Getting away from APEC all comes at a price
A report in The Sydney Morning Herald says that you may have to go to New Zealand or go bush if you want to escape next month’s Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation powwow cheaply.
The NSW tourism industry seems to be treating the APEC meeting from September 7 to 9 as just another long weekend, with little of the accommodation advertised cheaper than normal September rates.
Air New Zealand is offering genuine discounts with its “Escape APEC” flights from September 1 to 16. The airline is selling three-night holidays in New Zealand from $469 and return flights from $370 – $245 less than the normal economy fare – until midnight tonight.
Qantas, Jetstar and Virgin Blue have not outlined any plans to offer discounted fares.
The Redleaf Resort in Blackheath has cut the price of its resort rooms by $20 in September, charging two adults $144 a night for the room and breakfast if they stay Friday and Saturday night.
The River Inn at Thredbo has cut the price of five-night ski packages from $1220 to $1098.
But most of the other accommodation in APEC weekend promotions is no cheaper than normal, although extras such as complimentary or discount food may make it less expensive.
For example, the Novotel Northbeach in Wollongong is offering two nights for two people for $450 on weekends from September 1 to 16.
A double room on Saturday night starts from $229, but the hotel will throw in a bottle of wine, food hamper and 50 per cent off breakfast.
EcoPoint resorts – at Myall Shores, on the mid-North Coast, and Murramarang, on the South Coast – are charging families $20 a night more on the APEC weekend but the $179 a night for a minimum two-night stay for a family of four includes free children’s meals, kids’ club, and DVD, canoe and bike hire.
Tourism NSW is running a “Bonus Long Weekend Getaway” promotion, but you have to wade through its website to find genuine bargains.
Cottage on the Mall in Leura is offering a third night’s accommodation free in its self-contained cottages next month, saving two adults $150 during the week and $250 at the weekend.
Report by The Mole
John Alwyn-Jones
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