New routes for Finnair

#finnair

Finnair continues strong growth, opens new routes to Nanjing, Lisbon and Stuttgart, increases capacity for popular destinations in Asia, US and Europe

In line with its growth strategy, Finnair has announced a new year-round route to Nanjing, China and is adding two new European routes for its European Summer 2018 lineup including new non-stop flights to Lisbon and Stuttgart.

Finnair General Manager - Australia, New Zealand and New Caledonia, Geoff Stone said the airline would also be increasing capacity to Tokyo, Chicago, San Francisco, Bangkok and Delhi.

Further strengthening its solid presence in China, Finnair will open a new year-round route between Helsinki and Nanjing, China. Located along Yangtse River, Nanjing is one of the four ancient capitals of China, and a vibrant centre for culture and economy, with a population of more 8 million people. The opening of the Nanjing route will increase Finnair's growing footprint in Northeast Asia with the Finnish carrier flying to seven destinations in Greater China during the next European Summer period. Altogether Finnair will operate 38 weekly flights to Greater China with daily flights to both Beijing and Shanghai, four weekly flights to both Chongqing and Guangzhou, three weekly flights to both Nanjing and Xi'an as well as 10 weekly flights to Hong Kong. The inaugural flight to Nanjing on 13 May 2018 will be on an Airbus A330 aircraft.

Furthermore, Mr Stone said Finnair would be expanding its network of more than 100 European destinations and from 1 June will operate four weekly flights to Lisbon, Portugal on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays with an Airbus 319 aircraft offering convenient connections for customers travelling to and from Asia; and commencing a new daily service to Stuttgart, Germany from 23 April with an Embraer aircraft.

Finnair additional capacity to popular long-haul destinations during the European Summer 2018 includes:

·         Flight to Chicago daily with the addition of two new weekly flights

·         Three weekly flights to San Francisco with longer operating season, from 3 May to 27 September

·         New double daily flight to Tokyo, Narita with three new weekly flights

·         Three new weekly flights added to the Bangkok route, serving 10 weekly flights during the European Summer season and 16 flights during the Winter season

·         An additional weekly flight on the Delhi route bringing to four weekly flights during the European Summer season and six flights during the Winter season

Finnair increased flights for popular European destinations during the European Summer 2018 includes:

·         Seventeen new weekly flights to Tallinn, flying up to 10 times daily

·         An additional daily flight to Moscow, serving the Russian capital three times daily, and up to six times daily in co-operation with Aeroflot Russian Airlines. The three daily frequencies between Helsinki and St Petersburg will now be flown with an Embraer jet aircraft.

·         An additional daily flight to Gdansk, serving the Polish Baltic Sea city with two daily flights

·         Four additional weekly flights to Edinburgh

·         Four additional weekly flights to Barcelona between June and August bringing to 14 weekly flights

·         Three additional weekly flights to Madrid from June to October bringing to 10 weekly flights

·         Two additional weekly flights to Reykjavik, serving the Icelandic capital with multiple daily flights in co-operation with Icelandair

·         One additional weekly flight to Dublin, Dubrovnik, Malaga, Tel Aviv, Billund, Venice, Chania, Skiathos, Santorini, Rhodes, Heraklion, and Corfu

"Traffic between Europe and Asia continues to grow, and Finnair's expanding network now offers more choice than ever before for our customers," said Finnair Chief Commercial Officer, Juha Järvinen.

"We are also adding frequencies and capacity to popular Europeans destinations to serve the needs of our growing customer base both in Asia and Europe."

Mr Järvinen said Finnair would be increasing its total capacity for the next European Summer by 14 percent over the previous period, including the newly announced route to Nanjing.

Finnair offers excellent connections from Australia with oneworld partners and flies between Asia/North America and Europe with an emphasis on fast connections via Helsinki.

Finnair carries more than nine million passengers annually and connects 17 cities in Asia and 3 cities in North America with more than 60 destinations in Europe.  Finnair offers excellent connections from Australia with oneworld partners.

