'Tis The Season To Be Jolly At Conrad Jupiters

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas at Conrad Jupiters with more decorations on property than ever before, festive food and beverage deals, and a cracker Christmas Appeal to raise money for the Gold Coast Hospital Foundation.

The Gold Coast’s ultimate playground has wrapped up Christmas for the kids, recently delivering decorations, treats and a $25,000 cheque to the Children’s Ward of the Gold Coast Hospital.

Conrad Jupiters Managing Director, Stuart Wing, decked the halls with Christmas trees, wreaths and swag garlands in preparation for a visit from the Big Man in Red.

“Christmas is my favourite time of the year and it’s wonderful to be able to share the celebrations with the Gold Coast Hospital,” Mr Wing said.

“We are thrilled to be able to donate AUD$25,000 but hope to be able to give even more through sales of special hotel, food and beverage deals at Conrad Jupiters in December”, he said.

Guests to Conrad Jupiters can help spread the Christmas cheer with festive fundraising initiatives at the hotel-casino including a coffee and fruit mince tart deal for only $2 available in Spinners on December 16 ($1 from every sale to be donated to the Gold Coast Hospital Foundation).

The Lobby Bar is serving up a Christmas Caprioska to put the jingle in your bell from December 1-24 with a refreshing $2 from every cocktail also donated to the worthy appeal.

For the ultimate seasonal splurge, guests can indulge in the "Jolly Jupiters Christmas Package" which includes one night’s accommodation in a newly refurbished Superior room, breakfast for two adults at the award-winning Food Fantasy buffet restaurant and two Christmas Caprioska cocktails at the Lobby Bar.

The “Jolly Jupiters Christmas Package” is on sale until December 24 for only $230 Sunday-Friday or AUD$290 on Saturdays with AUD$10 from every booking going to the Gold Coast Hospital Foundation. Book your room today by calling Hotel Reservations toll free on 1800 074 344.

So why not head for the bright lights this December to support the Conrad Jupiters Christmas Appeal for the Children’s Ward of the Gold Coast Hospital and have yourself a merry little Christmas.

Final Call To Become A Published Travel Writer

WorldNomads.com Travel Writing Scholarship closing in one month

Entries for leading global online travel insurance provider WorldNomads.com's 2009 Travel Writing Scholarship close on January 9, 2009.

Open to all aspiring travel writers worldwide, the scholarship recipient will go on assignment to Kerala, India in early 2009 with travel writing mentor David Stott, spending 10 days on tour with The Blue Yonder exploring the River Nila civilization and 10 days writing and reviewing for the upcoming Footprint India Handbook.

General Manager of WorldNomads.com, Chris Noble, says the scholarship is perfect for non professional writers who have a spirit of adventure and a passion for travel writing.

"Becoming a published travel writer is a dream for many travellers," says Chris.

"At WorldNomads.com, we'd like to make that dream come true for one compelling storyteller."

The successful applicant's brief will include being flown to India from their country of residence by WorldNomads.com, from February 16th – March 7th 2009, to participate in the tour and travel writing assignment.

The Blue Yonder Tour , specifically tailored for the scholarship recipient, will be based on the age-old tradition of story telling that reveals the uniqueness of the region and the importance of rivers for a sustainable life. It will include interactions with musicians, folk artists, bell metal workers, potters, sand miners, fire worshippers and ritualistic healers, and planting saplings at the 'Traveller's Forest', a community driven eco-restoration project

Mentor – travel writer and photographer – David Stott, who specializes in coverage of India, will provide guidance on travel writing, before the recipient will head out to spend 10 days researching, reviewing and updating essential travel information for the Footprint India Guidebook.

"The combination of the tour and guidebook assignment has been selected to provide an insight into the range of travel writing opportunities available – from the descriptive to the practical," says Chris.

"The Scholarship is part of our annual WorldNomads.com scholarship program, which gives ambitious and talented students the opportunity to work with professional mentors in the areas of travel writing, documentaries, photography and podcasting."

The entry process includes a 500 word or less travel focused essay based on personal experience around one of the following themes:
a. 'A Journey that Changed Lives'
b. 'Responsible Travel'
c. 'Adventure in an Unknown Culture'

Applications close January 9, 2009.

