Jetsettersblog

CityPass: North America’s Big City Ticket

CityPass hails its tenth season with fine-tuned programs in its nine existing destinations and a whopping 99% consumer satisfaction rating. First to introduce the concept to the United States, and its premier example, the little ticket booklet packs a wallop with a city-by-city collection that amounts to 51 museums, harbor cruises, aquariums, theme parks, entertainment, historical locations, sky-high panoramas, cable cars, trolleys, buses, trains, shopping, and sightseeing that defines the American urban experience.

Since its introduction ten years ago, CityPass has sped its visitors to the doors of America’s greatest museums, attractions and sightseeing. Each city’s tickets are select offerings designed to showcase that city’s distinctive sites, whether the visitor takes their art, history, culture or cityscape in sips or gulps. Founded on the premise that a city is the ultimate theme park for all ages, CityPass bundled select cultural and sightseeing attractions tickets with background information, transportation guides, insider tips, and iconic offers, printed it in a size that fit in any pocket, and sold it for about half what individual tickets would cost. The value was stunning; the revolutionary bonus became the ability of ticketed visitors to enter attractions without waiting in main ticket lines. Recent customer satisfaction surveys indicate that 99% of CityPass users would recommend them to friends.

Launched in San Francisco a decade ago, CityPass is now streamlining weekend getaways and leisurely vacations in nine destinations – New York, Philadelphia, Boston, Toronto, Chicago, Seattle, San Francisco, Hollywood, and Southern California.

CityPass has no secrets. It chooses only the premier attractions, doesn’t cut corners, offers the fewest restrictions on use – unused tickets are fully transferable, and online attraction-by-attraction ticket costs reveal what it would cost if each ticket was purchased separately. Typically, the two most-visited attractions justify the purchase; for example, in San Francisco the Muni pass and bay cruise equal the price of the San Francisco CityPass.

Travel leaders recognize CityPass value and appeal. In addition to purchasing CityPass at each city’s participating attractions or their online ticketing, CityPass is also available at each city’s visitor center, Costco, Travelocity, Expedia, Orbitz, from participating travel agents, international tour operators in 29 countries, or at www.citypass.com

CityPass by Destination

Popular for its simplicity, focus on best-loved attractions, and great values, CityPass appeals to families, couples, individuals on business, folks on a pleasure trip. There’s no faster way to clear the clutter and get to the heart of a place than with CityPass tickets. Designed to incorporate the cityscape between attractions, CityPass 2006/7 booklets contain a color photo and map for each attraction, making finding one’s way a snap. Booklets typically also include a value-added coupon that reveals one or more of that city’s signature distinctions. In New York, it’s a Bloomingdale’s shopping coupon; in Boston, a lobster ravioli appetizer at the city’s legendary North End Union Oyster House restaurant; and in San Francisco, a taste of famous Ghirardelli chocolate and a walk through the hallowed hallways of the San Francisco Giants baseball stadium.

Effective April 1, 2006 and valid through March 31, 2007, CityPass ticket booklets are available for these destinations:

Southern California CityPass – A blockbuster of California theme parks, made possible by the first-ever collection of the state’s icon parks. The 2006/7 version bundles a 3-Day Disneyland® Resort Park Hopper BONUS ticket with unlimited admission to both Disneyland park and Disney’s California Adventure™ for three days; and one time admission to Universal Studios Hollywood—the world’s largest movie studio and theme park, SeaWorld in San Diego and a choice of either the San Diego Zoo or the San Diego Zoo’s Wild Animal Park. New for 2006, SeaWorld presents Believe, an entirely new, stunning Shamu show — below the surface and above the waves. The San Diego Zoo’s ongoing calendar of new exhibits and animals on display always give visitors a reason to visit again just to “see what’s gnu!” The booklet also includes a transportation option via COACH USA to reach all of the parks in chauffeured, motor coach luxury. Five attractions for one price: $199, a 30% savings; ages 3-9, $159 Tickets valid 14 days after first use.

