US hand luggage restrictions eased

Restrictions limiting passengers flying to and from the US to one piece of hand luggage have been lifted, according to the official British Airways Twitter page.

The limit was imposed after the attempted terrorist attack on a Delta flight from Amsterdam to Detroit in December, but the following tweet from British Airways yesterday (April 12) confirms passengers can now once again carry one piece of luggage plus an additional laptop case or handbag:

“Hand baggage allowance restrictions to & from the US has been lifted. Customers can now take TWO pieces on all flts/cabins.”

Note though that the carrier recently clarified what counts as the second piece of hand luggage, stating that it must not measure more than 45cm x 36cm x 20cm (including the handle and pockets) to ensure that it fits under the seat in front of you. The maximum dimensions for the main piece of hand luggage remain 56cm x 45cm x 25cm.

UK flights restricted

Due to volcanic ash from Iceland the UK National Air Traffic Services (NATS) have closed parts of UK Airspace that will be affected. As a result flights to and from UK airports will be disrupted.

The current ban on flights in and out of the UK will remain largely in place until at least 1300 on Friday, although NATS says that some flights may be able to resume from Northern Ireland and Scotland in the morning.

Kiwi travellers willing to sacrifice privacy for peace of mind

More than two thirds of New Zealanders support the use of full body scanners at airports, according to the results from the latest Unisys Security Index conducted by Consumer Link.

The results show that air travellers in New Zealand are willing to undergo a number of procedures such as full body scans and biometric identification to increase aviation security and enable more efficient passenger processing.

Of the 91 percent of respondents who said they travelled by air, 21 percent admitted that they were extremely or very concerned about their personal security, up 7 percent since October.

66% of respondents said they would be willing to submit to full body electronic body scans at the airport.

67% of New Zealand travellers said they would be willing to prove their identity by providing biometric data such as iris scans and fingerprints.

75% of respondents said they would be willing to provide personal data in advance of travel including passports and driver’s licences .

Air New Zealand launches new oven technology

Air New Zealand's new Boeing 777s, which will debut on long-haul routes from the end of this year, will feature new oven technology.

This new service will allow food to be cooked from scratch rather than simply being reheated.

"This will be an industry first to have these ovens in all cabins," the airline's manager of long-haul customer product and service, Matthew Cooper, told the Sun-Herald newspaper in Melbourne.

The new aircraft will offer a digital, in-seat meal ordering service across all of its cabin classes.

LOVIN’ AND TASTIN’ LA VIDA LOCA | Port Douglas Carnivale

Food lovers should knock themselves out and fly to Port Douglas Carnivale in May.

Latin fever is set to strike Port Douglas this May, with organisers of Food, Wine & A Taste of Port tipping a richly detailed evening of Latin American food, music and dance entitled “La Vida Loca”.

Restaurants already confirmed for this year are Aqua Restaurant (Sea Temple Resort) Rydges Sabaya Sakinah House, Soul ‘N’ Pepper and The Rainforest Habitat with another four in the wings.

Aqua’s head chef James Long says the theme of this year’s event has lots of scope for creative cuisine. “There’s Cajun, Creole – a whole wonderful mix of influences, spices and flavours that this theme can be interpreted from,” he said. All the restaurants are theming their foodstalls in various interpretations of La Vida Loca theme so expect some creative expression from very talented individuals.

This year’s entertainment line up will include yet to be announced high profile Latino feature acts sourced nationally and locally, as well as Brazillian showgirls, Flamenco and Salsa dancers, and Capoiera dancers. (Capioera is the Brazillain form of martial arts). Food & Wine favourites Hip2Soul’s high energy will ignite the night and seal the passionate Latin flavour of this highly anticipated event.

Form a conga and get ready to cha-cha-cha!

