Revellers Flock to Jundah for Beer and Bratwurst Bush-style

Thousands of litres of German beer, tonnes of German sausage, and a troupe of traditional oompah-pah musicians are on their way to remote western Queensland for a unique Oktoberfest with a growing international following.

Jundah’s population is about to swell from less than 100 to well over 500 for the 3-day 2013 Jundah Outback Oktoberfest from Friday October 4 to Sunday October 6.

What started as a one-night charity function at the Jundah Hotel in 2010 has grown into a major annual 3-day celebration recognised as one of Queensland’s top events.

“Birdville is famous for its races, but Jundah now has its Oktoberfest,” says local publican Shane Rayment.

“It had attracted international media attention and is getting bigger every year.

“We might be 1,200 kilometres from Brisbane and 12,000 kilometres from Germany, but we’ve had plenty of German visitors say they’ve had more fun at the Jundah Oktoberfest than anywhere.”

The Jundah Outback Oktoberfest is now held in conjunction with the town’s annual race meeting, recalling the origins of Oktoberfest in Bavaria where horse races were held in the presence of the royal family.

But this Outback version takes the theme even further, adding some unique Aussie flavor in the form of the Woolly Caulfield Cup sheep races.

This year also sees the return of the popular 2012 attraction, the Push Pull & Pedal Billy Cart Bash, with billy cart races for all ages.

“Every year we double the amount of beer and bratwurst ordered,” Shane said.

“The crowd just love the authentic atmosphere provided by the large contingent of German backpackers who come to work in the pub.  They wear traditional costume and really get into the spirit things.

“We attract a big crowd of locals from miles around, lots of Outback travellers and even German tourists who’ve heard about our Oktoberfest in the middle of nowhere.”

The Jundah Outback Oktoberfest, billed as the world’s most remote Oktoberfest, began as part of the Angel Flight Outback Trailblazer fundraising rally.

Now in its fourth year and bigger than the organisers could ever have anticipated, it still raises valuable funds for Angel Flight, which provides free non-emergency flights for needy patients travelling to and from medical appointments anywhere in Australia.

Oompah-pah entertainment will be provided by Queensland’s much-loved Bavarian music showband, EuroBand, and guests will enjoy imported German food and beverages, games, dances, colourful costumes, street stalls, and all the racing action.

Accommodation options range from campsites along the Thompson River and powered sites at the Jundah Caravan Park to rooms at the Jundah Hotel.

Music to Travelers' Ears: Fairmont and Universal Launch Global Music Platform

Fairmont Hotels & Resorts today announced that it will continue to deliver branded music programming and authentic entertainment experiences to guests through a new partnership with Universal Music Group.

This global, multi-faceted brand partnership includes a series of initiatives and exclusive events designed to appeal to music lovers globally.

“At Fairmont, it’s our goal to connect guests with the very best of the destination and deliver authentic experiences that are meaningful to them,” said Fairmont’s President, Jennifer Fox. “Music is highly emotive and something that many Fairmont guests are passionate about. Through our partnership with Universal, we can provide our guests with exclusive access to music events and programs that they might not otherwise have had an opportunity to experience.”

“We’re always looking for new ideas to create and deliver interesting ways for people to enjoy our artists’ music and we look forward to working with Fairmont to continue to develop innovative music-inspired experiences,” said Olivier Robert-Murphy, Head of New Business, Universal Music Group Global.

To launch the new partnership, the leading brands are holding an exclusive event at London’s legendary Abbey Road Studios, owned by Universal, on September 19, 2013, featuring a live performance by recording artist Jessie Ware, a British soul chanteuse and two-time BRIT Award nominee. The celebrated engagement will also mark the official debut of Abbey Road Studios’ newly designed studio lounges, which have been given a complete makeover inspired by Fairmont’s iconic hotel collection.

“Fairmont is a worldwide brand in hospitably excellence and we’re delighted to once again enhance our vibrant partnership to include the celebrated Jessie Ware from Abbey Road Studios,” said Randy Lennox, President and CEO, Universal Music Canada. “Jessie is an internationally acclaimed artist and the Abbey Road setting could not be more perfect to showcase her immense talents.”

Highlights of the partnership between Fairmont and Universal include:

•    Sounds of Fairmont Music Events; a global music series featuring top and up and coming Universal artists performing live at select Fairmont properties around the world. Previous Sounds of Fairmont performances have featured Corinne Bailey Rae, Emeli Sandé, Matt Nathanson, KT Tunstall and Diane Schuur in destinations as diverse as Shanghai, Beijing, Boston, Pittsburgh, Toronto, Vancouver and Quebec City.

