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December 14, 2010
Ossie! Ossie! Ossie! O! O! O!
THE Oprah Winfrey mania that has gripped Australia for the past 10 days came to a fittingly spectacular climax yesterday as Sydney let out a collective “O” to farewell the megastar talkshow host.
The filming of her two Harbour City shows featured no shortage of megawatt star power. Local heroes such as Russell Crowe, Hugh Jackman, Nicole Kidman, Keith Urban and the Irwin family graced the stage, as did visiting music superstars Bono, Jon Bon Jovi and Jay-Z.
But it was the magnetic presence of the lady herself that had the 6000 audience members on the forecourt of the Opera House in raptures.
None of those in attendance left disappointed, including Winfrey herself.
Dancing on stage to Men At Work’s anthem Down Under, Winfrey had the crowd firmly in her grip from the very first time she shouted out “I ... Love ... Australia!”
She then led the delighted ticket winners in a mass chant of “Aussie, Aussie, Aussie”.
The two hour-long shows included various references to Australia’s attractions as part of a package to promote the country to her 150 million worldwide viewers.
While the legacy of her visit is expected to be measured in many millions of tourist dollars, the joy could be immediately counted in the beaming faces and tears that began to flow in the crowd at the sight of the TV heroine.
Under searing sunshine and with five helicopters doing their best to drown out all the fun, it took Winfrey - in rust-colored gown for her first show before changing into a billowing pink shirt and full-length white skirt - to hold the attention of the 6000-strong audience.
After following the wardrobe edict to wear bright colors, the crowd erupted as one screaming mass, of mostly women, as their heroine appeared on stage.
Vowing to become an ambassador for all things Australian, Winfrey spoke of her joy and wonder as she gazed out at Sydney’s magnificent harbour from her hotel room.
“I’ve seen a lot and done a lot of things, but when those fireworks started and that O came on the bridge I went into the ugly cry,” she exclaimed.
“This is not my country, but that was pretty special. And not just because it’s a big ego trip to see my name on the bridge, although it is. I’d position myself in a chair in my hotel room and wait for the sun to go down and call out to people, ‘Come and see my O’. That was very special.
” I will carry that for the rest of my life.”
The final show closed with a spectacular performance of I Still Call Australia Home by Aussie guests Urban, Kidman, Crowe, Olivia Newton-John and Jackman, with the help of the Gondwana National Indigenous Children’s Choir.
The renowned generosity of the mega-rich Winfrey was also on show for all to see.
Especially when she summoned Sydney cancer sufferer Kristian Anderson and his wife Rachel to the stage, where she presented them with a check for $250,000 to help in his recovery.
And the gifts didn’t stop there.
Every audience member received a gift of a pearl necklace at the first show, while the second audience walked away with a special “O” necklace featuring an Australian pink diamond.
Courtesy The Sydney Telegraph
December 14, 2010
Oprah Winfrey plays Santa Claus and gives away more than $1m in gifts
OPRAH Winfrey played Santa Claus today, giving away thousands of dollars in gifts as she recorded the first of two shows from the steps of Sydney Opera House in front of 6000 screaming fans.
The biggest giveaway was a check for $250,000 to Australian couple Christian and Rachel Anderson.
Christian Anderson was diagnosed with liver and bowel cancer about a year ago and the couple have told Winfrey how the illness has devastated their lives and they now have an enormous struggle to pay their bills.
“God bless you,” Winfrey repeated several times as she announced the gift to the shocked couple.
She also gave an X-box console to their two young children.
The students and teachers of Canterbury Boys School received a surprise visit from Jay-Z this week. But they got an even bigger surprise when Oprah crossed live to the school mid show to inform them each student and teacher would receive laptops. $1 million worth of laptops, the Daily Telegraph reported.
And the audience didn’t miss out either. Before closing the show, Winfrey announced that all 6000 people in the audience were being given a necklace with a Western Australian pearl.
The talk show queen began the first of her Aussie shows by declaring the world must visit Australia.
Bouncing on to a special stage at the Sydney Opera House forecourt in an orange dress, Winfrey shook hands with fans and danced to Men At Work’s Land Down Under.
“I ... Love ... Australia!” she called out several times to the delighted crowd.
“To the rest of the world watching, you’ve got to come to Australia,” she said for the benefit of the US and international audience who will view her shows next year.
“You Aussies are so damn friendly you must all go to friendly school,” she said.
Actor Russell Crowe, dressed in a black suit and white shirt, was Winfrey’s first guest.
“When you live in a city like this it’s easy to be friendly,” he told the talk show queen.
But later one fan proved to be just a little too friendly, having to be physically restrained from grabbing Oprah Winfrey as her motorcade departed Sydney Opera House.
A police officer blocked the fan from lunging at the US chat show queen as she waved to screaming fans from the window of her chauffeur-driven BMW on Macquarie St.
Winfrey told the crowd that she went to the U2 concert at Sydney’s ANZ Stadium last night.
Crowe was also there, and she said she managed to spot him because he was wearing his South Sydney Rabbitohs rugby league club hat.
With dozens of Rabbitohs players in the audience, Crowe spoke briefly about his passion for the team.
He also said he had detected an increase in seriousness among Australians.
Oprah told him Americans lived to work, but Aussies worked to live.
Crowe agreed, but added, “I think there has been an increase in a certain level of seriousness”.
“There’s been a lot of people achieving great things out of this place.
“But yes, I think we put family, friends and having fun (as) ... a really high priority.”
After Crowe’s appearance, assistants dashed onstage to tend to Winfrey’s hair.
