Best Way to Enjoy travel with New York bus Tours

Nowadays people in New York want to travel by taking bus tours only. The benefits of visiting this way are many. When determining to take a trip, you are the one that would usually map the trip as to the best road to travel. Since you are driving, you neglect the elegance and points of attention in the nearby places as you complete by them because you are working on the street. The driver rarely loves the journey itself. Try to imagine what it would be like trying to find the important New York Sightseeing tours has to offer if you are driving. Think of the many times that you would take a wrong turn. A tour takes you to visit almost all landmarks that you expect to see. You obtain recommendations for other destinations of attention that you may want to check out during time that you have available.

This method of travel is amazing because it reduces selection. Your only decision is the actual destination you want to visit. When booking the trip the company is accountable to make all the preparations. They have extensive experience and they know how to make every tour successful and enjoyable. The buses are extremely comfortable. They have air conditioning and on longer trips they have washroom facilities. The windows are very large and give you the best possible views of your surroundings. You stop along the way for your meals and enjoy a stretch. In reaching the destination, the agent has previously arranged everything. Your hotel, some meals, entrance fees if there are any are all included in your price.

A guide provided by the company gives you details of attention regarding the getaway. The guides are a great resource as they are very knowledgeable and trained to keep you entertained during the trip. Your guide can address any questions or concerns that you may have. This tour is an opportunity to make friends and meet new people. Your best way to see the highlights of a city is taking a city tour, which shows you the interesting sights that the specific city offers. You receive information about popular landmarks and learn the history of many of the locations. The guide on the journey will show you all the areas of attention and perhaps even details you to some key place in this town. City trips are normally a very cost-effective price.

They also build in free time on these tours and give you information as to alternate locations you may want to visit. This is a holiday that is free from stress. New York Sprinter tours take you Two Comprehensive New York City Tours with Mercedes Mini-bus. Tour starts from Times Square (Broadway / 51st Street).

Kokoda 70 Years On – tourism aids community development

Project 737 is an Air Niugini initiative that will see a Boeing 737 carry special livery commemorating the 70th Anniversary of Kokoda.

Christmas Day, 1942. An Australian soldier,
George "Dick" Whittington, is aided by Papuan orderly
Raphael Oimbari, at the Battle of Buna-Gona.
Whittington died in February 1943 from the
effects of bush typhus, this little-known killer of
many Allied and Japanese soldiers
in the Pacific. (Picture by George Silk.)

Last night the Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority (PNG TPA) held an event in Sydney to mark the 70th Anniversary of the Kokoda Campaign. The event opened this year’s anniversary trekking season and highlighted the advancements and community developments that have occurred along the track as a result of the legacy of the Campaign and the special relationship between the Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels and the Australian Diggers.

Ruben Maleva, Chairman of the Kokoda Track Authority, reminded Australians of the
special bond forged between the countries 70th years ago and encouraged people to trek Kokoda as the tourism revenue is a key contributor to development for the communities in the region.

“Since Australian soldiers left PNG, an estimated 30,000 Australians have returned to trek Kokoda and this has made a huge impact to the local communities aiding development with increased education and health services, creating jobs for porters, guides and guesthouse operators and other small businesses. Many of the local people have built friendships and renewed bonds through tourism development,” Mr Maleva stated.

Recent research has estimated that trekkers bring close to a few million Australian dollars a year to the Kokoda area, over time this will add up to significantly more than other, shorter term industries and a much higher proportion of it finds its way directly to the communities.

Since 2008 there has been significant investment into improving the Kokoda track and creating a sustainable region and tourism product that will continue to benefit local communities. This work has been led by the Kokoda Initiative, a joint partnership between the PNG and Australian government.

The Kokoda Initiative works with a number of key partners in PNG to implement sustainable development programs in the region, including; the Department of Environment and Conservation, Kokoda Track Authority (KTA), AusAID Kokoda Development Programme and the PNG Tourism Promotion Authority.

Through the Kokoda Track Authority, trekking fees have been implemented and all tour operators must be licensed. Over 25% of the trekking fees go back into the local community and contribute to improving the development of local communities along the Track.

Revenue from trekking permits has given over AUD$270,000 to the local communities since 2009 and over 1,000 local people from the surrounding region have jobs thanks to tourism along the Kokoda Track.

This week the Kokoda Initiative has launched a documentary, “One Journey, Many stories”, produced by Papua New Guinea film makers Yumi Piksa from the University of Goroka. This film is about the many people involved in the Kokoda Initiative who are working together to achieve the same vision of sustainable development in the region. Health workers, school teachers, rangers and community leaders are interviewed and share their stories about the work being delivered in the region. The short film can be viewed at http://www.youtube.com/user/DeptEnvironment/featured

There are a number of key events to mark the anniversary this year and the Kokoda Track Authority is holding a number of events for local communities to commemorate significant dates of the campaign. These events will kick off on July 29 with an event at Sogeri where the Kokoda campaign started 70 years ago. There will also be events at Isurava village, Brigade Hill, Iorabaiwa village, Eora Creek and an event in Kokoda on November 2 to celebrate Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels Day.

Air Niugini will also be transforming one of its Boeing 737s this year into a Kokoda ‘flying billboard’ with a map of the Owen Stanley Ranges, where the Kokoda campaign was fought, emblazoned on the side of the aircraft to mark the important anniversary.

The aircraft will create unprecedented awareness for Papua New Guinea and Kokoda as it travels to Sydney, Brisbane and other ports within the Asia- Pacific region and it is expected to be launched later this year.

Along with giving Australians a chance to reflect on this important part of our shared history, the PNG TPA hope that this anniversary will lead to more Australians being inspired to do
the trek and in turn contribute to the communities along it.

www.papuanewguinea.travel || www.kokodatrackauthority.org

For further information about the Kokoda Initiative go to: http://www.environment.gov.au/heritage/international-projects/kokoda/kokoda-initiative.html

Expo 2012 Yeosu Korea Packages Released

Get yourself to Expo 2012 Yeosu in Korea from 12 May to 12 August this year with newly released travel packages and expand your mind at the Expo.   Expo 2012 Yeosu is one of the largest events in the Asian region this year and is expected to draw eight million visitors. One hundred countries will join the exhibition including an Australian pavilion.

 Expo 2012 Yeosu is an international exposition centred on the theme of 'The Living Ocean and Coast'.  It will contribute to finding a brighter future for humankind by highlighting the importance of achieving co-prosperity of the sea and humans and provide the vision for building a green economy that keeps the ocean healthy through clean technologies.

It will also be a culturally stimulating expo offering a series of inspiring programs with over four hundred programs and 8,000 cultural performances taking place over the entire ninety-three day period.  It will feature large-scale events such as the state-of-the-art night multi-media show, world class performances and concerts of popular singers from Korea and around the world.

