20081125 www.travelmemo.co.nz

GUEST NAME: BOOKING NUMBER:

YOUR NAME: AGENCY NAME:

ADDRESS:

CITY: STATE: POSTCODE:

EMAIL: TELEPHONE NUMBER:

*Note: Valid for new bookings only. Valid for bookings made between the 28 September and 28 October 2008. Prize is valid for 8 guests; 4 staterooms on Viking RiverCruises’ Imperial Jewels of China cruisetour. The cruisetour is 12 days and includes: 6 day Yangtze river cruise in a balcony stateroom, 3 nights in Beijing, 1 night in Xian,2 nights in Shanghai, all intra-China flights, all meals, fully escorted. Winners must all travel together on the same departure. International air and spending money arenot included. The prize is non-transferable, non-redeemable for cash and travel must be commenced and completed in 2009. Entry restricted to travel agents operating in Australia and New Zealand. Valid for bookings directly through Viking River Cruises: Australia:australia@vikingrivercruises.com or 1800 829 138, New Zealand: newzealand@vikingrivercruises.com or 0800 447 913 or through Viking’s Preferred Wholesale Partners;Bentours, Beyond Travel, cruiseagents.travel, Cruiseco, Eastern European Travel Bureau and World Journeys. The prize will be drawn on the 29 Oct 2008 and the winnerwill be notified and the result of the lottery will be announced in The Cruise Weekly (30 Oct 2008) as well as in the Travel Weekly (31 Oct 2008).Vic permit no: 08/4453, NSW permit no: LTPS/08/08720, ACT permit no: ACT TP 08/03658, SA permit no: T08/3769

✃SWEEPSTAKES ENTRYPlease send to: Viking River Cruises, Level 4, 350 Kent Street, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia or fax to +61 2 9299 9226 oremail scanned copy to: teresia.fors@vikingrivercruises.com Coupon valid until 28 October 2008.

Are you the Lucky 8?Chinese culture is steeped in superstition with numbers playing a major role in weddings dates,birthdays etc. One of the luckiest numbers is number 8 and on the 28th September 2008 Viking’sLucky 8 Sweepstakes opened for our valued travel agents in Australia & New Zealand!

Book one of Viking’s award winning cruisetours to China, send in the couponbelow and you are in the draw for a magical cruisetour to China valid for 8 luckypeople*! Yes, you read right—8 lucky people!

Viking River Cruises is the leading cruisetour operator in China with five-staraccommodation throughout, award-winning service, highly educated English-speaking guides as well as “East meets West” dining introducing regionalspecialties with gourmet tastes from home always available on the menu.

Viking’s current Early Booking Discounts for China are:

• China’s Cultural Delights, 17 days, Beijing to Shanghai

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• For stateroom category B or higher—Save $750 per person

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Book and pay in full before 31 October 2008, valid on 2009 sailings only.

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Result of the lottery will be announced in The Cruise Weekly (30 Oct ‘08),Travel Weekly (31 Oct ‘08), Travel Memo (30 Oct ‘08) and Travel Today (30 Oct ‘08).

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Travel

Do I have news for you! Issue 8.45T

Tuesday25NOV08

Use Control L to maximise this PDF for viewing

TWICE WEEKLYUploaded Tuesdays & Fridays

www.travelmemo.co.nz

IN THIS ISSUE:

OberammergauPassion Play 2010

Oberammergau & Eastern EuropeIncludes visit to Jordan & IsraelDepartures CHC & AKL

Rugby Ball Promo Launched

Visitor Arrivals Ease

Another National Park

Bike Park Prepares on Coronet Peak

Hamilton to Upgrade Claudelands

Mangatainoka Brewery Tours

Overseas Trips up 5%

Naki Tourism Operator Awards

Wellington Arena Proposal

Oz Bracing for Downturn

WA Stars as Tourism Campaign Starts

Wet Season Experience at WA Station

Tassie Bigger than Australia

Intrepid’s Australia on Location Trip

Hyatt Regency Coolum’s 20th

Tourism Northern Goldfields

Townsville’s Metropole

Cooks, Air NZ Reach Agreement on LAX

Bula Babe AKL Breakfasts

Thailand’s Culture

Four Blue Lagoon Dateline Cruises in 09

RAR Airport Upgrade

Phased Opening Sought for SIN Casino

Sikkim Opens Up

Dining on High

Thanksgiving Travel Slump

20081125 www.travelmemo.co.nzPage 2

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IN SAMOA

Rugby Ball Promo LaunchedThe next phase of Tourism NewZealand’s current promotion in Londonkicks off today with a visit by The Queenand PM John Key to the giant 100% PureNew Zealand rugby ball inflated nearTower Bridge.In place for a week, the Rugby BallVenue will lift New Zealand’s profile asa destination by playing host to the IRBpool allocation draw for the 2011 RugbyWorld Cup and, as in Paris during the lastRugby World Cup, by using the latest inAV projection to take the general publicon a journey through New Zealand.

TNZ chief executive George Hicktonsays that rather than pull back onmarketing it is vital for New Zealand toinvest in building market share to sustainnumbers from the UK and to positionNew Zealand well for when the upturnhappens.The UK is New Zealand’s second largesttourist market with over 288,823 visitorarrivals in the year to October 2008. UKarrival figures have delivered close todouble digit growth for most of the lastdecade, but in the year to October growthslumped by minus 3.7%.

Visitor Arrivals Ease in OCTShort-term overseas visitor arrivals inOCT08 were down 3% to 173,900compared with OCT07. The maincontributors to the decrease were China(down 3,000 or 32%), the United States(down 2,000 or 12%), Korea (down1,200 or 17%) and Japan (down 1,200 or15%).As a moving annual total, the 2.463million visitor arrivals recorded in theOCT08 year were down 5,500 or lessthan 1% on the same period a year ago.

Another National ParkNew Zealand’s newest national park isone step closer to reality.The Department of Conservation haspublicly notified the draft RakiuraNational Park Management Plan and therevised Stewart Island/RakiuraConservation Management Strategy.The Southland Times reports that thedraft plan highlights Ulva Island, MasonBay and Port Pegasus as three specialplaces and contains managementobjectives and policies to manage them.

New Zealand Tourism Guide is the new brand name for

www.tourism.net.nz, the country’s most visited commercial tourism web

site according to Nielsen Netratings. Owned by New Zealand Yellow Pages

Group, the site combines directory listings with direct online bookings and

customised multimedia clips showcasing tourism operators.