Food, Wine & A Taste of Port is on Saturday May 22nd 2010 at Rex Smeal Park from 5.30pm – 11pm. Tickets are $45 single or $380 table of ten.
More Information & Tickets from Events NQ:
Phone:+61 7 40 53 91 11 Web: www.foodandwinenq.com.au

Ski Promotion

Backpacker has this week introduced a range of deals for Kiwis heading to the snow over the cooler months. These include car rentals from just $31 per day (with your 7th day free), License to CHILL passes and BIG 7 passes that include mountain and lift access and to all the top ski spots including Coronet Peak, The Remarkables, Turoa, Whakapapa, Porters Pass, Mount Cheeseman and Mount Olympus. Perfect for those who like to travel around and make the most of New Zealand’s remarkable ski spots! See www.backpackercampervans.co.nz for details.

Booking dates: now until 18 April, 2010

Travel dates: 26 April to 31st July, 2010

Explore More

This week, Explore More campervans launched across the ditch in Australia, offering our Aussie neighbors a cheap and easy way to navigate themselves up and down the East Coast with two campervan models, the ‘Tazzy’ and ‘Brizvegas’. To celebrate the launch, Explore More are offering 7th day hire free to all those who book a Brizvegas before 9th May. See www.exploremore.com.au for details.

Take our poll on travel plans

Go here to make your selection.

"THE PACIFIC" FOCUSES SPOTLIGHT ON TROPICAL NORTH QLD AS PARADISE FOUND

Dramatic coastlines, vast expanses of beach, dense rainforest and arid outback provide a rich and romantic cinematic landscape for this epic 10-part miniseries. Executive produced by Tom Hanks, Steven Spielberg and Gary Goetzman, The Pacific is a multi-million dollar production filmed on location in the tropical north – namely Rocky Point - north of Port Douglas.

Managing Director of Australian Muster Experience and Five Star Venues and owner of the land where the mini-series was filmed, Gordon Pringle said he was honoured to make his slice of paradise available to film crews and cast members for the duration of the eight month shoot.

“Not only does this production effectively showcase the beauty of the region to millions of viewers, worldwide, it also highlights the diversity of the area to future production companies looking for spectacular locations. On a personal level, I am confident The Pacific will greatly enhance our efforts in marketing the destination.”

In an excerpt from correspondence with Pringle following the wrap up of production for The Pacific, co-Executive Producer/Writer, Bruce C. McKenna exclaimed “What a surprise! I was just talking about your property to a reporter the other day. We chose it because it had everything we needed – especially the expanse of beach. It was close enough to town to get crews in and out, but far enough away that we weren’t going to keep the entire ‘coast’ up at night. You were incredibly gracious for letting us construct what we needed and the production is deeply grateful. “

Mr Pringle said his land had received further attention with Mount Mulligan currently being considered by a new international production company planning to film the history of far north Queensland’s gold rush.

The miniseries tracks the intertwined real-life stories of three US Marines – Robert Leckie, John Basilone, and Eugene Sledge – across the vast canvas of the Pacific rim during World War 11.

The miniseries follows these men and their fellow marines from the first battle with the Japanese on Guadalcanal, through the rainforests of Cape Gloucester and the strongholds of Peleliu, across the bloody sands of Iwo Jima and through the horror of Okinawa, and finally to their triumphant but uneasy return home after V-Day.

The Pacific is based in part on the books “Helmet for My Pillow” by Robert Leckie and “With the Old Breed” by Eugene B. Sledge, with additional material from “Red Blood, Black Sand” by Chuck Tatum and “China Marine” by Eugene B. Sledge, as well as the original interviews by the filmmakers.

The Pacific has already started airing in the US to great acclaim, achieving in the vicinity of 9 million views for its first four episodes.


australianmusterexperience.com

Unprecedented Exclusive Pacific Island Resort Wedding Offer

Elope for Free, at Fiji’s most awarded Romantic Luxury Private-Island Resort.

At Royal Davui they understand that not everyone wants the traditional wedding ceremony.

Elope for Free at Fiji’s most awarded romantic luxury private-island resort, Royal Davui, offers an unprecedented opportunity for couples to marry (or renew wedding vows) and honeymoon in tropical paradise. Elope for Free includes all the local legal co-ordination and fees, celebrant/minister, a romantic pavilion champagne dinner lit by flickering torches and scented floral decorations - and with pre ceremony exotic ‘Pure Fiji’ massages to calm the nerves. Yes all free with a min stay of 5 nights or more between 01 Nov 2010 to 31 March 2011.

