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6 July 2011 |
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ATLAS NEWSLETTER
Dear Atlas Subscriber, Welcome to the July edition of Atlas and to the second half of 2011! We have some important information in this edition from Qantas with new domestic fare structures to take place from tomorrow Thursday, 7th July. I urge all regular travel bookers to familiarise yourselves with these changes or contact one of our team for any questions or queries you may have. David Cawthorn has shared his "Three of the Best" this month including a fantastic resort in China. There's never a better way to get advice than from someone who has visited or experienced a product first hand. Lastly, I invite you all to follow us on twitter for up to the minute tweets on the latest travel information. As always, I appreciate your feedback and welcome any comments to our newsletters.
Best regards,
Sarah Bush
Director |
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QANTAS CHANGE DOMESTIC FARE STRUCTURE
From tomorrow 07 July 2011, Qantas will implement a new Australian Domestic Economy class fare structure. The new structure will provide enhanced simplicity, flexibility and will be applicable for travel within Australia to all Qantas and QantasLink domestic and regional markets. 
The new fare structure will continue to provide you with a checked baggage allowance, seat selection, meals or refreshments and inflight entertainment without additional charge. Fares in the Economy cabin will now be grouped into three fare families, each of which provides varying levels of flexibility for our customers: The Red eDeal, Flexi Saver and Fully Flexible fare. The implementation of the new fare structure will see the removal of the Super Saver fare family.
Qantas will also introduce the ability to name change (subject to conditions) on Flexi Saver, Fully Flexible and Business class fares (a fee applies on selected booking classes). A 'name change' is defined as using the value of an unused ticket (inclusive of Ticket Taxes*) as credit towards payment for a new ticket in another person's name.
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MALAYSIAN AIRLINES TO JOIN ONEWORLD
Malaysian Airlines has unanimously been elected a oneworld member-designate by the chief executives of the alliance's member airlines at a recent meeting.
A formal alliance membership agreement will be completed soon and Malaysia Airlines is expected to start flying as part of oneworld late next year.
As it prepares for its alliance membership, Malaysia Airlines intends to develop bilateral links with a number of oneworld's established partners. It already codeshares with oneworld partners Cathay Pacific and Royal Jordanian.
When Malaysia Airlines becomes part of oneworld in 2012, its customers will gain access to the alliance's global network. Malaysia Airlines will expand oneworld's global coverage to almost 950 destinations in 150 countries, served by a combined fleet of more than 2,600 aircraft operating some 10,000 flights a day and carrying 358 million passengers a year. |
SINGAPORE AIRLINES AND VIRGIN AUSTRALIA ALLIANCE
Singapore Airlines and Virgin Australia group of airlines have signed a landmark agreement which will enable them to establish a long-term alliance.
Under the agreement, the two airlines propose to:
- Codeshare on each other's international and domestic flights
- Offer reciprocal frequent flyer programme benefits and lounge access
- Co-ordinate schedules between Singapore and Australia and beyond to provide seamless connections and engage in joint sales, marketing and distribution activities.
The alliance will connect Singapore Airlines' extensive international network with Virgin Australia's wide range of Australian and Pacific destinations. Through the Singapore Airlines network, Virgin Australia customers will have access to some 70 more destinations, while through the Virgin Australia network Singapore Airlines customers will have access to some 30 more destinations. Members of Singapore Airlines' KrisFlyer frequent flyer programme will be able to earn and redeem miles on Virgin Australia flights, while Virgin Australia's Velocity members will be able to earn and redeem miles on Singapore Airlines-operated flights.
Singapore Airlines and Virgin Australia will lodge an application with the ACCC in the coming weeks. Subject to approval, customers should be able to experience the full benefits of the alliance from late this year. |
TTA'S NEW FOUR LEGGED ADDITION 
The Travel Authority Group have committed this year to sponsoring a puppy for Guide Dogs NSW/ACT, an organisation that relies solely on donations and receives no government funding.
Our team were introduced to "Dexter" last month who will start his training program in a few months.
If you are interested in sponsoring a puppy or require more information on this organisation please visit:
http://www.guidedogs.com.au/help-us/corporate/our-current-partners
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THREE OF THE BEST
This month David Cawthorn, Senior Corporate Consultant from our office in Crows Nest, Sydney presents his personal favourites.
