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If you cannot view this email properly please click here. |
11 July 2012 |
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ATLAS NEWSLETTER
Dear Atlas subscriber,
Welcome to a bumper winter edition of Atlas. You may have seen the advertisements already for Qantas' "You're the reason we fly" campaign, by clicking the link contained in our Qantas feature below you will be able to learn more about this exciting campaign which is aimed to get everyone involved with the opportunity to have your name featured on an aircraft or your photo across their media campaigns.
We have lots of hotel news this month including the exciting news of the first Langham Hotel in Sydney and the first DoubleTree by Hilton property in Karratha as well as a Traders by Shangri La property in Brisbane.
Sue Barton has provided her 3 of the best this month proving Club Med are the perfect family escape for an all inclusive holiday. Also with Sue's tantalising tips on India we have included for the second month running our amazing "Marigold Tour" which is filling fast with limited space available. This is a unique one off Travel Authority Tour.
Lastly I'd like to congratulate Shelly Page and her Team at The Events Authority on the successful launch night of the 18th Biennale in Sydney recently. You can read more about this amazing event and launch night in this issue and it just goes to show why The Events Authority are finalists at this year's National Travel Industry Awards in the "Best Business Events Travel Agency" category which will take place on Saturday, 21st July.
I do hope you find our July edition informative and as always I appreciate any feedback you may have.
Sincerely,
Sarah Bush
Director
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BREAKING NEWS - VIRGIN AUSTRALIA LAUNCHES MOBILE BOARDING PASSES AND NEW FLIGHT SPECIAL APP FOR IPHONE
 Virgin Australia announced this week two initiatives designed to enhance the guest travel experience; the Virgin Australia Flight Specials app for iPhone and 'mobile boarding passes' across all mainline ports for domestic travel.
The check-in feature from the Virgin Australia mobile website will send the guest their boarding pass as an SMS to allow for mobile boarding. The mobile boarding pass can then be presented at the departure gate to board the flight, offering a faster and more convenient way to check in and board.
Please click here for further information. |
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QANTAS NETWORK UPDATE
 QANTAS TO OFFER A DAILY SERVICE FROM SYDNEY TO DALLAS FORT WORTH
Qantas has begun operating daily flights on its Sydney-Dallas/Fort Worth service. Qantas offers the only direct service from Australia to a destination beyond the United States (US) West Coast.
Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) is the fourth-largest and fastest growing metropolitan area in the USA and is an important centre of business and tourism. This service gives Australians unprecedented access to destinations across the United States. It also offers easy connections to America's four other cornerstone markets of Chicago, Miami, New York and Los Angeles.
QANTAS' FIRST RECONFIGURED A380 ENTERS SERVICE
 The first reconfigured A380 re-entered service on Wednesday 20 June, operating on QF11 between Sydney to Los Angeles. It will then resume the planned schedule of flying Sydney to Los Angeles, with a weekly Sydney to Hong Kong service on Sundays. There were previously 450 seats on the A380 and the changes are as follows:
- First - stays the same
- Business - minus 8 seats (72 to 64)
- Premium Economy - plus 3 seats (32 to 35)
- Economy - plus 39 (332 to 371)
The additional capacity has been accommodated by the reduction in the Business cabin and some reshuffling of the cabin interiors such as the galleys, partitions/walls and closets.
QANTAS LAUNCH PLATINUM ONE LOUNGE
 Qantas is continuing the push to recognise its highest yielding and most loyal customers, with the opening this week of a special new lounge - and its not even at an airport. Members of the select Platinum One top tier of the Qantas Frequent Flyer program are now able to access the new Qantas MCA Lounge at Sydney's Museum of Contemporary Art in The Rocks.
The privileged guests are able to enjoy artworks from the MCA collection, with daily newspapers provided along with free wireless internet and complimentary tea, coffee and soft drinks.
 YOUR CHANCE TO GET YOUR NAME ON A QANTAS PLANE
Qantas is offering the Australian public, their chance to get their name on a Qantas plane with their new marketing campaign 'You're the reason we fly'!
Click here to find out how! |
AIR NEW ZEALAND ANNOUNCES NEW NON-STOP 3 CLASS SERVICE FROM
PERTH TO AUCKLAND
Air New Zealand is offering an expanded "seats to suit" fare structure including fully lie-flat business class beds as well as a premium economy cabin.
