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14 May 2013 |
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ATLAS NEWSLETTER
Dear Atlas Subscriber,
Welcome to the May edition of Atlas. We've just celebrated The Travel Authority's ninth birthday and as we enter our tenth year, we would like to thank all our valued customers and suppliers for your support and continued business with us.
This month we've brought back by popular demand our "Three of the Best" and Patricia from our W.A. office has provided a fabulous report on her recommendations for you.
We're delighted to introduce "Little Red" Virgin Atlantic's new UK domestic service and a firsthand report from one of our staff proves it's a great choice of airline for domestic travel in the UK.
We have some fantastic offers at some exquisite boutique hotels in Paris from the Luxe Hotel Group along with some tempting airfares from British Airways to get you to Paris in the style and comfort you deserve.
As always I appreciate any feedback you may have.
Sincerely,
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QANTAS DITCHES THE TRAY ON FLIGHTS TO PERTH
Qantas and Neil Perry have unveiled their new Perth business class a-la-carte menu in Sydney. The menu, including hot smoked salmon salad with green tea noodles and sesame dressing will be served on all Sydney-Perth, Melbourne-Perth and Brisbane-Perth flights from later this month.
Qantas Domestic CEO Lyell Strambi said the airline had decided to ditch the trays in response to customer needs. Flight attendants will now take orders and serve dinners to customers on plates just like in a restaurant. The airline has already announced that they intend to install lie flat beds into all mid-week business class services to Perth from next year.
Passengers lucky enough to fly business class to Perth will experience a mouth-watering Neil Perry menu that includes two small entre sized meals and five main meals plus the option of small canapés to start and cheese and desert. |
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THREE OF THE BEST
This month's Patricia Dos Santos Senior Corporate Consultant at our Fremantle, W.A. office presents her three of the best.
Airline Product: SINGAPORE AIRLINES
In all my travels, one airline has stood out in service and comfort and it is Singapore Airlines and for this reason I am very confident in promoting this exceptional airline to friends, family and clients alike. They offer four cabins across their fleet which comprise of: economy class, business, first class and suites. Economy class is designed to maximise knee and leg room, has an entertainment programme 'KrisWorld' which offers over 1000 TV shows and movies on your personal 10.6 inch screen. Business class has leather inclined-flat seats with an 8-degree incline out of Perth and you have the option to 'Book the Cook' which allows you to pre-order gourmet cuisine meals up to 24hrs prior to departure and their KrisWorld entertainment unit boasts a 15.4 inch LCD screen. If you need to prepare for a business meeting whilst on the flight, a business panel is available in your seat which houses a USB port and power supply for your laptop. Singapore Airlines offer 4 direct flights from Perth to Singapore daily which opens up the potential to fly to over 60 cities in over 30 countries around the world.
Destination: BANGKOK, THAILAND
I recently had the pleasure of experiencing an exciting, cultural cosmopolitan city when I travelled to Bangkok. Locally known as "Krung Thep" or "City of Angels" it is a city filled with contrasts in every turn and experience. Envision modern high rise buildings in the back drop of impressive traditional Thai temples being a perfect example of East meets West. This fusion of cultures is evident in the rich variety and diversity of dining options: one can enjoy exquisite fine dining experiences, experiment at the colourful local food markets or take a trip to China Town and indulge in exotic and exciting delicacies. One of the many memorable experiences I had was a packaged tour of The Floating Markets and Tiger Temple visit which is located 2.5hrs from Bangkok, a worthwhile trip that invites tourists to understand the Thai culture and purchase souvenirs in the process. MBK Centre in Bangkok is somewhat of a bargain hunters shopping Mecca with 7 Floors of shopping bliss that suits all tastes. Getting around Bangkok is an adventure in itself with a wide range of travel options available. The famous SkyTrain is a great way to avoid traffic jams below, water taxis can be a scenic way of getting around, road taxis are cheap but be mindful to confirm total fares before your trip begins and Tuk-tuks are a fun way to get around like the locals.
Hotel/Resort: HOLIDAY INN RESORT, KOH PHI PHI, THAILAND
Located in the Laem Thong Beach National Park and easily accessible by public ferry or private speed boat, The Holiday Inn Resort Phi Phi Island is all it promises and more. The resort has 79 spacious bungalows and 47 new contemporary style studios. The resort offers 2 swimming pools, open-air jacuzzi, Bu Nga Raya Day Spa, fitness centre, sauna and a kid's club. If you are looking for a resort that can offer a relaxing getaway with the option of actives such as snorkelling, canoeing and scuba diving than look no further. Staying true to the famous traditional Thai hospitality, the service provided on the resort is nothing short of exceptional. After spending a couple of days on the resort and waking up to a private beach with white sand and clear warm water, how can one not fall in love with such a paradise?
