Jetsettersblog

You’ll never, ever know if you don’t give it a go – and this summer is the perfect opportunity to pick up a paddle on the NSW Sapphire Coast.

If you’re seeking serenity – or a touch of excitement – kayaking and canoeing can provide it, and with four major paddling operators on the Sapphire Coast, there’s bound to be one offering the adventure that suits you.

If you’re a novice, Coastlife Adventures (all contact details below) offers a range of tuition tours that will have you paddling like a professional in no time.

Ocean Experience tours begin in the estuaries of the well-known south coast town of Merimbula or the neighbouring town of Pambula and take you to the ocean’s edge nearby. You’ll learn how to catch waves during this tour which is aimed at beginners and intermediate paddlers, with a minimum age of 12.

For less confident novices or younger paddlers (5-8 years, if accompanied by adults), there’s the quieter experience of still water paddling with the River Tour. Qualified instructors will teach you the skills you need to know as you cruise the beautiful Bega River, spotting wildlife above and below the waterline.

Ocean Wilderness Sea Kayaking has recently launched several great new tours out of Bermagui, including the Bermagui Coastal Explorer, Horse Shoe Bay to Bermagui River and Wallaga Lake to Black Lagoon.

These trips offer something for everyone from first-time paddlers to more experienced sea kayakers. The company also offers half-day tours out of Merimbula and day tours at Eden. Check the website below for more information.

Mimosa Blue has introduced a new Marine Discovery tour, to explore the still waterways of the Mimosa Rocks National Park, between Bermagui and Tathra.

You’ll spend two and a half hours learning basic kayaking skills (if you need to) and otherwise enjoying the clear waters in a glass-bottomed two-seater kayak. Limited to a group of four, it’s an ideal family excursion with the chance to spot fish, rays, sea eagles and maybe even a dolphin or seal. Mimosa Blue also offers early morning, sunset and oysters-and-wine kayak tours to sample local specialties.

Brogo Wilderness Canoes is based on the shores of the spectacular Brogo Dam, 25km northeast of Bega, and from here you can hire a canoe and explore the still waters and stunning beauty of the Brogo Wilderness and Wadbilliga National Park.

All these tours operate on the Sapphire Coast, which is located on the Far South Coast of NSW, approximately halfway between Sydney and Melbourne (six/seven hours’ drive) and about three hours’ drive from Canberra via Cooma.

REX operates daily flights from Sydney and Melbourne to Merimbula with land connections easily arranged. There are also bus services from Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra.

More details about the area, and accommodation bookings, are available on the Sapphire Coast Tourism website,  www.sapphirecoast.com.au  or call toll-free on 1800 150 457.

CONTACTS FOR COMPANIES LISTED ABOVE:
Coastlife Adventures – 1300 762 993 / (02) 6494 1122; http://coastlife.com.au

Ocean Wilderness Sea Kayaking – (02) 6493 5635 / 0405 529 214; http://www.oceanwilderness.com.au

Mimosa Blue – (02) 6494 0051 / 0428 124 664; http://mimosablue.com

Brogo Wilderness Canoes – (02) 6492 7328; http://brogocanoes.com.au

Captain Cook Cruises is launching a new cruise for the young and adventurous, the Sydney Harbour Venture Cruise, which will sail around Sydney Harbour every Monday, Wednesday and Friday for three and half hours of fun, sun and swimming. The cruise starts on Monday 12 December with a special introductory price of only $49 per person, normally $65 per person, available until 31 March, 2012.

Sydney Harbour Venture Cruise, onboard Captain Cook Cruises Aussie Venture, includes a picnic lunch, great music, and a swim at one of Sydney’s most secluded beaches. A purchase bar for non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages will be available onboard.

Sydney Harbour Venture Cruise departs Pier 26 Aquarium Wharf, Darling Harbour every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 1.30pm and returns at 5.00pm.

For further information and bookings, please contact Captain Cook Cruises toll free from Australia on 1800 804 843; Int +61-2-9206 1111, Email: or visit www.captaincook.com.au

The tropical paradise of Palm Cove beckons for your next holiday adventure with a selection of great deals at Peppers Beach Club & Spa combining deluxe accommodation, a bevy of leisure facilities and fantastic value for money.

