Australia Wide

Qantas - customers can book flights with confidence

• Qantas has issued a statement confirming an end to the industrial action that has affected the airline over the past few months.
• Qantas customers can book flights with absolute confidence and certainty, that there will be no industrial action by the pilots’ union, licensed engineers’ union and Transport Workers’ Union for up to the next four years.
• The Transport Workers’ Union has confirmed that it will not launch an appeal or stay against the decision by Fair Work Australia to terminate all industrial action.
• Qantas Group Executive Government and Corporate Affairs Olivia Wirth said the new workplace agreements would now be determined by the independent umpire for all three unions.

Qantas - new A380 flights from Sydney to Hong Kong

• Announcement of new A380 flights from Sydney to Hong Kong starting next year
• Additional A380 flights to Los Angeles and to London via Singapore will boost capacity and the quality of travel between Australia and key tourism markets

Jetstar introduces iPads to flights

• Jetstar has commenced the roll-out of iPads on selected flights, making them the first airline in the world to offer this in-flight entertainment technology.
• The iPads will allow customers to view the latest release movies, TV shows and music direct from Hollywood, and a line-up of the latest generation games, e-magazines and e-books. 
• Jetstar plan to further introduce iPads across the Australian domestic, trans-Tasman and short haul international services from Australia and New Zealand in the coming weeks.

New South Wales

Special Events

• The following Special Events have been confirmed
• Sydney V8 Supercars: 30 November - 02 December 2012
• Surcharges and/or special conditions will apply.

Park Hyatt Sydney

• Park Hyatt Sydney’s much anticipated opening will take place on February 01, 2012! Full inventory is open and available for sale from this date.

Koomurri Aboriginal Center

• Koomurri Aboriginal Center will be opening on Thursday 1^st December.
• Located at Echo Point, Katoomba, adjacent to the World Heritage listed Blue Mountains National Park, this is the ideal location for local and worldwide visitors to experience authentic song and dance performances, dreamtime stories and quality authentic artworks and crafts.
• Hours of Operation: 7 days a week 9.30 am to 5.00 pm

Australian Eco Adventures expands their fleet

• 4 new 14-seater Mercedes added to their fleet
• Features: luxury leather upholstery, extra leg room, huge picture windows, fridge for complimentary water, whisper quiet ride and extra wide doors for easy entry etc.
• Great for clients who want their logo provided on the vehicles because no sign writing on the vehicles so far.

Ocean Spirit Cruises acquired by Australian Cruise Group

• The newly formed Australian Cruise Group, owners of Sydney Showboats and Magistic Cruises announced the acquisition of the iconic Great Barrier Reef cruise company - Ocean Spirit Cruises
• Ocean Spirit Cruises operate two large Australian built spacious sailing catamarans. The vessels are purpose built to appeal to the well-travelled international and domestic visitors. The company also operates a semisubmersible viewing vessel and glass bottom boat at the pristine Michaelmas Cay.
• This acquisition complements the existing Sydney based cruise operation both in terms of the counter cyclical seasonal nature of the two locations and the existing strong partnerships within the inbound distribution channels.

Northern Territory

Special Events

• The following Special Events have been confirmed
• Darwin V8 Supercars 15 - 17 June 2012
• Surcharges and/or special conditions will apply.

Ayers Rock Resort appoints Accor as part of new vision

• Ayers Rock Resort appoints the world’s largest hotel operator Accor as part of new vision for Australia’s premier Outback Resort & Tourist Attraction.
• Under the agreement, Accor will provide a full range of services to complement the day to day operation of the Resort, which is managed by Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia. Accor will particularly concentrate on opening up new markets for the Resort, boosting domestic leisure and conference demand, and working with the Resort to boost career opportunities for Indigenous Australians.
• Ayers Rock Resort is the largest integrated resort complex in Australia, consisting of five hotels - Sails in the Desert, Desert Gardens Hotel, Outback Pioneer & Lodge, Emu Walk Apartments, and Lost Camel Hotel. The hotels will retain their names, but will be aligned to corresponding brands in Accor’s portfolio. Longitude 131°, Outback Pioneer Lodge & Ayers Rock Resort Campground are not included in the partnership.
• The addition of Ayers Rock Resort will boost Accor’s Australian network to over 160 hotels, and will add to Accor’s Northern Territory presence, which currently comprises hotels in Darwin, Katherine and Alice Springs.
• In addition, Ayers Rock Resort will leverage Accor’s expertise in Indigenous employment. Accor pioneered Indigenous employment in the Australian hotel industry when it launched its nationwide Indigenous Employment Program in 2001. In the past decade, the company has provided employment opportunities for over 600 Indigenous Australians, providing crucial job training programs.

Australian Pacific Touring’s Kings Canyon Wilderness Lodge wins Brolga

APT’s Kings Canyon Wilderness Lodge - where the wind blowing through Desert Oak leaves produces a sound known locally as “singing” - was in fine voice on to win the “Unique Accommodation” category at the 25th annual Brolga Tourism Awards in Alice Springs.

Queensland

Special Events

• The following Special Events have been confirmed
• Brisbane State of Origin: 04 July 2012
• Townsville V8 Supercars 06 - 08 July 2012
• Riverfire: 01 September 2012
• Brisbane Bledisloe Cup: 20 October 2012
• Noosa Triathlon: 02 - 04 November 2012
• Surcharges and/or special conditions will apply.

