ecruising’s Sales Success Cuts Triple Diamonds

ecruising.travel that was founded in Sydney under ten years ago with just two staff, and now has twenty-one Australian staff and four in an international office in Hong Kong, has won three Complete Cruise Solutions Diamond Awards for Outstanding Sales Achievements in 2009.

The Awards recognised ecruising.travel’s exceptional success with sales of cruise holidays aboard the ships of Cunard, Princess Cruises and P&O Cruises in Australian waters, the Pacific and world-wide in the past year.

In its first year of operations, ecruising.travel sold just 212 cruise holidays – this year it’s already sold over 2000 cruise, fly/cruise and fly/cruise/stay holiday packages.

Founder and Chairman, Brett Dudley in thanking Complete Cruise Solutions for its recognition of the company’s success in selling Cunard, Princess Crises and P&O Cruises said it would not have achieved such recognition without the dedication and enthusiasm of its staff.

“Everyone in the company gives one-hundred per cent-plus both to our cruise and cruise-holiday clients, and on behalf of our suppliers to the promotion of their products,” Mr Dudley said. “It’s a total team effort and commitment, and I thank each and every one of our staff for their dedication and enthusiasm.”

(Photo shows Annalena Mnich (left) and Jessica Jones accepting on ecruising.travel’s behalf the Outstanding Sales Achievements Awards from Complete Cruise Solutions’ Business Partnership Manager, Trevor Thwaites.)

Second Wave : Recovered Turtles Head for Home

24 endangered turtles released back into the wild after intensive rehabilitation in Dubai.

Jumeirah’s Turtle Rehabilitation Unit, together with Hatteras Collection UAE, has successfully returned 22 critically endangered Hawksbill and 2 endangered Green turtles to their natural habitat, following several months of rehabilitation.

This is the second wave of rehabilitated turtles that have been returned to the deep blue this year; last month the team were able to successfully release 20 turtles in one day, with the help of Hatteras Collection UAE.

Dubai’s only turtle rehabilitation project is a collaboration between The Wildlife Protection Office and Jumeirah’s Aquarium team, with essential veterinary support provided by Al Wasl Veterinary Clinic and laboratory work by the Central Veterinary Research Laboratory.

All of the turtles have received unique titanium flipper tags so that they can be easily identified if found in the future. Last year the Turtle Rehabilitation Unit released 20 turtles, including a Jumeirah-sponsored, mature Green Turtle called ‘Dibba’ who was satellite tagged and travelled an amazing 8600km to the coast of Thailand. This is one of the longest recorded journeys of a Green Turtle and is the first example of a Green Turtle migration from the Middle East towards Eastern Asia.

Anyone finding a sick or injured turtle around the UAE should call +971 4 3017198 and leave a message for the Jumeirah Aquarium team or alternatively email baaaquarium@jumeirah.com

Blog Korea and Win a Trip to Korea!

Share your treasured memories of Korea with people from all over the world and be in the running to win Korean tour packages valued at US$20,000 along with many other great prizes. 

The Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) is recruiting 100 international bloggers of Korean culture & tourism from June 15 to August 31 2009 in collaboration with the Voluntary Agency Network of Korea (VANK). The event titled ‘Blog Korea! Visit Korea!' is aimed at strengthening the online promotion of Korean tourism.

Blogs can be written in a variety of foreign languages (English, Chinese, Japanese, German, French, Spanish, and Russian). Persons interested in becoming one of Korea Tourism's top bloggers can apply for the event after posting content about Korean culture and tourism on their blog.

The KTO will recruit one hundred (100) bloggers in early September after examining the extent to which bloggers are interested in Korea, the contents of each blog, and the number of "hits" on each blog. The one hundred (100) top bloggers of Korean culture & tourism will be awarded prizes and the top five (5) bloggers will receive the latest LG netbook worth $500, fifteen (15) runners-up will receive a digital camera, and the remaining eighty (80) bloggers a MP3 player. Moreover, the top thirty (30) most active bloggers will be invited to a special camp in Korea in October 2009.