Escape to Peppers Beach Club & Spa before the end of April and you’ll enjoy three nights for the price of two from just $290* per night in a Lagoon Spa Room, from $390* per night in a One Bedroom Lagoon Suite and from $490* per night in a Two Bedroom Lagoon Suite.

The resort’s tranquil surrounds make for the perfect destination to reconnect as a family, indulge in a spa treatment at the onsite Salt Beauty & Spa, enjoy a gourmet beach picnic or savour delicious cuisine at the resort’s Lime & Pepper restaurant where kids 12 years and under eat for free (complimentary kids meal for each adult meal purchased).

Understanding that parents also need time alone to reconnect as a couple, the resort is relaunching their popular Kids Club for the upcoming summer school holidays with even more activities to enjoy including movie nights and afternoon activity sessions – all under supervision of fun, friendly and professionally trained carers.

With the kids taken care of, mum and dad can enjoy a cocktail by the pool, catch up on some reading, indulge in a luxurious spa treatment, work-out in the recently upgraded gymnasium or enjoy an intimate dinner together.

Couples seeking a romantic getaway will love the resort’s Couples Package which includes three nights in a Lagoon Spa Room, return airport transfers, full breakfast daily, a romantic candlelit dinner by the pool on one evening, all topped off with a glass of sparkling and choc dipped strawberries delivered to your room every night at sunset. The cost of the three night package is $1200 per couple and it is available until March 21, 2012.

For the ultimate in tropical relaxation, request a room in the resort’s peaceful Serenity Wing featuring a selection of suites with access to a secluded rainforest serenity pool set amongst a stunning cascading jade vine and surrounded by tropical flora.

Located just 20 minutes from Cairns Airport, Peppers Beach Club & Spa features a range of beautifully appointed accommodation options ranging from private spa rooms to luxurious two bedroom penthouses with private rooftop terraces featuring a lounge, BBQ and private pool or heated Jacuzzi.

Call 07 4059 9200 or visit www.peppers.com.au

*Subject to availability. Block-out dates apply.

To celebrate Mercure Melbourne Spring Street’s official name change to Mercure Melbourne Treasury Gardens, the new-look hotel is offering guests a special summer picnic package available until the end of March 2012.

Following a recent $4million internal refurbishment, the vibrant new-look hotel has been refreshed with the new global Mercure interior design standard, the first of its kind in Australia. Mercure Melbourne Treasury Gardens now offers guests a ‘city meets park’ setting combined with a modern and effervescent style of accommodation.

Unique to its CBD location and as the name suggests, Mercure Melbourne Treasury Gardens overlooks the historic leafy green Treasury and Fitzroy Gardens, and is perfectly situated on the doorstep of Melbourne’s iconic sporting venues including the MCG and Rod Laver Arena.

Mercure Melbourne Treasury Gardens’ Gardens Picnic Package -
To experience the best of Melbourne’s gardens and sporting events this summer, newly re-named and re-furbished Mercure Melbourne Treasury Gardens is offering guests a ‘Gardens Picnic Package’ from AUD$250* which includes:

Accommodation for two in a beautiful Garden View King Room
A picnic hamper filled with a chef’s choice antipasto selection for two
A bottle of Victorian wine from the Grands Vins wine list
A picnic rug and pétanque set
A self-guided walking map for Treasury and Fitzroy Gardens

The ‘Gardens Picnic package’ is valid 1 December 2011 – 31 March 2012. Bookings: visit www.accorhotels.com  or phone the hotel directly on (03) 9205 9999.

*Conditions apply and subject to availability. Please advise hotel staff on arrival of preferred wine and time for picnic. Package is available from $225 for Accor Advantage Plus members.

Mercure
There are 30 Mercure hotels in Australia, including Mercure Ballarat and Mercure Yarra Valley in regional Victoria. Mercure hotels are also located in resort destinations such as Cairns, Lake Macquarie and Broome and major city centres.

