Jetsettersblog

at the 2011 MyState Financial Australian Wooden Boat Festival

The popular biennial MyState Financial Australian Wooden Boat Festival is set to grace Tasmania’s shores in the New Year, returning to Hobart’s picturesque waterfront with its flotilla of tall ships and wooden boats from 11 – 14 February 2011.

The majestic Enterprize, James Craig, Lady Nelson, Windeward Bound, One and All and Young Endeavour will be part of the 620 wooden boats taking pride of place at the world-class festival, which will be free to the public.

2011 highlights include an appearance by Jessica Watson and internationally acclaimed small boat designer Iain Oughtred; a replica five hundred year old Hachoro fishing boat from Hobart’s sister city Yaizu in Japan; specially-commissioned traditional Indonesian boats with live craftsmanship demonstrations by the boat builders; and an exhibition of Scrimshaw (‘the whalers folk art’) which will be the largest ever mounted in Australia.

Historic Sullivan’s Cove will be transformed into a sea of flags, masts and beautiful wooden boats of all shapes and sizes for the event, which includes live musical performances and Tasmania’s signature fresh seafood.

The 2011 festival is also set to be bigger and better than ever, with an extended harbour reach, dominating Hobart’s waterfront from the historic Henry Jones Art Hotel to the Salamanca Waterfront.

“The Australian Wooden Boat Festival is a significant event that has contributed greatly to Tasmania’s Tourism,” Felicia Mariani, CEO of Tourism Tasmania said. “Over the years, it has drawn travellers from interstate and overseas to our shores with its extensive program of festival activities, and played an important role in preserving and promoting our rich maritime heritage to the world. We are delighted to announce that the 2011 festival will be twice the size of its predecessors, and that it will be free of charge drawing more boat enthusiasts to our capital,” she added.

The major features of the 2011 Australian Wooden Boat Festival include

* Free entry to all visitors
* An appearance by Jessica Watson and internationally acclaimed small boat designer Iain Oughtred
* Over 620 exquisitely crafted wooden boats including renowned tall ships the Enterprize, James Craig, One and All, Lady Nelson, Windeward Bound and Young Endeavour from Tasmania and beyond
* An extensive model boat collection
* Unique and traditional boats from Japan, Indonesia, New Zealand and New Caledonia
* Special villages displaying traditional boat building techniques, dancers, music, local food and culture
* Nautical skill and boat handling demonstrations

Established in 1994, the Australian Wooden Boat Festival was created to celebrate Tasmania’s rich maritime culture, developed by virtue of the island’s geographic location and its dependence on the sea for survival during the first one hundred and fifty years of European settlement.

At present, the festival is one of the top maritime events in the world, attracting Australian and international owners of wooden boats, serious collectors and boat enthusiasts to the historic Sullivan’s Cove docks to partake in the maritime festivities.

Travel to Tasmania

Travellers can fly to Tasmania on Jetstar, Virgin Blue, Qantas, Tiger Airways or Rex Airlines, or take the Spirit of Tasmania ferry from Port Melbourne (VIC) to Devonport (TAS).

Background Notes

Tourism Tasmania is a Tasmanian Government organisation whose role is to lead the industry in jointly delivering marketing and development programs that drive benefits for Tasmania from domestic and international tourism.

Part of the wider Department of Economic Development, Tourism and the Arts, Tourism Tasmania links government and the private sector in marketing Tasmania’s unique assets.

Tourism Tasmania’s new strategic direction has been shaped by the recognition of the changed world for tourism in Tasmania and the need for the organisation to continue to change to meet the challenges of this new world.

Rendezvous and The Marque hotels across Australia have this festive season wrapped up with some unbeatable packages offering exceptional value over Christmas and the New Year.

With hotels located in Sydney, Perth, Port Douglas, Brisbane, Adelaide, Melbourne and Canberra, there is a perfect affordable getaway for everyone – whether it is a family vacation, celebration with friends or romantic escape for two!

