Jetsettersblog

Website Launching Brits Into Australian Space

Everybody’s heard of the Ten Pound Pom and now Australia is recruiting a new generation of Brits, with the launch of a dedicated MySpace page aimed at enticing 18-30 year olds to apply for the Australian Working Holiday Visa.

Tourism Australia has teamed up with social networking site MySpace to create www.myspace.com/workinoz  - a site providing interactive information on the Australian Working Holiday Visa and Australia as a premier tourist destination and the perfect place for a Gap Year.

Tourism Australia General Manager (UK and Europe), Rodney Harrex, said a recent YouGov survey indicated 60% of respondents were not aware that Brits aged 18-30 could work in Australia for up to 12 months on a Working Holiday Visa, which was one of the key driving forces of this new marketing push.

“The research shows awareness surrounding the Working Holiday Visa in the UK could be improved. As a result, Tourism Australia has embarked on a global marketing campaign to lift the profile of working in the land of opportunity through the digital space,” he said.

“The MySpace site is the perfect tool to providing information about visiting Australia and the visa in an interactive and interesting way and is ideal for the 18-30 demographic who glean most of their information from the web and social networking.”

“The Tourism Australia MySpace page will bring to life Australia’s experiences for the user, providing a platform for two-way conversation and allowing users to upload their own photos and video content to the site.”

Recently, the Australian Government changed the laws for working holiday makers, which allows Brits aged 18-30 to extend their visa for a second year if they have spent at least three months picking fruit or other seasonal work in regional areas.

“The YouGov survey indicated 92% of Brits aged 18-30 were not aware of this second visa scheme, which is another important part of our marketing campaign,” Rodney said.

The survey also indicated 38% of Brits aged 18-30 think the ideal time to take a gap year in Australia was immediately after university.

“Whether you want to take a gap year to pull a beer in a pub or further your career in your chosen profession, Australia has a huge opportunity for young Brits to discover Australia under this scheme,” Rodney continued.

The MySpace site will be launched with a competition whereby a lucky winner will have the chance to win return flights to Australia and a four week work placement in Broome, Western Australia at the exclusive Cable Club Beach Club Resort.

Tourism Western Australia Chairman, Kate Lamont said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with Tourism Australia to highlight the opportunities the Working Holiday Visa offers young British people who want to live the Aussie lifestyle.”

“We extend a warm welcome to those on the Working Holiday visa which is a great way to immerse yourself in Western Australia while enjoying paid employment at some of tourism’s top establishments.”

“We look forward to meeting with the winner of the MySpace campaign and know they will fall in love with Broome and enjoy their work placement at the Cable Beach Club.”

Best Western Strongest Hotel Brand Worldwide

Hotel Brand Ranking, Worldwide Europe’s leading market research and consulting company MKG Hospitality, Paris, lists Best Western as the strongest hotel brand worldwide, based on number of hotels and rooms.

Best Western keeps its position as the world’s strongest hotel brand in 2008, offering the most hotels and hotel rooms under one umbrella brand name.

These results were announced recently in an annual survey by MKG Hospitality, Paris, Europe’s leading market research and consulting company for the hotel and tourism industry.

The ranking lists Best Western as the number one hotel brand with 4,035 hotels and 308,636 rooms. Holiday Inn (InterContinental Hotels Group, IHG) follow with 1,382 hotels and 256,775 rooms.

Comfort Inns & Comfort Suites of Choice Hotels International rank third with 2,467 hotels and 188,596 rooms. Marriott Hotels & Resorts and Hilton Hotels & Resorts round out the top five, with 520 hotels / 188,544 rooms and 511 hotels / 176,523 rooms, respectively.

Last year (2007) was a successful year for Best Western. While the chain recorded a net loss of properties, roughly 300 new hotels joined the brand worldwide, including more than 80 in Europe, of which a total of 17 were in Great Britain.

Westin Hotels Expands into Queensland

The Westin Brisbane Empire Square Hotel and Residences will open in 2012,
offering a prime location in the state capital of Queensland.

Adding even more depth to its rapidly expanding portfolio in Asia Pacific, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc (NYSE: HOT) today announced an agreement with Metacap Empire Square Pty. Ltd. to open a new-build Westin hotel and residences in Brisbane, the state capital of Queensland, Australia.

The Westin Brisbane Empire Square will offer 306 rooms and a sophisticated, refreshing atmosphere in a convenient downtown location. The new Westin hotel will share a 66-story tower with The Residences at The Westin Brisbane Empire Square – the first internationally branded residential development in Australia. Both the hotel and residences will open in early 2012, marking the return of the Westin brand to this dynamic Australian city.

