Qantas Lowers Frequent Flyer Charges

The Qantas Group has reduced charges for Frequent Flyer redemption bookings by up to $130 and will move to gradually restructure its international tariffs so that fuel surcharges are absorbed into base fares.

Overall fares will not change as a consequence of the surcharge gradually being absorbed into base fares, as prices advertised to customers already include taxes and charges. Qantas will continue to price competitively, with fares moving in line with the broader market.

While global fuel prices have fallen in recent months, international air fares are extremely competitive and are significantly lower than when surcharges were first introduced 10 years ago.

In Flight

Given the size of the Qantas International network the process to absorb fuel surcharges into international base fares for up to 200 destinations will take time. As overall fares are not changing, customers will not be disadvantaged.

This change to Qantas' international fare structure is in addition to its regular sales activity. Last week, the airline lowered economy fares to Asia, the US and Europe by more than $300 as part of a sale.

From tomorrow, fuel-related charges that currently apply to Frequent Flyer on Qantas and Jetstar Classic Award redemption bookings will fall by up to $110 in Economy and up to $130 in Premium Economy on some routes for a return flight. Reductions will vary across the network but average around 14 per cent.

There is no change to redemption or earn rates, with the cut delivering a tangible benefit to Frequent Flyers.

Qantas Group CEO, Alan Joyce, said: “If you look at the trends in global aviation over the past decade, costs and competition have been increasing while fares and airline margins have been falling.

“The dynamics of this market have seen Qantas International post significant losses in the past two years. Even now, yields remain significantly below pre-GFC levels and like the rest of the industry our strategy is to keep strengthening them.

“Factoring in lower fuel prices, IATA estimates that the net profit airlines make per passenger this year will rise by just $1 compared with last year, from $6 to $7.

“In a highly competitive environment where customers are already paying less than they were several years ago, lower oil prices can help put the industry on a more sustainable footing. It means airlines are in a better position to invest in the new aircraft, new lounges and new routes that ultimately benefit customers,” he said.

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Good Morning Britain to broadcast live from Sydney

Destination NSW has secured leading UK television program, Good Morning Britain, to film in Sydney as part of a joint initiative with Tourism Australia including a live cross from Sydney’s Luna Park, on Tuesday 27 January 2015.

Good Morning Britain is UK television channel ITV Breakfast’s early morning news and lifestyle show. This will be the network’s first visit to Sydney. The visit includes a live broadcast which will take place from Sydney’s Luna Park, against a spectacular Sydney Harbour backdrop, on Tuesday 27 January.

Hosted by Good Morning Britain Presenter, Sean Fletcher, the show will also feature a performance by the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, special furry guests from Featherdale Wildlife Park and an interview with renowned ex-pat chef, Michael Moore who will be tempting viewers with spectacular seafood.

Sean Fletcher and the crew will also visit The Grounds in Alexandria, Bondi Beach and Sydney’s famous Gelato Messina as well as experiencing a BridgeClimb of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Sean will also appear live on the Seven Network’s Sunrise on Wednesday 28 January 2015.

Sandra Chipchase, CEO of Destination NSW, said “We’re delighted to welcome the Good Morning Britain team to Sydney and have the chance to show just some of our amazing city to the Brits.

“The United Kingdom is one of our primary Tourism markets attracting 340,984 visitors to NSW annually, who on average spend 25 nights in our fabulous state.

“There’s plenty to see and do whilst they’re here and a thrilling calendar of events means Sydney is always buzzing - in February Sydney will host the ICC Cricket World Cup, in March, Handa Opera on the Harbour stages its production of Aida, and come Winter, the entire city is bathed in a lighting spectacular when Sydney’s most prized event, the Vivid Sydney festival, takes over the city over 18 days.

“Having the Good Morning Britain team in Sydney presents a great opportunity to showcase Sydney to this important market,” said Ms Chipchase.

Sean Fletcher, Presenter of Good Morning Britain, is looking forward to heading to Sydney.

“I've travelled extensively around the world...Europe, North and South America, Africa and India. The one place I've always wanted to visit is Australia and judging by the list of activities and events we have in store next week on Good Morning Britain, it's a trip I won't forget in a hurry. There are so many elements I'm looking forward to, the beaches, meeting the Australian people and maybe a bridge walk... if I can get over my fear of heights!” said Mr Fletcher.