A selection of the offers available are featured below; for more information on complete Christmas and New Year packages, visit www.RendezvousHotels.com/festive or www.MarqueHotels.com/festive

Rendezvous Hotel Adelaide

This summer, experience the city of churches while staying in the upscale cosmopolitan Rendezvous Hotel Adelaide.

Located in the heart of the city, it is offering a great experience, without blowing the budget with two summer holiday packages.

The Rendezvous Summer Saver offer for only A$152 includes overnight accommodation for two in a Deluxe King Room. The Rendezvous Festive Nights package includes overnight accommodation for two in a Deluxe King Room and full buffet breakfast for two in The Glasshouse Restaurant for only A$187.

Rendezvous Hotel Auckland

Rendezvous Hotel Auckland’s Casino Royale New Year’s event promises to be a night to be remembered!

A fabulous, fund-raising evening held in support of Heart Children New Zealand, guests are invited to party the night away. In addition to door prizes, gaming tables, a live band and a delicious 4 course dinner, a silent auction will also be held where exciting prizes including the chance to take an Aston Martin out for a day and stunt driving stand to be won.

Tickets to the event are priced at NZ$150 and room nights including breakfast for one are priced at just NZ$165 per night, including GST. The special accommodation rate is valid from 15 December 2010 to 15 January 2011.

Rendezvous Hotel Brisbane

Spend the Christmas holidays in the heart of Brisbane’s CBD at Rendezvous Hotel Brisbane, with Christmas specials starting from A$139 per night in a Studio Room. The hotel offers style and elegance with the perfect location, only a five minute walk to everything the Queen Street Mall has to offer with fashion parades, shopping, dining and entertainment.

The Christmas offer is valid Friday, Saturday or Sunday nights, from 13 December to 31 January 2011.

Rendezvous Hotel Melbourne

For wine lovers looking to treat someone special this Christmas, Rendezvous Hotel Melbourne has the answer. From only A$267 per Deluxe Room per night, guests will receive overnight accommodation for two, gourmet buffet breakfast for two PLUS the choice of 6 x bottles of Ant Moore Central Otago Pinot Noir or Ant Moore Marlborough Pinot Gris. The offer is valid until 30 December 2010.

It doesn’t end here; to celebrate New Year’s Eve, Rendezvous Hotel Melbourne is inviting guests to take advantage of their Early Bird New Years Eve packages, from only A$260 per night.

The package includes overnight accommodation for two, gourmet buffet breakfast for two, valet car parking and a FREE bottle of Paul Louis French Sparkling wine.

Rendezvous Hotel Perth

Rendezvous Hotel Perth’s Christmas package will enable guests to pamper themselves and their loved ones this festive season.

The indulging getaway will begin in style with a welcome gift and a bottle of sparkling wine on arrival.

Guests can then relax in comfort of the room, overlooking the magnificent Indian Ocean.

The Christmas package starts from A$203 per room per night and is available for booking from 1 October till 31 December 2010 for stays between 23 and 27 December 2010.

Rendezvous Reef Resort Port Douglas

For a more tropical escape suitable for the whole family this December, fun-filled adventures can be discovered in Port Douglas at the Rendezvous Reef Resort.

From just A$159 per night, guests will enjoy accommodation in a 2 bedroom Deluxe villa with Continental breakfast daily for 2 adults and up to 2 children under 12 years of age. The offer is valid until 31 March 2011 and is for a minimum 4 nights’ stay.

Rendezvous Stafford Hotel Sydney

Rendezvous Stafford Hotel Sydney recognises that when it comes to festive partying, the more the merrier! The hotel is making it cheaper to celebrate as a group.

Holidaymakers are able to book a group of six or more rooms per night and receive a 10% discount and breakfast for free!