“We are thrilled to come back to Brisbane with the signing of The Westin Brisbane Empire Square. Brisbane’s strong lodging market dynamics, thriving economy and marked increase in tourism arrivals positions the city as a key target destination for many hotel companies,” said Miguel Ko, President, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Asia Pacific. “We are also delighted to partner with Metacap Empire Square Pty. Ltd. to introduce the Westin brand to Brisbane, where we will offer guests the services, products and amenities that allow them to relax and rejuvenate in the heart of downtown.”

The Westin Brisbane Empire Square will offer a prime location on Elizabeth Street, close to Central Station, the Convention and Exhibition Center and Brisbane Casino. The hotel and residences will be part of a premier mixed-use development comprised of the hotel, residences and grade A commercial office space. The third largest city in Australia and most populous city of Queensland, Brisbane is a modern, cosmopolitan city offering an appealing blend of historic buildings, beautiful landscapes and waterways. Popular attractions include the Botanic Gardens, King George Square and Queen Street Mall – the entertainment hub of Brisbane.

The Westin Brisbane Empire Square will be the brand’s third hotel to open in Australia, joining the Westins in Sydney and Melbourne. Westin is also present in Auckland and Fiji and has a hotel scheduled to open in Queenstown in late 2009. Starwood had experienced phenomenal growth in Asia Pacific, where it currently has 136 hotels in its portfolio an additional 80 hotels under development.

“The Westin Brisbane Empire Square will not only re-establish the Westin brand in the vibrant city of Brisbane, but also inspire personal renewal in one of the most prominent developments in the city,” said Sue Brush, Senior Vice President, Westin Hotels & Resorts. “Westin provides a sophisticated, refreshing atmosphere and thoughtfully designed amenities and services designed to restore mind and body.”

The Westin Sensory Welcome will create a memorable first impression as guests enter the hotel with its soothing blend of white tea scent, music, botanicals and mood lighting. The hotel’s luxurious guest rooms will offer updated technology, flat-screen televisions, a well-designed work area and the signature Westin Heavenly Bed® and Heavenly Bath®. For further pampering, guests and residents will be able to choose among a menu of relaxing treatments at The Heavenly Spa by WestinTM. Additional facilities will include a WestinWORKOUT® fitness facility and indoor pool, while the hotel’s three restaurants and bars will create an inviting atmosphere to socialize with friends and colleagues. Designed to accommodate groups of all sizes, The Westin Brisbane Empire Square will also offer nearly 8,000 square feet of meeting space.

The Residences at The Westin Brisbane Empire Square will include 98 luxury apartments and six penthouses overlooking South Bank on one side, and the city and ocean on the other. The units will occupy more than 47,000 square feet of residential space from the 47th to the 62nd floor. Residents will enjoy all the benefits of ownership in this premier development, including access to hotel services and certain hotel facilities.

Metacap Empire Square Pty. Ltd. is a private property company established by Newell Palmer Securities, a Sydney base financial advisory firm and Alex Jimenez, a local Brisbane property developer. The company’s focus is on prime sites located in Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne.

Sydney Hotel Wins Global Gong

Sydney’s Quality Hotel Cambridge has been judged one of Choice Hotels International’s 13 Inn of the Year award winners for 2008 at the chain’s 54th annual convention in Las Vegas.

The win puts the 170-room Quality Hotel Cambridge at the very top of Choice Hotel’s 5600-plus properties worldwide, alongside such co-winners as the Clarion Hotel Cork in Ireland, Quality Inn Oakwood in the US and Comfort Hotel Franka in Brazil.

Quality Hotel Cambridge General Manager Steven Gargano received the award from Choice Hotels International CEO Charles Ledsinger and Vice-President International Mark Pearce.

“The winning hotels represent the strongest, most consistent performers in our global system,” Mr Ledsinger said.

“To receive this recognition is a great accomplishment and the owners, general managers and employees of these hotels should be proud.”

The Quality Hotel Cambridge qualified for the highly coveted Inn of the Year award along with three other franchise brand winners in Australasia - the Comfort Inn On Raglan at Warrnambool in Victoria, Clarion Hotel Mackay Marina at Mackay in Queensland and the Rendezvous Hotel Brisbane - Clarion Collection.

Choice Hotels International is one of the world’s largest hotel franchise operators, offering more than 455,000 rooms across 40 countries around the world. The group’s Australian operations are managed by Choice Hotels Australasia (CHA), which represents more than 275 properties in Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, and Singapore.

In congratulating the Quality Hotel Cambridge on its win, CHA managing director David Bayes said: “The Inn of the Year awards provide a powerful motivation for Choice hotels around the world to focus on guest satisfaction, and we are delighted that we are now on the winners board,” he added.

BLUE Sydney’s New Chef

Ask anyone in the hospitality business what is the most important ingredient for success? The answer is always the same - passion.