Voted ‘The Most Excellent Romantic Hideaway’ in 2009 by the Conde Nast Johansens Guide and 2009 ‘Fiji’s Best Honeymoon Destination’ by the USA Modern Bride magazine, this resort understands that whether getting married, renewing your vows or honeymooning – it is all about spending time together.

“Elope for Free and sink your toes in Fiji’s newest private island escape. Idyllic, romantic and exclusive, Royal Davui Island offers true seclusion without sacrificing anything in the way of the most luxurious and indulgent wedding,” said Christopher Southwell, owner and manager of Royal Davui Island.

Royal Davui Island rises serenely out of crystalline Beqa lagoon just 40 minutes by the resorts private aircraft from Fiji’s gateway, Denarau. Redefining laid-back luxury, Royal Davui offers 16 exquisitely appointment and air-conditioned vales created with couples in mind, each with secluded terraces, stone plunge pools and views over white, soft-sanded beaches to sapphire lagoon waters. Award-winning Pure Fiji bathroom amenities including each villa’s private Jacuzzi Spa bath infuse the villas with tropical aromas. Snorkel or scuba dive to explore the private coral reef, or venture further for world angling and catamaran sailing.

The Elope for Free complimentary package has a value of FJD$2260. Valid only with a min 5-night stay at Royal Davui, villa’s with their own private plunge pools start from USD$800 plus taxes, twin share with spectacular ocean views.

Visit Royal Davui Island’s website at www.royaldavui.com.
- ENDS -

Air New Zealand begins codeshare with Continental Airlines

Air New Zealand last week announced a new codeshare partnership with new Star Alliance partner Continental Airlines, for North America and New Zealand.

Under the new partnership, Air New Zealand clients will be able to codeshare on more than 540 weekly services within the United States from its services in Los Angles and San Francisco.

In return, Continental will codeshare on trans-Tasman services, domestic New Zealand services as well as trans-Tasman services from Auckland.

"This presents exciting inbound tourism opportunities for New Zealand, especially when you consider Continental is the world's fifth largest airline," says Ed Sims, Air New Zealand Group General Manager.

"The new code share also provides excellent options for Kiwis wanting to travel to the East Coast of the USA, with very convenient connection times to a range of Continental Airlines flights."
Continental Airlines formally entered into the Star Alliance in October last year and since then has been solidifying its partnerships with the airlines within the alliance.

Instant fine for incorrect biosecurity declaration doubles to $400

New Zealand’s biosecurity will be strengthened when the instant fine penalty for border declaration infringements doubles from 22 April 2010.

The instant fine at the border will double from $200 to $400. If an instant fine is unsuccessfully contested in court, the penalty will be $1,000 plus court costs.

“Biosecurity risk goods brought into New Zealand, deliberately or accidentally, could introduce pests and diseases that could damage our natural resources, threaten our economy, and undermine our way of life,” says Theresa Morrissey, MAFBNZ’s Director of Passenger Clearance.

“Raising the infringement fine to $400 sends a signal that we take border biosecurity very seriously. It will provide travellers with an added incentive to comply with New Zealand’s biosecurity laws.”

An infringement notice is issued when a passenger doesn’t fully or truthfully declare biosecurity risk goods - whether accidental or not - on their Passenger Arrival Card when entering New Zealand.

Travellers entering New Zealand won’t be fined if they read the Passenger Arrival Card thoroughly and declare any biosecurity risk goods on it, or dispose of them in one of the amnesty bins at their point of arrival. If unsure of anything, they can ask one of the MAFBNZ Inspectors.

Airport signage and information materials will be updated to reflect the change and improved payment options will be available for passengers who are fined.

MAFBNZ is charged with protecting New Zealand from exotic pests and diseases that could devastate our environment and economy.

AirAsia boosts flights between Malaysia, Australia, Bali

AirAsia said today AirAsia X would increase the number of flights between Malaysia and Australia from July 1, while Air Asia will ramp up flights to Bali from June.

The budget carrier currently operates one daily direct flight from Kuala Lumpur to Melbourne and between Kuala Lumpur and Perth.

From July, it will double the services, flying twice daily between the destinations, totalling to 14 weekly flights.

