2008 Australian Ecotravel Award Winners Announced

The inaugural Ecotravel Australa Award winners were announced last night at the first Green Travel, Climate Change and Ecotourism Conference. 300 plus national and international delegates including many of the most important independent and in many cases pioneering tourism operators in this field attended the award presentation – a glittering dinner themed around Baz Luhrman’s AUSTRALIA film and sponsored by Tourism Australia.

The proud winners are

The 2008 William Angliss EcoGuide Award of Excellence –

Phil Taylor – Wayoutback Desert Safaris, Northern Territory
Wayoutback Desert Safaris is a genuine small group operator carrying a maximum of 9 to 14 passengers in late model air conditioned Toyota Land Cruisers and Mitsubishi Canter 4WD’s. Wayoutback believe the only authentic way to experience the Red Centre is by getting away from the crowds and getting immersed in the beauty and vastness of the desert - driving dirt tracks, bush camping, cooking over a campfire and sleeping under the starts.
2, 3 and 5 Day 4-Wheel Drive Safaris to Uluru, Kata Tjuta, Kings Canyon, Palm Valley and West MacDonnell Ranges are offered.

One inspired tour is WAYOUTBACK’S Oak Valley Aboriginal Community tour – an experience the operator says will touch you with its deep cultural, mythological and artistic significance as well as the hunting and foraging ways of the Worlds longest surviving people.

It is the only Advanced Eco-Tourism accredited Tour Company based in Alice Springs operating in the Red Centre – the highest acknowledgement for environmental understanding, operation practices and cultural representation
www.wayoutback.com.au

The 2008 Eco Operator of the Year
Phillip Island Nature Park, Victoria
Phillip Island Nature Park is renowned as home to one of Australia’s most popular wildlife attractions, the Penguin Parade. A mere 90 minutes drive from Melbourne, the Nature Park covers 2,750ha of Phillip Island — Victoria’s wildlife haven. The Park is an island adventure featuring wildlife reserves, wetlands and breathtaking coastlines.
The three main tourist attractions managed by Phillip Island Nature Park are the Penguin Parade, Churchill Island and the Koala Conservation Centre. Other destinations managed by the Park include Rhyll Inlet, Woolamai and the Nobbies, where visitors can experience wildlife in its natural environment.
//www.penguins.org.au/

2008 ECOTOURISM MEDAL
Steve Noakes, Director of Pacific Asia Tourism, Queensland
Pacific Asia Tourism has its origins over 25 years ago as the Overseas Visitors Centre (OVC Pty. Ltd) of Australia, founded by Steve Noakes. Since then Steve & his wife, Suzanne, have been involved in a number of tourism & travel enterprises involving both the private and public sectors. Over the past 15 years, they have worked closely with some of the world’s leading researchers and practitioners in the development and delivery of sustainable tourism outcomes in both developed and less developed economies of the Pacific Asia region. Nowadays, the company is owned by its founders as well as a group of expert researchers, consultants and ‘Future Leaders’ in the field of sustainable tourism. http://www.pacificasiatourism.org/

Alastair McCracken, Chair of Ecotourism Australia, said this industry is filled with passionate individuals who love what they do, and have frequently built their businesses up, not with an eye on the income, but on creating benefit for our community and for the environment. These awards recognise those leaders. “

Ecotourism Australia is the peak national body for the ecotourism industry in Australia. It aims to grow and promote ecotourism and to assist tourism operators to become environmentally sustainable, economically viable and socially and culturally responsible.

Two-for-one ticket sale, Qantas

Qantas has launched a 2 for 1 ticket sale and even has people handing out pamphlets as it moves to stimulate demand for international travel.

The airline said there had been a strong response to the offer, which allows a second passenger to fly for the cost of taxes and charges, reports The Australian.

September traffic figures revealed a 9.3 per cent fall in Qantas mainline international passenger numbers. The Association for Asia-Pacific Airlines also warned over the weekend that the global economic crisis had seriously affected passenger demand and the industry was facing “severe turbulence”.

Incoming Qantas chief executive Alan Joyce said that the September figures indicated a weakness in traffic.

Qantas launches two-for-one ticket sale | NEWS.com.au.

Vibe Gold Coast Family Packages in line up for Awards

Vibe Savoy Hotel Melbourne and Vibe Hotel Gold Coast have been named short-listed nominees for the Best Value Accommodation category in The Australian Travel & Tourism Awards 2008.

