Thursday, March 18, 2010

Lufthansa adds six new destinations to Summer Schedule

In the coming summer flight schedule, Lufthansa offers six new destinations in Europe and the Asia Pacific to its customers. As a consequence, Lufthansa will become:
  1. The leading European Airline in Asia/Pacific
  2. The airline with most destinations and connections in Europe (actually we (together wit AUA in VIE) hold 1st, 2nd and 3rd place by European hubs)
  3. The leading international airline in the globe according to number of international destinations
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Lufthansa Private Jet five years on

Lufthansa’s exclusive Private Jet air travel option is now even more appealing with a five percent discount being offered to all customers.
This special offering marks the five year anniversary of this exclusive mode of air travel which was launched by Lufthansa in March 2005.
In addition to the five percent discount, customers are also being offered five times more rewards points. The special lasts for five weeks.
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United Airlines boosts capacity to the U.S

United Airlines will introduce an additional nonstop service from Sydney to Los Angeles in December 2010 and January next year.
From December 1 until January 9, the carrier will double its capacity on the Sydney – Los Angeles route with two daily services.
Between January 10 and January 31, United will offer a second daily flight from Sydney to Los Angeles on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays and from Los Angeles to Sydney on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
United will also continue to offer its daily nonstop service between Sydney and San Francisco.

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Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Statement in relation to Bangkok

PRESS STATEMENT FROM PATA AND TAT

Tuesday 16 March 2010

The Tourism Authority of Thailand, in association with the Pacific Asia Travel Association, issued the following statement today (16 March):

Both organisations seek to reassure tourists and business travellers visiting Thailand that the protests in Bangkok have not caused major disruption in the city. The city remains a safe destination for both leisure and business travellers. However, although this is a domestic dispute, PATA and the TAT advise all foreign nationals to exercise caution and avoid those areas of the city where the protesters have gathered.

Whilst it is entirely understandable that tourist and business travellers may have some concerns about visiting Thailand at this time it must also be stressed that:

•    Both city airports (Don Muang and Suvarnabhumi) are operating as normal
•    All other international and domestic airports in Thailand remain fully operational
•    Tourist attractions in the city remain open for business
•    Shopping malls are open
•    MICE venues are open

The TAT continues to provide round-the-clock assistance via its 1672 hotline and representatives from the tourism industry are available to offer assistance to visitors.

PATA CEO Greg Duffell is keen to reassure industry stakeholders that Thailand remains open for business. “There is obviously concern felt in some source markets about safety and security issues. This is entirely understandable. Some governments have issued travel advisories that are likely to prompt would-be visitors to delay their travel plans to Thailand or, indeed, make alternative arrangements.

“It is important for our industry friends and colleagues overseas to appreciate that the protests have not impacted in any major way upon our daily lives in Bangkok. Our message is clear and straightforward. If you have scheduled a holiday or business event in Thailand then there is no reason to change your plans. This country needs your support – and you will always be assured of a fantastic welcome in the ‘land of the smiles’.”


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Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Historical Engines Given New Lease on Life

Vintage engines, antique motor mowers and historic aircraft will be brought to life next week in an interactive experience for the Karaka Museum.

The Karaka Historical Society, along with the Vintage Engine Restorers Auckland (VERA), will host the Karaka Vintage Day on March 28 to showcase the machinery used to shape New Zealand during the last century.

Money raised from the event will be donated to the Karaka Museum’s building fund to help house the artifacts previously on display at the Karaka War Memorial Hall.

As well as engines and equipment, historical buffs will have the opportunity to view classic cars, military vehicles and even a vintage Tiger Moth aeroplane flyover at the biennial event.

Iconic Kiwi brand Masport will also be represented with an impressive array of machinery, from milking machines to lawnmowers, manufactured by the company over the past 100 years.

The spokesperson for the Karaka Historical Society Rob Higham says the Vintage Day event, which started in 2000, attracts a large number of people from around the country.

“We try and ensure there is something for the whole family. The vintage displays are a real draw card along with the parade of vehicles, machinery and tractors. Children can enjoy horse and wagon rides while their parents can spend time perusing the vendor stalls for books, jewellery, clothes, art and collectibles.”

Higham says the new Karaka Museum is being constructed to display much of the vintage memorabilia, as its former home at the Karaka War Memorial Hall was too small to display the large collection.

The General Manager of Masport, Steve Hughes, says the company is proud to be showcasing products from its 100 year history at the Karaka Vintage Day.

“Partnering with the Karaka Historical Society and VERA was an obvious connection,” he says.  “We are looking forward to contributing and celebrating our rich Kiwi history with both groups and the public on this great occasion.”

The Karaka Vintage Day 2010 will be held on Sunday, March 28th at the corner of Linwood and Blackbridge Roads, Karaka.  Gates open at 9.30am.
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PacificFlier to connect Brisbane by month end

PacificFlier the latest international airline to launch in Australia has announced that it will begin services between Brisbane and Micronesia by the end of the month.
With its inaugural service commencing on the 31st of March, just in time for the Easter public holidays, Brisbane to the Philippines through the Republic of Palau.
“A long time in the planning and making, PacificFlier.com has been able to inaugurate a schedule of charter services with the full backing of the government of the Republic of Palau,” said PacificFlier in a statement.
PacificFlier operates one Airbus A310-300 flown in a two cabin configuration of Economy and Premium Economy.  18 Premium Economy seats offer 54" pitch and 21" width, while the rest of its economy seats offer 32" pitch and 18" width.

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Monday, March 15, 2010

Australian Idol Heads Talent Line-Up at OZTalk

Australian Idol Stan Walker leads the entertainment line-up at the OZTalk 2010 travel expo in Auckland this weekend and there’s also some great travel prizes up for grabs.

