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4 May 2012 |
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ATLAS NEWSLETTER
Dear Atlas subscriber,
Welcome to our May edition of Atlas. Today, Friday 4th May 2012 marks the 8th anniversary of The Travel Authority! With 4 brands (Corporate, Holiday, Events & Cruise) along with 3 locations (Crows Nest & Northern Beaches, N.S.W and Fremantle, W.A) we would like to thank our dedicated and enthusiastic staff along with all our valued clients and suppliers because without you all we would not have made it this far.
We have news from Qantas, Virgin Australia, Singapore Airlines and Air France as well as some great airfares and packages for you. I'd like to draw your attention to some Business Class specials on Qantas to Hong Kong and beyond, with Qantas' fully flat bed, award winning service and food selections, you can't go past these offers for your next business and leisure trip alike.
Sharn Parker has delivered his '3 of the best' and I can also personally recommend The Sarojin in Thailand as the perfect escape at this adults only resort where you will be able to relax and be pampered beyond your dreams. Ask us today for a quote and plan that special getaway for you and your loved one.
As always I appreciate any feedback you may have.
Sincerely,
Sarah Bush
Director
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TTA ASSIST - NEW NUMBERS ANNOUNCED!
 After the successful introduction of TTA ASSIST, The Travel Authority Group is pleased to announce the introduction of two additional numbers to this service - Germany and South Africa.
'TTA Assist' enables our valued customers to contact us from key destinations around the world for the cost of a local call using the following numbers:
UK - London: 020 8133 5548
Hong Kong: 8197 5035
USA - New York: 646 652 8721
USA - Los Angeles: 323 284 6758
Germany - National: 02732 8104 295
SA - Johannesburg: 2711 0838 416 |
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NEW QANTAS BUSINESS CLASS BAGGAGE RULES
 Qantas has made changes to its domestic Business Class checked baggage policy.
Effective 2 May 2012, the checked baggage allowance for travel in Business Class on Qantas Domestic flights will increase from one piece at 32kg to two pieces at 32kg.
Customers with bags exceeding their checked baggage allowance can pre-purchase an Additional Baggage Allowance online at Qantas.com before travel. These rates are lower than Airport Excess Baggage charges and Qantas Frequent Flyers have the option of using points for payment. |
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TRANS-TASMAN FLEXI MEAL CHANGES
 Virgin Australia is pleased to announce changes to its Trans-Tasman Flexi Meal offerings. Effective immediately, two significant enhancements have been implemented:
Flexi fare - guests travelling on Flexi fares now receive a new hot meal, in addition to a complimentary selection of soft drinks, juices, tea, coffee, water and premium Australian beers and wines
Premium Economy - guests travelling in Premium Economy now receive the new hot meal in addition to complimentary selections from the menu
The new meals are available for Flexi and Premium Economy guests on all Virgin Australia flights operated between Australia and New Zealand.
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CHILDREN TRAVEL ON MALAYSIA AIRLINES
 Malaysia Airlines will soon join the league of A380 operators, when its first A380 takes to the skies on 1 July 2012.
Malaysia Airlines is the first to introduce the A380 in a new livery, different from that of its existing fleet. Another first being planned is to showcase the economy class zone in the main deck, enhanced and designated as a family and children friendly inflight zone. The upper deck economy section will be exclusively for those passengers over 12.
Nevertheless, if there is overwhelming demand for seats in economy class from families with children, resulting in full load in the main deck, Malaysian Airlines will still accommodate such demand in the 70-seat upper deck economy class zone of the A380. |
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FREE WI-FI NOW AVAILABLE AT DALLAS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
 Dallas International Airport has announced a new agreement with communications provider AT&T which will see free wireless internet provided for all visitors to the airport.
AT&T will provision all five terminals with the system, and effective from this September customers will be able to access the internet by viewing a 30 second advertisement for every 40 minutes of network usage.
More than 57 million people pass through Dallas Airport annually - including thousands of Aussies travelling on the Qantas flights which debuted last year. |
SINGAPORE AIRLINES TO ADD THIRD DAILY A380 SERVICE BETWEEN
SINGAPORE AND LONDON
 Singapore Airlines' three daily services on the Singapore-London route will all be operated with the Airbus A380 from 1 June 2012.
Currently, two of the services are operated with the superjumbo while one is operated with the Boeing 777-300ER. From 1 June 2012, the third daily service, departing Singapore as flight SQ308 and returning from London as SQ319, will be operated with an A380 as well.
The switch to the larger A380 will increase seat capacity on the route by 17% a day.
London was Singapore Airlines' first destination in Europe to receive the superjumbo, in March 2008. This was increased to double-daily A380 operations six months later.