AIR New Zealand is promoting its new non-stop three-class Boeing 777-200 service which will operate non-stop between Perth and Auckland from 03 Sep.
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LANGHAM HOSPITALITY GROUP SECURES LANDMARK PROPERTY IN SYDNEY
 Langham Hospitality Group has secured its first flagship hotel in Sydney with the acquisition of The Observatory Hotel, Sydney which is scheduled to become part of the Langham Group on 8 August 2012.
Located near Sydney's historical Rocks district and the Central Business District, the hotel is the ideal luxury base from which to conduct business and to explore the city. The hotel is nestled near the vibrant harbour and the world-famous Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House, close to the bustling heart of the city with its finest selection of shops, museums, galleries and restaurants. |
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MORE NEW HOTELS.. NEW HILTON BRAND FOR AUSTRALIA
 Hilton Worldwide has announced the "breakthrough" launch of its DoubleTree by Hilton brand in the Australian market under a deal with Ramtron Australia. The 164-room DoubleTree by Hilton Karratha in WA's Pilbara region will be the state's second Hilton-branded hotel, joining the Parmelia Hilton Perth, and is slated to open by mid-2014, complementing the group's 15 other properties spread across Australasia.
The eight-storey hotel will feature 20 apartments, a fitness centre, outdoor pool and three function rooms. Hilton Worldwide has more than 300 DoubleTree by Hilton properties in 24 countries. |
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SHANGRI-LA LAUNCHES FIRST AUSTRALIAN TRADERS PROPERTY
 The Hong Kong-based Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts Group has announced the acquisition of the Holiday Inn Brisbane, which will shortly be rebranded under the group's Traders Hotels brand. The 191 room property, centrally located above the Brisbane Transit Centre in Roma Street, will be the first Traders hotel operated by Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts in Australia and will open on the 7th August 2012.
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MALAYSIA AIRLINES - MORE BAGGAGE FOR YOUR BUCKS AND GOLDEN LOUNGE REOPENS AT KUALA LUMPUR INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
 For travel commencing in Australia, tickets issued on Malaysia Airlines aircraft will be issued with the following Baggage Allowances:
First Class: 50 Kgs
Business Class: 40 Kgs
Economy Class: 30 Kgs
Exception: Piece system will still apply for travel to/from LAX.
In other news, The Malaysia Airlines Golden Lounge at the Satellite Building, KLIA has now reopened after its recent upgrade.
The renovated lounge will enable Malaysia Airlines' First and Business Class customers to relax 24 hours a day and enjoy a variety of services such as spa facilities, 5-star fine dining featuring a long refreshment bar and à-la-carte dining and attentive service from Guest Personal Assistants. To ensure consistency in service delivery on the ground and onboard, these Guest Personal Assistants are Malaysia Airlines' Cabin Crew who have undergone special training for the task. |
SRILANKAN AIRLINES TO JOIN ONEWORLD
 The Oneworld airline alliance is once again expanding in Asia, with SriLankan Airlines to join Malaysia Airlines as a member designate.
The move was announced in Beijing, where IATA held its World Air Transport Summit, and SriLankan Airlines accession into Oneworld is being sponsored by Cathay Pacific. SriLankan already codeshares with Malaysia Airlines, which is currently undergoing integration into the alliance under its sponsorship by Qantas.
The membership is expected to be implemented late in 2013, with the move adding three cities in southern India to the oneworld map: Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram and Tiruchirapalli. As well as serving SriLanka, the airline is the largest international carrier operating to the Maldives. |
EMIRATES LATEST NETWORK EXPANSION - LAUNCHING SERVICES FROM ADELAIDE, DAILY A380 FROM MELBOURNE, TRIPLE DAILY FROM PERTH
 From 1st November, 2012, Emirates will launch four weekly flights to/from Adelaide, rising to a daily service from 1st February 2013. Adelaide will be the airline's fifth destination in Australia which is currently served with 70 flights per week.
The A380 aircraft will commence ex Melbourne from 2nd October, 2012. This aircraft will service the existing direct Dubai-Melbourne-Auckland route. For the first time, the new Emirates A380 service will allow Victorian travellers to experience the aircraft on short haul flights across the Tasman to Auckland.