Bike Park Preparationson Coronet PeakMountain Scene reports that CoronetPeak is gearing up for the summermountain bike season at its popular BikePark.New runs have been designed for lower-level riders to make the sport accessibleto novices and families, while expert andadvance riders are also well catered for.Outside Sports will provide a mountainbike rental service at the base area andcyclists will access the top of the trailsvia the Coronet Express Quad chairlift.The Coronet Peak Bike Park willreportedly open on 07JAN and runs until01MAR09, with prices unchanged fromlast summer.The Coronet Peak website is yet to beupdated with the 2009 season details.

Mangatainoka Brewery ToursMangatainoka, legendary source of Tuibeer and home of the Tui HQ, offersbrewery tours and enthusiasts will besurprised to see quarts and kegs stillbrewed on site.What had been a major local employerwith 120 full time staff has becomevery efficient as a result oftechnological advancements, and now operates withjust 18 full time staff.Tui HQ, the Histui museum, the Tui brewery tower andthe Tui National Park (with bird life) attract over40,000 visitors a year. Tours are at 11am and 2pm daily,with Friday a good day because that’s when the bottlingtakes place. The cost is $15 and includes the tour andthree beers and you get to souvenir your handle.Mangatainoka is between Pahiatua and Woodville inthe Wairarapa.

Hamilton to UpgradeClaudelands VenueThis week the Hamilton City Council haspublicly notified its plans to spend $61million upgrading the Claudelands EventsCentre by building a 5000-seat indoorarena, a conference centre and exhibitionfacilities.The new and improved events centrewould be able to host conferences andfunctions for about 1500 people.The council’s events facilities manager isquoted by the Waikato Times as saying hewas confident that the entire stagedproject would be finished by the end of2010 or early 2011.

20081125 www.travelmemo.co.nz

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Speaking of blizzardly cold ones,the Liquorland New ZealandBeerfestival will be staged at twovenues in 2009 – Wellington’sWaitangi Park (28FEB) and EllerslieRacecourse (14MAR). Tickets go onsale on Thursday 27NOV at 9am.TXT BEER to 858, or get tickets atiTicket or Liquorland.

Overseas Trips up 5%New Zealand residents departed on175,900 short-term overseas trips inOCT08, up 5% on OCT07, with theincrease partially due to the latertiming of school holidays.Trips to Australia were up 4,600 or5%, and to Fiji were up 1,100 or14%. For the 12 month period ended31OCT08, New Zealand residentdepartures numbered 1.984 million,up 24,700 or 1% on the previousyear.During the year ended OCT08 therewere more trips to Fiji (up 4,900 or5%), the US (up 4,600 or 5%) andCanada (up 4,300 or 25%).TAANZ points out there were alsobetween 2,000 and 4,000 moredepartures to each of the CookIslands, China, India, NewCaledonia, Germany, and Viet Nam.Trips to Australia (954,800), themost popular destination, weredown 19,400 or 2% on the previousyear. There were also fewer trips toFrance (down 5,100 or 26%).

Wellington Arena ProposalThere is a proposal to build a 10,000-seat indoor arena above Wellington’sWestpac Stadium concourse at a costof around $100 million.A City Council-commissioned reviewof event venues has shown the capitalhad missed out on millions of dollarsin revenue because it lacked a mid-sized indoor venue.

AUSTRALIA

Taranaki TourismOperators AcknowledgedTaranaki’s top tourism operators havebeen acknowledged at an awards dinnerto mark the completion of both the HighImpact Tourism Programme and theQualmark Accreditation of a further fiveTaranaki tourism businesses.The High Impact Tourism Programme,developed by Venture Taranaki andfunded by New Zealand Trade andEnterprise through their EnterpriseTraining Programme, deliveredintensive high-level professionaldevelopment to eleven Taranaki tourismoperators.Businesses that completed theprogramme included alpine and extremeguiding company Adventure Dynamics,boutique accommodation providersCaniwi Lodge, Richmond Farm Lodge,Patuha Lodge, tour providers KiwiTours, and the Waterfront Hotel andBelt Road Holiday Park.Five Taranaki tourism products werealso assisted with QualmarkAccreditation; Adventure Dynamics,Tupare Gardens, Hollards Gardens,Taranaki Pioneer Village, and theEastern Taranaki Experience.Footnote: When Venture Taranakibecame the regional tourismorganisation in 2004, there were fourTaranaki tourism businesses withQualmark accreditation. With theserecent additions there are now 50Qualmarked tourism businesses in theregion.

Bracing for DownturnMelbourne newspaper The Agereports that Australian touristoperators are bracing for a steep fallin overseas arrivals, citing the globalfinancial crisis as causing theslashing of bookings for the first halfof 2009.Overseas arrivals for the year endedSEP08 have already fallen 7% andThe Age quotes Tourism Task Forceexecutive director Olivia Wirth assaying forward orders were pointingto falls of more than 10% next year.“The first quarter will be particularlybad,” Ms Wirth said. “If people aren’tbooking now, that will hurt 10 to 12months down the track.”Domestic business travel appears tobe holding up better, and the dollar’splunge was likely to encourage manyAustralians to holiday at home, shesaid.

20081125 www.travelmemo.co.nzPage 4

Broome’s Cable Beach, with 22 kilometres of white sand, is the ideal place to watch the sunset on a balmy, tropical night.

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Western Australia Stars as Tourism Campaign Takes OffTourism Western Australia has launched atrade marketing campaign in New Zealand,inspired by Western Australia’s starring rolein the Baz Luhrmann movie ‘Australia’.Tourism WA Director Australia Pacific, RossGregory said the campaign had beendeveloped to make people in the trade awareof the vast array of experiences to be enjoyedin Western Australia.“The campaign positions Western Australia’sKimberley region, the backdrop for many ofthe breathtaking scenes in the film, as the‘Real Star’ of Australia,” Mr Gregory said.“The campaign includes a series of tradepress advertisements titled ‘Did you know?’,which feature quirky and interesting factsabout WA and showcases the State’s diverserange of adventure experiences andoutstanding natural attractions.“A joint venture campaign between Air NewZealand and Tourism WA has also beendeveloped to promote WA holidays duringthis time.”

