The end of the line for BridgeClimb Sydney

On 15 June 2018, it was announced by the Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) that BridgeClimb Sydney had been unsuccessful in its bid to win a new 20-year contract to operate on the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

The world-famous experience was also a world first, pioneered and brought to government by our Chairman and Founder Paul Cave.

BridgeClimb has summited 4 million Climbers from over 140 countries since opening on 1 October 1998. BridgeClimb turned the Sydney Harbour Bridge from a postcard to a global bucket list experience. The Climb is renowned as a world-class experience and operation, and has an unblemished safety record, without one serious injury in 20 years.

Paul Cave - saying goodbye to
BridgeClimb after 20 years (Rod Eime)

Every aspect of the experience has been carefully crafted and endlessly innovated by BridgeClimb.

Paul thanked all our Climbers and customers, and praised the team for their individual achievement in creating a globally renowned tourism experience. He thanked all of BridgeClimb’s business and tourism agency partners for their support.

He said ‘it has been a privilege for us to make a hero of the Bridge, and of every Climber on every Climb. We will continue to create unforgettable memories until our final Climber.’

He added ‘our team have worked tirelessly to deliver the ultimate experience of Sydney. Over 1,500 team members have made a hero of the Bridge, and of every single Climber and visitor since 1998. Every one of our past and present team can hold their heads high on what we have created together. The team and our customers are our immediate priority.’

BridgeClimb also thanked the Sydney Harbour Bridge Workers past and present who maintain the mighty Sydney Harbour Bridge.

For all Customers booked up until 30 September 2018, BridgeClimb will be Climbing as usual. For any customers with Climb bookings for after 30 September 2018, BridgeClimb will be in contact when there is further clarity regarding these bookings.

Paul finished,’ we will not be making any further statements at this time. Our focus is on our customers, our team, and on preserving our brand, equipment and expertise for future opportunities.’

Editor's Note: It's official. Sydney attractions operator, Scenic World, will be the new leaseholder for the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb. 

Canada throws down the gauntlet to Africa with exceptional wildlife encounters

#keepexploring

Canada is rivalling the world's iconic wildlife destinations as a prime location for animal encounters, voted second behind Africa in the Readers' Choice edition of International Traveller magazine.

More than 3000 readers divulged their favourite place, 'Where you go to be one with wildlife and nature', with Canada coming in ahead of New Zealand, Malaysia, and Galapagos.

"Increasingly, Aussie travellers are choosing Canada to tick of their bucket-list dreams, including getting up close with awe-inspiring fauna in their natural habitat," said Donna Campbell, Managing Director, Destination Canada GSA.

"The stunning vistas of the Canadian Rockies, the vast, mountainous wilderness of places like Yukon Territory and Northwest Territories, and the Arctic tundra of Manitoba, are as mind-blowing as the wildlife that live there."

Aussies are exploring Canada in increasing numbers each year, playing wildlife bingo with Canada's 'Big Five'. Just which creatures make up the 'five' is a matter of opinion and could include moose, bear, elk, wolf, whale, bison, caribou, and bighorn sheep, to name a few.

"Our Big Five are frequently encountered during road or boat trips through Canada's west, but Canada's diverse forest habitats mean you're bound to witness unique fauna right across the country, from enormous bison and quirky mountain goats, to our smaller critters, such as beavers, porcupines and countless bird species."

Canada's arctic animals, most easily viewed in the central province of Manitoba, include the polar bear, arctic fox, beluga whale, and the mystical narwhal.

Bird watchers have the best chance of viewing bald eagles in British Columbia, while Witless Bay Ecological Reserve in Newfoundland and Labrador is home to more than 500,000 Atlantic puffins, with their distinctive black and white plumage, and bright orange beaks.

"Whether travelling solo, in a group, or with family, many Aussies are taking advantage of the numerous wildlife packages that are available through local tour operators, taking the stress out of planning their holiday," said Donna.

"Outfitters like Adventure World offer polar bear tours that allow you to come face-to-face with these humbling beasts from the comfort of Polar Rover vehicles, while Intrepid and Canada and Alaska Specialist Holidays provide tours of the Rockies and self-drive itineraries, including world-class whale watching and wildlife spotting."

