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11 November 2011 |
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ATLAS NEWSLETTER
Dear Atlas Subscriber, Welcome to the November edition of Atlas.
After experiencing a turbulent period in the Australian aviation business we can now rest assured Qantas is back in the air and returning to their key focus - our joint customers. Returning to high levels of on-time performance, investing in new aircraft and lounges and ensuring the best possible in-flight experience is what we know Qantas for. The Travel Authority team was able to successfully re-accommodate all our clients during the grounding, giving the Australian Federation of Travel Agents' slogan 'Without A Travel Agent You Are On Your Own" some very strong reinforcement.
This month's newsletter is a bumber edition full of good news and fantastic travel deals, and as always I appreciate any feedback you might have. Sincerely,
Peter Hosper
Managing Director
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MALAYSIA AIRLINES 'ASIA'S LEADING AIRLINE AND AIRLINE LOUNGE'
Ceremony for 'Asia's Leading Airline' and 'Asia's Leading Airline Lounge'. Malaysia Airlines MD/CEO, Ahmad Jauhari said, 'We thank all those that voted and are indeed proud of this achievement. It is also the result of our employees' dedication to deliver only the best to our customers." Enjoy the following features when travelling Malaysian Airlines: 
Malaysia Airlines First Class:
Malaysia Airlines First Class cabin offers wide and comfortable seats, complete with ottoman, providing all the space and privacy you require. By bedtime, settle in for a good night sleep with Malaysia Airlines bed tuck-in service. Experience first class dining 'Chef-on-Call First'. 'Chef-on-Call First' is a new pre-flight order service made exclusively for first class passengers. Choose from an array of gourmet cuisine, available on services from Kuala Lumpur, Sydney, London, Amsterdam, Cape Town and Buenos Aires.
Malaysia Airlines Business Class:
Business Class features an angled lie flat seat and ensures privacy throughout the journey. Experience exclusive check-in privileges from checking in via telephone to receiving personalised service at the Kuala Lumpur newly enhanced fronted check-in lounge. The lounge has been transformed into a cosy area providing comfort whilst you wait for your documents to be processed.
Malaysia Airlines Economy Class:
Malaysia Airlines Economy class cabin offers one of the most spacious economy seats with a seat pitch of 34 inches, catering to the modern travellers needs by offering comfort and value for money. Malaysian Airlines 'Select-In-flight' entertainment system offers a world of high quality entertainment on board.
Whether you travel in First, Business or Economy class, Malaysia Airlines provides the assurance of being served by cabin crew members that epitomise Malaysian Hospitality. |
VIRGIN AUSTRALIA ADDS SEATS IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Virgin Australia has announced it will add an extra 1000 seats between Perth and Port Headland and Karratha in WA, effective 21st November to March 2012. Virgin will operate three additional weekly services to Port Headland and two services to Karratha. |
THE COST OF BUSINESS TRAVEL SET TO CLIMB
The cost of business travel is set to increase in 2012 as companies strive to  recover from difficult market conditions. Projections suggest business airfares and hotel rates will increase next year as the industry attempts to recover from the current economic environment. Asia is expected to see the biggest hikes, owing to increased demand, however rate rises will appear across the board in 2012.
As more and more companies understand the importance of retaining clients and driving growth, travel prices will go up. Business airfares in the Asia Pacific region will see the biggest increases, with short-haul fares to grow 6% and long haul fares to increase by up to 10%. Hotel rates in the Asia Pacific are also expected to increase 6-10% as demand increases, but rates are likely to be more conservative in North America and Europe where demand has softened. |
 VELOCITY FREQUENT FLYER TEAM UP WITH SECURE SENTINEL
Velocity Frequent Flyer has teamed up with Secure Sentinel to offer services that help cover against some of the worst case travel scenarios, including assistance with lost luggage, stolen passports and personal documents, as well as protection against identity theft and fraud (Secure Identity).
For further information on Secure Sentinel click here
VIRGIN AUSTRALIA BUSINESS CLASS ACROSS DOMESTIC NETWORK
Virgin Australia has commenced sales for Business Class on most of its Australian domestic routes across the airline's fleet for travel from 18 January 2012.