Mr Gregory said that although the Kimberleywas a focal point of the campaign, other keydestinations would also be promoted,particularly experiences relating to themovie’s themes of adventure, romance andoutback journeys.The New Zealand activity is part of abroader A$2.2million international marketingand public relations campaign undertaken bythe WA State Government, through TourismWA.The ad campaign will continue until JUN09.

Wet Season Experience at Home Valley StationThis year, Home Valley Station in East Kimberley is creating history as the first ever GibbRiver Road cattle station to open its gates to tourist during the wet season. Guests willdiscover the remarkable difference in the landscapes as they witness first-hand what MotherNature’s seasonal monsoonal weather does to this ancient land.Whilst at Home Valley, ask about the Baz Luhrmann recce tour, including “Luhrmann’sLookout”, “Jackman’s Jump-Up” and “Kidman’s Krossing” – all located on the property.Check out their amazing website www.homevalley.com.au

Tasmania, bigger than AustraliaTasmania, miffed at being left off the‘Australia’ movie posters is now remindingeveryone of its place on the map.Tourism Tasmania has produced movie-styleposters similar to those used to promote‘Australia’, but with a map of Tasmania andthe words: “Tasmania, bigger thanAustralia”.They are part of a larger campaign tospringboard off the release of the BazLuhrmann epic. Elements include movietrailers for screening as cinema advertisingshowing Tasmania as a breathtaking holidaylocation; fictitious movie tickets and filmposters driving the audience to a new microsite.Footnote: Promoters of the movie had toreprint posters after the state was left off asmall map of Australia in the film’s title.Twentieth Century Fox denies a snub,putting it down to a printing illusion.

Intrepid Launches‘Australia - on Location’ TripIntrepid Travel has launched an‘Australia - On Location’ itinerary that itsays will give travellers a real lifeexperience of the locations andlandscapes inspired by the movieAustralia.From the Kimberley to Kakadu, this 10-day adventure blends Australian andIndigenous history with legend.Some of the real life experiencestravellers can experience include Broome,the Gibb River Road, Windjana Gorge,Tunnel Creek, Bell Gorge, Mt BarnettCattle Station, Kununurra, KakaduNational Park with a grand finale inDarwin.The guaranteed-departure trips areavailable APR-OCT09, departing fromBroome and priced from NZ$4790pp.Details are at www.intrepidtravel.com/paa

The Hyatt Regency CoolumHotel Resort turned 20 lastweek and there was atraditional cake-cuttingceremony involving the sixoriginal staff still at the resortafter two decades, togetherwith the General Managerwho opened the resort backthen, and who is now backwith the property.Back Row- L to R: John Hance,David Meddows, Rex GillardFront Row L to R: NorunnBerg, Maurice Holland (GM),Sandy Walton, Pauline Tarn.

http://www.westernaustralia.com/kimberley

20081125 www.travelmemo.co.nzPage 5

Australia’s Golden Outback’sNewest DestinationThe area north of Kalgoorlie-Boulder, rich withhistory, character and stunning landscapes, haslaunched a new organisation – Tourism NorthernGoldfields. Established jointly by the councils ofMenzies, Leonora, Sandstone, Wiluna, Lavertonand Warburton, the organisation will cater to avariety of travellers and showcase the attractionsof the region. www.northerngoldfields.com.au

Townsville’s MetropoleA new hotel to be managed by Oaks Hotels andResorts will open its doors in Townsville inJanuary. The property was to be named ImagineHotel but will now be called Metropole, after theTownsville pub of the same name.Adjoining the almost-completed 104-room studioapartment hotel, the old Metropole with its 1886façade and landmark status is undergoing anextensive refit to provide function rooms and amodern bar and restaurant.The new 4½-star property will provide guests withwell-appointed and spacious self-contained studioapartments with views of the harbour,neighbouring Magnetic Island, the city or thehinterland, with features including airconditioning, balconies, high speed internet, cabletelevision, kitchenette and laundry facilities.

SOUTH PACIFIC

Cooks, Air NZ Reach AgreementThe Cook Islands Minister for Tourism,Wilkie Rasmussen, has announced that hisgovernment and Air New Zealand haveagreed to the continuation of the weeklydirect Rarotonga-Los Angeles-Rarotongaflight beyond April 2009.The turmoil in global financial markets andthe resulting decline in travel demand, alongwith recent spikes in the price of aviationfuel led to the airline undertaking a criticalreview of all routes including the RAR-LAX joint venture.Last week the Minister led a negotiatingteam representing the Cooks Governmentand Cook Islands Tourism, to meet withsenior Air NZ executives in Auckland, toreview the agreement that commenced inApril 2007. As a result of negotiations, anew joint venture Agreement between theGovernment and Air New Zealand has beenagreed to.Before committing to the agreement, theCooks sought advice from an independenteconomic consulting group on the impact ofthe direct LAX flight on the Cook Islandseconomy, which highlighted visitor arrivalsfrom the North American, UK and Europebeing crucial to the future viability of itstourism industry.“The economic analysis demonstrated theprudence of continuing to invest in thiscritical route to sustain earnings we receivefrom tourism,” the Minister said, addingthat forward booking projections for the

encouraging.“All over the world airlines and tourismorganizations are scrambling to make senseof the present global economic situationthat is affecting everyone. We must beprepared to make bold decisions to sustainpeople and our economy through thesetough times.”Cook Islands Tourism chief executive JohnDean said Cook Islands Tourism and AirNew Zealand are already working onmarketing strategies to increase the numberof North American visitors travelling on thedirect flight, as this will substantiallyincrease the average yield over the sectorand improve the profitability of the route.A formal agreement will be signed betweenthe Cook Islands Government and Air NewZealand within the next two weeks.

flight for the next six to eight months are

Seize the Day with a‘Bula Babe’ BreakfastHere’s an opportunity to see the ‘BulaBabes’ as they’ve never been seenbefore – first thing in the morning.The ‘Babes’ - Blue Lagoon Cruises’Melanie Secker, Awesome Adventures/South Sea Cruises’ Tina Shaw, ManaIsland Resort & Spa’s NZ representativeTrish Nicol and Accor Hotels Fiji’s JaneReese – will again combine resources,accessories and make-up next monthwhen they stage a series of Fiji updatebreakfast seminars for agents in theAuckland area.Dates and venues as follows:TUE 02DEC – SilverdaleSilverdale Plant Barn. 0715 for 0730 startCnr Main Highway and East Coast Rd,SilverdaleWED 03DEC - GlenfieldKings Plant Barn. 0715 for 0730 start11 Porana Rd, GlenfieldTHU 04DEC - EllerslieNovotel Ellerslie. 0715 for 0730 start72 - 112 Greenlane East Road, EllerslieFRI 05DEC - PakurangaPalmers Garden World Cafe, 0715 for 0730Cnr Pigeon Mountain Rds & Pakuranga RdWhile Auckland based agents can attendany of the four functions, please notespace is limited.Agents wishing to participate shouldemail their RSVP by Thursday 27NOV,with the names of each staff memberattending, to bluelagoonnz@xtra.co.nz

