Felix Hotel by 8Hotels Takes Off in Sydney's Airport Precinct

Ascending Over Sydney's Airport Accommodation Options

·       Turning the perception of the airport hotel on its head, Felix Hotel guests will check-in on the top floor penthouse, rather than a ground floor lobby

·       Felix Hotel takes its design cues from the 1960's, indicative of the thrill and glamour of the Golden Era of air travel

·       The penthouse features a super-stylish cocktail bar, 24-hour food shop, outdoor rooftop cinema and one of the best views of the Sydney Domestic Airports runways

·       Built with the digital nomad in mind, the hotel has fast and easy to connect Wi-Fi, 1,000 USB ports and a Sky Lounge with communal and solo workspaces

 
After opening its doors on 1 February 2018, today marks the official take off for Felix Hotel by 8Hotels – a hotel that has set a new benchmark for Australian airport accommodation.  

The 150-room hotel has been designed in collaboration with Cressida Kennedy from Space Control, to capture a modern urban aesthetic, with a generous nod to the 1960s Golden Era of flying – think Catch Me If You Can cool, with a touch of Mad Menand Pan Am allure.

The high-flying theme runs throughout the hotel from conference rooms, Boeing and Airbus to suite categories, Economy, Premium Economy, Business Class and First Class. All rooms are fitted out with state of the art 55-inch TVs, power rain showers and blackout curtains. There are also pet-friendly and family suites available.

Convenient and fast, the 24-hour Food Shop has a range of locally sourced gourmet grab-and-go food and drink options that guests can charge to their room with a swipe of the key. The cocktail bar serves up classic cocktails and premium local and international beer, wine and spirits. There is also a 24-hour gym, Felix Athletic Club, and self-service laundry.

"We are thrilled to bring Felix Hotel to Sydney and see this property elevating the airport hotel precinct. Answering to every need of our guests, from the digital nomad to the everyday leisure traveller, Felix Hotel is a cutting-edge alternative to the average airport hotel." Says Paul Fischmann, Founder and CEO of 8Hotels.

In a game-changing partnership with private jet provider Fly Airly, Felix Hotel has developed high flying accommodation packages. The Jet Setter package has been designed for interstate or international companies that want to fly their teams by private jet for a conference at Felix Hotel. For leisure guests who want a taste of the high life, the Sky's the Limit packages incorporates a two-hour scenic flight over Sydney on board a lavish private jet.

Felix Hotel was designed and developed and is operated by 8Hotels, the boutique hotel group that are always ahead of the game in terms of meeting modern consumer needs, having previously launched 1888 - the first Instagram Hotel and The Ultimo - the first Astrology Hotel.

The hotel is located just a 7-minute walk, or 2-minute drive, from the Sydney Domestic Airport and a short drive from the International terminal.

Cathay Pacific’s new lounge at Hong Kong opens 22 March

Arrive Early at The Deck: Cathay Pacific's new lounge experience at Hong Kong International Airport opens 22 March

An open-ceiling verandah, panoramic views of the apron and a designer setting creates the ultimate oasis of serenity and warmth





Cathay Pacific today unveiled The Deck, the airline's newest lounge at Hong Kong International Airport, giving customers another great reason to arrive early, relax and pamper themselves before their flight.

Located close to gate 16 in Terminal 1 and designed in the signature style of Cathay Pacific's award-winning lounges in Hong Kong and across its network, The Deck, which opens its doors to passengers on 22 March, emulates a "contemporary living room" environment of understated luxury, helping customers to feel at ease and providing a sense of well-being.

Cathay Pacific Chief Customer and Commercial Officer Paul Loo said: "The Deck builds on the formula that has made our other new lounges around the world so popular with our customers.

"Investing in experiences that our customers value and consider important is at the heart of our product and service philosophy, and helps us differentiate ourselves from any other airline. We look forward to welcoming the lounge's first passengers."

The Noodle Bar

Like our other lounges, the dining experience is at the heart of The Deck, with the Main Lounge providing a range of self-service, freshly made international offerings. Not to be missed at The Deck is The Noodle Bar – an iconic favourite among Cathay Pacific customers.