Bindi Irwin, daughter of the late wildlife warrior Steve Irwin, was the next guest, coming on stage with an olive python called Olivia draped around her neck. Bindi told Winfrey she watched tapes of her dad every day. “That way it’s like he’s still there,” she said. “He was the best dad ever.” Steve Irwin’s widow, Terri, broke down in tears as she spoke about her late husband.
“I think the best thing about Australia is mateship,” she told Winfrey.
Living with Steve had been like living in a cyclone, she said. “When we lost him the wind stopped.”
Rapper Jay-Z was next up on stage, telling Winfrey he loved Sydney, but hadn’t visited the city much in the past. Winfrey says she hasn’t been a fan of rap music in the past and has had “some issues” with it, but Jay-Z’s new book, which explores the art of rap, has “opened me up in a big way and that’s what words do”.
It was also revealed that Jay-Z visited Canterbury Boys High School, in Sydney’s southwest, and surprised the music teacher by jamming with the students. Footage from the visit was shown on big screens to the audience.
“It was great,” Jay-Z told Winfrey of the visit. “I see myself in their eyes, I believe in opportunities.”
Winfrey announced that every pupil from the school who was in the audience was being given a free computer.
Between interviews, the audience was shown footage from Winfrey’s various excursions across the country.
Bon Jovi also made an appearance, performing their hits It’s My Life and Livin’ on a Prayer before lead singer Jon Bon Jovi chatted briefly with Winfrey.
“Great to see you in Sydney,” he said. “We’ve travelled this country now for a quarter of a century so we’ve seen so much of it.
“It’s so far away but it’s so friendly it feels nearer.”
She wrapped up filming of the first show just after 11.20am (AEDT) by thanking the crowd.
Then, speaking off camera, Oprah told the audience, “This experience for me ... has been of divine order, really heaven sent”.
“We come to work in our little Harpo (production company) village ... and the way we’ve been greeted in Australia says our work has been worthwhile.
“That is the greatest reward of my life.
“We thank you. We thank you for your open faces, we thank you for teaching us it much better to work to live rather than live to work.
“Thank you for teaching us how to do it.”
The overall highlight of her trip was not any of the natural wonders she visited, but rather it was meeting Australia’s citizens, she said.
The second taping of the Oprah Winfrey Show from Sydney Opera House starts at 4.30pm Tuesday evening (Adelaide time).
Courtesy: AAP and news.com.au
December 13, 2010
Sydney Lights Up With Stars as “The Oprah Winfrey Show” Announces Special Guests
Sydney, Australia Some of Australia’s biggest stars will join Oprah when she tapes two episodes at the Sydney Opera House on Tuesday, 14 December, 2010.
Russell Crowe, Bindi Irwin, Hugh Jackman, Nicole Kidman, Keith Urban, and Olivia Newton-John are all confirmed to appear across the two shows. Rock legends Bon Jovi will perform some of their greatest hits and hip-hop star Jay-Z will stop by for a special surprise. Plus, a soaring finale will feature special guests and a one-time musical performance with Australia’s John Foreman and his orchestra.
Two shows will be taped at the Sydney Opera House on 14 December and each with approximately 6,000 audience members. The “Oprah: show received more than 350,000 total requests for tickets to the tapings. Of the seats awarded through an online lottery system, more than 95% have been given to Australian residents. The sold-out tickets were available free of charge.
Two additional shows will be comprised of footage taped from across Australia from both the audience and Oprah’s excursions, making a total of four shows produced in Australia.
The programs are set to air in January 2011 in syndication in the U.S and in primetime in January 2011 on the Ten Network in Australia.
Partners and sponsors of “Oprah’s Ultimate Australian Adventure” includes Tourism Australia, Qantas Airways, Chevrolet, Motorola, American Express, IHG Intercontinental Hotels Group, Microsoft Australia, Telstra, Kraft Foods Australia and the Sydney Opera House. Additional supporters include New South Wales Government and Australia’s States and Territory Tourism Organizations. The “Oprah” show’s Australian television affiliate and partner is Network Ten. Further information can be found at Oprah.com.
December 09, 2010
Air New Zealand Increases Fuel Surcharge
Air New Zealand is increasing the fuel surcharge (YQ) applicable to all fares on its Trans-Pacific sectors sold in the United States
Travelers will pay the following increases:
• Economy fares: $90 per direction.
• Premium Economy fares: $135 per direction.
• Business Premier and Business Class fares: $180 per direction.
Air New Zealand is also reducing the fuel surcharge (YQ) applicable to Premium Economy fares on its Los Angeles to London Heathrow service as follows:
• Premium Economy fares LAX-LHR: $111 per direction.
The new fuel surcharge levels are in your GDS as of today (09 December, 2010) Where the fuel surcharge has increased, key accounts will have until close of business on 23 December 2010 to ticket at the existing YQ levels.This Grace Period will only apply to bookings made on or before 08 December, 2010.
November 23, 2010
Gap Year to Australia Increases in Popularity as American Curriculum Changes
Australian Work and Holiday Visa Provides Opportunity to Work, Study and Travel for Up to Twelve Months
LOS ANGELES, Nov. 17, 2010 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/—More American students and recent grads are embracing the concept of a gap year as studies show increases in graduation rates among those who choose to do a gap year. Additionally, the benefits are increasingly being recognized by major universities with Harvard, Princeton and Yale all offering deferments for a gap year.
In the last year, Australia has seen a substantial increase in its in travel, study and work abroad programs by young Americans. Australia’s Department of Immigration and Customs (DIAC) recently reported that Working Holiday Visa grants in the USA increased 25 percent from 2008/2009 to 2009/2010.