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AIR FRANCE TO INTRODUCE THE AIRBUS A380 ON
SINGAPORE-PARIS ROUTE
 Starting 4 June 2012, Air France will offer A380 flights three times a week (substituting the introduction of additional flights in May) and B777-300 flights four times a week between Singapore and Paris.
Air France offers 38 weekly connections to Europe via Singapore from 5 major Australian cities: Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane and Adelaide.
Short connecting times through Singapore enables travellers to arrive at their destination swiftly. |
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QANTAS ANNOUNCES SYDNEY-NEWMAN DIRECT SERVICES
 Qantas has announced it will launch a direct service between Sydney and Newman on Tuesday 15 May 2012.
Qantas Regional General Manager Western Australia, Mr Ian Gay said the new service would further meet demand from regional communities and the resource sector in Western Australia.
"Western Australia is a very important market for Qantas and we are always focused on identifying market demands and responding," Mr Gay added. |
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SINGAPORE SERVICE ADD EXTRA PERTH - SINGAPORE - PERTH
DAILY SERVICE
 From the 10 December 2012 to 31 January 2013 a 4th daily service will be added on the Perth - Singapore - Perth route to complement the existing three times daily services.
This will offer better connections especially to Europe and North Asia ports and will reduce the total journey time by up to 2 hours. |
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LUXURY SYDNEY LODGE ANNOUNCED!
The creators of Kangaroo Island's iconic Southern Ocean Lodge, James and Hayley Baillie, have confirmed plans for
a high-end property in the Sydney CBD, after acquiring four historic buildings at 43-47 George Street.
The 35-year lease from the Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority will form the basis for the $10 million project which is to be called Baillies Sydney. "It's basically for people who value exclusivity and intimacy and a unique product," said James Baillie, with rates expected to range from $1200 to $3000 per night, which will include a range of add-ons such as complimentary cars to take guests to shops and restaurants. "This is a serious product for the high-end international traveller," he said, with the new hotel set to open in late 2013.
As well as Southern Ocean Lodge, the Baillies also operate Lord Howe Island's Cappella Lodge, and are also looking at a further Great Ocean Road project. |
THREE OF THE BEST
This month Sharn Parker, Senior Corporate Consultant, The Travel Authority Sydney presents his three of the best.
AIRLINE PRODUCT:
Etihad Airways:
 I was lucky enough to experience Etihad's new Pearl Business Class product on a trip to the UK in December, and it certainly is fantastic. The airline recently upgraded the product, and it was voted World's Best Business Class by Skytrax in 2009 - and for
a good reason. The seats are arranged in a 1-2-1 configuration, ensuring direct aisle access from every seat. The seats convert into a 6ft 1 inch fully flat bed, with a 16 inch personal LCD TV offering over 600 hours of on-demand entertainment, including many latest release films. The in-flight service is spectacular! The menu is excellent, and both a la carte and anytime dining is offered. The flight attendants are attentive and friendly, and the exceptional service commences before you've even taken your seat. The Business Class Lounge at Abu Dhabi Airport is one of the best I've seen. You can have a hot shower, a spa treatment or massage at the Six Senses Spa, and if you haven't filled up on the flight - the dining options are endless. You may even wish you had a longer transit.
DESTINATION:
Japan:
 I've been to Japan twice now, and each trip has been awe-inspiring. It's rare to feel like an adventure traveller these days - most destinations are very "user friendly" - but you really do feel like one in this beautiful country. From the vibrant lights and exciting hustle and bustle of Tokyo, to the colours and ancient tradition of Kyoto, Japan is a sensory overload. The larger cities of Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka are full of action, but even though they are hugely populous cities, they remain clean, safe and very easy to navigate, even with the language barrier that sometimes presents itself. On the flip side, just a few hours on a Shinkansen (bullet train) will transport you to beautiful, peaceful towns like Takayama and Shibu Onsen, where you get a glimpse of how the locals have lived for centuries. No Japanese itinerary would be complete without a visit to an onsen (natural hot spring), and at least a couple of nights in a traditional ryokan (Japanese guest house). And the food? I didn't realise I was such a fan of Japanese cuisine until I tasted the local ramen, sashimi, teppanyaki and sake. Yum!
HOTEL/RESORT:
The Sarojin, Khao Lak, Thailand
 If you are looking for a boutique resort in Thailand that truly offers something different, then The Sarojin is it. The resort is located in Khao Lak, which is 1 hour north of Phuket Airport by luxurious air-conditioned hotel shuttle. The hotel is owned and managed by an English couple, and they aim to make you feel like you are staying at a friend's private estate. Everything is tailor made to your liking, and the ultimate personal concierge (their "Imagineer") makes it his personal duty to ensure your adventures and experiences are unique and luxurious. You can take a private charter on the resort's own speedboat (The Lady Sarojin), have a private champagne breakfast on the beach, or even a Thai cooking class in the jungle - I did all three! The accommodation is in the form of only 56 "Residences", all offering either a private plunge pool, stone bath or Thai sala. I can recommend the Sarojin Suite. Amazing! The pool area is a highlight, as is the beautiful Ficus restaurant under the ancient ficus tree, which is the centrepiece of the stunning grounds.