Other heart-stopping Canadian wildlife experiences include witnessing the thundering caribou migration, locking eyes with the elusive Spirit Bear, snorkelling with friendly beluga whales, and watching the rivers run red during the salmon run, as thousands of fish swim upstream, attracting eagles and other predators along the way.

"Canada's wildlife experiences offer so much more than just animal encounters," said Donna. "Travellers have the chance to immerse themselves in pristine wilderness, learn about the First Nations people who live there still, and get to know the friendly locals, who often become lifelong friends."

GETTING THERE

Air Canada offers daily direct flights to Vancouver from Sydney and Brisbane. Additionally, Air Canada has now commenced year-round direct flights from Melbourne to Vancouver from June 2018. Direct flights from Sydney to Vancouver are also available on Qantas.

www.keepexploring.com.au

Major Adelaide Airport expansion announced

Work will begin this month on an A$165 million expansion of Adelaide Airport’s main terminal in South Australia.




Announced today, the expansion will significantly improve the arrivals and departures experience for international passengers and create more retail and dining options for domestic and international travellers.

The overall terminal footprint will be increased by 16,500sq m with the retail area growing by more than 80 per cent to 7257sq m.

Due for completion in 2021, the project is the largest upgrade at the airport since the existing terminal was opened in 2005.

Carriers offering international services in and out of Adelaide include China Southern Airlines, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific and Air New Zealand.

International passenger numbers at Adelaide Airport have almost tripled since 2005, highlighting the importance of the upgrade.

International upgrades will include a second, longer baggage belt for arrivals, more space for emigration and immigration processing, expanded security screening, a larger duty free precinct for arrivals and departures, and expanded dining and retail options.

Other improvements include a complete refurbishment of retail areas, a new common user premium international lounge, relocation of the Virgin Australia Lounge and
an expansion of office space for terminal tenants including airlines and regulatory agencies.

Adelaide Airport Managing Director Mark Young said the terminal expansion would allow them to be fit-for-purpose based on growth forecasts.

“Our aim is to provide a seamless, connected experience from the time you drive into the airport until you board your aircraft, and vice versa,” Young said.

“While we still have sufficient gate capacity to meet future forecast growth in the number of flights, we’re reaching capacity within the terminal.

Adelaide Airport Chairman Rob Chapman said creating additional space would open up more options when negotiating new services and destinations with international airline partners.

“We believe Adelaide Airport has the best airport terminal in Australia, and this expansion will allow us to continue to offer the high level of customer service that our travellers expect,” he said.

A $50 million, 165-room Atura hotel with direct links to the existing terminal is expected to open in the December 2018 Quarter.

South Australian Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment David Ridgway said the redevelopment will help South Australia attract more international airlines and accommodate more air services.

“It’s certainly very encouraging to see private sector investment of this scale in South Australia and I would like to congratulate Adelaide Airport on this significant investment,” he said.

Traveloscopy | 

Let Lake Macquarie Float Your Boat #NSW

Flotilla of boats set to light up the Lake

Lake Macquarie is set to twinkle this month with dozens of boats lighting up winter skies during the region's perennial favourite boating regatta Float Your Boat – an event where passionate boat owners are encouraged to decorate their vessels and take part in a parade around the Lake.

The event, hosted by Lake Macquarie City Council, presents boating fans an opportunity to decorate their vessels with lights and colour in a dazzling display of creativity and, to literally, light up the Lake. Last year's inaugural Float Your Boat event had more than 23 boats extravagantly decorated with an array of lights - from whales and turtles to dragons and stars, leaving spectators eager to see what competitors bring to the Lake this year.

Held on June 22 and 23, and with $4000 in cash prizes on offer, the event will feature two flotilla parades following a course from Marmong Point Marina to Toronto, Coal Point, Fishing Point and Wangi Wangi on the first night, and then on the second night, from Marmong Point Marina to Warners Bay, Eleebana and Valentine to Belmont.