The concept of a gap year, typically a time of international travel and work between high school and college or college and full-time employment, has long been embraced by Europe and Australia, but has been slower to catch on in the United States until now. Australia’s “Work and Holiday” visa program allows American students and recent graduates (ages 18 to 30) the opportunity to work, travel and study in the country for a 12-month period.
Education Week recently reported on two studies linking participation in a gap year to increased graduation rates, noting “time off may help students become more motivated to complete a degree after they come home.” As President Obama has announced he wants to double college graduation rates by 2020, it is possible more colleges and universities may also encourage this time abroad.
“There are many factors that influence a student’s success in college and what this research shows is that one of those elements might be time spent abroad,” said Daryl Hudson, Regional General Manager, Americas, Tourism Australia. “A gap year can be an opportunity for both building self-reliance and self-discovery and can help young people better decide what they want out of life or their college experience.”
For those young people looking to spend their time abroad, numerous resources are available. Companies like STA Travel, Down Under Answers , and Visit Oz offer various resources like work and travel packs with help for finding accommodation, healthcare, bank set-up, obtaining tax file numbers, job search and discounted travel.
Some sample options include STA week-long ranch hand training course from $1990 and Down Under Answer’s Sydney Surf, Work and Play deal from $809.* Visit Oz job placement offers experience working on host farms, in pubs, vineyards or education tutoring.
“When young Americans look into the visa, they will find there’s nothing like Australia for options to work, study and of course travel,” concluded Mr. Hudson.
U.S. citizens can either apply for the visa online http://www.australia.com/workandplay Award-Winning Travel Experts Introduces New Division With Africa Vacation Packages Starting At $1,900
BELLEVUE, Wash.—(November 4, 2010)— Down Under Answers, one of the most respected specialists in travel to Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific, has launched a new division; Africa Answers (http://www.africaanswers.com). Specializing in vacations to South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mozambique, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Uganda, Mauritius, Seychelles, Egypt and Dubai, Africa Answers will offer unprecedented savings and the same level of expertise and customized vacation packages that Down Under Answers is famous for. To launch the new division, Africa Answers is offering a trip of a lifetime, not-to-be-missed deal to Africa that offers three free bonus nights’ accommodation! • Explore the wonders of South Africa in Style (7-night land only*, from $3,575 per person/double occupancy). Home base for the first four days is Cape Town’s plush Cape Cadogan boutique hotel; highlights include private tours of: the Cape of Good Hope National Park and the Southwestern most point of the continent; panoramic views of Cape Peninsula; the food and wine offerings of the Winelands; and Hermanus, for land-based whale watching from June through November. Move on to three all-inclusive nights at Lion Sands River Lodge in the Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve, and enjoy safari game drives to see the Big Five, hippo tours, wildlife lectures, bush walks and more. Kirk Demeter founded DUA in 1992 and grew it steadily from boutique adventure operator to one of the leading multiple award-winning travel wholesalers in North America. “Africa is a place people dream of visiting but postpone because they’re overwhelmed by its legendary exoticness and sheer vastness. We’ve built our business and reputation on making faraway destinations approachable for North American travelers,” says Demeter. Helming Africa Answers is travel expert and General Manager Natasha Smith. Along with the company’s dedicated team of travel professionals, she will showcase Africa Answers to travel agent partners. Born in South Africa, Smith boasts more than 12 years’ experience selling deluxe, complex Africa vacations to North Americans, and prior to that she worked for many years in South Africa for one of their largest inbound tour operators. Smith is intimately acquainted with not only the regions and people of these destinations, but also the high service expectations of travelers. Other extraordinary Africa adventure itineraries and Safari vacations to Africa designed by Africa Answers: Visit: Masvingo, ‘The Ancient City’; the country’s second-largest city, Bulawayo; the Matopo Hills, for cave paintings and breathtaking vistas at ‘View of the World’; and Hwange National Park, one of Africa’s finest wildlife havens, including herds of protected ‘presidential elephants.’ Also offering sumptuous meals and lodge accommodations, the tour culminates at Victoria Falls, one of the world’s greatest natural wonders. • Take a walk on the wild side with the Simba Safari (7-day, 6-night land only*, from $2,260 per person/double occupancy). Rich in multicultural heritage and home to the famous Maasai people, Tanzania also houses some of the most impressive national parks and game reserves. Highlights include: Serengeti National Park; ‘The Cradle of Mankind,’ Olduvai Gorge; and the awe-inspiring Ngorongoro Crater, the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera. Travelers will view wildlife daily and relax in comfortable lodge accommodations in four spectacular locations. These and many more vacations to Africa are fully detailed at the Africa Answers website. For a complete list of all deals to Africa, plus terms and conditions, visit http://www.africaanswers.com/vacations or http://www.africaanswers.com/current-specials. To reserve a brochure, visit http://www.africaanswers.com/tools/request-brochure. *Airfare to and from Africa is not included in quoted tour prices, however Africa Answers is able to supply the best available rate for a traveler’s dates and departure locations upon request. Africa Answers employs seasoned travel experts that customize tours for independent travelers—ranging from unique, hands-on holidays to more traditional itineraries—and for groups of virtually any size. For further information email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address), or call (866) 427-2540. SYDNEY, 21 September 2010: Qantas today commenced its daily schedule to South Africa as it introduced its seventh weekly service between Sydney and Johannesburg on Tuesdays.
