Helsinki shortlisted for the World Design Capital 2012

Following deliberations on 17 July 2009, the International Council of Societies of Industrial Design (Icsid) announced on behalf of the members of the WDC Jury that the City of Eindhoven (The Netherlands) and the City of Helsinki (Finland) have been selected for the shortlist of cities that will move on to the next round of evaluation in the hopes of becoming World Design Capital in 2012.

The World Design Capital (WDC) is a biennial designation appointed to cities based on their accomplishments and commitment to design as an effective tool for social, cultural and economic development. Upon careful consideration, these two applications were retained based on their ability to demonstrate their relevancy to the WDC mission and vision.

The evaluation for the WDC designation is founded on a comprehensive assessment process spanning a five-month review and deliberation period, during which time, applicants were requested to demonstrate evidence of their strengths in the following areas: Design, Programming, Infrastructure and Financing.

Mr. Jussi Pajunen, Mayor of the City of Helsinki said "We are extremely proud and enthusiastic to be shortlisted for WDC 2012. Design has a key role in all of our strategies, so being shortlisted means that the jury understood our goal to create the city of our dreams by expanding the scope of design to all activities of society – businesses and individuals, as well as to our city.

"Helsinki has a vibrant design tradition but we also know that we must go further, beyond the edge of our limits and test the boundaries of design. The WDC project is an important step in this process and will help Helsinki to put design in a truly unique position in our society. This is powered by openness. We want to invite the world design community to join this process and share the results of our work. Helsinki is ready to be designated for WDC 2012."

WDC Founding Chair and Icsid Senator Prof. Dr. Peter Zec said, "As per the jury's decision, the WDC 2012 shortlist is represented by two very qualified cities that have presented strong bids. They are already a testament to design effective cities that understand the value of the WDC designation as it relates to city development projects."

The final jury deliberation will take place in September 2009 in Montreal, Canada.

The official announcement of the WDC 2012 designated city will occur during the Icsid World Design Congress in Singapore on 25 November 2009.

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New Zealand’s Best Regional Property

Blanket Bay wins the title of “New Zealand’s Best Regional Property” at the coveted HM Awards 2009

Blanket Bay’s reputation as this region’s ultimate alpine escape and New Zealand’s finest luxury lodge continues to be upheld with its win last Friday night, 14 August 2009, at the hotel industry’s prestigious HM Awards.

Spanning Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands the HM Awards are this region’s only independent benchmark for excellence in hospitality management, voted on by a panel of judges consisting of leading travel writers, hoteliers and travel industry professionals.

Philip Jenkins, Blanket Bay’s General Manager, was thrilled to hear the news: “This year we are celebrating 10 year’s of operations. This award illustrates that our long-term commitment to excellence really pays off! Even though Blanket Bay’s location and facilities are second to none in New Zealand, it is our staff that truly defines the luxury Blanket Bay experience.”

“The average tenure of staff at Blanket Bay is 6 years, with several of the key staff, including myself, having been at the property since inception. Consistency of service is what makes the difference, plus an exclusive luxury product that is based upon the principles of sustainable and responsible tourism”, states Philip.

Blanket Bay is consistently featured amongst the world’s best. Along with last Friday night’s HM Award win, Blanket Bay was one of only two resorts in New Zealand to earn a place on the presitgious Forbes Traveler list of the top 400 accommodation properties worldwide for 2008. The highly respected Andrew Harper’s Hideaway Report names Blanket Bay amongst the Top 20 International Hideaways, whilst the property was also recently named Conde Nast Traveller’s Gold List Winner for Best Cuisine.

“In these troubled economic times Blanket Bay is defying the trend, with occupancy levels in the past few months above those of last year. The property is attracting a greater percentage of discerning Australian and New Zealand travellers seeking the ultimate alpine escape. We are testament to the fact that value, and not simply price, is the driving force in the luxury travel sector, even in these times ”, comments Philip Jenkins.