Robert Skews of Island Hopper Vacationssays the agreement is a rolling one in that itcontinues until such a time as either partnerdecides otherwise, at which time adequatenotice will be given before cessation offlights. In doing this both Air New Zealandand the Cook Islands team (which includedSkews as a Board member and someonewith an aviation background) looked at along term agreement.He says the fate of Air New Zealand’s USservice through Tonga and Samoa will bedecided on after meetings with therespective teams from Tonga and Samoa in2-3 weeks’ time.

20081125 www.travelmemo.co.nzPage 6

Four ‘Historical & CulturalDateline’ cruises in 2009Blue Lagoon Cruises will again operatejust four of its highly popular ‘Historical& Cultural Dateline Cruises’ in 2009.The MV Fiji Princess cruises, scheduledfor 16FEB, 18MAY, 17AUG and09NOV09, offer a unique and very limitedopportunity to visit the largely unchartedreaches comprising Fiji’s remote north-eastern tip.Operated to ‘Gold Club’ standard, the 7-day itinerary includes Kioa Island, hometo some 300 Polynesian Elice Islanderswho migrated into the region in the 1940s.Here islanders, resplendent in traditionalwar dress, will paddle out to the ship inoutrigger canoes to ferry passengersashore for a traditional welcome.The cruise will also visit the 4,000Micronesian Banabans who have inhabitedRabi Island since 1946. Its schedule alsoincludes visits to Fiji’s original capitalcity, Levuka, on Ovalau Island andNananu-I-Ra Island. There’s also awalking tour of Levuka and a guided tourof Taveuni, including the Bouma Eco Parkand waterfall.Prices start from NZ$2895*pp twin shareinclusive of all meals, all onboardentertainment, cultural activities and shoreexcursions.However, for bookings made by 31JAN09there’s a 30% early bird discount, savingNZ$1169*pp.*Conditions apply. Please note prices do notinclude international airfares or beverages (otherthan tea or coffee).

ASIA

RAR Airport Upgradeto Cost $7-8mThe Airport Authority at Rarotonga hasreportedly received five tenders for theupgrade of the international airport terminaland the successful bidder should be known bynext month. According to Cooks Islands NewsOnline, work is expected to begin early nextyear at a cost of more than $7 million.

Phased Opening Proposedfor Marina Bay SandsLas Vegas Sands has reportedly asked theSingapore authorities to open the Marina BaySands Integrated Resort progressively, startingfrom the end of 2009.Initially pledging to open the resort in a singlephase by the end of next year, Sands has nowannounced plans to delay projects in Macauand the US, and Bloomberg quotes LVS assaying they have now raised enough to pay forthe total Singapore project if necessary.The Singapore Tourism Board is said to becurrently considering Sands’ request.

Sikkim Opens UpIn order to promote tourism in Sikkim and toattract more foreign tourists, the UnionGovernment has relaxed restrictions on theentry of foreigners into restricted areas.Foreigners can now reportedly visit Gangtok,Rumtek, Phodong, Pemayangtse and theYuksom - Zongri trekking route on the basis ofrestricted area permits, which can be obtainedfrom the offices designated for this purpose.

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20081125 www.travelmemo.co.nzPage 8

Dining on HighBangkok is increasingly a city of tallbuildings, many of which offer visitorsspectacular vantage points for viewing thesprawling city and the meandering ChaoPhraya River. Among Agoda’s top ten open-air rooftop restaurants, set at dizzyingheights, are:• Sirocco, dubbed the world’s highest al

fresco restaurant. Sited on the 63rd levelof the Lebua at State Tower.

• FiftyFive and Red Sky, an open-airrestaurant and cocktail bar (pictured) onLevel 55 of the 505-room Centara Grandat CentralWorld

• Vertigo Grill and Moon Bar on the 61stfloor of the Banyan Tree Hotel

• The Crystal Grill on Level 82 of theBaiyoke Sky hotel, Thailand’s tallest, hasa Rooftop Bar & Music one level above,and further restaurants on the 76th and78th floors.

There are also top-floor restaurants on theDust Thani, The Landmark Hotel, TheWestin Grande Sukhumvit, and TheMillennium Hilton Bangkok, among others.

THE AMERICAS

Thanksgiving Travel SlumpLAX airport officials are quoted as saying thebusy Thanksgiving air travel season, alwaysproviding its busiest three days, will see aslump this year.Los Angeles International Airport is expecting1.6 million passengers – a 14% drop on lastyear’s holiday period, which began last Fridayand ends 30NOV, officials told the LA Times.LA/Ontario International Airport isanticipating an even larger drop: 30% downfrom the 210,000 passengers last year, mainlybecause ExpressJet and JetBlue have stoppedflying out of the Inland Empire airport.

DC’s Capitol Visitor CenterThe Capitol in Washington DC, the USHouse of Representatives, opens its newVisitor Center on 02DEC. Located belowground between the Capitol and the SupremeCourt and cost US$621 million.After years of having to queue in allweathers at the bottom of Capitol Hill fortours, the annual three million-plus touristsnow begin with a visit to the vastEmancipation Hall filled with statues movedfrom the Capitol and a model of the Statueof Freedom atop the Rotunda.

Cuba Heads for RecordCuba recently staged a salsa show at HavanaAirport to welcome its two millionth touristthis year.The 14NOV event marked the earliest Cubahas ever reached the two-million mark and itstourism vice-minister is predicting the countrywill surpass its all-time record of 2.3 million,set in 2005.

