5-star check in: Outrigger Beach Club Port Douglas welcomes its first official guests

 Passing through the resort’s open-air lobby pavilion, the first guests of the brand new 5-star Outrigger Beach Club Port Douglas have checked in as the resort officially opened its doors on October 1, 2006.

 Hailing from Sydney’s Eastern suburbs, the Psihoyos family were greeted by the resort’s nine-metre waterfall tumbling into the striking lagoon pool, as they swapped Bondi for the Beach Club.

 At the helm of Outrigger Beach Club Port Douglas is General Manager, Tony Allocca, who believes the resort represents a new standard of luxury accommodation in the region, achieving overwhelming occupancy levels during its first week of official operation and attracting bookings from as far as New South Wales, Victoria and the United States.

 “The response to the resort has been very positive and we’re looking forward to providing an exceptional level of service and accommodation. We’re absolutely thrilled to welcome our first guests,” said Mr Allocca.

 Outrigger Beach Club Port Douglas melds classic open-planned architecture with the charm of a century-old Tuscan villa. 100 elegant villa-style suites, complete with private swim-up pool decks, cater to the exclusive needs of the well-heeled traveller.

 The resort is the only 5-star property within easy walking distance to the cosmopolitan dining and retail hub of Macrossan Street and offers a selection of luxurious one, two and three bedroom suites, spa suites and penthouses, some with see-through plunge pools and terraces featuring stunning lagoon views.  Select rooms also feature private swimming pool and sun deck.

Calming water features and lush gardens of tropical flowers and palms reflect thecasual sophistication of Port Douglas and invite guests to experience one of Tropical North Queensland’s most desired vacation destinations in five-star style. 

Outrigger Beach Club Port Douglas offers hotel-style service with 24-hour reception and business facilities, daily servicing, room service and an in-room therapeutic massage service (which can be booked through the tour desk).

The resort is bordered by Davidson, Mowbray and Garrick Streets, and is located directly opposite the Surf Lifesaving Club on Four Mile Beach.

For bookings or enquiries contact the resort direct on 1800 628 966, email [email protected] or visit www.outrigger.com.

ENDS

Further information:                                                                                    Released through:

Lisa Tzanetopoulos                                                               Corina Ammann / Raegen Purse

Outrigger Hotels & Resorts                                                                                      prgallery

Ph: +61 7 5504 0625                                                                                Ph: +61 7 3252 2766

Email: [email protected]                           Email: [email protected] /

                                                [email protected]

About Canberra :

Located on the ancient lands of the Indigenous  Ngunnawal people, Canberra’s name is thought to mean ‘meeting place’, derived from the Aboriginal name Kamberra .  European settlers first came in the 1830’s and the area was chosen for the federal capital in 1908.  Canberra’s special contrast of nature and urban living was planned in 1912 by Walter Burley Griffin, a Chicago architect who won an international design competition.  The provisional Parliament House was opened in 1927 in what was then a treeless paddock.  For more information on Canberra’s history: www.nationalcapital.gov.au

Canberra’s national attractions hold and share the treasures of our nation.  Celebrate Australia’s proud sporting achievements, delve into our unique political history, and reflect on our young nation’s experience on the international stage.  See our country through the eyes or our artists, and experience Australian character through sound and film, books and exhibitions.

Canberra is one of the world’s few planned cities, a city in a park, with golden autumn leaves and glorious spring blooms.  Surrounded by native bushland, Canberra is perfect for getting back to nature.

But hidden beneath the leafy surrounds is a thriving modern city with stylish restaurants, hip bars, boutique shopping, fun for the kids and a busy calendar of events and festivals.

The surrounding region offers more than 30 wineries, historic townships, beautiful coastlines and the famous Snowy Mountains..

Sydney

50 years ago a young Danish architect created a stunning performing arts centre, that put Sydney on the world map forever. The majestic centerpiece of Sydney Harbour, the Sydney Opera House

This tour outlines the fascinating and controversial history of Sydney Opera House. Your guide will bring to life the amazing stories behind this miracle of architecture and engineering. Take in the major venues, where over 2,500 performances are staged each year, and immerse yourself in the dramatic world of Australia’s premier performing arts centre.

