Qatar Airways Charts New Territory As Global Main Partner Of FC Barcelona

Qatar Airways officially launched the start of its three year partnership with FC Barcelona at an event held today at Camp Nou.

The airline’s partnership with FCB took effect from July 1st this year.

In attendance were leading representatives of both organisations, the CEO of Qatar Airways, Akbar Al-Baker, the President of FC Barcelona, Sandro Rosell and Vice President of FC Barcelona Economic and Strategy Area, Javier Faus.

Akbar Al Baker made the following remarks at the start of his address to the media during a press conference: “The joining of FCB and Qatar Airways is truly history in the making. It is the first time we enter into such a landmark, significant sports partnership.

“We understand the importance of FCB to Catalonia, to Spain, and in fact – to every country around the world. It is a great honour to be standing side by side as you create and spread the excitement that this great game of football brings to fans.”

Al Baker also spoke about the airline’s expansive communications campaign about the partnership that will cover various elements: “our aim with this new campaign is to show to the world how strongly we stand behind this new partnership, which we will share with passengers across our entire network."

He further described the partnership as “a fitting match for both organisations that share the same values: the pursuit of excellence, passion, pride and culture.

The airline CEO added: “This partnership will also raise Qatar Airways and FC Barcelona to a new platform internationally, bringing the fans of FCB closer together.

The State of Qatar’s national carrier, Qatar Airways began operating to Spain in December 2005 and currently flies 10-times-weekly to Barcelona and daily to Madrid.

FC Barcelona football club President Sandro Rosell said:
"We have a long journey ahead lasting three years in which we will share experiences, with a common starting point and goals. Barça and Qatar Airways are united by many ideals, such as a passion to be better each day, the conviction that the human factor makes a difference and the integration of different cultures, but I would emphasize the desire we have to connect with people. And this desire leads us to want to be every day closer to our fans."

The new sports kit was first showcased during the Asia Tour earlier this month when the team travelled to Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok to play friendly matches in preparation for the upcoming season.

The fans reunited with the team with great glory and the stands were filled with absolute excitement to have the likes of big players from FC Barcelona squad.

Since its beginnings, FC Barcelona has been characterised by being not just a football organisation, but also a powerful force for globalisation, solidarity, integration and social cohesion. Qatar Airways fully identifies with these values, which is why this partnership between both organisations is much more than just a simple economic alliance. 

Furthermore, Qatar Airways’ partnership with FC Barcelona will help to position the airline in the world.

Qatar Airways will work with FC Barcelona to create joint initiatives and will especially focus on connecting with the club’s fans and also with underprivileged children to spread the love of the game to all corners of the globe.

Flying to 129 leisure and business destinations Qatar Airways is one of the fastest growing airlines in the world.

Qatar Airways has so far launched six destinations this year – Gassim (Saudi Arabia), Najaf (Iraq), Phnom Penh (Cambodia), Chicago (USA), Salalah (Oman) and Sulaymaniyah (Iraq).

Over the next few weeks and months, the network will expand with the addition of further destinations Chengdu, China (September 3), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (September 18), Clark International Airport, Philippines (October 27) and Philadelphia, USA (2 April 2014).

Corporate Christmas Party Offerings to Make Every Reindeer Smile

Tis the season to start planning company Christmas parties, networking lunches, staff and family gatherings and if you are looking for somewhere away from the hustle and bustle, then InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort has a fabulous selection of festive packages to make your occasion truly wonderful.

Entertain your guests with an evening  function under the stars beside the beautiful Beach Lagoon Pool or choose to celebrate in one of our restaurants or other unique event spaces.

InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort's Corporate Christmas packages offer everything from Christmas buffets, BBQ or plated menus and can be booked to include a complete beverage package.

All Corporate packages start from $135 per person and include Christmas themed buffet or plated meal and 3 hour beverage package.

Special accommodation packages are also available if you want to make it into a night or weekend celebration.

For more information visit www.icsanctuarycove.com or to make a booking phone (07) 55 301234.

Travellers Pause to Remember Bill Peach

by Roderick EIme (travelling with Bill Peach Journeys)

Guests on Bill Peach Journeys Classic Australia Aircruise woke to the news that the company's namesake had passed away overnight.