Qantas Chief Executive Officer, Mr Alan Joyce, said that the commencement of the additional service provides Qantas customers with greater flexibility for travel between Australia and South Africa. “South Africa is a key market for Qantas, particularly with our business travelers, and we are pleased that we can now offer customers a daily service between Sydney and Johannesburg,” Mr Joyce said. The daily schedule will now complement Qantas’ daily codeshare services between Perth and Johannesburg with South African Airways, who will also codeshare on Qantas’ daily Sydney- Qantas continues to be the only carrier to operate non-stop services between Sydney and Johannesburg. The new service will also deliver much needed additional freight opportunities for exporters 3 days have now passed following the initial 7.1 magnitude earthquake in the early hours of Saturday 4th September. Since our last update on Thursday 8th September, our land operator has now visited Christchurch and we are pleased to provide an up-to-date report and recommendation as to when we expect the city to be in a position to accommodate tourism once again. We have been encouraged by how presentable Christchurch city is so soon after the initial earthquake, and how isolated the affected areas of serious devastation are. Those buildings that were initially assessed and ear-marked for demolition have been demolished and cleaned up incredibly quickly over the last 14 days. This is certainly a credit to the very efficient mobilization of New Zealand’s well prepared emergency infrastructure and united local community. The initial ‘tourist zone’ including Cathedral square, Worcester Street and the central shopping precinct are largely unaffected by damage. In the city centre there is a general feeling that life is returning to normal. 95% of tourist attractions, shops and food and beverage outlets are operating as normal Evidence of the earthquake can be seen upon closer examination of buildings around the city where hairline cracks are visible. Most notably Manchester Street (to the East of the CBD) has been severely affected by widespread damage. This is the only area where some roads are still cordoned due to pending large-scale demolition. Areas such as Manchester St are not on the tourist route and not an area that tourists will ordinarily visit whilst walking the city. Although the post-earthquake clear-up has been swift and efficient in the CBD, affects of the earthquake to Canterbury residents cannot be down-played. Many Cantabrians have lost their homes to demolition and some small businesses have closed in the city for good. Overall the mood of the local community is improving every day as the after-shocks continue to diminish in frequency and magnitude. Much of the severe damage to homes is the suburbs, areas not frequented by tourists. Aftershocks have continued to hit Christchurch and the Canterbury region since the initial earthquake. Although the situation is improving daily it is important to point out that as with any force of nature there is still an element of unpredictability. Our initial recommendation posted on Thursday 8th September was that clients should NOT proceed to Christchurch for at least the next 14 days. This recommendation stays in place and extends until Thursday 23rd September. Whilst there are after-shocks still occurring in the region AOT continue to closely monitor the situation. We will revise the present recommendation and provide further updates accordingly if we change our current advice. Our land operator has communicated with all passengers presently either in or traveling to the Christchurch region. 24hr contact details have been passed on to all clients and over the past 14 days we have been assisting in both getting clients out of Christchurch and have been changing the itineraries of clients en route to Christchurch. The property is currently waiting results of official assessment following receiving critical damage. Presently is unknown when the hotel will re-open for business. On Saturday 11th September a large landslide occurred 8km South of Kaikoura that blocked both State Highway 1 and the railway line between Christchurch and Kaikoura. For a temporary period between 11th – 16th September road and rail access was blocked completely meaning fly-drive itineraries were diverted inland. Connections between Christchurch and Picton on the Tranzcoastal rail service were canceled as a result with replacement coach services put in place. As of the 17th September the landside has been removed and both the highway and the Tranzcoastal rail service has resumed. All other major roads and highways are open on the South Island so fly-drive itineraries can start or finish from Christchurch although as per the above advice we do not recommend that clients stay in Christchurch before or after their self-drive program except at an Airport Hotel (eg: Copthorne Commodore or Sudima Hotel).
Christchurch’s tourism community is working together to make sure guests are well looked after as the city recovers slowly from a major earthquake which hit on Saturday morning.
No other areas of New Zealand or the South Island are affected by the earthquake. Christchurch International Airport, along with car hire and campervan companies are up and running. Train and road routes in and out of the City are open and services running. Areas around central Christchurch including Hanmer Springs, Akaroa, Kaikoura and the local ski fields are unaffected, as is much of the Canterbury region. Tourism New Zealand Chief Executive Kevin Bowler New Zealand’s high levels of earthquake preparedness and strong infrastructure have seen essential services quickly restored to most of the affected area. “Most tourism operators in the Christchurch region are open, but visitors are advised to contact their travel agents or accommodation providers before arriving in the City,” Mr Bowler said. Those transiting through Christchurch to other regions will be unaffected. As Christchurch City settles back to normal Civil Defence recommend that to avoid putting unnecessary pressure on infrastructure, non-essential travel to the City over the coming week is postponed. Daily updates provided by Christchurch and Canterbury tourism operators are available at http://www.christchurchnz.com or visitors can call 0800 423 783. Travellers who have bookings for travel to Christchurch and Canterbury are advised to keep their bookings, and maintain regular contact with their travel providers for the latest updates. Regular tourism updates will be carried on http://www.newzealand.com and http://www.christchurchnz.com The Virgin Blue Group of Airlines and Etihad Airways announced a new commercial partnership that will enable Virgin Blue’s international arm, V Australia, to launch direct services to Abu Dhabi in 2011 and the two airlines to offer a joint network of more than 100 destinations from October 1, 2010. Together, Etihad and V Australia will move towards a total of 27 weekly services between Abu Dhabi and Australia – including double-daily services between Abu Dhabi and Sydney, daily Melbourne-Abu Dhabi flights and six frequencies per week between Abu Dhabi and Brisbane. The Hilton Moorea