Hollywood Walk of Fame CityPass — It’s a star-struck selection of movie and television locations, make-up, sets, and memorabilia in the heart of scene-chewing historic Hollywood. Hollywood Behind-the-Scenes Tour with Red Line Tours, Hollywood Entertainment Museum, the Hollywood Wax Museum. Starline Movie Stars’ Homes Tour, and the option of the Hollywood Museum or the Kodak Theatre –home of the Academy Awards — tour. (Available May 1, 2006.) Adults, $49.95; ages 4-11, $35. Tickets valid for 30 days.

San Francisco CityPass—Perched on the edge of the Pacific Rim, casting its energy both East and West, San Francisco shares its rich culture, lovely architecture and art collections, Bay views and signature cable car journeys. Included are: Aquarium of the Bay at Pier 39 – new for 2006, The Museum of Modern Art, the new incarnation of the De Young Museum in Golden Gate Park offering admission to sister museum Legion of Honor when visiting on the same day, Exploratorium, and Blue & Gold Fleet Bay Cruise. Select either the Asian Art Museum or California Academy of Natural Sciences & Steinhart Aquarium as the seventh attraction. A seven-day MUNI Passport for cable car, light rail and the entire city bus system ties it all together.

New York CityPass— CityPass attractions anchor New York’s incomparable neighborhoods and can be visited in a zesty weekend, or as pleasures savored within a longer holiday—The American Museum of Natural History, Guggenheim Museum, The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), Intrepid Sea Air Space Museum, Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises, and the Empire State Building Observatory. Adults, $63; ages 6-17, $46.

Boston CityPass–This imminently walkable city invites lingering en route to the Skywalk Observatory atop the downtown Prudential Building, Museum of Fine Arts Boston, and Harvard Museum of Natural History, a one-of-a-kind treasure box of a museum. Continue to the other three attractions with a MBTA Visitor Pass: New England Aquarium, Museum of Science and John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum. Adults, $49; ages 3-11, $21.25.

Philadelphia CityPass–Philadelphia rings with examples of U.S. history, architecture, and sites that challenge perceptions. Visit six of these seven attractions to sample our nation’s beginnings and savvy present-day inventions: The Adventure Aquarium, new for 2006, The Franklin Institute Science Museum and Fels Planetarium, option of either the Independence Seaport Museum or The Academy of Natural Sciences, National Constitution Center, Philadelphia Zoo, and a Trolley Tour by Philadelphia Trolley Works. Adults, $47; ages 3-12, $33.

Chicago CityPass—The Hancock Observatory delivers a view of the region, joining a lineup of Chicago’s most treasured museums: Adler Planetarium & Astronomy Museum for a peek beyond the Milky Way; the Museum of Science of Industry, full of the gusto of scientific inventions and explanations; The Field Museum, an unforgettable trove of modern and ancient discoveries; and The Shedd Aquarium, displaying the world’s aquatic creatures and the shifting greens and blues of Lake Michigan’s vistas. Adults, $49.50; ages 3-11, $35.

Seattle CityPass—The Pacific Northwest’s myriad charms peel away with visits to The Museum of Flight, Pacific Science Center, steps from legendary Pike Place Market and antic fishmongers, Seattle Aquarium, Woodland Park Zoo and an Argosy Cruises Harbor Tour. Adults, $36; ages 3-12, $22.

Toronto CityPass—the view from the CN Tower – the world’s tallest building – offers spectacular views of Canada and New York State all the way to Niagara Falls. Other attractions include Casa Loma, Toronto’s 98-room landmark; Art Gallery of Ontario; Royal Ontario Museum, which recently completed the first phase of its sweeping renovation; Ontario Science Centre; and Toronto Zoo. Adults, $55 CAD; ages 4-12, $37 CAD.

CityPass ticket booklets and are valid for a minimum of nine days from first use; longer in Southern California and Hollywood. The CityPass web site offers downloadable brochures and maps, details and links to every museum and attraction for upcoming special exhibits, transportation options, and insider’s tip on the best time to visit, a pricing grid to compare savings in each city, and the “look inside” web technology to see every ticket in every booklet. For more information, visit www.citypass.com  For customer service, call toll free 8888-330-5008

Families Favour Adventure

It’s now easier for families with an adventurous spirit to get in the ‘travel mood’ as a leading UK tour operator launches a new family adventure section on its already popular website www.travelmood.com.