About Blanket Bay

Established in 1999, Blanket Bay is an expansive lakeside property on a 65,000 high country farm, combining the sophistication of the world's finest alpine lodges and the unique characteristics of New Zealand. The intimate resort consists of 12 guest rooms including spacious suites, intimate lodge rooms and elegant chalets. A member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, accommodations offer travellers vast sitting rooms, king-sized beds, stone fireplaces, secluded balconies and spectacular views.

About HM Awards

In their 7th Year the 2009 HM Awards for Hotel & Accommodation Excellence received over 650 entries, and resulted in more than 1,200 people, departments, properties and chains being nominated across Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and selected South Pacific nations. The HM Awards took the form of a black tie gala dinner at elegant Dalton House, overlooking Darling Harbour at Pyrmont, Sydney on Friday evening 14 August, 2009. The event attracted the who’s who of Australia’s, and increasingly New Zealand’s, hotel industry.

Q STATION wins Mice Hotel Award at the HM Magazine Hotel & Accommodation Excellence Awards 2009

Q Station wins prestigious industry award

On Friday 14th August, Sydney's premier retreat Q Station was awarded the annual Mice Hotel Award (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) at the HM Magazine Hotel & Accommodation Excellence Awards 2009, for hotel and accommodation excellence.

Q Station was also highly commended in the Unique Accommodation and Accommodation under 4.5 star category.

"The work and dedication of the Q Station team is demonstrated in winning this award today," says Brendan Millet, GM of Q Station who accepted the Award.  "Q Station is a unique site on Sydney Harbour and everyone has worked very hard to deliver high quality service and professionalism and it is so obviously recognized by our customers and our industry."

Hosted and presented by leading industry magazine HM - Hotel & Accommodation Management, the awards are the highest recognition for the accommodation industry, applauding excellence over a range of categories, from people and departments to properties and chains.

In its breathtaking position at North Head in the natural setting of Sydney Harbour National Park, the former Quarantine Station has been beautifully restored as a unique and culturally significant hotel and conference facility with sweeping views that have been enhanced with modern conveniences.  Q Station has delivered over 360 conference and meetings since opening in April 2008, with a high proportion of repeat bookings. 

Set in tranquil and inspiring venues on a significant national heritage site, Q Station's conference rooms contrast the restoration of the original historic buildings balancing demands of conservation and comfort with modern conveniences.

Call Q Station for further information on 02 9466 1500 or visit the website www.qstation.com.au.

V AUSTRALIA SECOND PHASE EXPANSION - Thailand and South Africa

TUK TUK OFF TO THAILAND OR SAFARI IN SOUTH AFRICA!

LAUNCH FARES ON SALE 2.00PM TODAY

• BRAND NEW INTERNATIONAL ROUTES AND DESTINATIONS FOR V AUSTRALIA
• THAILAND, SOUTH AFRICA, LOS ANGELES
• $399* ONE WAY “TUK TUK TO THAILAND” FARES* EX BRISBANE AND MELBOURNE
• $1899 “FAR OUT SAFARI ” RETURN FARES* EX MELBOURNE

Australia’s new international airline V Australia today announced Phuket and Johannesburg as its next two destinations along with a strengthened focus on Melbourne just six months after launch. Four new V Australia routes to commence from December onwards include:

o Brisbane to Phuket, Thailand direct twice weekly from 22 November 2009.
o Melbourne to Phuket, Thailand direct flights 1 a week from 3 December 2009.
o Melbourne to Los Angeles, USA direct flights twice weekly from 1 December 2009.
o Melbourne to Johannesburg, South Africa direct flights from 13 March 2010.

The airline has also lodged an application with the International Air Services Commission for permission and slots to operate flights between Australia and Fiji.

To celebrate the extra destinations of Phuket and Johannesburg, special launch fares go on sale from 2.00pm today on the airline’s website starting from $399* one way to Phuket and $1899* return to Johannesburg from Melbourne. Special launch fares for International Business Class are also available from $1499 one-way to Phuket and $5999 return to Johannesburg. International Premium Economy fares are available from $899 one-way to Phuket and $2999 return to Johannesburg. All fares are fully inclusive of taxes and surcharges.