•    Debuting in October 2013, the Sounds of Fairmont CD compilation offers an evocative selection of songs from some of Universal’s most talented artists. The collection provides the perfect soundtrack for an unforgettable stay, encouraging guests to get “in the moment”, or can be enjoyed at home to rekindle memories. The CD will be available at select Fairmont hotels and at fairmontstore.com.

•    Abbey Road Studios Record-a-Song Experience with The Savoy offers once-in-a-lifetime access to London’s legendary recording studio, which is not open to the general public. Exclusively offered to Fairmont President’s Club members, a program that is free to join, guests get a behind-the-scenes look at the studios where The Beatles, Pink Floyd and U2 created music history, and have the opportunity to record a group song from the Abbey Road Studios’ catalogue. Their music session is professionally mixed and recorded and the group is treated to a playback of their recording in the studio, as well as a take home copy. The rock star treatment continues with a two-night stay at The Savoy, one of the world’s iconic hotels, complete with a welcome reception and a Sunday jazz lunch.

•    Fairmont and Abbey Road Studios have partnered to bring a refreshed look and sophisticated feel to the famed studios’ lounges. Inspired by the style, luxury and timeless elegance of Fairmont’s iconic properties, the lounges now offer an inspiring place for artists to record, work and socialize. Stylish design elements and refined furnishings echo some of Fairmont’s most storied hotel bars and public spaces, which evoke a sense of history and memorable moments, much like Abbey Road Studios.

•    Fairmont Peace Hotel, the hub of Shanghai’s jazz scene for decades, welcomes a music-centered showcase titled Abbey Road Studios and the World’s Greatest Music from September 23 to November 22, 2013. This exhibition offers the public a unique opportunity to view the studio’s legendary Challen piano, a 1964 vintage multi-tone “Jangle Box” (the nick-name was given because of its unique “honky-tonk” pedal), which is believed to have been used during landmark recordings including The Beatles’ tracks of “Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da” and “Tomorrow Never Knows,” among others. An accompanying photo exhibit celebrates Abbey Road Studios’ illustrious 80 plus year history.

“Partnerships have proven to be a very effective way for Fairmont to go-to-market and are a key component of our overall marketing strategy,” said Alexandra Blum, Fairmont’s Executive Director, Partnerships. “Establishing compelling and innovative partner programs that meet our business objectives has enabled us to increase our brand recognition and value in the eyes of guests and prospective customers. Additionally, our partnership activity drives incremental room night production and provides partners like Universal Music with opportunities to showcase and further the reach of their brand through non-traditional marketing channels.”

For more information on Fairmont and Universal’s collaboration, as well as Fairmont’s other lifestyle partners, please visitfairmont.com/partnerships.

Artists Set Sail to Catch the 'Colorful Killers'

Internationally renowned flautist and passionate anti-plastic pollution campaigner Jane Rutter has launched a unique Manly Arts Festival event designed to highlight the looming problem of marine plastics.

"If you love the ocean, if you love the environment, if you love art, if you love music, please give up just 

one piece of disposable plastic a day,"Ms Rutter said."More than 50% of the world's disposable plastic ends up in the ocean and we can't sustain it."

From September 19-22 and 27-29, eleven well-known Manly artists will join the crew of the East Coast Odyssey Expedition on board their tall ship Yukon to create their own special depiction of the issue.

Guests are invited on half-day cruises to watch the artists create, ask questions, learn about the ocean from the crew and sail the Yukon, an 80 year-old Danish ketch.

The East Coast Odyssey is the first expedition of its kind to tackle insidious micro-plastics in Australian waters with the crew collecting vital data en route from Hobart along Australia's east coast.

Katherine Roberts, Manly Arts Festival coordinator, said the festival was delighted to be involved with the mission to 'catch the colourful killers', the millions of multi-coloured plastic remnants killing marine wildlife and poisoning seafood at an alarming rate.

"The Manly Arts Festival has a focus on the conservation of our natural environment, so it is most fitting that we join forces and support the team on the Yukon on their important and historic mission to gather data on plastic pollution," Ms Roberts said.

The Yukon will be taking half-day cruises until October 8, including during the International Naval Review. Guests can board from Quarantine Station Wharf.