For Australians wishing to visit Korea for Expo 2012 CTS Tours have released three fully inclusive packages including return airfares to Korea with Cathay Pacific Airways.  CTS Tours have three 'Free and Easy Tour' packages starting at $2,300 for a six day/five night tour program visiting Seoul, the capital of Korea and travel to Expo 2012 Yeosu for two days by the super-fast KTX train from Seoul.  This package includes return airfares on Cathay Pacific, 5 nights hotel twin share accommodation with daily breakfast, KAL return bus transfers Incheon Airport to Seoul, full day Seoul city sightseeing tour, tickets to Expo 2012 Yeosu for two days and the return KTX train travel between Seoul and Yeosu.

CTS Tours are also offering a seven day/six nights tour including Seoul, Yeosu and side-visit to Gwangju city from $2,680 and a seven day/six night tour including Seoul Yeosu Expo and side trip to Busan, the seaport on the south east coast of Korea from $2,680.

Full details are available on the CTS Tours website http://www.chinatravel.com.au/tours/yeosu-expo-2012

Legend Asia have land only three day/2night Expo 2012 Yeosu packages from $380 per person twin share including return KTX Express train ticket Seoul-Gwangju with free shuttle bus between Gwangju city and Yeosu plus two nights accommodation with daily breakfast (twin share) including Expo 2012 admission for two days.

Further information on Legend Asia website:  http://www.legendasia.com.au/index.php?fromwhere=hotoffers
 

Smile Travel have three day (land only) packages to Yeosu 2012 Expo starting from $299 per person twin share for motel accommodation in Yeosu city or Suncheon or from $299 per person twin share for 4* hotel in Gwangju city and utilising the free shuttle bus from Gwangju to Expo 2012 Yeosu.

Further information see the Smile Travel Website : http://www.smiletravel.com.au

To view all the attractions, performances and happenings at the Expo 2012 Yeosu much information is available on the official Expo Website:

New Jetstar Hong Kong low-cost carrier further proves Asia is the key to Queensland’s tourism future

The Qantas Group's announcement that it will launch a new Jetstar low-cost carrier out of Hong Kong with China Eastern Airlines is further proof that Asia is a major key to the future of Queensland's tourism industry, Tourism Queensland CEO Anthony Hayes said today.

Mr Hayes said the announcement by the Qantas Group was fantastic news for the state's tourism industry given Asia had the greatest tourism growth potential for Queensland, particularly China which continued to experience an increase in visitors.

"I understand that subject to regulatory approval, Jetstar Hong Kong will service short-haul routes in Asia from 2013 including Greater China, Japan, South Korea and South East Asia," Mr Hayes said.

"These markets are important to Queensland and it's great news that there will be more options for travellers to fly within Asia on Jetstar Hong Kong and catch a connecting flight to Queensland directly or via another Australian gateway."

Mr Hayes said in 2011 Queensland had welcomed over 680,000 Asian tourists.

"This is 36 percent of all international visitors to Queensland," he said.

"Asian tourists spent $1.5 billion while on their trips to the state.

"Some of our Asian markets are growing steadily, particularly China, and it's important that initiatives like these continue to take place to capture a bigger slice of the international tourism pie."

www.tq.com.au

Ministry of Tourism announces Request for Tender (RFT) – Consultant Fiji Tourism Development Plan – 2013-2017

The Government of Fiji has this week extended an invitation RFT from accredited firms for the production of a Tourism Development Plan for Fiji for the period 2013-2017.

The RFT requires that Fiji’s next five-year tourism development plan be firmly based on infrastructure development strategies and plans.

This focus is critical due Fiji’s limited resources and its need to optimize and effectively coordinate development initiatives.

Tenders should include details of:

- Company history and profile of key personnel
- A summary of prior experience with similar projects
- Reference from relevant organizations for which previous and similar work was undertaken
- A breakdown of all fees and estimate timelines
- A statement that the proposal is valid for 90 days.

Deadline for receipt of submission is before 2.30pm Wednesday, 11 April 2012 Fiji time.

For further information and details of scope of work and tender documents, please contact Mr Sujeet Chand, Ministry of Tourism on telephone +679 331 2788 or via email at schand.motfiji@gmail.com

USA Travel and Tourism guides to Times Square

USA Travel and Tourism guides: Travel to the major commercial intersections Place Times Square in New York. It in Midtown Manhattan, New York City, United States, at the junction of Broadway and Seventh Avenue and stretching from West 42nd to West 47th Streets. Times Square, codified as The Crossroads of the World and the Great White Way, is the brightly illuminated hub of the Broadway theater district, one of the world's busiest pedestrian intersections, and a major center of the world's entertainment industry. Times Square is the world's most visited tourist attraction, bringing in over 39 million visitors annually. Formerly named Long acre Square, Times Square was renamed in April 1904 after The New York Times moved its headquarters to the newly erected Times Building, which is now called One Times Square and is the site of the annual ball drop on New Year's Eve.

The northern triangle of Times Square is technically Duffy Square, dedicated in 1937 to Chaplain Francis P. Duffy of New York City's Fighting 69th Infantry Regiment; a memorial to Duffy is located there, along with a statue of George M. Cohan, and the TKTS discount theater tickets booth. The stepped red roof of the TKTS booth also provides seating for various events. The Duffy Statue and the square were listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2001. The theaters of Broadway and the huge number of animated neon and LED signs have long made them one of New York's iconic images, and a symbol of the intensely urban aspects of Manhattan. Times Square is the only neighborhood with zoning ordinances requiring building owners to display illuminated signs. The density of illuminated signs in Times Square now rivals that of Las Vegas. Officially, signs in Times Square are called spectaculars, and the largest of them are called jumbotrons.

Times Square is the site of the annual New Year's Eve ball drop. On December 31, 1907, a ball signifying New Year's Day was first dropped at Times Square, and the Square has held the main New Year's celebration in New York City ever since. On that night, hundreds of thousands of people congregate to watch the Waterford Crystal ball being lowered on a pole atop the building, marking the start of the New Year. Beginning in 1908, and for more than eighty years thereafter, Times Square sign maker Art raft Strauss was responsible for the ball-lowering. During World War II, a minute of silence, followed by a recording of church bells pealing, replaced the ball drop because of wartime blackout restrictions. Today, Countdown Entertainment and One Times Square handle the New Year's Eve event in conjunction with the Times Square Alliance. A new energy-efficient LED ball, celebrating the centennial of the ball drop, debuted for the arrival of 2008. The 2008/2009-ball, which was dropped on New Year's Eve (Wednesday, December 31, 2008) for the arrival of 2009, is larger and has become a permanent installation as a year-round attraction, being used for celebrations such as Valentine's Day and Halloween. On average, about 1 million revelers crowd Times Square for the New Year's Eve celebrations.

