Papua New Guinea Travel Information

by Miles Clarke, Travel Writer

A local promotion leaflet sums it up well: “PNG - where tourism isn't an industry.”
Introduction

Papua New Guinea welcomes but a fraction of the international visitors enjoyed by other South Pacific nations.

Wildest Dream

Mark MacKenzie

ISBN 0719521238(978-071-952123-2)
RRP $35.00 April 2009
John Murray Paperback (C)

In 1924, George Mallory and Sandy Irvine disappeared into the clouds encircling the peak of Everest. Whether they were the first men to reach the top of the Earth's highest mountain remains a mystery. They never returned from their ill-fated expedition. Seventy-five years later, the then-unknown mountaineer Conrad Anker made an extraordinary discovery. He spotted 'a patch of white' standing out against the rock; it was Mallory's frozen body. Mallory's treacherous route on Everest's northern slopes remains one of the most demanding challenges in mountaineering. So, is it possible that Mallory and Irvine - exhausted, confused and oxygen-starved - could have made the ascent all those years ago without artificial aid? Last year, Anker returned to Everest to find out. His partner was Leo Houlding, a freakishly talented young British climber with an appetite for death-defying ascents but untested at extreme altitude. Houlding, the lightning-fast, wild child of climbing, stands poles apart from Anker, a soft-spoken altruist and environmentalist. Kitted out in replica clothing and with a film crew recording their every move, they set off to solve Everest's oldest mystery.

Wildflower

For readers of the bestselling "White Mischief" and "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil"--"Vanity Fair" contributing editor Mark Seal tells the mesmerizing story of the captivating life and shocking death of world-renowned naturalist Joan Root.

From her passion for animals to her storybook love affair to her hard-fought crusade to save Kenya's beautiful Lake Naivasha, "Wildflower" is naturalist, filmmaker, and lifelong conservationist Joan Root's gripping life story--a stunning and moving tale featuring a remarkable modern-day heroine.

After twenty years of spectacular, unparalleled wildlife filmmaking together, Joan and Alan Root divorced and a fascinating woman found her own voice. Renowned journalist Mark Seal offers this breathtaking, culturally relevant portrait of a strong woman discovering herself and fighting for her beliefs before her mysterious and brutal murder.

With a cast of characters as wild, wondrous, and unpredictable as Africa itself, "Wildflower" is a real-life adventure tale set in the world's fast-disappearing wilderness. Rife with personal revelation, intrigue, corruption, and murder, readers will remember Joan Root's extraordinary journey long after they turn the last page of this utterly compelling book.

Journalist Mark Seal set out to investigate the tragic death of environmentalist Joan Root, but he ended up telling the amazing story of her life. In 2006, the 69-year-old Root was murdered by gunmen in her home in Kenya, in what police believed was a botched robbery. As Seal began to look into the case, he found that it was far more likely that Root was intentionally targeted by the poachers and/or urban developers she had dedicated her life to stopping. In his research, Seal uncovered Root's diaries and letters and gradually became enchanted with the love story that defined her remarkable life. He finds that Root was a vibrant soul who fell in love with her husband Alan against the spectacular backdrop of colonialist Kenya, and the two spent twenty years pursuing adventure and producing award-winning nature documentaries. As Kenya developed, the unique wilderness began to disintegrate, causing Root to reinvent herself as a political activist promoting conservation, a crusade which likely led to her terrible death.

ISBN 0733624375(978-073-362437-7)
RRP $32.99 July 2009
Hachette Aust Paperback (234 x 180)

THE PIERRE, NEW YORK TO RE-OPEN JUNE 1, 2009

The Pierre, the iconic U.S. flagship of Taj Hotels on New York’s Fifth Avenue overlooking Central Park, will re-open June 1 following a meticulous $100 million renovation to create new guestroom and bath interiors and to reconfigure first floor public areas to accommodate a new restaurant, Le Caprice at The Pierre, as well as 2 East, a new lobby lounge, and a graciously welcoming reception area.

“We’re extremely pleased with the results of our transformed residential-style interiors. The designs perfectly complement The Pierre’s classic ambiance of quiet refinement and restore a sense of the property’s original grandeur,” said Heiko Kuenstle, General Manager, The Pierre. “We look forward to welcoming guests to our distinctive world of luxury. We’re also excited to join forces with Le Caprice to introduce our new brasserie-style restaurant, Le Caprice at The Pierre, the first restaurant outside of London for this celebrated UK favorite.”

Guestrooms & Suites


All guestrooms and suites are being transformed to feature a warm, inviting residential-style décor with a feeling of quiet luxury. High ceilings and abundant natural light evoke a gracious, airy experience that enhances the new interiors. Color palettes, comprised of soft neutrals in pale ivory and taupe with tones of corals or blues, are contrasted with rich woods, tufted leather headboards and matching benches. Richly textured silk and brocade fabrics in elegant neutrals with tasteful accents of color adorn upholstery, pillows, draperies and bed throws. Hand-carved carpets ensure comfort and superb acoustical sound control. Fine arts consultant Mortimer Chatterjee, a former Christie’s UK auction house executive turned Mumbai gallery owner known for recognizing emerging talent and who researched the extensive art collection at the Taj Mahal Palace & Tower in preparation for its centenary in 2003, is hand-selecting artwork to complement the designs.