Passengers who yearn for a taste of Hong Kong can choose from a selection of local classics, including wonton noodles in a hearty broth, fish ball noodles and a variety of dim sum and buns. Ready-to-order Asian delights, such as dan dan noodles and Japanese-style vegetarian noodles, are also available.





The Terrace

The Deck is distinct from Cathay Pacific's other lounges at its home in Hong Kong for the fact that it sits on a balcony on the eastern side of the terminal building.

From The Terrace, an open-ceiling L-shaped verandah featuring both table and individual seating, lounge visitors can take in panoramic views of the airport's apron, taxi-ways and northern runway whilst enjoying their choice from a wide variety of drinks and dining options.





At 823 square metres, The Deck has seating for 180 passengers and is fitted with designer furniture and lighting carefully selected for practicality, comfort and privacy, while the use of natural materials, plenty of greenery and artworks by local artists add to the lounge's welcoming atmosphere.

The lounge is further equipped with a relaxation room zone featuring bespoke Solo chairs, as well as eight shower suites, washroom facilities and a range of comfortable seating throughout.

The Deck will join Cathay Pacific's other lounges at HKIA – including The Bridge, The Pier Business and First Class lounges, The Wing Business and First Class lounges and The Arrival – in providing customers with a Life Well Travelled experience. Meanwhile, The Cabin will close on 30 April.

For more information click here.

Tropical Treks Great Cooloola Walk

Renowned small-group trekking specialists, Tropical Treks, will offer the new Great Cooloola Walk guided trek on a fortnightly basis starting from Sunday 22 April to Sunday, 23 September 2018.

The 88km, 5-day/4-night, fully-guided, self-sufficient trek, links the Noosa Northshore to Rainbow Beach via the 500,000 year old Cooloola Sandmass and its unique dune, water, and vegetation systems.

Experienced Tropical Treks guides will lead the tours highlighting the many rare and native animals inhabiting the Sandmass, including Ground Parrots, Feathertailed Gliders, Koalas and Wallabies, along with rich flora and myriad wildflowers. Humpback whales can be seen as they migrate up the coast during the winter months.

Groups are limited to six and the package includes all camping equipment, meals and drinks along the trek. Nightly accommodation is in four walkers’ camps, which offer tranquil camping experiences with toilets and freshwater.

Cooloola is the word of the local Aboriginal Gubbi Gubbi people, meaning “the sound the wind makes as it whispers through the branches of the trees”. The heritage and culture of the Gubbi Gubbi people is a major feature of the commentary provided throughout the guided trek.

A moderate level of fitness is required for the trek. Participants are required to pitch their own tents but the schedule allows plenty of time to relax, bird watch, encounter wildlife and appreciate the scenery and the amazing night skies. The weather throughout the six month period is mild and generally dry, making it ideal for trekking.

The trek starts at Noosa North Shore, with a night’s pre-trek accommodation included in the package. Noosa can be reached via Sunshine Coast Airport (30 minutes drive) or Brisbane Airport (two hours drive). Transfers are included in the package.

FARES AND INCLUSIONS

ALL INCLUSIVE FARE: $1595.00 incl. GST per person. Inclusions:• All camp gear, equipment, meals and drinks on the walk.• Camp gear: 75 lt. backpack, screen tent/fly, 3/4 length 'Thermarest" self-inflating mattress, sleeping bag, liner and pillow and walking poles.• 1 night pre-walk accommodation, nibbles, drinks and dinner at Noosa Northshore• Transfers from Noosa to Noosa Northshore accommodation• Celebration lunch, including drinks, at Rainbow Beach.• Transfers from Rainbow Beach to Noosa after celebration lunch (Day 5)• Guide• Camping permits• Topographic map, Queensland Govt.

BRING-YOUR-OWN-GEAR OPTION: $1095.00 incl. GST per person. Inclusions:• Provide own camp gear, equipment, meals and drinks on the walk.• Pre-walk Welcome BBQ nibbles, drinks and dinner/meeting at Noosa Northshore. Mandatory attendance. Make your own way or we can arrange return transfers.• Transfers from Noosa accommodation to the start of the walk on Day 1• Celebration lunch, including drinks, at Rainbow Beach.• Transfers from Rainbow Beach to Noosa after celebration lunch (Day 5)• Guide• Camping permits
Special rates are available for bookings of six guests.