Dakar Rally 2013 to bring adrenaline and tourists to Peru

Racing enthusiasts are set to flock to Peru in early 2013, with the news that Lima will host the start of the famous Dakar Rally on 05 January 2013. Adventurous Aussie travellers who want to witness the start of this adrenalin-filled event are urged to organise their travel to Peru now, to ensure they catch the start of the world's most exciting off-road rally. 

2013 marks the 35th year the race has been held in South America and the second year Peru has been on the race path.  The participants will race out of Lima and through Peru's southern coast into Chile then onto Argentina.  Over a billion people from 190 countries are expected to watch as the race unravels.

PromPeru's coordinator for Asia Pacific, Rosana Guinea, urges Australians to book a trip to witness this event and experience the festival atmosphere first hand in Lima at the start of the race.

"Lima and Peru will come alive during the Dakar Rally next year and it is a fantastic time for visitors to experience the city.  We are thrilled that Peru has been chosen as the host country to start this renowned race and this signifies that the country is able and equipped to host large scale events for the world to see."

According to Peru's Minister of Foreign Trade and Tourism, José Luis Silva Martinot, Peru's participation in the 2012 Dakar Rally generated over US$520 million directly and indirectly, with the most economic impact coming from hotels and petrol stations.    

For those considering traveling to Peru, this will be the perfect timing to enjoy Peru's coastline and desert region and discover the many attractions on offer. From paragliding in Lima, nature watching off the Ballestas Islands and flying over the mysterious Nazca Lines to visiting the Pisco region of Ica and getting the heart racing while sand boarding and buggy riding over the dunes in Huacachina, Peru has many
activities on offer.

For more information on Peru, please visit www.peru.travel    

Sydney Park Hyatt: The Unveiling of an Icon

Marking 22 years of hospitality in Sydney's most sought after waterfront location, Park Hyatt Sydney has revealed a spectacular rebuilt residence, pairing an unrivalled location with an unrivalled hotel.

To dramatically transform Sydney's harbour front, Park Hyatt Sydney closed its rooms, spa, restaurant and bars for most of 2011 to undergo a complete rebuild.

Park Hyatt Sydney now features three rooftop suites built on a new fourth level. This new level boasts just shy of 360-degree views spanning Sydney's iconic Sydney Harbour, the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, and includes the city's largest suite, the Sydney Suite at 350 square meters, offering the most discerning guest Sydney's absolute finest.

Importantly Park Hyatt Sydney honours its heritage by ensuring original Sydney Sandstone and local woods were incorporated in the rebuild. The hotel has commissioned a number of Australian artists including sculptors, painters and photographers for artworks designed especially for the new hotel. The 21 years that Park Hyatt Sydney have called their Circular Quay pier home is respected and celebrated throughout the hotels' redesign.

Australian hotel design firm, BARstudio, has created a new intimate and stylish interior, featuring an art gallery of interior pieces, including artefacts, books and artworks on the bedroom shelves and walls in all 155 bedrooms, and unique items throughout the hotel. Floor-to-ceiling glass doors open onto spacious private balconies for most guestrooms, which no other accommodation in Sydney provides. Custom-designed lighting and new natural tone furnishings and fixtures enhance the indoor-outdoor lifestyle that Park Hyatt Sydney observes.

The multi-million dollar renovation includes a total reconfiguration of the low rise serpentine designed building, introducing a new and larger day spa, restaurant, bars, private dining rooms, enhanced and larger conference facilities, gymnasium and recreational spaces in addition to Sydney's largest guest rooms.

The new restaurant, The Dining Room, is led by Australian born chef, Andrew McKee, who brings with him a fundamental appreciation of the premium quality of Australian produce.

Offering guests his authentically inspired cuisine, sourced from specialty local farmers and fisherman, his meals can be enjoyed while relishing the clean air and sunshine from one of the guest room balconies or open dining areas, making a uniquely Australian experience.

Park Hyatt Sydney's general manager, Andrew Mensforth, stated, "Park Hyatt Sydney has completed the rebuild of this fine property, and we are delighted to announce we have reopened. Having undertaken a total rebuild, with only the external walls remaining, we look forward to showcasing the new hotel to our discerning local and international guests".

Feature of the Rebuild
Emerging from a dramatic transformation, the newly redesigned Park Hyatt Sydney brings a new level of contemporary luxury to the edge of Sydney Harbour. With a coveted harbourfront location between the world-famous Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge, Park Hyatt Sydney offers guests an intimate, residential-style hotel with architecture, design and art that reflects the Australian landscape. Three new rooftop suites, including the exclusive Sydney Suite with near 360 degree panoramic views of Sydney Harbour and a private outdoor terrace, cater for the most discerning traveller.

sydney.park.hyatt.com

Qantas chief talks about cancer, and being gay

Source: TravelMole

Alan Joyce

Qantas chief executive Alan Joyce has opened up on being gay, having cancer and his $5 million salary, in a revealing interview with a men's magazine.

Joyce has spoken to GQ magazine about revealing to his family that he was gay, and being treated for prostate cancer last year,The Australian newspaper reported in a preview of the magazine article.

Joyce also defended his $5 million salary, saying pilots are paid more on an hourly basis.

Joyce has shared his life with a New Zealand man since 1999. He talks about the difficulties of growing up gay in Dublin, where his mother was a cleaner and his father worked in a tobacco factory.

In the wide-ranging interview for the April issue of GQ, Joyce says he is paid less to run Qantas than he was to run budget airline Jetstar five years ago.

"What Qantas pays me as CEO is actually very conservative compared with other ASX 100 companies, and if you ranked salaries by hours worked I'm not even the highest paid person in Qantas because the pilots and senior captains get paid a lot more," Joyce says in the article.

In the interview he also admits to making crucial mistakes in his career, including setting up Jetstar without assigned seating.

Tea-Infused Retreats In The Serenity Of The Fuchun Hills

Fuchun Resort in China launches Tea Retreat packages from April including picking Longjing tea and exclusive tea spa treatments

Set in over 150 acres of tea plantations and nature, the award-winning Fuchun Resort, nestled among picturesque hills and tea terraces in Hangzhou, China, has launched a new package offering luxurious tea-infused retreats to this idyllic location in the shadow of the Fuyang Mountain.  Combining picking the famous Longjing tea that is local to the area, tea-based massage treatments and tea sets overlooking the Resort's peaceful lake, the Tea Retreat Package is available from April 1st onwards, right at the beginning of the tea-picking season.

The launch of the package coincides with the Qing Ming Festival holiday that arrives on April 2-4, marking the annual start of the tea-picking season in and around Fuchun Resort Golf Course. The season goes all the way from Spring 'till Summer each year. It is in April that the tips of the Longjing tea leaves are at their most tender.