MID EAST / AFRICA

The Sevens Venue in Dubai

Before beginning tours of the Capitol itself,people can stroll through an exhibition hallwith historic documents, artifacts andinteractive computers, see shows in twotheatres and eat at a 530-seat restaurantarea. There are two gift shops and manypublic restrooms.Visitors can also book tours of the Capitolin advance at www.visitthecapitol.gov

This week’s Emirates Airline Dubai RugbySevens is being staged at the new home ofrugby in the Middle East, ‘The Sevens’.This is the airline’s new purpose-builtvenue, which will welcome around 130,000visitors for 27-29NOV competition.The Sevens will be able to hold around50,000 people, including spectators, playersand officials. The main pitch has apermanent 4000-seat grandstand,augmented by temporary stands liftingcapacity to 42,500, at least 10,000 moreseats than in previous years. The secondpitch, in a bowl and enclosed on three sidesby grass embankments, can accommodate15,000 spectators, while four further sportspitches are located close to the two-storey80-metre long clubhouse that willeventually become home to the ArabianGulf Rugby Football Union.

also boasts broadcast and medical facilities,hospitality areas, a 30m wide promenadewith food outlets and cafes, and parking forsome 15,000 vehicles.“One of our overriding priorities whenconstructing The Sevens was to preserve thespecial character that has made the DubaiSevens such a success over the years,” saysNew Zealander Gary Chapman, who isEmirates Group’s President Group Servicesand Dnata.“And a lot of that was based on the fact thatpeople could easily move around the venueto watch matches on the other pitches andmeet up with their friends.

Built and operated by Emirates, The Sevens

“We are very pleased that we have been ableto retain that element and are certain that it,along with the increased numbers and size,will contribute to the most exciting Sevenswe have seen in Dubai.”

By some estimates,airline travel nationwideis expected to drop asmuch as 10% from lastyear.Airlines are expectingflights tomorrow (the daybefore ThanksgivingDay) and Sunday to be90% full, with manybooked to capacity.

20081125 www.travelmemo.co.nzPage 9

EUROPE

Qantas is applying a general fare increaseto the long-term D2AFR / D2AFROWBusiness class and A2AFR / A2AFROWFirst class fares from New Zealand toAfrica, effective for sales from Monday01DEC08. Fares to Johannesburg andCape Town are now commonrated.To avoid the increase, any existingbookings must be ticketed by Sunday30NOV, or within the ticketing time limitwhichever is earlier, or the new fares willapply.

An iMac in Every RoomParis hotel Mama Shelter has installed AppleiMac multimedia centres in each of its 172rooms.The 24-inch screen on the iMac in-roomcomputer provides everything - HDTV,music, radio, CDs, films, DVDs and internet.Created by the Trigano family that foundedClub Med and designer Philippe Starck,Mama Shelter combines modern,technology-enabled accommodation with afriendly, communal vibe. Each morning aboard lists local cultural events, and a varietyof live performances take place in the hotelas well. Dining options range from acommunal table to cold cabinets stockedwith meals available for in-room candlelightdining 24/7. Mama Shelter’s rooms varyfrom 15sqm to 35sqm, priced starting atEUR79 per night—very affordable byParisian standards.www.mamashelter.com

CroisiEurope Croatia & Europe - Save $900 per CoupleInnovative Travel is offering a saving of upto $900 per couple on the CroisiEuropeRiver Cruises 8-day Croatian Coast cruise exDubrovnik, which is now priced from$3034pp twin for all departures 26MAR–30APR09.There’s a saving of $960 per couple on the15-day Amsterdam to Budapest cruise, now

departure.“CroisiEurope’s first class river cruisesoffers a relaxed, comfortable style and aregreat value for money at regular pricing,”says Carol Wisker, National Sales &Marketing Manager, adding that the savingsrepresent exceptional value.Call Innovative toll free on 0508 100111.*Prices valid only when booked and paid by 31Jan09.priced from $5092pp twin for the 01APR09

Oberammergau ReminderInnovative Travel’s Robyn Galloway saystheir fully escorted tours to Oberammergaufor the 2010 Passion Play are filling quicklyand clients thinking of seeing this once-in-a-decade spectacle will need to commit soon ormiss out. Innovative is offering two escorteddepartures in May 2010 from Christchurchor Auckland with confirmed accommodationin Oberammergau Village and Passion Playtickets.Flyers are available from Stocklink or visitwww.innovative-travel.com and select‘Groups’ for more information.

Haydn’s 200th

In 2009, on the occasionof the 200th anniversaryof Joseph Haydn’sdeath, Austria willcelebrate the mostpositive and life-affirming composer of all time. A diversecultural program awaits your clients inVienna, Eisenstadt and in the provinces ofBurgenland and Lower Austria to celebratethe genius who counted Beethoven amonghis students.Click Here for details.

TOURS

Globus Platinum CollectionGlobus has released its 2009 PlatinumCollection of premium holidays, includingnew Platinum Discoveries which they sayprovide an intimate connection with localcultures and landscapes.The Globus Platinum Collection offers first-class holidays in Europe and North Americawith superior hotels, smaller groups, greaterflexibility and a more leisurely pace, andeach holiday has been designed to providemaximum flexibility and free time.In South Dakota, travellers can stayovernight in Custer State Park and take asafari among herds of bison before a chuck-wagon cookout, or in Alaska meet amountaineer to hear a first-hand account ofthe summit climb of 6194m Mt McKinley.In Ireland, they board a horse-drawn jauntingcar and travel through the Killarney NationalPark for views of the woods, lakes and RossCastle. Or in Tuscany, they can walkmedieval backstreets of Lucca before anolive oil tasting.Globus has also extended its Choose YourExperience options throughout the entirePlatinum Collection, giving travellers theflexibility to select their preferred experiences.A new tour for 2009 is the 7-day GreatResorts of the Canadian Rockies, pricedfrom $3029*pp twin share. It featuresmountain resorts like the Fairmont ChateauLake Louise in Alberta, as well as an optionto extend with a three-day train journey onthe Rocky Mountaineer from Banff toVancouver. *Priced in NZD. Conditions apply.

20081125 www.travelmemo.co.nzPage 10

AVIATION

Not Taking No for an AnswerAir New Zealand wants the AustralianCompetition & Consumer Commission(ACCC) to demonstrate consistency whenmaking its final ruling on the airline’sapplication for a Cooperation Agreementwith Air Canada.The proposed deal would involve Air Canadaand Air New Zealand jointly promoting andselling direct flights between Sydney andVancouver (operated by AC) and Aucklandand Vancouver (operated by NZ).The Australian competition watchdog lastweek signaled that it would knock back theproposal because it was concerned theagreement was likely to reduce competitionon the Australia-Canada route and would bedetrimental to Australian consumers.