TRAVEL DATES
Walks depart fortnightly between:Week 1: Sunday, 22 April 2018 and Week 12: Sunday, 23 September 2018.

Full details: https://www.tropicaltreks.com.au/tours/cooloola-great-walk/
Further information:Stephen Grainger Tropical Treks Guided Bush Walks & Birdwatching Tours
M: +61- (0)459 996 171
W: http://www.tropicaltreks.com.au

Traveloscopy | 

TripAdvisor's Top 10 Travellers’ Choice Beaches in Australia

TripAdvisor®, the travel planning and booking site, today announced the winners of its Travellers’ Choice® awards for Beaches in Australia and the world.

For the first time, Sydneysiders’ favourite Manly Beach took the #1 spot in Australia whilst six beaches in Queensland made it into the Australia top 10 list. Globally, the gorgeous Grace Bay in Turks and Caicos was rated as the best beach in the world by TripAdvisor reviewers.

“There are few things that Australians love more than a day out at the beach and for those planning a beachside getaway before summer officially comes to a close, TripAdvisor has identified the top award-winning beaches across Australia,” said Grant Colquhoun, TripAdvisor spokesperson. “We have also listed top-rated nearby great value hotels that will enable travellers to enjoy a fantastic beachfront holiday.”

Member for Manly James Griffin said this accolade is well-deserved recognition for what is now officially Australia’s best beach. “Manly is loved by locals and visitors from across the globe so it’s no surprise to see our beach named the number one beach in the country, thanks to its stunning coastline, waterside bars and restaurants, picturesque walking tracks and direct access by ferry from Sydney’s CBD,” Mr Griffin said.

“Manly attracts around 2.3 million visitors each year and with the inaugural Vissla Sydney Surf Pro kicking-off this weekend, now is the perfect time to visit our beautiful beachside suburbs.”

Top 10 Travellers’ Choice Beaches in Australia:

(Excerpts in quotes below from TripAdvisor reviewers)

1. Manly Beach – Sydney, NSW

Coming in first is nothing new to Manly Beach – it was first beach in Australia to allow daylight swimming in 1903, hosted the world’s earliest surfing championship back in 1964 and now taking the number one spot. Reviewers say it’s a “must-see” when in Sydney and travellers can take the ferry service from Circular Quay and spend the afternoon taking in the “breath-taking” views or strolling along Corso, for plenty of shops, bars and restaurants.

Beachfront best value hotel nearby: Quest Manly, from $261 per night on TripAdvisor

2. Surfers Paradise Beach – Surfers Paradise, QLD

Surfer’s Paradise Beach is one of Australia’s most iconic and visited tourist attraction, known for its “crystal clear waters” and “great sandy beach”. Reviewers recommend it as a picnic spot and taking a stroll down the esplanade for the magnificent city skylines. Vigilant lifeguards keep the beach safe and ensure that beach-goers swim within the safe zones.

Beachfront best value hotel nearby: Peppers Soul, from $326 per night on TripAdvisor

Whitehaven Beach – Whitsunday Island, QLD

Stretching over seven kilometres, Whitehaven beach is the largest of the 74 islands in the Whitsundays. The beach gives a whole new meaning to soft, white sandy beach with 98 percent pure white silica sands, making it “one of the purest in the world”. Travellers highly recommend making a climb up to the Hill Inlet lookout for views of “swirls of pure white sand, crystal turquoise water and little islands of coral reefs around it”.

Beachfront best value hotel nearby: Whitsunday Apartments Hamilton Island, from $304 per night on TripAdvisor

Noosa Main Beach – Noosa, QLD

Home to one of Noosa’s best surf locations, Noosa Main Beach is “great for first time surfers” thanks to its “gentle waves and plenty of life savers”. As one of the very few beaches along Australia's eastern coastline that faces north, the waters are warm and calm most of the year around. Travellers can head to the nearby Hasting Street, a vibrant area with cafes, bars and restaurants, after a day of relaxation under the sun.