Stay tuned for next month's Three of The Best! |
| NEWS AND SPECIALS FROM THE EVENTS AUTHORITY |
HILTON ON THE PARK-MELBOURNE LAUNCHES EVENT ENHANCEMENT PACKAGES
 Hilton on the Park-Melbourne is delighted to announce three new distinctive enhancement packages now available to all meetings and event clients that will give them space to breathe in the city.
Its Energising Enhancements include morning and afternoon tea and coffee breaks in Fitzroy Garden, picnic lunches in the park, and walking tours of Melbourne.
If sport is Melbourne's heart then food is its soul and Hilton on the Park makes the most of these Melbourne obsessions with its Unique Enhancements. Guests can now enjoy bragging rights when they host a cocktail party on the hotel's roof top; 20 stories high and with spectacular views over the MCG, Melbourne Park, Arts Centre, Yarra River and Melbourne's CBD
The hotel's Rewarding Enhancements offer meetings guests a little pampering session during a standard break session with the eforea: Spa 3 Minute Conference Angels, or for ultimate post work indulgence clients can book exclusive use of eforea: spa's treatment rooms and Relaxation Lounge.
For more information please Contact us. |
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SYDNEY CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE TEMPORARY CLOSURE
 The Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre and Sydney Entertainment Centre has welcomed the NSW Government's announcement of a timeline for the creation of the new Sydney International Convention, Exhibition and Entertainment Precinct at Darling Harbour.
Following the Government's announcement that the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre will close its doors in December 2013, the venues will work closely with Infrastructure NSW and Business Events Sydney to assist in the relocation of clients wanting to hold events at the Centre in the period 2014-16, he said.
A timeline for the closure of the Sydney Entertainment Centre is expected to be announced once the plans for the Precinct take more shape. |
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QANTAS BUSINESS CLASS FARE SPECIALS
INCLUDES TAXES AND FEES
 EX SYDNEY
LONDON
From AUD$8760.00*
(Amex Points 876,000 per person)
FRANKFURT
From AUD$8510.00*
(Amex Points 851,000 per person)
Travel Dates - 23/3/12 to 30/11/12
HONG KONG (COMPANION FARE - 2 PEOPLE MUST TRAVEL)
From AUD$4497.00*
(Amex Points 449,700 per person)
Travel Dates - 2/5/12 to 31/08/12
*Conditions apply.
Please contact us for further information |
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AIR FRANCE BUSINESS CLASS SALE TO PARIS
INCLUDES TAXES AND FEES
 EX SYDNEYFrom AUD$6261.46
(Amex Points 626,146 per person)
EX PERTH
From AUD$6091.01
(Amex Points 609,101 per person)
Sales: 25 April 2012 - 25 May 2012
Departures: 01 May 2012 - 31 July 2012
(Surcharges apply for travel 01 June 2012 - 31 July 2012)
*Conditions apply.
Please contact us for further information |
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NEW ZEALAND CRUISE SPECIALS WITH ROYAL CARIBBEAN
INCLUDES TAXES AND FEES
 Experience the wonderful country of New Zealand with these fantastic 14 Night cruise deals with FREE BALCONY UPGRADE!
From AUD$1,745 per person
(Amex Points 174,500 per person)
BOOK NOW. OFFER ENDS 31 MAY 2012.
Click here for dates and destinations.
*Conditions apply. Prices are per person, based on twin occupancy and inclusive of all taxes and fees.
Please contact us for further information
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5* LUXURY BALI RESORT & SPA EXPERIENCE
INCLUDING TAXES AND FEES
 Located on the southern tip of the Jimbaran Peninsula, close to the Temple of Uluwatu; an exclusive and intimate setting for guests seeking the ultimate in privacy and luxury.
Your Luxury Bali package includes:
- Return economy class airfares with Virgin Australia to Denpasar
- 5 nights accommodation at The Bulgari Resort, Bali
- Breakfast daily
From AUS$2,598 per person Twin Share (1 FREE NIGHT + MASSAGE)
(Amex Points 259,800 per person)
Bonus:
24 hour butler service, Bulgari bathroom amenities, packing & unpacking service, two pairs of slippers, Wi-Fi access throughout the resort, daily serving of Indonesian fruits, daily Italian and Indonesian canapés during sunset at The Bar, pool service (items vary from tropical drinks to canapés, served intermittently throughout the day.
*Conditions apply. Prices are per person, based on twin occupancy.
Please contact us for further information
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CALL US TODAY ON 1300 WE KNOW (935 669) | |
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