For more than 35 years, within the Accor Group, Mercure has exemplified expert hospitality and personalised service. Operating in more than 50 countries around the world, Mercure boasts hotels with distinctive personalities carefully preserved through the type of services offered and the decor, both of which vary from one hotel to the next. The hotel managers and staff of the 700 Mercure hotels are hospitality professionals. Attentive and available, they are ready to listen and make sure their guests enjoy a stay full of genuine moments of pleasure and relaxation in a truly warm and comfortable setting. More information on Mercure hotels is available on www.mercure.com

The Ghan has just been crowned ‘best train journey in Australia’ in the inaugural Australian Traveller Magazine’s Readers Choice Awards, the only consumer voted tourism awards in Australia.

Australian Traveller Magazine is the highest selling travel magazine in Australia, read by Australians who are inspired to explore their own backyard.

“These awards are voted for by the most important people in the industry – the travellers themselves. It’s a real mark of what travellers really think about travelling in Australia,” said Australian Traveller Magazine Editor, Elisabeth Knowles.

The Readers Choice Award was accepted by a Great Southern Rail Director of the Board, Daniel Fabri, at the inaugural awards ceremony at The Hilton in Sydney.

“It is a great honour to have been awarded a Readers Choice Award,” said Daniel. “Australian Traveller Magazine’s readers appreciate Australia has a unique and diverse range of travel experiences on offer.”

“The Ghan is one of the great train journeys of the world. From Darwin to Adelaide (or vice versa) guests can explore the true heart of Australia on a three day two night journey of a lifetime.”

“The Ghan is a legendary journey of breathtaking diversity; from the tropical splendor of the north, through the Red Centre to the temperate south,” said Daniel.

Named after the Afghan cameleers who once traversed this route, The Ghan becomes the holiday of a lifetime for tens of thousands of domestic and international tourists each year.

It is a journey for travellers of all styles and budgets with three distinct service levels available- Red Service, Gold Service and Platinum Service.

Red Service has just been re-launched following a major facelift and is the perfect option for family holidays with casual café dining and either Day/Nighter Seats or Red Sleeper cabins accommodation.

Gold Service remains a contemporary favorite featuring twin berth sleeping cabins, private compact ensuites and all meals included in the Queen Adelaide Restaurant.

Platinum Service, launched in 2008, is a world-class standard of rail travel designed to meet the needs of the discerning traveller with plush cabins featuring either twin or double beds and a full ensuite bathroom.

For further information on Great Southern Rail, its trains or service levels, call 13 21 47 or visit www.greatsouthernrail.com.au

It’s not too late for Australian travellers to book a bargain summer holiday in the magical Cook Islands. A host of exciting new Cook Islands summer land packages are now available for travel from December 2011 to April 2012, to be booked by 31st December 2011.

“The Cook Islands are becoming the hot new South Pacific destination now that Australians discover how easy it is to reach this truly authentic island paradise,” says Cook Islands Tourism GM Kerryn Cook. “It’s never been easier for Australians to travel to the Cooks with Air New Zealand flying direct between Sydney and Rarotonga. The six hour flight leaves Sydney once a week on a Saturday.”

There has been tremendous support from Cook Island properties offering a fabulous range of great value packages to travellers. A few examples of these land packages include:

Kura’s Kabanas are offering a low season rate of NZD$145.00 per night on all their rooms. Children under 12 stay for free in the family units, and free airport transfers are also included. http://www.kkabanas.co.ck

Napa Beachfront Hideaway is offering guests their gorgeous bungalows at just NZD$120 per night with a special “stay 7 pay for 6 nights” also running until April 2012. http://www.napabeachfronthideaway.co.ck

Muri Beach Club is offering a “stay 6 pay for 4 nights” special deal. The package includes tropical buffet breakfast daily and a couples’ massage valid during the time of your stay. http://www.muribeachclubhotel.com

Says Kerryn Cook: “Australians will love the warmth and accessibility of the unique Cook Islands Maori culture and fabulous range of holiday experiences on Rarotonga and beyond.”

The Datai Langkawi is an iconic resort with an international following and one of the world’s most stunning hideaways. Situated in the northwest tip of Langkawi Island in Malaysia, surrounded by an ancient tropical rainforest, a white sand beach and overlooking the azure waters of the Andaman Sea, The Datai has put Langkawi on the map for discerning travelers.

