please contact our office for further information.

Western Australia

International Beach Polo Festival

  • The Kimberley region of north west Australia is set to host Australia’s first international beach polo festival following ‘in principal’ approval of the concept by Broome Shire Council.
  • The weeklong festival, to be held in Broome from 8 to 15 May 2011, is expected to attract polo players and tourists from around the world. 
  • The cornerstone of the festival is Paspaley Beach Polo, Australia’s first and only beach polo event, which was launched at Broome’s iconic Cable Beach in May this year as a one-day, one match event. 

Northern Territory

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Ayers Rock Resort and Voyages

  • GPT Group has exchanged contracts for the sale of Ayers Rock Resort and Voyages to the Indigenous Land Corporation.
  • The sale includes all of the Group’s assets at Ayers Rock Resort (including Longitude 131º) and Yulara, the Airport Lease, the Sydney Office Lease and the Voyages Brand and Platform.
  • As with all prior sales, until the time of completion, they will continue to operate Ayers Rock Resort and Longitude 131º on a business as usual basis and will manage reservations, enquiries, billing and marketing to ensure a seamless transition across to the new ownership group.

Tiwi Tours

  • Tiwi Tours has announced that their touring season has been extended and Tiwi Tours 1 Day Aboriginal Cultural Experience is now available up until Mid December 2010 (last departure Friday 10 December 2010) and they will welcome guests again from 01 February 2011.
  • Tiwi Tours availability for the remainder of this season and beyond is now as follows:
  • Departs Monday - Friday (excluding Public Holidays)
  • February - Mid December

Jetstar

  • Jetstar has announced an increase in international and domestic flight operations from Darwin, including new multiple weekly direct services between Darwin and Manila, to launch early 2011.
  • JQ will boost its Darwin-Adelaide service from 4 weekly to daily (effective 10 Dec), Darwin-Bali from daily to 11 per week (effective 16 Dec), while the Darwin-Sydney and Darwin-Melbourne routes will increase from 10 per week to 11, from 27 Mar 2011.

Qantas

  • The new services reflect Qantas’ commitment to extend its CityFlyer offering on flights into the NT and will help meet strong demand in the market.
  • The new schedule will comprise 3 return Melbourne - Darwin services operating on Tue/Sat/Sun, while a fourth service would operate on Mon during the Territory’s peak season from July-Oct.
  • The route will be operated by a two-class, 168-seat Boeing 737-800 aircraft.

Darwin Harbour Cruises

  • Due to operational reasons and the onset of the refreshing Green Season rain Darwin Harbour Cruises is now operating the famous Sunset Dinner Cruises on the new vessel “Charles Darwin”.
  • The “Alfred Nobel” will recommence cruising on the 01 April 2011
  • “Charles Darwin” offers all weather cruising with two air-conditioned deck levels and a third Sun Deck for premium Sunset viewing.

Intrepid Connections

  • Intrepid Connections has developed and released two exciting new Red Centre adventures.
  • The first, Iconic Central Australia, ventures into the heart of the Red Centre over 4 days.
  • It visits the iconic sites of Uluru, Kata Tjuta and Kings Canyon and gets away from it all at Wallace Rockhole Indigenous Community and Glen Helen Gorge.
  • This trip enjoys the creature comforts of lodge and motel-style accommodation, with an overnight at Kings Canyon Wilderness Lodge in eco-luxe tented cabins.
  • The other Intrepid Connections offering, The Ghan Adventure, combines the Central Explorer trip with a night on the legendary Ghan Railway and a Kakadu and Litchfield trip.
  • This 9-day overland adventure visits Ayers Rock, teaches clients about the world’s oldest culture, views ancient art and includes bush tucker and a dip in crystal-clear rock pools.

South Australia

Southern Ocean Lodge

  • Southern Ocean Lodge introduces a range of Bespoke Experiences designed to offer a new perspective to Kangaroo Island, allowing guests to get off the beaten track and tailor an itinerary to personal interests.
  • The Lodge experiences team is abuzz with new action equipment and fun, informative interpretive tours.
  • Charges apply for all Bespoke Experiences, which are operated on either a private or intimate share basis and are a perfect compliment to their rate-inclusive Signature Experiences.
  • The new range of activities includes full day Exceptional Kangaroo Island itineraries and special interest tours including beach fishing and the popular Hanson Bay Sanctuary Nocturnal Tour.

