V AUSTRALIA SPREADS ITS WINGS TO THAILAND

V Australia, Virgin Blue's premium long-haul airline, will take off from Brisbane International Airport at 10am on Sunday 22 November with a full load of Guests on its inaugural flight to Phuket.

Travellers will enjoy V Australia's Boeing 777-300 aircraft, which boasts a three class cabin including 33 fully lie-flat beds in International Business, 40 International Club seats in Premium Economy and 288 Economy seats, which offers Guests the only direct route between Brisbane and Phuket and a range of services to suit both business and leisure travellers.

To celebrate the new route, V Australia has announced a $399* one-way "Tuk Tuk Off To Phuket" launch fare on sale from now until midnight 23 November 2009, for travel on direct flights between Brisbane and Phuket from 22 November – 17 December 2009 and 15 January – 31 May 2010.

Lead-in fares start from $499* one-way on the net for International Economy, $999* for Premium Economy and $1999* for all the bells and whistles in V Australia's award-winning International Business Class Cabin.  All fares are fully inclusive of taxes and surcharges with the direct flights departing from Brisbane to Phuket every Friday and Sunday.

Virgin Blue Chief Executive, Brett Godfrey, said, "With our first flight full to overflowing it's obvious that Queenslanders have been waiting sometime for a direct service to Phuket and V Australia is pleased to be filling that gap.

"As an added bonus, whether travellers are seeking a budget or premium product or somewhere in between, V Australia has got it covered and best of all, no matter which cabin they are travelling in, the service will always be first class."

In celebration of the new services inaugural flight Guests on Sunday will enjoy a Thai spectacular when they check-in at Brisbane International Airport.  As well as being entertained by traditional Thai dancers, Guests will enjoy a complimentary Thai inspired banquet including; cocktails and a selection of finger food.

Virgin Blue Airlines Group's holiday program Blue Holidays also has some great packages including:

* 8 nights accommodation at Mercure Patong Phuket from $A1,586.00 per person^ including return V Australia flights from Brisbane, as well as welcome drinks on arrival and daily breakfasts.  Package is on sale until 30 Dec 2009 for travel 22 November 2009 to 31 March 2010.

* 8 nights accommodation at Indigo Pearl in a Kelly Quarters Room from $A2,215.00 per person^ including return V Australia flights from Brisbane, complimentary airport transfers, set three course romantic dinner for two on one night of stay in the Rivet Grill Restaurant, complimentary coach transfers between Phuket Town/Patong Beach and 20% off food and beverage outlets.  Package is on sale until 30 Dec 2009 for travel 22 November 2009 to 31 March 2010.

Brett Godfrey added, "Thailand is known as the "Land of Smiles" and we have every intention of giving travellers plenty of reasons to smile when it comes to being able to afford to holiday in one of Asia's most exotic hot spots."

While the launch schedule is designed to allow for a convenient week, long weekend or 10 day Phuket getaway, Virgin Blue will closely monitor demand for the new flights to determine future schedules and frequency increases based on support for the new services.  For further information on fares and schedules, visit www.vaustralia.com.au.

Quark's Khlebnikov free of ice in Weddell Sea

Status Details
Vessel: I/B Kapitan Khlebnikov
Time: 1534 UTC / 1034 EST
Location: 61 degrees 4.9' S, 58 degrees 13.5'W
(Drake Passage)

Quark Expeditions reports the icebreaker Kapitan Khlebnikov has successfully navigated the pack ice of the Weddell Sea and is now in open water, on the way to Ushuaia, Argentina.

The scheduled return to port (November 16, 2009) was delayed due to weather conditions including heavy pack ice, which restricted the vessel's ability to maneuver effectively. During the delay, all 101 passengers, 23 staff and 60 crew on board remained safe and comfortable.

A highlight of this particular voyage included a special departure to visit the emperor penguin colony near Snow Hill Island. Shane Evoy, Quark's Expedition Leader onboard, reported on November 17, 2009, that "although the delay may cause complications for return travel, all passengers are enjoying the extra time we have spent at the Snow Hill Island Emperor Penguin rookery and seeing the icebreaker in action".

The vessel is now expected in the port Ushuaia at 10:00 am the morning of November 22nd. The ship will then take on fresh stores and pick up the passengers awaiting their scheduled journey. Passengers will embark later that same day. The expedition has been adjusted to take into account the delayed departure.