The one and two-night stay Tea Retreat packages not only provide luxury accommodation on one of Fuchun Resort's 41 suites, but also the opportunity for residents to head out into the depths of the resort to pick their own Longjing tea leaves. Best picked just after the sun has risen over the lake at the resort, residents join Fuchun Resort's very own Tea Master in the tea plantations. After spending over an hour in the plantations collecting the tea leaves, residents will join the Tea Master in pan-frying the leaves to halt the oxidization process so that the leaves maintain their natural flavor as much as possible. The Tea Master then creates a fully packaged Fuchun Resort branded bag of tea leaves for the residents to take home.

Longjing is considered the crème de la crème of green teas for its leaves' very tight and flat shape, with a light green color. The leaves are very delicate and somewhat uniform in their appearance, therefore maintaining the high quality and consistency that Fuchun Resort's tea has become associated with. The health benefits from drinking Longjing tea are wide ranging, and due to the minimum preparation of the leaves prior to drinking, the leaves' contain beneficial antioxidants that help cleanse the body. In fact, it is said that one cup of white tea contains approximately 12 times as many antioxidants as a glass of fresh orange juice.

With the health benefits in mind, the Tea Retreat package also offers residents the chance to enjoy a 60-minute Himalayan yoga session with Indian Yoga Master Yogacharya Gireesananda, who boasts 25 years of experience around the world.

As an option instead of yoga, residents can choose the Dragon Well Foot Treatment at the award-winning Fuchun Spa.  Using the Longjing tea picked from within the vast resort, Fuchun Spa's 60-minute signature Dragon Well Foot Treatment has become one of the Spa's signature treatments. The Longjing tea helps to detoxify the skin in the feet and creates an invigorating feeling through the five stages of the treatment. First the feet are soaked in tea-infused warm water, before the fresh Longjing tea leaves are combined with mint and lime for a cleansing scrub that clears bacteria, removes dead skin and opens the pores of the feet to fully absorb the essence of the tea leaves. This is followed by a Sea and Epsom Salt rub that helps relax the feet before a massage and essential oils with peppermint and lemon are worked into the feet to offer a cooling and refreshing finish.

TEA RETREAT PACKAGE

All stays are for single or double occupancy in a Suite at Fuchun Resort

1 Night Stay – RMB 4,500++ / 2 Night Stay – RMB 3,450++ per night

·         A welcoming Tea set at Lake Lounge for two
·         In-room fresh fruit basket and snacks
·         Daily Lake Lounge set menu breakfast for two
·         Hour-long Longjing tea-picking experience
·         Longjing Tea Gift pack
·         Signature Dragon Well Foot treatment for two, or

60 minute Himalayan Yoga Session for two

Third night at a supplement of RMB 2,790++ per room per night

Stand-alone pricing for Tea-picking activity: RMB 350 per person


ABOUT FUCHUN RESORT

Consistently recognized as one of China and Asia's leading resorts and spas, Fuchun Resort is nestled among the lush, tea-covered hills in Fuyang, Hangzhou, two and a half hours from Shanghai. Hidden along the banks of the Fuchun River, the resort is situated in over 150 acres of private land, and is home to a luxury resort hotel, 17 private villas, a Spa and an exclusive golf club. A member of both Leading Hotels of the World and Leading Spas, Fuchun Resort has won numerous prestigious awards including the 2011 World Travel Awards for Asia's Leading Luxury Golf Resort, Asia's Leading Villa and China's Leading Resort.

For more information visit www.fuchunresort.com

For reservations: +86 (571) 6346 1111 / reservation@fuchunresort.com

 

(Clockwise from top left): Longjing Tea Plantations surrounding the Fuchun Resort Golf Course; looking across the tea plantations to the main hotel, Fuchun Resort's Tea Master picking tea leaves, Fuchun Resort's Tea packaging, The main hotel building at Fuchun Resort at Dusk

 

Roomorama London and Europe travel 2012

 

  

Roomorama is a leading online short-term rental platform, catering to a new breed of savvy travellers and business professionals who appreciate a better alternative to hotels and serviced apartments.

From its database of more than 30,000 properties in over 500 destinations, Roomorama provides access to any kind of property you want, whether it is a cosy studio in Paris, a trendy loft in New York or a luxury villa in Bali.

Since its humble beginnings in New York City, Roomorama has grown quickly, expanding from representing properties in major US cities, to properties across Europe and now worldwide. Offering a diverse selection of properties ranging from individually-owned homes to managed properties, the site offers 24/7 customer service and listings are completely free of charge and commission-free.

Roomorama isn't just about the accommodation, it does everything in its capacity to make you feel and live like a true local, enjoying a 'home away from home'.

Founders Jia En Teo and Federico Folcia started Roomorama when they discovered they could subsidise their travels by renting out their own apartment. In the process they found like-minded friendly people with the same desire to experience a destination by living locally. 

 

 

Virgin carriers unite loyalty programs

Points earning and burning across DJ, VA, VS and VX

Virgin America, Virgin Atlantic Airways and Virgin Australia have just announced the further integration of their frequent flyer programs, which will now allow members to redeem miles or points when taking flights on any of their sister-branded airlines across their respective route networks.

The move builds on the previous arrangement launched in 2010 which enabled points earning across the Virgin family but didn't offer inter-carrier redemptions.

Virgin Australia ceo John Borghetti said "A good frequent flyer program remains one of the key drivers for customers globally when choosing an airline. One of the most important features for our frequent flyers is the ability to earn and redeem points and enjoy status privileges wherever they fly, and we are pleased to offer our guests the opportunity with leading airlines such as Virgin America and Virgin Atlantic".

The move is effective immediately, with a statement touting the new ability for members of Virgin America's Elevate program and Virgin Atlantic's Flying Club to redeem flights on Virgin Australia from Sydney to Los Angeles.

More information in today's Travel Daily.

For sale: 100m Fast Catamaran. As new

source: The Australian

DEFENCE Minister Stephen Smith's push to buy a giant high-speed navy catamaran capable of carrying more than 300 troops to a disaster zone or regional conflict has been quietly shelved.

Mr Smith ordered Defence to investigate the potential purchase of a fast catamaran last year to ensure there was no repeat of the Cyclone Yasi debacle, when navy did not have any amphibious ships available to assist in the clean-up from the February 2011 disaster.

The 100m fast catamaran would have given the navy the ability to move troops and vehicles at a speed of about 35 knots to a range of up to 1500km.

It would also have been a major boost to local shipbuilders, Incat in Hobart or Austal in Mr Smith's home town of Perth, which both produce large high-speed catamarans for the US navy.