For full details, visit http://www.worldnomads.com or contact chris@worldnomads.com

InterContinental Melbourne The Rialto Opens Its Doors

From 15 December 2008, the AU$60 million transformation of The Rialto will deliver a new way to experience Melbourne.

The AU$60 million resurrection of Melbourne's grandest heritage hotel is complete. The iconic The Rialto has reopened as InterContinental Melbourne The Rialto, bringing one of the finest brands in international hotel luxury to Australia's most cosmopolitan and vibrant city.

Guests can now experience the only luxury hotel in Melbourne's financial district, transformed as one of the city's last and best remaining examples of 19th century gothic architecture into a world-class international hotel by Joseph Pang Design Studio.

The opening also marks the establishment of InterContinental Hotels & Resorts – the world's first truly international hotel brand – in the city of Melbourne. Established in 1946, InterContinental is the epitome of superior, understated service and outstanding facilities in premier destinations across more than 60 countries.

The revitalised hotel joins an exclusive global collection of heritage-listed InterContinental hotels and resorts, including InterContinental Paris Le Grand, InterContinental The Willard Washington and InterContinental Sydney.

Joseph Pang and his team have married the historical aspects of a true architectural icon with an exciting and unexpected contemporary design. The result is an encapsulation of the spirit of Melbourne; a blend of rich and unique history with a cosmopolitan culture that cities the world over aspire too but rarely achieve.

"It is our genuine interest in our guests that stands the InterContinental brand apart. Our philosophy is to open up each destination to our guests, making available the authentic local experiences that will enrich their stay and make it memorable," said InterContinental Melbourne The Rialto general manager, Manrique Rodriguez.

"Under the InterContinental brand, this hotel presents a rare opportunity to make the sumptuous mythology of Melbourne accessible to generations of discerning international travellers specifically seeking genuinely local experiences of each destination they visit.

"This revitalised hotel will be one of the best in the country and a flagship example of the InterContinental brand," Mr Rodriguez said.

InterContinental Melbourne The Rialto offers all the facilities and services expected of a luxury international hotel, including a variety of five star dining establishments and bars, a stunning Club InterContinental overlooking Collins Street, private business environments and a unique suite collection that will take best advantage of the building's gothic heritage.

InterContinental Melbourne The Rialto is open for bookings, with rooms available from AU$295.00. To book, visit www.intercontinental.com/melbourne or call 1800 221 335.

The Ultimate Gift for the Luxury Traveler

12-MONTH PREMIER MEMBERSHIP FOR $399
(A $100 SAVINGS OFF OUR PUBLISHED PRICE.)
The recipient will receive a full membership kit, including print editions of Andrew Harper's Hideaway Report, and a personalized Andrew Harper Collection binder.

12-MONTH ONLINE-ONLY MEMBERSHIP FOR $349
An eco-friendly bundle, including online editions of Andrew Harper's Hideaway Report, The Andrew Harper Collection and all travel related services. Recipients will receive a gift box containing a handsome leather-bound USB key and login instructions to start their online membership.

SIX-MONTH ONLINE ONLY MEMBERSHIP FOR $199
All the benefits of membership, with a stocking stuffer price. Recipients will receive a gift box containing a handsome leather-bound USB key and login instructions to start their online membership.

Yes, all new members will have access to their personal travel consultant, the exclusive hotel privileges of The Harper Alliance and the opportunity to bid on Harper Marketplace eAuctions.
Our gift purchase page can be found here.

THESE HOLIDAY GIFT OFFERS EXPIRE DECEMBER 31, 2008

© Andrew Harper, Inc. 600 Congress Ave, Suite 1400, Austin, TX 78701

Crown Promenade Hotel Launches New Celebration Package - Available for a Limited Time Only Until 9 January 2009

To celebrate Crown Promenade Hotel's recent accolades, including being named best deluxe accommodation in Victoria for the third year in a row and being inducted into the Victorian Tourism Hall of Fame, Crown Promenade Hotel is introducing a special holiday offer.