The announcement follows the news that Virgin Australia commenced sales of its Business Class product between Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane last week. For the first time in over a decade, travellers will have a choice in Business Class within the Australian domestic market. Fares commence from $359.00
Together with the airlines new airport lounges, relaunched Velocity Frequent Flyer program and their global network of over 400 destinations worldwide, Virgin's new Business Class experience will provide an unmatched offering in the Australian market.
Virgin Australia's Business Class offering includes luxury leather seating; Luke Mangan designed menus, complimentary access to Virgin Australia's lounges and priority check-in boarding.
BUSINESS CLASS FEATURES INCLUDE:
- Luxury leather seating with 38" seat pitch on the Boeing 737 and 62" seat pitch on the Airbus A330
- Newspapers are available until noon daily
- Deluxe amenity kit along with plush blankets and pillows on three+ hour flights
- Premium Australian wines and beers, and spirit selection
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QANTAS INTRODUCE NEW AWARDS FOR TOP FREQUENT FLYERS
Last month Qantas announced the introduction of a brand new category of Frequent Flyer recognition - Platinum One. Platinum One will only be available to a select group of the airline's most loyal customers. 
Effective 7 November 2011, Platinum, One member benefits will include:
- A dedicated contact number to link members to the Platinum One Special Service Team
- Assistance with access to additional Qantas Classic Awards and Flight Upgrade Awards on Qantas operated flights
- Confirmation of successful upgrade requests as early as seven days prior to departure
- Complimentary membership of epiQure by Qantas Frequent Flyer, the recently launched premium food and wine club
- Personalised gifts and experiences
Inaugural Platinum One members will be notified of their inclusion in the program by 7 November 2011. Each member will qualify for the exclusive new tier status based on flight activity throughout the year prior to 1 November 2011.
Further benefits to come later in 2011:
- Ability to register for a Flight Upgrade at any time from booking up until 24 hours prior to scheduled departure
- Platinum members may receive successful Flight Upgrade Award confirmation from up to 48 hours prior to their departure date
- All Frequent Flyers will be notified via SMS if their Flight Upgrade Award is confirmed to allow customers to maximise their time to prepare for their upgraded Qantas journey
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AIR CHINA MELBOURNE AIRPORT CHECKIN CLOSURE TIMES
Effective last month, the closing time of Air China's Check-in counter was changed from 30 minutes to 45 minutes prior to the departure time (MELBOURNE AIRPORT).
The change of the closing time for the check-in counter of is largely due to the increase of the frequency of the Air China flights out of Melbourne and large volume growth in passengers.
In order for the punctuality of the flight's departure and allowing passenger enough time to proceed with custom clearance, security clearance, tax clearance and any other formalities, we seek your assistance in advising all passengers travelling on Air China (departing from MELBOURNE), to please arrive at the airport at least minimum of two and half hours before the departure time.
For any questions in regards to the changes of the check-in notice, please do not hesitate to contact your dedicated consultant.
AIR CHINA 'S NEW FREE VIP BMW TRANSFER SERVICE
Air China passengers who travel on first or business class from Australia to Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu and Guangzhou are eligible for the new FREE VIP BMW airport transfer service.
To book contact us today. |
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QANTAS OFFERS A FREE FLIGHT TO THOSE AFFECTED BY THE GROUNDING
If you were one of the many Australian Resident customers* who were unable to travel with Qantas between 29 October and 31 October, Qantas would like to help make it up to you by offering those passengers the choice of a return domestic flight, or a return flight be  tween Australia and New Zealand. Since the industrial action is over, no more aircraft can be grounded and no more services can be cancelled as a result of industrial action.
For further information about booking your FREE FLIGHTS Click Here |
SEAT SELECTION FOR VIRGIN AUSTRALIA GUESTS
The Virgin Australia Groups has introduced enhanced seating options to allow Guests to choose their preferred seat. Additional benefits are available to Platinum, Gold and Silver Velocity Frequent Flyer Members and this enhancement is in line with their partner carriers, such as Etihad, Air New Zealand, Delta and Singapore Airlines. V Australia introduced advanced seat selection earlier this year.