Manly Arts Festival Half-day cruises can be purchased online here: http://wildiaries.com

Or at the Manly Kayak Centre - 1300 529 257 sales@manlykayakcentre.com.au  1/40 East Esplanade, Manly NSW 2095

MANLY ARTS FESTIVAL & EAST COAST ODYSSEY SCHEDULE

Thurs Sep 19th   8-12 AM,    Rachel Carroll / Fiona Verity

Fri Sep 20th        2-6 PM,      Dave Wiggs

Sat Sep 21st       1-5 PM,      Jessica Watts

Sun Sep 22nd      8-12 AM,   Cade Turner

Sun Sep 22nd      2-6 PM,     Alicia Poppett

[Yukon sets sail for 4 days out of Sydney]

Fri Sep 27th     8-12 AM,    Andrew LO

Sat Sep 28th    8-12 AM,    Julia Sample

Sat Sep 28th    2-6 PM,      Leesa Knight

Sun Sep 29th   8-12 AM,    Leonel Sanchez

Sun Sep 29th   1-5 PM,      Shona Wilson

Additional cruise opportunities from Sep 30th onwards (see East Coast Odyssey website) http://eastcoastodyssey.wildiaries.com/

Flight Centre Limited to become Flight Centre Travel Group Limited

source: Travel Daily

Flight Centre has just announced plans to amend its name, to highlight its "diversity and growth in corporate travel and in niche leisure travel sectors".

According to a Stock Exchange update, the Flight Centre board believe that the name change, to Flight Centre Travel Group Limited, is in the company's best interests, and reinforces the depth of its business, "a strength that is sometimes overlooked".

MD Graham Turner said that "FLT is now the holding entity that sits behind more than thirty brands, in addition to the iconic Flight Centre brand.

"While Flight Centre brand remains a key part of our business, we are also Australia's largest corporate travel manager via the FCm, Corporate Traveller, cievents, Stage & Screen and Campus Travel brands," he added.

The proposed name change is subject to approval by shareholders at this year's Flight Centre annual general meeting.

Flight Centre also announced the retirement of non-executive director Peter Barrow, and the appointment of Sydney-based partner in accounting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers, Robert Baker, who will join the board effective immediately.

More information in today's Travel Daily.

In Tribute to The New Season Of Downton Abbey: Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London Introduces New Butler Service

In anticipation of the fourth season of acclaimed television drama Downton Abbey, Mandarin Oriental 
Hyde Park, London is offering its premier suite guests’ their very own Lord Grantham experience with a new butler service.

Guests’ staying in the Royal, Imperial and Presidential Suites at Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park will have their own personal butler on hand to attend to every requirement from the moment of arrival to departure. Following in the well-trodden footsteps of the legendary Mr Carson, Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park’s butlers adhere to the same strict etiquette of the Downton Abbey household, to offer the finest assistance.

Taking residence at the hotel, Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park’s butlers have been trained to offer guests’ the meticulous service standards observed by Mr Carson and his team at Downton Abbey. Butlers are on hand to assist with every requirement from private in-suite check-in and check-out, packing and unpacking and valet service, as well as a complete concierge service for all restaurant reservations, private transfers and shopping requests.  Trained at Buckingham Palace, Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park’s butlers are at the service of guests for more personal daily tasks including delivering breakfast in suite, with morning correspondence and newspapers, offering a daily shoe shine, running a bath with a menu of bubbles, salts and oils to select from, preparing afternoon tea in the suite’s private salon or even a private cocktail on the suite’s balcony overlooking Hyde Park, or luxury picnic beside the Serpentine.

Located in the heart of fashionable Knightsbridge, the suites at Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park’s offerstriking views over leafy Hyde Park, where the household cavalry passes daily. Evoking a feeling of staying in a private apartment, the opulent Presidential and Imperial suites each have their own separate salon and large marbled bathroom, while the 242 square-metre Royal Suite includes a master bedroom and bathroom, separate living room, dining room and kitchen and two adjoining additional bedrooms, complemented by original artwork and the city’s only sweeping 70 metre balcony overlooking Hyde Park.

Lead-in rates for a Premier Suite at Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park start from GBP 2,500 + VAT per night, subject to availability, valid until 31 December 2013.

Should you have any enquiries regarding the attached release, please feel free to contact me on +852 3665 1000. Please note that Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group has a downloadable photo gallery within their press centre at www.mandarinoriental.com.

WindhorseTour Informs Their Clients The World's Highest Airport Will Set to Open in Western Sichuan

The 4,411-meter-high Daocheng Yading airport, will set to open next Monday. Being built in Garze, a predominantly Tibetan area in Western Sichuan, it will become the world’s highest civilian airport when put into operation.

The airport, which officials said is aimed at boosting tourism in Daocheng Yading, the “last Shangri-la” in China, will have one regular flight every day from Chengdu. The total flight time lasts for 65 mins.