Virgin Blue Airlines Group Chief Executive, Brett Godfrey, said, ‘We believe our new destinations offer very exciting opportunities.”

“Travellers outbound will experience Australian aviation at its best to the USA, Thailand and South Africa and we have high hopes for inbound tourism as we work with partners in our new markets to help develop traffic into Australia via Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne.”

“V Australia will be the only airline to offer direct flights from Brisbane to Phuket and Melbourne to Phuket, as well as from Melbourne to South Africa. The March launch of Jo’burg flights will be just in time for fans travelling to South Africa to cheer on the Socceroos at the Soccer (FIFA) World Cup,” he added.

Connecting flights will be available from other key Australian ports to both Johannesburg and Phuket.

V Australia, a member of the Virgin Blue Airlines group launched in February on the Sydney-Los Angeles route and commenced operations between Brisbane-Los Angeles in April this year.

The airline is set to take delivery of its fourth Boeing 777-300ER aircraft configured in a three class configuration.

V Australia has been an instant hit with air travellers both here and in the USA due to its blend of Virgin service and a fresh take on fully inclusive, premium airline travel at consistently affordable fares.

Feedback surveys show the airline’s favourite features to be the three class airline’s sit down bar in Business Class, fully lie-flat beds, “Red” the user friendly individual in-flight entertainment system across all cabins, twilight sky on the cabin roof, piped music and elegant Aussie wallpaper in the bathrooms and the genuinely friendly service of a proud V Australia crew.

For full details on the schedules for the new routes, log on to www.vaustralia.com.au

* All fares are for flights booked on the internet or $50 more when booked by phone. Fares are inclusive of all taxes, fees and charges and subject to availability and may not be available on all flights or peak times. A credit card surcharge of an additional $15 per person per booking is applicable. The sale fares are on sale until 31 August 2009 or until sold out and for travel from 13 March 2010 to 31 May 2010 (Johannesburg) and 22 November to 17 December 2009 & 15 January to 31 May 2010 (Phuket) For V Australia bookings log on to www.vaustralia.com.au or phone our award winning Guest Contact Centre on 13 8287 or contact a travel agent. Note: For Guests booking via a travel agent or travel management company, these new routes will be visible in the GDS system within the next 7 days.

About V Australia and Virgin Blue: V Australia is a three class boutique style airline offering the acclaimed service for which the Virgin Blue Group is renowned and a unique Australian style. On board the airline’s brand new 361-seat 777-300ER aircraft, configuration includes Business Class cabin with 33 fully lie-flat beds, Premium Economy with 40 International Club seats and 288 International Economy seats. All cabins offer the Red, state-of-the-art personal seat back entertainment, seat to seat 'chat' or competition connectivity. The airline also has two in-flight bars, mood lighting including twilight and sunset, bathrooms with piped music including a "ladies only" bathroom and other touches of Australiana from salt and pepper shakers to hidden wallpaper murals

Winter Olympians at Perisher!

National and international athletes have descended upon Perisher, the Southern Hemisphere's largest ski resort, to compete in the Australian Moguls Championships and to polish their Skier and Boarder-Cross skills in a bid for a 2010 Olympic gold medal.

Teams from South Africa, Korea, Japan, USA, Canada, Czechoslovakia, Austria, Great Britain, Spain, China and even Greece have been spotted out on the slopes participating in a gruelling training regime, as they strive to reach the highest plateaus of their sport.

Here's a brief look at the world-class athletes currently training at Perisher in Freestyle Mogul, Skier-Cross and Boarder-Cross disciplines:

Freestyle Mogul Skiing

On Sunday 20 August, 52 of the world's best freestyle mogul skiers from Australia and overseas will battle it out on Toppa's Dream in the hope of snaring the title of Australian Mogul Champion and to earn FIS points for Olympic selection.

Toppa's Dream, located beside the Ridge Quad Chair on Blue Cow Mountain, is a favourite amongst both national and international mogul sensations. "It has been rated one of the best mogul courses in the world by all freestyle nations, in fact it is considered to be one of the top three most challenging mogul courses in the world," said Peter Topalovic, Australian Winter Olympic Freestyle Mogul Assistant Coach.