The public cannot access the theaters, without purchasing a performance ticket. On this tour you will be guided into both the Drama Theatre and Concert Hall along with other “no access areas”. Also see the beautiful glass foyers boasting spectacular views over Sydney Harbour – a perfect photo opportunity!

Sydney is a sprawling city of over 4 million people, spread over a vast coastal basin, with Sydney Harbour as its centrepiece. Wherever you’re stayng, one of the easiest ways to get a feeling for the geography and all the main points of interest is to start right at the very top – the top of Sydney Tower that is. And What’s On in Sydney readers can save 15% off regular admission with the coupon on this web site. The entrance to Sydney Tower is located at Centrepoint, on the corner of Pitt and Market Streets. Once you’re up on the observation deck, 250 metres above street level, sweeping views stretch out before you.

To the north lies the Harbour Bridge with Circular Quay and the Opera House immediately on its right. You will see all the commuter ferries coming and going including the regular services to Taronga Zoo and Manly beach. Circular Quay is also where most of the popular Harbour cruises operate from. The Rocks – which you will see nestled between the Bridge and Circular Quay – was the site of Sydney’s original colonial settlement but is now a beautifully restored precinct of interesting designer boutiques, galleries, restaurants and bistros.

Looking towards the ocean the view takes in the Harbour and eastern suburbs, with Kings Cross and Double Bay in the foreground, and Bondi Beach in the distance. As you look further towards the south you will see Botany Bay and Sydney Airport. In the west you’ll be able to pick out the distinctive curved roofline of Stadium Australia at Sydney Olympic Park.

These days if you like a bit of a challenge you can do more than just look out from the comfort of the observation deck of restaurants at the top of Sydney Tower. At Skywalk you can actually walk around the outside of the Tower. Dressed in a special protective suit and harnessed to a safety rail, you will be escorted along the purpose-built external platforms by trained guides who point out all the city’s geographical, historical and cultural landmarks from this high adrenaline vantage point. Then comes the real test. If you’re game enough you can venture out onto moving glass-floored platforms directly above the city streets 260 metres below. It’s like walking on air! Called Skywalk, this challenging high-altitude adventure offers day dusk and night walks every day.

Now that you’ve got the city mapped out in your mind, it’s time to grab a bus for Circular Quay and the Opera House, and start exploring.

Superbly located on a promontory that stretches out into the Harbour, the Sydney Opera House is just a short stroll from The Rocks and Circular Quay.
Guided tours operate from 8.30am to 5pm daily.

Once you’re down in the Circular Quay

Sydney is a sprawling city of over 4 million people, spread over a vast coastal basin, with Sydney Harbour as its centrepiece. Wherever you’re stayng, one of the easiest ways to get a feeling for the geography and all the main points of interest is to start right at the very top – the top of Sydney Tower that is. And What’s On in Sydney readers can save 15% off regular admission with the coupon on this web site. The entrance to Sydney Tower is located at Centrepoint, on the corner of Pitt and Market Streets. Once you’re up on the observation deck, 250 metres above street level, sweeping views stretch out before you.

To the north lies the Harbour Bridge with Circular Quay and the Opera House immediately on its right. You will see all the commuter ferries coming and going including the regular services to Taronga Zoo and Manly beach. Circular Quay is also where most of the popular Harbour cruises operate from. The Rocks – which you will see nestled between the Bridge and Circular Quay – was the site of Sydney’s original colonial settlement but is now a beautifully restored precinct of interesting designer boutiques, galleries, restaurants and bistros.

Looking towards the ocean the view takes in the Harbour and eastern suburbs, with Kings Cross and Double Bay in the foreground, and Bondi Beach in the distance. As you look further towards the south you will see Botany Bay and Sydney Airport. In the west you’ll be able to pick out the distinctive curved roofline of Stadium Australia at Sydney Olympic Park.