The Marque Brisbane

For a cosmopolitan getaway, The Marque Brisbane has it all this Christmas season. The hotel has a trendy restaurant and bar on site, pool and spa area and is within walking distance to South Bank parklands and dining precinct and the Gallery of Modern Art. Christmas specials start from A$125 per night in a Deluxe room and are available Friday, Saturday or Sunday nights from 13 December to 31 January 2011.

The Marque Christchurch

The Marque Christchurch invites you to celebrate Christmas Eve or New Year’s Eve in style!

The festive accommodation package from Garden City’s newest hotel includes two arrival drinks, dinner for two at Fresh restaurant and breakfast for two delivered to your room at just NZ$229 per night. Room only rates are at NZ$109 including GST. These festive specials are valid from 15 December 2010 to 15 January 2011.

The Marque Sydney

Enjoy some of the best views in the house in Sydney this New Year’s Eve at The Marque Sydney. Ideally located at Broadway, guests will be able to experience the breath-taking rooftop views and stylish offerings.

The rooftop Pool Lounge and pool deck are now open and offer a unique event space for up to 60 guests. End of year event packages start from A$27 per person.

Qantas announced a new Apple technology offering in Qantas Clubs across Australia.

The new development will mean a new range of Apple technology including the latest generation Macs implemented across all Australian Qantas lounges, moving the lounges to an all Apple environment.

Qantas CEO Alan Joyce said the new Apple technology will be available in Sydney from today and will be progressively rolled out across Australia to be completed by the end of the year.

“We are launching Sydney Qantas Lounges with the new technology from today, Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne and Perth from November and Alice Springs, Cairns, Darwin, Hobart and Townsville from December,” said Mr Joyce.

“This is only the start of our Apple offering as Qantas continues to develop further innovative initiatives utilising Apple technologies for Qantas Club members and Qantas Frequent Flyers.

In addition to the Qantas Lounge offering, Qantas has also today launched a new Qantas Frequent Flyer iPhone App which is designed to help members explore the many ways they can earn and use points.

Qantas Frequent Flyer Chief Executive, Simon Hickey said the new iPhone App allows members to keep track of their points balance, see where they’ve been earning points and discover the many ways they can use their points, whether it be for a flight to a dream destination or the latest iPod.

The Qantas Frequent Flyer iPhone App uses the assisted GPS features of the iPhone to easily locate Qantas Frequent Flyer partners.

“Whether members are looking to fly, stay in a hotel, eat out, go shopping or hire a car, they can find and get directions to hundreds of partners near them.

And, if you have an iPhone 4 or iPhone 3GS, you can search partners, located around you, with an augmented reality view.” Mr Hickey said.

“The new iPhone app also shows how many points are required to reach a destination, for example London or Los Angeles, and allows the user to set a points goal accordingly.

The app will keep track of progress and alert them when they’ve reached their goal.

Users can then automatically update their friends on their latest Qantas Frequent Flyer milestones via their Twitter and Facebook accounts.

The Qantas Frequent Flyer iPhone App is available to download for free from the App store on iTunes.

Crisp white linen, refreshed Executive Rooms and Suites, mouth-watering food and luxury surroundings are all on offer this summer. Spend the night or the weekend and enjoy the great service for which the hotel is renowned.

Brisbane is set to scorch this summer with an exciting array of events and activities.

Escape to the splendour of Moreton Bay, experience world-class exhibitions at the Gallery of Modern Art, see Queensland’s most anticipated musical WICKED at Queensland Performing Arts Complex, catch a game of tennis at the Brisbane International or simply enjoy shopping and entertainment at the Queen Street Mall, located on the hotel’s doorstep.

Enjoy all that Brisbane has to offer with Hilton’s summer rates, starting from $189* per room per night, in a Hilton Deluxe Room or for an even better deal, simply book 21 days or more and save with our advance purchase rate!

Heighten your indulgence and upgrade to our revitalised Executive Plus rooms including access to the Executive Lounge including continental breakfast, refreshments throughout the day, drinks and canapés in the evening, all in the seclusion and exclusivity of the lounge – all for an additional $100 per night.