In May 2010, the KTO will select the three bloggers who have shown the best performance over the last eight months (between September 2009 and April 2010). The best blogger will win a Korea vacation package valued at $10,000 while two runners-up will win a $5,000 Korean tour package. The winners can be accompanied on their trip by a family member or friend.

The KTO hopes that the event will enhance interest in Korean culture & tourism among bloggers from all over the world. The KTO will recruit 500 top bloggers within three years, and aims to promote Korean tourism more aggressively by expanding its exchanges with bloggers.

If you'd like to take part in this event, please visit the KTO's website http://english.visitkorea.or.kr and click on the ‘Blog Korea’ button to enter.

Kids stay free at Shoal Bay Resort & Spa these holidays!

Shoal Bay Resort & Spa is the place to be for the ultimate affordable family holiday. Escape to one of the best kept secrets in New South Wales and let us entertain your family with an exciting range of activities for kids of all ages to enjoy teamed up with a fantastic school holiday accommodation Hot Deal saving you $160 and kids stay for free!

This super value school holiday offer is available from just $124.50* per adult per night and includes:-
 Accommodation in a one bedroom Waterview apartment (utilising sofa bed for kids)
 Full hot and cold family buffet breakfast daily
 Complimentary use of Aqua Spa facilities (min 16 yrs) including unique salt, mineral and freshwater spa pools, 25 metre heated indoor lap pool, and gymnasium
 Complimentary secure undercover parking
 Complimentary use of Resort facilities until 6pm on day of departure

That’s a total package price of $249* per night twin share, based on 2 adults sharing (conditions apply) and valid from 3rd July to 31st July 2009.

Port Stephens is a perfect family holiday destination, a blue water paradise of unspoiled waterways with 26 white sandy beaches (flat water beaches perfect for families as well as three pristine unspoilt National Park surf beaches), eco-diverse Marine and National Parks and an endless choice of activities for everyone including the popular whale and dolphin watching tours, diving & snorkeling, kayaking, surf school, jet boating, parasailing and a variety of sailing experiences. You also have the option of heading to the famous Stockton Sand Dunes for quad-biking, 4WD sand dune tours and horse riding, all within close proximity to Australia’s number one golfing destination.

The Resort itself offers three swimming pools including a family friendly lagoon style heated pool with children’s wading area and sand pit. Be spoilt for choice with four child friendly restaurants, five bars and the Resort Kids Club. This fantastic service promotes interaction with other children staying at the Resort through fun and exciting daily activities in a safe and fully supervised environment.

Mum and dad – take time out to spoil yourselves during your stay at the indulgent Aqua Spa. Escape on a sensory journey to revive the body, mind and soul with a range of spa and massage treatments designed specifically for individual needs. The Aqua Spa includes the unique mineral spa pools, 25m heated lap pool, six treatments rooms, three aqua therapy rooms, a relaxation deck and a cardio fitness centre.

The award winning Shoal Bay Resort & Spa overlooks the pristine white sandy beaches of Shoal Bay to Port Stephens’ volcanic Tomaree headland. Shoal Bay boasts scenic walking and cycling tracks and for the more energetic - a paved pathway to the top of Tomaree affords unparalleled views of Port Stephens, all within sight and a 10 minute stroll of the resort. Tomaree National Parks also host educational discovery walks and talks during school holidays that the whole family will enjoy. With so much to do right at your doorstep, Shoal Bay Resort & Spa is the place to be these July school holidays!

Call now to book your ultimate family escape 1800 18 18 10 or visit www.shoalbayresort.com


About Shoal Bay Resort & Spa

Shoal Bay Resort & Spa is the ultimate beachfront resort for couples and families alike. Including 200 luxurious self-contained beachfront, waterview, pool view and executive style apartments, 4 restaurants, 5 bars, the iconic Country Club Hotel and the exclusive Aqua Spa.

Shoal Bay Resort & Spa overlooks the pristine white sandy beaches to Port Stephens volcanic Tomaree headland. Shoal Bay boasts walking and cycling tracks, flat water beaches perfect for families as well as three pristine unspoilt National Park surf beaches. Port Stephens is the largest Marine Park in NSW with over 160 resident dolphins and 7000 Humpback Whales passing within sight on migration each year.

