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05 May 2014
IN THIS ISSUE
TRAVEL NEWS HEADLINES
FREQUENT FLYER NEWS
EVENTS AUTHORITY NEWS
SPECIALS
QUICK LINKS
 
 

ATLAS NEWSLETTER             

 

    

Dear Atlas Subscriber,    

 

 

Welcome to the 10 year anniversary edition of Atlas!

 

The Travel Authority started its operation on 4th May 2004, and we are thrilled to be celebrating this important milestone today. We would like to thank our valued clients, business partners and of course our entire team for their ongoing support, and we are looking forward to continuing to deliver excellence in travel for the next decade and beyond.

 

In this packed edition you will find lots of Qantas news and airfares along with Singapore Airlines specials as well as some great holiday packages and tours to suit all tastes. We also have some Rugby 2015 World Cup accommodation and ticket deals to tempt you with along with Anzac Day 2015, it's never too early to start thinking about special events so please contact us for all your holiday requirements.

 

I do hope you find our newsletter informative and interesting and as always, I appreciate any feedback you may have.         

   

   

Sincerely,

 

 

Peter Hosper                         Sarah Bush 

Managing Director                 Director

 TRAVEL NEWS HEADLINES

QANTAS AND CHINA SOUTHERN OPEN FOR BUSINESS

Qantas customers will have greater travel options between Australia and China than ever before, with new codeshare services now available. 
 
Qantas customers can book and travel on China Southern Airlines services to four destinations within China. Qantas codeshare flights on direct services from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth to Guangzhou commenced availability from 1 May 2014.
    
In turn, China Southern customers can book travel on nine routes across the Qantas Domestic network, as well as on services between Sydney and Auckland.

Qantas customers will have the ability to earn Qantas Points when they travel on Qantas codeshare flights operated by China Southern Airlines.

QANTAS QF16 MOVES TO TOM BRADLEY INTERNATIONAL TERMINAL

Qantas is streamlining the customer experience and consolidating all arrivals and departures to Tom Bradley International Terminal, Los Angeles.

From 1 May 2014, QF16 (Los Angeles - Brisbane) departures moved from Terminal 4 to Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT).

Customer benefits include reduced bussing between terminals, access to the new Los Angeles Business Lounge and the newly refurbished Westfield shopping experience.

TBIT arrivals and departures include:
  • QF11   SYD - LAX, QF12   LAX - SYD
  • QF107 SYD - LAX, QF108 LAX - SYD
  • QF93   MEL - LAX, QF94   LAX - MEL
  • QF15   BNE - LAX, QF16   LAX - BNE  
ETIHAD AIRWAYS NEW FIRST AND BUSINESS CLASS LOUNGE AT SYDNEY INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, will officially open its new first and business class lounge at Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport on 21 May 2014. It will be the Abu Dhabi based airline's first airport lounge in Australia.
 
With a design inspired by Etihad Airways' flagship lounges in Abu Dhabi, the new lounge offers a whole new world of comfort and convenience with its well-appointed interiors and warm and gracious service, setting the tone for the inflight experience that lies ahead.
 
Located in the International Terminal's Pier C, adjacent to Gate 51, the new lounge has a stylish and luxurious interior design, situated over two levels and connected by a grand staircase and a spacious accessible lift. The lounge offers modern business amenities with Apple computers and connectivity through complimentary Wi-Fi; multi-zone power points; dedicated male, female and accessible bathrooms with shower facilities; a children's play room; male and female prayer rooms; and comfortable leather furniture - upholstered in Etihad Airways' signature Poltrona Frau leather, the same leather used in the interior of Ferrari cars.

The lounge also offer guests Etihad Airways signature Food and Beverage experience with a choice of restaurant-style a la carte dining and a sumptuous international buffet selection.

In addition to Diamond First Class and Pearl Business Class guests, the lounge will also be open to qualifying Etihad Guest members and qualifying guests of Etihad Airways' codeshare and partner airlines when flying on Etihad Airways or Virgin Australia operated Sydney - Abu Dhabi services. Virgin Australia Velocity Gold and Platinum members are eligible to access the lounge and invite one guest when travelling in Economy Class.
 