Advanced Seat Selection is now available for:
- All guests purchasing Business Class, Premium Economy or Flexi Fares in the Economy Cabin
- Platinum, Gold and Silver Velocity Frequent Flyers, regardless of fare paid, and extended to their travelling party when requested in the same booking
- All Virgin Australia flights numbered between DJ1-DJ2999 and DJ4000 - DJ4999, from 14 days prior to departure
- Other guests (with other fare levels) have the option of seat selection via web check-in 24 hours prior to departure
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QANTAS ADDS NEW CODESHARE FLIGHTS ON BRITISH AIRWAYS 
Qantas has added code sharing on select British Airways services from Australia to London Heathrow via Hong Kong, The codeshare arrangement is effective for travel commencing 24th March 2012.
Qantas codeshare flights between Hong Kong and London Heathrow may only be used when transiting through Hong Kong. It is not available for travellers who wish to spend over 24 hours in Hong Kong. |
THREE OF THE BEST
This month Maree Sprod, Senior Retail Consultant from our office in Newport, New South Wales presents her personal favourites from around the world.
AIRLINE PRODUCT:
I have just flown from Sydney to Denpasar, Bali on Garuda Indonesia and having not flown them for over 15 years, was pleasantly surprised.
This is one of the most popular tourist routes for Australians and is only serviced with direct flights by Garuda Indonesia, Jetstar and Virgin. Garuda Indonesia is the only full service carrier on this route, but has had to work hard on improving their image with the travelling public.
They now have daily flights, business class features fully flat beds and economy class has the in-seat entertainment system. There was a good Choice of movies, TV shows and music. The food choices for dinner and breakfast were good and the food was a lot better than other airlines that I have flown on. 30KG of luggage allowance was a wonderful bonus.
Garuda Indonesia is definitely my choice for travelling to and from Bali. They are not likely to run out of food or blankets. You are not likely to be charged excess luggage (remember you have 30kg in economy class!) and should a flight be delayed or cancelled, there is always a flight the following day.
My favourite hotel would have to be the Hotel de Crillon, Paris. The hotel is one of the grand hotels of the Paris hotel scene and is in the heart of one of the World's most romantic cities. It is located on Place de la Concorde, next to the Champs Elysees and the famed Louvre Museum. It is just steps from the fashionable Rue de Faubourg Saint Honore. It is a must stay for travellers who want to experience all that the city has to offer just outside their door.
The hotel's sort after restaurants and bars are landmarks of Parisian life. The renowned Les Ambassadeurs Restaurant is helmed by chef Christopher Hache. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served in this beautiful restaurant.
A formal afternoon tea service is served in The Winter Garden from 3.30 to 6.00pm and is open daily. The spacious, adjoining guest rooms and a dedicated child program welcome families and promise an unforgettable stay.
One of the most rewarding and fulfilling cultural experiences I have had was  visiting Angkor Wat in Siem Reap. This was an unexpected, due to the regions war-ravaged past.
The gateway to exploring the ancient history at Angkor Wat. Siem Reap has tree lined boulevards and retains an old French charm and the gentle river flows slowly through this enchanting city. The city has a range of hotels like the Amansara and raffles Grand Hotel D'Angkor. The best time to explore the many temples of Angkor is at suns first light shining down on the magnificent temple of Angkor Wat, is an experience you will never forget.
Stay tuned for next month's Three of The Best!
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 SINGAPORE AIRLINES TO OPERATE FOUR TIMES DAILY BETWEEN SINGAPORE AND BEIJING
Singapore Airlines will commence a fourth daily service between Singapore and Beijing from 16 December 2011. With the additional service, the airline will operate a total of 28 weekly services to and from the Chinese capital.