Whether it’s staying in a jungle river house or spotting a tiger in its natural habitat, Travelmood has created a series of unique travel experiences for families that want more than a bucket and spade holiday.

Ben Mifsud, business development manager at Travelmood said that the family holiday adventure section on the website had been launched in response to increasing demand.

“Having developed an increased thirst for discovery, our customers are now looking for more of an adventure and education for their families while on holiday.

“The tailored tours are run in small informal groups making it easier for families to meet others with similar interests,” Ben said.

New family adventures being offered on travelmood.com include:

• a unique river journey
• exploring off-the-road places in a jeep
• spotting a tiger in its own habitat
• a camel foray into the desert
• or simply beachcombing and snorkelling on a reef

Most tours are designed for ages five upwards and typically include groups of 4 or 5 families of all sizes.

Travelmood is one of the leading tour operators to Australia, The Far East and South Africa with a reputation for well-chosen, tailormade holidays.

Travelmood chooses to sell holidays directly to the general public.

This allows the team to provide a highly competitive product delivered as part of a quality service.

For great fares and holiday suggestions visit www.travelmood.com

Travelmood Family Adventures you’ll find at: www.travelmood.com

The Vespasian Spa At Reads

Looking for something unique – somewhere different? Somewhere close enough to enjoy a day on the beach, yet away from the throng of tourists? A scenic setting … somewhere special – where you can be pampered and spoiled?

Then Reads in Mallorca is the place to be! Already famous for its decadent luxury and gourmet cuisine, Reads will soon be a fabulous spa retreat too with the opening of its newly extended Vespasian Spa on 1st December 2006.

As with all things at this quirky, slightly eccentric family-run boutique hotel, the spa will be larger than life - with a total area of almost 600m2 (6,450sq.feet).

Situated in an idyllic region of rural Mallorca, near the village of Santa María, Read’s Vespasian Spa will offer discerning guests the ultimate spa experience, restoring both mind and body to new harmony.

The new spa will boast a 100m2 indoor pool where guests can relax on underwater recliners and enjoy a hydrotherapy massage, relieving tense and tired muscles. There will be a sequence of 3 thermal cabins (herbal steam, steam and sauna), an ice fountain, reflexology foot bath, sensation shower and Jacuzzi. There will be three treatment rooms, a grooming suite and a VIP suite for couples. Other plans include a sensory room in which guests can relax their minds and soothe their souls. Read’s are also extending their gymnasium and equipping it with state of the art cardio vascular equipment. Guests can even opt for a personal trainer, if required.

And after all that pampering – what could be better than tucking into gourmet cuisine prepared by Head Chef Marc Fosh in Read’s Michelin star restaurant? Then retiring to your vast suite, (each of the 23 suites has been individually styled) to enjoy the views of the mountains, gardens and the surrounding countryside.

For more information visit http://www.readshotel.com  or call the UK office on 01403243619.

Australia Aboard the Mighty Indian Pacific

Step aboard the mighty Indian Pacific on a Trainways tailored holiday to wildflower country. From the barren Nullarbor Plain, where the uniquely Australian outback landscape stretches as far as the eye can see, to the lush green of the Blue Mountains, the Indian Pacific traverses some of the world’s most isolated and spectacular landscapes.

As you’d expect from the state that covers almost half the country, there’s a lot to love about Western Australia – and there is no better way to see it than on one of Australia’s Great Train Journeys the mighty Indian Pacific.

Known for its abundance of natural beauty at any time of year, travel to Western Australia’s South West region between August and November and you can be doubly rewarded as the region bursts into a riot of colour during its wildflower season.

The Indian Pacific passes through no less than ten major landscape changes including the Darling Ranges, the Nullarbor Plain, salt lakes and sand dunes of South Australia, the Barrier Ranges, the Darling River Plain and the Great Dividing Range. It is while crossing the Nullarbor Plain, one of the harshest landscapes in the world, that the train travels the longest straight stretch of track in the world at 478km.

