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1 April 2011 |
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ATLAS NEWSLETTER
Dear Atlas Subscriber,
Welcome to the April edition of Atlas.
I am delighted to share some exciting news with you all that our Northern Beaches office has scooped up 3 awards at The Travel With Kidz Annual National Conference held at Club Med, Cherating Beach, Kuala Lumpur 24 - 27 March 2011. Well Done Uschi and your amazing team, we have some extra special TWK offers in this edition, so please look out for them and contact our award winning team for more exclusive offers.
I am also very excited to announce our inclusion as nominees in the NTIA (National Travel Industry Awards 2011) for Best Corporate Agency - Multi Location and Best Corporate Consultant - Hannah Moore.
We have lots of interesting news items in our April edition as well as some great airfares.
I hope you find the content of this newsletter useful, and your feedback is as always very much appreciated.
Best regards,
Sarah Bush
Director |
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DAYLIGHT SAVINGS ENDS AS THE TRAVEL AUTHORITY REVISES OFFICE HOURS
Just a reminder for those living in NSW and VIC that Daylight Savings ends at 3.00am on Sunday 3 April. You will need to put your clocks back 1 hour.
From 1st April 2011, The Travel Authority Group will be amending our opening hours from 8.30am to 6.00pm. |
THE TRAVEL AUTHORITY RECOGNISED IN INDUSTRY AWARDS!
The Travel Authority Northern Beaches has cleaned up at the Travel With Kidz Annual National Awards Night picking up 3 out of 5 awards on offer.
Most improved Agency Sales
Most improved Consultant Sales - Jenine Lewis
Travel with Kidz Agency of the Year
Also, continuing on from recent years we have been nominated for two awards the National Travel Industry Awards 2011.
We have been nominated in the following categories:
Best Corporate Agency - Multi Location
Best Corporate Consultant - Hannah Moore
The Awards Night takes place on Saturday 9 July. We will keep you up-to-date on our progress in these awards. |
JETSTAR DOMESTIC FLIGHTS DEPARTING FROM INTERNATIONAL TERMINAL
The Travel Authority Group would like to advise that some domestic Jetstar flights depart and arrive from International Terminals (mainly Sydney and Melbourne at this time).
Any Jetstar flight number between JQ001 - JQ239 will depart and arrive from an International Terminal. If you are booked on one of these flights, you are required to be at the check-in desk at least 60 minutes prior to flight departure.
When making bookings via "Access", The Travel Authority's online booking engine, it is important you take note of the terminal departure and arrival details on both the availability screen and your itinerary. If you are unsure, please do not hesitate to contact us anytime to clarify. Failure to board a Jetstar flight may result in forfeiture of your ticket (depending on the fare type). |
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ASIANA CARING FOR MUMS AND BUBS
Asiana have introduced two new programs to care for mothers and their children.
The 'Pre Mom' service offers exclusive check in counters for expectant parents and their families. Electric cart service upon arrival or departure at Incheon International Airport will be provided. Express baggage check in services with priority tags attached, sleeping socks and front row seating for easier access to the restroom will be provided.
The 'Happy Mom' is a service already available to passengers travelling in long haul flights (over 10 hours) and offers passengers travelling with infants (24 months under) the privilege to use exclusive check-in counters, and breast milk nursing covers free of charge. |
... DID YOU KNOW 
The world's highest hotel opened its doors in Hong Kong this week, housed in the city's tallest skyscraper and offering unrivalled panoramic views of the world famous Victoria Harbour.
Towering some 490 metres above the bustling, chaotic streets of the Southern Chinese city, the Ritz-Carlton Hotel is making a grand comeback after temporarily closing in 2008.
Visitors peer out of the floor-to-ceiling windows of the 118th floor of the International Commerce Centre, which houses the hotel, for a 360 degree view of the glitzy financial hub and the South China Sea. |
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AMERICAN AIRLINES RELAUNCH NONSTOP FLIGHT CHICAGO TO DUBLIN
As part of its new summer schedule, American Airlines will re-laun ch its daily nonstop flight between Chicago O'Hare International Airport and Dublin, Ireland, beginning April 5.
Starting April 6, American Airlines will also move its operations into Dublin Airport's new Terminal 2 that opened in late 2010. That means customers will be able to pre-clear U.S. immigration and customs prior to boarding their flight.