Oswin Bosco Charles Ribeiro - a name not to trifle with - is the new Executive Chef of BLUE Sydney, a Taj Hotel and Water Bar and he has been following his passion all his adult life.

Like many culinary stars, Oscar began his career in his teens and has not wavered, working for more than 15 years in the great hotels of India, culminating with his appointment at BLUE Sydney. From the hustle of the Taj President in Mumbai, Oscar arrived into Sydney to the stunning harbour and the cool style that is BLUE.

Oscar was just a teenager when he began as a hotel operations management trainee. With hard work and talent, Oscar climbed the Taj ladder and covered all aspects of his chosen passion.

From junior sous chef in 1996, to sous chef, senior sous chef and to executive sous chef at the Taj President Mumbai in 2005, he learnt it all. Oscar was most recently the executive chef at Taj Blue Diamond Pune and has completed a course in facility planning and design at Cornell University.

Oscar has created a wonderful menu for BLUE Sydney, a blend of Indian, Italian and originality and a treat for parties and celebrations. His signatures include roasted spatchcock, avocado and mushroom quiche with lemon basil bruschetta of chicken marsala & watercress.

He suggests they be matched with a glass of chilled Petaluma Hanlin Hill reisling or a Czech martini, and enjoyed snug in your BLUE room or Water Bar nook as the chill of winter whips up the waves on Sydney Harbour.

To experience Oscar’s menu, visit:

Water Bar
BLUE Sydney, a Taj Hotel
6 Cowper Wharf Road
Woolloomooloo

Sunshine Coast new cooking classes

Two delicious new cooking classes are taking foodies by storm on the Sunshine Coast.

Daniel Mosedale, the renowned owner/chef at Noosaville eatery, Blue Angel Restaurant is now sharing his knowledge at cooking classes overlooking the Noosa River.

Daniel spent 10 years in some of the most inspirational kitchens in France including the 1 Michelin Star restaurant, La Tour Rose in Lyon and Switzerland’s 2 Michelin Star L’Ermitage. The $50 three hour cooking class includes coffee on arrival, the class, lunch plus a glass of wine and the recipes to take home.

Meanwhile, free cooking classes are being hosted by chef Peter Wolfe at the Eumundi Markets. The classes are held on Wednesdays at 10am and 11am in the market’s food and produce precinct.

The founder of Cedar Creek Farm Bush Foods in Belli Park, Peter’s market cooking demonstrations highlight the quality and diversity of locally grown produce available at the markets – everything from fresh fruit and vegetables, artisan cheeses and freshly baked goods to sauces and condiments using exotic recipes from as far away as Argentina and the Mauritius Islands.

Visit www.blueangelrestaurant.com.au  and www.eumundimarkets.com.au

Super Value Orient and China Tours

Orient Flexi-Pax Tours is featuring an eight-night Super Value packages to China, including Beijing, Xian and Shanghai. With daily departures the package is priced from $1,205 per person land only, including choice of superior or deluxe hotels; all flights within China; American breakfast daily and four lunches; comprehensive sightseeing by private car per itinerary; services of local English-speaking guides; all transfers upon arrival and departure by private car; USTOA $1 Million Travelers Assistance Program. The package includes three nights in Beijing at the Capital Hotel or the Regent Beijing; two nights in Xian at the Grand New World or Shangri-La Golden Flower; and three nights in Shanghai at the Equatorial or the Regent Shanghai.

For more information, call 800-545-5540 or visit www.orientflexipax.com

Ocean To Outback Luxury Private Air Adventure

South Australia based BIG BLUE AIR TOURING (www.bigblueairtouring.com)  has created an exclusive two-centre luxury experience called OCEAN TO OUTBACK featuring SOUTHERN OCEAN LODGE and PORTEE STATION.

Starting and finishing in Adelaide, the round trip itinerary highlights the coastal beauty of Kangaroo Island, contrasting it with the rugged Outback scenery of the Murray river. Spectacular pristine landscapes, free roaming native wildlife, luxurious accommodation and fine wining and dining are all top of the agenda.

Touring options of three, four or five days feature a private light aircraft flight to the luxurious newly opened eco-wilderness property, Southern Ocean Lodge (www.southernoceanlodge.com.au) located on Kangaroo Island, renowned as Australia’s Galapagos. Activities include a personalised private tour of the island in order to see the amazing flora and fauna featuring koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, fur seals, sea lions, penguins and dolphins.

A low level scenic flight in a private biplane over the McLaren Vale vineyards preceeds arrival at chic Portee Station Homestead (www.portee.com.au), a 23,000 acre fine wool sheep station set in landscaped gardens with four kms of private Murray river frontage. Afternoon tea on the Station’s lawns is followed by a sunset champagne, wombat and kangaroo tour, gourmet BBQ and outdoor concert by award-winning singer/songwriter John O’Dea.