Beachfront best value hotel nearby: Netanya Noosa, from $342 per night on TripAdvisor

Bondi Beach – Sydney, NSW

World-renowned Bondi Beach is one of Sydney’s most popular beaches, located just eight kilometres or a short bus ride away from the city centre. Visitors to Sydney's famous eastern shoreline will be delighted with Bondi’s “lovely sweeping curve”, “mesmerising waves” and lively sun seekers. Travellers recommend going on a coastal walk from Bondi to Congee to be “rewarded with great scenery and a pleasant walk”.

Beachfront best value hotel nearby: QT Bondi, from $317 per night on TripAdvisor

Four Mile Beach – Port Douglas, QLD

Stretching over four miles of white sand and glistening water, reviewers say Four Mile Beach is “one of the most iconic beaches in tropical north Queensland”. Travellers can expect warm waters, tropical weather and a coastline fringed with palm trees at the main beach of Port Douglas. Swimmers are advised to stay within the netted area which keeps the section of the beach free of sharks, crocodiles and jellyfish.

Beachfront best value hotel nearby: Peninsula Boutique Hotel, from $352 per night on TripAdvisor

Cable Beach – Broome, WA

Cable Beach is said to be “one of the most scenic beaches in the world”, with its rich red ochre dunes, white sand and clear turquoise waters. Named after the telegraph cable laid between Broome and Java in 1889, the beach remains relatively uncrowded even during the peak season between May and October. A “must-do on everyone’s bucket list”, travellers can relax over beers whilst watching the sun set into the Indian Ocean.

Beachfront best value hotel nearby: Cable Beach Club Resort & Spa, from $175 per night on TripAdvisor

Mooloolaba Beach – Mooloolaba, QLD

Mooloolaba Beach is the one of the safest of the Sunshine Coast beaches as its north-facing location ensures near-perfect and safe water conditions all year round. The gentle waves makes the “beautiful and clean” beach popular for swimming, boogie boards and body surfing. A favourite among families, the rock pools along the beach have “all sorts of interesting creatures for children to observe safely”.

Beachfront best value hotel nearby: Mantra Mooloolaba Beach Resort, from $191 per night on TripAdvisor

Burleigh Heads Beach – Burleigh Heads, QLD

Located on the Southern end of Gold Coast, Burleigh Heads is famous for its “perfect” surfing conditions and laid back Australian atmosphere. Loved by locals and tourists alike, the beach is a great spot for swimming in protected waters. It is also close to Burleigh Head National Park, where travellers can “spot some wildlife and capture great scenic shots of the coastline”.

Beachfront best value hotel nearby: Burleigh Mediterranean Resort, from $352 per night on TripAdvisor

Turquoise Bay – Exmouth, WA

Experience “turquoise waters and white sand” at Turquoise Bay, one of Western Australia’s most beautiful beaches. The beach is within metres of the renowned Ningaloo Reef making it the perfect spot for snorkelling amongst a rich biodiversity of marine life including “colourful corals and fishes, octopuses and see turtles.” The bay is also popular for drift snorkelling, where beachgoers swim out to the reef on the southern end of the beach and let the current wash them north to the sand bar.

Beachfront best value hotel nearby: Mantarays Ningaloo Beach Resort, from $163 per night on TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor has awarded 355 beaches overall, including the top 25 in the world and local lists for Asia, Europe, Africa, South Pacific, South America, Middle East, Caribbean, Central America, Australia, Brazil, Costa Rica, France, Germany, Greece, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Portugal, Spain, Thailand, Turkey, the U.K. and the U.S. Award winners were determined based on the quantity and quality of traveller reviews and ratings for beaches on TripAdvisor, gathered over a 12-month period.

For the complete list of Travellers’ Choice Beach award-winners for 2018, as well as the latest reviews and candid traveller photos, visit: www.TripAdvisor.com/TravelersChoice-Beaches. Travellers can also follow the conversation on Twitter at #TravellersChoice.

Call for Federal Government to establish an airlines ombudsman

Consumer group CHOICE is calling on the Federal Government to establish an airline ombudsman that is funded by the industry as new research shows travellers are getting increasingly fed up with unresolved complaints.

