Jetsettersblog

Australian Online Tourism Specialists

Air New Zealand announced today that it had acquired a cornerstone shareholding in Australian online tourism specialists V3 (Vcubed Pty Ltd).
Air New Zealand Deputy Chief Executive Officer Norm Thompson said the acquisition was part of the airline’s strategy to further diversify into the wider tourism sector.

V3 provides its open booking exchange (OBX™) technology for tourism suppliers and distributors in Australia, and Mr Thompson said Air New Zealand and V3, through a joint venture, would establish a similar tourism exchange in New Zealand.

The OBX™ is available to all tourism and travel operators and distributors and will be run in New Zealand as a standalone business, independent of Air New Zealand.

It works by allowing distributors to access live book-able inventory from tourism operators in a real-time marketplace, and has exciting potential for New Zealand tourism operators.

Mr Thompson said a New Zealand exchange would help local tourism businesses by providing them with a cost-effective way of increasing their reach to distributors.

“For example, it will allow a local hotel operator to offer accommodation directly to a multitude of online retailers,” he said.

Air New Zealand’s commitment to playing a role in the wider tourism industry was behind its decision to acquire a stake in V3 and establish an exchange in New Zealand, he said.

“Air New Zealand’s fortunes are inextricably linked with that of our tourism sector. What’s good for tourism in New Zealand and our tourism operators will have natural flow-on benefits for the airline.”

Having enjoyed outstanding success in the Australian market, V3 Chief Executive Officer Shane Crockett said: “We are extremely pleased to have Air New Zealand as a cornerstone investor and strategic partner for this breakthrough initiative in digital marketing for both the Australian and New Zealand tourism industries.

“Air New Zealand is the perfect strategic partner for V3 to optimise the potential of the open booking exchange technology.

“Leading the market with the unique exchange model in Australia, V3 has already seen many of the tourism industry’s key suppliers, distributors and government organisations using the open booking exchange technology and now, our partnership with Air New Zealand will extend this successful model into the New Zealand market.”

Mr Thompson said former Air New Zealand General Manager Chris Hunter had been appointed Chief Executive Officer of the new business that would offer a similar tourism exchange service in New Zealand.

Mr Hunter has long been involved in the tourism and travel business, holding a number of senior positions, most recently as General Manager Strategy and Planning for Flight Centre New Zealand. During his 21 years at Air New Zealand he held a range of positions including General Manager Global Direct Sales.

Mr Hunter said he was excited by the opportunity to positively contribute to the ongoing growth and success of the New Zealand tourism industry, and expects to make further announcements to the industry in the first half of next year as the new exchange takes shape.

Grand Pacific Tours Luxury Coach Holidays Brochure 2009-10

Grand Pacific Tours Fully Escorted Rail/Coach Holiday Brochure 2009-10Grand Pacific Tours, the New Zealand Luxury Coach Holiday specialist, has just released their 2009/10 season programmes. With some major changes incorporated.

For the first time in the company’s history all of the coach programmes are included in the one brochure. The 10, 11, 16 and 19 Day Luxury Coach Holidays plus the 19 Day Rail/Coach Holiday and the inclusion of the 15 Day Ultimate New Zealand Experience as a pull-out supplement, means that anyone contemplating a New Zealand Coach Holiday only need refer to the one brochure.

The 19 Day Rail/Coach Holiday includes an exclusive overnight cruise in the Bay of Islands on the newly built catamaran Ipipiri, which was the original Maori word for the area. Grand Pacific Tours is the only Australian Tour Operator that has been given the rights to include the overnight cruise into a tour series during its inaugural year. Accommodation is in King Staterooms with private facilities and sea-views whilst dinner will be of local produce including seafood and BBQ.