"On behalf of Quark Expeditions I would like to thank all passengers participating in these voyages for their good humor and spirit of adventure in accepting these unexpected changes. Like true adventurers, they have risen to the occasion in embracing both the thrills and challenges that travel to the wondrous Polar Regions entails," says Patrick Shaw, President of Quark Expeditions

Quark Expeditions continues to work with travel agents and companies to ensure that the delayed passengers can efficiently continue their travel home.

For additional details, please visit http://www.quarkexpeditions.com/media-information/media-releases/kapitan-khlebnikov.

LA is White Hot for the Holidays

Los Angeles, California — Want to experience a white Christmas without committing to the cold? It’s absolutely possible in LA, the city where you can have your Christmas cake and eat it too this holiday season.

Play in real snow when you celebrate “Grinchmas” at Universal Studios Hollywood. Beginning in December, visitors can enjoy wintertime family activities in real snow, meet the Grinch and see Whoville come to life on the backlot of Universal Studios Hollywood during Grinchmas. Areas of the Theme Park and the Studio Tour are transformed to bring to life the settings, the music and, most importantly, many of the wonderful characters created by the beloved Dr. Seuss. Just next door, CityWalk is decked out for the holidays, and the shops and restaurants are always tempting. www.universalstudioshollywood.com

Whip around or wipe out at LA’s newest ice skating rink. The new skating rink at The Nokia Plaza is the first of its kind at L.A. LIVE and will be open for winter fun through the end of December. Beginning 18 December, the hours will be 11 a.m. to midnight every day. Check www.lalive.com/holidayice for information on skate rentals and discounts.

Join in reindeer games. From Thanksgiving weekend through the New Year, reindeer will be playing at the Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens at this year’s Reindeer Romp. A flurry of festivities and holiday entertainment will accompany this popular annual event and children can make their own reindeer antlers and join the herd. On weekends, meet Santa and friends for a photo opportunity. During the winter months, the zoo’s botanical gardens are as green and lush as they are in summer; it’s a beautiful time to explore! www.lazoo.org

Young ladies can act like the locals at American Girl Place at the Grove in Los Angeles. Besides being dolled up for the holidays, this iconic shopping, dining and salon destination for girls offers “Holiday Wishes”, a special holiday themed dinner celebration that includes a unique dinner menu with delicious treats and exciting gift bags. Dates: 6, 11 and 18 December. $52 USD per person. Reservations required. http://www.americangirl.com/stores/location_la.php.

Experience “ooh” and “ahh” worthy holiday decorations 4 – 30 December, at the 14th Annual Los Angeles Department of Water and Power Holiday Light Festival. This magnificent display of lights along a mile long segment of Crystal Springs Drive in Griffith Park has become a holiday tradition that attracts more than half million visitors each year. Wear comfortable shoes and see the sparkle on foot during the event’s eco-friendly pedestrian only days 4 – 17 December. The traditional mix of driving, walking and shuttles will run 18 – 30 December. Round-trip shuttle buses will be available 5-10 p.m. those nights at the L.A. Zoo. Walkers on those nights will enjoy the walking path. Both options are accessible from the Los Angeles Zoo parking lot. www.dwplightfestival.com

On 12 December, visit Marina del Rey for the annual Holiday Boat Parade. The theme for this year’s parade is “Christmas in Paradise” and features Zac Sunderland, the youngest person to sail around the world solo, as the Grand Marshall. Creative locals captivate audiences with decorated boats circling the main channel on calm marina waters. Prizes will be awarded and fireworks kick off the event at 5:55 p.m. The parade goes until 8 p.m. and one of the best viewing points is Burton Chace Park, 13650 Mindanao Way in Marina del Rey. www.mdrboatparade.org

This December, the Skirball Cultural Center is celebrating Hanukkah with a Latin flair. As part of the Skirball's ongoing initiative to commemorate Jewish life in Latin America, the annual Hanukkah family festival, 6 December at 11 a.m., invites families of all backgrounds to enjoy Latin Jewish music, art-making and storytelling, as well as tasty variations on holiday food. In addition, the Lights of Hanukkah Family Tour will take place 11 to 16 December. Focusing on the stunning display of Hanukkah lamps in the Skirball's core exhibition, “Visions and Values,” this gallery talk recounts the history and significance of Hanukkah, a Jewish holiday celebrating religious freedom. www.skirball.org

For 12 days and nights Santa’s Wonderland is located in Downtown Burbank, which is filled with holiday events, music and treats! It all begins at 6 p.m. 1 December with the Mayor’s Tree Lighting Ceremony at City Hall with City Council, Santa & Mrs. Claus, special guests and a surprise emcee. After the Tree Lighting, it’s off to Santa’s Downtown Wonderland, 6:30-8:30pm along San Fernando Boulevard from Orange Grove to Magnolia. Bring your camera for a visit with Santa on the AMC Walkway and celebrate the holidays with children’s characters, face painting, holiday activities, free gifts and more. www.downtown-burbank.org

A cold snap hit Big Bear Mountain in October, opening the slopes and kicking off the winter fun early this year. Big Bear Mountain Resorts have unmatched snowmaking systems providing quality snow for thousands of skiers and snowboarders in Southern California each season. Big Bear already started snowmaking at Snow Summit with Bear Mountain, Chair 5 and Central Park Run already accessible for downhill fun!