Travelling Gold Kangaroo Service, your Trainways holiday begins with the promise of romance and adventure. Savour the sights, the wines and indulge in fine dining in the beautiful restaurant car. Then discover the delights of Western Australia and explore a sea of wildflowers on your Trainways tailored package. Travel one way by train, do your own thing and then fly home on a special Trainways airfare. Or you can do the same trip in reverse. You even have the option of taking your car with you on the train for just $99* (conditions apply).

There’s nothing quite like travelling in Gold Kangaroo Service on the mighty Indian Pacific to really experience the best of the West. Guests enjoy spectacular desert views from the comfort of their private cabin.

Gold Kangaroo Service also offers a Lounge Car that comfortably seats up to 30 guests and it is here that strangers from around the world meet and get to know each other. Complimentary tea and coffee is available 24 hours and music and commentary on the journey is available via the PA system.

Trainways is offering two train packages ‘Perth and Margaret River’ and ‘Explore the South West’. Guests can also extend their visit with a choice of optional tours that last from a few hours to over a week. From luxury to budget, to dolphin watching and wine tasting, there’s so much more to do.

The train departs Sydney and Perth twice a week. For bookings and further information on the Indian Pacific contact Trainways on Tel: 1300 13 21 47 or visit www.trainways.com.au

Suite Success At The Oriental, Singapore

Elegantly appointed and thoughtfully designed, suites at The Oriental, Singapore exude elegance and comfort, complemented with exhilarating panoramic views of the harbour, ocean or city.

A variety of services and facilities are designed to provide guests with ultimate luxury and comfort, such as high-speed wireless broadband connectivity, surround sound features, an extensive list of international television channels, and pampering amenities coupled with our legendary quality hospitality.

From now till 30 June 2006, enjoy a stay in our newly refurbished Ocean or City Suites at SGD 410 per night and enjoy the following perks:

• Sumptuous breakfast for 2 persons at Melt ~ The World Café
• Complimentary one-way limousine transfer via Mercedes Benz 200

Terms and Conditions:

• Minimum consecutive two nights’ stay
• Rate is subjected to 10% service charge and prevailing government taxes

For reservations, please call (65) 6885 3030 or email orsin-reservations@mohg.com

Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group is the award-winning owner and operator of some of the world’s most prestigious hotels and resorts, currently operating 21 luxury hotels with a further 10 under development in Prague and Riviera Maya, Mexico (2006), Hainan Island, China, Barcelona and Boston (2007), Grand Cayman (2008), Dallas, Chicago, Las Vegas and Macau (2009). In total, Mandarin Oriental now operates, or has under development, over 8,500 rooms in 16 countries with 14 hotels in Asia, 12 in the Americas and five in Europe.

Photography of Mandarin Oriental is available to download, in high and low resolution, in the Photo Library of our Media section, at www.mandarinoriental.com

Intercontinental Resort Thalasso Spa Bora Bora

InterContinental Resort and Thalasso Spa Bora Bora, the newest resort in one of the world’s most idyllic locations, is now open and about to rewrite the definition of luxury accommodation in the Pacific.

The new InterContinental Resort will lay claim to being the first in Bora Bora to have every one of its 80 rooms sitting over the clear waters of the lagoon and, with each one measuring over 100 square metres of floor space, guests won’t even have to leave their bungalows to enjoy the location. Each bungalow features its own expansive private terrace and separate bathing deck, and is fitted out with everything you’d expect – and some things that would surprise – of a luxurious island retreat.

InterContinental Resort and Thalasso Spa Bora Bora will also be the first to introduce an environmentally friendly seawater air conditioning system, cooling every part of the resort with deep sea water and reducing electricity consumption, pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

The May opening is a precursor to the official September opening of the Deep Ocean Spa – a full spa facility that guests can use for day or residential treatments. It will be the only Thalasso Spa facility in the South Pacific, managed by the renowned French marine cosmetic laboratory, Algotherm.