All bedrooms will feature an interactive 40-inch flat screen television, a Bose Wave Studio with iPod docking station, WiFi, a working desk with built-in data and power outlets, comfortable upholstered chairs and large new sound-insulated, energy efficient windows with both blackout draperies and sheers. Closets will be outfitted with an electronic safe complete with power outlet that accommodates laptops. Access to all guestrooms will be via a new state-of-the-art electronic key system.

A significant portion of the renovation focused on updating all guest bathrooms. New Turkish marble-clad guest bathrooms will feature a glass-walled shower with oversized showerhead and steam-free makeup, shaving and wall mirrors. A majority of the baths have been enlarged to also incorporate a separate soaking tub and a flat panel television.

The living rooms in all guest suites will feature similarly inviting color palettes, comfortably elegant plush sofas and chairs, rich wood cabinetry, side tables and desks in the style of classic antiques, and the Bose Home Theatre system. The decorative fireplace is trimmed with original architectural details that have been restored to match the original crown ceiling moldings and window frames, and fitted with romantic white pillar candles. Some suites will accommodate up to six connecting bedrooms under just one key, ideal for families, corporate travelers and heads of state. Several new signature suite designs, including two suites with spacious landscaped terraces suitable for grand-scale entertaining, will be unveiled later in 2009.

Public Areas To Include Le Caprice at The Pierre, First US Location of Celebrated UK Restaurant

The new designs for the first floor respect the neo-Georgian character of The Pierre’s grand public spaces, with decorative motifs, subtle embellishments and artful floor plans that perfectly accommodate sophisticated entertaining and hospitality for discerning guests. Upon completion, the gracious lobby level will feature a new restaurant, Le Caprice at The Pierre; 2 East, the new lobby lounge and bar, and a new central area for check-in and concierge assistance with greater guest access and floral designs from New York’s L’Olivier Floral Atelier.

Second floor banquet spaces, which were previously restored during the first phase of The Pierre’s renovation program, have a dedicated entrance on 61st Street and remain open for meetings and events as guestroom and first floor renovations near completion.

The new restaurant, Le Caprice at The Pierre, is due to open in summer 2009. Le Caprice first opened in 1947 and was re-fashioned in 1981 with contemporary black and white décor, David Bailey photographs and a long bar to break the mold of established restaurants and offer flexibility in the menu, but with a high level of quality and service. Long-said to be one of the jewels of London’s restaurant scene and a popular theatre haunt -- "For nearly two decades a table at Le Caprice has been the stock exchange for the arts,” said AA Gill, Sunday Times restaurant critic -- it is now part of Richard Caring’s Group, joining his other exclusive London dining establishments that include The Ivy, Annabel’s, Daphne’s, Wentworth Golf Club and Soho House. Caring and The Pierre have joined forces to recreate the celebrated brasserie-style restaurant within the hotel, which will feature timeless classics for breakfast, lunch and dinner, including its legendary Thai-baked sea bass and salmon fishcakes, in a convivial modern brasserie setting.

About The Designers

James Park Associates conceptualized The Pierre’s guestroom designs. The firm is noted for its portfolio of hospitality and luxury transportation projects that spans five continents and includes palaces, resorts, urban hotels and luxury cruise trains at the forefront of their respective industries.

Champalimaud, formerly known as Alexandra Champalimaud & Associates, created the designs for the new lobbies, including 2 East, as well as all function space on the second floor. The renowned interior design and interior architecture firm is celebrated for achieving highly individualized designs for its international clientele. Founded 27 years ago by Alexandra Champalimaud, the firm’s award-winning portfolio encompasses many of the world’s most successful hotels, restaurants and spas, as well as prestigious private residences and commercial spaces.

Swedish designer Martin Brudnizki, who can list Scott’s, Wentworth Grill, J Sheekey Oyster Bar and The Club at The Ivy among his considerable achievements, has been brought in to design Le Caprice at The Pierre.

About The Pierre The Pierre, on Fifth Avenue overlooking New York’s Central Park, first opened in 1930. The iconic hotel with 189 guestrooms, including 49 suites, was acquired by Taj Hotels Resorts & Palaces as the luxury chain’s U.S. flagship in 2005. The Pierre, a member of Leading Hotels of the World, will re-open June 1, 2009, following a $100 million renovations program. Rates begin at $895. To book reservations now, please call 1-800-743-7734 or visit http://www.tajhotels.com/pierre/.

Agents fail in fuel surcharge class action

Travel agents have failed in their long-running class action against Qantas for the non-payment of commission on fuel surcharges.

But in a Federal Court ruling, the airline was found to have engaged in misleading and deceptive conduct by including the levy under the “taxes, fees and charges” code.

In a brief hearing yesterday, Justice Michael Moore ruled that the applicants, Leonie’s Travel, had failed in its claim that Qantas was in breach of contract by not paying commission on the fuel surcharge.