Spectators will delight in the foreshore celebrations featuring live music, food and entertainment. While this may seem all fun and games, the night also requires a little more than just sitting back and enjoying the passing floating light displays.  The community's judgement is needed to cast their votes on social media for the People's Choice Award – that comes with a prize of $2000. Additional prizes packages include two Mayor's Best Boat Awards, 10m and over, and 5m and over – each with a prize value of $1000.

Spectators aren't forgotten when it comes to amazing prizes either. Float Your Boat will also offer a chance to win a $1500 boat cruise by uploading event photos on social media with the hashtag, #fyb2018.

Float Your Boat holds its place as one of Lake Macquarie favourite family friendly events and it's easy to see why.

Why not make a weekend of it?

Winter dining on the Lake

In times of cooler weather, dining on the Lake takes on a magical quality, with heated outdoor areas, cosy winter menus and seasonal events aplenty. The iconic Salina is offering a new menu in its intimate heated courtyard, and Crusoe's on the Lake showcases a stunning view and menu that's equally inviting.

Cosy accommodation

There's a wide range of cosy accommodation to enjoy during your Lake Macquarie getaway, from mountain hideaways to lakeside retreats to ward off the winter chill:

The Esplanade Motel, Warners Bay

Shack up lakeside in the newly renovated Esplanade Motel, conveniently situated just a stone's throw from the boutiques and restaurants of Warners Bay, and a short stroll to the northern end of the Lake.

Bluebell Retreat

Set on the eastern shore of the Lake, Bluebell Retreat is the ultimate relaxation retreat. Enjoy the expansive bushland setting and prime water views to watch the winter sun set at this eco-award winning house, which accommodates up to six.

Caves Coastal Bar and Bungalows

Enjoying a prime position in the dunes, Caves Beachside Hotel offers a mix of beach suites, villas and townhouses accessed by Hamptons-style timber boardwalks. Enjoy incredible sunset views from your balcony, or soak up the winter rays by the pool.

Selby Cottage

A turn of the century charming blue weatherboard, nestled on the banks of Lake Macquarie, is the perfect place to relax and unwind. Selby Cottage is a self-contained private cottage surrounded by luscious gardens with water lapping the veranda.

To plan your winter adventure or discover more of what Lake Macquarie has to offer, please visit: http://www.visitlakemac.com.au

Helsinki in heavy metal alliance with Tallinn

#helsinki

In Finland, a tough competition is underway to see which city earns the global title of Capital of Metal. We already know that Finland has more metal bands per capita than any other country. Now, The Capital of Metal campaign is determining which Finnish city deserves to be known internationally as the Capital of Metal. As the end of the contest draws closer, the top places are occupied by two eastern Finnish locations: Lemi and Joensuu. This represents a significant challenge to the national capital, Helsinki. In response, it is reaching out with an international request for help. Helsinki proposes forming a double metropolis together with its neighbour across the Gulf of Finland: Tallinn, the capital of Estonia.

Helsinki's elected officials and its metal fans believe that Helsinki needs to up the ante in view of Eastern Finland's domination of the contest. To this end, Helsinki is asking Tallinn to join it and form a double city, Hellinn, allowing Estonian metal bands to lend Helsinki a hand.

"Helsinki is a focal point for metal fans everywhere, and it's the home of the Tuska Festival," says Nasima Razmyar, Helsinki's deputy mayor for culture and leisure. "We deserve the title Capital of Metal, but as is often the case, you attain success by reaching out to strategic partners. That's why we're suggesting teaming up with Tallinn. In this fierce contest, the strength of the greater Helsinki metropolitan area is coming up short against the leading duo of Lemi and Joensuu. We need an international boost."

As part of the new Hellinn region, Estonian bands would be able to visit the Capital of Metal website and join forces with their peers in Helsinki. This would also represent a step towards the long-awaited process of making the two cities into a unified region.

"Metal music knows no borders," says Jussi69, a mainstay of metal in Helsinki and a member of the band The 69 Eyes. "We believe that Tallinn's metal bands and fans will answer our call. Together we'll raise the flag of a new, double city – long live Hellinn! Long live rock, peace and love!"