These days if you like a bit of a challenge you can do more than just look out from the comfort of the observation deck of restaurants at the top of Sydney Tower. At Skywalk you can actually walk around the outside of the Tower. Dressed in a special protective suit and harnessed to a safety rail, you will be escorted along the purpose-built external platforms by trained guides who point out all the city’s geographical, historical and cultural landmarks from this high adrenaline vantage point. Then comes the real test. If you’re game enough you can venture out onto moving glass-floored platforms directly above the city streets 260 metres below. It’s like walking on air! Called Skywalk, this challenging high-altitude adventure offers day dusk and night walks every day.

Now that you’ve got the city mapped out in your mind, it’s time to grab a bus for Circular Quay and the Opera House, and start exploring.

Superbly located on a promontory that stretches out into the Harbour, the Sydney Opera House is just a short stroll from The Rocks and Circular Quay.
Guided tours operate from 8.30am to 5pm daily.

Once you’re down in the Circular Quay

TOURISM NEW ZEALAND NEWSLETTER – OCTOBER 2006

EVENTS:

Spring has arrived in New Zealand! Enjoy the very best of this year’s colourful garden festivals…

Hunter’s Garden Marlborough – 1 to 6 November Held in Marlborough at the top of the South Island, Hunter’s Garden Martinborough features informative workshops with international gardening experts and fully escorted tours to gardens on the grape-growing plains along the Pacific Coast. Prices start at NZ$45 (£16 approx) for Chelsea Silver Gilt winner Xanthe White’s garden design workshop. www.garden-marlborough.com
Bayley’s Garden and Artfest – 6 to 12 November Eye-catching artwork created by talented local artists will be on display at a selection of gardens in and around Tauranga in the Bay of Plenty, which range from contemporary townhouses to rambling country estates. One-day tickets cost $NZ25 per adult (£8.70 approx) if booked before 3 November. www.gardenandartfest.co.nz
Ellerslie International Flower Show – 15 to 19 November The Ellerslie International Flower Show takes place in Auckland’s Botanical Gardens and is New Zealand’s largest gardening event, showcasing the very best of New Zealand’s horticultural, floral and landscape design. The 100% Pure New Zealand Garden, which featured at the Chelsea Flower Show earlier this year, will be painstakingly rebuilt for Ellerslie. Tickets cost $NZ28 per adult (£9.80 approx), if booked before 31 October. www.ellerslieflowershow.co.nz

Southern Traverse – 4 to 5 November
The annual Southern Traverse takes place on the rivers, lakes and mountains surrounding Queenstown and pits top adventure racers from around New Zealand against each other in a gruelling, 150 kilometre race that includes trekking, mountain biking and kayaking. The course remains a secret from the competitors until the evening prior to the race. In a change of format, this year’s Southern Traverse race has been dramatically shortened from a six-day endurance event to an intense 24-hour race designed to ensure that all teams will finish. Race director Geoff Hunt says “For the front of the field there will intense competition as these athletes race to finish the event in a time of around 15hrs, while the teams at the back should be able to make the finish in just on 24hrs”. www.southerntraverse.com

Rally New Zealand – 17-19 November
The penultimate round of the World Rally Championship is to take place at Mystery Creek in Hamilton, said to be one of the most challenging courses in the competition. The world’s best rally car drivers will compete on New Zealand’s smooth, fast gravel roads. Spectator ticket prices start at $NZ10 (£3.50 approx) per adult. www.rallynz.org.nz

Toast Martinborough Wine, Food and Music Festival – 19 November
Held in Martinborough, in the heart of the Wairarapa near Wellington, Toast Martinborough celebrates the new wine releases of the past year. Each of the participating vineyards features culinary delights from both Wellington’s and Wairarapa’s finest restaurants that are carefully matched to the winemaker’s selection, and served with some of New Zealand’s best live entertainment. A special feature of the event is the opportunity for festival-goers to sample wines from vintages that have sold out but have been held over especially for the festival. Tickets will be on sale from 11 October and sell out within hours of being released. Prices start at from $NZ60 per person (£20 approx). www.toastmartinborough.co.nz