Daily Flight Schedule for flights to and from Beijing from 16 December 2011:
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SECTORS |
FLIGHT |
DEPARTURE |
ARRIVAL | |
Singapore - Beijing |
SQ800 |
01:15 |
07:20 | |
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SQ802 |
08:45 |
14:50 | |
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SQ810 |
16:55 |
23:00 | |
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SQ806 |
19:10 |
01:05 + 1 | |
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Beijing-Singapore |
SQ803 |
08:45 |
15:25 | |
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SQ805 |
16:40 |
23:20 | |
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SQ801 |
00:10 |
06:50 | |
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SQ807 |
02:15 |
08:55 |
Singapore Airlines also flies daily to Guangzhou, 35 times weekly to Shanghai and 49 times weekly to Hong Kong. Guangzhou services will increase to twice daily later this month.
DETAILS OF SINGAPORE AIRLINES NEW LOW COST AIRLINE "SCOOT"
Singapore Airlines has just released information on its new "low-frills" carrier, which it says will offer "great value airfares up to 40% less than legacy carriers".
As previously flagged, the separately managed airline will be named Scoot, and will operate from Changi Airport Terminal 2 in Singapore.
Flights are planned to commence from mid-2012 with a fleet of four B777-200 aircraft purchased from Singapore Airlines and operating on medium to long haul routes. The first year of operation will see flights to and from Singapore to Australasia and China. The planes will have two classes, while specific seats, cabin features and offerings "are currently being evaluated".
Some of the destinations will be completely new, while others will be new to no-frills airline operations, "with specific cities to be announced over the coming months as negotiations with airports and tourism bodies' progress," the carrier said.
"The team building 'SCOOT' is passionate about this new airline, what it stands for and how it can change the way people travel long distance," said Scoot ceo Campbell Wilson.
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 DID YOU KNOW....
Dubai International Airport is offering passengers new modular sleeping pods that feature a full-sized bed, touch screen TV and internet access. The 'SnoozeCubes' are located at Gate 122 in T1 and can be rented on an hourly basis, priced from AU$18.00 per hour for the first four hours. |
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UPCOMING PEAK TRAVEL DATES IN AUSTRALIA
The following events are being held domestically over the coming 5-6 weeks. Accommodation may be in short supply making rates higher, so plan your travel accordingly;
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City |
Date |
Event | |
Sydney |
November 10th-13th |
Australian Open Golf | |
Melbourne |
November 14th - 20th |
Presidents Cup Golf | |
Sydney |
November 15th |
Dolly Parton Concert | |
Canberra |
November 21st -24th |
Parliament Seating | |
Melbourne |
November 22nd -24th |
Dolly Parton Concert | |
Brisbane |
November 30th |
Elton John Concert |
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| NEWS AND SPECIALS FROM THE EVENTS AUTHORITY |
QANTAS GROUP SALES HONG KONG AND SHANGHAI PROMOTION
Enjoy Qantas flights to Hong Kong and Shanghai with your group of 20 or more and experience the luxury of two Qantas Premium Economy or one Business Class upgrade.
For every group of 20 or more passengers departing to Hong Kong or Shanghai travelling Qantas between 15 October 2011 and 31 December 2011, Qantas will offer 1 Business Class or 2 Premium Economy confirmed upgrades, subject to the seats being available at the time of booking.
For further information Contact our Events Team today.
*This promotion is valid on Qantas services only, for itineraries with eligible travel dates and valid for departures to 30 September 2012. Blackout periods apply. |
ETIHAD AIRWAYS SPRING SALE
Enjoy Etihad's inspired Economy Class service concept promising a touch of inspiration every step of the way.
- Greater choice of food and beverage, including menus of up to three courses
- A more personal style of service from cabin crew staff
- Special support for families and children, including entertainment packs
Etihad's Pearl Business Class is one of the most luxurious ways to fly for business or pleasure. Discover a style and space like no other in the "World's Best Business Class" as voted by Skytrax 2009 and its 16 million users.
CORAL Economy Class
From $1676.00* inclusive of taxes
(Amex Points 167,600)
Ex. Sydney - Athens
PEARL Business Class
From $7046.00* inclusive of taxes
(Amex Points 704,600)
Ex. Sydney - Athens
Fares are also available from other Australian ports to European destinations.