To book Hilton’s summer rates phone 1300 445 866 or visit hilton.com/brisbaneoffers

*$189 Hilton Brisbane summer rate, valid from 18 December 2010 – 31 January 2011, advance purchase rates valid all year round.

All published rates are subject to availability.

Stuck for a way to make your loved one’s Christmas bigger and better this year?

Then how about making it a really big deal with a gift of a hair-raising accommodation and show package for the strictly limited Melbourne season of Hairspray at the Princess Theatre.

As proud accommodation partners of this big production with big heart and even bigger hairstyles, Mantra has joined with Showbiz to offer a range of great value Stay & See® packages that make the perfect Christmas present.

There is a wide variety of crowd-pleasing hotel choices in Melbourne’s vibrant city centre, all the while taking advantage of Mantra’s Stay & See® packages, which start from $230* per person per night twin share and include a ticket to Hairspray.

Mantra on Russell, located in the heart of Melbourne city, will hit the right note with musical lovers with Stay & See® packages starting from $247* per person per night twin share including a ticket to the show.

Audiences won’t be able to resist being swept away to 1960′s Baltimore, where they follow Tracy Turnblad, a big girl with big hair and big dreams as she sets out to dance her way onto TV’s most popular dance show and still have time to win the boy she loves.

For those who have already purchased their Hairspray tickets, a great gift to surprise a loved one with this Christmas is somewhere close and convenient to relax before and after the show.

Mantra has a great range of accommodation on offer, with six properties in and around the CBD, and another near Melbourne’s airport.

For bookings phone 1300 658 103 or visit www.mantra.com.au/hairspray.

*Subject to availability.

To celebrate the first Christmas of CHI, The Spa at Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney, guests can enjoy an exclusive Christmas treatment.

Inspired by the origins of the Shangri-La legend, a place of inner peace, enchantment and well-being, the CHI Christmas Journey is a one and half hour treatment designed to buff and brighten a guest on the outside, while calming and rejuvenating within.

CHI Christmas Journey begins with a soothing fifteen minute aromatherapy foot ritual including a foot soak and exfoliation. During this luxurious foot bathing ritual essential oils are absorbed into the skin helping to calm and balance your Chi.

Following the foot bathing ritual, enjoy a 45 minute Rescue Release massage concentrating on the back, neck and scalp to the relive muscle tension and transport the mind to a point of relaxation.

The final part of the treatment is a 30 minute refresher facial designed to deliver results for your skin as well as taking you on a sensory journey, leaving you feeling cleansed and renewed. The CHI Christmas Journey is available until 31 December 2010 (Available Monday – Thursday) and is priced at A$160.00.

CHI, The Spa at Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney is also offering guests the opportunity to spoil someone special this Christmas with the ultimate pampering experience; a CHI,

The Spa Gift Certificate. All gift certificates are beautifully presented and valid for 12 months from the date of purchase.

For enquiries and reservations, please contact Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney on (61 2) 9250 6000, e-mail
chispa.slsn@shangri-la.com  or visit

www.shangri-la.com/sydney

In advance of its April 2011 opening, Wildman Wilderness Lodge has released details of the tours, packages and rates that will be offered at the new property in the Northern Territory.

The new Lodge, situated on the beautiful Mary River Wetlands – around half way between Darwin and Kakadu – will offer travellers the opportunity to explore this amazing region while staying in a choice of stylish eco cabin and safari tent accommodation.

“Guests will come to Wildman to immerse themselves in the spectacular beauty of this very special part of Australia. As such, we have developed a diverse range of tours and packages to appeal to a wide variety of tastes,” said Sally Cope, Director of Sales and Marketing for Anthology.