The airline's current double-daily service to Perth will grow to 19 weekly flights from 1st December, 2012 ex Dubai, becoming a triple daily operation from 1st March next year. |
 Catering is certainly a super competitive business among Gulf-based carriers. Etihad Airways has purchased 200 hens and three beehives to raise and produce its own eggs and honey products for exclusive use on its services, while a line of "signature pickles" is also understood to be in the works for inflight distribution. It is expected the eggs will initially be on offer to first-class passengers via Etihad's popular "eggs - any style" meal option!
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THREE OF THE BEST
This month Sue Barton, Manager of The Travel Authority Northern Beaches presents her three of the best:
AIRLINE PRODUCT:
Emirates:
 Flying across the Tasman can get a little tedious with some airlines, so do it in style with Emirates A380-800 in Business class! The plane features 14 first class "suites", 76 business class "pods" and 399 economy seats. Business class has seats housed in a "pod" that includes a mini bar, privacy panel between seats, laptop and shoe compartments and a touch screen seat controller and in-flight entertainment system.
The seats are very comfortable and have an inbuilt massage function. Food is delicious and plentiful. At the back of the Business section is the Bar, which is serving snacks pretty much throughout the flight. Emirates fly A380-800 daily to Auckland.
DESTINATION:
India
 Last year I fulfilled a lifetime dream to travel to India. This incredible country and it's warm people did not disappoint me. From the mayhem of Mumbai and its Art Deco architecture, the stunningly beautiful Taj Mahal, to the rich British Colonial history of Jaipur in Rajasthan, I was completely enthralled!
One of the most interesting places I have visited in India was Varanasi. It is considered the holiest of all cities and it is believed that if you are cremated in Varanasi, you are released from the endless cycle of rebirth. It is the oldest living city in the world, dating back to 2500bc! We stay in the Nadesar Palace, comprising of only 10 themed suites. I am lucky to be assigned the Maharaji suite. It has a magnificent marble bathroom complete with the original Maharaji's own 200 year old claw bath!
We drive to the old city and take a rickshaw ride via the labyrinth of narrow alleys of this vibrant ancient city. Dodging cows, scooters, monkeys and dogs on the road, It's a fascinating chaos!!! You need your guide to enter the sacred area of the crematorium grounds on the River Ganges. Each cremation cost the families about USD600, which pays for the teak, sandalwoods and undertaker. This is the ultimate goal for all Hindus and over 200 cremations are performed every week. There is no smell because of the natural essential oils in the wood. Finally, a boat ride on the Ganges and to watch the evening 'Arti' ceremony, where priests perform a ritual to put the river gods to sleep. In the morning the local people are welcoming the sunrise by bathing in the Ganges, to start the rituals of a new day!
Travelling with a reputable tour company is a must in India, they will have local knowledge and ensure your safety at all times. Please contact us to discuss your holiday plans!
HOTEL/RESORT:
Club Med, Bali
 I recently visited Club Med Bali with my daughter. We choose Club Med because of it's great all inclusive concept and perfectly safe location on the beautiful Nusa Dua Beach. From the moment I arrived, the relaxing began. Stunning grounds, fabulous sporting and leisure facilities, including windsurfing, sailing, golf and a full archery course! They even have a flying trapeze for the kids, bungy bounce and circus school. The kids club is second to none and the children are encouraged to perform on stage for their parents some nights. Wow the kids were happy! The food is out of this world, so much variety, a mix between European and local Asian specialties. There are even several eating areas and restaurants. As a real foodie, I was in heaven!! Relaxing around the adults Zen pool or on the beach, reading a book while I sip on another free cocktail of my choice (all alcohol included in the tariff) is my kind of holiday! Families staying at Club Med automatically receive 2 rooms interconnecting (subject to availability) so up to 3 children can stay in a separate room to mum and dad, instead of being crammed into one room with a rollaway! It was roughly $12 to the hub of Legian/Seminyak, great for shopping for a while, but even better to escape back to the oasis of Club Med!
Stay tuned for next month's Three of The Best!