This celebratory package includes overnight accommodation in one of the hotel's stylish rooms, full breakfast for two at the renowned Mesh restaurant, known widely for its generous and extensive buffet, complimentary valet parking and a bottle of premium sparkling wine on arrival.

Guests can enjoy the buzz and atmosphere of the hotel's Tonic bar, which was recently named one of Australia's top ten bars. They can also sunbake on the sheltered sundecks adjacent to the indoor pool, have a relaxing massage or step into the Crown Entertainment Complex to explore the exclusive boutiques, favourite brand stores, see a movie at Village Cinemas, have a free poker lesson or try one of over 40 restaurants.

This offer is valid until 29 December and from 2-9 January 2009 and is available for a two night stay, subject to availability from just $255.00 per room, per night. Bookings may be made by contacting reservations on +61 3 9292 6688 or by emailing reservations@crownpromenade.com.au.

Alaska counts down to 50th celebration

Happy 50th birthday, Alaska!
The 49th state celebrates 50 years of statehood on January 3

When Alaskans found out the United States Senate passed the Statehood Act in June of 1958, sirens blared, crowds gathered and celebrated around bonfires, Anchorage Elks Club members unfurled a 40-by-60-foot flag and Fairbanks residents accidentally dyed the Chena River bright green.

It was a spontaneous, joyful celebration that kicked off six months of anticipation ahead of President Dwight D. Eisenhower's signature on the statehood proclamation on Jan. 3, 1959. Fast-forward 50 years, and Alaska is preparing to mark the official anniversary of the Declaration of Statehood with just as much fervor.

With events recognizing the anniversary scheduled throughout the year and taking place across the nation's largest state, 2009 makes a great year to travel to Alaska. Another great reason? Many tourism businesses are offering special 50th anniversary deals that will reduce costs on experiences statewide, from flying around the tip of North America's highest peak, Mount McKinley, to cruising the waters of the Inside Passage.

The Statehood Gala at the Dena'ina Civic and Convention Center will lead off the celebrations on Jan. 2 in Anchorage. The state's political dignitaries will speak at the commemorative dinner and entertainment will feature symphony, chorus, opera and dance performances from statewide groups. The next day, a birthday bash will take over downtown Anchorage, led by a procession of Alaska's diverse people (two representatives from every village, town and city in the state). The event will continue with a stage performance, rotating musical and cultural performances in three venues and a fireworks show.

Also on Jan. 3, the Valdez Family Fest will include dog sledding, snow sculpting, snowshoe races, a Wii tournament, an indoor carnival, fireworks and, of course, birthday cake. The family-friendly events will take place in and around the Valdez Convention and Civic Center.

"If travelers are looking for a different kind of New Year's party to attend, this is it," said Ron Peck, president and COO of the Alaska Travel Industry Association. "We're celebrating our history, our founders, our successes and our growth as a state. It's going to be a tremendous day for Alaska, and an even bigger year."

Many Alaskans can think back over the past 50 years and marvel at how the state has managed its natural resources, capitalized on its strategic location and preserved its Native culture. But even as the state grows up, it will only take a scan of the crowd gathered on Jan. 3 to realize Alaska's pioneering spirit is still alive in today's generation.

Here's the historic timeline that led Alaska to statehood:

1867 - Financial struggles force Russia to sell what is now Alaska for $7.2 million, or about 2 cents an acre.

1896 – The first discovery in what would become the Klondike Gold Rush was made in Bonanza Creek in northern Yukon Territory, Canada. The discovery sent thousands of prospectors north to Canada and Alaska in the late 1800s and enforced the enduring mythology of Alaska as a place of vast natural resources and the chance to get rich quick.

1906 - Alaska authorized to send a non-voting delegate to Congress.

1916 - First bill for Alaska statehood introduced in Congress.

1955 - Constitutional Convention opens at University of Alaska Fairbanks.

1956 - Territorial voters adopt the Alaska Constitution; send two senators and one representative to Washington under the Tennessee Plan.

May 28, 1958 - The U.S. House of Representatives passes the Alaska Statehood bill.

June 30, 1958 - The U.S. Senate passes the Alaska Statehood bill. The Anchorage Daily Times' headline reads, "We're In!"