Gold Coast to host 2018 Commonwealth Games

• The Gold Coast is set to host the 2018 Commonwealth Games, after winning the vote over Sri Lankan city Hambantota.
• The Games will be the biggest event in Australia over the next decade and are expected to generate up to $2 billion in economic benefits and create 30,000 full time-equivalent jobs.
• Already famous for hosting some of the nation’s largest and most successful major events, the Gold Coast’s international profile will hit new levels as it builds promotional momentum towards 2018.

Dreamworld joins forces with Dreamworks Animation

• The Gold Coast’s Dreamworld has revealed a new alliance with global entertainment brand, DreamWorks Animation.
• The development means that Dreamworld’s new DreamWorks Animation-themed park will feature much loved characters including Shrek, Puss in Boots, Po from Kung Fu Panda and Alex the Lion from Madagascar.
• The alliance will be revealed over three phases commencing with the DreamWorks Holiday Shrektacular Show this summer season.
• The stage spectacular will feature eight of DreamWorks Animation’s beloved characters performing a host of popular holiday-themed songs.

Whitsundays Sailing Adventures introducing new product - Wings Express

• Designed for guests on a tight budget or time frame who still want to experience an overnight sailing tour of the Whitsunday Islands. Taking guests to Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet and some fantastic snorkel and dive sites like Luncheon Bay and Blue Pearl Bay on a fast fully air-conditioned sail and dive catamaran.
• Launching Saturday 3rd December 2011
• 2 Day/ 1 Night Whitsunday Sail & Dive Tour
• Departs every Saturday at 9am, Returning Sunday at 4pm

Living Reef on Daydream Island Award Winner at Whitsunday Tourism Awards

• The Living Reef on Daydream Island was awarded the Winner of the Best Tourist Attraction Category at the Whitsunday Tourism Awards on 15th October 2011.
• This is the second year running they have won this award and it is testament to the unique product and amazing attraction that it is.

Daydream Island Resort & Spa also receives Eco-Friendly STAR Accreditation

• Daydream Island has recently achieved an Eco-Friendly STAR Accreditation through AAA Tourism.
• The Eco-Friendly STAR Accreditation recognises the lengths Daydream Island Resort and Spa goes to in order to reduce its impact on the environment.
• The Resort’s close proximity to The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park means their staff are always mindful of their impact on the environment. They also encourage guests to be environmentally conscious while staying at the Resort. They send all of our cooking oils off island to be reused as a bio-fuel in lieu of diesel, conserve water wherever possible by utilising water reducing taps and encourage guests to make a conscious decision with the laundering of their linen and towels.
• Daydream Island has also moved over to use of more energy efficient lighting and encourages all staff and guests to recycle wherever possible. The Eco-Friendly STAR logo provides guests with the reassurance that they are staying at an environmentally friendly property.

Tasmania

Woodbridge on the Derwent re-opened

• After being closed for over two years because of a family tragedy, Woodbridge, Tasmania’s only Small Luxury Hotel, re-opened from the 1st of September.
• Woodbridge is again welcoming guests to enjoy the unique blend of warmth, comfort and history.

The Maria Island Walk wins Awards

• The Maria Island Walk just recently won the 2011 Export Award for Service as well as the 2011 Tasmanian Tourism Award for Best Adventure Tourism
• They are very proud to win the Award for the seventh year in a row

Victoria

Special Events

• The following Special Events have been confirmed
• AFL Grand Final 2012: 28/29 September 2012
• Spring Racing Carnival 2012: 2 - 8 November 2012
• Australian Masters Golf 2012: 12 - 18 November 2012
• Australian Open Tennis 2013: 14 - 27 January 2013
• Avalon Air Show 2013: 26 - 28 February and 1 - 3 March 2013
• Surcharges and/or special conditions will apply.

Melbourne to turn on the lights for tourists this Christmas

• Melbourne has announced plans for its biggest festive season ever with an exciting program of events, attractions and decorations set to take place this year.
• The centrepiece of Christmas activity will be at City Square, renamed Christmas Square for the month of December, where features will include carol singers, a nativity scene and interactive story book.
• For the first time ever visitors will be able to navigate their way around Melbourne’s festive trail using a downloadable Christmas decorations map, available from now at www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/christmas

Philip Island Nature Park launches iPhone app

• Philip Island Nature Park has recently launched a new iPhone app which can be downloaded for FREE from iTunes
• This is a terrific value add for your guests who are coming down to Philip Island
• The app provides detailed information on the wildlife and nature found on Phillip Island
• It has the ability to download audio guided tours in 8 different languages
• The app also includes a wildlife trivia quiz (which can also serve as a training tool for your staff)

Western Australia

Perth International Arts Festival unveils 2012 line-up

• The Perth International Arts Festival has launched its 2012 program with an exciting new calendar of events. Theatre, circus, dance, opera, contemporary music, visual arts, the Perth Writers Festival, Lotterywest Festival Films and Great Southern Festival form the festival line-up, with something for all ages and interests.
• There will also be a new outdoor summer concert venue, Festival Gardens, where the best of the world’s emerging and established musical talent will perform over 22 nights.

The Festival starts on 10 February 2012 with the opening event Dawn:Dusk, an early morning musical celebration at Cottesloe Beach.

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