To Book or for a Quote Contact Us today
*Conditions apply. Fares are subject to availability at time of booking. Seasonality applies. Valid for sales effective immediately to 14 November 2011, valid for travel commencing immediately to 29 February 2012. |
QANTAS ON SALE
Take off and fasten your seatbelt with one of these fantastic Qantas airfares. Whether you would like to be thrown into the hustle and bustle of Saigon - a metropolis on the move, or mix together a beautiful European-like city with fabulous shopping, gourmet cuisine and you get Buenos Aires, or explore the most dynamic city in the worlds-fastest changing nation, and you have Shanghai - an exhilarating, ever-morphing metropolis that is setting the pace for the rest of the world.
So why not take advantage of these fantastic last minute global specials.
Economy Class Fares
SINGAPORE
From $1050.00 inclusive of taxes
(Amex Points 105,000)
SHANGHAI
From $1115.00 inclusive of taxes
(Amex Points 111,500)
SAIGON
From $875.00 inclusive of taxes
(Amex Points 87,500)
JOHANNESBURG
From $2124.00 inclusive of taxes
(Amex Points 212,400)
MUMBAI
From $1165.00 inclusive of taxes
(Amex Points 116,500)
BUENOS AIRES
From $2268.00 inclusive of taxes
(Amex Points 226,800)
Business Class Fares
SHANGHAI
From $5947.00 inclusive of taxes
(Amex Points 594,700)
BUENOS AIRES
From $7068.00 inclusive of taxes
(Amex Points 706,800)
To book or request a quote from other Australian ports Contact Us today.
*Conditions apply. Fares are subject to availability at time of booking. Sale restriction apply. Valid for departures effective immediately until 29 February 2012. Fares quotes are based ex Sydney. |
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BRITISH AIRWAYS GLOBAL SALE FARES
Take advantage of British Airways global sale fares and explore Europe!
Club World long-haul business class is designed around you. Whether you're travelling for business or pleasure, you have the flexibility to sleep, work or relax so you arrive refreshed and ready for the day ahead.
You can experience the latest Club World cabin on all British Airways Boeing 747 and Boeing 777 aircraft. The original, award-winning Club World cabin featuring the world's first fully flat bed is fitted on our Boeing 767 aircraft.
Club World Business Class Fare
From $7310.00* inclusive of taxes
(Amex Points 731,000)
Ex. Sydney to London
To take advantage of this great deal and for departures to/from other ports Contact Us today.
Conditions Apply: British Airways Conditions: from prices subject to availability and are subject to change. Sales permitted immediately to 16 November 2011. Travel is for departures effective 17 November 2011 to 2 March 2012. |
TAKE OFF WITH SINGAPORE AIRLINES
Singapore Airlines Business and Economy Class offer specially designed seats to provide comfort within your budget. Why not maximise you journey and upgrade to a Preferred Seat, which offer more legroom. You have the option for selecting and guaranteeing these seats for your booking in Economy Class, which have up to 23 preferred seats available on each flight. Prices start from USD 50 per sector.
Economy Class Fare to Frankfurt
From $1870.00* inclusive of taxes
(Amex Points 187,000)
Ex. Sydney
Business Class Fare to Frankfurt
From $7934.00* inclusive of taxes
(Amex Points 793,400)
Ex. Sydney
Fares are also available from other Australian ports to other European destinations.
To Book or for further information Contact Us today
Conditions Apply: Fares are subject to availability at time of booking. Seasonality applies. |
SILVERSEA ANTARTIC EXPEDITION CRUISES ALL-INCLUSIVE LUXURY
LIMITED NUMBERS REGISTER NOW FOR 2013
Cruise Antarctica and discover a frosted wilderness of glistening white as far as the eye can see. Natural ice sculptures like enormous works of avant-garde art. This is the modern explorer's final frontier. A place unlike anywhere else on earth where unique nature and wildlife species exist and in fact thrive despite the harsh climate.