To book, visit www.borabora.intercontinental.com  or call toll-free 1800 221 335 from Australia or 0800 442 215 from New Zealand.

InterContinental Resort and Thalasso Spa Bora Bora introductory accommodation offer

Between 1 June and 31 December 2006, the resort is offering overnight accommodation in an Emerald Overwater Bungalow for AU$610.00 (NZ$731.00) per person twin share, including American breakfast and dinner daily and subject to availability. This represents a significant saving on the resort’s room only high season rates, which start from AU$1300.00 (NZ$1,557.00) per Emerald Overwater Bungalow, per night. To book this rate at the new resort, contact Honeymoon Worldwide Holidays on +61 2 9569 0811 and quote special code LAUNCH.

Tours in Tropical North Queensland

A savvy selection of indigenous entrepreneurs is sharing their intimate knowledge of Tropical North Queensland with travellers through a new range of tours and safaris.

A life-changing week awaits guests to Chivaree Camp in remote Mapoon, where the Cape York Turtle Rescue Project works to protect the green sea turtle and its fragile habitat. Guests, led by indigenous rangers, scientists and researchers, assist with removing fishing nets, collecting data on nesting turtles and generally focus on protecting and rescuing the endangered turtles in the waters of Tidal Janie Creek at the Gulf of Carpentaria. Five-night all-inclusive Chivaree Camp packages from Weipa cost $1875 per person. Contact: Stuart Wright (07) 4090 9124; email: mapoon.ceo@mapoon.qld.

Wujal Wujal, four hours drive north of Cairns, is home to Walker Family Tours. Guests join the women of the Walker family for a half-hour walking tour to the beautiful Bloomfield Falls in the pristine Daintree rainforest and share stories of their ancestral land and the ways of the local Yalanji people.

They show guests traditional bush foods and medicine plants and recount the many ways Yalanji cultural practices cared for the environment that nurtured and provided for the community. The Walker family are the only group in Wujal Wujal to ever open a business. The tours operate daily and cost $15 for adults and $7.50 for children (5-15 years). Contact: Francis Walker (07) 40608069; email: walkerfamilytours@bigpond.com

Also four hours north of Cairns, adventure-seekers can join Aboriginal entrepreneur Warren Clements for a five-day Aboriginal-style hunting safari on Bulimba Station. The Gangaligan Aboriginal Safari Tour teaches traditional Aboriginal hunting styles, including spear hunting a kangaroo and fishing for barramundi as well as providing a chance to see bush life close up. Contact: Warren Clements 0419615636, email: gangaligan@bigpond.com.au

Fishing and boating fans can head to remote Aurukun on the junction of the Archer, Ward and Watson Rivers for a sport-fishing trip or eco-tour aboard the region’s mother ship, the Pikkuw with Aurukun Wetland Charters. Guests on the five-day, four-night fishing tours have the chance to catch reef fish (coral trout), blue water fish (mackerel, tuna), river and estuary fish (barramundi, fingermark, salmon) and freshwater/ lagoon fish (barramundi, saratoga).

The three-day eco-tour in the Aurukun Wetlands offers an insight into the ancient culture and traditions of the Wik and Wik Way people. Highlights include a swim in a natural waterhole, fishing for breakfast and harvesting the delicate honey of the native, stingless bees. Fishing charters cost $495 per person per day and eco-tours $380 per person per day. There are direct daily flights to Aurukun from Cairns with Skytrans Airlines.

For more information on the charters and tours contact: Tony Varnes 0407 575 618; email: tony.varnes@gmail.com  or visit www.aurukunwetlandcharters.com

Opal Fuel Introduced To Voyages’ Red Centre Properties

Two Red Centre resorts owned by The GPT Group and managed by Voyages Hotels & Resorts have replaced unleaded fuel with Opal fuel; a non sniffable fuel developed by BP to combat the devastating practice of petrol sniffing in remote Aboriginal Communities in Central Australia.

“The introduction of Opal fuel at Voyages Ayers Rock Resort and Voyages Kings Canyon Resort is an important step on the way to a region wide roll out,” said GPT’s Hotel/Tourism Portfolio Manager and Opal Alliance spokesperson Bruce Morris.