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| NEWS AND SPECIALS FROM THE EVENTS AUTHORITY |
THE EVENTS AUTHORITY GETS ARTY WITH THE LAUNCH OF
THE 18TH BIENNALE OF SYDNEY
 Last week, The Events Authority was the official Event Management company for the Opening Celebration for Artists and Supporters Party of the 18th Biennale of Sydney on Cockatoo Island attracting Sydney's Arty A-listers. The Biennale is a bi-annual arts event that happens across Sydney. The Biennale is fast gathering momentum on the global calendar and like the Venice Biennale it draws thousands of people to Sydney every two years, including the who's who of the art scene. The 18th Biennale of Sydney runs until 16 September at dedicated contemporary art spaces, heritage sites and buildings across Sydney. For more information about the festival, visit bos18.com.
The event attracted over 2000+ Artists and Supporters as well as a few well known faces who braved the cold Winter evening to travel by chartered ferry to the magnificent Cockatoo Island located in Sydney Harbour. The event was a huge success and The Events Authority is proud to be a part of Australia's largest and most exciting contemporary visual arts festival.
 
"Organising an event of this scale and magnitude, on an island in the middle of winter has many considerations. There is only one way to get supplies to the island and that is on a barge, all elements have to be carefully planned and co-ordinated and any small diversions from the plan can have a knock on effect to everything else. Using 1000 cardboard tubes, 1000 metres of string and a highly creative design team we constructed 2 giant canopies hung from rigging points in the Turbine Hall which displayed beautiful hanging gardens. We also constructed 4 bars, 2 food stations and 2 cheese bars. A highly labour intensive job but with huge impact. Each cardboard tube was tied together by hand! And yes all the cardboard was re-cycled"
Shelly Page, GM, The Events Authority
For an impressive 360 degree picture taken on the evening please click here.
With combined experience stretching over 60 years, No event is too large or too small - Please click here to contact The Events Authority to find out how we can make your next event exceptional.
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HAVE YOU CONSIDERED THE CANADIAN SKI RESORT TOWN OF WHISTLER FOR YOUR NEXT CONFERENCE/INCENTIVE?
 Four Seasons Resort, Whistler, is offering a CAD$150 One Time Credit, per room which is applicable towards the master account for food and beverage and spa revenue.
Please click here for further information and please contact us for further information.
Applicable for groups of 10+ rooms per night , with a 3-night stay minimum. Programs must be confirmed prior to December 1, 2012. Offer valid based on availability in 2012, 2013 and 2014. Available for new bookings and cannot be combined with any other offer. |
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HURRY - SALE ENDS TODAY AT MIDNIGHT!!
THERE'S NOTHING LIKE AUSTRALIA - QANTAS ON SALE
INCLUDES TAXES AND FEES
 One way Economy City pair fare from AUD$*
- SYDNEY - MELBOURNE | ADULT $99 | CHILD $70
- BRISBANE - MELBOURNE | ADULT $119 | CHILD $83
- MELBOURNE - PERTH | ADULT $199 | CHILD $135
Fares from $99* plus up to a further 30% off for kids 11 and under
Please contact us for further information.
*Conditions apply. Offer ends 11 July 2012 (23.59 AEST), unless sold prior. Fares below are for travel between 19 December 2012 and 28 March 2013. Travel dates to other destinations may vary. |
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LINGER LONGER FOR LESS AT THE LANGHAM, AUCKLAND
INCLUDES TAXES AND FEES
 Linger a little longer in Auckland. The longer you stay, the more you save!
Includes luxury Langham accommodation plus:
- Stay two nights - save 10% and receive complimentary in-room internet
- Stay three nights - save 10% plus receive complimentary breakfast in Eight and in-room Internet
- Stay four nights - save 15% plus receive complimentary breakfast in Eight and in-room internet
All guests also receive:
- Complimentary in-room bottled water daily
- Complimentary shuttle bus service throughout the day from The Langham to Auckland's nearby city centre
- Complimentary use of the Chuan Spa wellbeing facilities including the fitness studio and outdoor heated infinity swimming pool and jacuzzi
Please contact us for further information.
*Conditions apply - Valid for stays until 31 August 2012, subject to availability .A minimum two night stay applies, based on BAR (Best Available Rates). |
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THE BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD INDIA TOUR
INCLUDES TAXES AND FEES
You've seen the movie.... Now you can star in your own Bollywood Movie!