July 7, 1958 - President Eisenhower signs the Alaska Statehood bill.

January 3, 1959 - Statehood proclaimed; Alaska becomes the 49th state in the Union.

About Alaska Travel Industry Association
ATIA is a non-profit, membership-based organization comprising all facets of Alaska's visitor industry and representing over 1,100 large and small travel-related businesses. The association serves as the voice of Alaska's tourism industry and maintains the TravelAlaska.com Web site for visitors interested in the state. For more information about ATIA, visit alaskatia.org.

2009 BOUTIQUE ITALIAN TOURS AT PRE DOLLAR-DECLINE PRICES

Italian escorted small-groups specialist, Carolinasusi Italia Tours is ignoring the fall in value of our dollar against the Euro, and will run its annual Spring and Autumn tours to Italy in 2009 at prices it announced before the dollar fell.

"We're doing so in conjunction with our suppliers in Italy, who are majority family-owned operations and understand the problems Australian holiday-makers are facing with exchange rates," said Tour Partner, Carrol Helander.

Carolinasusi specialises in 3-week-long boutique tours to Tuscany and Umbria, and rather than moving in-and-out of hotels every night, bases its fully-escorted groups for a week at a time in three major centres (Montecatini Terme, Montefalco and Pienza,) travelling out daily to such iconic cities as Florence, Siena and Assisi, as well as less-frequented but equally-captivating towns and villages to experience true Italian traditions and cultures.

Included are visits to ceramics and leather artisans, chocolate and cheese makers, wine and olive oil producers and the Cinque Terre National Park, and maps are provided for individual sightseeing, shopping or finding somewhere to spend some quiet time.

Price starts from $6975pp twin-share ($750 single supplement available) including pick-up at Rome Airport on April 24 2009 or September 25 2009, full-time tour escorts, coach, ferry, funicular and train travel, 21-nights twin-share, and all breakfasts and most dinners; air from Australia is additional.

Full details (07) 3396 8652, (07) 3262 6332 or www.carolinasusi.com.au 

Forget Romance – Australians Prefer A Holiday In 2009

Expedia survey reveals Australians look forward to taking a holiday more than anything – even a new romance

According to a recent poll, Australians look forward to taking a holiday five times more than the prospect of a new romance in 2009, and well ahead even of a pay rise or job promotion. And with 60% of Australians planning a holiday next year, it appears that we are not planning on sitting around at home waiting for Cupid to visit.

A survey[1][1] conducted recently by Expedia.com.auTM, operated by Expedia, Inc., the world's leading online travel company, revealed that while romance was low on the cards for Australians in 2009, they would choose heartthrob actor Hugh Jackman and supermodel Jennifer Hawkins as their preferred holiday partners, over the likes of Gordon Ramsay, Nicole Kidman, Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama and Kevin Rudd.

When asked why going away on holiday was so important, the poll revealed that Australians appear to be suffering from end-of-year exhaustion, with more than 40% of the survey's over 1,000 respondents saying their ideal holiday would be 'total relaxation' – well ahead of it being an opportunity to spend more time with family (20%) or learn about other cultures (18%). It was also shown that the daily grind was what most Australians seek relief from in a holiday, with almost 60% citing an 'escape from routine' as the main motivation for going away on holiday, well ahead of taking a break from work (36%) or from social and family commitments (5%).

Just under half the respondents said they would be travelling on holiday this summer, with 75% of those saying they would be holidaying in Australia, followed by around 18% within Asia Pacific.

About a third of those not going away on holiday this summer cited the economic downturn and need to reduce debt as the main reasons for staying put. That said, three-quarters of all respondents, regardless of whether they were staying at home or going away agreed that going away on holiday was more relaxing than staying at home.

"While the Christmas holiday season is one of the busiest and most expensive times of year to travel, there are many ways to enjoy a holiday away without breaking the bank, said Louise Hurbert-Burns at Expedia® Australia.

"With the internet, it is now easier and quicker than ever to search for the best deals and book a holiday or short break away.