The 19 Day Grand New Zealand Tour has changed slightly with the inclusion of the wine growing Wairarapa Region on the North Island. Travellers shall be treated to a pre-dinner Wine & Cheese Experience, which will be presented by a local wine or cheese maker at the newly renovated Copthorne Hotel & Resort, Solway Park. A tour of the region incorporating Carterton, Greytown and Martinborough takes in an area that is not visited by any other tour operator.

The inclusion of the 15 Day Ultimate New Zealand Experience featuring the most expensive coach built to date in Australia within the main brochure is to highlight the diversity of product on offer by the company. Also both the 10 Day South Island and 16 Day Highlights tour shall have select departures where traveller’s can upgrade to travel on the Ultimate Coach and experience the luxury, comfort and style that has already won it accolades from the industry and past clients.

A new innovation that the company has introduced is ‘Wine Time’ where each hotel shall provide a discounted drink offer for one hour prior to dinner. This enables everyone to socialise with their fellow traveller’s reliving the day’s highlights. This is described in more detail over a two-page listing of benefits when people travel with Grand Pacific Tours.

Grand Pacific Tours will continue to guarantee all published departure dates and prices and of course there is the peace of mind that all bookings must be made through a licensed Travel Agent.

Brochures are available now from Grand Pacific Tours and can be ordered or viewed online at www.grandpacifictours.com  or by calling 1800 622 768.

World Extreme surfing champion Garrett McNamara reveals his secrets to big wave surfing at http://www.YogaforSurfers.com.

“Some of my friends think I’m a madman. But I like seeking out and surfing the most dangerous waves that I can find,” says McNamara, speaking to Peggy Hall at http://www.YogaforSurfers.com.

From Hawaii to Alaska and everywhere in between, big-wave charger Garrett McNamara puts himself in such heavy situations that we mortals can only look at him in awe — not even envy — unless that is, you like wondering if you’re going to make it through your next surf session alive.

How does he do it? What in nature’s name gives this extreme surfing world champion such laser focus, drive, tenacity, toughness and sheer I-Know-I-Can-Do-This confidence? Just exactly what does he do to stay in such amazing shape for big-wave surfing?

Now you can find out. McNamara himself lays it all out in a just-released video clip right at http://www.YogaforSurfers.com

Listen in as he tells Peggy Hall his secret weapon for feeling “confident and secure” in life-threatening surf.

The good news is that even if you can’t surf the unfathomable waves that Garrett does, at least you can benefit from one of his training tools.

More secrets to better surfing are revealed at http://www.YogaforSurfers.com

Eighteen leisurely days cruising the islands of the South Pacific from Sydney to Hawaii is selling aboard the luxury Dawn Princess from just $2899pp twin-share – a saving of $800 per person over previously advertised prices if booked through ecruising.travel, and including a night post-cruise in Waikiki and air from Honolulu back to Sydney*.

The 77,500 tonne Dawn Princess will cruise out of Sydney on April 18 next year for four laid-back days at sea before visiting Nuku’alofa and Vava’u in Tonga, Rarotonga in the Cook Islands, a day and a night in Papeete, Moorea and Bora Bora in French Polynesia, Christmas Island, and two final days at sea before arriving in Honolulu where there’s a night at the Hilton Waikiki Prince Kuhio Hotel.

Dawn Princess, that’s the length of three football fields, offers Princess Cruises’ Anytime Dining with dishes created by chef-members of the famed Chaine des Rotisseurs gastronomic society, and a choice of a Traditional Dining Room, a specialty Steakhouse, 24-hour bistro, a poolside hamburger and hot dog grill, patisserie, pizzeria, and an ice-cream bar.

There’s also an extensive choice of bars and lounges, two nightly live-stage showrooms, late-release movies, four pools, a sports court, spa with ocean-view gym, and a “listening library.”

For full details phone 1300 369 848 or visit www.ecruising.travel

 * Air taxes and fuel surcharges applicable at time of booking are additional

Yasawa Island Resort and Spa has extended its three-for-two offer until the end of March, giving a tempting excuse to stay a little longer at one of Fiji’s most exclusive island retreats.