Fully escorted group departs: 21 September - 30 September
Tour Highlights:
- Star in your own Bollywood song sequence film, including private group dance lessons, with a professional film crew,
- Try your hand at painting an elephant and a safari with a skilled Mahout,
- Enjoy a lunch and afternoon G&T at the main hotel used in the movie,
- Greeted by a cascade of Rose Petals and painted elephants at the Jaipur City Palace, you will be treated to an exclusive dinner, dining at the priceless Lalique dining table,
- Explore the 300 year old narrow lane ways of Delhi's Chandni Chowk market and experience organised chaos which is quintessentially India,
- Experience the excitement and bustle of Indian rail system from Delhi to Agra,
- Sunrise and sunset visits to the magnificent Taj Mahal, the world's finest example of Mughal architecture and Agra Fort richly decorated with marble and mosaic,
- Private session of Laughter yoga! Sunset cruise on Lake Pichola, Udaipur.
Please click here for a full Itinerary.
From AUD$4,557 per person Twin Share (Single Supplement $730)
(Amex Points 455,700 per person)
Please contact us for further information.
*Conditions apply. Prices are per person, based on twin occupancy and does not include flights.
**Higher Amex Membership Reward points apply to Business Ascent tier and David Jones Cards only. |
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STAY IN THE HEART OF CENTRAL LONDON WITH THIS
AMAZING HOTEL DEAL FROM RADISSON BLU
EXCLUDES TAXES AND FEES
Radisson Blu Edwardian Berkshire - 4 Star Deluxe Hotel on Oxford St, London
 EXCLUSIVE LONDON RATEFrom GBP179.00 PER NIGHT
This rate is exclusive of VAT but includes:
- Full English Breakfast for 1 person (GBP15 supplement for additional breakfast)
- Priority early check-in (subject to availability)
- Late check-out to 4pm
- Complimentary wireless
- Frequent Flyer Points awarded with our partner airlines
- 20% discount on food (beverages excluded)
- 25% discount on telephone charges
Please contact us for further information.
*Conditions apply. For stays from 13th August - 9th September 2012. |
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I HEART HAYMAN EXCLUSIVE OFFER
INCLUDES TAXES AND FEES
 Enjoy the private luxurious resort of Hayman Island with these exclusive deals. Offer Includes:
- Minimum 2 nights' accommodation for two people
- Sumptuous daily buffet breakfast in Azure overlooking the Coral Sea
- Return transfers between Great Barrier Reef Airport or Shute Harbour and Hayman
- Paddleskiing, windsurfing and catamaran sailing
- Gymnasium, sauna and steam room
From AUD$325 per person twin share in a Pool Room
(Amex Points 325,000 per person)
From AUD$405 per person twin share in a Lagoon Room
(Amex Points 405,000 per person)
Please contact us for further information.
*Conditions apply. Price quoted is per person based on twin occupancy and inclusive of taxes and fees. Valid fot travel until 21st September 2012, subject to availability.
**Higher Amex Membership Reward points apply to Business Ascent tier and David Jones Cards only. |
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WINTER CHILLS AT HOLIDAY INN MELBOURNE
INCLUDES TAXES AND FEES
 Melbourne in winter is buzzing with things to do! Wrap up warm and get out there for the weekend. We've made it easy with this special accommodation rate.
From AUD$169 per room per night
(Amex Points 16,900 per person)
*Conditions apply. Minimum 2 night stay and valid Friday - Sunday nights only. Rate is for 2 adults. Book dates: Now - 15 July 2012. Stay dates: Now - 26 August. Minimum 1 day advance purchase. Blackout dates apply. Full prepayment required at time of booking. No cancellations or amendments allowed.
**Higher Amex Membership Reward points apply to Business Ascent tier and David Jones Cards only. |
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EXCLUSIVE TO TRAVEL INDOCHINA - CRUISE AND TOUR
INCLUDES LAND TAXES AND FEES
 THE JAHAN: ANGKOR TO SAIGON CRUISE AND TOUR (12 DAYS)
From AUD$3,688 per person (Twin Share)
(Amex Points 368,800 per person)
Click here for full highlights and inclusions.
*Conditions apply. Prices are per person, twin share and inclusive of land taxes and fees. Does not include flights.
**Higher Amex Membership Reward points apply to Business Ascent tier and David Jones Cards only. |
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