Back to defend their titles are: Aiko Umera (Japan), the current 2009 Women's World and 2008 Australian Mogul Champion, and, Osamu Ueno (Japan), the 2008 Men's Australian Mogul Champion. Nipping at their heels is international freestyle mogul skiing super star Patrick Deneen (USA), the 2009 Men's World Mogul Champion. Australian hopefuls, and prospective Australian Olympic team members, Ramon Cooper and Sam Hall are also lining up to give the current champs a run for their money.

Australia's Emma Chapman-Davies, who placed equal first with Aiko at the 2008 Australian Mogul Championships and 2006 Olympic Gold Medallist Dale Begg-Smith are recovering from knee surgery and will not be competing in this event. Both athletes however, have their sights firmly set on the 2010 Olympics. All four Australians are expected to qualify for the Australian Team heading to the Vancouver games.

Skier-Cross

Perisher has put a huge amount of effort and time into producing a world class skier-cross and boarder-cross course, complete with a "woo-tang" feature (two mini halfpipes built back-to-back, which form a "W"), critical rollers, burms, jumps and even an Olympic style start gate, to replicate sections of the course in Vancouver.

Representatives from the Swedish and Australian skier-cross teams are currently training on the course. Swedish team members Magda Iljan (three-times Winter X-Games medallist, 2007 gold medallist) and Eric Iljan will be training in the resort from 15 to 18 August. Australian 2002 Alpine Skiing Olympian Jenny Owens, a close friend of Magda's from the Winter X- Games and World Cup Circuits, has also been spotted fine-tuning her technique; she is a serious contender for a medal in the 2010 Olympic Games.

Matt Lyons, Head Skier-Cross Coach at the Olympic Winter Institute of Australia (OWIA) said, "Perisher's facilities are favoured by Olympic athletes because of the fantastic terrain on offer, great resort support and the immense time and effort they have put into building a world class ski-cross and boarder-cross track."

Boarder-Cross

The technical boarder-cross course at Perisher has great features suitable for training athletes in the lead up to the 2010 Olympics.

Two international boarder-cross teams are currently taking advantage of the course including: the Canadian team, comprising of six athletes including Maelle Ricker and Rob Fagan who have both been on the podium at World Cup and World Champion event, and the Czechoslovakia team, including World Cup winner Michael Novotne.

Australian boarder-cross athletes Damon Hayler and Alex Pullin have also been training on the course. Damon who won a World Cup event in 2009 and Alex who sneered a podium placement at the La Molina World Cup, are both on track for a 2010 Olympic medal.

Ben Wordsworth, Head Snowboard Coach at the OWIA said, "It is advantageous for international teams to train at Perisher as it has one of the closest start sections to the Cypress Venue at the Olympic Winter Games."

Set course for Caloundra

Set course for Caloundra to experience a unique amateur golf championship that offers players, partners and families the perfect short break to wind down and explore the best of Queensland's Sunshine Coast.

The 2009 Queensland Mid Amateur Golf Championship from 13-15 September at Caloundra attracts the best amateur players to play in a serious competition that also has a strong social element. The spectacular 'links' style Greg Norman designed Club Pelican is hosting the 54-hole championships that is open to male golfers aged between 30 to 54 with a maximum handicap of 15.4. The 2009 event will also see the event open for the first time to female mid-amateur golfers.

The Mid Amateur Championship is growing in popularity each year with great feedback from past participants about their experience. This event not only offers golfers a serious test of their swing but also the opportunity to enjoy time away from the course with their families and friends. There's lots within your reach including spectacular beaches and attractions such as Australia Zoo, Aussie World, UnderWater World and activities like the Big Kart Track and the Sunshine Coast Turf Club. For great deals on where to stay and what to see and do visit www.caloundratourism.com.au or phone 1800 700 899 to speak to a friendly local.