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LITTLE RED - VIRGIN ATLANTIC'S NEW AIRCRAFT
Virgin Australia launched 'Little Red' a new United Kingdom domestic service from London Heathrow to Manchester, Edinburgh and Aberdeen.
Little Red flights arrive and depart from London Heathrow Terminal 1, Manchester Airport Terminal 3, Edinburgh International Airport and Aberdeen International Airport.
For passengers transferring to a Virgin Atlantic flight at London Heathrow, there is a bus waiting to take passengers direct from Virgin Atlantic's Little Red (UK domestic) flight to Terminal 3 departures - with no need to go through security.
Passenger with a Flying Club Gold membership or connecting to a Virgin Atlantic long haul flight in Upper Class, are offered priority check in and priority boarding.
Paul Millan, Corporate Account Manager for TTA had this to say... "Arriving off a long-haul flight from Sydney to London, I made my way to Heathrow Terminal 1 and the Little Red check-in area which was conveniently located at the front of the departures area where I was provided with a seamless check in process. Stepping onto the A320 Airbus I was pleasantly surprised at the fit out which was very similar to the long-haul product and the full service they provided for my short hop to Edinburgh. I'd thoroughly recommend Little Red to anyone"
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SINGAPORE AIRLINES COMPLIMENTARY ONE NIGHT STAY IN A LUXURY HOTEL
Singapore Airlines together with Raffles Hotel, Ritz-Carlton Millenia Hotel, The St Regis Hotel, The Fullerton Bay Hotel and W Hotel offer customers who purchase a Suites, First Class fare or a mixed Suites/First and Business Class fare for travel on Singapore Airlines' A380 Suites or First Class flight into Singapore a complimentary overnight stay at one of these luxury hotels.
This offer is valid for bookings made between 28 March 2013 to 30 September 2013 and for hotel stays between 01 April 2013 and 31 March 2014.
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VIRGIN AUSTRALIA UNVEILS NEW REGIONAL AIRLINE
Virgin Australia has launched its new regional operation under the Virgin Australia brand name to increase competition in regional Australia and expand their presence in the growing resources sector. Through the launch of a network partnership with Skywest in October 2011 and now the full acquisition of Skywest, Virgin Australia is now able to offer a more integrated network, service and frequent flyer program for the Australian regional aviation market.
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THE TOURIST REFUND SCHEME
The Tourist Refund Scheme has been overhauled to allow travellers to claim a GST rebate on purchases under $300, along with doubling the buy-before-you-fly period.
Travellers can now claim a Tourist Refund Scheme rebate on individual purchases costing under $300 - a welcome relaxation of the previous $300 and over rule.
Passengers will need to be claiming for goods worth over $300 in total and they must all be accompanied by a tax invoice from the one retailer with the same Australian Business Number, although they don't have to have been bought on the same day.
From now on passengers will be able to submit several lower-cost purchases for the refund, as long as they have all been bought from the same retailer and have a combined total of $300 or more.
For more information please click here.
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AIR NEW ZEALAND AND VIGIN AUSTRALIA BOOST FOR QUEENSTOWN SKI SERVICES
The Trans-Tasman alliance of Air New Zealand and Virgin Australia will this year add more than 30,000 extra seats between Queenstown and Australia over the peak winter period of July to September.
The airlines will operate at least five additional return A320 services per week from Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney to the popular New Zealand winter destination of Queenstown.
Air New Zealand's Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Acting Chief Sales Officer Norm Thompson says the alliance will operate up to 30 direct Trans-Tasman services to Queenstown per week during winter, compared with nine weekly services during the ski season just five years ago.
The increased Trans-Tasman capacity follows the launch of seasonal direct alliance services between Christchurch and the West Australian capital of Perth which will commence in December this year. The new service has been made possible by the Trans-Tasman alliance, for which reauthorisation is currently being sought.
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QATAR TO JOIN ONEWORLD ALLIANCE IN OCTOBER
Qatar Airways expects to join the Oneworld airline alliance in October this year, in a move which will further enhance Qantas' global network and provide the Australian airline with a second Gulf powerhouse partner alongside Emirates.
Qatar's membership will see Qantas travellers able to earn and burn frequent flyer points on Qatar flights, enjoy access to Qatar's decidedly upscale lounges and tap into Qatar's own network to add flexibility to their flight schedule - especially from Melbourne and Perth, which are Qatar's two Australian ports.