For more information about visiting LA go to www.DiscoverLosAngeles.com for more details.


About LA INC.--LA INC. The Los Angeles Convention and Visitors Bureau is a private, nonprofit business association whose primary mission is to market and promote Los Angeles as the premier site for meetings, conventions and leisure travel. Though not part of city government, LA INC. is recognized as the city's official tourism marketing organization. For more information, visit the official visitor information website of Los Angeles at www.discoverLosAngeles.com.

Stay, Park and Play in Style at Sydney's Sheraton on the Park

Sheraton on the Park is celebrating the festive season with a special accommodation package and a sumptuous seafood buffet lunch or dinner in the hotel's award winning Botanica Brasserie (Winner of "Café/Brasserie of the Year", AHA (NSW) Awards for Excellence 2008).

Slip away and escape into the heart of the City. From only $259* per night, enjoy an accommodation package with your loved ones and discover all that Sydney has to offer. Stay, Park and Play with overnight accommodation in a City View Room, breakfast for two in Botanica Brasserie, and complimentary self parking. Parking at Sheraton is easy and convenient and is located at 138 Castlereagh Street.

Perfectly situated in the centre of Sydney's retail and entertainment district, Sheraton on the Park will keep you connected with the city's favourite destinations. Located adjacent to Hyde Park, Sheraton on the Park is a short stroll to the city's galleries, theatres, the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour and the historic Rocks area. Additional attractions including Darling Harbour, Convention Centre, The Sydney Aquarium and Sydney Wildlife World are accessible via the scenic Monorail.

For more information or to make a reservation, please contact Toll Free Reservations on 1800 073 535 or email sheratononthepark@sheraton.com. Gift Vouchers for accommodation can also be purchased by contacting the Reservations team as above.

Traditions are Better when Shared at the award winning Botanica Brasserie. Botanica is perfectly suited for large groups, parties and family gatherings. Throughout the festive season we will be offering our award winning seafood buffet with a selection of Christmas treats.  Open from 12.30pm, Botanica Brasserie will feature a delicious Seafood Lunch Buffet including fresh Australian Whole Tiger Prawns, Sydney Rock Oysters, Blue Swimmer Crabs, Balmain Bugs and Tasmanian Smoked Salmon. All of chef's traditional favourites will be available including a delicious Sushi selection, traditional Christmas carvery and not to mention a divine Dessert buffet. Prices from $75* per person for lunch and $85.00* per person for dinner.

For more information or to make a booking please contact Botanica Reservations on 02 9286 6650 or email fb.reservations@sheraton.com. Cannot be used with any other promotional offers including Starwood Privilege. Not valid on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Years Eve. Please enquire for special event pricing.

Sheraton on the Park - Featuring 557 luxury rooms and suites, Sheraton on the Park is the only five star hotel on Hyde Park and is renowned for being the benchmark of classic hotels in Sydney. The property features The Sheraton Club on Level 21, complimentary internet access in the Link@Sheraton, a Health Club with stunning rooftop pool and a variety of food and beverage outlets offering guests extensive dining options. The hotel stands in one of the city's most desirable locations in the heart of Sydney's business and premium shopping district. The Hotel has been awarded 'Best Luxury Accommodation' at the 2007 NSW Tourism Awards and Australasia and Australia's 'Leading Conference Hotel' in the World Travel Awards 2009.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with 982 properties in more than 100 countries and 145,000 employees at its owned and managed properties. Starwood Hotels is a fully integrated owner, operator and franchisor of hotels, resorts and residences with the following internationally renowned brands: St. Regis®, The Luxury Collection®, W®, Westin®, Le Méridien®, Sheraton®, Four Points® by Sheraton, and the recently launched Aloft®, and Element SM.  Starwood Hotels also owns Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc., one of the premier developers and operators of high quality vacation interval ownership resorts. For more information, please visit www.starwoodhotels.com.

Dazzling Summer Vivacity deals

Sydney residents and visitors will have the opportunity to experience Sydney at its very best this summer with the new ‘Viva Sydney Card’ promotion offering two-for-one deals at more than 70 venues and events across the city.

