Karma Spa to Launch Australian-Bali First – A New Powerful Life-Changing Wellness Program – Inspired Living

Making changes can be a huge personal challenge but now a new, unique, powerful program called Inspired Living that merges the ethereal voice, music and first-grade kinesiology skills of Australian songstress and composer Ani Neradilkova (AniKiko) will assist and facilitate you to make important life-changes.

September (8-13) sees the launch of this first, not-to-be-missed five-day personal development program and retreat at the exclusive, stunning, cliff-top Karma Kandara Resort, Uluwatu, Bali. The package includes treatments at Karma Spa, yoga, a wellness cuisine, open-air cinema and dinner on its private beach.

“This refined, exciting new program I’ve designed will use specific musical tones and my voice, combined with only the most effective kinesiology techniques to integrate into the body, mind and soul to create life-change and allow this change to continue when home,” said Ani.

“I have recently run an online webinar pilot program of what will take place in Bali and the results were amazing. The Karma program will be even more powerful in a face-to-face group, which is all about the synergy of the group as well as what I will teach. It will challenge, open and launch the intentions of those involved, reaching into their bodies and souls, allowing them to listen to parts of themselves they have never heard before.”

Ani tirelessly worked and reworked specific music tracks, which use an eclectic mix of sounds she has produced, ancient frequencies from tuning forks, Scalar Holographic ‘tones’, crystal singing bowls and last, but not least, her angelic voice, to transport you away from the everyday challenges to places where solutions and even magical possibilities can unfold.

“The music I’ve created helps people shift through limited beliefs, creative blocks and other barriers to living an inspired life of fun, fulfillment and purpose. The music uses entrainment whereby the binaural beats and continuous rhythm, similar to the heartbeat of 60 BPM causes the brainwaves and heart rate to synchronize while the unique melodies engage other brain centres. This differentiates it from other meditation music out there. The effective tools I will also use from my years of clinical kinesiology practise will further help instill change on a cellular level in the physical body,” said Ani.

“Karma Kandara is so special. Its physical location is at the bottom or base chakra of Bali and as in the body, this is where all our base emotions are born, this place reflects that in every way. I am delighted that that Karma Resorts are the first to receive this program. The gift of this workshop at such a star venue is in my opinion a match made in heaven!”

Ani has performed as a singer several times at Karma and guests are already in tune with her music at Karma Spas where her newly devised ‘Karma Rhythm Massage’ is on the menu - which has lifted the concept of ‘spa music’ to a higher frequency.

“We are now starting to pair all our signature rituals with specific soundtracks that are in sync with the actual movements of the treatments,” said Judy Chapman, Karma Resort’s global Wellness & Spa Curator.

“Most spas play random music to treatments but the idea behind the pairings is to offer the guest a deeper and more profound healing experience.”

Per person costs are for six nights (welcome dinner Sunday, 8 September, farewell dinner Friday, 13 September) based on villas selected being at full occupancy, program, spa treatments, yoga, meals and extras are in the table below. 

Inspired Living program package price  per person (excluding accommodation)	Package Inclusions	2 bed villa Package for two people for 6 nights	3 bed villa Package for three people for 6 nights	4 bed villa Package for four people for 6 nights
	5 Inspired living program sessions; daily a la carte breakfast ; daily 3 course wellness set lunch and 3 course wellness set dinner plus one herbal drink; 1:1 kinesiology; 2 hour body scrub; 3 karma massages; Balinese healing experience; 3 yoga sessions; 2 karma treatments; detox juice; infrared sauna; 4 Sounds of Solace CDs; Liquid Love CD. bonus 1:1 coaching session; villa and private pool	US$ 9,800++	US$12,500	US$15,760

All meals to be served in Di Mare Restaurant. Rates are subject to 21% tax and service charge. For bookings email res@karmaresorts.com or contact Reservations +62 361 848 2200.

You can sample Ani’s transformational music at this link http://anikiko.com/music/sounds-of-solace/

Saudi Arabia to Build World’s Largest Metro Rail System in Riyadh

The Saudi Arabian government awarded $22.5 billion in contracts to three foreign-led consortia on Sunday for the design and construction of a metro rail system in the capital Riyadh.

The project, which will involve six rail lines extending 176 kilometers (110 miles) and carrying electric, driverless trains, is the world’s largest public transport system currently under development, Saudi officials said.

U.S. construction giant Bechtel Corp heads a group which won a $9.45 billion contract to build two lines, the government announced.