Read full story

Virgin's new baggage policy

On 16 May 2012, Virgin Australia will introduce a new domestic and international short haul checked baggage policy for guests:   Checked baggage allowances will be based on the number of pieces checked in rather than the total weight. A maximum of three pieces of baggage may be pre-purchased online or via the Guest Contact Centre at a discounted rate, including any complimentary allowances. Baggage may also be purchased at the airport at a higher rate. There will be a small flat fee for overweight baggage, rather than charging per kilogram for overweight baggage.   Your complimentary checked baggage allowance as a Velocity Silver member when travelling Virgin Australia domestic and international short haul will be: Fare Type Complimentary baggage allowance Saver 1 piece up to 23kg Flexi 1 piece up to 23kg Premium Economy 2 pieces up to 32kg each Business 2 pieces up to 32kg each All information included above is correct as at 19 March 2012. The baggage policy is subject to change, please refer to the website for further information regarding the new baggage policy.

PEPPERS TOASTS NEW MARTINBOROUGH RETREAT

Following the announcement of the iconic Cradle Mountain Lodge in Tasmania joining the Peppers network last week, the luxury boutique brand was pleased to officially unveil the Peppers sign at the newest addition to its New Zealand network - Peppers Parahua Martinborough.  Pictured are the retreat's owners and Mantra Group executives toasting good health to the new partnership.

Peppers Parahua Martinborough offers a range of 28 cottages and villa style accommodation in New Zealand's emerging Martinborough wine region, less than 1½ hours drive from Wellington.  It is the fifth property in the Peppers network, joining Peppers on the Point Rotorua in the North Island and Peppers Clearwater Resort Christchurch, Peppers Lake Tekapo Resort and Peppers Beacon Queenstown in the South Island.

There are 26 Peppers Retreats, Resorts and Hotels across Australia and New Zealand with further additions planned for 2012.

Left to right:  Ken Harris (Regional Manager NZ), Chris Stone (Owner), Mark Hodge (Regional Manager NZ), Brent Olliver (Owner), Simon Tocker (Peppers Parahua GM), Jack Stone (Owner), John O'Sullivan (Owner), Ken Minnikin (Director of Marketing)

Australian Hosted Accommodation

 - A Better Way to Stay

Hosted Accommodation Australia, the national peak organisation representing owner operated, quality hosted accommodation today announces the launch of new corporate and consumer websites.

Corporate: www.hostedaccommodationaustralia.com.au
Consumer: www.australianbedandbreakfast.com.au

The organisation's key role is to encourage and support small to medium accommodation businesses to provide an exceptional accommodation experience.

The new corporate website is packed with useful information for newcomers who are developing a business, online marketing initiatives for experienced operators, advice on selling or purchasing a business, links to the latest tourism research data and the ability for comment on current issues. Membership of Hosted Accommodation Australia enables secure access to numerous other resources including an active members' blog, exclusive discounts and management fact sheets.

The new consumer website is unique in Australia as it is the only national website specific to this industry to exclusively list quality assured accommodation. Only business owners whose accommodation and service meet the quality standards required by Hosted Accommodation Australia are admitted to membership.

Listings on the consumer website include bed and breakfasts, farmstays, guesthouses, self catering cottages, houses and apartments. As distinct from holiday houses and serviced apartments, member properties are required to provide exceptional service and hosting commensurate with the type of accommodation the clients have selected.

Website visitors can view in depth information for each member property including multiple images, guest reviews and a map, as well as relevant regional and state/territory information.

Both websites utilise the latest technology and an increasing number of members offer a 'Book and Pay Online' facility.

Hosted Accommodation Australia's Chairman, Ciaran Cryan is confident that the new websites showcase this important sector of the tourism industry. "They will provide both domestic and international consumers with choices in superb accommodation and give our members the effective support they need to manage and promote their businesses.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT

Hosted Accommodation Australia Ltd
PO Box 422, ELTHAM VIC 3095 Australia
P:1300 664 707 or +61 3 9431 5417 F: +61 3 9439 4933
admin@hostedaccommodationaustralia.com.au



Mantra and Central Coast Tourism launch joint tourism campaign

Mantra Ettalong Beach has joined forces with Central Coast Tourism in a $40,000 cooperative marketing campaign aimed to drive more visitors to the region.

Central Coast Tourism CEO Oliver Philpot said the campaign will showcase the region as an ideal location to 'live life to the fullest on New South Wales' Central Coast'.  

"It also highlights the accessibility of the Central Coast, just one hour north of Sydney and south of Newcastle, providing visitors with more time to enjoy their holiday and less time on the road travelling to the destination," said Mr Philpot.

The campaign will target visitors from Sydney and Newcastle, highlighting short breaks at Mantra Ettalong Beach until October 2012.

To kick off the campaign, Mantra Ettalong Beach is offering the chance to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and escape to the coast on a two night deal from $146* per night in a One Bedroom Apartment with hinterland views. Call 13 15 17 or visit www.mantra.com.au or www.getoutofsydney.com.au.

Mantra Group Marketing Director Ken Minnikin said the aim of the joint marketing campaign is to build the tourism business for the region by implementing an integrated marketing campaign utilising print, radio and digital marketing activities.

"This will benefit everyone who lives and works in the Central Coast region," said Mr Minnikin.

"This dual commitment also highlights a unified approach to the future of tourism in the region and shows the mutual support between Mantra and Central Coast Tourism."

Located on the shores of Ettalong Beach, Mantra Ettalong Beach offers access to the surrounding unspoilt beaches and secluded bays, and the Brisbane Waterway and National Parks are just a short drive away. 

The resort boasts a selection of accommodation options including studio rooms, self-contained one and two bedroom apartments and three bedroom penthouses. All rooms feature glass doors opening onto balconies, designed to take advantage of the panoramic coastal and hinterland views.

The campaign is supported by Destination NSW through its Regional Tourism Partnership Program.

Mantra Ettalong Beach

53-54 The Esplanade
Ettalong Beach NSW 2257
Australia
Phone: 02 4344 8888
Reservations: 13 15 17

*Subject to availability. Valid until 7 October, 2012. Two night minimum stay applies.

Web: www.mantragroup.com.au

Melbourne's Hotel Windsor Calls for Memories and Memorabilia to Build Archive

Melbourne's Hotel Windsor is asking people to share their memories and memorabilia of the famous hotel, from valet parking receipts to special menus, to help it build an archive that will preserve and celebrate the building's history and the changes in fashions and social trends it has witnessed.

For decades, the Hotel Windsor has been Melbourne's choice for special family celebrations, weddings, romantic trysts, and social and business functions. Now, on the eve of its 130th anniversary in 2013, the hotel is keen to ensure these moments live on for future generations.

"The Hotel Windsor has been an integral part of the fabric of Melbourne for almost 130 years," Victoria Batters, Hotel Windsor marketing manager, said. "The history of the building, its design and development over the decades, has been thoroughly documented but there is a lot of social and cultural history that is missing. This is what we want to gather and collate, for our own records and to share with Melbourne."