Conservation Minister Tim Groser has asked the New Zealand Conservation Authority (NZCA) to investigate the creation of a new National Park in Northland. “I have formally asked the NZCA to begin its investigation and consultation process towards giving National Park status to the conservation land surrounding the great Kauri forests of Northland. “The proposed National Park in the Waipoua Forest, north of Dargaville, is a pristine forest area with outstanding natural, historic and recreational values. “The area includes the magnificent Tane Mahuta (Lord of the Forest) - New Zealand’s largest known living Kauri tree - and Trounson Kauri Park which has a magnificent dense stand of Kauri. A visit to Tane Mahuta is part of the iconic kiwi experience for visitors and tourists alike. “It is has been estimated that only 2 per cent of our Kauri remains - most of that in the forests of Northland. There are currently no National Parks in the area and this Government is committed to protecting this amazing landscape,” Mr Groser said. The Kauri forests of Northland are also home to several threatened species, such as North Island brown kiwi, kukupa (NZ pigeon), pekapeka (bats) and Kauri snails. Investigating the proposed new National Park may take up to a year and includes significant consultation with the tangata whenua, Te Iwi o Te Roroa, local authorities, iwi groups and the public. For more information about the proposed new Kauri National Park, visit http://www.doc.govt.nz/getting-involved/consultations/current/kauri-national-park-proposal/ For the official Press Release visit http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/new+kauri+national+park+northland Effective 01Nov10, Secure Flight will only accept passenger records that contain full Secure Flight Passenger Data. What is the Secure Flight program supposed to do? This information is mandatory and must be complied with or may result in civil penalties
Once-In-A-Lifetime Australia Vacation Package to Lake Eyre Basin September 11-22, 2010. BELLEVUE, Wash.—(July 22, 2010) Lesser known than Australia’s Great Barrier Reef but no less spectacular is Lake Eyre Basin, the lowest point on the continent at about 50 feet below sea level. Once every 50 years or more, life in this normally deserted region awakens as the lake, roughly twice the size of Texas, fills with water. Award-winning travel wholesaler Down Under Answers is offering a unique 11-night Australian vacation package to see this wonder of the natural world up close, beginning September 11. Timed for when the region will be at its most lush and accessible, this extraordinary Australian vacation deal is only $6,099 per person based on double occupancy and includes: The Eyre Basin is normally inhospitable to life and usually contains little or no water. The shallow lake itself is a vast drainage system, but when it fills, or ‘floods,’ it is transformed into an abundant oasis for flora and fauna, providing breeding grounds for some six million birds. They travel from as far away as Japan and China, and the larger birds include pelicans, cormorants and ibis. Frogs and other amphibians hibernating for 50 years or more spring to life, and even wild camels are drawn to the lake’s shores by the scent of water. Although it has contained water a number of times over the last century, Lake Eyre has filled to capacity only three times in the last 150 years; it is rare to see floods two years running. However, with this year’s high waters building on the benefits of 2009’s significant water level, Lake Eyre Basin is now a don’t-miss place for travelers who want to see a side of Australia that’s vastly different from an urban Sydney vacation. “The Lake Eyre Basin is one of the most fascinating regions of the most unusual continent on the planet. We designed this comprehensive tour because we wanted to give nature-loving travelers, as well as those who are looking for a truly unique vacation in Australia, the chance to really experience this once-in-a-lifetime phenomenon,” says Down Under Answers president Kirk Demeter. Highlights of the circular route, which covers the Western Channel Country, include: For a detailed itinerary, click here. To book call DUA on (800) 788-6685, email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or contact your local travel expert. The tour begins September 11 and concludes September 22, 2010.
Next Generation Check-in is the first step in our development of the airport terminals of the future. This groundbreaking project promises to re-define domestic air travel, making your journey through the terminal and onto your flight faster and more convenient.
South Africa Takes the World Stage Hosting Soccer’s World Cup as Travel Specialist Expands to Include African Vacations
BELLEVUE, Wash.—(June 18, 2010)— Acknowledged as one of the most respected and awarded specialists in wholesale travel to Australia, New Zealand and the islands of the South Pacific, Down Under Answers has extended its scope to include Southern Africa and the nations of Eastern Africa. New affiliate Africa Answers will specialize in travel packages to the nations of South Africa, Tanzania, Botswana, Mozambique, Namibia and the Indian Ocean, including the island nation of Seychelles. Thanks to the easing up of the recession and subsequent company growth, Africa Answers is hoping to take advantage of the expected $2 billion in revenue generated by the nearly 460,000 international visitors for the 2010 FIFA World Cup running June 11 through June 24 in South Africa. “DUA has experienced fantastic growth over the last 6 months. In the upcoming summer months our revenue is already expected to surpass any month in the history of the company. Africa is a vast, vibrant and under tapped travel destination and with the World Cup coming up, now is the time to expand in into this new market,” says company president and founder Kirk Demeter from Johannesburg, where he is currently enjoying the World Cup atmosphere. Currently staffed with 24 seasoned employees, parent company Down Under Answers is zooming back to record-year status after a tough 2009. Already the company has seen a 95% increase in passengers and a 50% growth in revenue over last year for the first six months, and project overall business for the year to be an all time high. DUA was awarded by both Tourism New Zealand and Australia as Best Travel Wholesaler six and five years running respectively. Similarly, Africa Answers will rely heavily on relationships built with South African Tourism and travel boards. “South African tourism welcomed our expansion into South Africa with open arms, helping to build crucial relationships and forge ahead with our program. Kerryn Cook, our VP of Product and Marketing traveled to Durban, South Africa for Indaba, the trade show that unites travel professionals and suppliers, and was able to find the right hotels, safari lodges and tours to best suit our clients,” says Demeter. Since its inception in 1992, the Seattle based company has grown steadily from a boutique adventure operator to one of the leading travel wholesalers in North America. Down Under Answers enjoyed a record year in 2008 in sales to the South Pacific (including Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti, Fiji, Cook Islands, Vanuatu and more); with Australia vacation destinations representing 65% of total sales. Projected sales for 2010 are expected to reach their all-time peak year. Pre-designed package or customized getaway, more travelers than ever before are placing their vacation dreams in the experienced hands of Down Under Answers/Africa Answers travel experts. “It’s a natural progression for our company to include an African vacation focus, because so many people want to experience its scenic beauty, wildlife and cultural offerings firsthand. We’ve fallen in love with it,” adds Demeter. SYDNEY, 28 April 2010: Qantas has launched new technology enabling domestic Mobile Check-in as part of its Next Generation Check-in initiative.