The latest data from CHOICE’s flight delays and cancellations tool, Complane.com.au, has found that Jetstar was the worst offender when it comes to leaving their passengers stuck at the gate, with 40% of total complaints.[1]

Qantas made up 26% of total complaints, while Virgin Australia had 20%.

“The data also found that 30% of passengers who complained weren’t given a reason for the delay or cancellation, or weren’t sure why they were left grounded,” says CHOICE Head of Media, Tom Godfrey.

7% of passengers were left stranded by their airline overnight.

CHOICE has identified numerous issues with airline complaints handling, including restrictions on the ability for consumers to seek remedies when something goes wrong.

“We know that most passengers won’t take up a fight with the airline when something goes wrong because they’ve been conditioned for years that they won’t get compensation,” says Mr Godfrey.

CHOICE found the main reasons passengers do not make a complaint are because they doubt that complaints will achieve anything (37%) and there is a perception that the complaint process is a hassle (34%).[2]

Consumers who want to take their complaint all the way face a number of problems:

• The Airline Customer Advocate is unable to independently enforce its decisions, leaving passengers in the lurch when the airline refuses to compensate them
• Consumers would have to take court action in the federal court system – facing thousands of dollars in filing fees

“The airline industry is failing to keep travellers grievance free. That’s why we’re calling on the Federal Government to establish an airline ombudsman which can actually regulate the industry,” says Mr Godfrey.

"What we need is an ombudsman with teeth who can actually call these airlines to account."

CHOICE’s pre-budget submission to the Federal Government also calls on the establishment of a fixed flight delays and cancellation compensation scheme, which will see passengers fairly compensated when the airline makes a mistake.

“The industry should provide fixed financial compensation to travellers who have flights cancelled for reasons within the airline’s control,” says Mr Godfrey.

“An industry-wide system of standardised compensation already exists in the European Union so it’s hardly a stretch for Australian consumers to get the same guarantees for a service they paid for.”

To lodge an airline complaint visit: complane.com.au

---

[1] More than 1100 eligible complaints logged at complane.com.au from July 2016 to February 2018

[2] CHOICE, September 2017, ‘Australian Consumers in the Travel Market – Annual travel trends report – phase 4 of the CHOICE travel project’, available at  https://www.choice.com.au/consumer-advocacy/policy-submissions

Top Ten Hotels in Thailand Named

DestinAsian Readers’ Choice Awards 2018

1. Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok
2. Siam Kempinski Hotel Bangkok 
3. Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel 
4. Banyan Tree Bangkok 
5. Shangri-La Hotel, Bangkok 
6. Banyan Tree Phuket 
7. Anantara Hua Hin Resort and Spa 
8. Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui 
9. The St. Regis Bangkok 
10. The Peninsula Bangkok 

DestinAsian publisher Ronald Liem commented “We see the Readers’ Choice Awards as a litmus test of how travel industry brands are doing in our home region. After rolling out a system of country-wide rankings in last year’s edition, we have continued that approach, and it’s wonderful to see finalists representing both major cities and more idyllic holiday destinations.”

This year’s poll was conducted between August and October 2017. The voting process involved naming a winner in each of 31 different categories including hotels and resorts, service residences, spas, airlines, airports, and destinations. Optional comments about the winners’ standout attributes shed light on characteristics that readers deem the most important: friendliness of staff and services, convenient location, modern facilities, quality of dining options, comfort, and excellence in design.

Additionally, Bangkok was voted as the “Best City Destination in the Asia Pacific” for the third consecutive year.

The full results will appear in the February/March 2018 print issue of the magazine.

The DestinAsian Media Group began operations in Jakarta, Indonesia, in 2001 and apart from DestinAsian itself, now publishes several lifestyle publications including DestinAsian Indonesia, Prestige Indonesia, and DA MAN.

Lufthansa presents a new brand design.

#lufthansa

Heritage meets the future.

Lufthansa presents a new brand design.