AIRLINE PRODUCT:  Having flown many airlines in all parts of the world, nothing comes close to Emirates. With superb service and attention to detail, flying on one of their A380 aircraft in business class was a real treat. With the entire upper deck of the aircraft being all business class, it is very spacious and as well as lie flat beds, wireless seat entertainment control and your own mini bar, there is also a private bar area to relax and mingle with other guests. This aircraft is also extremely quiet which helps to reduce jet lag. With return airport transfers at your Australian Emirates departure point and most destinations included, the value of the product is exceptional. HOTEL/RESORT: 
Ritz Carlton Resort and Spa, Sanya, Hainan Island, China which is situated in Yalong Bay, China's only tropical seaside tourism resort is the ultimate escape for discerning luxury travellers. With beautiful white sandy beaches, this resort offers 450 oversized rooms, eight dining outlets, the largest spa in the region, expansive views and a retail shopping mini-mall.
Should you wish to indulge you could also upgrade to a private villa. Leisure possibilities are endless with 4 swimming pools and a lagoon and creek pool to relax and work on that tan! For keen golfers there are numerous courses nearby and a day trip to the nearby rainforest is also a great alternative for walking. If you close your eyes, yes you could be in Bali!
The resort is situated only 40 minutes from Sanya airport about 1hour 15minutes flying time from Hong Kong. DESTINATION:
Having visited Copenhagen in 2010 this would have to be one of my favourite cities. With a history dating back to 1043, this city is full of historic landmarks and significant buildings. I did try and pop in for a cuppa with Princess Mary and Frederick while visiting Amelienborg Palace, however they were out of town! The daily change of the Royal Guards more than made up for it. Also a must see is Christiansborg Palace which is used by the Royal Family and Danish Parliament. The Great Hall is a sight in itself with the Queens tapestry depicting 1000 years of Danish history. Rosenborg Palace contains the Royal Jewellery and private collections.
With the city being so flat you can also hire a bike, a great way to get around as they have their own cycle paths separated from the traffic along with their own traffic lights. Don't forget to pop in to Nyhavn and enjoy coffee by the canal and historic buildings while people watching.
Stay tuned next month for the top 3 picks of another Travel Authority Group staff member! |
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Car rental giant Hertz have become the first major firm to offer electric bicycles for rental, with the introduction of Ultra Motor bikes in London.
12 of the eco-friendly conveyances are now available for daily rental from Hertz's Marble Arch location in central London costing £20 a day.
Bikes are supplied fully charged and come with a charger so you can charge them by plugging into any mains socket.
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GRAND HYATT MELBOURNE COMPLETES REFURBISHMENT
Grand Hyatt Melbourne is the city's centre of luxury, located on Collins Street in the heart of Melbourne's most prestigious shopping, dining and theatre precinct and within walking distance to many tourist attractions. 
This iconic Melbourne hotel includes striking upper and lower lobbies, a state of the art health and fitness centre, City Club, and a luxury retail precinct with flagship stores. Mo Mo restaurant and the Spice Market bar complete the hotel's luxurious precinct.
The redevelopment of the hotel's public spaces has recently been complemented with new guest rooms. A brand new residential style concept has been designed for even greater guest comfort and includes custom made furniture and luxurious fabrics for a warm relaxing mood. 
All Grand Club accommodation and premium suites include access to the hotel's Grand Club lounge offering a range of extensive benefits. Situated on the 31st floor, the lounge offers panoramic city and river views, deluxe continental breakfast, all day refreshments and evening drinks with canapés.
The hotel's dynamic restaurant, Collins Kitchen, offers guests an interactive experience with an open show kitchen and serves multiple food concepts, including Deli, Sushi, Grill, Wok, Woodfire Oven and Patisserie.
RU-CO, the hotel's exclusive bar was recently named 'Bar of the Year' at the AHA's Awards for Excellence Victoria 2011. |
CELEBRATE UNITED AIRLINES 85th BIRTHDAY!
INCLUDING TAXES AND FEES
United Airlines is the only airline operating daily flights to both Los Angeles and San Francisco, with connections to your choice of 185 destinations across the USA and Canada.
United Airlines has turned 85 and to celebrate, we have some fantastic Business Class fares to the City of Angels - Los Angeles! 