NEWS:

News just in! New Zealand is the coolest of the cool
New Zealand is also the world’s coolest destination, according to the latest CoolBrands survey. CoolBrands was established in 2001 and aims to recognise brands, particularly in the lifestyle and fashion arenas, that have built cool leading edge credentials amongst opinion formers and consumers alike. It has become the barometer of the UK’s coolest brands, people and places. Researchers looked at thousands of brands before selecting 650 to put to a vote by both a panel of 23 ‘style’ judges and the general public. New Zealand’s authenticity, clean air, wilderness luxury and green credentials are all said to be part of its cool appeal. www.superbrands.com/uk/

New Zealand film industry booming
Statistics New Zealand says that film and TV production recorded gross revenues of over $NZ2.6bn (£918m approx) last year, almost equalling the horticulture and forestry industries. Big-budget international film productions, such as King Kong and The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe made in New Zealand contributed a large part of this. Meanwhile, Kiwi film director Peter Jackson has confirmed that he is planning a $NZ76m (£27m approx) re-make of the post-war British movie, The Dam Busters. He will use visual effects created by his Wellington digital studio, Weta, and incorporate factual material not included in the original film. www.stats.govt.nz; www.nzfilm.co.nz

International visitor spend on the up
International visitor spending in New Zealand increased to $6.6bn (£2.3bn approx) in the year to March 2006, up 8.2% on the previous year, according to data released by the Ministry of Tourism. The result includes the 2005 Lions’ Tour which clearly had a positive impact on the UK’s market spend, which increased by 18.5% to $NZ1.1 billion – a gain of $NZ172 million. For further information on the release of International Visitor Survey data, please visit the Ministry of Tourism research website. www.tourismresearch.govt.nz

New Zealand comes second in Condé Nast reader awards
New Zealand has been voted second-best country in the world by Condé Nast Traveller. Thirty thousand readers voted in the awards, naming Italy top country followed by New Zealand and then Australia. Four New Zealand properties were also named by Andrew Harper, editor of the exclusive Hideaway Report, considered by many to be the ultimate luxury travel guide. Andrew Harper, who travels the world incognito reviewing luxury accommodation, featured Huka Lodge in Taupo in fourth place, Glenorchy’s Blanket Bay in sixth and Northland’s Kauri Cliffs in tenth position in his top twenty resorts and hideaways in the world. Eichardt’s of Queenstown took 17th place. www.condenasttraveller.com; www.andrewharper.com

PRODUCT UPDATE:

Swing for your life! New Zealand’s latest high-velocity thrill
Pioneer of the bungy jump, AJ Hackett, has recently launched plans for a high-velocity 125m swing entitle the Nevis Arc, accessed from a 70m-long bridge suspended over Doolan’s Creek in wild and rugged Central Otago, in the heart of the South Island. The arc rope will be attached to a power-driven winding drum above the swing bridge jump platform, and clients will leap out feet or head first attached to the rope by a full body harness. There will be a choice of three arc diameters and positions and it will also be possible to swing tandem with a friend. Further products to be introduced include the ‘Black Box’, a sculptural Bungy platform to be reached by a challenging series of flying foxes and cables. The Nevis Arc is due to be completed in 2007, AJ Hackett’s 20-year anniversary. www.ajhackett.co.nz

Remarkables Lodge launches exclusive wilderness experience on Walter Peak Station
In conjunction with Over the Top Helicopters, the intimate and luxurious Remarkables Lodge, nestling at the foot of the spectacular Remarkables mountain range in Queenstown, is offering an exclusive overnight wilderness walk. Guests are collected from the lodge grounds by helicopter and taken to Cascade hut (with hot water and solar power) in the 65,000 acre Walter Peak hill station. From here, there will be a scenic walk to the beautiful Lake Ned, accompanied by a qualified mountain guide. Dinner is prepared by the lodge’s hostess and the following day participants can choose to walk or horse ride along Cascade Creek and over Alton Saddle, before returning to the lodge by helicopter. The price is from $NZ3,850 pp (£1,355 approx) based on two sharing for three nights’ accommodation (two at the lodge, one in the hut) and includes breakfast, lunch and dinner, helicopter transfers, private guide and cook at the hut, plus full use of all the lodge facilities. www.remarkables.co.nz