Capital of Metal contest continues through June 20

Finnish bands can add their info to the Capital of Metal website through June 20. The organisers will announce the winner of the Capital of Metal title – the municipality with the most metal bands per capita – on June 21. If the heavy metal brothers and sisters of Estonia decide to heed Helsinki's call and contribute their help, then bands from Estonia can also participate in the remaining phase of the campaign. The request is being submitted to the City of Tallinn and the Estonian metal community. Helsinki looks forward to hearing their response.

Fans of Finnish heavy metal around the world can participate by "liking" their favourite bands on the Capital of Metal website: www.capitalofmetal.fi. Participating bands and fans enter a draw for record shop gift certificates. Participants tagging Estonian bands to Hellinn on the website also have a chance to win a VIP trip to Tuska Open Air Metal Festival in Helsinki June 29 – July 1.

The Capital of Metal campaign is backed by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland, Sony Music Finland, Tuska Open Air Metal Festival, Musamaailma instrument and gear shop, Record Shop X and the cities of Helsinki, Joensuu, Jyväskylä, Kemi, Kuopio, Lahti, Lappeenranta, Oulu, Tampere and Vaasa – as well as all the other metal cities and towns of Finland, of course.

www.capitalofmetal.fi

Australia’s largest hotel fish-tank revealed

Australia’s largest hotel fish-tank has been unveiled at the Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour today, providing a spectacularly vivid welcome to Sydney for visitors from around the world.

The aquarium is a central focus for all guests arriving at the hotel, with the 12 metre, 12,000 litres fish-tank boasting over 50 marine species, including many fish varieties from ‘The Tank Gang’, which starred in ‘Finding Nemo’, the famous animated film set in Sydney Harbour and along Australia’s east coast..

The tropical aquarium is designed to evoke Australia's Great Barrier Reef, and features many of the fish that appeared in Nemo, such as the Ocellaris Orange Clownfish, Ocellaris Black and White Clownfish, and Damselfish, along with Barrier Reef Chromis, Green Chromis, Humbugs, Blue Lined Surgeon, and Flame Anthias.

The giant fish-tank is the inspiration of the Sofitel’s owner, Dr Jerry Schwartz, who has introduced aquariums to a number of his other hotels in Sydney and the Blue Mountains.

“Australia is dominated by its seascape, and we wanted to give visitors a really meaningful and vivid experience when they checked in,” said Dr Schwartz.

“We have had tremendous reactions wherever we’ve installed fish-tanks because they are not only so colourful, they provide a very calming experience, especially after someone has flown around the world to get to Sydney.

“Of course, this aquarium had to be particularly memorable given that the Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour was the city’s first new-build international 5-star hotel this millennium and is housed in such a prominent building.

“Just like our guests, the fish originate from all over the world, and even if our guests can’t get to places like the Great Barrier Reef to see ‘Nemo’ and his friends in the wild, they will be able to appreciate them during their stay in Sydney”.

Fiji Airways to be first oneworld connect partner

Introducing oneworld connect - a new way for airlines to link to the world's premier alliance

·      Fiji Airways to be first oneworld connect partner
·      Talks progressing with other carriers from around the world

oneworld today launches a new platform for linking up to the world's premier airline alliance – enabling customers to enjoy more services and benefits across an even more extensive global network.

The first airline to join in the new capacity as a oneworld connect partner will be Fiji Airways.

A date will be announced in due course for when Fiji Airways will start offering oneworld connect services and benefits (see below).  Meantime, it is business as usual.

oneworld connect is the first new membership platform unveiled by oneworld since the alliance was originally announced 20 years ago.

oneworld is in discussion with other carriers interested in participating in the programme, from various parts of the world including the Americas, Asia-Pacific and Europe.

Each oneworld connect partner will need to have a minimum of three oneworld members as its sponsors to be initiated into the programme.  The initial oneworld sponsors of Fiji Airways will be all four of oneworld's original founding members - American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific and Qantas.  The Australian carrier will additionally mentor Fiji Airways through its oneworld connect implementation process.

American Airlines, Cathay Pacific and Qantas already code-share and have frequent flyer links with Fiji Airways.  British Airways and Fiji Airways are currently discussing areas for potential bilateral cooperation.

What oneworld connect means for customers

oneworld connect partners will provide select alliance benefits to frequent flyers from any oneworld member airline travelling on their flights, with a more extensive range of benefits offered with their oneworld sponsors.