"With many airline seats going empty due to the economic downturn, airline competition is stiff to try and fill those seats, and together with falling international oil prices, there could well be compelling last-minute airfare deals this holiday season. So, if travel plans are flexible, travellers may find extraordinary bargains by letting the deal actually determine their destination.

"Travellers could also consider booking all their travel – like flights, hotel accommodation and car hire – together as a single package. With Expedia's technology, travellers can create their own package by combining all their travel needs with one single price tag. In most cases, doing so will deliver an additional saving compared to booking the items separately, which they can see instantly when booking," Ms Hurbert-Burns concluded.

For excellent travel deals and a great travel experience, visit www.expedia.com.au

About Expedia.com.au

Expedia, Inc. (NASDAQ: EXPE), the world's leading online travel company, operates Expedia.com.au™ (http://www.expedia.com.au) in Australia. Expedia.com.au helps Australians plan and book their travel by providing a personalised service, the latest technology and a wide selection of holiday packages, flights, hotels, hire cars and in-destination attractions, activities and transfers to suit their travel needs. With the Expedia Price Promise, Expedia offers to its customers the best rates available online for all types of travel, making it the most comprehensive customer guarantee in online travel.

Expedia is a registered trademark of Expedia, Inc. in the US and/or other countries. Other logos or product and company names mentioned herein may be the property of their respective owners.

Queensland Outback prepares for eventful 2009

The temperatures are up in the Outback, and come April as they drop, it's the action that increases with festivals celebrating everything from music to opals and sporting events where horses, camels and humans are the stars. This is a bite size collection of what's happening in the Outback in 2009.

Julia Creek's popular Dirt 'n' Dust Festival (3 –5 April) returns for its 14th year in the tiny town in the north-west of the State complete with the popular Cow Poo Throwing Competition and Outback Bog Snorkelling Race. This annual festival is also famous for the Outback Triathlon, Australia's Best Butt Competition and PBR Touring Pro Bull Riding Rodeo.

Music lovers need look no further than the Hughenden Country Music Festival (10-12 April), an annual Easter Weekend event. Crooners of all ages compete at the festival which has 10 adult sections and four sections each for Junior and Juvenile contestants. The Grand Champion takes homes $2000 and the Junior and Juvenile Champions, $1000 each. There is also a People's Choice award and Encouragement award.

2009 welcomes back the biannual Cunnamulla Outback Masters Games (27 April-10 May) – the event with no participation criteria, except a minimum age and where one of the most popular events is the 470km bike ride from Cooper Creek to Cunnamulla. New events in 2009 will include woodchopping, kayaking and shearing.

Barcaldine's annual Tree of Knowledge Festival (1-4 May) enters a new era in 2009 when it welcomes home the main feature of its festival – the preserved remnants of the Tree of Knowledge which was tragically poisoned several years ago, are returning to the town. The Tree celebrates the town's proud history as the birthplace of the Australian Labor Party and this year the festival will include the opening of the Tree's new memorial. Visitors will also enjoy the Tree of Knowledge Race Cup, drag racing and the Speed Shears Competition.

The camels will be off and racing again at the famous Boulia Camel Races (17-19 July). The town's regular  population of 300 swells to 3000 for the weekend of racing which includes fireworks and entertainment. The event kicks off with a 400 metre Twilight Camel Race on the Friday night and continues over the weekend with Camel Race Heats for the Quarter Mile Flyer and Camel Cup. If you can't make July, pencil in August for the Hughenden Camel Races, now known as the Sheikh Zayed International Camel Endurance Race (21-23 August), where camels from around the world race for a $50,000 prize purse.

July is opal month in the Outback with the towns of Winton and Yowah each hosting festivals to celebrate our national gemstone. Opal Expo (7-11 July) in Winton, where the Boulder Opal was discovered, showcases the stone in the rough and polished form. Miners sell their opals from the back of their vehicles, there is street entertainment, competitions, dinners and fashions parades. The tiny four block town of Yowah – a two hour drive from Cunnamulla – also hosts an annual Yowah Opal Festival (17 –19 July) each year. Home to the Yowah Nut Opal which was first discovered here at the end of the 19th century, the festival celebrates our national stone and gives visitors the chance to talk to friendly miners, have a fossick themselves, check out priceless collections and enjoy entertainment and markets.

