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18 December 2013 |
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SPECIAL OFFERS
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ATLAS NEWSLETTER
Dear Atlas Subscriber,
Welcome to the December edition of Atlas. As we celebrate the end of the year and look forward to an exciting 2014, we are very pleased to announce The Travel Authority is now a full member of helloworld which was launched to the Australian public on Sunday, 8th December. We are also delighted to announce a very special offer we can bring to you as a member of helloworld with a 5% discount off Insight Vacations, but hurry because this offer ends 21st December - start planning that unforgettable tour for 2014 and enjoy an EarlyBird discount too!
We've also included a few fares on Qantas and Etihad to whet your appetite and encourage you to hurry up and secure those Earlybirds before they sell out and expire in the next few days.
The Travel Authority Team wish you all a safe and Happy Christmas and good wishes for 2014.
As always, I appreciate any feedback you may have.
Sincerely,
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QANTAS & CHINA SOUTHERN CODESHARE AGREEMENT
 Qantas and China Southern have signed their first reciprocal codeshare agreement, which will significantly improve travel options for Qantas customers and open up new tourism opportunities for Australia.
Under the agreement, Qantas customers will be able to book on China Southern services from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth to Guangzhou - China's third largest city and its biggest transport hub. Customers will also be able to travel on Qantas codeshare services to four other onward destinations within China - Xiamen, Kunming, Fuzhou and Ürümqi.
The new codeshare services will be available for booking and travel from early 2014. |
QANTAS DOMESTIC CELEBRATES ANOTHER ON-TIME PERFORMANCE MILESTONE
 The latest data released by the Bureau of Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Economics (BITRE) shows that Qantas is the most 'on-time' of the major domestic airlines for the tenth month running this year. This puts Qantas in good stead to be the most punctual major domestic airline, having the best rate of on time departures for the fifth calendar year in a row.
Punctuality is a key indicator of success for both Qantas and its competitors, so their strong track record is remarkable both for Qantas and the industry.
All airlines operate in similar weather conditions and within similar airport environments; Qantas says they believe their consistent leadership in on-time performance, by comparison to their competitors, comes down to Qantas' dedicated team who work tirelessly to get customers to their destinations on time.
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ETIHAD ARRIVING IN PERTH
 Etihad Airways will commence daily flights between Perth and its Abu Dhabi hub in 2014, expanding the Gulf carrier's network in a year which will also see it bring its new Airbus A380s to Sydney and Melbourne.
Under Etihad's partnership with Virgin Australia travellers will be able to book a single ticket from outlying WA cities to fly into Perth with Virgin and then onwards to the rest of the world with Etihad - earning Velocity Frequent Flyer points and status credits all the way.
"The new services will build the first ever commercial air bridge between Perth and Abu Dhabi and will cater to the growing demand for travel between these two points and beyond to Africa, the Middle East and Europe" said Etihad Airways' President and CEO James Hogan.
Hogan also identified a significant new opportunity for revenue growth from the business travel segment, citing that "eighty of the top 300 Australian companies have their headquarters in Perth and many of these have commercial interests in Africa and the Middle East."
"Equally, many UAE businesses have a strong presence in Australia, particularly in the agribusiness, resources and tourism sectors. We anticipate that this will translate to strong demand for our new services." |
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BRISBANE AIRPORT UPGRADE
 Brisbane Airport Corporation has announced plans to plough $450 million into the redevelopment of Brisbane's International Terminal. The transformation project aims to set a new "world-best standard for terminal design" showcasing a distinctive Brisbane design, with more space dedicated to local retailers.
Arrivals and Departures zones will be reinvigorated to reflect the character of Brisbane and the spirit of Queensland, Brisbane Airport Corporation CEO & MD Julieanne Alroe said.
Work commences February 2014, with the revamped terminal slated for completion by mid 2015. "When we've finished, our International Terminal will be the most impressive and unique in Australia and completely different from anywhere else in the world," Alroe commented. |
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NEW SINGAPORE AIRLINES LOUNGE CONCEPT
 Singapore Airlines has soft opened its brand new SilverKris lounge with Sydney Airport chosen as the global launch location for the concept which will now progressively roll out across their network.