Championship entry forms and further information is available from the Queensland Golf (07) 3252 8155 or visit: www.QueenslandGolf.org.au
Nestled adjacent to the 4.5 star Crowne Plaza Pelican Waters Golf Resort & Spa the 6359 metre Club Pelican championship course blends into the natural landscape and boasts one of the finest clubhouses and practice facilities in Australia. There is plenty of other accommodation options close by and walking distance to the gorgeous beaches of Caloundra. Rydges Oasis Resort just a five minute drive away from the course and just metres from Golden Beach.

The championships also include the Titleist Interstate Teams Event for two person teams playing over 54 holes. The Footjoy Club Teams Event consists of three players from the same golf club and can be male or female of any combination.

The Caloundra Tourism Upper Mid-Amateur Division is open to men and women players aged 44 – 54 years as at the 13 September 2009.

Sensational Singapore: One City, Three Fabulous Festivals

The Lion City is the place to be for an exciting three month line up of festivals, fanfare and fun -

From August through to October, visitors to Singapore will be enthralled by three fascinating festivals celebrated by the island nation's Indian, Malay and Chinese communities – each commemorating their most auspicious days in their religious calendars.

"These three beautiful festivals showcase Singapore's eclectic cultural diversity and unique heritage and it is a wonderful time to visit the Lion City and enjoy the magic each enclave has to offer at one time," said Mr CHOOI Yee Choong, Regional Director Oceania of the Singapore Tourism Board.

Hari Raya Aidilfitri (14 August – 27 September) marks the end of the fasting month for Singapore's Malay community, with celebrations to mark this occasion held throughout the historic Kampong Glam and Geylang Serai districts. Amazing street light-ups will complement the festive atmosphere with market bazaars selling everything from traditional handicrafts to must-try Malay delicacies including nasi padang and teh tarik being held nightly from 22 August – 19 September, in Kandaher Street, near Bussorah Mall and the Malay Heritage Centre.

Local concerts featuring traditional Malay dancers will take place at the Malay Village in Geyland Serai each weekend from 9pm -10.30pm, while Malay traditional handicraft demonstrations can be seen on 5 September from 9pm -10.30pm. The Malay Heritage Centre in Kampong Glam will also showcase interactive batik and ketupat weaving workshops over the weekends of the festival.

Not to be missed, is the Iftar or 'breaking of fast' at the Sultan Mosque in Kampong Glam daily (22 August – 19 September) at 7pm (dress codes apply).

Deepavali (18 September – 25 October) celebrates the triumph of light over darkness (good over evil) and is the most important festival in the Hindu calendar. Little India will be transformed into a wonderland of thousands of fairy lights lining Serangoon Road while market stalls boom with music as shoppers search for the perfect sari, accessory, or gold jewellery items from the festive bazaars lining Campbell Lane and Serangoon Road (18 September – 16 October).

The Sri Mariamman Temple on South Bridge Road also hosts the annual Thimithi (fire-walking) Festival, which will occur this year on 5 October. In a display of breathtaking devotion and faith, Hindus walk bare-footed across a four metre bed of burning hot coals to commemorate the Goddess Drupadi.

The Navarathiri Festival (19 Sep-27 September) will take place at the Sri Sinivasa Perumal Temple, Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple and Sri Mariamman Temple. Also known as the 'Nine Nights Festival', it is celebrated in honour of the Mother Goddess and her many forms.

The Chinese Mid Autumn Festival (19 September – 17 October) is celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month, however the festivities last for a month. Chinatown comes alive with dazzling street light-ups, lantern displays and bustling market stalls with mooncakes and pomelos on offer at the 250 festive stalls lining the mini-streets of Pagoda, Smith, Sago and Trengganu. Mooncakes symbolise the rise of the Chinese communities, commemorating the time when secret messages were baked within, calling the locals to overthrow the Yuan dynasty in the 14th century. These days they come in a variety of favours from traditional lotus filings through to tropical fruit, and even Bailey's Irish Cream and champagne!

Nightly stage shows at Kreta Ayer Square will entertain locals and visitors alike as Singaporeans come together to celebrate this special event focusing on family unity. The shows will take place from 19 September until 3 October from 8pm – 10.30pm and fringe events will also be taking place along Chinatown Point, the Central and Albert Mall.