Finnair has been named Best International Airline – Offline in the prestigious 2017 AFTA National Travel Industry Awards for the fifth consecutive year.

www.finnair.com/au

Great shopping and festival events at the 'Korea Sale FESTA' from 28 September

One of Korea's leading festivals 'Korea Sale FESTA' is on again from the end of this month, 28th September until the 31st October, 2017. The global shopping and tourism festival features big shopping discounts as well as Korean Wave cultural events to be enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.

Super special discounts will be offered by more than twenty companies including department stores, online shopping malls and traditional markets around the country. More than 500 traditional markets throughout Korea will participate in this event.

There will also be online overseas sales targeting overseas shoppers as local Korean online stores will hold promotions and sales events on overseas online platforms.

There will be street shopping festival events in the major shopping areas of Myeongdong and Dongdaemun providing entertainment and fun as you shop.

For the whole period there will be numerous cultural events and local festivals taking place around the country.

Celebrate with Koreans one of the major holidays of the year Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving) from 3-6 October or the Seoul International Fireworks Festival to be held in Seoul on 30 September.

A virtual reality experience centre will be installed in the ' Korea Sale FESTA' Promotion Hall which will be set up in Gwanghwamun Square to increase the opportunity for the general public to experience and enjoy.

The world's first virtual reality shopping mall will be opened in Korea in late September where customers will be able to experience shopping in virtual reality without visiting a department store.

There are discounts available on airline, hotel accommodation, transportation and theatre performances. To access discounts and learn more about the coming 'Korea Sale FESTA' visit the website specially set up for the event: https://www.koreasalefesta.kr/en/

Website: www.visitkorea.org.au

Like on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/SeeKorea

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ktosydney

Traveloscopy | 

Macao cleans up after devastating Typhoon Hato

The Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) is making unreserved efforts to coordinate and handle various tasks in the wake of Typhoon Hato, which took the lives of six, injured more than 150 and left the city with widespread damage.

pic: via SBS

With wind gusts of up to 240km/h compounded by severe tidal conditions, the former Portuguese enclave felt the full fury of the typhoon, the most severe storm to hit the city in more than five decades.

The high tide created massive flooding in low-lying areas, causing a city-wide blackout, water supply stoppages and telecommunication breakdowns.

The disaster relief authorities reported 290 incidents caused by the typhoon, such as falling trees, antenna cables and advertising boards.

It was the first time since 1999 that Macau had hoisted the No. 10 signal, the highest typhoon warning signal, officials said.

MGTO operates its tourist information counters at the Ritz Building, Outer Harbour Ferry Terminal, Border Gate, Macau International Airport and Taipa Ferry Terminal as usual to attend to visitors.

Due to various degrees of damage at the Outer Harbour Ferry Terminal and Taipa Ferry Terminal, tour groups to Macao were affected. The MGTO is looking into their situations.

The MGTO has also approached hotel properties for further information on their situations, including their status of water and power supply as well as room reservation.

If visitors have already made their room reservation or are planning to make a reservation in Macao, they are advised to enquire with the respective hotels of their latest situations.

The MGTO has also assigned inspectors to patrol different ports of entry in Macao for prompt awareness of the latest situations.

The tourism body is currently examining and accessing the situations and conditions concerning its upcoming events. If any new arrangement arises, a public notice will be made accordingly.

MGTO advises residents and visitors to pay attention to the situations concerned.

For enquiries, please contact the 24-hour tourism hotline service at 0011 853 28333000.

Long Boat Racing Tradition to win the royal trophy from His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun of 2017

#thailand

Everyone is invited to the first race of the country, along viewing beautiful royal ceremony boat parade.

TAT invites tourists to experience the Long Boat Racing Tradition for the first race of the country to win the royal trophy from His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkul this September 2017.

The event will be held along with the viewing of the beautiful royal ceremony boat parade, with variety of foods from One Tambon One Product, and the light and sound from the concert on 2nd – 3rd September at Nan River, Wat Tha Luang Royal Monastery, Pichit Province.

This event will be followed by the cultural heritage of the river; the event of Long Boat Racing Tradition to win the royal trophy from His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej. There will be a cheering contest for the royal trophy from HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn. In second race field, there will be five types of boat races - big boats, medium boats, small boats, tiny boats, and united local people boats, including the ceremony of making merit on boats. The event will be held on 16th – 17th September in Phitsanulok Province.