Luxury lodge recognises trend for indigenous cuisine with Maori cooking classes
The cooking school at the luxury Lodge at Paratiho Farms in Nelson – a Relais & Châteaux property – has expanded its popular hands-on guest programme with classes on Maori cooking. Head chef Angela Bone puts her best plate forward in Maori culinary arts, uplifting and educating palates. New Zealand home-grown foods are becoming increasingly accessible as contemporary restaurants use flavours, herbs, marinades and local ingredients favoured by the Maori for hundreds of years. Half-day classes cost $NZ95 pp (£34 approx). A night in a suite at the lodge on an all-inclusive basis costs from $NZ1,711 (£605 approx) per night per suite (two sharing). www.paratiho.co.nz

Discover the essence of Waiheke at waterfront haven
Essence of New Zealand has expanded its portfolio of luxury self-contained holiday homes to include the stylish Waiheke Landing. This breathtaking, design-led lodge is located on the Pacific coast, just 35 minutes from Auckland by ferry, and offers stunning vistas of shimmering waters, framed by majestic pohutukawa trees. Through the coastal foliage, guests can access a secluded cover or relax on the private landing at one with the sea. The services of a gourmet chef are available on request. Prices start at $NZ890 per night (£309 approx) for up to four people sharing. Additional guests cost $100 pp (£35 approx). The rates include exclusive use of the entire property and breakfast provisions. www.essencenz.com

NEW ZEALAND PROFILE OF THE MONTH

Hayley Westenra
Junior Chamber International has named New Zealand singing sensation Hayley Westenra one of the ten outstanding young people in the world in its annual awards. She is the first Kiwi ever to be named in the top ten. 19-year-old Hayley, from Christchurch, has performed in front of George Bush, Tony Blair and the Queen. She has also topped the UK classical music charts and is one of the youngest ambassadors ever for UNICEF. Hayley was selected from a pool of 150 nominees from 42 countries. Her album, Pure, has sold millions of copies and she has performed at prestigious venues worldwide with some of the greatest classical performers. www.hayleywestenra.com

DID YOU KNOW…that the mystical southern lights or aurora australis are often seen in the skies above southern New Zealand? An aurora is formed when charged particles streaming out from the surface of the sun are drawn toward the magnetic poles of earth. They collide with atoms in the upper atmosphere, causing them to emit light energy. Visit the following link to see a stunning photograph of this natural phenomenon, taken above Bluff Harbour:
<http://www.teara.govt.nz/EarthSeaAndSky/Geology/MagneticField/1/ENZ-Resources/Standard/6/en>

For travel deals to New Zealand from the UK, visit: http://www.newzealand.com/travel/getting-to-nz/travel-agents/travel-deals/united-kingdom/

Deals currently on offer include flights through Trailfinders with Air New Zealand from Heathrow via Los Angeles to Auckland or Christchurch from £769 per person, including all taxes and charges and valid for departures until 5 December 2006.

Ends   26 September 2006

Press: For further information, please contact Rebecca Holloway or Sarah Belcher at The Travel PR Company on 020 8891 4440 or email [email protected] or [email protected].

It’s not our intention to send you unwanted emails, so please let us know if you do not wish to be on the distribution list for Tourism New Zealand’s monthly media newsletter. Thank you.

27 September, 2006

RETRO HOLIDAYS IN VOGUE AS AUSSIES

COMBINE HAWAII WITH THE US MAINLAND

The “retro” holiday option of combining Hawaii and the US mainland is making a big return, as Australians seek to maximise their time in North America.

Hawaiian Airlines is experiencing an increase in bookings not only to Honolulu and Hawaii’s neighbour islands, but on to west coast destinations, or to Canada.