The Australian Tourism and Travel Awards, now in their fifth year, bring consumers and operators together to recognise great Australian ‘travel and tourism’ products and services.

Following the launch of the promotion of the awards on Saturday 15 November 2008, readers of The Weekend Australian’s Travel and Indulgence section will be asked to vote on 17 specialised categories including the Best Value Accommodation category. Promotion will continue over a five week period leading up to announcement of winners for each category in the Saturday 17 January 2009 issue.

Voting will be on the basis of reader selection from the short-listed nominee lists that have been compiled by a panel of travel experts including Susan Kurosawa, Editor of The Weekend Australian’s Travel & Indulgence section and renowned Freelance Travel Journalists Lee Mylne and Peter Needham.

The Best Value Accommodation category feature, including Vibe Savoy Hotel Melbourne and Vibe Hotel Gold Coast, will be featured in the Saturday 22 November issue.

Vibe Hotels are a smart and stylish accommodation choice with unique contemporary charm and consistently competitive rates. The fresh alternative to traditional hotels, Vibe Hotels reflect true cosmopolitan lifestyle in key city locations, set right amongst all the action.

Vibe Hotel Gold Coast adds all things chic and stylish to Surfers Paradise making it an excellent choice for the modern, savvy traveller. The recent multi-million dollar refurbishment has created a welcoming hub of colour and activity with soaring ceilings and a vibrant, bold colour scheme with contemporary furniture and exciting new interior features.

In addition to the 199 guest rooms, facilities include a cafe, gym, terraced swimming pool and guest rooms with wireless broadband overlooking the Gold Coast hinterland and a picturesque sweep of the Nerang River or the sparkling ocean.

Situated right opposite Southern Cross Station and just a couple of blocks from the hub of the city, Vibe Savoy Hotel Melbourne is the perfect base from which to explore the best of Melbourne. The 163 room Hotel cleverly blends the zest of the Vibe brand with the beautiful façade and internal grandeur of an art deco heritage building. Facilities include the Curve Restaurant, Alexander Bar, gym and guest rooms with broadband.

Vibe Hotels are offering even greater value and care this summer with the Be Pampered @ Vibe package. From just $149 per room per night at Vibe Hotel Gold Coast, guests can enjoy overnight accommodation, full buffet breakfast for two and a Napoleon Perdis gift pack including a ‘Be Chic’ makeover voucher.*

For more information on Vibe Hotels, please see www.vibehotels.com.au

*This package is based on a per room per night rate and is subject to availability. Rates vary between hotels. Valid until 31 March 2009.

It’s our duty to menace airport shops selling Toblerones

Who’s duty is it really when comes to getting the kids giant toblerones? Lisa Pryor of the Sydney Morning Herald has really put some sensible perspective into who wins on the duty free front.

A long flight, like a romance, gets messy near the end. As the crew prepares to move through the cabin collecting headsets, you extract your legs from a tangle of polyester blankets and electric cords. Giddy after experimenting with a karma sutra of ergonomically doubtful sleeping positions - your head plonked on the tray table, or feet tucked into the seat pocket in front of you among the crushed plastic cups and broken pretzels - you fight your way past the toddlers and exhausted parents circling the aisles, to the lavatory at the back one last time. Paper towels clog every plastic and metal orifice of the smelly little room.

By the time the plane lands even sensible thinkers have trouble forming rational thoughts. Within moments of hitting the tarmac, unbucklers and reachers who believe they will be afforded some kind of Darwinian advantage by getting to the overhead bins first, have to be bitched into submission by irritated stewards. Don’t they know they have to wait until the seat belt sign, illuminated (like a tennis court), has been extinguished (like a fire)?

In this state of exhausted confusion it is easy to be swept up by the excitement of duty-free shopping once you reach the terminal. All of a sudden the purchase of hazelnut liqueur and a “travel exclusive” six pack of lip gloss in shades of apricot and berry seems like a fabulous idea. I know I get caught up in the madness, convincing myself it would be irresponsible to miss out on saving $7 on a litre bottle of grapefruit vodka.

Which brings me to the topic of this column: how duty free is a complete rort. The industry should not exist, especially for passengers arriving in Australia.

The tortured logic behind duty-free shopping is that it is a bad idea to tax goods which are going to be exported. If you did, it would be harder for our exporters to compete with exporters from other countries. This is why duty-free shopping was once available only to passengers leaving the country, because by taking the goods overseas they were effectively exporting them.

