Tim Cope first Australian to win Banff Grand Prize

 

The extraordinary adventure of one man's journey following in the footsteps of Genghis Khan's conquering armies.

Lone-adventurer Tim Cope travelled the entire length of the Eurasian steppe on horseback, from the ancient capital of Mongolia to the Danube River in Hungary. This formidable 6,000-mile journey took three years to complete. It is a journey that has not been completed successfully since the days of Genghis Khan.

Trekking through wolf-infested plateaus, down into deep forests and up over glaciers, across sub-zero barren landscapes, scorching deserts and through treacherous mountain passes, Cope travelled deep into the heart of the nomadic way of life that has dominated the Eurasian steppe for thousands of years. Alone, except for a trusted dog (and a succession of thirteen horses, many stolen along the way), he encountered incredible hospitality from those who welcomed him on his journey – a tradition that is the linchpin of human survival on the steppe.

With the Kazakh aphorism 'To understand the wolf, you must put the skin of a wolf on and look through its eyes' playing constantly in his thoughts, Cope became immersed in the land and its people, moving through both space and time as witness to the rich past and to the often painful complexities of present-day life still recovering from Soviet rule.

On the Trail of Genghis Khan is a tale of survival, adventure and discovery set in a fascinating and politically volatile region. It is an elegy for the nomadic way of life and proof that the great age of exploration is not yet over.

BORN IN 1978, Tim Cope, F.R.G.S., is an award winning adventurer, author, and filmmaker with a special interest in the traditional cultures of Central Asia and Russia. He has studied as a wilderness guide in the Finnish and Russian subarctic, ridden a bicycle across Russia to China, and rowed a boat along the Yenisey River through Siberia to the Arctic Ocean. Tim's most renowned journey was a three year, 6,000 mile journey by horse from Mongolia to Hungary on the trail of Genghis Khan - a quest to understand the horseback nomads of the great Eurasian steppe. Tim is the author of Off the Rails: Moscow to Beijing on Recumbent Bikes (Penguin Books 2003), and On the Trail of Genghis Khan: An Epic Journey through the Lands of the Nomads (Bloomsbury Worldwide, to be released September 2013). He is also the creator of several documentary films, including the award winning series 'The Trail of Genghis Khan,' (commissioned by ABC Australia and ZDF/Arte in Europe). Tim lives in Victoria, Australia, and annually guides trekking journeys to remote western Mongolia for World Expeditions.   www.timcopejourneys.com

Adelaide cruise ship season starts with arrival of Dawn Princess

 

South Australia's record cruise ship season kicks off today with the arrival of the Dawn Princess at Port Adelaide Passenger Terminal this morning.

This season, 29 cruise ships will visit South Australian ports, bringing 67,000 passengers and crew and contributing an estimated $14.5 million in direct expenditure to the state's economy.

This is a significant increase from the 2007/08 cruise season when the state received eight cruise ship visits.

Tourism Minister, Leon Bignell, said the State Government has been working closely with domestic and international cruise lines to attract more ships to the state and help develop shore-based tours for passengers.

"Developing a strong cruise ship industry is important for tourism in our state," Mr Bignell said.

"Each time we welcome a vessel to Port Adelaide, hundreds of tourists head to McLaren Vale and Barossa wineries, to Adelaide, Glenelg and the Adelaide Hills.

Mr Bignell said the number of visits to regional ports was also growing, spreading tourism and economic benefits across the state.

"This season ships will also visit Kangaroo Island, Port Lincoln and, for the first time, Robe, which is great news for regional tourism," he said.

"Each time a cruise ship docks at Penneshaw, $200,000 is injected directly into the Kangaroo Island economy.

"This week travel bible Lonely Planet named Adelaide in the top 10 cities in the world to visit in 2014 which is sure to generate thousands of extra visitors to South Australia."

The number of cruise ships visiting South Australia is expected to grow even further, with 36 visits already scheduled for the 2014/15 season, bringing more than 97,000 passengers and crew.

"This means our goal to attract 30 ships and $11 million in passenger expenditure by 2014 has already been exceeded and we are well on our way to our 2020 goal of attracting 43 ships and $17 million in expenditure," Mr Bignell said.