Moreover, TAT also attracts the tourists who are passionate about Thai tradition to be prepared to travel at the ceremony of Akha Swing Tradition in gratitude for Um Sa Yae Goddess who gives moist and abundance for crops and plants at Akha village, Chiang Rai Province. The tourists are welcomed to see the tradition and observe the simple way of life from early August until the end of September. Or if you are interested in the night view of the Northeast, you would enjoy the event of Marvelous Shrimp Marching (Viewing Nam Yuen shrimps and visiting Phu Jong). In this event, ten thousands of shrimps will appear at night at Kaeng Lamduan, Nam Yuen District, Ubon Ratchathani Province. The event will be held from August to September. For those who are fond of golf, do not miss the event of Cha-Am / Hua Hin Golf Festival 2017, offering the best promotion of playing 9 fields in one price. Show your swing on the international standard field at an economical price from August to September at the golf course in Cha Am District, Phetchaburi Province and Hua Hin District, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province. In addition, the bikers should be ready to firm your body for attending the 16th International Mountain Bike Competition at Bhumibol Dam to win the trophy of honor with a lot of prizes. This event will be held on 26th – 27th August at Bhumibol Dam, Sam Ngao District, Tak Province.

For those who love shopping, be prepared to grab the bags and not miss the program of the 21st Travel around Thailand and around the World. Meet discounted airfares and quality promotions which are guaranteed cheap prices from around the world. The event will be held on 10th – 13th August at Queen Sirikit National Convention Center. This will be followed by the activity of Mother's Day to celebrate HM the Queen's Birthday. We will light the candles for celebration altogether on 12th August in Bangkok and around the country. Enjoy your shopping trip again before the end of August in the event of the 44th Thailand International TravelFair offering the packages of traveling in Thailand in economic prices. The event will be held from 31st August to 3rd September at Queen Sirikit National Convention Center. Travel to the south of Northeastern region to watch the procession of offerings to the great ancestors in the event of Commemoration to Phraya Krai Phakdi, San Doanta Tradition, venerates the city pillar shrine, and banana show festival. The event will be held on 16th September at Khukhan District, Srisaket Province. Pay respect to the Lord Buddha at the Um Pra Dam Nam Festival. The event will be held on 19th – 23rd September at Petchabura Buddhist Garden, Wat Bote Chana Mara, Petchabun Province. TAT would like to invite tourists to the south for the Tenth Month Merit Making Ceremony of Nakhon(donation of food or charitable donations). This event will be held on 16th – 25th September at Srinagarindra Gardens, Thung Tha Lat, Nakhon Si Thammarat City Hall. And the end of September, attend the event of Narathiwat Ko Lae Boats, Long Boats, and Yor Kong Boats Race to win the royal trophy in front of the Palace. The event will be held on 21st – 25th September at the Royal 50th Anniversary Celebration Throne at the side of Tha Phraya Sai Dam, Narathiwat City Municipality.

For more information at Call Center 1672 and www.tourismthailand.org/thaifest

Walt Disney World Resort in Florida's new Toy Story adventure

In the US Summer of 2018, Walt Disney World Resort in Florida will introduce the newest addition to the Disney Parks family: Toy Story Land, a magical new land located in the larger-then-life setting of Andy's backyard.  Located within Disney's Hollywood Studios, guests will think they've been shrunk to the size of Woody and Buzz as they are surrounded by oversized toys from the blockbuster movie Toy Story.

David Clark, Head of Travel and Business Development AU/NZ at The Walt Disney Company, said,

"We're very excited to share our plans for the launch of Toy Story Land next year at Walt Disney World Resort.  This will be a must-see for anyone who is new or who has visited our parks previously.  Guests will be able to step in to discover an amazingly playful way to join their favourite Toy Story characters for fun that never ends!  The new land features two new attractions and also expands on the park's iconic Toy Story Mania attraction, providing guests with more Pixar magic for everyone to enjoy."

The 11-acre new land features two news attractions alongside giant building blocks, game board pieces and the toys and characters of the beloved Toy Story movies.