Then duty-free shopping was extended to passengers arriving in the country, too. One of the justifications was that this would support Australian business, because travellers would spend money in an Australian airport at the end of their flight, rather than a foreign airport before their flight.

But precisely what Australian business does this system benefit? In terms of international flights into Sydney, one retailer, SYD Airport Tax & Duty Free, gets all the business. The other beneficiary is the landlord, Sydney Airport, which is largely owned by the Macquarie Group (cue music in a minor key). The system does not benefit Australian manufacturers because, almost by definition, the luxury goods sold are made overseas.

Read the rest of the article by Lisa Pryor: It’s our duty to menace airport shops selling Toblerones - Opinion - smh.com.au.

Select Braemar Lodge & Spa Celebrates the Christmas Season Early

You might just want to leave the kids with your parents, aka weekend at Grannies! The all new Braemar Lodge and Spa is one for Mum and Dad to re kindle and re connect before Christmas.

Select Braemar Lodge & Spa Celebrates the Christmas Season EarlySelect Braemar Lodge & Spa, Hanmer Springs, managed by Select Hotels & Resorts International Management Pty Ltd will open on 1st December 2008. This new 5 star luxury lodge consists of 24 superbly appointed suites (60 to 80sqm), signature restaurant – “Alpine View”, lounge, bar, library, conference facilities and spa/wellness centre. Select welcomes the appointment of Geoff Doherty as General Manager who commences on 12th November 2008.Geoff’s has over 15 years of extensive hotel management experience and was most recently General Manager of the Rendezvous Reef Resort in Port Douglas. Under Geoff’s leadership the resort significantly increased revenue levels, profitability and most importantly improved guest satisfaction to establish a highly loyal return guest ratio.His responsibilities as General Manager for Select Braemar Lodge & Spa include constructing the vital relationships with all industry partners, suppliers and prospective customers, employing and training the new team and ensuring guest service maintains or surpasses Select’s high standards. Working with the Select corporate team to ensure all company procedures are in place, Geoff will also oversee representation of Select Braemar Lodge & Spa in the local and regional communities.
Geoff Doherty says of his new role “It was with great pleasure that I accepted the role of General Manager of Select Braemar Lodge & Spa. I am looking forward to contributing to the establishment of a high quality iconic property as well as working with the talented team from Select. My family and I are very excited about moving from one beautiful part of the world to another and experiencing all that the Canterbury region has to offer.”

Ralph Kelly, Select’s Managing Director, says, “We are extremely pleased to announce the appointment of Geoff as General Manager of this exciting Select property and to be expanding our management expertise to New Zealand where Select has established an enviable reputation as a marketing group. We believe Select’s industry expertise and innovative management programs will ensure Select Braemar Lodge & Spa, Hanmer Springs- successfully contributes to the growth of this beautiful region as a rapidly developing tourist destination and to the success of our group.”

To celebrate the opening date of 01st December 2008 Select Braemar Lodge & Spa is inviting some early Christmas cheer with the following 4 packages and a very special December opening rate:

* December opening special from NZ $300 per suite for 2 guests including full gourmet cooked breakfast, for more information www.selectbraemarlodge.com Valid from the 01st to the 20th of December 2008

Opening Celebratory Package – From NZ$1499 including GST for 2 guests

Come celebrate the opening of the new Select Braemar Lodge and Spa in beautiful alpine Hanmer Springs. Make history and be one of the first guests to stay in the newest luxury lodge, with a glass of bubbly in hand whilst admiring the panoramic views of the Hanmer Basin. This one off special opening package is one not to be missed.

•2 nights Accommodation in a Medway Suite including breakfast valued at $1060
•Free upgrade for early bookings to include hot tub on balcony valued at $50
•3 course dinner daily valued at $320
•Bottle of bubbly on arrival in your suite valued at $60
•Pre dinner drinks and canapés valued at $30
•2 x 1hr massage valued at $200
•2 x 45 minute Horse Ride through beautiful Hanmer Springs country valued at $100

Total Value $1820
Selling Price from $1499
Saving of $321

Terms and Conditions
Valid to 24th December 2008.
Includes 3 course dinner (excluding beverages)
Package subject to availability at time of booking
Must book direct with the lodge on +64 (0)3 3157555 or via www.selectbraemarlodge.com

Food and Wine Package – From NZ$1799 including GST for 2 guests

Select Braemar Lodge & Spa is located within the well known Waipara wine region. It is the fastest growing wine region in New Zealand with around 80 vineyards in the Waipara Valley covering more than 1,200 hectares of plantings. This package is perfect for those that enjoy good wine, good food and luxury accommodation.