The state will welcome the three largest ships operating in Australian waters this summer: the Voyager of the Seas, the Celebrity Solstice and the Queen Mary 2, which is returning to South Australia for its fifth consecutive year.

The State Government recently provided $170,000 for a new gangway at the Port Adelaide Passenger Terminal which will be completed by January when some of the larger vessels are due to arrive. The passenger terminal has also been given a facelift with South Australia's new logo featuring prominently.

Loi Krathong Festival 2013 in Thailand

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has announced its support for the “Loi Krathong Festival” 2013 to be organised in seven major tourist destinations - Bangkok, Sukhothai, Tak, Chiang Mai, Ayutthaya, Samut Songkhram and Suphanburi - from 10 to 20 November.

As the nation is in mourning following the passing of His Holiness Somdet Phra Nyanasamvara, Somdet Phra Sangharaja Sakolmahasanghaparinayaka, the Supreme Patriarch of Thailand, TAT as a Thai state-run enterprise expresses its deepest respect and condolences.

Mr. Sugree Sithivanich, TAT Deputy Governor for Marketing Communications said, “TAT will organise the Loi Krathong Festival since it is an ongoing Thai tradition, but on a more subdued scale. Certain entertainment events may be omitted as deemed appropriate.”

TAT will organise the Loi Krathong Festival 2013 in the following locations:

• Chiang Mai: 10 - 18 November at Chiang Mai Municipality, Thapae Gate, Lanna Historical Museum in Mueang District.
• Sukhothai: 13 - 17 November at Sukhothai Historical Park in Mueang District.
• Bangkok: 15 - 17 November at ASIATIQUE The Riverfront on Charoen Krung Road.
• Tak: 15 - 20 November at the Rattanakosin 200 Years Bridge in Mueang District.
• Ayutthaya: on 17 November at Wat Tha Ka Rong in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District.
• Samut Songkram: on 17 November at the King Rama II Memorial Park and Wat Phumrinkudeethong in Amphawa District.
• Suphanburi: on 17 November at the Tha Chin River in Mueang District.

Meanwhile, TAT has announced the postponement of the Lhong Rak Thale Dao Art & Music or “Falling in Love with the Sea of Stars” concert, which was scheduled to be held on 9 November, 2013.

The concert has been rescheduled to be held on 13 December, 2013, during 18.00 hrs to 02.00 hrs with its location on Chao Samran Beach, Phetchaburi and participating artists and musicians remain unchanged.

Ultimate Hikes opens for the Great Walks season and celebrates 125 years of the Milford Track

Queenstown-based Ultimate Hikes launches its 2013-14 season this week with the first guided walks on the Milford and Routeburn Tracks departing on Friday 1^st November.

This year’s season opening on the Milford Track is extra special as it also marks the 125th anniversary of the discovery of Mackinnon Pass, allowing land access from Te Anau to Milford Sound.

Another highlight of the up-coming season is the re-opening of the Sutherland Falls Track, which leads to the 580m Sutherland Falls, believed to be the tallest waterfall in New Zealand.

Following significant rock fall onto the access track in October 2012, extensive work on a new track to the falls means it now includes two new swing bridges, views along the river and an opportunity to enjoy the waterfall up close and personal.

Ultimate Hikes operates guided walks on the Milford, Routeburn and Greenstone Tracks, traversing the Fiordland and Mt Aspiring National Parks and enabling guests to experience the magic and wonder of this World Heritage Area in comfort.

The guided walks include stays in private lodges, offering hot showers, three course meals and warm beds, surrounded by some of the world’s most spectacular scenery.

Ultimate Hikes General Manager Noel Saxon said the team is looking forward to a busy summer after months of preparation.

“It’s shaping up to be a great season. While there are still spaces available, we highly recommend people book early, especially if they have specific dates in mind as we’re already full for some of our trips,” said Mr Saxon.

“It’s fantastic to see the Sutherland Falls track is once again open, enabling guests to view New Zealand’s largest waterfall- it’s a spectacular sight.”

The falls were discovered by Donald Sutherland in 1880, and Quintin Mackinnon and Earnest Mitchell were instructed to find a way overland from Te Anau to meet the track he had cut from Milford Sound.  The Pass was traversed by Mackinnon and Mitchell on 17 October 1888, and named after Quintin Mackinnon, who was also the first guide on the Milford Track. 