The annual ‘piece of Australia’ show is on Sunday March 21 at the ASB Showgrounds in Greenlane with more than 130 Australian experts on-site to talk to you about ‘all things Oz’. 

“The show is a perfect opportunity to find out about all Australia has to offer as a holiday destination – and you will be surprised about the diversity of this amazing country that is right on our doorstep,” says Jenny Aitken, Regional Manager – New Zealand Tourism Australia.  “Australia is very affordable and full of amazing experiences, and at OZTalk 2010 you can find out all about it.”

Stan is joined at the show by celebrity indigenous chef Mark Olive, plus Direct from Dreamworld on the Gold Coast the Wiggles Friends and a stunning Australian food and wine experience.

Ingenious entertainers Dhinawhan Dreaming and dance troupe Riverlife Mirabooka complete the entertainment line-up portraying the ancient faces of Australia.  Dhinawhan will share the meanings of indigenous patterns of his authentic Australian art, along with an interactive art experience for the kids who can paint boomerangs or rocks.

There’s also three fantastic Australian holiday travel prizes up for grabs – swimming with the whale sharks in Western Australia, Gold Coast family holiday or a gourmet trip to Sydney and the Hunter Valley -  as well as exclusive ‘book on the day’ holiday deals with Flight Centre.

Entry to OZTalk 2010 is free and so is parking.  The show is open from 10am – 4pm.
For further information access www.australia.com/oztalk
 
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Art In The City With The London Sightseeing Pass

Free entrance to St. Paul’s Cathedral with the London Sightseeing Pass to see the latest work by sculptor Antony Gormley is just one of the many benefits of the London Sightseeing Pass.

The dramatic new sculpture is on display in the geometric staircase of St. Paul’s, one of 55 top attractions in the city you get free access to with the London Pass. Other unmissable attractions include the Tower of London, The Churchill Museum and Cabinet War Rooms and HMS Belfast.

Users have priority access at the busiest sites to avoid queues, a free guidebook and over 40 additional deals and discounts, making the London Sightseeing Pass the perfect money saver and the ideal way to explore the city’s premier attractions. 


A one-day London Pass costs £39 for adults and £26 for a child. A two-day London Pass costs £54 for adults (£40 for children aged between five and 15 years), three-day passes are £65 for adults and £45 for children, and a six-day option costs £89 for adults and £62 for children. 


Check out all the activities on offer with the London Sightseeing Pass at www.londonpass.com. The website includes a London map tool to plan visits, details on all the featured attractions, and comprehensive information on special offers that are exclusive to London Pass holders such as free gifts at Harrods and commission-free currency exchange. 


For more information and to buy a London Pass visit www.londonpass.com, call 0870 242 9988 or buy in-store at the Britain and London Visitor Centre on Regent Street, London. 


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NT goes iApp

New iApp for Australia's Northern Territory launched.

iPhone and iTouch owners can now learn more about Australia’s Northern Territory (NT) through a new application – OutbackNT - which is free to download.
http://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/outbacknt/id357912860?mt=8

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Sydney Central YHA - Best In Australia

Best Backpacker Accommodation honours at the Australian Tourism Awards.


The YHA offers that little bit extra for travellers who are after affordable accommodation in the centre of the city. As well as prime location and five-star facilities, they pride themselves on having staff that really care about the people they are serving.

Boasting an in-house cinema, plus panoramic city views from the rooftop which includes an indoor heated pool and sauna, it’s no wonder Sydney Central YHA took the top award. The hostel is housed in a heritage-listed building opposite Central Station, in the heart of Sydney and is only a short walk to famous Sydney attractions including Darling Harbour and Chinatown.

Prices start from $32 per person per night (multi-share) and $106 (double room ensuite), with YHA members receiving a minimum 10% discount on accommodation, plus deals on tours, attractions, travel gear and more.

YHA is part of the world’s largest backpacker accommodation network, Hostelling International, with more than 4,000 places to stay across 60 countries worldwide, including 120 in Australia. For more information visit yha.com.au



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Sunlover Delivers Sizzling Savings For NZ

With the colder months just around the corner, New Zealand residents are being encouraged to trade in their ski holidays for a beach break in Tropical North Queensland with the Great Tropical Holidays campaign.

A joint campaign with Sunlover Holidays, Tourism Australia, Tourism Queensland, Cairns Airport and Tourism Tropical North Queensland the Great Tropical Holidays campaign, which runs from 9th of March until the 30th of June, is the first Tropical North Queensland focused campaign of its kind to run in the New Zealand Market.

Deals in the Great Tropical Holidays campaign are valid for sale for the remainder of 2010 with selected deals valid until 31 March 2011.

To view the entire ‘Great Tropical Holidays’ range visit www.sunloverholidays.co.nz

A Sample of ‘Great Tropical Holidays’ deals

1. Port Douglas Stay seven nights for the price of six in a Poolview Suite at the 4.5 star Peninsula Boutique Hotel including full breakfast daily, return transfers from Cairns Airport and Sunset Cruise for $1409* per person twin share.

2. Cairns Stay seven nights in a 1 Bedroom apartment at the 4.5 star Lakes Cairns Resort & Spa including return transfers, full day Great Barrier Reef tour, full day Kuranda tour and MORE for $1045( per person twin share.

3. Great Barrier Reef Adventure Tour including lunch, use of snorkelling equipment, eco reef talk and MORE for $255* per adult.

*Conditions apply. Prices are in NZD and are subject to currency fluctuations. 


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Monarch Launches Flights To Santorini From Gatwick And Manchester

Award winning airline, Monarch, is expanding its portfolio of flights to the Greek Islands for Summer 2010, with the addition of new weekly services from Gatwick and Manchester to Santorini.

monarch.co.uk

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