•3 nights accommodation in a Spa Suite including breakfast valued at $1545
•Bottle of chilled Waipara wine on arrival in your suite valued at $60
•Platter style lunch followed by a half day wine tour including tasting valued at $200
•Fresh fruit in your suite daily valued at $50
•3 course dinner on night of arrival valued at $160
•Daily pre dinner Waipara wines served with local olives, local olive oil and cheeses valued at $50

Total Price $2065
Selling Price from $1799
Saving of $266

Terms and Conditions
Valid to 30th April 2009.
Includes daily full gourmet breakfast and 3 course dinner on night of arrival (excluding beverages)
Subject to availability at time of booking.
Must book direct with the lodge on 03 3157555 or via www.selectbraemarlodge.com
Wine tour based on 4 people. Additional charges may apply if less than 4 people participating.

Thrillseekers Package – From NZ$1999 including GST for 2 guests

Combine exhilaration with relaxation at Select Braemar Lodge and Spa. Enjoy thrilling activities with breathtaking views based only 5 minutes from the lodge, with wholesome food to bring up your energy levels ready for the next activity.

•2 nights accommodation in a Spa Suite including breakfast valued at $1030
•2 x 90 minute guided quad bike trip on afternoon of arrival valued at $258
•2 x 40 minute Jet Boat through the Hanmer Gorge and Waiau River - day 2 valued at $220
•2 x 90 minute river rafting - day 3 valued at $290
•2 x 1hr massage to relax any aching muscles from the days activities valued at $200
•3 course dinner on night of arrival valued at $160
•Bottle of Waipara wine on arrival valued at $60

Total Price $2218
Selling Price from $1999
Saving of $219

Terms and Conditions
Valid to 30th April 2009
Includes daily full gourmet breakfast and 3 course dinner on night of arrival (excluding beverages)
Subject to availability at time of booking
Must book direct with the lodge on 03 3157555 or via www.selectbraemarlodge.com
No experience necessary for activities, all equipment will be provided. Alternative arrangements will be arranged if weather is bad.

Alpine Romance Package – From NZ$2599 including GST for 2 guests

Why not treat your loved one to this ultimate romance package and enjoy your 4th night with our compliments. With Christmas and Valentine’s Day not far away, this would make a great gift to show your partner how much you care.
•4 nights accommodation in a Spa Suite including breakfast valued at $2060
•Free upgrade to a Medway Spa Suite valued at $160
•Bottle of chilled bubbly on arrival valued at $60
•Chocolates and seasonal fruit on arrival valued at $30
•2 x intimate 4 course dinner served on your balcony valued at $400
•Beauty pamper pack including massage oils and creams valued at $30
•Romantic hilltop picnic lunch via helicopter (ideal for proposals!) valued at $400

Total Price $3140
Selling Price from $2599
Saving of $541

Terms and Conditions
Valid to 30th April 2009
Includes daily full gourmet breakfast and 2 x 4 course dinner on night of arrival (excluding beverages)
Rates and upgrade subject to availability at time of booking
Must book direct with the lodge on 03 3157555 or via www.selectbraemarlodge.com

Angkor Palace Resort & Spa connects with communities

WORLDHOTELS Angkor Palace Resort & Spa in Siem Reap has launched a new website, promoting its vision for ‘responsible tourism’ at the World Heritage-listed Angkor Wat in Cambodia.

The website www.angkorpalaceresort.com introduces a new ‘communities’ connection program to proactively involve guests in a campaign to minimize the negative economic, environmental and social impacts of tourism.

The new website is user friendly and incorporates an efficient booking engine as well as attractive features including videos and a facility for guests to book directly on the site.

“The 5-star Angkor Palace Resort & Spa is just 15 minutes from the legendary temples of Angkor, which attract thousands of tourists a day but struggle to contain the impact of littering,” said Weng Aow, General Manager of Angkor Palace Resort & Spa.

“Our aim is to provide more meaningful experiences for guests by promoting connections with the local population and giving them a greater understanding of the culture, as well as educating them on social and environmental issues,” he said.