“We have upgraded the amenities over the years since we have been operating the guided walk, but the experience itself remains timeless – as it was 125 years ago,” Noel said.

“It’s a unique wilderness experience that’s second to none.” 

Ultimate Hikes has earned an international reputation for providing excellent facilities including the quality of accommodation, exceptional guides and lodge hosts.

Earlier this year the Milford Track was named the “Number One Walk In The World” by Lonely Planet Great Adventures author and travel writer Ben Fogle and is consistently voted one of the world’s best walks.

The Ultimate Hikes walking season runs from 1 November to 13th April 2014. All walkers are accompanied by expert guides and the walk include all accommodation on track, transport to/from the track (ex-Queenstown or Te Anau), meals, snacks, backpacks and rain jackets.    

Bookings for the 2013/14 walking season can be made online at www.ultimatehikes.co.nz or through the reservations centre by calling 03 4501940 or emailing info@ultimatehikes.co.nz.

Swire Hotels Presents "Experience The Houses" Short Film Trilogy

Swire Hotels announces the release of three short films entitled "Experience The Houses"
 on www.experiencethehouses.com, which capture for the first time the experience of staying at The Opposite House and The Upper House.

The first two films - one showcasing The Opposite House and one The Upper House - tell the story of an intimate "day-in-the-life" of a hotel guest. The third film runs the stories side-by-side and suggests that, even though the protagonists never meet in the films, there is a clear longing desire to meet. The nature of individuality is further explored by the soundtrack to the films, Irish singer-songwriter Lisa Hannigan's song "I Don't Know", which wonders what it means to say we truly know someone. "Modern day travellers are looking for hotel experiences that are more than just staying in beautifully designed hotels," said Brian Williams, Managing Direcotr of Swire Hotels. "We believe in creating unique and deeply personal moments for each guest that are based on their own interests and needs, and we hope these films depict this idea."

Produced by Laura Holmes Production from the UK, director Lynsey Miller said, "Swire Hotels' properties are all stunning, but being able to capture on camera the guests' interactions with those around them was what helped us bring the hotel experience to life." The films are available on www.experiencethehouses.com along with information about the production team and snippets from behind the scenes. They can also be found on Swire Hotels' lifestyle blog www.youdbemuchbetterhere.com and YouTube and YouKu accounts.

The Opposite House in an intriguing urban hotel in Beijing. Situated in Taikoo Li Santlitun, it is designed by the eminent Japanese architect, Kengo Kuma. Its contemporary style and abundant space perfectly complement its refreshingly individual service. The hotel has 98 large studios including nine spacious suites as well as a two-level penthouse with its own roof terrace.

Designed by celebrated Hong Kong architect André Fu, The Upper House is a highly individual small luxury hotel above Pacific Place in Hong Kong. Warm, friendly and informal, it's more home than hotel. Far above the hustle and bustle, its 117 guest rooms, which include 21 suites and two penthouses, are quiet, relaxing urban retreats.

Hailing from Scotland, Director Lynsey Miller has written and directed a number of short films which have been screened at multiple film festivals around the world. Her latest short film, "Colour", was accepted into Channel 4's Coming Up scheme in the UK and won Best Drama and the Jury Prize at The Scottish Mental Health Arts and Film Festival 2012.

Hong Kong International Airport and ARINC Extend Long-Standing Partnership with 5-year Contract Renewal

ARINC Incorporated will continue to provide its suite of passenger processing technology and solutions to Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) following the renewal of its contract for 5 more years with an option to extend for another 5 years.

The airport, voted ‘World’s Best’ by several industry authorities and publications, has been using the ARINC’s Multi-User System Environment (MUSE^TM) common-use system for check-in and departure, BagLink^TM baggage messaging, and fallback tag service since 2008. Aside from this, a new 40-month contract has been signed for maintenance services and on-site technicians around the clock, provided by ARINC subsidiary, ARINC Managed Services (AMS).