Tasmania

Bruny Island Cruises

  • Bruny Island Cruises Full Day Tour Bus now departs from the Pennicott Wilderness Journeys Booking Centre on Hobart’s Waterfront.
  • They will be also checking the old departure point, at the Hobart Visitors Centre in the short term.
  • Their other cruise operation, Tasman Island Cruises, has a Full Day Tour that will continue to depart from the Hobart Visitor Centre until the new brochures are printed.

Great Walks of Tasmania

  • In time for the start of the walking season (Spring -  mid-Autumn), five of Tasmania’s tourism operators have come together to create a new tourism initiative called the Great Walks of Tasmania, helping potential travellers and adventure-seekers choose the best guided walks to be found on the island.
  • The Great Walks of Tasmania includes the Maria Island Walk, Bay of Fires Walk, Freycinet Experience Walk, Cradle Mountain Huts, South Coast Track, Tarkine Rainforest Track and the Walls of Jerusalem Experience Walk.
  • Walks are conducted in small groups with a maximum group size of twelve and a guide to guest ratio of 1:5.
  • All walks conducted under the Great Walks of Tasmania are run by professional, expertly trained guides with extensive knowledge of the wilderness and a true passion for their vocation.

Hobart Urban Adventures

  • Hobart Urban Adventures offers unique day tours that unlock the hidden secrets in and around Hobart.
  • The Grand Hobart Walk, the Hobart Morning Walk and the 2 hour Hobart Kayak Tour are big on real life experiences and allow small groups of no more than 12 people to step into the lives of the locals.

Saffire Freycinet

  • Saffire Freycinet, Australia’s new luxury coastal sanctuary on Tasmania’s East Coast, features 20 luxurious suites, exclusive day spa, restaurant, guest lounge and bar.
  • Discreetly positioned overlooking the Hazards Mountains, Freycinet Peninsula and Great Oyster Bay, the property celebrates of the art of service, internal and external wellbeing, local culinary delights, ancient landscapes and abundant wildlife.

Specials

Australia wide

Great Southern Rail 

  • Great Southern Rail has announced the launch of their Indian Pacific Summer Campaign.
  • Travel on the Indian Pacific between 1 November 2010 and 31 March 2011 and receive a free upgrade from Red Sleeper Service to Gold Service.
  • This offer is valid for new bookings made between 1 October 2010 and 24 December 2010 and is subject to availability per departure and may not be available on all departures.
  • The offer is valid for travel between Sydney to Perth or v.v., Sydney to Adelaide or v.v. and Adelaide to Perth or v.v. from 1 November 2010 to 31 March 2011.
  • In addition to this Indian Pacific Summer offer, they also present a Platinum Service Summer offer.
  • This offer is valid for travel from 1 November 2010 to 31 March 2011 and for sale from 1 October to 24 December 2010.
  • Please contact our office for further information.

Queensland

Heron Island

  • Heron Island has announced a new offer called ‘Complimentary Meals’ inclusive of breakfast, 2 course or buffet lunch and 3 course or buffet dinner.
  • No minimum night stay required. 
  • Available for sale until 31 March 2011 and for travel from 17 January 2011 until 31 March 2011.
  • Heron Island has also advised their daily ‘Bonus Meal’ offer based on two adults with a minimum stay of 4 nights.
  • This offer is valid for sale and travel from now until 17 December 2010.
  • Please contact our office for further details and rates.

Lizard Island

  • The sale and travel periods for the current Stay 5 / Pay 4 offer for Lizard Island have been extended until 31 March 2011 excluding 14 to 24 October 2010 and 9 December 2010 to 9 January 2011.
  • This offer is based on a minimum stay of 5 nights.
  • Lizard Island also offers a special package based on a minimum 3 night stay as part of 7 night ‘Best of the Best’.
  • This offer must be booked in conjunction with both Southern Ocean Lodge and Wolgan Valley and guests receive a spa and activity voucher.
  • It is valid for sale and travel from now until 31 March 2011.
  • Please contact our office for further information.

Quay West Resort & Spa Noosa

  • Quay West Resort & Spa Noosa offers reduced rates until March 2011.
  • The one night rate includes full breakfast each morning at Restaurant Aroona.
  • Sell and travel dates are immediate to 31 March 2011.
  • Please contact our office for further information.