The lounge features a range of enhancements including an expanded dining area, new privacy pods, a bar and a separate "gallery" area adjacent to the entrance with its own dedicated tea and coffee station. First Class and Suites passengers will continue to have separate facilities, with a full unveiling and launch expected in the next few days.
It's part of an investment project worth more than $20 million which aims to "improve the pre and post travel experience of customers across the Singapore Airlines network," the carrier said last year. |
QANTAS LOUNGES CLOSING TEMPORARILY Qantas will close some of its busiest Domestic Business Lounges over a four-week period starting on Christmas Day, the carrier has revealed. " We're going to use this opportunity to carry out some routine cleaning and maintenance" a Qantas spokesperson said. The closures affect lounges in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Cairns from 25 December to 12 January, during which time eligible guests will be invited to use the Qantas Club. |
VIRGIN AUSTRALIA'S PLATINUM PERK
A surprising and innovative addition to Virgin's revamped Velocity Rewards frequent flyer program is free top-tier membership in hotel loyalty schemes.
Velocity Gold members get the choice of either Gold Elite membership with Intercontinental Hotels Group's Priority Club Rewards or Hilton HHonors.
Velocity Platinum members get the choice of Platinum Elite membership with IHG's Priority Club Rewards or Diamond Elite membership with Hilton HHonors.
QANTAS DOUBLE POINTS
It's the time of year for giving and at Qantas Frequent Flyer they're joining in the festive spirit. Qantas is offering double Qantas Points when you use your Qantas Cash prepaid MasterCard on all eligible purchases in December. This offer is available until midnight on New Year's Eve.
QANTAS DOUBLE STATUS CREDITS
Enjoy your gift of Double Status Credits when you fly anywhere in Australia this December and January.
Simply register online via Qantas after you have made your booking with The Travel Authority up until 31 December 2013 for any eligible Qantas domestic flight ticketed for travel until 31 January 2014.
By earning Status credits you could retain your current membership level or be on your way to enjoy greater privileges in the Qantas Frequent Flyer program. |
| NEWS FROM THE EVENTS AUTHORITY |
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FLOATING SYDNEY VENUE
 Dockside Group has gained approval to open a new water-based venue at Darling Harbour mid-next year, pitching it as a "unique" alternative while the Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre is being redeveloped.
The anchored floating pontoon - to be called Dockside Pavilion - will cater for groups of up to 2000 standing or 1440 seated.
MD Christopher Drivas said the new function space will be "an important component in ensuring Darling Harbour is a dynamic and desirable precinct to visit during the redevelopment period."
Dockside Pavilion aims to lure conferences, business events, charity gala events, festivals and public events to the new venue. |
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QANTAS EUROPE ECONOMY CLASS EARLYBIRD
TAXES AND FEES INCLUDED
SYDNEY- DUBLIN
From $1865.00* per person
(Amex points 186,500** per person)
SYDNEY-MILAN
From $1885.00* per person
(Amex points 188,500** per person)
SYDNEY-FRANKFURT
From $1970.00* per person
(Amex points 197,000** per person)
Please contact us for more information.
*Conditions apply: Sale ends 20 December. Price based on low season departure from Sydney for roundtrip. Taxes included and are subject to change.
**Higher Amex Membership Reward points apply to Business Ascent tier and David Jones Cards only. |
ETIHAD ECONOMY CLASS EARLYBIRD SPECIAL
TAXES AND FEES INCLUDED
To celebrate the announcement of Etihad's daily services to Perth from 15 July 2014, they have released some great 2014 Earlybirds! More destinations available.
PERTH- AMSTERDAM From $1448.00* per person
(Amex points 144,800** per person)
PERTH-PARIS
From $1494.00* per person
(Amex points 149,400** per person)
PERTH-BRUSSELS
From $1506.00* per person
(Amex Points 150,600** per person)
Please contact us for more information.
* Conditions apply: Fares are based on low season departure from Perth and is roundtrip.Cost includes taxes which are subject to change. Valid for sale till 23 December 2013.
**Higher Amex Membership Reward points apply to Business Ascent tier and David Jones Cards only. |
FLY FREE!!