In Australia, Qatar flies to its hub in Doha from Melbourne and Perth daily, with a swath of connections on to Europe and Africa.
Privilege Club is a four-tier program, starting at the basic Privilege Club level, and ascending through Burgundy, Silver and Gold - here's how the tiers stack up against Qatar's new oneworld siblings.
- Qatar Gold = Qantas Platinum = oneworld Emerald
- Qatar Silver = Qantas Gold = oneworld Sapphire
- Qatar Burgundy = Qantas Silver = oneworld Ruby
For lounge access Qantas Platinum card holders will have access to Qatar's Oryx Lounge at Doha, while Qantas Gold Card holders will head to the Silver Lounge. |
| NEWS FROM THE EVENTS AUTHORITY |
QUAY WEST CELEBRATES THE ARRIVAL OF WINTER
Quay West Suites Sydney celebrates the arrival of winter by offering special reduced rates and inclusions for any conference bookings from June - October 2013.
Day Delegate Package from $78.00 per person per day
2 bedroom harbour view apartment from $380.00 per night
Choose from two spacious conference rooms, both offering natural light. Quay West Suites Sydney is the ideal venue for your next conference, seminar or meeting in Sydney's CBD.
Please contact us for more information and bookings.
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QANTAS AFRICA DEAL
INCLUDING TAXES AND FEES
SYDNEY - JOHANNESBURG
ECONOMY CLASS
From $2149.00* per person
(Amex Points 214,900** per person)
SYDNEY - NAIROBI
ECONOMY CLASS
From $2619.00* per person
(Amex Points 261,900** per person)
SYDNEY - ACCRA
ECONOMY CLASS
(Amex Points 296,000** per person)
Please contact us for more information.
*Conditions apply: Return airfare to Johannesburg are on sale until 20 May 2013. Return airfare to Nairobi and Accra are on sale until 30 September 2013.
**Higher Amex Membership Reward points apply to Business Ascent tier and David Jones Cards only. |
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BRITISH AIRWAYS SPECIAL FARES TO EUROPE
INCLUDING TAXES AND FEES
SYDNEY- PARIS
NEW FIRST
From $9660.00*per person
(Amex Points 966,000** per person)
SYDNEY - PARIS
CLUB WORLD
From $7140.00*per person
(Amex Points 714,000** per person)
*Conditions apply: Book by 14 May 2013. Valid for travel now until 30 November 2013. 28 Days advance purchase for Business class and 14 days advance purchase for First class.
**Higher Amex Membership Reward points apply to Business Ascent tier and David Jones Card only. |
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SKI NEW ZEALAND - QUEENSTOWN
THE HERITAGE QUEENSTOWN 
From $799.00* per night
(Amex Points 79,900** per person)
This package includes:
5 days hire of a Toyota Corolla or similar
FREE snow chains
5 nights in the 4.5 Star Heritage Queenstown in a Deluxe Lake View Room
BONUS includes 1 nights FREE
Cooked breakfast daily
3 day NZ Superpass Liftpass
ADD 3 days ski or board hire from $124.00 per person
UPGRADE to a Budget Rentals Toyota RAV 4 or similar from $135.00 per person extra.
Please click here for further information.
*Conditions apply: Prices are per person, twin share and are subject to availability. Prices shown are for travel 15 Jul- 30 Sept 2013. Bookings must be made before 15 Jun 2013. Prices were correct at the time of print but are subject to change without notice. Vehicle insurance excess conditions apply. RAV 4 price upgrade includes Budget Rentals airport pickup fee of approx AU$19pp. This cannot be paid in Australia prior to departure. Cancellation conditions apply. Ski product included in packages is non refundable. Ski conditions and season length vary from year to year.Rates are per night. Taxes and services included. VIP amenities. American buffet breakfast and free wifi. Offer not available during fashion week and fair periods.
**Higher Amex Membership Reward points apply to Business Ascent tier and David Jones Cards only. |
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ESCAPE TO PARIS WITH LUXE HOTELS
HOTEL PLAZA TOUR EIFFEL 
From $195.00* per night
(Amex Points 19,500** per person)
Close to the Eiffel Tower and Trocadero Square and in the heart of the Paris XVIth district, this hotel is exceptionally located.
Located in a quiet residential area, yet close to monuments, tourist attractions, museums, restaurants & boutiques which are all accessible within walking distance.
HOTEL POWERS 
From $250.00* per night
(Amex Points 25,000** per person)
The Hotel Powers is situated in the 8th district of Paris, in the heart of the "Golden Triangle" formed by the Champs Elysees, Avenue Montaigne (the fashion avenue) and the Avenue George V.