Prices ex Sydney start from $6,451* per person
(645,100 Amex points)
Prices ex Melbourne start from $6,432* per person
(643,200 Amex points)
San Francisco International Airport, although one of the world's 30 busiest airports, is preferred by frequent business travellers. Efficient operations ensure passenger screening wait times are among the shortest in the USA.
Prices ex Sydney start from $6,551* per person (655,100 Amex points)
Prices ex Melbourne start from $6,575* per person (657,500 Amex points)
*Conditions Apply: Fare is based on mid-week travel (Mon-Thurs) in Business Class ex Sydney or Melbourne. Minimum stay none, maximum stay 12 months. Tickets must be purchased 50 days prior to departure. Airfare is subject to availability at time of purchase. Higher levels with less restrictions also available. |
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EUROPE WITH ETIHAD
INCLUDING TAXES AND FEES
Experience luxury in Etihad's Pearl Business Class with this incredible fare. Take advantage of their top service, luxurious seats which turn into a 6'1" flat bed at the press of a button and an Etihad Chauffer driven luxury limousine service in Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne and 20 other destinations worldwide. Book now as the sale ends 8 July 2011!
Sydney to Paris Return From $6,300.64
(630,064 Amex points)
Please contact us for further information.
*Conditions apply: Prices subject to availability at time of ticketing. . Booking fees apply. Sales valid until 8 July 2011. Travel valid from 17 July 2011 until 31 March 2012. Minimum stay 3 days, maximum stay 3 months. |
GREAT SERVICE AT A FANTASTIC PRICE
INCLUDING TAXES AND FEES
Experience Singapore Airlines in their magnificent Business Class with this great fare to the City of Light, Paris. You will notice that you have more room than ever before, your wide seat can transform into a fully flat bed, an office, an entertainment multiplex and a gourmet restaurant, whenever you wish.
Prices ex Sydney start from $8,502.72* per person
(850,272 Amex points)
*Conditions Apply: Fare is based on business class ex Sydney. Minimum stay is 10 days. Tickets must be purchased 21 days prior to departure. Airfare is subject to availability at time of purchase. |
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CLUB MED AT GREAT PRICES!
INCLUDING TAXES AND FEES
At Club Med you can relax whilst your kids have a blast with the professional child-minding services and children's clubs. Each age group has a specific club space, so that parents can enjoy peace of mind while the children have fun.
We have some great specials in Asia to get you there!
Package includes:
- 7 nights in Twin Share Superior accommodation
- Return transfers
- Three gourmet buffet meals per day
- Bar and snacking Service
- Baby Welcome package service (0 to 23 months)
- All-day fully supervised Kids Clubs (4-10)
- Teen's Club Facilities (11-17 years old)
- A huge range of sports and activities
- Daily and Nightly entertainment
Phuket
Adults from $1,148.00* per person
(114,800 Amex points)
Kids from $664.00* per person
(66,400 Amex points)
Bali
Adults from $1,225.00* per person
(122,500 Amex points)
Kids from $699.00* per person
(69,900 Amex points)
*Conditions Apply: Min 7 nights consecutive stay at Club Med is required. For sale from 06 May 11 - 02 Oct 11. Price advertised available for travel from 01 Nov 11 - 30 Apr 12 (blackout periods apply). Prices may vary for stays overlapping two travel periods. Black out dates may apply. Prices advertised based on Superior Twin Share for Adult (12+). Offer valid for new bookings only and subject to availability and may change without notice. Open bar and snacking service within bar opening hours, excludes some premium alcoholic brands. Return airport transfers and compulsory Club Med membership fee is included in price and valid for 1 year at time of booking. Not valid for Group travel and not valid in conjunction with any other offer.
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UNBELIEVABLE JAPAN AIRLINES FARES
INCLUDING TAXES AND FEES
Fly to Tokyo with this great fare from Japan Airlines. Why not add a side trip to your favourite Japanese Ski resort? This fare is still available for some dates through the Christmas school holidays, but get in quick!
Fly to Tokyo from $995.84 ex Sydney
(99,584 Amex points)
Contact us before the sale ends on 31 July 2011.
*Conditions apply: Prices subject to availability at time of ticketing. Prices based on travel from Sydney to Tokyo. For Sale / Ticketing from 1 June 11 to 31 July 211. For departures from 1 June to 31 Mar 12. 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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