SCENIC TOURS SOUTH EAST ASIA LUXURY RIVER CRUISES 2014-2015
INCLUDING TAXES AND FEES TREASURES OF THE MEKONG13 day tour from Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap, including a 7 night luxury cruise Highlights:
- Visit small towns along the Mekong and observe the daily routines of the locals
- Tour the bustling border town of Chau Doc and surrounding area
- Take a city tour of Phnom Penh, the dynamic and historical capital of Cambodia
- Learn about the atrocities committed by the Khmer Rouge and visit the infamous Killing Fields
- Walk up to Wat Hanchey, an ancient hilltop pagoda
- Discover the Reclining Buddha and the tall preaching Buddha
- Visit Wat Nokor Bachey, built within the ruins of an ancient temple that holds a timeless story then visit one of the local orphanages in Kampong Cham
- Witness the sun rise over Angkor Wat before touring this spectacular complex
- Discover the magnificent and picturesque Ta Prohm, Angkor Thom and Bayon temples as well as the Roluos Group
- Ride a cow cart as you immerse yourself with the local village people around Siem Reap
From $5695.00* per person twin share including FREE ECONOMY CLASS AIRFARE!
(Amex Points 569,500** per person)
*Conditions apply: Price is per person twin share in AUD, is strictly limited and subject to availability on specific dates or until sold out, and may be withdrawn at any time. For new bookings only, not available in conjunction with any other offer including group discounts. Tours are inclusive of internal flights. Taxes and charges are subject to change without notice. Surcharge may apply on credit card transactions. Fly Free including taxes of up to $570 per person is based on Singapore Airlines Economy Q Class. Flight offers are subject to availability of airline booking class or until sold out. If appropriate airline booking class sells out a surcharge will apply. Prices based on the following departures in 2014 VIMS: 21 November; MYBI: 7 September. Offers available until 31 March 2014 unless sold out. Prices correct as of 3 December 2013.
**Higher Amex Member Reward points apply to Business Ascent tier and David Jones Cards only. |
HOLLAND AMERICA LINE
INCLUDING TAXES AND FEES
ADRIATIC DREAM 11 day cruise from Rome to Venice on MS Noordam Departs 15 April 2014  Ports of call:
- Rome, Italy
- Messina, Italy
- Valletta, Malta
- Argostoli, Greece
- Kerkira, Corfu, Greece
- Dubrovnik, Croatia
- Kotor, Montonegro
- Korcula, Croatia
- Split, Croatia
- Venice, Italy
From $1599.00* per person
(Amex Points 159,900** per person)Please contact us for more information.
*Conditions apply: Price is per person, based on double occupancy and includes taxes and discounts. Offers are capacity controlled and may be modified or withdrawn or sailing/departure dates may be substituted without prior notice. Subject to availability. Other restrictions may apply.
**Higher Amex Member Reward points apply to Business Ascent tier and David Jones Cards only. |
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INSIGHT VACATIONS EXCLUSIVE OFFER
helloworld 5% discount
Insight Vacations is offering a helloworld 5% discount off all 2014 escorted journeys to Europe, Britain, India, Nepal, USA & Canada! This amazing offer IS COMBINABLE with all brochure discounts including the early payment discount.
 Look at these savings for example:
22 DAY BRITAIN & IRELAND DISCOVER TOUR
Departing 22 August with 2 travellers
$5899.00 Normal Tour Cost per person
Less $294.95 Past Traveller Discount*
Less $287.57 helloworld discount*
Less $589.90 Early Payment Discount*
$4726.58 New Tour Cost per person
A grand SAVING OF $1172.42 per person!
But be quick as this exclusive offer is only valid for bookings made by 21 December 2013.
Please contact us for further information.
*Conditions apply: Past Traveller Discount of 5% applies when you have participated in an Insight tour in the last 5 years. helloworld discount of 5% applies when you book and pay deposit by 21 December 2013, calculated after the frequent flyer discount has been deducted. Early Payment discount applies when you book and pay in full by 15 January 2014, calculated off the full cost.
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THE TRAVEL AUTHORITY CHRISTMAS TRAVEL VOUCHER Last chance for all you late shoppers out there! Have a beautifully packaged Travel Authority Group Christmas Travel Voucher laying under the Christmas tree for your loved ones and score some brownie points this Christmas!Click here to order your TTA Travel Voucher. |
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CALL US TODAY ON 1300 WE KNOW (935 669) |
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QANTAS PLATINUM MEMBER
We are one of the top 100 agents in Australia with buying power from helloworld.
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