In his 44-page judgement, Justice Moore said Qantas, in his opinion, had since May 2004 “exercised its contractual right to determine the manner and amount of agents’ remuneration”.

The airline determined that commission was payable on the total price, less the amount payable to Qantas as the fuel surcharge, he said.

But he ruled in favour of Leonie’s Travel in the second claim that Qantas engaged in misleading and deceptive by including the levy as tax, fee or charge. Such charges are imposed by air transportation and government authorities only, he said.

“The fuel surcharge is not a tax, charge or fee imposed by governments, authorities or airport operators,” he ruled.

Although action was also bought against other airlines, proceedings, for the moment, are to continue against Qantas only, Justice Moore said.

More in today’s Travel Today.

Mysouthwest fortnightly Competition

The next MySouthWest Competition is now open!

Win! Win! Win! Win! Win! Win!

Congratulations to the winner of the last competition, Karen Oldland of Mandeley...


The All Seasons Sanctuary Golf Resort is offering you the chance to win a luxury overnight package to the value of $475.00.   Perfect for a romantic getaway!

Your overnight stay will include accommodation in our penthouse tower apartment with spa.  Plus a bottle of sparkling in the room, full breakfast and 9 holes of golf for two with a motorised cart.

The All Seasons Sanctuary Golf Resort is situated just 1hr 45m south of Perth and is surrounded by tranquil lakes and rolling greens.  All accommodation overlooks either the golf course or landscaped gardens and with an à la carte restaurant on site as well as an 18 hole golf course, pro shop, driving range, pool and tennis court, the Sanctuary is the perfect starting point for a weekend of indulgence in the south west.

www.mysouthwest.com.au

Want to find out more? Go to www.mysouthwest.com.au for all the latest South West news and events, safe and secure online shopping system, business and community group directories and fantastic competitions!

New superliners for Sydney & Brisbane as P&O Cruises expands its fleet

P&O Cruises Australia’s two biggest markets – Sydney and Brisbane – will each get new superliners to drive even further growth in cruising, which is already at record levels.

Brisbane will now become the new homeport for Pacific Dawn, making it the first time a superliner has been based in this city, while Sydney will welcome the latest addition to the Australian fleet, Pacific Jewel.

The move follows new research which shows how the distinctive features of each ship are better suited to the holiday requirements of passengers in their new home ports.

It found that Sydneysiders tended to be more focused on taking time out for themselves when they are on holidays compared with Queenslanders who place more emphasis on being entertained.

Jenny Lourey, Senior Vice President of Carnival Australia, which operates P&O Cruises, said the research findings had prompted the decision to base superliner Pacific Jewel – which has the biggest spa at sea in this region – in Sydney at the end of the year, rather than Brisbane as initially flagged.

Meanwhile, the stunning Pacific Dawn – with its large Dome entertainment complex – will switch to Brisbane.

"The wonderful promise of family relaxation was a universal reason why our passengers choose to cruise, but there are some fundamental differences in the holiday preferences between our two main markets of Sydney and Brisbane," Ms Lourey said.

"The research shows that Sydneysiders were keen to extend their relaxation with a massage, facial or other spa treatment, while our passengers from Brisbane emphasised entertainment and quality time spent together with the family as a key decision for booking their cruise.

"It seems cruise passengers from Brisbane put more value on maximising every moment of their holiday pursuing a varied range of family activities. The Pacific Dawn supports this with greater children’s capacity and a second multi-use entertainment venue."

The research showed*:

• A large range of entertainment was considered more important for those in Queensland (64%) than those in NSW (54%).

• Twice as many people from Brisbane placed emphasis on family time whilst on holiday compared to those from Sydney

• Sydneysiders were more than twice as likely to prioritise ‘taking time out for themselves’ compared to those from Brisbane.

Pacific Jewel and her sister ship, Pacific Dawn, are two of the most spacious and modern ships to cruise in Australian waters – both with an abundance of balcony cabins, high-quality children’s amenities and spa treatment facilities.

Although sisters, the two ships use the space above the bow of the ship to offer distinctly different facilities.

On Pacific Dawn this space is used to accommodate a massive entertainment area, the Dome, while Pacific Jewel houses a stunning 1300m² ocean-view spa and fitness centre.

Pacific Jewel will feature an amazing open-air deck with aerial stage for circus and music performances, a three-storey atrium foyer and almost 200 private balcony cabins, the most in the P&O Cruises’ fleet.

Brisbane-based superliner Pacific Dawn features 11 decks with two swimming pools, a choice of five evening dining areas, three large kids clubs, nine bars and lounges, a two-storey show lounge and fitness centre.

Pacific Jewel will be based in Sydney from 13 December 2009, following an extensive renovation and refit. Meanwhile, Pacific Dawn will commence the first ever year round program of cruises from Brisbane on 19 December 2009.

Itineraries for the new Pacific Jewel and Pacific Dawn deployments will go on sale on March 21.

For complete convenience, passengers booked on affected cruises departing from December 2009 have been automatically transferred to a cruise that best matches their original booking.

For further information on the new deployments contact your travel agent, visit pocruises.com.au or call P&O Cruises on 1800 129 961