Etihad Airways plans to open a similar first and business class lounge in Melbourne in 2015.
EXITING NEWS FROM THE PERTH AMBASSADOR HOTEL

The Ambassador Hotel in Perth has commenced the refurbishment of it's 90 rooms and corridors on the lower 3 floors of the hotel.

These rooms are being refurbished to a brand new room class at the hotel - Premium Deluxe.

Premium Deluxe Rooms feature:  
  • Casual sophistication with a contemporary, fresh edge
  • Deluxe ensuite with separate bath and shower
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Spacious rooms ranging from 24-34sqm
  • Quality amenities
  • Modern work desk
  • Flatscreen TV with Foxtel and movies-on-demand
  • Iron and ironing board, hairdryer
  • Mini-fridge, tea and coffee making facilities

Perth Ambassador Hotel facilities include 24-hour reception, licensed restaurant and bar, Food 2 Go takeaway service, on-site car parking at just $12 per day, gymnasium, sauna, mini business centre (copy and fax service), safety deposit box, in-house self service laundry and dry cleaning valet service.

DEAL TO FIT Wi-Fi ON ALL NEW BOEING JETS

Boeing has joined forces with in-flight Wi-Fi provider Gogo, with a view to installing connectivity solutions on all new aircraft during production.

 

If an evaluation of the project proves viable, the new technical services agreement (TSA) could see Gogo's ATG-4 Wi-Fi solution line-fitted on new Boeing aircraft from 2015 onwards, and the roll-out of satellite solutions to follow in 2016.


Gogo already has an agreement in place with Boeing for the installation of systems on new Boeing 737 aircraft.

BERLIN CITY TAX

 

Effective immediately, the Government of Germany has introduced a "Berlin City Tax" on all hotels in Berlin city.  

 

Berlin city tax has been introduced where guests must pay approximately 5% of their hotel cost direct to the hotel. The Berlin city tax will be payable per room and added to guests' bill and collected upon check out.

FREQUENT FLYER NEWS
QANTAS FREQUENT FLYER OFFER

Earn 500 bonus points with Avis or Budget. Rent any car in Australia with Avis or Budget for a minimum two days or more and earn 500 bonus points, in addition to the 3 points per $1 spent on time and kilometre charges. This offer is valid on rentals booked and completed by 30 June 2014. Quote your Qantas Frequent Flyer number when you book  to earn points. 

VIRGIN AUSTRALIA LAUNCHES "HIGH FLYER" PASSPORT REWARDING NEXT GENERATION OF TRAVELLERS

Virgin Australia launched the 'High Flyer Passport', a new initiative designed to recognise Australia's youngest flyers.

 

Available across Virgin Australia's domestic and international network, the passport encourages travellers aged 10 and under to collect stamps each time they fly, creating memorable travel experiences.

 

Virgin Australia welcomes 900,000 children on board each year, with almost three times the amount of children flying during school holidays. Further, around 1000 Platinum Velocity Frequent Flyer members are under the age of 12. The 'High Flyer Passport' follows a suite of unique family benefits currently offered by Velocity Frequent Flyer including:      

  • Parental Pause: Members can pause their status for up to six months when expecting a new addition to the family.
  • Family Pooling: Members can combine Points and Status Credits with their family so they can enjoy rewards sooner. Today, over 230,000 members are actively pooling with family members, with the child being the beneficiary in more than half of the accounts. 
  • Guaranteed rewards seats for an annual family trip: Gold and Platinum members can enjoy peace of mind knowing they are guaranteed up to four return economy reward seats a year.
THE EVENTS AUTHORITY NEWS
SHERATON MIRAGE GOLD COAST LAUNCHES NEW EVENT SPACE

To celebrate the launch of the new Pandanus Venue (Meetings and Events space), Sheraton Mirage Resort & Spa Gold Coast is offering the following package:
  • A complimentary one hour cocktail party in the new Pandanus Venue
  • Upgrade to Silver Meeting Package and complimentary accommodation Wi-Fi   

This offer is valid for all new group bookings* which stay during the months of June 2014.  

 

Please contact us for further information or to book.  


*Group booking must be over 20 rooms per night and include the resort meeting package. Valid only for new bookings that conference during the month of June 2014. Subject to availability and can be combined with other offers.
 