Against a glorious Cable Beach sunset, the group recalled the great man who inspired millions of Australians to get out and see their country with his ground-breaking series of television programs including the iconic 'Peach's Australia'.

Tour director, Lesley Neil, an employee of the company for the last three years shared her memories of working with Bill when she was a young school-leaver in the mid-60s.

"I was working as a young PA at the BBC representative office in Elizabeth Street where Bill worked as the television rep," recalls Lesley, "He was such a kind and gentle man, even a little shy, with a distinctive lock of auburn hair. He had such a lovely manner and very easy to talk to. He was just a natural for the job."

Bill Peach Journeys was established by Bill in 1983 and began with a F27 Fokker Friendship flying guests around Australia. The company that still bears his name now takes people to iconic places all around the world.

Www.billpeachjourneys.com.au

Pelangi Beach Resort Re-Furb Completed

THE completion of multi-million dollar refurbishments at the Meritus Group’s Pelangi Beach and Spa resort on Malaysia’s beautiful island of Langkawi is being marked by a comprehensive marketing campaign which will position the property  as the ”Jewel of Langkawi”.

The resort’s makeover included renovation of the property’s 260 guest rooms and suites, the Meritus Club lounge, reception areas  and re-landscaping of the frontage and driveway.

Other facilities given a major facelift during the work  are the Pelangi lounge, Spice Market restaurant, the fitness centre and pools, the Cba Lounge and other public areas.

General manager Thomas Mueller said that the resort had been in operation  almost 25 years and the enhancements would further strengthen its position as the island’s leading five-star deluxe resort and provide a new landmark for luxury accommodation  in Langkawi.

For more details contact Randall Marketing at 02-9929-2829 or sales@randallmarketing.com.au

A Spring Fling for the Tastebuds

Mudgee Region’s gastronomical event of the year, the Mudgee Wine and Food Festival, kicks off from Friday 13^th – 29^th September, with more than 60 delicious events scheduled over the two-week period. 

Visitors to the mid-NSW province can take part in roaming feast events such as Go Tasting and Go Grazing, or enjoy hot-air ballooning, wine and cheese tastings, food workshops, kids cooking classes and plenty of live music to sip and nibble to. 

On Saturday 28^th September, the Mudgee Region will come together for a free street festival in the centre of town to mark the final weekend of the festival.

CEO of Mudgee Region Tourism Holly Manning said, “The Mudgee Wine & Food Festival has long been a highlight of the foodie calendar-year and we cannot wait to share a juicy slice of our renowned produce with visitors once again.

“Almost all of our vineyards are family-owned and run, meaning you could have the winemaker guiding you through the fruits of their labour while visiting their cellar door. We have a proud community of food and wine-makers and believe you can practically taste the love and dedication that goes into their produce”.

Just a 3.5 hour drive from Sydney or a 50 minute flight, the Mudgee Region is renowned for its rolling countryside, flourishing market and arts scene and as one of NSW’s oldest wine regions.

For more information on the Mudgee Wine and Food Festival, please visit www.visitmudgeeregion.com.au.

Couple celebrate 50 years of marriage after meeting on CIE Tours bus tour

In 1962, Nora (Norrie) Coakley booked an Irish bus tour that forever changed her life. A young, single woman living in Dublin with her father, Norrie suggested the two of them embark on a CIE Tours International bus jaunt as a break from the routine of their daily lives, and as an easy way to see more of their Irish homeland.

What she couldn’t have known is that on that trip she’d meet an Irish-American World War II veteran named William (Bill) Short, a Chicago accountant travelling on his own, seeking to connect with his Irish roots. Norrie and Bill never expected to find true love.

Sometime during their coach journey, Norrie and Bill took a side trip by car – minus Norrie’s dad – to Killarney. What transpired between them was an instant attraction and a year later Norrie moved to Chicago to marry Bill. Their love grew, and for Bill and Norrie, happily-ever-after included three children and six grandchildren. As a beautiful reminder of their meeting, a vintage 1962 CIE Tours’ poster now hangs in their Western Springs, IL home. And, in August, the couple will take another CIE Tours’ Irish holiday, this time to revisit the place they first fell in love, and to celebrate their golden anniversary.