Qantas Chief Executive Officer, Mr Alan Joyce, said Mobile Check-in was a key offering of the broader Next Generation Check-in project announced last year which is set to streamline the domestic airport experience for Qantas customers. Sydney is leading the recovery in hotel occupancy rates as room supply remains tight.
Read the Full Article from The Australian Financial Reivew
Alan Joyce, CEO Qantas Airways advised that Qantas will resume all services between Europe and Australia. “I want to assure you that we did not make this decision lightly. Safety is our first and unwavering priority. We have been closely monitoring the situation in Europe and liaising with European authorities about the opening of airspace across Europe. And after carefully considering all factors we are confident in our decision to begin flying again. Today, we resume flights out of the UK to Australia and from Asia to London and Frankfurt. Tomorrow we will recommence normal scheduled services from Australia to Europe. Our customers booked on these flights are confirmed for travel. Those customers that were booked on cancelled flights are advised not to proceed to the airport, and we will be contacting these customers to rebook them on the next available services. As expected, we are now facing a considerable backlog which we expect will take two to three weeks to clear. Queensland Rail (QR) will meet with tourism industry representatives in Kuranda next week, to brief them on efforts to reopen the Kuranda Scenic Railway following the March landslip. The company will receive geotechnical advice tomorrow (Friday, April 16), as part of a complete risk assessment for future services. That “the Whitsundays is open for business” is the key message Tourism Whitsundays is spreading to trade and industry partners today after Cyclone Ului hit the region over the weekend.
“We are asking you to inform your retail network, reservations staff and direct customers that the Whitsundays is open for business and ready for visitors,” Tourism Whitsundays Chief Executive Officer Peter O’Reilly said. Very little structural damage occurred throughout the region, and power has now been restored to all business centers and most residential areas. Residents and the Whitsunday Regional Council have already undertaken a huge clean up effort of trees and debris, and the clean up is continuing on road sides, beaches, national parks and on the water. The worst damage was caused to local boats moored in the bay. Tourism operators are back into full swing, with ferries operating between the islands and mainland, trips to Whitehaven Beach and the Great Barrier Reef recommencing, bareboat and crewed charter boats already out on the water, and local shops and restaurants back open again. Both the region’s airports (Hamilton Island and Whitsunday Coast-Proserpine) are open and operating, with new holidaymakers arriving already. Island resorts, who have comprehensive cyclone preparation and response plans, are open and clean ups are either in very advanced stages or complete. “The whole region prepared so well and that showed with such minimal damage from the cyclone,” Mr O’Reilly said. “The region is very resilient from these kinds of weather events and that really minimizes the impact on holiday makers.” Tourism Whitsundays asks for your support in assuring holidaymakers who already have bookings to the region that their holiday will still be possible and wonderful, and for those who want to help the region, booking a holiday here is the best thing they can do. Assistance to spread this message throughout your networks would be greatly appreciated. “The economic impact of this cyclone is turning out to be far greater than the wind and rain itself,” Mr O’Reilly said.
Monday 8 March 2010: Virgin Blue has announced plans to launch flights to one of Australia’s most iconic and revered tourist destinations. From Monday 2 August, the airline will begin direct flights from Sydney to Ayers Rock (Uluru), providing some much needed competition on the route. Queensland Rail has launched a rail pass that allows 3 or 6 months unlimited travel in an economy seat across the Queensland Rail long distance services. Discover everything amazing Queensland has to offer, from one of the most remarkable natural gifts, the Great Barrier Reef with its abundance of marine life to the rich red soils in the Outback with the flexible and economical Queensland Explorer Pass. The Southern Spirit, Australia’s first ‘rail cruise’, is set to begin its maiden voyage today (12 January) beginning the rail adventure of a lifetime for the 45 guests on board. The Southern Spirit brings a new standard in exclusive rail journeys – 14 days of luxury on board what can be described as an ‘epic rail adventure’. Virgin Blue Airlines Group’s new boutique international long-haul airline, V Australia, and the world’s largest airline, US-based, Delta Air Lines, are pleased to announce that from today members of each carrier’s frequent flyer programmes will enjoy reciprocal points accrual for travel with both airlines and reciprocal lounge access within Australia and the US. Click here for more information.
Please be advised that Yasawa Island Resort is closed for several months to allow for the construction of a new Main Complex.
Sadly the resort lost its Main Complex in a fire on the 24th of December 2009. Fortunately no guests or staff suffered any harm. The Main Complex housed our restaurant, bar, kitchen, stores, boutique, offices and library. None of the resort accommodation bures suffered any damage. However we will reopen with a New and Modern Main Complex with improved functionality and enhanced orientation to the world class beach at Yasawa. We are working with our engineers and architect to build the Main Complex as soon as possible. At this stage the Resort is scheduled to reopen on the 1st of October 2010.