AirAsia will also increase its frequency from Bali to Perth from 1 June this year, increasing from two to three direct daily flights.

Crowne Plaza Queenstown rated 4.5 stars by Qualmark

Commended as immaculately clean, with enthusiastic staff and excellent room presentation, Crowne Plaza Queenstown has achieved a 4.5 star rating in its latest assessment from Qualmark.

The downtown Queenstown hotel also maintained its Qualmark Enviro-Silver status, recognising its consistent commitment to sustainable environmental practice and for being a responsible accommodation provider.

Qualmark assessor, Amanda Cushen said the team at Crowne Plaza Queenstown should be pleased with their continued high ranking - a result of ongoing systems and new initiatives.

“They have worked hard over the past year to provide an even better stay for visitors and it really shows.”

“A new housekeeping system contributed largely to the high standard of cleanliness and small touches like adding nutritional information to its in-room dining menu show they really want guests to feel like they being looked after.”

General Manager Matt Anderson says the modern and chic property clearly gained the approval of the Qualmark representative who commented that the hotel “genuinely feels like 4.5 stars.”

“We’re delighted with this outcome which is entirely attributable to a strong team effort on behalf of all the staff and a commitment to a plan of excellence at every level and in every department.”

Mr Anderson says the Enviro Silver rating is also important to the hotel.

“Sustainable practice is a key feature of our business plan and it stretches across all areas of our operation. We have several initiatives already in place with more to come. These include monitoring and managing monthly energy use, maintaining minimum lighting levels, placing plants throughout the building to reduce carbon monoxide levels, and recycling glass, plastic and cardboard.”

The hotel is now looking to the future as it explores ways to drive further improvements to better its ratings.

Crowne Plaza Queenstown has an award winning track record. The hotel was a finalist for Best Performing 5 & 4 Star Hotel in New Zealand in the 2008 MAXXotel Best of the Best Awards and won the Southern Award for design of the hotel’s upgrade at the New Zealand Institute of Architects Resene Awards for Architecture.

NOVOTEL LAKESIDE QUEENSTOWN GEARS UP FOR WINTER WITH WARMING TREATS

Queenstown’s most centrally located hotel is gearing up for winter and thinking warm winter treats in anticipation of snowy days to come.

Novotel Lakeside Queenstown, a 273-room property which boasts an unrivalled in-town location and an absolute lakefront position, is inviting winter guests to feel the heat with the ultimate fondue dinner menu.

Snow lovers who book the property’s new winter Holiday Saver Package will receive 10% off accommodation, a daily buffet breakfast for two and a complimentary fondue dinner when staying five nights or more. Rates start from NZ$154 per night and the package is valid from June to October 2010.

“When Queenstown and the surrounding mountains are blanketed with snow, and you’ve had a fantastic day on the slopes, there’s really nothing better than relaxing with a fun fondue, adding a real Alpine feel to your holidays,” said Novotel Lakeside Queenstown Sales Manager Diana Mendes.

“Fondues have always been extremely popular when we’ve had them on the winter menu in the past, so Executive Chef Mark Glover has devised cheese, meat and chocolate versions to suit all tastes.

“If you eat fondues in groups there are some fantastic traditions to stick to, such as if a woman drops food off her fondue fork into the pot she must kiss all the men at the table, and if a man drops food into the pot he has to buy another bottle of wine.

“Either of those traditions is guaranteed to add to a great fun night!”

Queenstown is widely regarded as New Zealand’s number one ski destination, and guests at Novotel Lakeside Queenstown are perfectly situated to take full advantage of the resort town’s busy nightlife, renowned restaurants and great shopping, all literally just steps away from the property.

Thanks to a recent extensive refurbishment and addition of new rooms, Novotel Lakeside Queenstown features modern and stylish accommodation, with many rooms enjoying views over the crystal clear waters of Lake Wakatipu and surrounding mountains.

It’s perfectly set up for winter with ski storage, daily snow reports, a dedicated concierge service to assist with all requirements like equipment hire and activity, and even a spa pool to relax in after charging down the slopes.