A consortium led by Spain’s Fomento de Construcciones y Contratas (FCC.MC) won a $7.82 billion contract for three lines, while Italy’s Ansaldo STS (STS.MI) heads a group that won a $5.21 billion order.

Design work will start immediately and construction will begin in the first quarter of 2014, the government said. The project would be completed in 2019.

Flush with cash after more than two years of high oil prices, Saudi Arabia is pumping billions of dollars into infrastructure projects designed to improve living standards and ease social discontent in the wake of the 2011 uprisings elsewhere in the Arab world.

Last August the government approved a $16.5 billion plan to modernize the transport system in its holy city of Mecca, including building a bus network and a metro system.

It is also building several other rail systems, including a 2,750 km line running from Riyadh to near the northern border with Jordan.

Inland NSW Tourism Region Wins Big at Prestigious 2013 Inland NSW Tourism Awards

Inland NSW Tourism applauds the many winners who topped their categories in the 10th anniversary year of the CountryLink Inland NSW Tourism Awards on Saturday, 27 July in Moree.

Regional tourism's night of nights, the CountryLink Inland NSW Tourism Awards comprise the best of regional tourism operators from across four NSW tourism regions: Inland, Central, Riverina and the Murray River.

In a fitting win, INTA's 2013 host town, Moree, was recognised for its Visitor Information and Services.

Inland members also scooped the Accommodation category, taking out the Unique, Standard and Hosted Accommodation accolades.

Overall congratulations go to:

• Boggabri Drover's Campfire Event, Boggabri - Community Festivals and Events
• Gold Trails - New Tourism Development
• DAG Sheep Station, Nundle - Unique Accommodation
• The Lodge Outback Motel, Broken Hill - Standard Accommodation
• Eldee Station, Broken Hill - Hosted Accommodation
• DAG Sheep Station, Nundle - Tourism Restaurants and Catering Services
• Broken Hill City Council, Broken Hill - Destination Marketing
• Tri State Safaris, Broken Hill - Tour and/or Transport Operator
• Green Gully Track, Walcha - Adventure Tourism
• Tourism Moree, Moree - Visitor Information and Services
• Tri State Safaris/Mutawintji Tours, Broken Hill - Indigenous Tourism
• Taronga Western Plains Zoo, Dubbo - Tourist Attraction
• Nundle Woollen Mill, Nundle - Heritage and Cultural Tourism

In a completely new category assessed by judges across all INTA entrants, the Royal Flying Doctors Service's Bruce Langford Visitor's Centre, Broken Hill won the industry's Best Digital Presence.

Broken Hill City Council was awarded the 'best of the best' Judges Award for its Broken Hill for Real Destination Marketing campaign.

In addition to his two category wins, Michael McCulkin, director of Inland NSW Tourism and owner of Tri State Safaris, was also recognised for his outstanding contribution to regional tourism by an individual with the prestigious Ted Wilson Award.

Congratulations also go to the other Inland region finalists, including:

• Experience the Highs, Armidale - Destination Marketing
• DAG Sheep Station, Nundle - Tourist Attractions category
• Silver City Mint and Art Centre, Broken Hill - Tourist Attractions category
• Royal Flying Doctor Service, Broken Hill - Tourist Attractions category
• Tamworth Country Music Festival, Tamworth - Festivals and Events
• Brewarrina Visitor Information and Cultural Centre - Heritage and Cultural Tourism
• Yammu Ganu Gallery, Moree - Indigenous Tourism
• Armidale Tourist Park and YHA, Armidale - Tourist and Caravan Parks
• Liverpool Plains Visitor Information Centre, Quirindi - Visitor Information Centre
• Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre, Moree
• Old Fashion Favourites, Broken Hill
• The River House, Bingara - Accommodation

Inland NSW Tourism CEO Graham Perry congratulated all category winners on their accolades and their contribution to tourism excellence.

"The CountryLink Inland NSW Tourism Awards play an important role in recognising tourism excellence across regional NSW by awarding operators who are providing the best products and services for our visitors, said Mr Perry.

"The awards help contribute to increasing the calibre of what's on offer by encouraging owners to build robust business plans and improve their business. The process provides a unique opportunity for owners to step back from their operations and work 'on' their business rather than 'in' it, which is essential.

"It's also important for the overall economy; the latest statistics show domestic and international visitors to NSW destinations outside Sydney generated a massive 74.4 million nights of accommodation in regional areas and $12.9 billion in tourist expenditure*. Awards such as these play a vital part in ensuring we are putting our best foot forward to the consumer and supporting a strong tourism industry."