The tours will include:

* Mary River Rockhole Cruise. This cruise runs twice a day with the signature cruise being held at sunset providing an opportunity to watch the crocodiles bathe in the last rays of sun for the day while enjoying drinks and canapés

o There is also an add-on 4WD tour which departs 2.5 hours prior to sunset and travels through open woodland, paperbark forests, pandanus swamps and along the Connellan Lagoon before meeting up with the Cruise

* Home Billabong Cruises – two hour cruises run at sunrise or sunset allowing guests a close up view of the billabong and its stunning wildlife

* Kakadu Tour – this full day tour takes guests across floodplains and billabongs and on to Nourlangie Rock where guests can view ancient rock art and take in amazing views of the Arnhem Land escarpment

Lunch is served at the peaceful and scenic Anbangbang billabong followed by a trip into Barramundi Gorge for a rainforest walk and waterhole swim

* Guided walks – for guests wanting to get to know the surroundings closer to the Lodge, the Lodge will run a 45 minute interpretive walk through termite fields and across the floodplain where guides will give them an insight into the wetland ecosystem

* Gone Fishin’ – a two hour fishing safari on the Home Billabong for guests wishing to try their hand at Barramundi fishing – catch and release style!

Guests can also register their special interest and have guides plan tailor-made trips around barramundi and fly-fishing, landscape and wildlife photography and bird watching.

While staying at Wildman Wilderness Lodge, guests can choose from eco cabins or Safari Tents.

The cabins will be known as “Habitats”.

This name was chosen as it was felt to reflect the importance of the design structure being in harmony with the wilderness environment.

Probably the greatest example of recycling in Australian tourism, the Habitats and a central bar/restaurant facility were previously located at Wrotham Park Lodge in Central Far North Queensland. In late 2009, a team of builders moved onto that site and dismantled the entire resort infrastructure down to all the fixtures and fittings.

The cabin verandas and awnings were removed and the cabin structures lifted onto the back of semi trailers.

The central bar and restaurant facility was dismantled piece by piece – with around 70% of it saved for the move. Two staff accommodation units were also packed up. Power generators, the water treatment system and the sewage treatment system along with key electrical infrastructure were also dismantled and readied for the journey. 18 triple road trains transported the entirely dismantled infrastructure 2800km across country to the Northern Territory where it is currently being installed onto the site.

There are 10 Habitats in total – all are free-standing to allow for guests to take in the breathtaking surroundings. Indoors – they are all about style and comfort.

They are fully air-conditioned with luxury king size bedding, premium furnishings and ensuite bathrooms.

The 15 Safari Tents are designed to give more of an adventure experience but are still a luxury offering.

Each fan cooled tent is extremely spacious at 50m² and complete with ensuite bathroom. Five tents will be configured for families and will sleep up to four people.

Standard rates including accommodation, 2 course dinner and breakfast are $215.00 per person, per night for a Safari Tent and $285.00 per person per night for a Habitat.

Grant Hunt, Chairman of Anthology has worked with Justin Long Designs, the original architect behind Wrotham Park, and renowned Australian design firm, Pike Withers, and has taken his inspiration for the Lodge from the time he has spent travelling in Africa.

Stylish interiors will be found throughout with natural colours from the region providing a sense of place, in the form of a resort in harmony with its surroundings.

The main building – also from Wrotham – will be expanded to house the bar and restaurant which will engender a low key but stylish place to relax for breakfast right throughout the day to after dinner drinks.

Touring can also be combined with the accommodation into one of the terrific packages on offer. These include:

* The 2 night WILDMAN ESCAPE – from $485 per person in a Safari Tent to $625 per person in a Habitat. The package includes accommodation and the Home Billabong Cruise.

* The 3 night WILDMAN KAKADU ADVENTURE – from $960pp in a Safari Tent to $1,170pp in a Habitat. This package includes the full day tour to Kakadu National Park and the Mary River Rockhole tour.

Included in the packages are accommodation, tours and full breakfast and dinner daily. They are based on twin share.

Wildman Wilderness Lodge will be open 1 March to 30 November each year and close for the wet season.