Customers with Emerald, Sapphire or Ruby status in any oneworld member airline's frequent flyer programme will be able to use priority check-in desks, where available.  Also, customers with Emerald or Sapphire status will be offered priority boarding.

The additional benefits offered by oneworld connect partners to customers from their oneworld sponsors and vice versa include:

·      Through check-in of passengers and their baggage for journeys including connections between a connect carrier and any of its oneworld sponsors.

·      The ability to earn and redeem frequent flyer rewards, and earn frequent flyer status points, for eligible flights.  (For customers from oneworld connect airlines, these benefits depend on the oneworld connect partner offering a frequent flyer programme.)

·      Access to select lounges at key airports for First or Business Class passengers or those with eligible top-tier frequent flyer status.

Select other customer benefits may also be offered between oneworld connect partners and their oneworld sponsor airlines.

All oneworld connect partners will make their networks available via Global Explorer, the round-the-world fare offered by all oneworld members and select other airlines.   Fiji Airways already does so.

All oneworld connect partners will be required to maintain IATA IOSA safety certification.

oneworld's regular range of services and benefits remain in place for customers flying with the alliance's full member airlines and their affiliates.

CEOs explain oneworld connect's strategic rationale

oneworld Governing Board Chairman Pekka Vauramo, CEO of Finnair, said: "In the 20 years since oneworld's conception in 1998, global airline alliances have expanded their breadth to the extent that they now account for 60 per cent of total industry revenues and capacity globally, and 70 per cent of revenues between the world's top 125 business city airports.

"With most of the world's biggest airlines already signed up, global airline alliances have reached maturity, In the future, oneworld will target as full members large airlines that have a significant presence in the alliance's prime target market, providing connections between the world's leading business centres.  Meantime, oneworld connect enables us to bring together more airlines to complement the alliance's global leaders, so customers can earn rewards and feel recognised while travelling even further."

oneworld CEO Rob Gurney added: "oneworld's current network of more than 1,000 destinations in 150 plus territories offers far-reaching global coverage, but there are still some regions where we would like to strengthen our presence further.  With fewer potential new candidates available to recruit based on our established membership criteria, oneworld connect enables us to link up with other airlines whose networks are relevant to a subset of our members, who cannot meet oneworld's full membership requirements at this stage or who are not interested in full membership at present.

"This enables us and them to offer our customers more services and benefits across an even wider network and strengthen our relationship going forward, with a streamlined and rapid path to full membership later on where it makes sense for all parties."

Fiji Airways CEO Andre Viljoenstated: "Fiji Airways is thrilled and honoured to be the first oneworld connect partner globally.  We are delighted to link Fiji, and the South Pacific to  the world's premier airline alliance and further deepen our relationships in particular with Qantas, American Airlines, British Airways and Cathay Pacific.  This important step for our airline enables us to offer more services and benefits to our own customers along with the others in the oneworld family, to achieve a greater presence for our airline internationally and to build on the in-bound tourism that is so vital to our home nation and our region."

Qantas Group CEO Alan Joyce said: "As a oneworld founding member, it is great to see the alliance evolve to bring additional benefits to more customers and expand its joint network. We've worked closely with Fiji Airways for many years and are pleased to serve as its mentor as it comes on board as the first oneworld connect partner."

American Airlines Chairman and CEO Doug Parkeradded: "As another oneworld founding member, American Airlines is excited to be playing our part in this latest key development for what has become the world's premier airline alliance, now making access to the South Pacific more attractive than ever."

British Airways Chairman and CEO Alex Cruzstated: "British Airways looks forward to developing links with Fiji Airways as a oneworld connect partner and sponsor, for the benefit of both our airlines, our customers and the wider oneworld community."

Cathay Pacific Chief Executive Officer Rupert Hoggconcluded: "Cathay Pacific was proud to play our part in founding oneworld 20 years ago and establishing it as the leading quality alliance – and we are proud today to be playing our part again in getting this exciting new membership platform oneworld connect off the ground, as a sponsor of our long-term code-share partner Fiji Airways."

http://www.oneworld-connect.com/