Queenstown is a snow lover's paradise with several ski areas on its doorstep and an intoxicating après ski culture. Snow lovers can hit the slopes from early June and a good season generally runs well into October. Choose from laidback Cardrona, cosmopolitan Coronet Peak, explore the bowls at The Remarkables, revel in freestyle fun at Snow Park, explore expansive Treble Cone or go cross-country at Waiorau Snow Farm – all a comfortable driving distance from the resort.

Direct flights from Australia make it the winter holiday destination of choice for many. The American Express Queenstown Winter Festival, now in its 36th year, is the reason many choose to visit for ten days of riotous fun from 25 June.

Travellers advised to exercise caution in Thailand

Tension is mounting in Thailand as violence increases and Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva declaring a severe emergency situation for parts of the country.Over the weekend 21 people died and over 800 were injured as violence escalated.

The areas declared as a Severe Emergency Situation include Bangkok and neighbouring provinces. The Tourism Authority of Thailand advised all travellers to avoid areas where members of the United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD)/Red Shirt movement are demonstrating.

These areas include Ratchadamnoen Avenue , Makkawan Rangsan Bridge near Government House in Bangkok and Ratchaprasong intersection.

International and domestic airport terminals are operating as usual. The Australian Government labelled the area for travellers to exercise a high degree of caution if travelling.

Written by: Jessica Tsui

RECAPTURE CLASSIC HOLLYWOOD GLAMOUR

Newest guest experience reflects the Beverly Hills lifestyle

The Peninsula Beverly Hills has added a new experience to its renowned Peninsula Academy programme, which launched in May 2008 to provide hotel guests with unique insights into the Beverly Hills culture, lifestyle, cuisine and arts. The new “Recapture Classic Hollywood Glamour” experience allows guests to be photographed in the style of the famous black-and-white studio publicity portraits of movie stars in the 1930s and 40s, shot by award-winning photographer Roger G. James, whose work has been seen on broadcast outlets including Extra Hollywood, E! Entertainment and CNN.

The photo shoot takes place in the comfort of a guest room or suite, where a portrait studio will be set up, complete with makeup, costumes, props and lighting. Within one to two hours, Roger G. James will transform the guest into a glamorous star from the past, à la Lana Turner, Vivien Leigh, Clark Gable or Greta Garbo and capture the look on black-and-white film. A week later, the guest will receive a selection of proofs from which to select the perfect portrait. The in-room portrait sitting, plus two 11x14-inch black-and-white portraits, is priced at US$ 950.

The Peninsula Academy was created in 1997 at The Peninsula Hong Kong to provide hotel guests with a personalised introduction to the city’s cultural highlights, with activities including Tai Chi, Calligraphy and Chinese Dumpling Making. Due to the popularity of the Hong Kong programme, the Peninsula Academy is now on offer at all nine Peninsula hotels in Asia and the US, with diverse experiences reflecting the unique cultures of the cities.

More Peninsula Academy experiences in Beverly Hills:

· Star in a Hollywood Movie: A TV producer and crew will film guests and their families sightseeing, shopping, relaxing by the pool – whatever takes their fancy - in Tinsel Town. The footage will be edited into a professional-quality movie that they can watch on DVD at home. Prices start at US$ 2,500 per day.

· Discover Your Inner Surfer Dude: Learn to surf from Rod Samper, the instructor who taught Tom Cruise, Cindy Crawford and Harrison Ford and their families to surf. The hotel will transport guests by town car to Malibu for their private lesson, which will be followed by a picnic prepared by The Peninsula Beverly Hills’ team of chefs. Prices start at US$ 225 per person, per hour.

· Sound Like a Star: Guests who tremble at the idea of public speaking can work with Bob Corff, the voice coach who taught Cate Blanchett to sound like Katherine Hepburn in “The Aviator”, and Jake Gyllenhaal to sound like a cowboy in “Brokeback Mountain”. Bob Corff also coaches top executives for Oscar-winning performances in the boardroom. Prices start from US$ 185.

· West Coast Wellness Workout: Alonzo Cannon, who has shaped such celebs as Colin Farrell, will create customised fitness regimen for guests, and then lead them through it on the beach, on a trail in the Hollywood Hills or in the hotel’s Fitness Centre. Prices start from US$ 200 an hour.