Further details can be found at www.wildmanwildernesslodge.com.au  and enquiries and bookings can be made via sales@wildman.com.au  or on +61 2 9922 4443.

Auckland-based boutique small ship cruise company, Island Escape Cruises, is tiring of their status as one of New Zealand and Vanuatu’s best kept tourism secrets.

“Sure, we’re exclusive, niche and out of the mass market, but that doesn’t mean we want to be a secret,” said owner Peter Bissett, “and we certainly don’t want our overwhelming satisfied past passengers to keep us all to themselves.

They say “the most amazing cruise and we loved every minute of it”, “the best experience ever”, “we had a wonderful time” “I simply love this ship”

“If you’ve already travelled on the big ships, maybe it’s time to rethink everything you thought you knew about cruising? Or maybe you’ve been unsure about cruising because you don’t want to feel like you’re travelling in a crowded shopping mall. Our ship, Island Passage, instead offers a relaxed, intimate experience much like a luxury private yacht.”

Don’t be misled by Island Passage’s workboat-like exterior – it hides a meticulously crafted interior. At 42m (137.8ft), this ocean-going catamaran is equipped to access remote areas while delivering the highest level of onboard comfort. She hosts up to 22 guests in 11 spacious ensuite cabins, has a large dining room and saloon lounge and is fitted with rich timber panelling and superb New Zealand Kauri handmade furniture. In the galley, our expert chef works with fresh local ingredients and delicacies to create memorable meals that reflect the day’s adventures.

The ship’s spacious outdoor living areas include a covered aft deck and huge upper deck which doubles as a helipad.

Island Passage cruises the waters of the Marlborough Sounds in November, the Bay of Islands in January and February, the Hauraki Gulf in December and March before relocating north to the waters of Vanuatu from May through until the end of August.

For entertainment and exploration, Island Passage carries purpose-built landing craft with walk on/walk off ramps, three large tenders, sea kayaks, a five-seater helicopter (New Zealand only) sports and game fishing and snorkelling equipment.

Prices are all -inclusive and include all shore excursions superb cuisine, espresso coffee, tea, bottled water, juices and soft drinks, port charges, taxes, fees and onboard services. Alcohol and optional helicopter tours are extra.

For further enquiries, deals, specials, bookings or brochures please contact:
AU: Steve Walker, Island Escape Cruises, Tel: (02) 9389 2224 or steve@islandescape.co.nz
NZ: Peter Bissett, Island Escape Cruises, Tel: +649 358 1717 or peter@islandescape.co.nz
Website: www.islandescape.co.nz

What makes a hotel different is the unique experience it offers to its guests. Introducing a new must-see concept in hotel comfort that will forever change the way we view accommodation. Launching in October 2010, 10Rooms at The Grace Hotel Sydney offers a unique option for travellers who are tired of the same repetitive interiors and generic layouts that scream “hotel”.

The more you forget you’re in a hotel room, the more memorable your experience will be. 10Rooms is designed to be your eco-friendly tailored sanctuary away from home.

With vibrant interiors, all furnished in impeccable style, each of the 10 rooms is unique both in size, layout and décor and serviced using only green cleaning products. The only features the rooms have in common are luxurious comfort and a cool contemporary ambience.

When we say tailored, we mean tailored! 10Rooms’ guests have the exclusive option of selecting decor and style, from the furniture to the colour scheme, to suit your individual tastes and needs. From the sofa to the soap, it’s a personal experience you will never forget. 10Rooms will induldge your senses and relish your desires for a truly unique accomodation experience.

10Rooms occupy the 9th,10th and 11th floors of the award winning 1930′s heritage listed Art Deco building,

The Grace Hotel. Beautifully restored today, the elegant hotel remains a historic icon against Sydney’s skyline.

The Grace Hotel is located in the heart of Sydney’s CBD only a few minutes’ walk from Darling Harbour, King Street Wharf, theatres and the best shopping districts including Pitt Street Mall and the Queen Victoria Building.