Signature Silversea Style, All inclusive luxury. 
Enjoy exceptional amenities on your Silversea Expedition voyage:
- All ocean view accommodation
- A butler for everyone
- Superlative service and genuine hospitality
- Complimentary hosted adventures ashore
- Expert expedition team
- Complimentary beverages served throughout the ship
- Gratuities included
- Open-seating dining
- Casual/Informal attire
- Gourmet menus by Relais and Chateaux
- Complimentary 24-hour room service
- Complimentary parker (for Polar voyages) and water-resistant back pack
- Open bridge policy - visitors are welcome 24 hours a day
- Ship-wide internet access and cellular phone service
For more information about this fabulous offer Contact Us today
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THE ULTIMATE SAFARI OFFER - FREE AIRFARE 
Wildlife Safari celebrates 25 years of business in Australia in 2012 with an incredible FREE AIRFARE offer. Travel on one of our luxury, all inclusive "Signature Safaris" to Kenya and Tanzania on any scheduled or private departure between February and May 2012 at our published land cost and your return Emirates airfare from Australia to Nairobi, Kenya is FREE.
Every safari includes luxury accommodations, breakfast, lunch and dinner every day, all game viewing activities with a custom built 4WD vehicle and senior Wildlife Safari guide, domestic flight(s), all national park fees and all taxes. Every Wildlife Safari departure is guaranteed to operate with a minimum of just two guests.
THE GRAND SAFARI - 19days - The Comprehensive Tanzania and Kenya Safari
FROM $9,250.00 per person
(AMEX POINTS 925,000)
KENYA SAFARI EXPLORER - 13 days - The Very Best of Kenya
FROM $6,250.00 per person
(AMEX POINTS 625,00)
THE SAVANNAH SAFARI - 13 days - The Best Kenya and Tanzania Combination
FROM $6,975.00 per person
(AMEX POINTS 697,500)
WINGS OVER KENYA - 10 days - Luxury Without Compromise
FROM $7,500.00 per person
(AMEX POINTS 975,000)
WINGS OVER TANZANIA - 9 days - Flying Safari over Tanzania
FROM $7,000.00 per person
(AMEX POINTS 700,000)
Please note that this offer excludes ticketed taxes. Tax payable from $150.00 PER PERSON
To take advantage of this fantastic offer contact us today.
*Conditions apply. All reservations must be paid in full at time of booking and no later than 30 November 2011. Offer applies to any scheduled or private departure on The Grand Safari, Kenya Safari Explorer, The Savannah Safari, Wings Over Kenya and Wings over Tanzania between 1 February & 31 May 2012, itineraries, land costs and inclusions published in our AFRICA brochure with updates supplied on request. Offer not combinable with any other Wildlife Safari offer and Qantas Frequent Flyer points will not be earned for land arrangements. Free flights are on select Emirates economy class from Perth, Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane only and subject to availability. Offer excludes ticketed taxes payable with land arrangements. |
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STUCK SOMEWHERE SPECIAL TO GO OVER CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR?
Each year the Christmas decorations seem to be popping up in stores earlier and earlier, this means that Christmas escapes are coming to mind earlier as well. Royal Davui Island Resort offers your clients the perfect stress free Christmas/New Year escape.
Royal Davui Island Resort Fiji - Stay 6/Pay 5
This fantastic offer is valid over the Christmas/New Year period and is available in all villa categories. This offer can of course be double for longer stays.
 Christmas and NYE AvailabilityChristmas Day at Royal Davui has a relaxed atmosphere with a delicious tropical beach BBQ for lunch and a stunning 5 course dinner in the Banyan Restaurant for the evening celebrations.
Please contact our office to obtain a quote on your Fiji Christmas Escape
*Conditions apply. Escape to Royal Davui Island Resort and receive an additional night or two on Royal Davui. Guests booking 4 nights or more receive an additional night free of charge. Stay 6 Pay 5 valid for travel until 31st Mar 2012. Stay 5 Pay 4 & Stay 7 Pay 5 valid for travel after Apr 2012. |
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