Formerly a private town house, the building was transformed into a hotel in the early 1920's and has managed to keep its charm and class over the decades.
Please contact us for further information.
*Conditions apply: Rates are per night. Taxes and services included. VIP amenities. American buffet breakfast and free WiFi. Offer not available during fashion week and fair periods.
**Higher Amex Membership Reward points apply to Business Ascent tier and David Jones Cards only. |
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BEACH HIDEAWAY AUSTRALIA
BEACHFRONT BUNGALOW
INCLUDING DINNER AND BREAKFAST
From $310.00* per person per day midweek
(Amex Points 31,000** per person)
From $355.00* per person per day weekends
(Amex Points 35,500** per person)
Kims Beach Hideaway is a couples retreat and a Small Luxury Hotel of the World located on absolute beachfront, just over an hours drive north of Sydney. Accommodation is in well-appointed lodges and all meals are included.
Please contact us for further information.
*Conditions apply: Offers is valid until 30 September 2013 and subject to availability.
**Higher Amex Membership Reward points apply to Business Ascent tier and David Jones Cards only. |
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COOK ISLANDS ON SALE
PACIFIC RESORT RAROTONGA 
7 NIGHTS EX SYDNEY
From $1799.00* per person
(Amex Points 179,900** per person)
This package includes:
Breakfast daily
2 cocktails per room per stay
Upgrade for $195.00 per person/ per night to a Premium Beachfront Suite.
Please contact us for further information.
*Conditions apply: All prices are quoted in AUD, per person, twin share and are correct as at 15/04/13. Offers are subject to availability & can change without notification due to fluctuations in charges and currency. Valid for sale until 31/05/13. Valid for travel for selected dates between 01/05/13 - 31/03/14. Flights are with Air New Zealand with carry on luggage only. Airfares are subject to availability at time of booking. Tickets are instant purchase and are to be paid in full upon booking. Surcharges may apply over school holidays periods, Christmas & New Year periods due to availability. Credit Card surcharges apply.
**Higher Amex Membership Reward points apply to Business Ascent tier and David Jones Cards only. |
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EXPLORE THAILAND WITH BUFFALO TOURS
Spend a few days sailing through Khao Laem's dramatic landscape by houseboat, surrounded by the mountains of the Burmese forest corridor. Stop along the way for jungle trekking to waterfalls, exploring caves, bamboo rafting and riding elephants through the rainforest. Visit Kanchanaburi and the infamous 'Bridge over River Kwai' en-route.
HOUSEBOAT & LAKE SAFARI
4 DAYS/ 3 NIGHTS
From $710.00* per person/ twin share
(Amex points 71,000** per person)
This package includes:
3 Nights on board houseboat
Transport from Bangkok
English speaking guide
Sightseeing & entrance fees
Please contact us for more information.
*Conditions apply: Departs Tuesdays & Fridays from 15 June 2013 until 31 July 2013.
** Higher Amex Membership Reward points apply to Business Ascent tier and David Jones cards only. |
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EXPLORE YOUR WORLD YOUR WAY WITH OCEANIA CRUISES
TREASURES & MONUMENTS 
ISTANBUL TO ROME
From $2270.00* per person/ twin share
(Amex points 227,000** per person)
This package includes:
12 days onboard Riviera
Bonus Savings up to $5560.00 per Guest
US$ 300 Shipboard Credit per stateroom
Free unlimited internet packages
2 for 1 deposit offer
Please click here for more information.
*Conditions apply: Offers expire Jun 30, 2013. All fares listed are cruise only in AU dollars, per person, based on double occupancy. Save up to amounts based on a Penthouse Suite category PH. Gratuities and cruise-related Government Fees and Taxes are included. Shipboard credit is per stateroom and cannot be redeemed for cash if not spent. Oceania Cruises reserves the right to correct errors or omissions and to change any and all fares, fees and surcharges at any time. 2 for 1 deposit conditions: Applicable for new bookings only. Valid for sales to Sep 30 2013. Applicable to all 2013 sailings (last sailing Marina 28 Dec 2013). 2 for 1 Deposit requirements do not alter the penalties incurred for cancellation after deposit. Sufficient funds must be collected to cover cancellation penalties as these cannot be reduced or waived for any reason. Please refer to "Explore Your World" Brochure Issue 2/2013 or www.OceaniaCruises.com for full terms and conditions. Departs Tuesdays & Fridays from 15 June 2013 until 31 July 2013.
** Higher Amex Membership Reward points apply to Business Ascent tier and David Jones cards only. |
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