Minister for Tourism Jodi McKay said the ‘Viva Sydney Card’ is just the ticket for families and friends looking to stretch their dollar further this summer.

“The Viva Sydney Card is just one of a number of initiatives being introduced to support this summer’s Vivacity – When wonderful Sydney comes out to play campaign,” Ms McKay said.

“It offers a great opportunity to reconnect with friends and family this summer and to treat them to lunch or a night at the theatre, or surprise them with a free pass to a day spa or a harbour cruise.”

Ms McKay said the Vivacity campaign will run nationwide, from November 2009 to January 2010, featuring television, print, digital and outdoor advertising.

“Visitors to Sydney in summer will have plenty of reasons to celebrate the unique energy and excitement of Australia’s global city with some fabulous events, including Sydney New Year’s Eve and the Sydney Festival,” Ms McKay said.

“The card offers ‘two for one’ deals for cardholders to take a guest for free to more than 70 participating restaurants, hotels, attractions, events and spas from 14 November to 31 March 2010.”

Ms McKay said the Vivacity campaign follows the success of October’s Crave Sydney, which saw Sydney enjoy a month of food, fun and outdoor living events including the Sydney International Food Festival, and the globally showcased ‘Breakfast on the Bridge’ event.

The centrepiece of Vivacity, Sydney Festival First Night on 9 January 2010 is expected to build on the success of the 2009 Festival where more than 240,000 people turned out for the first night celebrations alone.

Sydney received more than 25.4 million domestic and international visitors in the year ending June 2009 spending more than 71.2 million nights and injecting $11.2 billion into the economy.

Residents and visitors to Sydney this summer will be able to download their Viva Sydney Cards free of charge at www.sydney.com/viva.

National Geographic CSD partners with Hurtigruten in geotourism

National Geographic’s Center for Sustainable Destinations (CSD) and the Norwegian coastal liner Hurtigruten have signed a cooperation agreement to enhance Hurtigruten’s destinations along the Norwegian coast.

Geotourism is tourism that sustains or enhances a place’s geographical character. It’s tourism that sustains the destination’s distinctiveness—its nature, culture, history and the well-being of its residents.

When Hurtigruten and National Geographic Society Center for Sustainable destinations (CSD) now enter this cooperation it’s done to safeguard and develop Hurtigruten’s unique destinations along the Norwegian coast – known as some of best destinations in the world.

- Hurtigruten is almost unique in the world. With Hurtigruten you are really a part of Norway, part of a Norwegian tradition. The crew is Norwegian, the food and experience is Norwegian. Hurtigruten is uniquely identified with the country it operates in. That’s not true with conventional cruiseliners, says Jonathan Tourtellot, National Geographic CSD Director.

The cooperation is formalized and established in a Code of good practice with the intention to help Hurtigruten to become even better. Hurtigruten has served the passengers, the ports and the Norwegian coast since 1893 bringing freight and passengers back and forth between 34 daily ports of call. This year round service gives the coastal voyager a dimension beyond a travel product. In some ways Hurtigruten already fulfills the performance of National Geographic geotourism principles. The company wants to enhance this even more.

- National Geographic pinpoint what we understand as a unique character of Hurtigruten. In many ways Hurtigruten have a mission besides presenting the beautiful Norwegian coast to tourists. This mission is exercised in cooperation with our environment- our destinations as our local partners. Hurtigruten supports and depends on strong and sustainable destinations and want to improve our skills and performance on this field. By this we will enhance what makes Hurtigruten unique in the world, Hurtigruten CEO Olav Fjell says.

National Geographic CSD, with their knowledge of sustainable destinations and geotourism, is highly recognized in one of the world`s largest industries – tourism. For Hurigruten this cooperation is important. It`s internally seen as a confirmation of good practice and but also as a possibility to improve skills within a field more and more important for future tourism.

-This cooperation will strengthen and clarify Hurtigruten’s unique position as the original coastal voyager. The Norwegian fjords have already won several prizes as the world`s best travel destinations. This happens partly because Norway as a nation has the wisdom to manage our nature and our culture with sense and in a sustainable way. After almost 120 years in service it’s vital that Hurtigruten operate in accordance with sustainable principles related to both nature and our destinations along the coast, says Christian Bue Nordahl, Global Brand Manager in Hurtigruten ASA.


About geotourism

Geotourism is defined as tourism that sustains or enhances the geographical character of a place—its environment, culture, aesthetics, heritage, and the well-being of its residents. Geotourism incorporates the concept of sustainable tourism—that destinations should remain unspoiled for future generations—while allowing for ways to protect and develop a place's distinctive character.