The Peninsula Academy reservations are subject to availability and advanced bookings are recommended. www.peninsula.com.

About The Peninsula Beverly Hills
The only AAA Five Diamond and Forbes/Mobil Five-Star hotel in Southern California for 17 consecutive years, The Peninsula Beverly Hills offers 193 elegantly appointed rooms, including 36 suites and 16 private villas, nestled among lush tropical gardens in the heart of Beverly Hills. This iconic luxury hotel is home to the sumptuous Belvedere Restaurant, The Living Room, where the legendary Peninsula Afternoon Tea is served daily, The Peninsula Spa and the Rooftop Garden, a refined-resort oasis featuring a swimming pool, private cabanas, and outdoor cocktails and dining. The Peninsula Beverly Hills is located at the intersection of Wilshire and South Santa Monica Boulevards, within easy walking distance of Century City and Beverly Hills’ legendary Rodeo Drive.

Record-breaking month for Christchurch Airport

Christchurch Airport has had the highest ever month of passengers in the history of the airport. March 2010 broke several records for the airport, with a total of 557,748 passenger movements, the highest ever number of domestic passengers, and also a record number of international passengers.
“These record numbers are great news for our tourism industry, and show the strong appeal of Christchurch, Canterbury and the South Island as a destination,” said Christchurch Airport Chief Executive Jim Boult. “These statistics can also be seen as an indication that the travel industry is coming out of its worst recession.”
The March total of passenger movements is a 4% increase on the numbers for the previous year. Domestic passenger numbers are up 3% on March last year, and international passengers were up 6%. CIAL General Manager Marketing and Business Development, Gareth Owen, says the tourism marketing work done by the airport in conjunction with airlines and regional tourism organisations is clearly reaping results. “A thriving tourism industry brings benefits to a whole range of operators throughout the region and builds the reputation of Christchurch Airport as New Zealand’s tourism gateway. We work hard to grow aircraft movements into this region and will continue the momentum throughout the year.”
Boult believes the strong marketing approach of Christchurch Airport is recognised by the industry nationally and internationally. In 2009, Christchurch Airport won three International Routes Marketing Awards, as well as being awarded NZ Airport of the Year for its marketing strategy.

AUSTRALIAN TRAVELLERS GET SOMETHING TO SHOUT ABOUT

Tourism New Zealand and Air New Zealand are working together to give Australians something to ‘shout’ about.

The two organisations have just launched another round of the ‘New Zealand Big Shout’ campaign in Australia.

Air New Zealand will give away free domestic travel by providing two free New Zealand domestic flights with every return trans-Tasman flight purchased during the promotion.

The campaign will run from 11th to 25th April for travel between 25 April and 30 June; and will give Australian travellers flight options to 26 domestic destinations from six Australian international gateways.

Tourism New Zealand is working with Air New Zealand to promote the campaign, as well as working with the New Zealand and Australian travel sellers and Regional Tourism Organisations to ensure there are great “on the ground” deals to back up the flight offer.

“This is a proven tool to stimulate travel at a quiet time between peak summer and the ski season for the New Zealand industry, and it’s an example of a public/private partnership that’s already been seen to work,” Tourism New Zealand Chief Executive Kevin Bowler said.

The campaign will also help unite the regional work Tourism New Zealand is already doing with Regional Tourism Organisations in Australia with a national campaign.

Australia has proven to be a very resilient market during the last year when many countries were hit by the global economic crisis.

In the year to February 2010 Australian holiday arrivals were up 22 per cent, or 84,478 visitors.

The NZ Big Shout campaign will run on TV, online and print encouraging potential travellers to visit either Air New Zealand’s website - www.airnewzealand.com.au – or Tourism New Zealand’s website - www.newzealand.com – to purchase the flight offer, and to check out the range of industry offers.

Air New Zealand Deputy CEO Norm Thompson says the Big Shout campaign is a great way of encouraging Australians to explore more regions of New Zealand.

“When Tourism New Zealand and ourselves ran the NZ Big Shout campaign last year we saw a significant increase in the percentage of passengers who included a domestic flight as part of their itinerary.