Norrie booked that long-ago holiday as an escape from everyday life. Bill signed on for an adventure that would help him discover his Irish ancestry. Neither expected to find love. But that’s the thing about a CIE Tours International holiday – no matter what you seek, there are always surprises to be found. What you can be sure of on any CIE Tours International vacation, however, is that you’ll travel in luxurious comfort on your fully escorted, all-inclusive trip. You can also be sure that any one of the dozens of Irish itineraries will leave you in love – if not with a fellow traveller, then with the green and friendly island that will greet you with open arms and always welcome you to “come home to visit.”

For more than 82 years, CIE Tours International, has set the standard for fully escorted coach tours of Ireland, Scotland, England and Wales. This renowned tour operator delivers unsurpassed experiences and value for both packaged holidays and custom independent travel, combining the best of each destination with expert professional tour guides who bring each itinerary to life.

Westin Kids Club - a fresh new look with enhanced facilities

The Westin Resort Nusa Dua, Bali is excited to announce that our famous Westin Kids Club has been given a fresh new look with enhanced facilities to satisfy the holiday needs of young travellers.

The club is now bigger and better than ever before with age appropriate areas for toddlers, children and teens.

With its bright decor and funky furnishings, Westin Kids Club has been given a new lease of life. This uplifting environment provides fun actives to keep children of our in house guests entertained throughout the day completely free of charge. Parents are guaranteed full peace of mind in knowing that their precious ones are being well cared for in a secure setting.

The revitalization of The Westin Kids Club was thoughtfully planned to incorporate separate social and play spaces for specific age groups where personal tastes and interests are understandably different. All areas are carefully monitored, there is a fully supervised section just for toddlers complete with a shaded playground featuring slides, swings, rideable cars and other cool toys. For quiet time indoors, the club has mini activity tables, Lego and early learning playthings. A set of bunk beds as well as giant floor cushions are also available to accommodate little ones in need of an afternoon nap.

Children between the ages of 4 to 12 years have their own area with a separate playground featuring a climbing wall, trampoline and sandpit. It has been designed for safe play where kids can run around and burn off excess energy. A colorful activity room has been set up to include art & craft stations, a photo corner, internet computers, Playstation, books and educational toys.

The Teens Zone is a brand new addition to our Westin Kids Club where youngsters aged 12 and above can simply hang out. It is a clean-line space with relaxing beanbags and personal window seat pods equipped with Nintendo Wii. This specially designated area has internet computers along with a well-stocked library, billiards table and a home theatre showing movies throughout the day.

An updated schedule of daily activities is now available at the club with a special emphasis on yoga for children, tennis clinics, culturally-inspired pastimes and other healthy outdoor pursuits. There is also a new activity called “Save Nature” as well as excursions to the nearby sites of interest such as the Waterblow Peninsular.

Unique to Westin Kids Club is a small spa facility where youngsters can enjoy a session of personal indulgence just like mum and dad. 

Westin Kids Spa will open soon and offer a menu of suitable treatments including mini manicures and pedicures, hair braiding and foot reflexology for some special holiday pampering.

Safety and security upgrades at Westin Kids Club ensure that children of all ages continue to be well cared for in this nurturing environment by our qualified team. Opening hours are 9am to 5pm daily. After hours services are available and trained nannies can be easily arranged.

“As a family-friendly property it is important that our younger travellers have their very own place to play and interact. We have created a concept that truly encompasses the needs of children from 4 up to 16 years of age with clearly defined spaces and appealing activities. The renewal of Westin Kids Club is part of a multi-million dollar revitalization project to enhance in-house facilities for leisure and business guests,” comments Mr. Bipan Kapur, Managing Director of The Westin Resort Nusa Dua, Bali.

Treat the little ones to a fun-filled family holiday and let them explore our newly refreshed Westin Kids Club that is perfect for toddlers, children and teens. Our Family Package starts from USD220++ per night for a minimum stay of 3 nights. Valid for stays until April 30th, 2014. Booked byDecember 31th, 2013. For more information, please visit www.westin.com/bali, www.facebook.com/westinbali or follow the property onwww.twitter.com/westinbali