The hotel is particularly interested in receiving photographs, videos and records of weddings at the hotel, as a barometer of changing social trends. But any records and recollections of an event will be welcome, as the hotel prepares to celebrate its 130th anniversary ahead of many of the world's leading grand hotels including the Savoy in London and the Ritz Paris.

"We're looking for items such as menus people may have taken as a souvenir, invitations to a special event or dinner, valet parking tickets, and, of course, photographs that perhaps show the fashions of a particular time or aspects of the hotel," Ms Batters said. "We'd also be grateful for any written recollections of a special event such as a wedding or anniversary and memories of Melbourne and the hotel at the time." 

The hotel is asking for memorabilia to be donated if possible, but otherwise is happy to take copies of materials submitted and return the originals.

"Materials will be used as part of displays for the public and to up-date our historical files and records," Ms Batters said. "It will also be useful for media, who often ask for historic images and anecdotes about the hotel and for online archives. We realize material will be very precious to owners and every item will be treated with the utmost care.

"The hotel hosts around 70 weddings every year so we're estimating there have been about 3,500 wedding receptions here in just the last 50 years, and at least as many events, ranging from fashion shows to book launches and business conferences. It would be wonderful to compile a visual and written record of all of this."   

The names of people who submit information will go in to a lucky draw to win an accommodation package at the hotel. And any particularly special highlights will win their owner an afternoon tea for two, at the discretion of the hotel.

Material can be submitted by regular post to: The Marketing Manager, The Hotel Windsor, 111 Spring Street, Melbourne, 3000 or by email to victoriabatters@thehotelwindsor.com.au

The 180-room Hotel Windsor was built in 1883, pre-dating some of the world's leading grand hotels including the Savoy in London, which was built in 1889, the Waldorf Astoria in New York which dates back to 1893, and the Ritz Paris which opened in 1898. 

Medina Grand Adelaide Treasury still the city's 'mint' property

BY RODERICK EIME IN ADELAIDE

Adelaide, as anyone knows, is a quirky town. Established in 1836 by British free settlers, the city was beautifully designed and laid out by Colonel William Light with a foresight that South Australians enjoy to this day.

The quirkiness extends into numerous facets of Adelaide life and one of the most obvious is their extremes of architectural design. Early photos of the city show ornate Victorian and Edwardian buildings styled in rich, locally-hewn sandstone. Over the years many of these noble buildings have vanished, to be replaced by enormous glass, metal and marble monoliths of dubious aesthetic value. It is quite common to see surviving examples flanked by these “modern” monstrosities.

The centre of the city is Victoria Square, bordered by this awkward dichotomy of old and new, is presided over by some of the city’s best known classic buildings; the GPO, the courthouse, the former Moore’s department store and the old treasury building. In 2002 Toga Hospitality chose the Medina Serviced apartment brand to complete their total renovation of this very early, almost derelict Adelaide civic landmark, creating one of the most innovative and stylish serviced apartment projects anywhere. In 2004 it scooped the category at the HM Awards and garnered a UNESCO citation in 2003.

Finally I have the chance to experience this magnificent property, respectfully and tastefully restored right down to the original Premier’s Cabinet Room, courtyard garden and secret underground tunnels. Guided by long-serving reservations manager, Kasha Adams, newly installed GM, Ben Lancken and I tour the former corridors of power.

“We’ve had one or two guests ask to change rooms because of a spooky ‘presence’”, claims Kasha, “and there have also been tales of moving furniture, flying tools and noisy cocktail parties in vacant rooms.”

Many of the artefacts like coins, cans and cutlery uncovered during restoration work are displayed in cabinets.

As for future plans, I asked Toga Director of Brands and Communication, Lisa Phillips, about what Toga have in store for the Medina Grand Adelaide Treasury and the key to developing the unique customer experience.

“Over the past 12 months at Medina Grand Adelaide Treasury, we have continued to work hard on delighting each and every guest,” she says. “Our guests lie at the heart of everything we do and we have some wonderful initiatives in place to help us deliver a great experience, every time.

“A critical component to enhancing the guest experience is the ongoing training of our Team Members. A reflection of the strength of these systems can be seen at Medina Grand Adelaide Treasury though the high percentage of guests indicating they would recommend the hotel to friends and family and through positive reviews on key listening platforms such Trip Advisor.

“The guest experience has also been enhanced through the continuous upgrade of facilities throughout the hotel including the installation of brand new televisions throughout in 2010. We look forward to maintaining and improving on the strong performance of this hotel into 2011 and beyond.

“Medina Grand Adelaide Treasury is a beautiful hotel, a jewel in the Toga crown. One of our priorities when it comes to this hotel is to maintaining the integrity of the building, both inside and out, rather than making dramatic alterations due to its historical importance.

“In order to do so, we will continue to roll out an ongoing upkeep schedule whilst working with our interior design team to constantly find new ways to showcase the hidden treasures and unique features of this hotel,” she says.

Developments of this scale and integrity are rare in Australia, especially in a CBD, with other examples like the Henry Jones Art Hotel in Hobart and Rothbury On Ann in Brisbane some of the few worthy contemporaries in this category.

With business and meeting facilities, restaurant and bar plus unusual function space, Medina Grand Adelaide Treasury is a beacon of taste and style in a sometimes confused city.

The Making of Mataking

BY RODERICK EIME IN SABAH

Starting a world-standard eco-resort from scratch is no easy feat, but Mataking Island (Pulau Mataking) in the Celebes Sea to the East of Sabah is an example of how to go about it.

Ten years ago the palm oil tycoon, David Sie, identified a lonely, forlorn island as a potential site for a reef and dive resort. Only problem was the island was awash with garbage, the reefs were “bombed to hell” by illegal fishermen and the turtles had vanished because their nests were continually raided.

Mataking Island is located in an area of the world called the ‘Coral Triangle’ where fish and coral diversity outstrips both the Great Barrier Reef and the Caribbean put together.

“When the resort opened in 2004, it was just the beginning of the job,” General Manager Luke Cox told HM. “In ten years we are seeing a very healthy return of fish and turtle numbers, but the coral recovery is much slower.”

Luke goes on to tell me that 24 armed guards regularly patrol the waters off the island as part of their “enforcement” of fishing and dumping laws, but also stresses that “education” is their strongest weapon.

“Our 25 landscaping staff still collect over 50kg of plastic and rubbish off our beaches every day, but we are slowly educating the villages on neighbouring islands to stop throwing everything into the sea,” Cox said.

Every year the resort holds what it calls “reef day” and brings hundreds of local Bajau kids from the islands to the reef, gives them a T-shirt and a diving mask.