“With HKIA being one of the largest engineering and architectural developments in the world, the passenger system deployed by ARINC has been one of the most complex, comprising more than 1,300 common-use workstations located in Terminals 1 and 2, and Skypier of the Airport. The deployment also includes two off-site Airport Express train stations in Hong Kong, and multiple Upstream Check-in facilities at ferry terminals and bus stations in China and Macau,” said Glen Oliveiro, Director of Aviation and Ground Systems Solutions, ARINC.

“Established on the principles of Safety, Operational Efficiency, Customer Convenience and Environment, it is of utmost importance that HKIA, being one of the world’s busiest passenger airports, uses a stable and reliable common platform. ARINC has consistently delivered reliable performance and quality, leading to improved efficiency in passenger processing and operation productivity over the past five years,” said Andy Bien, Chief Information Officer, Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK).

“Since our founding 84 years ago, ARINC has been a trusted partner to the world’s leading airports and airlines. The fact that HKIA, one of the world’s largest airports and a major gateway into Asia, trusts ARINC to undertake this project is a testament to our commitment to providing the best technology and solutions to satisfy our customers’ needs,” said Michael DiGeorge, Managing Director of ARINC in Asia Pacific. “Having had a presence in Asia Pacific through our regional HQ in Singapore since 2003, this partnership with HKIA is also strategic as it underlines ARINC’s dedication to this rapidly-growing region.”

ARINC's MUSE passenger technology allows airlines to share airport check-in desks and departure gates using common workstations, to maximize operational efficiency and lower overall costs. Airlines enjoy browser-based support for both IP and legacy host systems, and airline staff can make use of either desktop workstations or handheld terminals.

ARINC’s BagLink is an intelligent message distribution system that collects baggage-routing messages from multiple airline hosts and distributes them to sortation and other airport systems, enabling proper direction of bags to aircraft without delay.

ARINC Incorporated, a portfolio company of The Carlyle Group, provides communications, engineering and integration solutions for commercial and government customers worldwide. Headquartered in Annapolis, Maryland with regional headquarters in London and Singapore, ARINC is ISO 9001:2008 and AS9100:2009 Rev C certified. For more information, visit the website at www.arinc.com.

Air Asia X's Adelaide arrival to boost Barossa tourism

The newest international airline flying into South Australia, Air Asia X, has thrown down a challenge to millions of potential Asian travellers to come to the Barossa and Adelaide Hills for a unique treasure hunt.

More than 10,000 Malaysian and Chinese travellers have already booked seats on the new Kuala Lumpur to Adelaide route operated by AirAsia X, which touched down in Adelaide for the first time this morning.

Tourism Minister, Leon Bignell, says AirAsia X's low-cost flights make South Australia a more affordable and appealing destination for travellers in key markets.

"Since July, we have been promoting our key tourism experiences throughout Malaysia and other parts of Asia," Mr Bignell said.

"Now we are launching the next phase of marketing activity, an online campaign challenging Malaysians to explore South Australia through an online campaign."

Travellers will be invited to submit a 30 second video telling the world why they should be given the opportunity to come to South Australia and compete in one of six challenges.

The Barossa Treasure Hunt will test competitors driving and navigation skills in this one-of-a kind treasure hunt, seeking out some of the special treasures the Barossa and Adelaide Hills have to offer.

They will collect lavender from Lyndoch Lavender Farm, purchase their birth year wine at Seppeltsfield, pick a red rose at Lyndoch Hill Rose Garden, find 14 varieties of grapes at Jacob's Creek Visitor Centre, make their own candle in Hahndorf and buy chocolates at the Fruchoc Shop.

The other challenges include cage-diving with Great White sharks in Port Lincoln, a wildlife safari on Kangaroo Island, a busking competition in Adelaide and a contest to see who can eat the most Coffin Bay oysters in five minutes.

Mr Bignell said AirAsia X has a strong track record of increasing demand for destinations when they enter a new market.

"Low cost airlines like AirAsia X drive volume sales which result in a greater number of visitors."

This week the travel bible Lonely Planet named Adelaide in the top 10 cities in the world to visit in 2014 which is sure to generate thousands of extra visitors to South Australia."

AirAsia X is expected to generate more than $30 million in local economic activity each year and create more than 170 jobs.

"AirAsia X's arrival means there has been an 83 per cent increase in the number of seats coming directly into Adelaide on international carriers since Jay Weatherill became Premier just two years ago" Mr Bignell said.