“An average of seven people die each year from petrol sniffing and since the mid 1980s in excess of 100 have died from petrol sniffing. Opal fuel is widely seen as one of the most useful interventions to date to fight this growing social problem.”

The GPT Group has been a key member of The Opal Fuel Alliance, together with Ngaanyatjaara Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (NPY) Women’s Council and the Central Australian Youth Link-up Service (CAYLUS).

In 2005, GPT joined forces with NPY and CAYLUS to lobby the Federal Government to expand its subsidy of OPAL Fuel to combat the practice of petrol sniffing in Central Australia.

A cost benefit study commissioned by The Opal Alliance and conducted by Access Economics found the net financial cost would be only $1.5 million per annum for the Federal and State Governments to roll out Opal fuel across Central Australia.

Access Economics found that in 2005 petrol sniffing cost Governments and Australian taxpayers $78.9 million through disease burden, strain on the health and justice system, and rehabilitation costs.

The Report found $25.1 million per annum in financial savings could be achieved and lives could be saved if Opal fuel was subsidised as a complete replacement for regular unleaded petrol across Central Australia along with supplementary measures including tri-state legislation to deal with petrol trafficking.

“Research shows that the single biggest hurdle to Opal fuel being fully effective is its proximity to regular petrol. At the moment Opal fuel is available in certain communities, but unfortunately regular petrol remains available within the region, lessening the effectiveness of Opal – what is needed now is a comprehensive rollout in the Central Australian region. Importantly the rollout must include urban centres such as Alice Springs,” said Mr Morris.

According to Voyages Acting CEO Damien Thomas, the introduction of Opal fuel is an important part of broader social policies and programs undertaken by GPT and Voyages in the Red Centre, in particular the Mutitjulu Foundation at Ayers Rock Resort.

“Following extensive consultation with senior members of the Mutitjulu Community, the first project of the Mutitjulu Foundation is the construction of a $1.2 million Aged Care Respite and Renal Centre,” Mr Thomas said.

The Mutitjulu Foundation was first launched in December 2003, with a donation of $250,000 from GPT and Voyages. The Foundation’s goals are to improve health and well being, and advance education for all members of the Mutitjulu Community. GPT and Voyages match voluntary guest donations, dollar-for-dollar, up to $200,000 each year for the Mutitjulu Community and related projects. To date, the Foundation has raised over $600,000 as well as a $140,000 grant from the NT Government.

Another key initiative is the Transition to Work program between Voyages Ayers Rock Resort and Nyangatjatjara College, Australia’s first traditional independent Aboriginal High school.

According to Nyangatjatjara College Principal Ralph Folds, the partnership with Ayers Rock Resort has created real employment opportunities for young men and women from neighbouring Aboriginal communities of Mutitjulu, Imanpa and Kaltukatjara (Docker River).

The Transition to Work program places students in a variety of positions at Ayers Rock Resort, facilitating their transition from secondary education to employment, and further education through a supported employment and Vocational Education and Training program.

An Indigenous Employment Officer employed by Ayers Rock Resort oversees the program in conjunction with College staff and Resort management. The Transition to Work program won the NT 2005 Prime Minister’s Award for Excellence in Community Business Partnerships.

GPT and Voyages also support Red Dust Role Models, a not for profit organisation that uses the profile and influence of leading Australian athletes to deliver health messages and inspire healthy lifestyle decisions among remote, indigenous youth. Each year, groups of athletes and volunteers visit remote Aboriginal communities in the Red Centre, Top End and Tiwi Islands, conducting healthy lifestyle clinics.

Community leaders relate stories of higher attendance rates at school, increased participation in sport and less destructive behaviour as a result of the Red Dust Role Models program. Health Workers and teachers observe a decrease in the incidence of petrol sniffing and other forms of substance abuse in the wake of athlete visits.