Plus, the resort will continue to offer special rates for Australians in Aussie dollars, providing a further saving of more than 25 per cent on standard US dollar rates*.

Yasawa’s offer of three nights for the price of two is available until March 31, 2009 (except December 15 to January 15) and can be taken in any multiple – six nights for the price of four, nine nights for the price of six, and so on.

Yasawa Island Resort and Spa is one of Fiji’s most remote luxury retreats, with just 18 contemporary thatched bungalows hidden among the palms along a stretch of pristine white beach.

The resort is home to Fiji’s first beachfront spa centre, the Baravi Spa, offering indulgent treatments and massages just a few steps from the ocean’s edge. Its signature massage is the Baravi Rhythm, performed by two therapists working in time with the sound of the waves.

Yasawa’s three-for-two offer is for new bookings only, subject to availability, and cannot be combined with other specials. Rates at Yasawa start from A$970 per couple per night (plus 17.5% taxes) and include all meals, non-alcoholic drinks and all activities except spa treatments, scuba diving and sportsfishing.

For bookings, full details and conditions contact Yasawa Island Resort and Spa by phone on +679 6722 266 or email reservations@yasawa.com.fj  See also www.yasawa.com

*Calculated at November 24 exchange rate, A$1 = US$0.63.

Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ Hanseatic is offering a South Pacific adventure from April 20 to May 12. Stops include Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea, and Indonesia (Bali). Passengers meet the ship in Noumea, New Caledonia, and disembark in Benoa, Bali. With the discount now running, guests purchasing a category 1 outside cabin will get automatically upgraded to a category 3 or higher cabin, for a savings of at least 25 percent, and will also receive a $420 onboard credit.

The Solomon Islands and Vanuatu are isolated in the Pacific. Highlights of this trip include a welcome ceremony on the Island of Tuam by local villagers, hiking through caves on Loh Island, Zodiac landings on the Solomon Islands, snorkeling off of the Shortland Islands, a flight over Papua New Guinea (an additional cost), and Zodiac trips on the narrow Sepik River and through the rock labyrinth off Gam in Indonesia.

The Hanseatic accommodates up to 184 guests in outside cabins that measure 237 square feet and suites of 474 square feet. Each cabin features a complimentary TV information network with private email, movies on demand and radio and cruise information.

Internet is available in the business center at an additional charge. The ship also has a swimming pool, sauna, whirlpool and fitness center. Onboard lecturers include scientists, expedition leaders and specialists who guide landings. The lecturers also offer pre- and post-excursion recaps, onboard seminars and individual meetings throughout the cruise. The voyage is priced from $12,156 per person, double occupancy, for a guaranteed outside cabin in category 3 or higher.

Not included in the cruise fare are airfare to and from the ship, transfers and excursions.

For more information, call 877-445-7447 or visit www.hl-cruises.com

Air New Zealand will next week revolutionise the domestic travel experience with a range of technical and design innovations that will help customers save time and get through the airport faster.

On 3 November at Auckland Domestic Airport, Air New Zealand will unveil its new state-ofthe- art check in and boarding experience, introducing a new layout and design, new kiosks that enable customers to print their own bag tags, a direct to conveyor belt bag drop zone to eliminate queues, new gate scanners for straight to gate check in and boarding for customers without bags and several new technological enablers for frequent flyers.

Air New Zealand Group General Manager Short Haul Airlines Bruce Parton says next week’s launch will mean a speedier journey through domestic airports, something long asked for by regular domestic commuters.

“We challenged ourselves 12 months ago to create and deliver a new experience that would allow our customers to move quickly and seamlessly through domestic airports. Our goal was to get rid of frustrating queues, cut customer waiting time and make checking in and boarding as quick and easy as possible.

“Customers will now have much greater freedom and choice – they can choose to book their seat online, obtain their boarding pass in the way that most suits them and deal with their checked baggage in a quick, efficient way.” Auckland is the first domestic airport to have the extreme makeover, to be followed by Christchurch on 17 November and Wellington soon after.