The Mount Isa Rodeo (7-9 August) plans to continue where it left off at its 50th anniversary last year – with plenty of action and adventure. The largest event on the Australian rodeo calendar attracts the best of local and overseas competitors for events at the multi-million dollar, purpose-built Buchanan Park rodeo arena that can accommodate over 5,500 spectators.

Join thousands of visitors who flock to the tiny Outback town of Birdsville for the annual Birdsville Races (4-5 September), an event which has been running since 1882. The remote location lures characters from all over who cheer on the winners and sleep under the stars for this nationally famous event.

Celebrate Cunnamulla's heritage at the end of year for the Cunnamulla Fella Festival (13-14 November). The Matilda Highway and Adventure Way lead right to this famous Outback town where a bronze statue of the 'Cunnamulla Fella' sits on his swag in the centre of town, immortalising the larrikin in all Australians. This action-packed Outback adventure is held in conjunction with the Bundaberg Rum Pro Series PBR Bull Ride.

For more information on these and other events in the Queensland Outback visit www.adventureoutback.com.au

Luxury Travel Magazine Gold List 2009 Winners

The winners of Luxury Travel Magazine's Gold List 2009, Australia's most prestigious travel awards, were announced yesterday at an industry event held in Sydney.

Now in its fifth great year, the Magazine's Gold List 2009 survey was even wider reaching in scope than in previous years – making this one of the most comprehensive luxury travel surveys ever conducted by an Australian travel magazine. The results make for fascinating reading.

Palazzo Versace, Gold Coast was voted Best Australian Hotel. For the fifth year running The Peninsula, Hong Kong, was considered the pre-eminent overseas hotel. The award for Best Australian Resort went to Hayman. Four Seasons Resort at Jimbaran Bay, Bali was voted Best Overseas Resort. Luxury travellers voted Emirates' First Class the best, and Singapore Airlines took top spot for its Business Class. Golden Door Elysia in the Hunter Valley was voted Australia's Best Spa And Chiva-Som, Thailand, Best Overseas Spa. Silversea Cruises scored a double whammy being voted Best Cruise Line and Silver Whisper, Best Small Cruise Ship. Cunard's QM2 was voted Best Large Cruise Ship.

Australia's Best Boutique Hotel was Cape Lodge, WA and Huka Lodge, NZ was voted Best Overseas Boutique Hotel. This year for the first time, readers also cast votes for their favourite family resorts, both in Australia and overseas. Hyatt Coolum and Jean Michele Cousteau took out these honours respectively. Lovers of style voted Chanel their favourite Duty Free Luxury brand, closely followed by Louis Vuitton and Prada. Paris wooed respondents as Best Overseas City for the fifth year running.

The awards are the result of a survey in which tens of thousands of Luxury Travel Magazine's subscribers and readers, and Virtuoso Traveller's, were asked to nominate the world's best hotels, resorts, spas, cruise lines, golf courses, airlines and destinations – a total of 25 categories in all.

This year the magazine again joined forces with Virtuoso – the world's most exclusive collection of luxury travel agents. Bentley, Virtuoso, Etihad, Preferred Boutique, and Pevonia Botanica all were valuable sponsor partners this year.

The Bentley Award for Outstanding Hotel Service 2009 went to The Westin Sydney. The winner in this new category was selected from a short list of 12 hotels and resorts, by a panel of five senior luxury travel industry personnel.

"The Luxury Travel Magazine Gold List survey, now in its fifth year, has once again captured the imagination of Australia's luxury travellers. This year our readers' votes show they continue to take delight in existing standout luxury products, as well as enjoying new experiences", said Hilary Doling, Editor in Chief of Luxury Travel Magazine.

The GOLD LIST 2009 SUMMER edition of Luxury Travel Magazine goes on sale on Wednesday Dec 17, 2008.

For further details of all winners in each category, please click onto our website which has full details of the winners, and their award-winning products, click here. Logos and a copy of this release are available in the 'CONTACT US' section of the website.

www.luxurytravelmag.com.au