Air NZ is said to be struggling to understandhow the ACCC had formed its preliminaryview and would be making furthersubmissions ahead of the final determination.The airline’s Group General ManagerInternational Ed Sims noted the fact thatQantas had a code share relationship withSouth African Airways on the ‘highlyuncompetitive’ Johannesburg route and acode share with Japan Airlines.“The ACCC would seem to be ignoring thereality of the global economic meltdown andthe fact that this year more than two dozenairlines around the globe have collapsedwhile those remaining take the knife to theirbusinesses, including axing non-profitableand marginal services,” Mr Sims said.

Alitalia Sale Goes ThroughItaly’s Berlusconi government hasagreed to sell Alitalia’s assets toinvestor group CAI and the bankruptcycommissioner has formally signed offon the offer which will see CAI pay€427 million in cash for AZ’s assetsand take on €625 million of its debt.CAI originally offered to pay €275million in cash.The Wall Street Journal reports thatbefore taking off, the new CAI-Alitaliahas to conclude the acquisition ofsmaller rival Air One SpA, which willbe merged into the new carrier.

Two-for-One for the ObeseClinically obese people who are“functionally disabled by obesity” have theright to two seats for the price of one onflights within Canada, according to aSupreme Court of Canada ruling.Air Canada, Air Canada Jazz and WestJetlost an appeal at Canada’s Federal Court ofAppeal in May and had sought to launch afresh appeal at the Supreme Court.

BA is joining the 21st century, havingsigned a multi-million pound deal toinstall an on-demand multimedia systemwith bigger, clearer screens on all new-delivery and next-generation aircraft.

Full Body Scanners ShelvedThe European Commission has shelved plansto introduce full body scanners at airportsbut will keep restrictions on liquids in handluggage.An EC spokesman said the commissionwants to take more time “to analyse” thesecurity use of the controversial machines,which, while they are meant to fight“terrorism”, have raised deep concerns aboutprivacy.

Queensland Airports, which owns GoldCoast, Mt Isa and Townsville airports, maybid for Cairns International Airport, whichis being sold by the Queensland StateGovernment.Sources have told The Gold Coast Bulletin

that it was definitely interested inbringing Cairns into its stable.Macquarie Airports, which operatesSydney airport, has also been tipped as apossible buyer.

In case readers were wondering, theseemingly never-ending litany ofengineering and operational incidentsinvolving Qantas has resulted in so muchmainstream media coverage thatTravelMemo sees little point in repeatingany of it.

Air France KLM reported a 96.2% drop inconsolidated net income for the quarterended 30SEP08 to €28 million (US$35.4million). AF/KL reported earnings of €736million for the same quarter a year ago.

China-Taiwan Weekday FlightsNine mainland Chinese carriers have beennamed by CAAC to operate weekday flightsbetween China and Taiwan. Services areexpected to start on 15DEC.Air China, China Eastern, China Southern,Hainan Airlines, Xiamen Airlines andShanghai Airlines all operate weekend cross-strait flights, and they will be joined bySichuan Airlines, Shandong Airlines andShenzhen Airlines to operate the weekdayflights.

CRUISING

Christchurch International Airport Ltd hasreported OCT08 domestic passengergrowth of almost 20% compared withOCT07. While international volumes havedecreased by 3%, growth in the domesticmarket has occurred over and above therecent increase in seat capacity.

Sydney Harbour Traffic JamFour cruise ships are scheduled to visitSydney in one day next January, and theshortage of cruise ship berths means thattwo of them, including Aurora, will have tomoor in the middle of the harbour, withpassengers being ferried ashore on tenders.According to Travel Weekly CarnivalAustralia CEO Ann Sherry told industryattendees at last week’s P&O Cruises andPrincess Cruises Partnership Summit thatshe has vowed to get TV crews to film thechaos and shame politicians into actionover the city’s inadequate cruise facilities.

20081125 www.travelmemo.co.nz

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Seadream Notches up MilestonesSeaDream Yacht Club reports that, forthe first time in its seven year history,all 55 staterooms on its twin megamotor-cruisers, SeaDream I andSeaDream II were occupied for theirseasonal Atlantic crossings this monthfrom the Mediterranean to theCaribbean.And of the guests aboard both yachts, arecord 70% had made a SeaDreamAtlantic crossing before, while 80% hadsailed on either or both of the shipspreviously in the Mediterranean orCaribbean, totalling 3,640 SeaDreamdays at sea between them.While on board, guests booked over 50further SeaDream sailings in 2009 and2010 – including one English couple onSeaDream I who deposited for fivemore weeks of voyages in 2009 to capoff 72 weeks already sailed withSeaDream.

Pandaw in SarawakPandaw Cruises will inaugurate a new expeditioncruise on the Rajang River in Sarawak fromJUL09.Following in the footsteps of the British explorerand travel writer Redmon O’Hanlon, the brandnew Orient Pandaw will make an 8-night cruisethree times a month from Sibu to the PelagusRapids and beyond, up the Baleh River.The Rajang River is rarely visited by travellers onaccount of its inaccessibility and lack of touristfacilities. It is, though, the longest river inMalaysia. Cruising in the extreme comfort of aPandaw, passengers will be able to visit Ibanlonghouses, make boat trips up tributary rivers,and see the vestiges of the colonial Brooke Raja.Passengers will be able to view from thePandaw’s observation decks the rich tropical rainforest close at hand, and jungle treks, for alllevels of walkers, are a must in this diverse andexotic eco-paradise.For an itinerary and schedules, contact NZ GSAFrancis Travel Marketing.

Pacific Star CruisesAffected by RescueCrew from P&O Cruises’ Pacific Sun lastweek successfully rescued four sailorswhose New Zealand-registered yachtstruck a reef 500 nautical miles east ofMackay in the Coral Sea.Two men with New Zealand passports, awoman from France and a man from NewCaledonia were pulled onto the cruise shipafter a rescue operation which took justover an hour.The exercise, which involved Pacific Sunlaunching a lifeboat with crew, including adoctor, to reach the sailors on the shallowreef system, put the ship 24 hours behindschedule.The next cruise will now be six daysinstead of seven and will visit the ports ofPoum and Noumea in New Caledonia.The ship had been scheduled to visitNoumea, Lifou in the Loyalty Islands andVila.