On arrival in Chicago, customers will be treated as domestic rather than international passengers. They will be allowed to make connections in American's Terminal 3 at O'Hare and will not need to claim and recheck baggage before continuing on their next flight. |
MILLION DOLLAR MEMO
Tourism Queensland's Million Dollar Memo Campaign will see businesses across the globe compete to win the ultimate Queensland incentive. Entrants need to create an entertaining 60 second video that shows what makes their company great - and why they think Queensland is the ultimate reward for their staff. For more information click here. |
NEW HOTEL STAR RATING SYSTEM FOR AUSTRALIA 
From 1 July 2011, Australia's star rating system will be re-launched with the old points system to be replaced by a percentage scheme focusing on three key categories - facilities, cleanliness and quality/condition.
The new scheme aims to take some of the subjectivity out of the assessment process by using criteria defined by consumers and not by AAA Tourism assessors. Properties that fail to hit a 75% rating for cleanliness - ranked 'good' - cannot be star rated at all. Criteria will also be weighted based on consumer feedback. For example, more importance will be given to the quality of facilities in the bedroom and bathroom, rather than the quality of public areas of a hotel. The 'minimum requirements' under the previous scheme have been axed, with properties now required to earn their rating. |
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FOUR SEASONS SYDNEY UNVEIL SUITES
At the end of an $18million hotel refurbishment, the Four Seasons Sydney have unveiled their four indulgent suites.
The main feature of these suites is the bathroom taking prime position in the bay window and offering views over Sydney's Circular Quay. The master bedroom is an intimate cocoon featuring an elegant four-poster bed with linen canopy.
Royal Suites feature strong undertones of penthouse glamour but with an intriguing, metropolitan twist using parquet floor, timber wall paneling, wallpaper and soft Roman blinds to create a feeling of intimacy and warmth.
The Presidential Suite is priced from AUD$5925 per night, the Deluxe Royal from $3925 and the two one-bedroom Royal Suites from $1925
For availabilty and competitive prices on any Four Seasons Sydney room type click here for a quote now. |
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CHRISTCHURCH EARTHQUAKE UPDATE
It has now been over a month since the devastating earthquake in Christchurch. As the city is rebuilding we are getting many updates on the progress of our suppliers.
AIR NEW ZEALAND
Air New Zealand have ceased evening arrivals into Christchurch for the next few months, due to the lack of available hotel rooms. They are concerned about their passengers safety when driving to different towns at night after a flight.
INTERCONTINENTAL HOTEL GROUP PROPERTIES
IHG has closed out all reservation channels for its three Christchurch hotels for the remainder of 2011, as assessment of the earthquake-affected portfolio continues.
All three of IHG's hotels were impacted by the 6.3 magnitude earthquake that hit the city on 23 February this year. The state of the hotels remains uncertain due to continued limited access.
Crowne Plaza Christchurch: Access is still restricted to the CBD hotel due to uncertain stability of neighbouring structures. It will likely be six to eight weeks before a full structural assessment of the hotel can be made.
Holiday Inn City Centre Christchurch: Engineers are still yet to be granted access to the CBD hotel for a preliminary structural assessment. This is primarily due to safety concerns regarding the Grand Chancellor building, which is adjacent to the Holiday Inn hotel.
Holiday Inn on Avon Christchurch: Damage assessments have determined that substantial rectification works are required before the building can be returned to operational standard. IHG is working with the hotel's owner to determine the extent of works required to set a reopening date.
CHRISTCHURCH LOSE THE HOSTING OF RUGBY WORLD CUP GAMES
Christchurch has lost the hosting all of their Rugby World Cup games including a quarter final following an announcement by the IRB.
AMI Stadium that was to host the games was damaged during the earthquake and this damage cannot be repaired in time for the tournament in September and October. There was also extensive damage to accommodation which was also a factor in the IRB's decision.
The games will be moved to Auckland and other areas around New Zealand. |
QANTAS BAG TAGS NOW ON SALE!
Q bag tags are now on sale for non-premium passengers wanting to use QF's electronic Q Bag Tags. They are on sale for $49.95 online at the Qantas store.
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THE EVENTS AUTHORITY APRIL SPECIAL
This month The Events Authority has another great special for your group bookings
SHANGRI LA SYDNEY Book a group of 10 into either a Deluxe Darling Harbour Room or Deluxe Opera House City Room  from $250 per room (Room Only) or $280 inclusive of one full buffet breakfast daily in Café Mix and complimentary Broadband and WIFI in meeting rooms and guestrooms
Select 3 of the following bonus offers to spice up your meeting even more:
One complimentary meeting package for every 10 packages booked
Upgrade to Café Mix for lunch daily
Themed tea breaks with a difference
Two complimentary upgraded rooms to Executive Grand
Harbour View
Post meeting 'Pick Me Up' - 1/2 hour beverage package from $20pp in the Lobby Lounge
And as a little extra...