“It’s a real case of back to the future,” said Scott Cammell, Hawaiian’s Sales and Marketing Manager, Australia.

“Historically, Australians always flew to the US mainland via Honolulu, until the late 1980s, when new long-range aircraft made it possible to fly Sydney – LA non stop,” he said.

“But now there’s a resurgence in the number of Australians combining their mainland visit with a Hawaii stopover – or their visit to Hawaii with an extension to the US mainland.

“Some are travellers who combined the destinations 20 years ago, or more, and are seeking to recreate the experience,” said Mr Cammell.

“Others are first time visitors to Hawaii, the mainland, or both, who are looking for a total American experience.

“And if you combine the number of great value-for-money US holiday deals with an Australian dollar of around 77 US cents in recent times, you can see why.”

Hawaiian Airlines operates three weekly Boeing 767 flights from Sydney to Honolulu, connecting with services to neighbour islands and nine US mainland ports – Seattle, Portland, Sacramento, San Jose, San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Diego, Phoenix and Las Vegas.

Through a recent agreement with Canadian carrier Harmony Airways, Hawaiian also offers joint fares from Australia to Honolulu, then on to Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton or Victoria.

In addition, Hawaiian is strengthening its presence in Australia, having recently become the first US-based carrier in Virgin Blue’s Velocity loyalty programme, enabling Velocity members to earn and redeem loyalty points on Hawaiian Airlines flights.

“Our link with Velocity is a significant development, which raises the profile and awareness of Hawaii and Hawaiian Airlines throughout Australia,” said Mr Cammell.

“We can offer both from Australia in one trip,” he said. “That’s a great opportunity for Virgin Blue’s frequent flyers. And until 31 October, Velocity members can earn double points for flights on Hawaiian Airlines. An Economy Class trip from Sydney to Honolulu, for example, will generate 20,000 Velocity points, while a flight to the US mainland will deliver even more.”

Because Hawaiian’s flights depart Sydney at 9pm, passengers can fly overnight, arriving in Honolulu at 10.35am the same day.

Those staying in Honolulu can be lazing on Waikiki Beach or on a shopping spree by early afternoon, while passengers continuing to other destinations can connect easily with flights to Hawaii’s neighbour islands, or onward services to all nine mainland ports served by Hawaiian.

Mr Cammell said there was growing interest in mainland destinations including San Francisco, San Jose and San Diego, as well as the ever-popular Las Vegas, as Australian travellers sought different locations to explore on the US mainland – or different ways to get there.

For more information about Hawaiian Airlines visit www.hawaiianair.com.au, or about Hawaii see www.hawaiitourism.com.au

Picture: World-famous Waikiki Beach, Honolulu, from the Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort and Spa

Phot Asia Pacific Public Relations

Issued for Hawaiian Airlines by:

Tony Harrington, Asia Pacific Public Relations

T  0404 882 742  E [email protected]

WWW.AUSTRALIATRAVELMARKET.COM OFFER OF THE WEEK

(week beginning 25^th September 2006)

Special Offers For Independent Travellers Who Love To Do Their Own Research

MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR HOLIDAY DOWN UNDER

WITH WWW.AUSTRALIATRAVELMARKET.COM’S TOP EXCURSION

Hot deals

From September 25 www.australiatravelmarket.com has a section dedicated to tours and excursions to help visitors to Australia make the most of their time there.  From high adrenalin activities such as bungee jumping or bridge walking to wine tasting and gourmet experiences, the range on offer can be searched by destination, type of activity and keywords, meaning travellers can get information tailored to their holiday.

The site’s current top excursions include:

WESTERN AUSTRALIA: Off road adventure and sand boarding.

Journey to Nambung National Park, home of the Pinnacles Desert, to see the amazing moonscapes and limestone spires, visit a wildlife park to photograph koalas, 4-wheel drive over massive sand dunes and try sand boarding.  From £71 per person with Australia Pacific Touring (APT).