“Through this campaign we plan to not only attract a lot more Australians to discover more of New Zealand but to also create a lot more ambassadors who will return to Australia raving about New Zealand,” Norm Thompson said.

Lufthansa flies German team to Johannesburg with A380

The Lufthansa A380 will celebrate its first long-haul flight in style with an array of special guests on board: The special flight operated by Lufthansa’s new flagship on Sunday, 6 June, will be carrying the German soccer team to the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. The A380, with flight number LH2010 on the Frankfurt-Johannesburg route, leaves Frankfurt Airport at 20.30 hours and will arrive in Johannesburg at 8.15 hours local time. In addition to the team, DFB trainers and assistants, around 150 soccer fans will also be making the journey on the A380. The fans will be attending the send-off for the team in the Business Lounge at the flight departure gate and taking part in a talk session prior to the flight with Team Manager Oliver Bierhoff, Football Association General Secretary Wolfgang Niersbach and the players. They will also be presented with an exclusive Lufthansa World Cup fan kit.



Captain Jürgen Raps, Member of the Lufthansa German Airlines Board and Chief Pilot, will be in charge of the special flight on the flight deck. Supporting him in the cockpit are Captain Raimund Müller and Captain Werner Knorr. The cabin crew consists of two pursers and 19 flight attendants. “The A380 is heralding a new dimension in aviation. I hope that the journey on this aircraft will inspire our national team to new dimensions at the World Cup,” said Jürgen Raps. “We are thrilled to be the first guests on board Lufthansa’s biggest and most modern airliner and hope after a relaxed flight to realise our sporting ambitions at the World Cup in South Africa,” said Team Manager Oliver Bierhoff. Updates and a wealth of background information on the new Lufthansa flagship are readily available on the lufthansa.com/A380 website.

Interesting survey results

ZUJI RELEASED the results of its ‘Dirty Hotel Secrets’ survey of more than 2,500 females and 1,700 males.

There were no prizes for guessing the celebrities guests would most like to spend the weekend with. George Clooney topped the list for the ladies, while Jennifer Hawkins was seen as the ideal partner for the blokes.

Perhaps more disturbing was that radio duo, Hamish and Andy, were the second most popular option… for both sexes.

The survey also found that when it comes to making a five-fingered discount, men prefer to take the towels and bathrobes while women go for the toiletries.

Air NZ codeshare

Air New Zealand and Continental Airlines have today commenced a reciprocal codeshare agreement. The deal will see Air NZ codeshare on more than 540 flights per week to and from Continental's main hubs.

Pacific Pearl to return to NZ for summer

P&O Cruises announced this week Pacific Pearl will return to New Zealand for a second summer season of cruising from Auckland in December 2011 and January 2012. The 63,500-tonne Pacific Pearl will have her naming ceremony in Auckland in December 2010 and will sail her inaugural cruise season until January 2011. She will return for another season in May and June 2011.

Jetstar carries 1 million passengers in NZ

Jetstar announced on Thursday it had reached a new milestone, carrying over one million passengers on its New Zealand domestic services.

The budget carrier gave its lucky one millionth Kiwi passenger, who was booked for travel on Thursday, a family holiday of their choice to any New Zealand destination.

In March 2010, total domestic passenger numbers at Auckland Airport rose 10.8 percent compared to the previous year which the airport has attributed to the arrival of Jetstar.

Resort to Port Deals

With Rydges’ Resort to Port deal you’ll be enjoying a mid-year break in Cairns or Port Douglas with the bonus of a 30 per cent discount or a free night’s accommodation.

The Resort to Port deals is available from April 11 to September 17 at four Rydges Hotels and Resorts’ properties in Tropical North Queensland.

Stay three nights and save 30 per cent at Rydges Sabaya Resort in Port Douglas and Rydges Tradewinds in Cairns with room rates starting at just $118 per night.

At Rydges Esplanade Resort on the Cairns waterfront and Rydges Plaza in the heart of Cairns city you can stay for three nights and only pay for two with room rates from $159.

The Resort to Port deals can be booked through Sunlover Holidays at www.sunloverholiays.com.au