For more information on Sydney go to www.sydney.com

Whale Swim in Tonga - special offer

Two Free Nights and Free Tours on Whale Swim Holidays in Tonga

Book by February 28, 2015

Two nights’ accommodation in Tonga and two local day tours will be included for free on three new, all-inclusive’ whale swim holiday packages this July and August offered by Majestic Whale Encounters, with savings of up to $940 per couple available.

An Australian-based eco operator, Majestic Whale Encounters runs a range of whale-swim holidays in Tonga for a maximum of eight people per group staying in casual beachside fales on the idyllic coral island of Foa in Tonga’s Ha’apai group of islands, 40 minutes north by air from the capital, Nuku’alofa.

During the personalised eco tours, snorkellers swim with the majestic mammals, which measure up to 19m long, while maintaining safe, non-invasive guidelines set by the Responsible Whale Watching code in Tonga.

The new nine-night holiday package includes seven nights’ stay at a beachside bungalow on Ha’apai island, as well as the two free nights at the start of the trip at one of two selected lodges on Tongatapu (Tonga’s main island), all meals (expect one dinner on Tongatapu), five days on the water with the whales, accompanied by an experienced guide, whale swim equipment, all transfers, and return airfares from Tongatapu to Ha’apai.

Travellers can also choose two of four Tongatapu day tours on offer for free, including the Fua’amotu Swimming Safari, where they can enjoy one of the island’s best swimming spots, a tour which includes visits to the Royal Palace, Royal Tombs, and the picturesque Otuhaka Beach, a tour of Oholei Beach and Hina Cave, including a cultural performance and a Traditional Tongan Umu-underground oven style lunch, and the popular tour to Fafa Island, one of Tongatapu’s offshore resorts.

The special is priced from $3900 per person, twin-share, including the saving of $470 per person, or $940 per couple. Flights to Tonga from Australia (five hours direct) with Virgin Australia or from New Zealand with Air New Zealand and Virgin are extra.

The special will be on offer until February 28, 2015, valid for nine-night holidays starting on July 28, August 4 and August 20, 2015.

“Swimming with whales is an exhilarating and memorable experience,” said Majestic Whale Encounter Managing Director, Carmen Ellis. “The humpbacks are so gentle and radiate warmth and of course Tonga with its beautiful islands, warm, translucent waters and friendly locals provides the perfect setting to meet these spiritual creatures,” Carmen said.

For bookings or information, call Majestic Whale Encounters on 0405 594 253 or visit www.majesticwhaleencounters.com.au

Celebrate Canberra's Annual Summerside Festival this February

The annual Summerside Festival is shaping up to be wonderful example of the Canberra region's rich food and wine offering with a calendar full of summer-themed events.

Celebrating everything good about summer in the region, this month-long festival from Saturday 31 January to Sunday 1 March is full of dining events celebrating local and seasonal produce, opportunities to taste the best of the region's wines as well as exciting performances, events and exhibitions.

The Summerside Festival is presented by the members of The Poacher’s Way

Embrace the warmer weather this February with a morning horse ride, lazy long lunch, chocolate or wine tasting, film under the stars or an afternoon of live music. Or why not make a weekend of it at one of the festival's accommodation providers before finishing it off with a degustation dining experience?

Meet the locals during Summerside Festival when East Hotel once again plays host to a number of local wineries. Every Friday evening during February, a handful of the regions finest wineries will head to Kingston to peddle their wares the old fashioned way - taste and talk.

Make the most of the beautiful summer mornings and balmy summer evenings with a horse ride through the trails at Burnelee Excursions on Horseback during the festival. Explore a beautiful grazing property on horseback and, on twilight rides, relax back at Burnelee with a tasting of Poachers Pantry's award-winning smoked meats, accompanied by a sample of Eden Road Wines.

Try your hand at wine and cheese matching with Janet Gavey from The Essential Ingredient explaining cheese-making techniques and Jim Lumbers, owner of Lerida Estate, discussing Lerida's winemaking styles and techniques and which wines he considers a suitable match for the respective cheeses.

Embark on a 'Journey of Flavours' at the Poachers Pantry Degustation Dinner on 7 February. The Deconstructed Degustation is a sensational food and wine experience in four distinct chapters starting at Lennox Gardens before moving out to the Wily Trout vineyard and Poachers Pantry Smokehouse.

The Summerside Festival is presented by the members of The Poacher's Way, which brings together a collection of local artists, chefs, winemakers, accommodation hosts who each have a fascinating story to tell and a wonderful product to share. www.thepoachersway.com.au

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Mantra Group to Manage BreakFree on Cashel Street Christchurch

The continuing renaissance of Christchurch is set for further rejuvenation with Mantra Group announcing it will manage the fully reconstructed 263 room hotel located at 165 Cashel Street when it reopens in April 2015 as the BreakFree on Cashel Christchurch.