Dining options range from the award winning Catch at Shoal Bay, the casual alfresco dining of Sandyfoot Café, the iconic Promenade Dining Room and the family friendly Mermaids Bar & Grill. The legendary Country Club Hotel still remains one of the most popular watering holes on the East Coast of Australia.

Aqua Spa includes the unique thalassotherapy mineral spa pools, twelve treatments rooms, group room and an extensive menu of treatments from hydrotherapy to massage.

For further information please call T: 1800 18 18 10 or visit www.shoalbayresort.com

It's Time to Shop!

Malaysia’s 10th annual Mega Sales Carnival is back bigger and better this year, running nationally for eight weeks from 4 July to 31 August 2009.

Major shopping precincts around the country including districts in Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Melaka, Johor and East Malaysia are all in their final stages of preparation for the massive sale season.

Director of Tourism Malaysia Sydney, Mr Shahrin Mokhtar, says shopping is to Malaysians what bush-walking is to Australians. It is one of the nation’s favourite pastimes and for good reason too, with the diverse range of local and international branded goods and services.

“People may shop less in Australia when times are tough, but that is not quite the scenario in Malaysia, where normal prices are exceptionally competitive, for example with prizes as low as AUD$10 for leather sandals.

“Those ‘in the know’ know that Malaysian sales are famous for their generous discounts of up to 80%, especially on hip international brands such as Topshop, Zara, GAP, Raoul and Guess.

“Even luxury labels, including Gucci, Armani, DKNY, and Jimmy Choo offer attractive discounts during this time of year.

‘Shops open from 10am to 10pm, and sometimes later depending on location and crowds... One can literally shop til they drop!

“With nothing short of a vibrant atmosphere, first timers to Malaysia may find the shopping season overwhelming, but will very soon get into the swing of bargaining and bargain hunting.

“If there was one shopping trip worth travelling to, this is it,” says Shahrin.

MasterCard Worldwide, the official card of the Malaysia Mega Sale Carnival is offering redemptions at selected shopping venues and a competition with prizes amounting to RM100,000 (approx. AUD $40,000) cash prize.

For more information, contact Tourism Malaysia offices:

Sydney
Level 2, 171 Clarence Street
Sydney, NSW 2000
T: (02) 9299 4441
F: (02) 9262 2026
E: malaysia@malaysiatourism.com.au

Melbourne
1/355 Exhibition Street
Melbourne, VIC 3000
T: (03) 9654 3177
F: (03) 9654 3176
E: tmmelbourne@malaysiatourism.com.au

Perth
56, William Street
Perth, WA 6000
T: (08) 9481 0400
F: (08) 9321 142
E: tourism@iinet.com.au

Free Whale Watching Adventure

Seasoned hoteliers Lyn and John Parche understand the value of world class natural assets. Joint General Managers of the celebrated Byron at Byron Resort and Spa, the Parche’s have managed resorts and hotels in all corners of the globe.

They were headhunted by larrikin furniture baron Gerry Harvey to develop and run his luxury Byron Bay resort in 2004 and since that time have achieved accolade upon accolade, including The Australian annual Travel & Tourism Awards Best Resort Accommodation (under 100 rooms) and “Best Hosted Accommodation in Australia” in the Australian Gourmet Traveller Travel Awards.

“When we first came to Byron Bay we were stunned by the beauty” said Lyn Parche. “The Northern Rivers is home to some of the most breathtaking scenery we have ever experienced. And the mix of alternate, surfing and personal reinvention cultures here means there is always lively debate, music and colour”.

The Parches and their internationally experienced team have capitalised on these natural assets. The Byron at Byron offers intimate visits to the local farmers market with Head Chef Gavin Hughes, full and half day trips into the region’s hinterland villages and a restaurant serving local, seasonal and largely organic fare. Not to mention a complimentary daily yoga class for all resort guests.

“Our guests lead busy lives and require intensive relaxation and rejuvenation during their limited holiday time’’ says Ms Parche. ‘’We try and offer many opportunities for wellness and healing onsite, as well as a chance to have a local Byron experience ’’.