The Datai Langkawi’s 54 well-appointed deluxe rooms, 40 villas, and 14 suites, all offer scenic views of nature and jungle, and a range of dining options for indoor or alfresco meals. Two swimming pools an award-winning spa nestled under the rainforest canopy, and the nearby 18-hole championship Datai Bay Golf Course provide for leisure pursuits. www.thedatai.com.my

BACK TO NATURE PACKAGE AT THE DATAI LANGKAWI
What’s Included:
-Two night stay in a Superior Villa including daily breakfast for two
-Return Airport Transfers
-Spa Treatment for two in an open-air spa villa
-Mangrove Tour with the resident naturalist

Price: from RM2,887.50 per package for two adults (approximately AUS$906.00 at today’s exchange).

For reservations at
The Datai Langkawi
contact reservationsdatailangkawi@thedatai.com.my  or
phone (+60 4) 959 2500

For media information contacts:
Betsy Pie | Betsy Pie International Communications
Public Relations – Archipelago Hotels and Resorts
E: betsy@betsypiecomm.com
Mobile: +61 411 886 386

The Datai Langkawi is managed by Archipelago Hotels & Resorts

About Archipelago Hotels and Resorts
Archipelago Hotels and Resorts create memories and deliver the fine art of hospitality for guests who appreciate experiences that are out of the ordinary and special. Embracing the true spirit of Asian culture and traditions, Archipelago Hotels & Resorts consistently combine passion and integrity, subtlety and luxury, creating a guest experience that fosters fond and everlasting memories. The company’s luxury portfolio includes The Datai Langkawi (a member of LHW), The Club at Saujana Resort (a member of LHW) and The Carcosa Seri Negara. www.shr.my

Auckland is celebrating being ranked the third most liveable city in the world in the Mercer 2011 Quality of Living Survey.

New Zealand’s harbourside city moved up from fourth place last year and is third only to the European cities of Vienna and Zurich.

Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development (ATEED) Manager Tourism Jason Hill says this is an outstanding result for the destination.

“Auckland has performed consistently well in this survey, but to jump to third spot and be the only Southern Hemisphere city ranked in the world’s top 10 is an excellent achievement,” he says.

Auckland was credited for having a good surrounding environment of parks and beaches and a wide selection of restaurants, which are both aspects of the destination that appeal to visitors.

“The liveability of a city typically makes it more attractive for visitors and we expect to see this reflected in positive levels of visitor satisfaction,” says Mr Hill.

The survey result comes hot-on-the-heels of Auckland welcoming visitors for Rugby World Cup 2011, which saw the region enjoy strong numbers with a 28 per cent increase in arrivals in September and October compared to last year.

“Following on from Auckland’s great success with the Tournament this is another reason for Aucklanders to feel extremely proud of our world-class city,” says Mr Hill.

The timing of the Mercer ranking also bodes well as Auckland is soon to launch its ten year Visitor Plan.

“We’ve got a dedicated focus on boosting the visitor economy and the perception of our destination offshore, and particularly in key visitor markets, will be a positive influence,” says Mr Hill.

The Mercer 2011 Quality of Living Survey evaluated 221 cities – compared with New York City – on politics, socio-economics, health, education, transport and housing.

ATEED was established by the Auckland Council to improve New Zealand’s economic prosperity by helping lead the successful transformation of Auckland’s economy.

Tourism Australia Managing Director Andrew McEvoy has welcomed the announcement by the British and Irish Lions confirming their nine-match schedule for their 2013 tour of Australia to be played in six cities across the nation.

Tourism Australia will work in partnership with official tour operator, Lions Rugby Travel, on a series of joint activities to promote the major sporting event and Australia as a destination in the run up to the June/July 2013 tour.

Mr McEvoy believes the huge popularity of the previous British and Irish Lions tours down under, which last took place in 2001, provides a clear opportunity to boost Australian tourism, in particular from the UK, one of our leading source markets, but also in generating greater domestic travel activity across Australia.

The British & Irish Lions and the Australian Rugby Union have agreed a program of nine-match, six week tour of Australia, including three Test matches and games against all five Australian Super 15 Rugby teams.

The three Test matches in 2013 against the Qantas Wallabies will occur in Brisbane (June 22), Melbourne (June 29) and the final test in Sydney (July 6), with the tour also featuring games in Perth, Canberra and Newcastle (combined NSW and Queensland Country XV) on 12 June.