-       Dark blue becomes the leading brand color – yellow accentuates
-       Lufthansa fleet receives new livery after almost 30 years
-       New design as the most visible sign of Lufthansa's modernization

Lufthansa will reveal its new, modernized brand image to customers and employees at two major events at the Frankfurt and Munich hubs on Wednesday, the 7th of February. The most visible change is the new aircraft livery. In front of more than 3,000 guests in Frankfurt and Munich, Lufthansa will officially present a Boeing 747-8 and an Airbus A321 with the new design. In the previous week, individual details created interactive discussions, especially on social media. The response to the new appearance was predominantly positive, although some people missed the

traditional yellow tone; nevertheless, it will receive a specific function to serve as a means of orientation and differentiation. The color will be found in the future, on every boarding pass and at every Lufthansa counter at the airport, among other things.

"Lufthansa has changed and is more modern and successful than ever. From now on, this will also be visible to the public through a new design", says Carsten Spohr, Chairman of the Executive Board of Deutsche Lufthansa AG. "The crane has always been with us and clearly stands for the promising performance from Lufthansa. To this day, it still stands as a symbol of highest quality, excellent service, flying expertise, reliability, innovative spirit; and it stands for trust."



Against the backdrop of digitalization and changing customer requirements, Lufthansa recognized that the company needed to modernize the aircraft appearance in order to remain up to date. The Group invests two billion euros a year in new, fuel efficient aircraft. The premium on board and ground services meet individual customer requirements. Lufthansa was awarded the Platinum Award by the International Air Transport Association IATA for its new digital services and was the only and first airline in Europe to be awarded the 5th star by Skytrax. The introduction of a new business class with the new Boeing 777-9 in two years is an example of how the path to modernization will be consistently pursued in the future.

On the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the crane, every detail of the design was reworked – to meet requirements of the digital age. The new Lufthansa appearance gives the individual elements a new, modern quality to sharpen their impact. The designers found great importance in taking up the unique design tradition of the Lufthansa brand and leading it into the future.

Heritage meets the future

"The modernization of Lufthansa is only possible thanks to the commitment of our employees, who are the best in the industry. They are the actual face of the brand ", Carsten Spohr continues.

The crane, designed exactly 100 years ago by graphic artist Otto Firle, a distinctive icon in the sky, remains the airline's iconic symbol. In the future, it will be slimmer and fit for the digital world. A thinner ring makes the crane look more elegant, bringing it into the foreground and granting it more space. All in all, the trademark will gain lightness and elegance. The familiar blue-yellow color combination of Lufthansa will also be retained – but the use of these primary colors will be redefined. The blue specially developed for Lufthansa is somewhat darker, more elegant and is becoming the leading brand color. It stands for reliability, clarity and value.

After 30 years, Lufthansa's aircraft are gradually being given a new livery. The design was developed in a complex process with numerous experts. After intensive preliminary studies, more than 800 designs and own color developments in the laboratory, the new aircraft design was completed. In keeping with the airline's claim to be premium, the blue color of the livery will dominate the sky and the world's airports for the next few decades.

In the cabin, guests will encounter the modernized design within the crew's uniform in the form of new – and often yellow – accessories. On-board articles such as tableware, amenity kits, blankets or pillowcases will carry the new design in future. Around 160 million items will be exchanged over the next two years.

An important challenge in revising the design was to meet the requirements of today's and tomorrow's digital world. In addition to optimizing the crane for new technical requirements, Lufthansa has developed its own typeface, which is particularly easy to read on mobile devices or Smartwatches.

New brand campaign

Openness and curiosity – the launch of the new Lufthansa brand launch marks the start of the new #SayYesToTheWorld brand campaign. It questions familiar ways of thinking and habits. Lufthansa opens up the world to all explorers. With style, ambition and quality. With empathy for each individual. Reliable and trustworthy.

New design also for the Lufthansa Group

The Lufthansa Group's brand image has also been modernized. The new logo no longer bears the crane and is written completely in capital letters. This will take into account the great variety of brands in the Group, offering optical neutrality for all companies. The newly developed Lufthansa Corporate typeface is timeless and independent. The use of capitals is a characteristic of the new Group design.

The new Lufthansa blue is the Lufthansa Group's main color. White ensures lightness and an independent appearance. Yellow complements the color palette.

Carsten Spohr says: "We are the proud drivers of globalization and are honored to bring this abstract concept to life! All this drives us forward and makes our work so valuable and fulfilling."