“The kids are amazed at what they see under the water,” Cox said. “They have only ever seen dead fish float to the surface, never the beautiful corals and sea life in its natural state. We hope this will help them understand the value of the reef and why we are trying so hard to preserve it.”

The resort also works with the WWF on a turtle breeding program. Freshly laid nests are relocated to a secure area at the resort to be allowed to hatch in safety. Hatchlings are then released by guests at 6.30pm and allowed to make their trademark frantic race to the surf unmolested by predators. The project is both an attraction and a tangible conservation effort.

Currently the resort has just 37 rooms with a plan to expand to a sustainable maximum of 50. Most guests arrive from the EU for peak season, although Australian and Asian markets are booming, particularly China (up 270%). Diving is offered to PADI 5-star standard at over 30 sites around the reef including a 52-foot steel cruiser sunk as an artificial reef.

Turtles, rays, reef fish and bright corals abound in this delicate ecosystem in a benchmark ecologically sustainable resort project that is part of a wider, growing consciousness in Malaysian Borneo.

MTA’s Jo Oldfield scores Club Med ‘Trip of a lifetime’

Do I cruise the Caribbean or do I cruise the Mediterranean – that is the question facing MTA - Mobile Travel Agents' Jo Oldfield who has been named the winner of a $50,000 'Trip of a lifetime' cruise aboard Club Med 2.

Jo scored the all-inclusive cruise for two as part of a recent national sales incentive offering the opportunity to win $50,000 of Club Med Travel.

Her prize includes all accommodation, all meals, all drinks, sporting activities and entertainment while on board the magnificent 637-foot, five-masted sailing ship.

Jo (second from left) is pictured receiving her receiving her prize from Club Med National Sales Manager, Marc Letourneau (third from left).

Also pictured (on left) MTA Business Development Manager – New South Wales, Jackie Pennock and (far right) Club Med Business Development Manager – New South Wales, Adam Ferraro.

W:       www.mtatravel.com.au
                                                     

Licensed since 1991, MTA is a 100 per cent Australian owned family business with clients nationally and headquartered on Queensland's Gold Coast.

MTA Travel Experts are hand picked travel professionals who generally have extensive industry experience of between 15 and 25 years experience working in major agency chains prior to joining the organisation.

IATA accredited and a member of the Travel Compensation Fund, MTA is also proud to be a member of Virtuoso, the exclusive 'by invitation only' global organisation comprising the top one per cent of travel agencies worldwide. MTA is also a Travelscene American Express corporate member and an accredited Virgin Galactic Space Agency.

 

 

Thai authorities promise hotel safety crackdown

Source: TravelMole

Government tourism authorities in Thailand are cracking down on hotel safety after the deaths in a fire last week of two Russians, a woman in her 30s and a 47-year-old male.

The fire at the Grand Park Avenue Hotel, located on Sukhumvit Road Soi 22, also resulted in injuries to 20 domestic and international tourists, most of whom have now been discharged from hospital.

Thailand's sports and tourism ministry is recommending that all hotels built before 1992 install water sprinklers throughout their properties, although there is no legal requirement for them to do so.

TTR Daily in Bangkok said privately major inbound tour operators from Europe have been urging hotels to comply with stricter fire precaution measures for some time, well beyond what is stipulated in building codes and laws.

Some make it a prerequisite for gaining contract business. Tour operators insist on higher standards for their clients due to liability under European law to ensure hotels used by their holiday customers meet certain safety conditions.

Thai authorities are promising a new crackdown, targeting hotels that have deliberately ignored fire and safety regulations.

Travel guides to USA Jefferson Memorial

USA Travel & Tourism Guides: In USA there are lot of tourist places to visit, from this one of the famous and great place is Thomas Jefferson Memorial. It is a presidential memorial in Washington, D.C. that is dedicated to Thomas Jefferson, an American Founding Father and the third President of the United States. The neoclassical building was designed by John Russell Pope. It was built by Philadelphia contractor John McShain. Construction began in 1939, the building was completed in 1943, and the bronze statue of Jefferson was added in 1947. The Jefferson Memorial is managed by the National Park Service under its National Mall and Memorial Parks division. In 2007, it was ranked fourth on the List of America's Favorite Architecture by the American Institute of Architects. 

Jefferson Memorial Construction began on December 15, 1938 and the cornerstone was laid on November 15, 1939, by President Franklin Roosevelt. By this point Pope had died (1937) and his surviving partners, Daniel P. Higgins and Otto R.Eggers, took over construction of the memorial. The design was modified at the request of the Commission of Fine Arts to a more conservative design. Composed of circular marble steps, a portico, a circular colonnade of Ionic order columns, and a shallow dome, the building is open to the elements. Pope made references to the Roman Pantheon and Jefferson's own design for the Rotunda at the University of Virginia. It is situated in West Potomac Park, on the shore of the Tidal Basin of the Potomac River. 

The Jefferson Memorial and the White House located directly north, forms one of the main anchor points in the area of the National Mall in D.C. The Washington Monument, just east of the axis on the national Mall, was intended to be located at the intersection of the White House and the site for the Jefferson Memorial to the south, but soft swampy ground which defied 19th century engineering required it be sited to the east. The interior of the memorial has a 19-foot (5.8 m) tall, 10,000 lb (4336 kg) bronze statue of Jefferson by sculptor Rudulph Evans showing Jefferson looking out toward the White House. This statue was added four years after the dedication. The interior walls are engraved with passages from Jefferson's writings. Most prominent are the words which are inscribed in a frieze below the dome: I have sworn upon the altar of God eternal hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of man. This sentence is taken from a September 23, 1800, letter by Jefferson to Dr. Benjamin Rush wherein he defends the constitutional refusal to recognize a state religion.

What's New in Tasmania

Tasmania's list of exceptional new tourism offerings continues to grow after the state's historic win at the prestigious Qantas Australian Tourism Awards on Friday 2 March. An array of exciting new travel experiences are now available for visitors, from seaplane tours with Tasmanian Air Adventures, to thrilling mountain biking daytrips with Vertigo Mountain Biking. The Tasmanian Wild Abalone Tour combines adventure with dining, while those seeking a more sedate epicurean experience can be content sampling cheeses and wine at the new Wicked Cheese Co. tasting house and Josef Chromy winery respectively. The island's convict past is explored in a new play entitled "Her Story" at the Cascades Female Factory, and indulgent accommodation awaits at the recently revamped 2 on 2 and new Dragonfly Lodge.