The combination has proven a winner, with celebrities such as Nicole Kidman, Keith Urban, Ben Harper, Moby, Barry Humphries, Pat Rafter, Bernard Fanning, Michael Klim, Kostya Tszyu, Tara Reid and John Mayer visiting the resort.

During June, July and August The Byron at Byron is offering a complimentary Whale Watching Byron Bay adventure for two with every two night stay. Valued at AUD$160 for two, it is a good reason to experience earths most majestic mammals in one of earths most majestic locations. Vessels carry a maximum of eight passengers to ensure an intimate experience. Launching from The Pass at Byron means direct access to the waters used by migrating Humpback whales with sightings within minutes and no long boat rides.

The Byron at Byron Whale Watching Experience
Stay two nights or more this June, July or August and receive a complimentary whale watching tour with Whale Watching Byron Bay. AUD$385.00 per person twin share.

Includes two nights’ accommodation in a one bedroom Superior Suite at the iconic Byron at Byron Resort and Spa and a three hour whale watching adventure for two.

For bookings phone 1300 554 362 or visit thebyronatbyron.com.au

Newly Opened Harbour Grand Hong Kong Joins Summit Hotels & Resorts

Summit Hotels & Resorts, a brand of Preferred Hotel Group, is pleased to announce its newest member in Hong Kong - Harbour Grand Hong Kong. The collection includes more than 150 internationally acclaimed hotels and resorts that celebrate local luxury.

Situated on the waterfront in the heart of Hong Kong Island's commercial and shopping district near Causeway Bay, Harbour Grand Hong Kong is a five minute walk to the convenient subway MTR system. A number of striking Swarovski chandeliers, some of the largest in Hong Kong, welcome guests as soon as they step into the hotel's oval-shaped lobby, complemented by Art Nouveau elements.

Just opened in June 2009, all 828 contemporary designed guest rooms feature stunning views of the world-renowned Victoria Harbour. Selected rooms even have private patios with heated Jacuzzis to enjoy the view. The five restaurants and lounges offer an exquisite dining experience with the backdrop of the spectacular Hong Kong harbour. The signature Le 188° Restaurant & Lounge offers a 188-degree view of the harbour, Hong Kong Island and Kowloon from the top level of the hotel.

Boasting 12,685 square feet of meeting and function facilities, the hotel prides itself with the 6,200 square feet pillar-less Grand Ballroom that can accommodate up to 600 guests. The seven function rooms are flexible with adjustable partitions and all feature more dazzling floor-to ceiling windows offering sea views. Recreational facilities include a state-of-the-art Fitness Centre as well as a 27-metre outdoor heated swimming pool, Jacuzzi, children's pool, and spa.

"The worldwide famous harbour views of Hong Kong which are guaranteed in every guest room and throughout the hotel will certainly be one of its crucial selling points in addition to the wonderful hotel product and Hong Kong's five star service. Harbour Grand Hong Kong is a great addition to our portfolio for all markets, whether it be business, leisure or MICE," said Mark Simmons, Area Managing Director, Asia.

Benedict Chow, General Manager adds, "As a new luxury hotel, Harbour Grand will need to gain exposure internationally and I believe Summit Hotels & Resorts is the perfect business partner to help us build market awareness and reach the global audience."

About Summit Hotels & Resorts

Summit Hotels & Resorts is a member of the Preferred Hotel Group family of brands which also includes: Preferred Boutique, Preferred Hotels & Resorts, Sterling Hotels and Historic Hotels of America. For reservations and a complete description of the Summit Hotels & Resorts collection, please visit www.summithotels.com.

Summit Hotels & Resorts guests are eligible to enroll in the I Prefer Guest Benefit Program, featuring benefits such as early check-in/late check-out, space-available upgrades and more. For more information, please visit www.iprefer.com.