Further information can also be found online at www.explorethenew.com

Pitcairn Islands to become 'Dark Sky Sanctuary'

The remote Pitcairn Islands are once again putting themselves on the world's stage as they embark on a journey to become an official 'Dark Sky Sanctuary'. Currently, there are only three locations on earth deemed a 'Dark Sky Sanctuary' ---a designation that means everything in the world of Astro Tourism.

From total solar eclipse meetups to Northern Lights photography workshops, worldwide Astro Tourism is a rapidly growing industry. In recent years, Astro Tourism has been heralded as an industry leader among sustainably-minded travelers and travel companies alike. For these reasons and more, Pitcairn is doubling down on Astro Tourism by applying to become a 'Dark Sky Sanctuary' in 2018.

Pitcairn's application will be a strong one to be sure and this isn't the first conservation-minded designation the islands have sought out. In 2015, the United Kingdom named the waters surrounding the Pitcairn Islands as the largest protected ocean area in the world. Today it remains the 3rd largest Marine Protected Area in the world. Pitcairn's steadfast commitment to conservation will ensure its natural riches will remain pristine for generations to come. Located more than 500kms from its nearest populated neighbour, deep in the South Pacific, the Pitcairn Islands have amongst the world's clearest oceans and night skies in the world. Furthermore, with a population of only 50 people, and a volcanic landscape that provides a variety of dramatic viewing points, Pitcairn is ideally placed to meet the specific needs of Astro Tourism.

As its first step into the Astro Tourism world, Pitcairn has invited Emeritus Professor of Astronomy at the University of Canterbury, John Hearnshaw, to visit the islands in February 2018. His role will be to assess the suitability of the island for Astro Tourism as it relates to the training of night-sky guides, location scouting, and light metering. Training topics with Pitcairn's budding Astro guides will include information on planets, stars, nebulae and galaxies, lunar and solar eclipses, timekeeping in astronomy, black holes, quasars, and cosmology.



With locations identified and training for locals guides beginning in February 2018, Pitcairn's next step will be to apply for its 'Dark Sky Sanctuary' designation. If awarded this prestigious honor, Pitcairn would join the ranks of only three existing sanctuaries on earth including the remote regions of Chile, New Zealand, and New Mexico.

Making the announcement, Pitcairn Travel Coordinator, Heather Menzies said, "Pitcairn has amazing dark skyscapes. In line with our commitment to protecting our environment, we aim to curate a world-class night sky-viewing experience on Pitcairn. Being such a pristine and remote island, our natural amphitheatre will provide an ideal location for intrepid Astro visitors."

Located halfway between New Zealand and Peru, Pitcairn has been home to the descendants of the HMAV Bounty mutineers since 1790 and remains one of the most remote and undiscovered tourism destinations in the world. This new opportunity will provide visitors with yet another compelling reason to visit this fascinating and remote destination.

Access to Pitcairn is via a quarterly shipping service that offers 12 round-trips annually between Mangareva in French Polynesia and Pitcairn Island.

NCL Norwegian Jewel local season brochure featuring Australia, New Zealand, Asia and South Pacific

Norwegian Cruise Line has recently released its 2018/19 Norwegian Jewel local season brochure, featuring an array of Australia, New Zealand, Asia and South Pacific cruises departing from 17 September 2018 – 4 March 2019. Norwegian Jewel will be returning to our waters for her second local season fresh from a multi-million-dollar bow-to-stern refurbishment as part of the Norwegian Edge™ revitalisation program.

Taking in stunning native destinations such as Cairns, Hobart, Milford Sounds and Tauranga, cruisers can also explore breathtaking sailings to Southeast Asia, the South Pacific and a once in a lifetime Trans-Pacific voyage from Vancouver to Tokyo. New itineraries include a 19-day sailing from Singapore to Sydney; a seven-day sailing soaking up the sights of Tasmania and a 13-day sailing of South Pacific must-sees including ports across New Caledonia and Queensland, returning via Cairns, Airlie Beach and Cairns.

To order the new 2018-19 Australia, New Zealand, Asia and South Pacific brochure, visit Brochure Flow in Australia https://brochureflow.tollgroup.com/ or Travel Marketing in New Zealand http://www.brochurenet.co.nz/. For further information on Norwegian Cruise Line email salessupportaunz@ncl.com; visit www.ncl.com; contact us in Australia on 1300 255 200 or in New Zealand on 0800 969 283.