BRITAIN’S TOP TEA PLACES

A London hotel and a tea-shop in a Cumbrian seaside town have won accolades for their afternoon tea from Britain’s Tea Guild. Claridges, the Mayfair hotel, has gained the Top London Afternoon Tea 2006 Award. Judges were impressed with the staff’s knowledge of teas and the delicate selection of accompanying cakes, pastries and sandwiches. The hotel offers a huge choice of over 30 different teas from all over the world. These are accompanied by a selection of finger sandwiches, French pastries and freshly baked raisin and apple scones served with Claridge’s own popular tea-infused jam and thick Devonshire clotted cream.

Afternoon tea is available daily, from £28.50 per person, from 3pm to 5:30pm. Awards of excellence went to The Four Seasons, The Lanesborough, The Savoy and The Milestone.

A few miles south of England’s Lake District, Hazelmere Café and Bakery in Grange-over-Sands has won the Top Tea Place 2006 award. The owners, Dorothy and Ian Stubley, impressed the inspectors by offering a wonderful range of top-quality teas, brewed and served “to perfection”. Food, using mainly locally sourced ingredients, is produced in their own adjoining bakery. There is an open fire in winter and a Victorian verandah for use during the summer. There were 34 Award of Excellence winners, including Sir George Newnes Tea Rooms in Lynton, Devon and Betty’s Café Tea Rooms in six Yorkshire locations including Harrogate and York.

Establishments were tested by mystery tea inspectors on 17 criteria, from décor and crockery to tea variety. A book, the AA and Tea Council’s Britain’s Best Afternoon Tea is available at bookshops.

Website: www.tea.co.uk

Cruising and Touring Queensland

This month’s edition includes a small ship luxury cruise off World Heritage-listed Fraser Island, an international chamber music festival, the Birdsville Races, a new Australian Coffee Centre and a travel story on Townsville’s magnetic appeal.

First-class cruising off Fraser Coast

Renowned luxury cruiser, MV Discovery is heading from Tasmania’s wilderness to cruise the pristine waters of Fraser Coast. Visit www.worldheritagecruises.com.au
Read more here
http://synergypr.net.au/index.php/newtourism/article/192/

Townsville tunes up for chamber music festival

Around 40 leading international and Australian artists will star in one of Australia’s most outstanding regional music festivals when Townsville hosts the 2006 Australian Festival of Chamber Music (AFCM).

www.afcm.com.au

Read more here

http://synergypr.net.au/index.php/newtourism/article/190

True brew experience

When you crack open the doors to The Bundaberg Barrel, you know you’re in for a tasty treat. With its unique barrel-like construction, this eye-catching tourist attraction pays tribute to Bundaberg Brewed Drink’s most famous product – Bundaberg ginger beer.

www.bundaberg-brew.com.au

Read more here

http://synergypr.net.au/index.php/newtourism/article/188/

Birdsville Races celebrate 125th anniversary

It may be a tiny Outback town in far southwest Queensland, but Birdsville is used to life in the fast lane, hosting crowds of up to 5,000 people every September for the annual Birdsville Races.

www.birdsvilleraces.com

Read more here

http://synergypr.net.au/index.php/newtourism/article/186/

Zengarra brings music to the mountain

The hills will be alive with the sound of music, with the launch of Zengarra B&B’s new music Pavilion overlooking the stunning mountains of Queensland’s Scenic Rim. www.zengarra.com/new.html

Read more here

http://synergypr.net.au/index.php/newtourism/article/184/

New Australian Coffee Centre now brewing

Farmer Ian MacLaughlin has opened his dream, The Australian Coffee Centre. The one-of-a-kind $5 million tourist attraction is expected to welcome more than 150,000 visitors a year to the Skybury coffee plantation near Mareeba on the Atherton Tableland.

www.skybury.com.au
Read more here
http://synergypr.net.au/index.php/newtourism/article/180/  

Townsville’s magnetic appeal

The man after whom Townsville is named – Robert Towns – visited the place only once for three days. Today, it’s just long enough for a taste of this cosmopolitan city’s appeal, reports Susan Fuller.

www.townsvilleonline.com.au
Read more here
http://synergypr.net.au/index.php/newtourism/article/178