About National Geographic CSD

Center for Sustainable Destinations (CSD) is dedicated to protecting the world's distinctive places through wisely managed tourism and enlightened destination stewardship. The core strategy for achieving this mission is geotourism. Working with many allied organizations, both global and local, CSD helps develop and disseminate information for adopting the geotourism approach—by destination communities, by tourism professionals, and by travelers themselves.

About Hurtigruten

Hurtigruten is the original coastal voyager. Since 1893 Hurtigruten has served the passengers, the ports and the Norwegian coast bringing freight and passengers back and forth between daily ports of call. This year round service gives the coastal voyager a dimension beyond a travel product – Hurtigruten is a part of its destination – the Norwegian coast.

www.hurtigruten.co.uk
www.hurtigruten.com
www.discovertheworld.com.au
www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/sustainable/

SIR RICHARD BRANSON'S NEW AUSTRALIAN AIRLINE ANNOUNCES ITS FIRST FARES FOR THAILAND

HEAD TO AUSTRALIA FROM THB 8,400* ONE WAY

Richard Branson’s new Australian airline is gearing up for launch with special sale fares for Thailand travellers. Isn’t it “a-BHAT” time you went to Australia?

Friday 13 November 2009: V Australia, Virgin Blue Airlines Group’s boutique three class long haul airline has officially opened its doors for business in Thailand, with flights from THB 8,400 one way in International Economy Class and THB 34,999 one-way in International Business Class.

It comes hot on the heels of the launch this weekend of sister airline Pacific Blue’s brand new weekly flights from Phuket to Perth, which take off Saturday.

V Australia fares go on sale at 9am today via V Australia’s Thailand General Sales Agency “LTU Asia” for V Australia’s launch route of Phuket – Brisbane, with flights commencing 29 November 2010. Direct flights from Phuket to Melbourne will also go on sale, with the second route launching from 4 December 2009.

V Australia unveiled plans to commence services between Thailand and Australia in August this year, together with a pledge to bring fresh competition, super sale fares and a high quality, friendly service style to the people of Thailand.

To celebrate, V Australia is offering special fares in each of its three cabins, as follows:

To Brisbane and Melbourne - International Economy Class one-way - THB 8,400*

To Brisbane and Melbourne - International Premium Economy Class one-way - THB 18,999*

To Brisbane and Melbourne - International Business Class - one-way - THB 34,999*

The fares are on sale from now until 13 December 2009 and flights are for travel between 29 November - 13 December 2009, 19 January - 31 March 2010, 20 April - 22 June 2010 and 20 July - 16 September 2010.

Domestic connections are also available from Brisbane and Melbourne to Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide and numerous other Australian cities and towns, as well as across to New Zealand. The award winning Virgin Blue Airlines Group operates frequent services to 28 Australian destinations and 13 international destinations in the South Pacific and Southeast Asia.

Virgin Blue Airlines Group Chief Executive, Mr Brett Godfrey, said, “We are delighted to add Thailand to our growing network and we look forward to bringing new travel and business development opportunities, both for the tourism operators in the region as well as the many expats who travel home to Australia frequently.”

V Australia will be the only airline to operate direct flights from Phuket to Brisbane. It will initially operate services twice weekly, with a view to increasing the number of services subject to demand. It will also be the only airline to operate a weekly flight direct from Phuket to Melbourne, taking it to three weekly flights between Phuket and Australia.

V Australia’s three class cabin includes International Business Class which offers convertible fully lie flat beds, a sit down in-flight bar, award winning in-flight entertainment system “RED” and Row 5, V Australia’s special privacy “suite”.

Recently, V Australia’s in-flight entertainment system and Business Class product were voted best in their categories in two separate consumer driven awards surveys.

The airline operates brand new 777-300ER aircraft which feature 33 seats in Business Class, 40 International Club Seats in Premium Economy and 288 International Economy seats. All cabins offer the award winning personal seat back entertainment system featuring the latest on-demand in-flight entertainment including new release movies, TV, music, seat to seat “chat” and competition connectivity.

V Australia also offers two in-flight bars, mood lighting including twilight and sunset, bathrooms with piped music (including a ladies only bathroom) and some unique Australiana touches.

The V Australia flights will also compliment the Pacific Blue flights which are set to launch this Saturday with two weekly flights to Perth and connections to the East Coast to allow travellers flexibility and choice in terms of additional schedule choice.

For further information please see www.vaustralia.com.au