November 10, 2010
Down Under Answers Launches Africa Answers
“Natasha’s many years of experience ensure that the best hotels, lodges and tours are selected for travelers,” comments Demeter.
• For an unforgettable vacation in Africa, book Great Zimbabwe (11-day, 10-night land only*, from $2,680 per person/double occupancy).
Follow Africa Answers Online:
Website: http://www.AfricaAnswers.com
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/AfricaAnswers
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Blogs: http://www.AfricaAnswers.com/travel-blogs
Jason Mesnick’s Blog: http://www.jasonsjobblog.com
September 21, 2010
Qantas Commences Daily Services to South Africa
“The new service will also be operated by a four class Boeing 747-400, adding an additional 350 seats per week to the route.
Johannesburg services.
throughout Australia and Asia on what is traditionally a sector limited by weight restrictions.September 17, 2010
CHRISTCHURCH – EARTHQUAKE UPDATE 17TH SEPTEMBER
COPTHORNE HOTEL DURHAM STREET
CLOSURE OF STATE HIGHWAY 1 / TRANZCOASTAL RAIL SERVICESeptember 08, 2010
Christchurch Earthquake Update
For official updates on the earthquake visit http://www.canterburyearthquake.org.nz or http://www.civildefence.govt.nz/memwebsite.nsf
For the latest news on the earthquake from New Zealand media, visit http://www.stuff.co.nz or http://www.nzherald.co.nzAugust 31, 2010
The Virgin Blue Group of Airlines and Etihad Airways announce a New Commercial Partnership
This announcement includes the decision to cease all V Australia services from Australia to Johannesburg and Phuket in February 2011, in order to redeploy its V Australia B777-300ER to operate on new routes between Australia and Abu Dhabi.August 19, 2010
The Hilton Moorea Resort & Spa Unveils Islands’ Largest Resort Renovation Project
August 19, 2010
New Kauri National Park for Northland
August 19, 2010
TSA Secure Flight Update
All ticketed reservations must have the passenger’s full name as it appears on the passport, date of birth, gender, and Redress Number (if available) and be successfully transmitted to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and noted in your reservation at time of booking.
Identify known and suspected terrorists Prevent passengers on the No Fly List from boarding a plane Ensure that passengers on the Selectee List are subjected to extra screening to determine if they should be permitted to fly.
What is a Redress Number?
The TSA explains the redress process in the following way: “Redress is an opportunity for passengers who believe they have been improperly or unfairly delayed or prohibited from boarding an aircraft to seek resolution and avoid future delays. The affected passengers often have the same or a similar name to someone on the watch list. The DHS Traveler Redress Inquiry Program (TRIP) provides a one-stop shop for passengers seeking redress. Secure Flight uses the results of the redress process in its watch list matching process to help prevent future delays for misidentified passengers.”July 23, 2010
DUA Offers Trip to See Australia’s Largest Lake Filled for the First Time in a Century
June 23, 2010
Qantas Introduces Next Generation Check-In
June 17, 2010
Down Under Answers Branches into South Africa
April 29, 2010
Qantas Launches Mobile Check-In
“Enhancing the customer experience by increasing speed and ease through our airports is the key driver for the Qantas Next Generation Check-in project,” said Mr Joyce.
“Our research showed us our customers wanted more control over their travel experience. They want to be able to check-in before they even arrive at the airport and then move quickly through the airport to board their flight.
“Mobile Check-in now offers customers the ability to check-in remotely, while on the go, removing another airport process for our busy modern travelers.
“Qantas continues to introduce new services such as Mobile Check-in and domestic Advance Seat Section as part of our Next Generation Check-in roll out, for which a pilot will commence in Perth in July. We’ll be unveiling our full Next Generation Check-in service in Sydney later this year.”
Domestic Advance Seat Selection rewards top tier Frequent Flyers, (Platinum, Gold and Silver), with even more choice as these customers now have the ability to preselect their seat online prior to travel.
Mobile check-in provides customers with the ability to check-in for their flight via their personal mobile device, including iPhones, Blackberrys and other web-enabled mobile devices, between 24 hours and 45 minutes prior to departure.
A 2D bar code is sent to their phone which is then scanned by a reader at the gate, and a boarding receipt is printed for the customer with their name, frequent flyer details, flight number and seat allocation.
The Qantas Mobile application was initially launched in 2008. In addition to the introduction of domestic Mobile Check-In, Qantas Mobile provides customers with the ability to access real time flight information direct to their mobile phone including arrival and departure times, access worldwide Qantas Club lounge locations, contact numbers for Qantas offices worldwide and the up to date timetables for Qantas, QantasLink, Jetstar and codeshare flights for up to 353 days.
Frequent Flyers can access Qantas Mobile with their Frequent Flyer number, last name and PIN to view all bookings recorded against their Frequent Flyer membership, as well as their points balance and date of last activity. Non-Frequent Flyers can log in with their booking reference and last name to view their booking including passenger details, flight details, check-in information and baggage allowances.
Ports that have launched Mobile Check-in include Sydney Terminal 3, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Canberra, Gladstone, Townsville, Mackay, Rockhampton, Ayers Rock, Alice Springs, Darwin, Hobart, Launceston, Kalgoorlie, Broome, Karratha, Newman, Paraburdoo and Port Lincoln. There are also plans to roll out Mobile Check-in to Adelaide, Cairns, Sydney Terminal 2, Newcastle and Port Hedland in coming months.
The Qantas mobile phone application is accessed by typing qantas.com into a web-enabled mobile browser.
April 26, 2010
Sydney the Leader of Occupancy Rates
April 21, 2010
Qantas Resumes Services in Europe
Updates will continue to be available on http://www.qantas.com.”