New kiosks will be progressively introduced to other larger domestic airports over coming months, and gate scanners allowing customers to scan their boarding passes will be in place at all 26 domestic terminals used by Air New Zealand from 3 November. In total, 112 new kiosks and 84 gate scanners will be introduced.

Mr Parton says the airline has invested more than $30 million in the new airport experience, which is just one of a large number of changes being made to benefit domestic travellers.

“We expect the changes to be very appealing, particularly to business travellers. Those who aren’t carrying baggage will be able to go directly to the gate and self-board, and those with baggage won’t waste any time standing in queues,” he says.

Mr Parton says some of the most exciting initiatives make use of popular technologies to streamline the boarding process.

There will be a number of new and improved options available to customers, including email, mobile phone or a permanent unique RFID identifier.

• myBoarding Pass - passengers choosing their seats online will receive a boarding pass by email featuring new 2D barcode technology in addition to their e-ticket, which can be used to confirm their seat at the kiosk or directly at the gate • mPass– a boarding pass including a 2D barcode that is sent to a mobile phone and can be scanned at the kiosk or gate; • ePass – Gold Elite, Gold and Silver Airpoints members, as well as Koru members, will be provided with this RFID tag ePass to attach to the back of their mobile phone.

This can be scanned at the kiosk or the gate and used as a boarding pass.

And from 31 October every Air New Zealand domestic and international fare purchased by a customer, including Smart Saver and grabaseat fares, will earn new Status Points that go towards their Airpoints frequent flyer status.

Air New Zealand is also introducing www.myairnz.com for loyalty members, a secure page that members can tailor with all their Air New Zealand, Airpoints and travel information.

Air New Zealand has already introduced its new piece baggage system, which provides a free baggage allowance of up to 25kg for the first bag checked in. This is a 5kg increase on the previous free allowance of 20kg.

The developments are a continuation of the airline’s overhaul of its domestic offering which started early this year with the introduction of its popular KoruHour service on weekday 737 flights, which includes complimentary morning newspapers and fresh plunger coffee, and in the evenings, complimentary beer or wine and a cheese plate. A snack selection is available throughout the day and on weekends.

Air New Zealand has also recently completed the reconfigured its fleet of 16 737 aircraft to provide a new Space+ section in the front half of the cabin, offering an additional 2-5 inches of legroom to regular travellers.

A new Koru lounge has been opened in Tauranga and the Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch Koru Lounges have all been expanded and had significant overhauls.

Mr Parton said Air New Zealand would continue to innovate in the airport and online environments to provide the best value and most efficient service to its customers.

For more detailed information on the changes, customers can visit www.changingthewayyoufly.co.nz

Australia’s Orion Expedition Cruises is introducing eight new “Voyages of Discovery” in 2009.

The 106-guest Orion will sail to Melanesia, Papua New Guinea, Asia, New Zealand and the Sub-Antarctic. The 11-night “New Guinea Island Adventure” in March and April offers diving, beaches, and fjords in the Lamassa and Duke of York Islands. The 10-night “Bay of Islands and Norfolk Island Discovery” in March and April sails from Auckland to Port Vila, Vanuatu, after stops in the Bay of Islands, Norfolk Island, Isles of Pines, Anatom and Tanna. The nine-night “Melanesian Island Discovery” in March and April visits Savo and allows guests to snorkel around the wreck of the World Discoverer (2001) at Nggela Island.

The nine-night “Spice Island Adventure” in September and October journeys from Darwin to Bali. This voyage offers a chance to explore the Islands of Maluku, Alor, the uninhabited island of Satonda, and the fishing village of Kenanga, with stops in Komodo and Sumba as well.