Join in the Mass Lantern Walk and Celebration – a colourful procession along Eu Tong Sen Street from the heart of Chinatown to the Singapore River as the festival comes to a close on 3 October at 7.30pm

For a local walking guide throughout the various enclaves, download the details at www.visitsingapore.com/1city3fest

For further details on these fantastic events and festivals, log onto www.visitsingapore.com or follow the STB on Twitter: SingaporeOzNZ.

ENJOY A SUMPTUOUS 31 DAY DUBAI TO SYDNEY SAILING VIA SINGAPORE WITH SILVERSEA

This November, why not take the trip of a lifetime with Silversea Cruises' epic 31 day voyage from Dubai to Sydney via Singapore. Covering 16 ports in seven countries, from bustling Arabian souqs and seductive Indian cities to the powder white beaches of South East Asia and Australia's Great Barrier Reef, this fascinating cruise is aimed at the true travel enthusiast. Alternatively, guests looking for a shorter voyage can choose the 15 day Dubai to Singapore sector or the 16 day journey from Singapore to Sydney.

Departing Dubai on 18 November 2009, the ultra-luxury, all-suite Silver Whisper will call at Fujairah on the UAE's scenic East coast; vibrant Mumbai in the Indian state of Maharashtra; Mormugao in the former Portuguese enclave of Goa; Cochin in the south-west Indian state of Kerala; the popular Thai beach destination of Phuket; Penang and Kuala Lumpur (Port Kelang) in Malaysia, and the thriving island state of Singapore. The second sector of the voyage takes in one of Indonesia's oldest cities, Semarang on Java's north coast, followed by Darwin in Australia's Northern Territory; Cairns, Townsville and the Whitsunday Islands, with many opportunities to explore the Great Barrier Reef and Queensland's laid-back capital Brisbane, arriving in Sydney in time for the festive season on 19 December.

All-inclusive, cruise-only fares for the full 31 day voyage start from just US$11,379* per person, double occupancy. Alternatively, fares for the 15 day Dubai to Singapore sector start from US$5,697* or US$6,847* for the 16 day Singapore to Sydney voyage. Silversea's generous fare includes luxury cruising to exciting ports; all-suite accommodation; gourmet meals; complimentary wines, Champagne and spirits, and all gratuities.

To complement the voyage and at extra cost, Silversea guests can experience a three-night pre-cruise In the Footsteps of the Pharaohs Land Programme departing from Dubai to see the treasures of Egypt, from the Great Pyramids of Giza and the sphinx to Cairo's Museum of Antiquities and the buzzing Khan El-Khalili Bazaar. Guests can also choose from a selection of three night Silver Sights stays at luxury hotels such as Atlantis, The Palm in Dubai; The Ritz Carlton Millenia in Singapore, and The Four Seasons Hotel in Sydney.

* Subject to availability, terms and conditions.

For more information please contact Silversea Cruises on +61 2 9255 0600 or toll free 1300 306 872 (Australia) or 0800 701 427 (New Zealand), or visit www.silversea.com

Silversea Cruises is recognised as an innovator in the luxury segment, offering guests large-ship amenities aboard four intimate vessels, Silver Cloud, Silver Wind, Silver Shadow, and Silver Whisper, all designed to offer an atmosphere of conviviality and casual elegance. With the addition of the regal expedition ship Prince Albert II in 2008, the company's itineraries encompass all seven continents. Silversea has recently entered Luxury Travel & Style Magazine's Platinum Hall of Fame, having been named Best Cruise Line by Australian readers for the past five consecutive years. For two consecutive years Silversea has been named 'Best Luxury Cruise Line' in the TravelWeekly Asia Awards and for nine consecutive years "Number One Small Ship Line" in the Readers' Choice survey conducted by Condé Nast Traveler magazine in the USA. In 2007 Silversea was the only cruise line named in the UK edition of Condé Nast Traveller's "Top 100 Luxury Travel Experiences", at the same time topping the Small Cruise Line award for the eighth time. Silversea has been selected as "World's Best Small-Ship Cruise Line" seven times in the Travel + Leisure (USA) readers' poll and was rated Number-One luxury cruise line by high-net-worth consumers in the 2008 Luxury Brand Status Index.