Alan Joyce
CEO Qantas Airways April 16, 2010
Kuranda Scenic Rail Remains Closed
The Kuranda Scenic Railway will not reopen until that assessment is complete, which is expected to take at least four weeks.
QR Passenger Executive General Manager Paul Scurrah said the review would require further delays to reopening the service, but said the safety of passengers and staff was paramount.
In the interim, QR was working on other short-term tourism options, Mr Scurrah said.
“The thoroughness of the safety investigation and risk analysis we have underway requires a further delay.
“I know this will cause further disruption and for that I apologise, but we will not compromise on safety.”
Mr Scurrah said the advice of geotechnical experts was essential to completing a full risk assessment.
“With 33km of track this is a complex, thorough and incredibly important assessment.
“I appreciate how frustrating this uncertainty is to the Cairns community and I apologize for that. QR is working as hard and as fast as it can to resolve these issues but no one would expect us to compromise on safety.”
QR will provide a further update next week.
Skyrail Rainforest Cableway continues to operate and numerous coach tour operators offer a variety of touring options that include Kuranda.
March 24, 2010
Whitsundays Open For Business
March 09, 2010
Virgin Blue Announces Flights to Ayers Rock (Uluru)
Both Australian and international leisure travelers will have the opportunity to fly with Virgin Blue to visit the landmark that is undeniably Australian and recognized both in this country and globally.
Virgin Blue will commence with a daily flight, operating an EMBRAER E-190 aircraft to carry 104 Guests to and from this iconic attraction.
Chief Executive, Brett Godfrey, said, “Virgin Blue turns ten in August and what better way to celebrate than with the launch of new services to the heart of Australia.”
“The timing is right for us to launch a new route as we take delivery of a new E-Jet later this year and we looked at a number of options before deciding Ayers Rock (Uluru) was the ideal destination to commit our new resources to. The decision reflects our view regarding the importance of Ayers Rock (Uluru) to the tourism industry and indeed to visitors from our own backyard, as well as from all over the world, who flock to the rock each year to marvel at the natural landmark.”
January 29, 2010
Queensland Rail Launches New Explorer Rail Pass
QR Passenger GM Travel and Tourism, Mr Mark Williams, said “You can really appreciate Queensland’s vast and unique beauty from a train. Holidaymakers traveling with the Queensland Explorer Pass can experience the warmth of making new friends and the comfort of traveling throughout Queensland.”
An exciting Queensland Rail long distance journey can take you from the State’s world heritage-listed rain-forests, tropical Whitsunday islands, and far west to the iconic landscapes of the outback.
“Starting from just US$351.00, there’s no better value in experiencing the contrasting landscapes of Queensland’s coast to countryside than by rail” stated Mr Williams.
Travellers onboard the Tilt Train and The Sunlander can sit back and relax whilst marveling at the scenery from the city of Brisbane along the tropical coastline to Cairns, passing through
iconic destinations like the whale watching renowned Fraser Coast, as the train heads towards the famous Daintree forest and exclusive resorts of Heron Island.
Or for those travellers who prefer the rugged outback, mountainous ranges and breathtaking beauty of western Queensland you can choose to travel on Spirit of Outback to Longreach, the Westlander to Charleville or on the Inlander to the famous mining town of Mt Isa.
This pass entitles holidaymakers to unlimited economy class rail travel for three or six monthsacross the entire Queensland Rail long distance network until 31 March 2011.
Pass holders may upgrade to business class seats on the Tilt Trains (Cairns, Rockhampton & Bundaberg) and any available sleeping berths upon payment of the applicable difference in fares. The pass holder may upgrade to a business class seat on the Tilt Train to Cairns for free when booking journeys within 7 days of travel (valid to 31 December 2010).
January 12, 2010
The Southern Spirit Prepares to Set Sail
Great Southern Rail’s Marketing Manager, Mr David Smith, said “The Southern Spirit is for those who are looking for something new and unique. Those who view travel not as a destination, but as a journey
to be savoured”.
With just two exclusive rail cruises operating in the inaugural year, it is a lucky few who will experience The Southern Spirit journey.
The first itinerary, ‘The Grand Tour’, began on 9 January with guests enjoying a three day tour of the Red Centre before boarding The Southern Sprit for their next destination. Those on board will visit some
of the most scenic areas of Central Australia, South Australia, Victoria and New South Wales with the journey concluding in Brisbane on 22 January.
On board the train guests will be accommodated in either a premium Platinum Service cabin or a contemporary Gold Service cabin, experiencing personalised attention, fine dining and all of the creature
comforts you would expect from an exclusive chartered journey.
Like all cruise experiences, travellers will head ‘ashore’ for excursions and tours – such as a two-day excursion to Kangaroo Island in South Australia and a visit to Glenrowan, the home of Ned Kelly, in
country Victoria. Several nights are also spent on land in five-star hotels such as the lavish Crown Towers on the Yarra River in Melbourne.
The Southern Spirit’s second journey for 2010, ‘The Coastal Epic’, begins in Brisbane on 24 January and concludes in Alice Springs on 4 February.
The Coastal Epic includes all of the experiences of ‘The Grand Tour’ in reverse, with the added highlight of an Australia Day celebration on the 36th level of the famous Shangri-La hotel, providing a perfect
viewpoint of the Sydney Harbour fireworks.
“The Southern Spirit is something new and quite unique in Australia. It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity to experience the breathtaking Australian outback while on a luxurious and epic rail journey,” said Mr
Smith.
January 11, 2010
V Australia & Delta Airlines Ink Frequent Flyer Agreement
January 08, 2010
Yasawa Island Resort Temporary Closure