NEED-TO-KNOW ADVICE BEFORE AND DURING YOUR VISIT TO AMERICA

New Visa Process For Australian & New Zealand Passport Holders

With the holiday season upon us Cheapflights.com.au, the Australian site of the international travel online price comparison company, suggests that before visiting the USA it pays to check that you know the new visa rules before flying. Cheapflights also has some useful tips to help smooth your transit through domestic US airports once you are there. Also be sure to print out our “before you fly check list” – this and lots of other travel information can be found on Cheapflights' Travel Tips.

Under the United States Visa Waiver Program (VWP), Australian and New Zealand citizens entering the US by air or sea have to apply online for the new American Department of Homeland Security’s mandatory Electronic System for Travel Authorization ( ESTA) - this is instead of a paper visa and allows you to stay for up to three months . However, if you want to stay longer you will still need a tourist B2 paper visa.

If you are flying to the US via Canada VWP entitled travellers crossing into the US are NOT required to have an ESTA if they are crossing by vehicle or ferry. BUT you DO require one if you arrive from Canada by air or cruise ship. Our advice is to get an ESTA anyway.

The ESTA can be obtained by making an online application right up to your flight time but preferably no later than 72 hours before departure. Cheapflights suggest doing it much earlier as an ESTA is valid for two years and its free! NB you must have a machine readable passport that has a digital photograph printed on the data page or integrated chip with information from the data page

A word of warning when going online for your ESTA - There are unofficial ESTA look-alike sites or businesses that claim that they’ll complete your ESTA for a fee – often a very steep one! You’ll find all sorts of sites with URLs that look like official US sites but which are NOT endorsed by the U.S. Government. Travelers should know that there is only one site that is affiliated with the U.S. Government: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov . The tip is to look for the dot-gov (.gov) at the end of the address. Only U.S. Government sites can have those. And also: ESTA IS FREE! If you’re asked to pay, you’re on the wrong site.

If you are travelling to the US from Australia and do not hold a passport from a Visa Waiver Program (VWP) country, you will need to apply for a paper Tourist Visa B2 which can take a while. Check with your local US Embassy’s website for how to apply – you will have to request an appointment for a visa interview because walk-in interviews are not given. The http://www.usembassy.gov/ site provides details of US Embassies around the world.

Commenting, Mo Bulbrook, Head of International said: “We have posted some useful tips from the US Transportation Security Administration which you can see on Travel Tips In US . These will certainly help you to enjoy your holiday without running into avoidable problems at domestic US airports. International visitors to the US should always ensure that they have their passports with them whilst they are travelling within the US”. She added:

“For those addicted to their mobile phones be sure to check with your service provider about roaming costs which can be sky-high! Most modern phones have automatic updates which check for new emails – its best to turn these off and to use WiFi connections to check for the vital email. Its also a good idea to tell your credit or debit card company that you will be using your card abroad and the dates – there’s nothing more frustrating than waiting for authorization or worse refusal when buying that must have item!”

www.cheapflights.com.au, which was Phase1 launched earlier this year is a great place to look for cheap flight deals and up-to-date travel information. It is part of Cheapflights Ltd., a leading international online flight price search and comparison site launched in the UK in 1996. Cheapflights does not sell travel products; it publishes selections of airfare deals available online. These are advertised by a growing range of flight providers. Our international sites provide millions of deals from their host countries where, every day, travellers can search for flight deals from both traditional and low-cost airlines, as well as smaller specialty-travel providers. Our experienced travel editors also post handpicked deals and flight offers exclusive to cheapflights.com.au. The Travel Guide section is packed with more than 100 destinations and the latest news and information, to help flyers enjoy the best possible travel experience, every time they fly. Cheapflights are committed to expanding the content and functionality of www.cheapflights.com.au, to provide users down under with a valuable tool to plan and accomplish their travel.

SOUTH AFRICAN AIRWAYS BUILDS CAPACITY IN WEST AFRICA, STRENGTHENS PERTH AND BUENOS AIRES

South African Airways (SAA) has added capacity to its African network in keeping with its African strategy, while strengthening its network with additional flights from Perth, Western Australia and Buenos Aires, Argentina.

According to Thevan Krishna, SAA's Head of Australasia, the changes are in line with changes to passenger demand in the current environment.