Two new attractions:

Slinky Dog Dash will be a family coaster attraction that zips, dodges and dashes guests around many turns and drops, stretching Slinky's coils to their limits.

Alien Swirling Saucers is designed to look like a play set Andy received from Pizza Planet.  The famous little green Aliens from the movie will fly around in their flying saucers and try to capture guest's rocket vehicle with the 'claw'.

To book a magical Disney holiday, please contact your local travel agent.

Taste Norfolk Island Food Festival 2017

TASTE NORFOLK ISLAND BACK ON THE MENU IN 2017

The Taste Norfolk Island Food Festival will be served up again at the popular Australian holiday destination in 2017 with appetites at the ready for the fourth hosting of this fun event on the culinary calendar.

Taste Norfolk Island is on from 27 November to 1 December again showcasing the best of talented local chefs, cooks, eateries, artisans and primary producers in a host of stunning settings.

Norfolk Island has grown to be a food-lover's destination with fresh fish, succulent beef and pork, fruit and vegetables picked daily, boutique products including artisan cheese, honey, handmade chocolates and a winery plus more on the island's doorstep to offer a true paddock to plate experience.

The local community, which brings forth generations of passion and resourcefulness, will present menus representing an amazing blend of cultures and pass on some of their tips and secrets on the creation of the many and varied dishes to be enjoyed throughout the week-long event.

Festival guests will also sit down to a spectacular Thanksgiving Day Feast celebrating the tradition passed down over generations by the island's Pitcairn and American Whaler ancestors.

Burnt Pine Travel is offering a Taste Norfolk Island Food Festival package featuring a bonus two additional Festival options and a VIP gift bag offering locally produced presents and souvenirs.

The 7-night package is priced per person twin share from $1845 ex-Sydney and $1810 ex-Brisbane and includes:

§  Twin share accommodation
§  Return economy airfare with Air New Zealand including taxes
§  Return airport transfers on island
§  Car hire throughout stay including insurance
§  Welcome cocktail evening
§  Taste Norfolk's Bounty Festival night
§  Thanksgiving Day lunch
§  Sunset Cinema and Little Eat Street
§  VIP gift bag
§  Choice of two of the following complimentary Festival options

-          Norfolk Blue & 100 acre farm walking tour
-          Blue Kingfisher cooking with fresh fish and produce
-          Seriously Chocolate fun chocolate-making class
-          Norfolk Blue gourmet sausage-making class
-          Pods Pickle Factor tour of island home and tasting of local delicacies
-          Culinary Journey cooking in a traditional underground oven
-          The Barn tour of market and kitchen gardens with food tasting

For bookings, contact Burnt Pine Travel on Toll Free 1800 501 128 or www.burntpinetravel.com.au

Norfolk Island is long-regarded as a wonderful place to holiday with family and friends or escape with a loved one. In addition to fabulous culinary experiences, countless activities include swimming, fishing, snorkelling, kayaking, surfing, cycling and bushwalking. There are glass bottom boat tours and ocean trips to Phillip Island, and attractions including Fletcher's Mutiny Cyclorama. A further attraction of historical significance is the World Heritage listed Kingston and Arthurs Vale Historic Area, the oldest of the eleven Australian penal colonies.

www.norfolkisland.com.au

Is this for you? The Most Instagrammable Job in the World

What if your job title was "The Most Instagrammable Job in the World"? Sounds like a dream?

kimkim.com is making this possible for its next travel specialist. The successful applicant will travel for one year and work in four postcard worthy locations: Iceland, Nepal, Peru, and Italy.

Imagine ticking the Northern Lights, Mount Everest, Machu Picchu and Cinque Terre off your bucket list in 12 months, all whilst being paid.

The exciting role includes developing travel itineraries, creating travel content, recruiting local experts, partnering with local businesses and helping millions of people achieve unforgettable travel experiences. The applicant will also be expected to immerse themselves in the culture and live like a local in the four locations to truly discover what they have to offer, living up to the kimkim ethos.

Those who believe this is the answer to their wanderlust can complete an application form online. Applications close 4th September 2017.

kimkim.com is a new marketplace of travel specialists based in destinations all over the world, creating bespoke travel itineraries for travellers who want to explore off the beaten track.