With 10 years experience, WindhorseTour, a local travel agency with offices in Chengdu, is the expert of tailor making private tours to Sichuan. "This is the most exciting news that we want to share with our clients since Yading was closed to public in this March. With the airport putting into operation, a trip to the 'last Shangri-la' will become more convenient." Helen, the sales manager at WindhorseTour said.

The 8-day Daocheng Yading Nature Reserve tour is one of the most popular trips to Western Sichuan provided by WindhorseTour. "Autumn is the perfect time to come to Yading when it is covered by colorful vegetation. 

We will suggest you get your camera ready as you explore this Tibetan region," Helen expressed.

The itinerary is used to be an overland trip. After the airport set to open, a trip to Daocheng Yading can be shorten into 3 to 4 days. For those who plan to stay longer in Sichuan, WindhorseTour still encourages them to take the overland trip as the scenery along the road to Yading is a can’t-miss.

Next Monday there will be only one direct flight to Daocheng airport, starting from Chengdu Shuangliu International airport. Chongqing, Guangzhou, Shanghai, Kunming, Lijiang and Xi’an will open the new direct flight to Daocheng later this year or in 2014.

WindhorseTour specializes in creating tailor made experiences based on every client’s unique needs and operating groups to all provinces in China. Please visit WindhorseTour.com for more information or contact them.

Tourism Australia breaks new ground with STA travel deal

Tourism Australia has signed a new, A$9 million ‘Memorandum of Understanding’ (MoU) with STA Travel one of the world’s largest travel retailers - to promote youth travel Down Under from many of Australia’s largest and most valuable inbound tourism markets.

The three year agreement aims to build upon a number of successful recent collaborations between the two parties, notably Tourism Australia’s ‘Best Jobs in the World’ competition, which has already resulted in significant increases in the sale of STA Travel youth holiday packages to Australia.

The deal will see the two partners work even more closely to promote travel to Australia from a number of key international markets, including the United Kingdom, Germany, France, the United States, Japan and Singapore, as well as domestic travel within Australia.

The deal between Tourism Australia and STA Travel was signed in London by Tourism Australia’s new Regional General Manager for the UK, Denise Von Wald and STA Travel CEO John Constable.

The signing of the agreement coincides with the start of the World Youth Student Travel Conference (WYSTC) in Sydney, involving more than 800 delegates from 80 countries who offer products or services to teenagers or travellers in their teens, 20s and early 30s.

Tourism Australia Managing Director Andrew McEvoy said that the tie up with STA Travel was supported by a recent review of how Australian tourism is distributed internationally, which had identified opportunities through new industry partnerships.

“Up to now, most of our major strategic marketing agreements have been with airlines, so this deal marks a significant and very positive step towards broadening the international marketing and distribution of Australian holidays,” Mr McEvoy said.

He said STA Travel’s strong, respected brand and worldwide network of more than 400 stores across 85 countries provided a powerful distribution platform for us to market Australia overseas.

“The success of our recent collaboration on ‘Best Jobs in the World’ has already demonstrated strong commercial results, and we hope to see this performance continue as we formalize and further extend our partnership with STA Travel,” he added.

STA Travel developed a global campaign to encourage entries into Tourism Australia’s ‘Best Jobs in the World’ competition. This, together with tactical programs, saw year on year sales increase 100% in the United States, 42% in Germany and 17% in the UK. They also reported a 180% increase in website traffic and online queries.

STA Travel CEO John Constable said first year of the MoU would focus upon leveraging the ‘Best Jobs in the World’ campaign, aiming to increase youth holiday packages and uplift in the company’s Australian Working Holiday Maker bookings.

“Australia is a core part of STA Travel’s business and whilst the short term partnership agreements have delivered strong results, we see a longer term approach as much more beneficial to driving more youth business to Australia,” Mr Constable said.

Youth is an important target market for Australian tourism, currently representing 26 per cent (1.6m) of all international visitors to Australia each year. Importantly, youth travellers tend to stay longer, spend more and disperse more widely throughout the country than most other target segments.

On average, youth travellers (15 -29 years old) spend A$7,279 per trip in Australia (IVS: September 2012).

Under the MoU, Tourism Australia and STA Travel will collaborate on a range of co-operative marketing activities, such as advertising, consumer promotions, digital marketing, public relations, social media and consumer shows.

Tourism Australia and STA Travel hope to expand the MoU agreement to include state and territory tourism partners.

Tourism is Australia's largest export earner and, in 2011/12, generated A$96 billion in spending and 2.8% of Australia’s total GDP.