"We have assessed off-peak flights on several domestic African and international routes, reducing flights in keeping with a decline in demand," Thevan said.

"However we are continuing to take up new opportunities in line with our plans to grow our extensive African routes and as a result, SAA's presence in West Africa has been strengthened while more flights have been added on routes from Australia and Argentina. Further increasing our footprint in West Africa, three extra flights have been added to the popular West African destination of Lagos, Nigeria. This increases the number of frequencies on this route from four to seven per week."

"On four of these days, SAA will use a Boeing 747-400 on this route due to increased demand as well as the requirement for a first class service on this route."

"Also in West Africa, flights to Douala, Cameroon, will increase from two to three per week."

As previously announced, SAA is going daily out of Perth on September 1, increasing the number of flights from five to seven per week, while flights from Johannesburg to Buenos Aires, Argentina, will increase from two to three per week.

"SAA will continue to closely monitor market demand and look for new market opportunities going forward. Further expansion of flight frequencies throughout Africa is expected to take place later this year," Thevan concluded.

For more information on SAA flights and reservations please call 1300 435 972 or www.flysaa.com

SAA flies non-stop from Perth to Johannesburg five times a week and six times a week from Sydney. SAA flies to 39 cities in 29 countries on six continents and is the leading carrier in Africa. New Zealand passengers can connect through Sydney or Perth for the fastest way to reach the African continent. SAA is consistently voted the 'Best Airline & Cabin Crew in Africa', winning it again for the 15th consecutive year in the Travel Weekly Globe Awards in London. SAA took out top honours at the World Travel Awards in London, winning three awards in the Africa category. SAA is a member of STAR, the world's largest and most comprehensive airline alliance consisting of 18 of the world's leading airlines and 842 airport destinations across 155 countries.

Escape to the Caribbean with Carnival Cruise Lines

Escape to the Caribbean with Carnival Cruise Lines

Year round 7-day Western and Eastern Caribbean sailings priced from $763 per person

 Escape the winter chill and transport yourself to the crystal waters of the Western and Eastern Caribbean with Carnival Cruise Lines. See the Caribbean's breathtaking cultural and natural sights onboard Carnival Liberty as she embarks on a series of year round 7-day sailings to Jamaica, Cayman Islands, Mexico, Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands and Netherlands Antilles.

Enchanting beaches, dazzling waterfalls and lush rainforests are just a few of the attractions you'll experience on tthis cruise explores m Mit all.  all. ls roundtrip from Miami, Florida to explore San Juan, Puerto Rico, St. he 7-day Western Caribbean cruise which sails roundtrip from Miami, Florida. Ports of call on this itinerary include Ocho Rios, Jamaica; Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands and Cozumel, Mexico. Guests can enjoy savings of up to $222 per person on this cruise, which is a reduced price starting from $763 per person twin share. Fares include all meals, entertainment and activities whilst cruising as well as cruise NCFs, taxes and gratuities. Departures are available all year round.

From the charm of San Juan to the delightful mix of French and Dutch cultures in St. Maarten, the 7-day Eastern Caribbean cruise will give you a chance to see it all. Sailing roundtrip from Miami, Florida this cruise explores San Juan, Puerto Rico; St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands and St. Maarten, Netherlands Antilles. This itinerary is priced from $819 per person twin share, which includes savings of $254 per person. Departures are available all year round.

With three sea days featured on each itinerary, guests can enjoy an extensive range of entertainment and leisure facilities onboard the 2,974 passenger Carnival Liberty. Try your luck at the Czar's Palace Casino, catch a show at the Venetian Palace or enjoy a movie on the big screen at the Seaside Theatre. Keep the kiddies occupied at one of the award winning kids clubs onboard – Camp Carnival for 2-11 year olds and Camp O2 for 15-17 year olds – or take them for spin on the three deck high Twister waterslide. Carnival's dining options cater for all tastes, including Emile's Restaurant for casual diners and the Manhattan chic Harry's Supper Club for gourmet delicacies and steakhouse favourites.

For booking enquiries, please contact Travel the World on 1300 766 566 or visit www.traveltheworld.com.au.