NRMA Travel Quarterly Consumer travel sentiment survey results

SWINE FLU HASN'T AFFECTED TRAVEL PLANS BUT THE GFC HAS

Thursday 13 August 2009: An NRMA Travel consumer sentiment survey of 1,300 NRMA Members has revealed the swine flu pandemic has failed to dent people's travel plans but the global financial crisis (GFC) has had an impact on both business and leisure travel.

Fortunately, there is good news too for both domestic and international leisure tourism with a marked increase in positive consumer sentiment in just three months. The upbeat attitude revealed by the survey translates to a five percentage point rise in respondents believing the next 12 months will be a good time to travel and a 10 percentage point rise in people planning to take an overseas holiday.

NRMA Motoring & Services Group CEO Tony Stuart said while an overwhelming 84 per cent of respondents said swine flu had not affected travel plans.

"Swine flu has not had the same impact as the global economic crisis with just over one in ten citing the illness as a reason for less leisure and business travel," Mr Stuart said.

"The ramifications of the GFC have meant 27 per cent of respondents are less likely to travel while the economy is in its present state.

"The current economic conditions are also having an impact on business travel with 39 per cent of respondents cutting back on flights and accommodation."

Mr Stuart said the quarterly survey's baseline question asking Members if the next 12 months is a good time to travel found 77 per cent believe it's a good time to holiday, up five percentage points on the previous survey conducted in May.

"That's a lot of holiday-makers planning trips both here and overseas as the economy begins to show initial signs of recovery," Mr Stuart said.

"The survey also found 38 per cent are considering an overseas destination - an increase of almost 10 percentage points from last quarter's survey. It appears people are taking advantage of the unprecedented deals on offer for airfares and holiday packages."

Sunshine Coast Gallery Displays Unique Marine Art

Marine artist Giovanna Cattoi has about 90 minutes to capture the kaleidoscope of colour and movement on Queensland's Great Barrier Reef.

Because that's the time it takes for her oxygen tank to run out while she sketches underwater during the first step of a process that finishes with her unique paintings on display at Landsborough Galleries on the Sunshine Coast.

A seasoned scuba diver for the past 14 years Giovanna devised a technique to work underwater that involves used x-ray film clipped to a Tupperware board that allows her to make notes and sketch the creatures of the reef surrounded by a diversity of colours, shapes, patterns and textures that exist in this unique environment.

Giovanna was born in Monte Argentario near Rome and developed her artistic skills by learning from some of the country's leading artists. She moved to Adelaide in 1971 and her passion for marine art began following a holiday to Queensland.

"I had learnt to dive in Italy but arrived in Australia predominantly as a landscape painter," Giovanna said. "It only took one dive on the Great Barrier Reef and I was totally hooked with the underwater life that was before me, and from then on I started making regular visits on charter boats to reef locations to do my underwater sketches."

Because colours change as the sunlight weakens underwater a torch is used to shine on the subject to ensure a match of the true colour of the subject.

The underwater sketches are transferred to paper when Giovanna returns to the surface. She then transforms this detail into oil paintings on an acrylic base.

Anchored with weight belts underwater is not without its hazards with encounters with sea snakes, a moray eel and a Grey Nurse shark among her reef adventures.

Despite this and aged 75 she still hopes to do more diving. Her marine art has been successfully exhibited throughout Australia and hangs in many private collections. In addition, Giovanna also produces amazing sketches of Inca legends.

Landsborough Galleries is a purpose built gallery with over 300sqm of exhibition space at 27 Caloundra Road, Landsborough, and is open every day except Tuesday. Telephone (07) 5439 9943 or visit www.landsboroughgalleries.com.au

For great deals on accommodation visit www.caloundratourism.com.au or phone 1800 700 899 to speak to a friendly local.