TASMANIAN AIR ADVENTURES

Tasmanian Air Adventures (TAA) has just released three exciting new sea plane adventures that showcase Tasmania's natural beauty. Departing from Hobart's picturesque waterfront, guests can choose from one of three scenic flights - a Hobart, Mt Wellington and Port Arthur experience (Wild Capes Air Adventure); a journey over the striking tannin-stained waters of the Gordon River and Tasmania's iconic World Heritage Wilderness; or an aerial expedition over the aqua blue seas and white sands of the Freycinet Peninsula and Wineglass Bay. The planes land at each of the locations, allowing guests to disembark and walk along secluded beaches, through ancient forests and past waterfalls. Tasmanian Air Adventures also offers transfers to MONA, Saffire, Freycinet, Port Arthur and Cradle Mountain. Prices range from $99 to $399 depending on the experience.
A: Elizabeth Street Pier, 1 Elizabeth Street Hobart. O: Open 7 days a week 8am - 6pm T: 1300 359 822
W: http://tasmanianairadventures.com.au/



DRAGONFLY LODGE

Only an hour and a half from Hobart and Launceston, the luxurious and secluded Dragonfly Lodge sits in Rocky Hills on the East Coast of Tasmania facing the stunning Great Oyster Bay and Freycinet Peninsula. The stunning property features Chinese and Mongolian décor in the spacious living area, three lavish bedrooms with king beds, breakfast and pantry provisions, a double sided open fireplace, a telescope to spot local wildlife with and a fully stocked library of books, CDs and DVDs. Excellent wineries and restaurants and leisurely walks are within close proximity and the striking views offer a relaxed backdrop for those wishing to unwind. Dragonfly Lodge can accommodate up to six people and costs $780 per night (minimum of two nights per booking).

A: 11903 Tasman Highway, Rocky Hills, Swansea T: 0412 203 743 W: http://dragonflylodge.com.au/


THE WICKED CHEESE CO.

Boutique cheese makers, The Wicked Cheese Co have set up a new tasting house in the historic town of Richmond, just 25 minutes from Hobart. Visitors can watch cheese being made through windows to the production area, enjoy a light snack or lunch at the licensed café, taste and purchase Wicked Cheese's delectable offerings at factory prices, and peruse a range of other Tasmanian cheese and gourmet products, including locally grown and produced olive oil, Tasmanian Whisky (used in Wicked Cheese's Marinated Whisky Cheddar), and locally produced fruit pastes. Wicked Cheese was founded by cheese making connoisseur, Ashley McCoy, who uses the purest hormone and chemical free milks from grass-fed cows in his traditional French recipes.

A: 1238 Richmond Road, Richmond. O: Open 7 days a week, 10am - 4.30pm W: www.wickedcheese.com.au


JOSEF CHROMY WINERY


Famed winemakers Josef Chromy have built a striking new state of the art winery on their stunning 61 hectare (150 acre) vineyard and estate, where their acclaimed wines are produced from premium cool climate fruit. Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Riesling, Gewurtz Traminer, Pinot Noir, a sparkling wine and Botrytis Riesling are just some of the wine varieties created by Josef Chromy, which can be tasted at the Josef Chromy Cellar Door and Café located in the estate's original 1880s homestead. The cooler months are a good time to visit, with an open log fire and views of the surrounding vineyards and landscaped gardens making the homestead a welcome place to linger over lunch. The menu offers light lunches, gourmet platters, and the Chef's seasonal specialties paired with estate grown wines. Josef Chromy is 15 minutes drive south from Launceston.
A: 370 Relbia Road, Relbia O: Open 7 days, 10am - 5pm T: 03 6335 8700 W: www.josefchromy.com.au


2ON2

Located a gentle five minutes stroll away from Hobart, 2on2 are two fully-self contained 1880 Victorian townhouses with contemporary interiors and all the modern luxuries expected by today's traveller. The 3-bedroom 'Big One' features a chic palette of black, red and white, with a generous open-plan lounge, kitchen with stainless steel appliances, deck with spa and water views. The 1-bedroom 'Little One' has a palette of aubergine, burnt orange and stained wood with views of the garden maze, a smart, sun-filled living area, a modern kitchen and a private deck. Mid-week prices start from $275 a night and include a complimentary breakfast hamper on arrival.

A: 2 Scott Street, Glebe, Hobart T: 03 6234 1590 W: www.2on2.com.au


VERTIGO MOUNTAIN BIKING

Vertigo Mountain Biking (Vertigo MTB) is known for its thrilling rides through some of Tasmania's most rugged terrain. The company recently released a new 'Hobart Weekender' featuring cycling on Mount Wellington for those short on time. The 'Hobart Weekender' takes in the very best of Hobart, including the brand new 10km North-South Track along the escarpment of Mt Wellington; eating, browsing, shopping and people watching at the renowned Salamanca Markets; a visit to MONA, and an evening spent discovering the vibrant historic Constitution Dock area of Hobart. The package includes a choice of award-winning accommodation at the Henry Jones Art Hotel or the Old Woolstore Apartment Hotel - the winner of the Deluxe Accommodation Category at the recent Qantas Australian Tourism Awards. The two day one night Hobart Weekender costs $795 per person. Dual suspension mountain bikes are provided. Tour Dates: March 24 & 25, April 7 & 8, April 21 & 22. T: 0488 463 448 W: http://vertigomtb.com.au


TASMANIAN WILD ABALONE TOURS

Based in the wild, rugged beauty of Tasmania's North West Coast, Tasmanian Wild Abalone Tours combines adventure with luxurious rewards - the chance to fill up on some of the world's best abalone sourced from some of the purest sea waters in the world. The fully guided tours take visitors on an exhilarating journey, diving for fresh abalone in the area's pristine waters and then preparing the catch for a delicious and rewarding meal. All tour guides are highly skilled with a combined experience of over 30 years of diving, snorkeling and participating in extreme cold water adventure activities. The three-day, two-night Tasmanian Wild Abalone Tour starts from $1,200 and includes all the equipment required for abalone diving, an abalone diving license, 4WD transport to dive sites, food, refreshments, twin share accommodation, and transfers from Launceston, Devonport or Burnie Airports. W: http://wildabalonetours.com/


"HER STORY"

"Her Story" is a brand new experience for visitors to the UNESCO World Heritage listed Cascades Female Factory in South Hobart -Australia's most significant site associated with female convicts. Sitting in the shadow of Mount Wellington, The Cascades Female Factory once held up to 1,000 women, children and babies at a time. "Her Story" is a powerful theatrical portrayal of the difficult life these women experienced, and centres on Yard One, following the arrival of the transportation ship Frances Charlotte in 1833. This fascinating play vividly brings to life the conditions these women experienced and is staged at 11am daily.

A: 16 Degraves Street, South Hobart T: 03 6233 6656 W: http://cascadefemalefactory.wordpress.com/
Cost: $20 adults, $12.50 children, $60 families

Travel to Tasmania

Travellers can fly to Tasmania on Jetstar, Virgin Blue, Qantas, or Rex Airlines, or take the Spirit of Tasmania ferry from Port Melbourne (VIC) to Devonport (TAS).