Winners of the CountryLink Inland NSW Tourism Awards are automatically entered into the State-wide NSW Tourism Awards, which close in September and will be held in November.

The host town for the 2014 Inland NSW Tourism Awards is Griffith.

"We strongly encourage operators from across the region to consider entering the 2014 Inland NSW Tourism Awards since we know success flows from the process, both for the winners, and all those who enter. We look forward to seeing many businesses next year," concluded Mr Perry.

*Source: Destination NSW Economic Value (http://www.destinationnsw.com.au/our-industry/economic-value) taken from National and International Visitor Surveys, YE March 2013, TRA

CountryLink Inland NSW Tourism Awards 2013 Finalists

• Armidale Tourist Park & YHA - Armidale
• Balloon Joy Flights - Canowindra
• BIG4 Forbes Holiday Park - Forbes
• Boggabri Drover's Campfire Event - Boggabri
• Brewarrina Visitor Information and Cultural Centre - Brewarrina
• Broken Hill City Council - Broken Hill
• Burnbrae Wines - Mudgee
• DAG Sheep Station - Nundle
• Deni Blues and Roots Festival - Deniliquin
• Eldee Station - Broken Hill
• Experience the Highs Tourism Marketing Campaign - Armidale
• Fairview Artspace - Mudgee
• Green Gully Track - Walcha
• Gold Trails  Gol Gol Hotel - Gol Gol
• Gooree Park Wines - Mudgee
• Griffith Visitor Information Centre - Griffith
• Junee Rhythm n Rail Festival - Junee
• Leeton Art Deco Festival - Leeton
• Leeton Visitor Information Centre - Leeton
• Liverpool Plains Visitor Information Centre - Quirindi
• Lowe Wines - Mudgee
• Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre - Moree
• Moree Visitor Information Centre - Moree
• Mudgee Brewing Company - Mudgee
• Nundle Woollen Mill - Nundle
• Old Fashion Favourites - Broken Hill
• Parkes Shire Council - Parkes
• RFDS, The Bruce Langford Visitor's Centre - Broken Hill
• Silver City Mint and Art Centre - Broken Hill
• Tamworth Country Music Festival - Tamworth
• Taronga Western Plains Zoo - Dubbo
• The Lodge Outback Motel - Broken Hill
• The River House - Bingara
• Tri State Safaris - Broken Hill
• Tri State Safaris/Mutawintji Tours - Broken Hill
• Willowbend Caravan Park - Wentworth
• Yaama Ganu Centre - Moree

Google Helps in Boosting Cambodia’s tourism

Tourism officials Cambodia is confident to see a boost. The US technology company that visited Cambodia has bought in a new wave of technology. This will map the streets of the capital and the temples of Angkor. This is an initiative that will boost Cambodia’s tourism. As reported, Google Street View will use 360⁰ cameras to collect images of two locations. Google Street View to cover Angkor and Phnom Penh Pak Sokhom, an official with the Cambodian Ministry of Tourism said, “By making the photos available online, people will realise Cambodia’s potential more easily,…after seeing the images, they will dream about a real visit”

Angkor Archaeological Park is an important attraction of the place. The two of the places that are covered are Angkor and Phnom Penh. Google will start with the rest of the places after these two are covered.

Fraser Coast Region on Show at Queensland’s Busiest Railway Station

The Fraser Coast region will be showcased at Queensland’s busiest railway station during the morning peak period on 29 and 30 July, as part of Queensland Rail’s partnership with Tourism and Events Queensland to boost tourism in the area.

Queensland Rail’s Executive General Manager Customer Service Martin Ryan said the showcase would give about 70,000 customers who travel through Central station each day during peak the chance to speak with travel staff to help plan their getaway to the coastal region.

“We’ve got an exciting two mornings planned at Central station with an estimated 1000 people expected to stop and chat with staff from Queensland Rail Travel, Tourism and Events Queensland, Mantra Hervey Bay, Tasman Venture and Kingfisher Bay Resort,” Mr Martin said.

“We also have a very special guest, Harvey the Humpback whale, helping staff.

“The Fraser Coast showcase is the perfect opportunity for customers to speak one-on-one with staff and to get all the information they need to plan a holiday not too far from home.”

Mr Ryan said Queensland Rail had been a proud supporter of the Fraser Coast region for more than 145 years and would continue to generate tourism to the area through its rail packages.

“In the last financial year we had more than 69,000 customers travelling on our Tilt Train, Sunlander and Spirit of the Outback services stopping in Maryborough,” he said.