The landmark “Grace Building” has played an important role in the history of Sydney and Australia. It was built by the Grace Bros. retail empire and remains one of Sydney’s most prominent examples of pre-war architecture.

Today the Grace Building has come into its own as one of Australia’s best known hotels located within a grand heritage building.

Philip Pratley, General Manager of The Grace Hotel believes that with 10Rooms The Grace Hotel has created a brand that is differentiated by the unique experience it promises. “10Rooms is unlike any other hotel concept. Each room is customised to suit the taste of the individual. 10Rooms is a personal experience especially for you” says Mr Pratley.

Luxuries for You

Sample the best and indulge your senses with our range of delights just for you.

Ease – Priority check-in and complimentary late check out until 2pm

Enjoy – A surprise treat! Just let us know your favourite flavour

Pamper – Select from a range of luxurious body products

Comfort – Bathrobes and a choice of pillows to use during your stay

Connect – Complimentary high speed internet and local calls

Entertain – Combining iPOD docking station and large LCD TV with sound piped into the bathroom

Replenish – Choice of complimentary in-room service breakfast or buffet breakfast

Reinvigorate – In-room espresso machine

Soothe – Selection of fine teas and gourmet cookies

Select – Choose a decor and style to your liking – from your favourite colour to furniture pieces and we’ll do the rest!

To reinforce the 10Rooms individuality, there are no two rooms alike. The 10Rooms concept is based on the understanding that there is a class of discerning travellers who desire a more unique experience when they stay in a hotel room.

10Rooms originated from Federal Hotels International – The operator of Hotel Capitol, The Federal Hotel in Kuala Lumpur and The Grace Hotel. Started in November 2009, the 10Rooms concept is the unique experience which promises an extraordinary experience of luxury.

Qantas today announced that Next Generation Check-in, including the ground-breaking Q Bag Tag, will launch in Sydney on 10 November.

Qantas CEO Alan Joyce said after a successful trial in Perth, with outstanding customer feedback, Next Generation Check-in is on its way to Sydney.

“When our customers told us that queuing was a point of pain we responded,” said Mr Joyce.

“Next Generation Check-in will dramatically reduce domestic check-in times for customers allowing them to move through the check-in area with speed and ease.

“With one touch of their Qantas card on our Q Card Readers, passengers will be checked in within seconds. The Q Bag Tag means bags can be dropped at the auto Bag Drop with another touch of the Qantas card,” Mr Joyce said.

From next week, Platinum, Gold and Silver Frequent Flyers and Qantas Club members will begin to receive their new Qantas card embedded with ‘intelligent Q’ chip technology, which will replace their current Frequent Flyer card or Qantas Club card. Platinum, Gold and Silver Frequent Flyers will also begin to receive new Q Bag Tags. All eligible customers are scheduled to receive their kits by early 2011.

Mr Joyce said the Q Bag Tag is a cutting edge innovation and Qantas is proud to be the first airline to introduce this world-leading technology to our customers.

The Q Bag Tag automatically links customers’ luggage with their flight details when they use the auto Bag Drop facilities located in Sydney T3 and Perth domestic terminals.

Qantas Frequent Flyers checking in at Sydney T3 and Perth domestic terminals will be able to use their Q Bag Tags when checking in bags for travel across the Qantas domestic network.

Q Bag Tag technology will be progressively introduced to more ports across the Qantas network throughout 2011.

Mr Joyce said all customers travelling through Qantas’ Perth domestic and Sydney’s T3 terminals would benefit from the airline’s self check-in kiosks and automatic Bag Drop facilities.

Next Generation Check-in will be progressively introduced to Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Canberra throughout 2011.

The program is scheduled for completion in the second half of 2011.

An online demonstration providing a step-by-step guide to Next Generation Check-in is available on

www.qantas.com/nextgenerationcheckin