The 11-night “Gulf of Siam Explorer” in September and October departs Singapore sails along Malaysia, Thailand and Cambodia and up the Sai Gon River to Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam. The 11-night Vietnam Explorer departs Ho Chi Minh and offers an in-depth view of Vietnam. The 10-night “Forgotten Islands” voyage explores Maluku, Bali, Cairns, Komodo, Yamdena Island and Thursday Island in the Torres Strait. The 13-night “Sub-Antarctic Wildlife Adventure” visits the Macquarie and Campbell islands, the Auckland Islands, Snares Islands, and the New Zealand fjordlands.

 For more information, visit www.orionexpeditions..com

From Spain to Sri Lanka, Italy to Indonesia, BAILEY ROBINSON (tel 01488 689 700 www.baileyrobinson.com) has handpicked over 170 of the world’s most opulent, lavish and indulgent properties for inclusion in their 2009 LUXURY RESORTS brochure.

Quite simply this portfolio of properties has been selected to offer discerning travellers the best the world has to offer – all the featured resorts are based in stunning locations offering the divine combination of breathtaking views, impeccable service, great architecture and interior design and mouth watering cuisine, not to mention a wide range of activities, health and beauty treatments.

The properties spotlighted below have been selected either because they are brand new products for 2008 or because they are new additions to this Luxury Resorts brochure. The per person price guide below, valid until 30th September 2009, is based on seven nights accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis with international economy flights and transfers, unless otherwise stated.

EUROPE: Italy, Sardinia, France, Spain/Mallorca/Canaries, Portugal/Madeira, Cyprus, Greece/Santorini/Crete

ITALY - Vigilius Mountain Resort : This year round destination - snow in winter, sunshine in summer - is Bailey Robinson’s first European mountain resort selected for its stunning location, excellent food, environmentally friendly design and extensive range of activities. £1,125.
ITALY - Relais San Maurizio: One of Italy’s hidden treasures, this charming property and former Franciscan monastery boasts a splendid wine cellar, superb cuisine, truffle hunting and the award-winning Caudalie® Spa famed for its Vinotherapie products. £985.
FRANCE - Le Couvent de Minimes Hotel & Spa: This new property and former monastery, located in the lavender rich hills of Provence, marries beautiful accommodation and fantastic food – its gourmet restaurant Le Cloître is overseen by acclaimed chef Philippe Guerin - with a world class spa which is also Europe’s first L’Occitane Spa. £1,125.
SPAIN - Read’s Hotel & Spa: A former manor house, this family owned boutique hotel is considered one of Mallorca’s finest properties. The restaurant is Michelin-starred with cookery courses available, whilst the newly opened Vespasian Spa is a tranquil sanctuary. £870.
GREECE – Eagles Palace: This Halkidiki situated property is ideal for families offering a glorious sandy beach, a selection of restaurants and bars as well as providing great value for money – the ideal blend of ancient Greek history and contemporary luxury. £690.

NORTH AFRICA & ARABIA: Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Oman, Dubai

OMAN – Al Bustan Palace: This famous beachfront property is set to re-open its doors in November following a multi million pound refurbishment. Guests will encounter history, culture, lavish opulence, excellent dining, relaxation and activities galore. £2,950
EGYPT – Hyatt Regency Sharm El Sheikh: An ideal Red Sea destination for families offering excellent facilities and an impressive range of activities including dancing and handicraft lessons for children and all within a value for money price. £895.
MOROCCO – Angsana Riad Si Said: Located in the heart of Marrakech’s Medina, this property offers a level of opulence befitting royalty, a perfect haven to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. Facilities include a cooling pool and traditional oriental steam bath. £742 for four nights.