Up to 20,000 bonus air miles
One complimentary CHI Spa 20 minute massage
One complimentary parking voucher for your meeting
To book this special offer please contact us by clicking here.
Valid travel dates: 1 May - 30 Sept 2011
Conditions apply. |
CITY OF ANGELS IN STYLE
INCLUDES TAXES AND FEES
Enjoy the sights and sounds of Los Angeles with this great fare from Qantas.
Arrive in style flying Business Class from Sydney. 
Prices start from $8847.64* per person
(or 884,764 Amex points)
*Conditions Apply: Tickets must be purchased by 30 June 2011. Changes will incur a fee. If cancelled this ticket is non-refundable. Prices are subject to availability and may change without notice. |
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FANTASTIC 2 WEEK FAMILY HOLIDAY!
INCLUDING TAXES AND FEES
Relax and unwind experiencing the beauty of Fiji in this 2 week Family Holiday for 2 adults and 2 children (under 12)
From $ 7190.00* for the whole family!
(or 719,000 Amex points)
Package includes:
Return economy class airfares with Virgin Blue- Sydney/Nadi/Sydney
Meet and shell lei greeting on arrival
Private vehicle transfer - Nadi Airport/The Outrigger on the Lagoon
7 nights accommodation at the Outrigger on the Lagoon in a Deluxe Ocean View Room
Talai (butler) service
Welcome drink on arrival & a complimentary glass of champagne and canapes per person delivered to your room daily at approximately 4pm.
Free Kids Club available for children 3-12 years.
Buffet breakfast daily
Private vehicle transfer - The Outrigger on the Lagoon/Denarau Marina or Hotels
Return Launch Transfers - Denarau Marina/Castaway Island/Denarau Marina
7 nights accommodation at the Castaway Island Resort in an Island Bure
Welcome wine cocktail on arrival
Complimentary use of snorkelling equipment throughout stay (refundable deposit applies)
Complimentary use of all non motorised water sports equipment including catamarans, windsurfers, glass bottom boat, paddleboards and spy boards
Invitation to the weekly poolside cocktail party
Private vehicle transfer - Denarau Marina/Nadi Airport
Please contact us for further information.
*Conditions Apply: Travel 1 May to 31 July, subject to availability Flights include Australian and Fijian Air Taxes includes 23kg of baggage. Accommodation based on room only. Outrigger on the Lagoon Child Policy - Free meals for max 2 children aged 12 years and under (min 4 night stay and other conditions apply). Castaway Island Child Policy: Complimentary Kids Club (3 - 12 yrs) from 9am - 9pm daily. Complimentary meals for children aged 4 years and under. Private babysitting - F$8 per hour. Prices may be subject to change without notice. |
THE SNOW MUST GO ON IN NZ
INCLUDES TAXES AND FEES
Carve up Mt Hutt's ski fields with your NZ Snow Passport - Porters, Mt Cheeseman, Ohau, Carigieburn, Mt Dobson, Temple Basin & more.
Land Only Package Includes:
3 Nights in a Studio Motel Unit, Mt Hutt Motel, Methven
4 Nights Golden Chain Accommodation Pass - Blue
2 Day NZ Snow Passport
7 Day Car Hire (including 1 FREE day), Britz Group CCAR - Skierised Auto Compact
Value Pass Discount Card
Priced from $649.00* per person
(or 64,900 Amex points)
Phone 02 9290 9733 or contact us for further information. *Conditions Apply: Book by: 30 May 2011 Valid for Travel: 20 Jun - 30 Sep 2011 Not valid in conjunction with any other offer. All prices are quoted in AUD, twin share per person and are correct as at 21/02/2011. Offers are subject to availability & can change without notification due to fluctuations in charges and currency. Credit Card surcharges apply. See full terms & conditions for more details. |
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INCLUDING TAXES AND FEES
IMAGINE flying low over the Migration of the Masai Mara as the guide explains the pattern of wildebeest migration, or seeing the peak of Mt Kilimanjaro from the comfort of your aircraft seat.
Experience this unique 15 day Luxury Kenyan Air Safari 
From $12,875.00* per person
(or 1,287,500 Amex points)
Includes:
- Business Class international flights on Kenyan Airways ex Sydney
- Scheduled flight from Nairobi/Mara, remaining flights in a luxury aircraft
- Professional Safari Guides throughout
- National Park Fees
Please contact us for further information.
*Conditions apply: based on twin share, prices are subject to availability and may change without notice. |
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CALL US TODAY ON 1300 WE KNOW (935 669) |
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We are one of the top 100 agents in Australia, with buying power from Travelscene/American Express
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