Lizard Island

  • Lizard Island advised that the black out dates of 9 December 2010 - 09 January 2011 for the current Stay Pay offer for Lizard Island have been shortened. 
  • The revised black out dates are 20 December 2010 - 06 January 2011 inclusive.

Western Australia

Cable Beach Club Resort & Spa

  • Cable Beach Club Resort & Spa offers their ‘Sizzling Summer’ special for the Garden View Studio Offer including full buffet breakfast daily in the Sunset Bar & Grill and return Broome Airport transfers, which is valid for sale and travel until 31 March 2011.
  • Their second offer  ‘Full Luxury for half price offer’ allows clients to experience Premium room types with 50% off of the 1-3 night gross rate for Pool Terrace & Ocean View Studios, Villas and Suites.
  • This offer includes return Broome Airport transfers and is valid for new bookings made from now until 31 March 2011 and for stays from 1 November 2010 - 31 March 2011 (excluding 20/12/10 - 09/01/11)
  • No minimum stay required.
  • In addition they still have their long stay bonus offer called ‘Summer Stay 5 / Pay 4 Deal’.
  • These offers are not combinable.
  • Please contact our office for further information.

South Australia

Hotel Grand Chancellor Adelaide on Currie

  • Hotel Grand Chancellor Adelaide on Currie offers a ‘Dec/Jan Special’ including special prices for the Deluxe Room.
  • This offer is valid from 8 December 2010 to 31 January 2011.
  • Please contact our office for further details.

Northern Territory

Voyages Ayers Rock Resort

  • Voyages Ayers Rock Resort has announced its ‘Rocksummer’ offer including a discounted 2 night stay.
  • This offer includes accommodation only for 2 nights and is valid for sale until 30 November 2010 and for travel until 31 March 2011.

Kings Canyon Resort

  • Kings Canyon Resort has amended that the recently released special ‘Hot Offer’, valid for sale and travel from now until 31 March 2011 for their Resort has no minimum night stay restrictions.
  • They also present a new offer for Kings Canyon Resort with special prices for a stay in a Hotel Standard or a Hotel Deluxe Spa room, based on a minimum 2 night stay. 

This offer is available for sale and travel until 31 March 2011. 

Changes & Refurbishment

Northern TerritoryChifley Alice Springs Resort

  • Chifley Alice Springs Resort has been busy with some upgrade projects including a contemporary linen refurbishment and installation of flat-screen televisions, modern desk lamps, in-room safes and complimentary Austar channels.
  • The new Summer Menu has been launched in Barra on Todd Restaurant and a new cardio room / gym is scheduled for completion in March 2011.

Queensland

Couran Cove Island Resort

  • Couran Cove Island Resort’s signature restaurant named The Restaurant will be reserved for functions and special events only.
  • Light meals and snacks will be offered in the Boardwalk Bar & Café and the General Store will also be well stocked for in-home dining.

Lizard Island

  • There are soft refurbishment works commencing to the Lizard Island Rooms and Central Facility on Monday, 08 November 2010 and are expected to be completed by Monday, 20 December 2010. 
  • During this period there will be minimal noise and disruption to guests and the majority of the work will be restricted to time periods outside of breakfast, lunch and dinner service.

Western Australia

Cable Beach Resort & Spa

  • In February 2011 Cable Beach Club Resort & Spa will continue its on-going renovation program to upgrade their family facilities.  
  • These renovations will centre primarily on the Family Pool/Thai pearl Restaurant environ and will entail:
  • Emptying & resurfacing the Family Pool,
  • Landscaping the surrounding Family Pool paving and sun lounge areas and
  • Upgrading the children’s play ground and climbing equipment with the new inclusion of a children’s water park.
  • As a result of these works the decision has been taken to discourage families from visiting the resort in February and as a general rule no bungalows will be available in February.
  • Additionally, as the Club Restaurant is customarily closed for part of February the resort will be re-creating its dining in the Pandanus Room adjacent to the Sunset Bar & Grill.

New South Wales

The Menzies Sydney

  • The Menzies Sydney is currently in the process of replacing bedding, lighting, locks, shower screens, carpet and upgrading the corridors in the south wing of the hotel.
  • The completion date has now been amended and the soft refurbishments are expected to be completed in 2011.
  • The exact date is to be advised.