QUEENSLAND: Outer Barrier Reef Cruise.

Journey by catamaran to Agincourt Reef to dive, snorkel or sightsee from a semi-submersible. 

From £77 per person with Quicksilver.

NEW SOUTH WALES: Beach activities.

Bondi, home of Australia’s oldest life saving club, offers a wealth of activities including beach volleyball, surfing, jogging, skateboarding and roller blading.  Beginners should head to the Pavilion area which offers the safest surf, with the more experienced heading to the southern end of the beach for serious surf activity.

TASMANIA: Grand Port Arthur tour.

A guided tour of Port Arthur, the historic convict site with restored buildings including the prison, church and Commandant’s House, as well as the Island of the Dead, a harbour cruise and visits to the Aquatic Centre and Royal Botanic Gardens, Government House, Tasman National Park, the Devils Kitchen and Tasman Arch.  From £40 per person with Experience Tasmania

SOUTH AUSTRALIA: Kangaroo Island wildlife and natural wonders:

This 4WD day tour begins at Seal Bay amongst the colony of 600 bull, cow and pup sea lions, then moves on to Flinders Chase and Rocky River to experience the island’s flora and fauna before reaching Remarkable Rocks to wander through the granite sculptures carved by natural forces.  The final experience is at Koala Avenue. 

From £122 per person with Kangaroo Island Wilderness Tours

VICTORIA: Penguin tour.

Witness the twilight penguin march as thousands of penguins gather in the waters beyond Melbourne harbour.

From £14 per person with Melbourne Fishing Charters.

NORTHERN TERRITORY: Scenic Outback flight.

See the natural wonders of Central Australia on a scenic flight which takes in views of Uluru, Kata Tjuta (Ayers Rock and The Olgas), Kings Canyon, Alice Springs, Watarrka National Park and the 300 million year old MacDonnell Ranges. 

From £34 per person with Australasia Jet.

Further information about these tours, as well as other Australia special activities and itineraries, is on www.australiatravelmarket.com

www.australiatravelmarket.com is the content rich, destination dedicated, travel search engine that provides the independent traveller with the resources, on one comprehensive site, to quickly, simply and efficiently research, price compare and book.

-ENDS-

For media information contact

Jovanka Ristich at IPR on tel 01628 623003 or email: [email protected]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                                       

25 September 2006

Going Camping in New Zealand is Going Strong

Jasons Travel Media’s new CEO Steven Joyce, has spoken out about the strength of New Zealand’s camping and Holiday Park offerings at the launch of Jasons annual guide to all things camping.

“There has been a lot of talk over the last few weeks about a decline in the number of camping grounds around the country as there is pressure to use the land for development.  And there have been a few high-profile losses, but like all things the effect can be overstated for the sake of a headline.  The reality is that the industry remains very strong and there are plenty of places to pitch a tent, park the campervan or pull up a caravan in their favourite holiday spot this summer.”

Jasons free annual Holiday Parks and Campgrounds Accommodation Directory is being released this week both in print and on the web, and Joyce points to it as evidence of a vibrant camping industry.  “The free printed guide has grown another 4% this year, and in it we have 435 places to stay around the country, plus camping tips and maps”.

Joyce says while the industry will welcome the government’s plans to potentially open up more DOC land for camping, he says the politicians need to take care not to compete with the private operators that are the backbone of this iconic holiday activity.

“Anything that grows the industry should be good for domestic travel, but it will only work longer term if it’s done in a way that encourages private operators to continue to develop the industry as they have until now.”

Jasons Holiday Parks and Campgrounds Accommodation Directory has been produced annually for the last 24 years.  This year 190,000 copies will be distributed to New Zealanders to help with their holiday plans. Along with the Jasons Motel Accommodation Directory which will be released in about a month, it has been a longstanding information repository for New Zealand family holidays.

“The annual family summer holiday is a well-loved Kiwi icon, and one of the symbols of what it means to be a New Zealander”, Joyce said.  “Jasons take a lot of pride in providing the information needed to plan that important annual trip every year.”