SPECIALS
QANTAS BUSINESS SAVER FARES
TAXES AND FEES INCLUDED

 
SYDNEY - HONG KONG      

From $3533.00* per person  

(Amex Points 353,300** per person)

  

SYDNEY - SHANGHAI     

From $3538.00* per person

(Amex points 353,800** per person)

 

SYDNEY - TOKYO

From $4200.00* per person   

(Amex points 420,000** per person)    

 

SYDNEY - SEOUL      

From $4339.00* per person  

(Amex points 433,900** per person) 

 

 

Please contact us today for further information and other destinations.  

 

*Conditions apply: Fares to Hong Kong, Shanghai and Tokyo are based upon departure 09 December 2014 - 31 January 2015. Fares to Seoul are based upon  departure 05 May 2014 - 21 April 2015.  

**Higher Amex Membership Reward points apply to Business Ascent tier and David Jones Cards only.

SINGAPORE AIRLINES DISCOVERY FARES TO ASIA
TAXES AND FEES INCLUDED

SYDNEY - PHUKET  

ECONOMY CLASS 

From $861.00* per person 

(Amex Points 86,100** per person)

 

SYDNEY - LANGKAWI

ECONOMY  CLASS 

From $857.00* per person  

(Amex Points 85,700** per person)

  

SYDNEY - PRAYA

ECONOMY CLASS 

From $836.00* per person

(Amex points 83,600** per person)  

  

 

Please contact us  for more information.

 

 

*Conditions apply: Sales ends 31 May 2014. Departures from 01 May 2014 till 30 November 2014. Fares are seasonal please apply within.   

**Higher Amex Membership Reward points apply to Business Ascent tier and David Jones Cards only.

CLUB MED DONG'AO ISLAND

Be one of the first to experience the newest Club Med Resort off the coast of Hong Kong, and enjoy a premium All-inclusive package with Cathay Pacific.


7 NIGHT AIR AND LAND PACKAGE 

From $2250.00* per adult

From $1565.00* per child  

(Amex points 225,000** per adult)  

(Amex points 156,500** per child) 

 

 

 

This special includes:  

  • Return flights with Cathay Pacific from Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and Brisbane to Dong'ao Island 
  • 7 nights in a premium & contemporary designed accommodation
  • Gourmet meals, all day snacking & open bar including beer, wine & cocktails
  • Sports activities, daily entertainment, kids club & water-skiing academy.   

 

Please contact us for more information.   

  

  

*Conditions apply:  Cathay Pacific promotion is valid for sale until 18 September 2014. Minimum 7 nights consecutive stay required. Offer valid fro travel from 01 November 2014 - 15 November 2014, 26 January 2015 - 13 February 2015, 28 February 2015 - 25 March 2015. Prices advertised are based on departure 09 November 2014 for Sydney, Melbourne and Perth and 12 November 2014 for Brisbane. Ferries connecting to Dong'ao Island Wednesday, Friday and Sunday only. The resort is only accessible by ferry. Prices advertised are based on Deluxe room for adults (12+) and children (4-11). Offer valid for new bookings only, is subject to availability, may change without notice and is valid for Australian residents only. Offer subject to quota per date of departure and to removal without notice once reached. Not valid for group travel or in conjunction with any other offer. All prices include airline taxes on Cathay Pacific from Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and Brisbane to Hong Kong.
**Higher Amex Membership Reward points apply to Business Ascent tier and David Jones Cards only.
 RUGBY WORLD CUP 2015 PACKAGES ON SALE NOW

The birthplace of Rugby will celebrate when 20 nations come together for Rugby World Cup 2015. The rivalries among Rugby nations will unfold in spectacular atmospheres and exciting matches. Don't miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime experience. Don the colours of your Rugby nation and cheer on your team in 2015!
   
AUSTRALIAN DOUBLE FEATURE
ACCOMMODATION AND TICKETS 
From $1534.00* per person 
(Amex points 153,400** per person) 


Includes:
  • 6 nights at the Royal National Hotel
  • Continental Breakfast daily 
  • Category D tickets to Australia v England match on 03 October 2015
  • Category D tickets to Australia v Wales match on 10 October 2015  
  • 3 Day London Pass
    
Please click here  for more information.    