Macao celebrates UNESCO Creative Cities Gastronomy recognition.

MACAO is set to celebrate 2018 with a year-long promotion that feasts on its recent UNESCO Creative Cities – Gastronomy recognition.

Now a member of an elite list of 26 global cities designated for their cuisine, the former Portuguese enclave will celebrate by promoting 2018 Macao Year of Gastronomy.

Chinese New Year

Among the major food-related events for the year is Macao’s hosting of the prestigious Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants promotion from March 25-27, complete with dining experiences, lectures, a chefs’ feast and a gala awards ceremony.

Throughout the Chinese Year of the Dog, Macao will be highlighted by a congested calendar of colourful festivals and events, along with the opening of a contemporary international hotel – the 1390-room MGM Cotai.

“Being recognised by UNESCO for its gastronomy is an exciting development for Macao which has always been renowned for having one of the world’s earliest forms of fusion food,” said Helen Wong, general manager of the Macao Government Tourism Office (Australia and New Zealand).

“Over four centuries, Macao has seen the evolution of what is known as Macanese cuisine, where families have prepared home-cooked dishes, recipes with elements of Portugal, Africa, India, Malaysia and China creating a real melting pot of tastes,” she said.

“During that time, Portuguese traders brought to China capsicum, curry, shrimp paste, pickled cod fish and other spices. These ingredients were combined with the evocative flavours and aromas from south-east Asia such as cinnamon, coconut milk, tamarind, garlic and red chilies’ along with the vegetables and fruit grown in the region.

“The story of Macanese cuisine is just as enticing as the taste of the food itself.”

Red Market

Among the popular dishes on the Macao menu are African Chicken, Minchi, the salt cod fritters and the sawdust pudding Serradura along with the sought-after Portuguese-style egg tarts.

Macao will kick off 2018 with its annual Chinese New Year celebrations, including two vibrant family street parades have been organised for the evenings of Sunday, February 18 and Saturday, February 24.

From April 27-29, the compact Asian centre of more than 600,000 will host its 6th Macao International Travel Industry Expo (MITE) at The Venetian Macao, this year’s exhibition increasing to 500 booths.

Over five Saturday evenings from September 1 until October 1, the skies over the Macau Tower will explode into a kaleidoscope of colours as countries from around the world compete in the 29th Macao International Fireworks Display Contest.

African Chicken

For the first time in its history, the annual contest was cancelled in 2017 after Macao was devastated by the fury of Typhoon Hato which struck in the days leading up to the event.

On September 27, Macao will celebrate World Tourism Day with an array of colourful activities while, in October, it will host the Global Tourism Economy Forum.

Giant steins will be raised throughout the same month as the MGM Macau celebrates its annual Oktoberfest with all the food and singing expected at such a German-style gathering.

More food for thought in November will be the 18th Macau Food Festival, the overwhelming aroma of dishes enough to wake the taste buds as guests wander between street stalls.

December will be another busy month with the hosting 8th Macau Shopping Festival, the ever-appealing Macao Light Festival and the 3rd International Film Festival and Awards – Macao (IFFAM), completed with its red-carpet ceremonies.

To wind up 2018, sports fans can look forward to the Macao International Kart Grand Prix while lovers for fireworks can prepare for a colourful evening on December 20 to commemorate the 19th year since the establishment of the Macao Administrative Region along with the traditional New Year fireworks on December 31.

Despite last year’s impact of Typhoon Hato, Macao boasted a record-breaking 2017, attracting more than 32,600 international visitors – and increase of 5.4 per cent on the previous record-breaking year.

An increase in the number of integrated resorts and hotels coupled with a growth in attractions and activities have played key roles in the rise in popularity.

The total number of hotel rooms in Macao increased to almost 38,000.

Such expansion saw an increase of almost 10 per cent in the number of visitors taking overnight stays, ensuring the average occupancy rate would be between 88 and 90 per cent.

Details: Macao Government Tourism Office, go to www.visitmacao.com.au (Australia) or www.visitmacao.co.nz

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