SeaDream Offers DaylightSaving Toll Free BookingToll-Free calls from New Zealand to SeaDreamYacht Club’s booking centre in Miami can bemade until 1pm Tuesdays to Saturdaysthroughout the duration of Daylight Saving.Call 0800 7323 7326 and for general tradeinformation, brochures, itineraries, prices andspecials, call Julie Denovan on (+61 2) 99584444.Seabourn Cruise Line has named its second

newbuild Seabourn Sojourn, according to a

report from Cruise Critic. The 32,000 gross ton

ship will be delivered in summer 2010 and will

reportedly be based in the UK for an inaugural

season.

There are industry rumours in Australia that

Royal Caribbean may base Rhapsody of the Seas

year-round in Australian waters and that

former P&O/Carnival man Gavin Smith, who has

just walked away from the Jetset Travelworld

gm role, may be about to head RCI regionally.

20081125 www.travelmemo.co.nzPage 12

Love was in the air in Sydney on Sunday as 100 couples renewedtheir vows at the Princess Cruises Marry Me Again event.The sun came out just in time for the two-hour event, held in frontof Princess Cruises’ ‘Love Boat’ Dawn Princess at Circular Quay.The Princess Cruises Marry Me Again event was hosted by KylieGillies and Larry Emdur of Channel 7’s The Morning Show.

More Carnival Capacityfrom New YorkCarnival Cruise Lines will increase capacity on itsseasonal cruise program from New York in 2010with the 2,978-passenger Carnival Glory scheduledto operate a variety of four and five-day AtlanticCanada voyages JUN-SEP, followed by a series offive one-week fall foliage cruises.It marks the first time that Carnival has deployedone of its largest ships on the highly popularprogram.Four-day cruises departing Thursdays feature a callat Saint John, New Brunswick and scenic cruisingin the Bay of Fundy, while five-day cruisesdeparting on Mondays and Saturdays include stopsat Saint John and Halifax, Nova Scotia. Theprogram commences with a four-day voyagedeparting 06JUN10 (a one-time Sunday departure).Week-long fall foliage itineraries beginningSaturday, 11SEP10, feature Boston, Mass., Portland,Maine, Saint John and Halifax, with a variety ofopportunities to view stunning fall colors andexplore these charming coastal cities.Call Francis Travel Marketing for the details andbookings.

Give us QE2’s FunnelThousands of people have signed an online petitionurging Nakheel, the new owners of the QE2, toreturn the iconic funnel of the ship to Southamptonin the UK, where the Cunard fans want to see itpermanently located.The liner is due to arrive in Dubai tomorrow for thestart of a new life and part of its transformation intoa hotel will include the removal of the funnel,replaced by a four-storey glass penthouse tower.The funnel is expected to be rebuilt on the island aspart of a grand entrance to a pier leading to the hotel.

Silversea Cruises has cancelled plans to base the 132-pax

expedition ship Prince Albert II in Tahiti next year, deciding

instead to begin an Arctic cruise program on 01JUN.

ACCOMMODATION

Cruise the Kimberley CoastPearl Sea Coastal Cruises has just released a new 5-day cruise for2009 ideal for those with limited time to explore the Kimberleycoast. The adventure begins in Broome with a flight to One ArmPoint where the Kimberley Quest II awaits its guests’ arrival.The next five days will be enjoyed discovering Montgomery Reef,Ruby Falls and Raft Point along with Doubtful Bay, the rainforest ofthe Sale River and as well as the Horizontal Falls at Talbot Bay.The journey is completed in the waters off One Arm Point and itsmyriad of surrounding islands, and is followed by a light aircraftflight back to Broome.Book your cruise for 2009 on the Kimberley Quest II by 31DEC08and receive a 20% saving. *Conditions apply

Two Hotels, Two Extreme Makeovers,Two Minutes ApartPrime Hotels has transformed two Wellington hotels - thelandmark Abel Tasman Hotel supremely located in Willis St.and the Central City Apartment Hotel in Victoria St.

The AbelTasman, one ofthe capital’soriginalpremier hotels,has undergonea majortransformation.The completefit out includedthree floors of business rooms, four floors of corporate andleisure/family mix, and the hotel’s conference and eventsfacilities.The Central City Apartment Hotel, two minutes away aroundthe corner on Victoria St has undergone an extreme makeoverof its apartments – contemporary décor, flat screen TVs and achaise longue that converts to a day bed for the additionalperson who may stay over.Its 16 floors contain a mix of studios and one- and two-bedroom suites, some reconfigured to give interconnectingrooms ideal for family use. Many apartments have harbourviews and balconies.Plans for early next year will see a café on the ground floor.Both hotels are suitable for the corporate and leisure markets,are WiFi enabled, have car parking and gym options. A fullfood and beverage facility located in The Abel Tasman –Bistro 169 – is a popular spot with an outdoor patio forpeople-watching.Prime Hotels is the hotel division of Primeproperty Group, amajor investor in Wellington’s property market.

20081125 www.travelmemo.co.nz

New Zealand Apartments– 5 Years OnIt is five years ago this month thatAnton and Jules Wilke launched theirNew Zealand Apartments concept ontothe worldwide and New Zealandleisure travel markets.Since that time the collection hasgrown to 50 apartments in 30 locationsand has expanded to also include 20New Zealand Luxury Motels inlocations that lacked servicedapartment accommodation.The collection has been activelymarketed to international travel agentsat events such as TRENZ and throughextensive sales missions to key marketssuch as UK, Europe, US and Australia.An early challenge was to defineexactly what a New Zealand apartmentis to the global customer who hasdifferent concepts of what an‘apartment’ is to them.“The majority of properties in thecollection feature on-site managers,many of whom are Kiwi, are servicedand overall offer a more personalisedapproach”, explains Anton.These days there are five staff workingfor New Zealand Apartments and NewZealand Luxury Motels plus additionalspecialist support provided in theNorth American market. The parentcompany is a member of New ZealandTourism Industry Association, InboundTour Operators Council andChristchurch and Canterbury Tourism.