Joyce encourages families to book earlier.  “We are due for an upswing in domestic tourism this year after a lot of focus in recent times on off-shore holidays”.  “Our sense is that after a cold winter people will be thinking of stretching their Christmas holidays and having a decent break by a lovely New Zealand beach or lake.”  

Fergus Brown, Chief Executive of the Holiday Accommodation Parks Assn (HAPNZ) fully agrees with Jasons opinions of the current issues in the Holiday Park industry and congratulates them on the publication of their Holiday Parks and Campgrounds guide. “Camping holidays and the holiday park experience have long been an iconic part of the New Zealand culture.” Brown said. “The official visitor statistics show that since 1997 guest nights at holiday parks have increased by over 1.1million or 22.6%. There is no sign of the increase in demand diminishing and this new publication will assist holidaymakers in choosing from the hundreds of parks available”

Jasons Holiday Parks and Campgrounds New Zealand Accommodation Directory 2007 can be ordered online  www.jasons.com

ENDS

Contacts:
Steven Joyce

Chief Executive Officer

Jasons Travel Media

Mobile 021 442 148

Fergus Brown

Chief Executive

Holiday Accommodation Parks Association of NZ (HAPNZ)

Phone 04 298 3283

Geraldine McManus

McManus Tourism Communications

[email protected]

Mobile 021 709 186

Good morning everyone.

Please find attached our new Australian E-Newsletter, keeping you up to date with the latest news snippets from Wellington, New Zealand.

TONY HARRINGTON

Asia Pacific Public Relations

Aviation and Tourism Specialists

Representing Positively Wellington Tourism – Australia

T +61 7 3262 7437

M 0404 882 742

E  [email protected]

Mobile E  [email protected]

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Pedal into History Along Grand Pacific Drive

A long awaited return to Lawrence Hargrave Drive and a spectacular sprint over the new Sea Cliff Bridge will mark the 25^th anniversary of the MS Sydney to the Gong Bike Ride.

To be held on Sunday November 5, NSW’s most scenic 90km, one-day bike ride returns to the coast-hugging Lawrence Hargrave Drive for the first time since 2002, when the road was closed due to rockfalls.

Tourism Wollongong General Manager Greg Binskin said he was thrilled to welcome Sydney to the Gong riders back to the original course, now being marketed by Tourism Wollongong as Grand Pacific Drive.

From its start point at St Peters in Sydney’s south-east, the annual MS Sydney to the Gong Bike Ride winds through Brighton Le Sands before plunging into the stark beauty of the Royal National Park and hitting the coast at Bald Hill for the final run across the stunning Sea Cliff Bridge into the heart of Wollongong via quaint coastal villages.

“The best part about this event is that you don’t have to be a super athlete to take part and cycle one of the most scenic coastal roads in Australia,” Mr Binskin said.

“Those with a bit less pedal-power can opt for the shorter 56 kilometre course starting at Heathcote and still get to experience the best part of the route through Royal National Park and down Lawrence Hargrave Drive.”

Mr Binskin said the ride was also an enjoyable event for friends and families of the riders, with the finish at Flagstaff Point taking on a gala atmosphere with live music, stalls, food, drinks and an official presentation ceremony.

“The Sydney to the Gong ride is a fantastic chance for the city of Wollongong to showcase our region and formerly kick off what is shaping up to be an absolutely wonderful summer season now that we have our new bridge and stunning tourist route – Grand Pacific Drive.”

MS Society spokesperson Corrina Frankham said this year’s ride had already attracted more than 1500 entries and she was expecting 10,000 cyclists to take part.

“There is such a buzz because it’s a stunning route and everyone is talking about riding across Sea Cliff Bridge for the first time – it’s a huge drawcard,” Ms Frankham said.

She said the aim of the event was to raise $500,000 to provide treatment programs, specialist services and professional advice for Australians living with multiple sclerosis, while also ensuring the search for a cure for this debilitating disease continues.

For more details about the MS Sydney to the Gong Bike Ride, vis