The hotel, formerly the All Seasons, closed after the February 2011 earthquakes, was a highly successful concept and the largest hotel in the South Island. Due to its prime central city location and contemporary urban design, the property quickly established itself as one of Christchurch's leading hotels, on the strength of robust demand from business, leisure and group sources.

The property was originally constructed in 1987 as a commercial office building and two decades later was retrofitted to become Hotel So – New Zealand's first blend of traditional and pod style accommodation designed for the discerning modern day traveller with a budget in mind.

An extensive refurbishment and redesign of the hotel has been underway since new owners – Auckland based Russell Property Group and an investment partner – purchased the property in January 2014. This includes an expanded ground floor café/restaurant and the inclusion of a number of high quality traditional hotel rooms located on the top floor executive level.

Russell Property Group Managing Director Brett Russell said it was pleasing to be part of the Christchurch resurgence:

“A total investment of over $30m has been committed to the project, which will also see the hotel reach a Grade A seismic rating, incorporate a new exterior façade and provide an active and expanded ground floor opening onto Cashel Street. This will undoubtedly revive what arguably the City's most popular hotel by offering modern and vibrant, yet a highly affordable accommodation for the tech-savvy business and leisure traveller.

Christchurch & Canterbury CEO Tim Hunter said that with the city centre revival ramping visitors are returning to see the new inner city take shape:

“With the $40 billion rebuild gathering momentum and 90% of the pre- earthquake tourism activities back in operation the city is being enjoyed by many more visitors this summer. More than 35 new restaurant, bars and cafes have opened in the inner city in the past six months, fantastic new architecture is emerging and Christchurch is again becoming a focal point for tourism in the South Island.”

BreakFree on Cashel is strategically and centrally located on Cashel Street to capture a large and diverse range of corporate and leisure business. The hotel is in close proximity to the revitalised Cashel Mall and in the vicinity of many new and exciting projects currently underway; the Justice Precinct; the Central Bus Interchange; the new sports stadium and the Convention Centre.

CEO Mantra Group CEO Bob East noted the importance of the development both to the city of Christchurch and to Mantra Group's New Zealand network:

“Christchurch is fast returning to the vibrant tourism and business precinct for which it has been known. We are pleased to have a significant presence in the city's resurgence by filling a gap in the accommodation market with the 263 room BreakFree on Cashel; the largest 3-4 star hotel in Christchurch,” he said.

The remodelled hotel consists of 263 stylish hotel rooms; a contemporary and funky interactive Café/Restaurant & Bar; Breakfast Room, Guest Lounge; a conference room catering for up to 80 people and two boardroom style meeting spaces with capacity for 20 people; 24 hour reception; internet kiosk; guest laundry and onsite parking.

The redevelopment incorporates some of the latest smart technology throughout the hotel recognising the importance of technology for discerning travellers. These include high-definition and interactive digital entertainment systems and advanced communication and information capabilities. Plans for self check-in kiosks to be implemented late 2016 will further provide guests with capabilities rarely experienced at such affordable levels.

Dean Humphries, National Director of Hotels for Colliers International was responsible for sourcing and negotiating the management agreement on behalf of the owners.

Mantra Group also manages the award-winning Peppers Clearwater Resort situated 7 kilometres from the centre of Christchurch. BreakFree on Cashel will bring the total number of Mantra Group hotels in New Zealand to 11 but this is the very first traditional hotel concept under the BreakFree brand. The Group also manages BreakFree on the Point and BreakFree The Waterfront both in Queenstown as serviced apartment properties.

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Australia's Walking and Hiking Hotspots for 2015

With the rise of numerous award-winning adventure films over the last 12 months – think Tracks and Wild – a leading travel experience provider has reported a 35% increase in walking and hiking tour bookings.

With hundreds of epic hiking trails to choose from, Experience Oz has released a shortlist of Australia's must-experience walking and hiking hotspots for 2015.

Blue Mountains, NSW

From coastal scenery dotted with pristine lakes to red deserts scattered with rugged gorges and canyons, it's no surprise that hiking and day walks are increasing in popularity around the country.

Experience Oz Digital Marketing Manager Matt Hobbs said hikes and walks are not only for the professionals, but for any outdoor enthusiast who was keen to experience the stunning natural beauty Australia has to offer.