INDIAN OCEAN: Seychelles, Mauritius, Maldives, Sri Lanka

SEYCHELLES – Banyan Lagoon 1: This stunning new catamaran offers Banyan Tree Mahé guests (maximum four) an exciting way of exploring the region’s hidden, uninhabited islands with a little help from a full complement of staff, personal sea host and skipper. £950 three nights full board sailing, based on four people sharing two cabins. Flights are not included.
MAURITIUS – Anahita The Resort: This brand new property will appeal to golfers and families alike. Facilities include a challenging 18-hole, par 72 championship golf course designed by South African golfer Ernie Els, a professionally managed kids club and a great selection of restaurants. £2,100, based on four people sharing.
MALDIVES – Stay at Banyan Tree Maldives Maldivaru and sail on Banyan Velaa: This new “camp & sail” option combines accommodation in Maldives’ only tented villas resort with sailing in superior comfort on a stunning yacht built in the style of a traditional Turkish gulet. £5,365 full board and £585 for three nights full board sailing.
MALDIVES – W Retreat & Spa: Outdoor and indoor living combine perfectly on this beautiful island as peekaboo roofs offer glimpses of the Maldivian sky, glass panelled floors expose the marine life and floor to ceiling glass windows slide open to reveal wraparound verandahs. £2,605.
SRI LANKA – Ceylon Tea Trails: Built for British tea estate managers in the days of the Raj, the four colonial plantation houses offer commanding views of an area rich in dramatic ravines, cascading waterfalls and breathtaking mountains. £1,970 per person, full board.

CARIBBEAN & LATIN AMERICA: Barbados, Bahamas, Anguilla, Antigua, British Virgin Islands, St.Martin, St.Kitts & Nevis, St.Lucia, The Grenadines, Grenada, Turks & Caicos, St.Barths, Mexico, Brazil

BRAZIL – Kiaroa: Ideal for activity seekers, this property is set in an ecological sanctuary in north east Brazil and offers visitors access to the Atlantic Forest, one of the world’s most biodiverse areas, as well as a coral reef teeming with marine life. £2,135 half board.
MEXICO – Rosewood Mayakoba: This new contemporary property sits on a two kilometre long white sandy beach on the edge of the Mayan forests facing the Caribbean Sea. This is an easy destination to twin with others in Latin America, the United States or the Caribbean. £2,365.
GRENADA – Mount Cinnamon: This new Peter De Savary hotel/villa venture boasts a hilltop location overlooking world renowned Grand Anse Beach. When not indulging in the Moi Spa visitors can kayak, snorkel and Hobie Cat sail. £1,895.
ANGUILLA – Cuisinart Resort & Spa: This property is located on a perfect three kilometre stretch of white sandy beach surrounded by lush tropical gardens and its own organic herb and vegetable garden. Unique experiences include hands on lunches where guests pick their own produce before settling back to relax and wait for lunch. £1,995.
ST. LUCIA – Discovery At Marigot Bay: Overlooking the bay described by James A. Mitchener as “the most beautiful bay in the Caribbean”, this is a contemporary resort that boasts a rich and varied maritime history. £1,350.

SOUTH EAST ASIA: Vietnam, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia/Bali/Bintan/Lombok

INDONESIA – Banyan Tree Bintan: Under an hour by catamaran from Singapore, Banyan Tree Bintan is a collection of private villas epitomising tropical luxury. Ideal for families and couples, the island boasts world class cuisine, the excellent Banyan Tree Spa, tennis courts and a Greg Norman designed 18-hole championship golf course. £1,450 room only.
INDONESIA – The Kayumanis Collection: Consisting of small private estates in three locations across Indonesia in Nusa Dua, Ubud and Jimbaran, these properties come with their own private butlers. Surprisingly the height of luxury comes with a modest price tag - £1,525, £1,550 and £2,120 respectively.
INDONESIA – Spa Village Resort Tembok Bali: Since opening late last year this property has proved to be a popular choice for visitors seeking to embrace a relaxing, rejuvenating lifestyle and for those looking for a greater insight into the island’s unique healing traditions there is the Spa Village Academy inspired by a 75-year-old Balinese healer from the nearby village of Tembok. £1,430 full board with daily massage.