GREEN MATTERSClaremont Country Estate ExpandsClaremont Country Estate at Waipara Gorge inNorth Canterbury now offers the Claremont Suiteand the Owner’s Retreat in addition to its threehomestead rooms known as the Rose, Fountain andLily rooms, all of which have ensuite bathrooms,The Claremont Luxury Suite is a lavender-scentedsuite with views over sweeping lawns to toweringtwin mountain peaks. There is a separate privatesitting room with settee, writing desk and TV. Thebed is a super-king that can be configured into twinsingles. A charming en-suite bathroom with a clawfoot bath and a separate stall shower comes withthis suite.The Owner’s Retreat is an extremely private self-contained two-bedroom cottage and is one of twodistinctive farm cottages on the property. Thiscottage is ideal for families with up to two youngerchildren and is also available for two couples orthree adults travelling together.It is located on the farm and has a private fullyfenced garden where children can play safely.Owner’s Retreat guests have access to the lodgefacilities and access to walks on the 2,400 acreEstate and Private Nature Reserve. Guests alsoparticipate in the Land Rover Safari adventuretour.This cottage, totally renovated early 2008 for theowner’s personal use, features full double glazing,insulation and has full air-conditioning and centralheating in the living, dining, kitchen and bothbedrooms. It is fully equipped for self-catering andthere is a separate laundry with washer and drier.There is a sophisticated sound system, gas openfire, leather settees and solid oak farmhouse styledining furniture.Visit www.claremont-estate.com

Te Urewera Tourism InitiativeNext Sunday, Te Urewera Treks and Dutchtour wholesaler TravelEssence will launch anew tourism initiative which combinesindigenous rainforest restoration withsustainable tourism.The project is the realisation of a sharedvision between TravelEssence and TeUrewera Treks to deliver a unique andsustainable world-class tourism experiencefor international visitors. The projectsupports local iwi to reach their goal ofrestoring their indigenous rainforests, and atthe same time provides valuable employmentopportunities in a region where long termunemployment is a major issue.The concept involves international visitorsoffsetting their carbon emissions by plantingnative tree seedlings. In addition they make adonation to the ongoing management of theresulting forest. The initiative will create anumber of employment opportunitiesincluding tourist guiding, pest control, andthe establishment of a native seedlingnursery.

Te Urewera Treks, locally owned andoperated by Joe Doherty (Ngai Tuhoe) andhis wife Jo, provide one- to three-day guidedwalks for small groups in the WhirinakiForest Park, Te Urewera National Park andon private Maori land. The new tree plantinginitiative is an optional half-day on each ofthese treks.TravelEssence, a tour wholesaler based is theNetherlands, is owned and operated by ex-pat Kiwi Andrew Morten. It specialises inhigh quality, high value, individually tailoredtours to New Zealand with a focus onsustainability.TravelEssence expects more than 1,000 oftheir clients to plant more than 5,000 trees inTe Urewera over the next three years.www.teureweratreks.co.nzwww.travelessence.nl

Certifying Sustainable TourismA global initiative aimed at bringing order to the suspect world of environmentallysustainable tourism is set to be launched in January.The new Sustainable Tourism Stewardship Council is part of the Marrakech Process, aUN-led initiative to promote a shift towards global sustainable production andconsumption. It will set general standards for sustainable tourism applicable around theworld, provide information to the public and industry, and ensure that certifying bodiesfor tourism companies conduct audits independently and at arm’s length.

Page 13

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Travel

PEARL’S PEARLER

If you never change your mind, what’s the point of having one?

INDUSTRY

Win Trips for Two to China Two trips to China for two persons are thegrand prizes for travel agents attending theCNTA’s China Gala Night and Workshop atSky City on Monday night, 08DEC.Singapore Airlines and Air New Zealand areeach sponsoring a pair of tickets and CTSTours, with Regal Hotels and MillenniumHotels, are sponsoring the land package.The China National Tourism Office issponsoring the China Gala Night with adelegation of 100 from China representing20 provinces so there will be something foreveryone.The China Workshop will start at 5:30pm,followed by pre-dinner drinks and a banquet.

Paul Holmes, as Master of Ceremonies, willentertain the audience with an account of hisexhilarating trip to China last week. It will bea memorable evening as the CNTA will alsobring performers from China to entertain.The CNTA will also sponsor a China Festivalas a public event at Botany DownsTowncentre Stage 06/07/08DEC with detailsavailable on www.chinatravel.co.nz so besure to invite your clients as there will becultural performances throughout the day,from 11am to 2pm.Book your staff to attend the China GalaNight at Sky City with Jean or Kevin at 09-375 1711 or e-mail ticket9@chinatravel.co.nz.

Cox & Kings Buys Tempo HolsAustralia and New Zealand-based TempoHolidays has been acquired by Cox & KingsIndia, in a deal reportedly worth US$25million.Trav Talk India quotes Cox & Kings CEOPeter Kerkar as saying “Tempo Holidays is

an excellent fit for us and seeing theperformance of Tempo Holidays it reinforcedour belief that the Australian market is readyfor an upmarket brand such as Cox & Kings.Our products would be widely distributed inAustralia and New Zealand.”

Adventure World’s Neil Rogers hasmoved from Auckland to Sydney andhas been appointed to the role ofmarketing manager for thewholesaler’s Australian operation.He had been AW’s Online MarketingManager here and will share hisexpertise over there.

Auckland-based Executive Travelhosted 60 of their clients at theirannual wine tasting functions heldover two intimate evenings lastmonth. Wine knowledge was put tothe test, while customers andExecutive Travel staff had a chance tonetwork and enjoy each other’scompany.Winners on the night took awayprizes including accommodation at anIHG property and at The Quadrantand Heritage hotels, as well as AvisRental car prizes.Pictured here is the winning teamGlengarrys : (from left) Richard Baker(Singapore Airlines), Clark Whiteman(Avis), Robert Moss and Karen Jones.

LATE BREAKQantas yesterday launched non-stopservices between Australia and SouthAmerica. The Sydney to Buenos Airesflights will operate three times a week,using three-class Boeing 747-400 aircraft.

MGM Mirage, has announced plans todevelop a casino resort in southwestVietnam. The MGM Grand Ho Tram willbecome Vietnam’s first Las Vegas-styleintegrated resort when it opens in 2011.

Fiji’s tourism interests may be thrilled tohave been allocated F$23.4 million in the2009 Budget, but the decision hasangered Fiji’s National Farmers Union.Fiji Broadcasting Corp quotes NFUNational President Sanjeet Maharaj assaying to allocate 6.4 million dollars forthe sugar industry development and togive that huge sum of money for tourismsector is unjustified.Maharaj says the money received fromsugar sales stays in Fiji while the hugeprofits made in the tourism industry areoften shifted abroad by overseasinvestors running big resorts.

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