“As the saying goes, 'Everywhere is walking distance if you make the time', and Australia is renowned for having some truly incredible walking and hiking tracks, so we encourage all outdoor enthusiasts to discover the hidden treasures that are just waiting to be enjoyed,” Mr Hobbs said.

“The geographical diversity of Australia ensures there's something for everyone. Enthusiasts can really get out there and conquer the more challenging hikes, while there are great options for beginners too.”

Mr Hobbs said a growing number of Australians are taking up hiking or walking, and tourists are also keen to check out Australia's stunning world-renowned landscapes, whether it's to feel the sand between their toes on a deserted beach or enjoy uninterrupted views of rugged terrain.

“From families experiencing the great outdoors on easy bush walking trails to the more serious adventurer, walking and hiking appears to be an ever-growing trend – evident in the increased number of bookings we have been receiving for our guided tours,” he said.

“To make it easier for those who share a passion for exploring our great country, we've identified where to go and the best time to visit, so that people can easily make the time to walk and explore this magnificent land from a different perspective.”

Experience Oz offers a range of walking experiences, including multi-day and single-day tours, guided or non-guided, and some with food, beverage and accommodation options or inclusions. For more information, please visit http://www.experienceoz.com.au/australias-walking-hotspots.

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'The Long Paddock Cattle Drive' an Exclusive Horse Riding Adventure for Outback NSW

Announcing a brand new horse riding adventure 'The Long Paddock Cattle Drive'



In my wild erratic fancy visions come to me of Clancy
Gone a-droving “down the Cooper” where the western drovers go;
As the stock are slowly stringing, Clancy rides behind them singing,
For the drover's life has pleasures that the townsfolk never know.

And the bush hath friends to meet him, and their kindly voices greet him
In the murmur of the breezes and the river on its bars,
And he sees the vision splendid of the sunlit plains extended,
And at night the wondrous glory of the everlasting stars.

Banjo Patterson aptly described the romance and freedom that Australian's have always associated with the life of a drover. There is an undeniable connection to our sense of identity that is tied to horses, cattle and the wide open skies of the Australian bush.

Being offered for the first time in 2015, The Long Paddock Cattle Drive is an exclusive horse riding adventure limited to just 40 riders per year. The all inclusive adventure is an easy 3 hours drive north of Melbourne.

For the first time in NSW, guests will be able to move a mob of 500 cattle across the majestic Hay Plains (recognised as the flattest place on earth) over the course of a weekend while enjoying an unprecedented level of luxury. Guests will enjoy locally sourced gourmet food and wine and good old fashioned camp cooking. The adventure caters for all levels of experience with riders given different positions behind the mob based on their confidence. With an instructor for every 4 riders, it is expected that riders will develop their skills significantly over the course of the weekend. It's time to stop thinking and just start doing.

The ride will begin at Wanganellla, (40km north of Deniliquin) in southern NSW and riders can expect to do about 10 hours of riding over two days.

Last year Pete McCrabb, president of the Long Paddock tourism project was out on the road with a mob of cattle when the idea for the Cattle Drive hit him.

“One of my best mates had a mob of 500 cattle on the road and a few of us came out for a day's riding to lend the drovers a hand. Around the fire that night, we were talking with the drovers, Will and Ronnie Atiken, who had spent their life on the road, were always amazed at how many travellers stopped them during the day for a yarn and a nod to their way of life,” said Mr McCrabb.

“I will admit that quite a few ales had been consumed by that time, but almost immediately, everyone around the fire had the same thought - let's get people back to the bush to have a real droving experience. We had the cattle, the drovers and the horses so we could make it as easy as possible for people to spend an unforgettable weekend riding out on the Hay Plains. We wanted to make the Cattle Drive all inclusive so all people had to do was bring themselves – everything from their horse to their towels would be provided. We wanted to take away the excuses we all use to not allow ourselves a great adventure. Now you have the opportunity to just do it.” added Mr McCrabb.

What was just a seed of an idea two years ago is now an exclusive riding adventure open to anyone with a love of horses. The experience is limited to two weekends in May with just 20 riders joining the drove on each ride. With an instructor for every four riders, it is expected that guests will develop their riding skills over the course of the weekend, while more experienced riders will rise to the challenge. While there are other cattle droving experiences available, the Long Paddock Cattle Drive offers a level of luxury that is unprecedented on this type of adventure, including locally sourced gourmet food and wine.

And while the focus for the weekend, which starts at Wanganella, is on living the life of drover there are a few nods to the modern conveniences of life. “I love a billy tea but I will be lining up for my cappuccino in the morning with everyone else,” joked Mr McCrabb.

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