“The British and Irish Lions tour presents a new fantastic opportunity for Australia tourism, and I have little doubt that their mid 2013 visit will deliver for us both in international and domestic tourism terms, combining passions for sport, attendance to major events and best leveraging business event opportunities around this signature rugby experience,” Mr McEvoy said.

“As an international sporting event for Australia this tour ticks the boxes by targeting international visitors from our second largest source market of the UK, who are proven and comfortable in dispersing to travel to all parts of Australia and that who will spend dedicated time and dollars enjoying our country.

“On average each visitor from the UK to our shores spends at least $5000 and for Australian tourism this market today injects more than $3 billion in visitor spending annually into our industry coffers.

“The clear opportunity presents for literally tens of thousands of international and domestic visitors to experience the joy of international rugby with the opportunity to discover why there is nothing like Australia.”

Commenting on the Lions 2013 schedule, Tour Manager Andy Irvine said, “The last Lions tour to Australia in 2001 heralded the dawn of ‘The Red Army’ with tens of thousands of English, Irish, Scottish & Welsh tourists and ex-pats wearing the red jersey in support of the Lions. We look forward to another challenging tour to one of the world’s most beautiful countries.”

Mr McEvoy said the popularity of the British and Irish Lions Tour, together with the forthcoming 2012 Indian and future Ashes Test cricket series being hosted in Australia provide wide benefits for tourism, both in terms of additional overseas visitors but also as a platform to promote destination Australia more widely.

The Australian tourism industry’s long term ambition under its 2020 Industry Potential is to double overnight visitor spending from $70 billion per annum up to $140 billion by year 2020.

All qualified conventions, meetings and incentive travels held in Korea between 2012 and 2015 will receive maximum government support and incentives.

Since the turn of the century, Korea has achieved an enormous growth in meetings and convention industry by ranking 8th in the number of meetings and conventions by Union of International Associations in 2011. In recognition of the enormous value of the meetings and convention industry, the Korean government has been nurturing and fostering this sector as one of strategic and new-growth industries In order to boost the country as one of the top five convention destinations in the world, the Korean government has declared the upcoming year as the 2012 Korea Convention Year.

Various programs by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the Korea Tourism Organization in cooperation with seven MICE Alliances in regional convention destinations have been planned with the goal to provide better services and support to MICE participants and organizers. In addition, the 2012 Korea Convention Year has been strategically scheduled to overlap with the final year of the Visit Korea Year 2010-2012 campaign to boost the number of inbound tourists to Korea.

During the 2012 Korea Convention Year, government support and incentives for events held in Korea will increase up to twofold for qualified meetings, conventions and incentive tours. Convention centers and hotels will offer discounts on meetings venues up to 30 percent off the published rates. Hotels will offer up to 40 percent discount on rooms, complimentary room upgrades and welcome amenities for designated guests. Complimentary site inspection trips may also be arranged for qualifying organizations and special discounts for the organizer of the meetings and conventions as well as their participants are also available on the two flag carrier airlines: Korean Air and Asiana Airlines. Incentives like traditional performances tickets, souvenirs, tour programs and more may also be provided for qualified events.

In addition, the 2012 Korea Convention Year joined forces with the Korea MICE Alliance, which a union of regional convention bureaus, destination management companies and professional congress organizers, so that each city’s unique incentive plans are maximized for participants in any of the nine convention destinations all across Korea. On a national level, Korea Tourism Organization will increase financial subsidies to the organizers of MICE events.

To qualify for the Korea Convention Year’s incentive program, conventions should meet the Union of International Associations (UIA) meeting standards while incentive tours and corporate meetings should have more than 100 participants. The event, which may take place between 2012 and 2015, is required to confirm that Korea will be its host country during the year 2012. Events with more than 500 participants from the Asian region only or those with more than 1,000 international participants may qualify for airline discounts.

According to UIA, 464 conferences took place in Korea in 2010 – a remarkable 34% increase from 2009 – elevating the country to the eighth position in the world for the number conferences hosted. Korea is aggressively pushing to become the top five convention destination in the world and expect the 2012 Korea Convention Year to become the driving force behind this goal.

For more detailed information, please email the Korea MICE Bureau at mice@knto.or.kr