The first luxury resort style hotel in Siem Reap, Angkor Palace Resort & Spa is an affiliate hotel of WORLDHOTELS’ exclusive Deluxe Collection. It is set amidst 11 hectares of exotic tropical gardens combining traditional Khmer architecture with modern facilities.

“Since joining WORLDHOTELS, Angkor Palace Resort & Spa has recorded a 200% increase in e-commerce revenue”, noted Roland Jegge, Vice President, Asia Pacific, WORLDHOTELS.

“It contributes to 40% of the hotel’s revenue now,” he said. “This underlines the value of online distribution, and the benefits of a well-planned web strategy for independent hotels and resorts like Angkor Palace Resort & Spa.”

With 500 outstanding hotels in 300 destinations, across 70 countries, WORLDHOTELS is the most established Europe-based global marketing and distribution network for independent hotels and regional hotel brands, with a strong emphasis on properties with character and distinction.

WORLDHOTELS was recently voted ‘Best Independent Hospitality Organization’ in the TravelWeekly (Asia) 2008 Awards.

AirAsia scraps surcharge, offers 500,000 free seats

Malaysian budget carrier AirAsia has scrapped fuel surcharges on all its flights including on long-haul carrier AirAsia X, in response to the decline in global oil prices, as well as giving away 500,000 free seats in an effort to drum up business.

AirAsia chief executive officer Tony Fernandes said the regional carrier’s fares will remain unchanged.

“We want to get rid of all surcharges and we have been able to… be the first airline in the world that is completely getting rid of fuel surcharges,” he told reporters.

AirAsia X opened a Perth-KL route on November 2 this year, to be followed shortly by Melbourne.

These two routes have been added on the back of the success of the Gold Coast route that opened in November last year.

AirAsia scraps surcharge, offers 500,000 free seats - News - Travel - smh.com.au.

Search & Compare Cheap Airfares on Wego.com
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New Yorks latest attraction, an 18 Hole Golf Course in Times Square

NEW YORK (Nov. 10, 2008) - An estimated 50 million visitors will flock to New York City this year to bask in its unrivaled sights, sounds, culture and entertainment. However, travelers looking to brush up on their golf game will be hard-pressed to find the opportunity in the Big Apple - the world’s biggest little island filled with out-of-town over achievers has never had a golf course to speak of. Until now. The “new” Crowne Plaza Times Square-Manhattan, revitalized from an $85 million renaissance, has unveiled eighteen lavish rooms fitted with custom, built-in putting greens.

Guests can perfect their short game with the hotel’s state-of-the-art Odyssey putters and take home exclusive Callaway® golf balls after enjoying a deluxe “golf breakfast” delivered to their room. In addition, guests who take advantage of these rooms now though January 31, 2009 will also receive a certificate for a round of golf on America’s ultimate golf destination: Hilton Head Island. Certificates will be mailed to the guest approximately 30 days after their stay at the Crowne Plaza Times Square-Manhattan. To reserve, call the hotel direct at 212-315-6004 or book online at www.manhattan.crowneplaza.com

Read Press Release

Group PLC : Investors - Financial news - The Big Apple’s Newest Attraction: An 18-Hole Golf Course in Times Square.

Winter Sun, 39 Reasons to Go to the Caribbean

There are plenty of reasons for vacationers to seek some solace in the sand and surf of the Caribbean this winter. Thirty-nine of them, in fact.

It has not been a great year so far for the Caribbean tourism industry. Seven named hurricanes have hit the region this fall, with Gustav and Omar wreaking the most damage. An earthquake registering 6.1 rocked parts of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and the British Virgin Islands. And, of course, the global financial meltdown has made Americans increasingly skittish about taking a vacation this winter. What’s next, locusts? Read the Article 39 Reasons to Go to the Caribbean This Winter.

For the Best Deals onFamily holidays in the Caribbean.

Airfares slashed to tempt travellers

A search of airline websites shows one-way fares as low as $45 for Virgin Blue on Brisbane-Newcastle, $29.95 for Tiger Airways on Melbourne-Adelaide flights, and $49 for Jetstar Brisbane-Newcastle.

The drop in leisure fares comes as analysts expect the gloomy economic outlook and falling dollar to result in a fall in passenger numbers when airlines release traffic statistics for October and November.

Low-cost carriers say their traffic figures are holding up and lower fares are designed to keep the market stimulated.

Airfares slashed to tempt travellers | NEWS.com.au.

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