An early night will prepare guests for the final day which features a hot air balloon flight over the Barossa Valley at sunrise, before returning to Adelaide.

Other itinerary features includes executive car hotel pick up and drop off and a seafood lunch on a secluded Kangaroo Island beach.

The fully inclusive price (flights, meals, accommodation, hotel transfers) for the three-day Ocean to the Outback “gold” itinerary is AU$5,367 per person (£2,611), whilst the five-day “platinum” option is AU$11,486 per person (£5,588)

For further information on South Australia: www.southaustralia.com

Lucky Weddings at Sheraton Grande Laguna Phuket

The number 8 is widely considered the luckiest of all numbers, especially in Chinese culture as it signifies prosperity and wealth. It is widely believed that the more 8’s involved in a couple’s life together, the better the chance for luck and wealth. To bring a little more wow to your vows, Sheraton Grande Laguna Phuket have created an exclusive Lucky Weddings experience on 08/08/08. Begin your Thai and Western style blessing ceremony at 8:08am/pm, or to be more specific 8:08:08am/pm.

Our Lucky Weddings experience includes:

• Four nights in a spectacular Lagoon Villa with a complimentary upgrade to a Private Pool Villa, overlooking the golf course or a tranquil lagoon, including exclusive privileges throughout your stay

• Limousine transfer by Mercedes Benz on arrival and departure

• Thai flower garland for the bride and groom presented upon arrival

• One bottle of French Champagne on arrival with a plate of canapés and chocolates

• Decorated wedding venue

• Bridal beauty treatment including a manicure, pedicure and facial treatment

• Hair and make up for the bride on the wedding day

• Corsage for the groom and groomsman as well as one floral bouquet for the bride and bridesmaid

• Wedding blessing certificate

• One bottle of French Champagne at your ceremony

• Wedding cake

• Greeting by a baby elephant following your ceremony

• Wedding ceremony photography and one indigenous framed photo with selected bridal photograph

• Release of Chiang Mai lanterns following your ceremony

• Champagne breakfast for two in your villa on the day following your wedding day

• A romantic BBQ dinner for two in your villa, on the beach or in the gardens

• Half day private Luxury Motor Yacht. Your on board Skipper can assist you with choosing which magical islands to enjoy

• An exclusive three hour spa experience for two at Angsana Spa

• A romantic soak selection in a specially prepared bath in your room

Lucky Wedding experience - USD 8,888*

Choose from a varied selection of wedding locations and styles, from a simple beach ceremony to a traditional chapel service, from a secluded island location to a beautiful garden setting, our professional planners can tailor make your perfect day. We place the whole of Sheraton Grande Laguna Phuket and the best of Phuket at your disposal.

Some additional tips on incorporating 8 into your special day include asking 8 friends to be in your wedding party, incorporate 8 different kinds of flowers into your bouquet, have 8 diamonds in your wedding bands, incorporate 8 parts into your ceremony. Be sure you say “I Love You” often. The phrase “I Love You” is also exactly 8 letters.

For further information on all wedding experiences at Sheraton Grande Laguna Phuket please call the hotel directly on +66 76324 101-7, email eventsales.phuket@luxurycollection.com  fax number +66 76 271466 or visit www.luxurycollection.com/phuket   *The rate is in US Dollar per couple basis. Quoted rates are subject to service charge and applicable government taxes.

Terms & Conditions Please note that the wedding ceremony is symbolic in nature and therefore is not legally recognized, however, if requested we will provide you with the assistance required to obtain official legal certificates. The Lucky Wedding’s experience is for a maximum of 50 guests.

• Based on wedding ceremony on 8th August 2008

• Boat and wedding locations are subject availability at time of booking

• Upgrade to Private Pool Villa is subject to availability at time of reservation .

ILHA BELA, A PARADISE CLOSE TO SÃO PAULO

Located on the lush green coast North of São Paulo State (3 hours drive from the City of São Paulo), the steep-sided island of Ilha Bela had its closest brush with civilization in the 19th century, when coffee barons chopped plantations out of the island’s western slopes and made tracks through the forest.

When coffee crashed, the island was largely abandoned, its cover of Atlantic rainforest intact save for a network of rough mountain trails, with a near-limitless number of almost inaccessible beaches on its outer Atlantic shore.

Just recently, tour operators have come up with ways to harness Ilha Bela’s unique attributes.

There are so many shipwrecks around Ilhabela that Brazilian divers have dubbed it “the ship graveyard”.

The three most interesting wrecks to be seen are the Concar and the Príncipe de Asturias (Spanish ships that sank in 1916 and 1959) and an English ship, called Velasquez, that belonged to Lamport & Holt company, which went down in 1908.

Great marine life can be observed in the ecological sanctuary, Ilhas das Cabras, an excellent spot for beginners.

Best time to visit: February to September.