 

 

*Conditions apply: Prices correct as at 01 May 2014 but may fluctuate if surcharges, fees, taxes or currency change. Offers subject to availability. Amounts payable to third parties not included. Please check all prices, availability and other information with your travel consultant before booking. Package cancellation fees apply. These property ratings are Qantas Holidays' views, not official ratings. Other departure cities available on request. Event tickets are non-transferable and non-refundable. 20% deposit for tickets is required within 7 days of bookings, 60% is required by 1 Oct and full payment is required no later than 1 February 2015. Hotel cancellation policies apply but vary. Conditions of payment, cancellation fees and other conditions apply to the sale of the event ticket. Each event ticket must be purchased with a minimum of 3 nights' accommodation or 3 days car hire and cannot be purchased separately. Offer is subject to vehicle availability. Minimum renter age without surcharge is 25 years. Drivers aged 23-25 years may be eligible to rent subject to an age surcharge. Age surcharge is 30.84GBP per car per day. Rentals are subject to the Terms and Conditions of Hertz rental agreement and the Hertz standard driver and credit qualifications. Rental days are based on a 24 hour period. Based on city pick up and drop off. Conditions of payment, cancellation fees and other conditions apply to the sale of event ticket. Packages are only available to Australian residents with an Australian address.
**Higher Amex Member Reward points apply to Business Ascent tier and David Jones Cards only. 
FRANCE FAMOUS WINE REGION BY LUXURY HOTEL BARGE - NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENTS IN JULY AND AUGUST

Hotel barging is one of the most relaxing ways to travel, the pace is slow, the on board ambiance is first class and the route is delightful as you cruise from one small town to the next. Soak up the atmosphere of hidden France as you pass along the intricate network of canals.

BURGUNDY CRUISE FROM FLEUREY SUR OUCH TO ESCOMMES
7 DAY CRUISE ONBOARD L'IMPRESSIONISTE
From $5595.00* per person
(Amex Points 559,500** per person)  

This special includes:
  • Accommodation in a Stateroom   
  • Clos de Vougeot - home of the Chevaliers du Tastevin
  • Wine tasting at Domaine Jafflin  
  • Tour of Abbaye De La Bussiere
  • Dine at a Michelin-starred restaurant 
  • Town of Beaune
  • Town of Dijon
  • No single supplements to pay for July and August departures   
  • Includes taxes and transfers from Paris  
  •  
Please contact us for more information.     

  

*Conditions apply: SPECIAL OFFER: Enjoy no single supplements on all July and August 2014 departure dates. Available dates from 27 April 2014 to 26 October 2014. Includes taxes and transfers from Paris. This week-long cruise takes passengers through France's famous Burgundy wine region.  
**Higher Amex Member Reward points apply to Business Ascent tier and David Jones Cards only. 
ANZAC DAY 2015 GUIDED HOLIDAYS
 
Join Trafalgar Tours to honour the bravery and heroism of Australian and New Zealand soldiers during World War I, as well as taking in the wonders of Turkey.
  
HIGHLIGHTS OF TURKEY WITH ANZAC DA
Y 2015
9 DAYS DEPARTING 18 APRIL 2015 
From $1899.00* per person   
(Amex Points 189,900** per person) 

This package includes:
  • Accommodation
  • 7 dinners 
  • 8 buffet breakfasts
  • Istanbul Sightseeing
  • Trip to Gallipoli and the Lone Pine Cemetery
  • Trips to the city of Troy, Pergamon and Izmir
  • Trip to Pamukkale
  • Trip to the ancient ruins of Hierapolis
  • Trip to Bursa and Canakkale
 
Please contact us for more information.   

  

*Conditions apply: Ballot ticket holders only will be able to attend the Anzac Day Dawn Service, other guests without tickets will meet up post the service. Children under 18 years old must be accompanied at all times. Price is indicative only and is subject to change upon release of 2015 Europe brochure in September 2014.
**Higher Amex Member Reward points apply to Business Ascent tier and David Jones Cards only. 

CALL US TODAY ON 1300 WE KNOW (935 669)


  
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