AUSTRALASIA & SOUTH PACIFIC: Australia, Fiji, French Polynesia

AUSTRALIA – Southern Ocean Lodge: This new resort on Kangaroo Island in South Australia has been hailed as Australia’s first true luxury resort akin to the super lodges of New Zealand. This is the place to spot native wildlife when not being indulged and pampered. £4,450 full board.
FRENCH POLYNESIA – Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora: This new addition to Four Seasons’ acclaimed portfolio is the epitome of chic island living, accommodation options are split between over water and beach front bungalows whose architecture is locally inspired. £3,725 room only.
FIJI – Vatuele Island Resort: With Six Senses this year taking over the management, it is expected that luxury, service and indulgence will reach new heights at this barefoot luxury resort. £3,785 all inclusive.
FRENCH POLYNESIA – Nomade Yachting Bora Bora: new for 2008, this is simply the most indulgent way to explore the Society Islands, having no fixed schedule but maintaining the highest levels of luxury that include Philippe Stark bathrooms and Kenzo amenities. £5,930 full board.

APlaceInTheSun.com is a world first - a brand extension by an overseas property TV programme broadcast in the UK and watched by over 1.5 million people a week that also has its own exhibition and magazine - and now a portal too which offers properties for sale, news, features and advice.

SURREY, UK, November 19, 2008 /24-7PressRelease/ — In the UK the well-known and trusted A Place in the Sun brand has welcomed a new member to its family. The popular Channel 4 TV show, first seen in 2000 and followed by A Place in the Sun magazine and A Place in the Sun Live exhibitions, has now been joined by the much-anticipated APlaceInTheSun.com online portal.

Bringing together all elements of the A Place in the Sun brand in one place, and serving both buyers and sellers, APlaceInTheSun.com is a one-stop-shop for anyone looking to buy abroad.

This digital portal features thousands of properties for sale across the world as well as the latest overseas property news. It also offers practical guides to buying and financing overseas property plus country-specific information and discussion forums, where users have begun sharing their experiences, points of view and advice.

In addition the site provides visitors with exclusive information on each week’s episode of the TV show including the couples featured, properties visited and specific advice relating to the country and region. It details all the up-and-coming event information at the A Place in the Sun Live exhibitions as well as exclusive news, features and celebrity interviews from the magazine.

With the digital launch, the A Place in the Sun brand is now always at your fingertips - whatever country or property type interests you. At any time of the day or night, whenever you have the desire to search for overseas property or look for advice, the website is always just a click away.

“The new website features top experts offering free and independent advice alongside the latest news stories and interesting features from award-winning journalists. It is an up-to-date wealth of valuable insider knowledge.” says Nigel Lewis, Head of Content, APlaceInTheSun.com

The website aims to make the process of buying a property abroad as easy and hassle-free as possible, creating an environment where visitors feel confident and at ease. A Place in the Sun understands how daunting it can be to buy overseas so, the new website is clean and clutter-free with no display advertising, banners or pop ups, making APlaceInTheSun.com the first UK overseas property portal to be this way, offering balanced advice and information, without the hard sell.

Says Niall McOnegal, New Media Director, www.APlaceInTheSun.com  ”With the best-selling overseas property magazine and the UK’s biggest and best-attended overseas property exhibitions all supporting the UK’s most successful overseas property TV show, customer trust is important to us, and their loyalty greatly valued. In launching this new addition our principles remain the same, which is why APlaceinTheSun.com has visitor’s best interests at heart. We are looking to create an equally compelling online product and replicate our other success stories.”

Despite trying times in the UK home property market and the global credit crunch, APlaceInTheSun.com has seen that a high number of buyers are still active in the overseas property market, particularly those seeking bargains, and with property on offer priced from 2,057 in rural Bulgaria to a 47.6 million mansion on the Cote d’Azur in France, APlaceInTheSun.com has something for every budget.

Editor’s notes:

http://www.APlaceInTheSun.com