“Through this partnership with Tourism and Events Queensland, we’d like to see these numbers grow even more.

“Now is the perfect time to visit the Fraser Coast with fares on the Tilt Train from Brisbane to Hervey Bay from just $64 one-way.

“The Fraser Coast boasts some of the world’s best natural attractions, including the world heritage-listed Fraser Island and the migration of majestic humpback whales.

“One of our most popular packages is the Three Day Whale Watch Getaway Package, including a whale watching tour that is not to be missed.

“We also have limited seats available onboard our Gourmet MasterClass trip to Hervey Bay, where customers will be treated to a unique culinary experience from celebrity chef Andrew Mirosch.”

Singapore Retains Position as Top International Meeting Country and City in the Union of International Associations (UIA) 2012 Global Rankings

Singapore has retained its position as the leading meeting city and country in the world, according to the Union of International Associations (UIA) 2012 Global Rankings.

Named Top International Meeting Country for the second year running and Top International Meeting City for the sixth consecutive year, Singapore has once again reinforced its value proposition as a top choice international meeting destination.

Singapore's international appeal, strategic location and access to key Asian markets provide a strong impetus for organisers to move or locate their events in Singapore.

The UIA ranking is the latest in a list of accolades that include being named Asia's Top Convention City for the 11th consecutive year, by the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA). Having hosted a record of 150 ICCA1 events in 2012, Singapore emerged as the only Asian city in the Top Ten Convention Cities in the world alongside other cities including Vienna, Paris, Berlin, Madrid, Barcelona and London.

Kenneth Lim, Regional Director Oceania of the Singapore Tourism Board, commented: "We are elated to retain our position as the leading meeting city and country in the world. Building on Singapore's strength as an international meetings destination, we also want to encourage Australian business visitors to take the opportunity to explore the many leisure experiences Singapore has to offer. Mouth-watering dining options, world-class retail offerings, non-stop entertainment and unique experiences can all be enjoyed once the official business side is done."

In addition to the 18 World Congresses held in Singapore in 2012, some events were held for the first time in Asia such as the 4th International Congress of Zookeepers 2012, the International Conference on Next Generation Technologies for Bioenergy and Biomass Utilisation 2012, 33rd Annual International Association of Technological University Libraries 2012 and the World Congress on Controversies in Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Infertility 2012.

In 2012, 952 of the meetings hosted in Singapore - almost ten per cent of UIA's database - met the stipulated qualifying criteria. This includes meetings that are organised or sponsored by international organisations or of significant international character.

Amidst the diverse business events held in the city-state, the inaugural UIA Associations Round Table will also take place in Singapore in October this year, as part of TravelRave 2013 - an established travel trade festival in Asia in its fourth year that draws attendees from across the travel and tourism industry with a line up of eight quality events.

Taking place for the first time in Asia, this milestone event is expected to build wider and stronger networks in the association community.

Jacques de Mévius, Secretary General of UIA, commented, "The Union of International Associations is happy to be bringing its Associations Round Table to Asia which will take place in cooperation with the Singapore Tourism Board and its partners and with the participation of internationally respected speakers." He added, "Drawing on its years of experience with its Associations Round Table in Europe, the UIA is looking forward to sharing this opportunity for training and networking with all international associations based in Asian countries or with an interest in Asia."

For information please visit http://www.yoursingapore.com/mice

Tourism Australia Targets Australian Families with Beach Campaign

The traditional beach holiday provides the focus for Tourism Australia's latest domestic campaign, which seeks to encourage Australian families considering an overseas trip to switch instead to a holiday in Australia.

Tourism Australia Managing Director Andrew McEvoy said the domestic push, the latest phase of its There's nothing like Australia campaign, was backed by new research in which parents and their children rated a beach holiday in Australia significantly higher than beach holidays taken abroad.

"An Australian beach holiday provides the ideal environment for families to spend quality time together and for children to develop self confidence, life skills and values," Mr McEvoy said.

"Australia has some of the most desirable coastal destinations in the world, and our research confirms that the traditional beach holiday hasn't lost its appeal with Australian families."

"With this campaign we aim to remind Australians that the benefits they most want from a family holiday - things like safety, quality time, freedom and space - are all available right here in our own country, at the beach," he said.

Australian parents and their children rated their own country's beach holidays as comparable as or better than overseas holidays in 13 of 15 categories, including swimming, relaxing, fishing, exploring rock pools and playing beach games such as beach cricket and building sandcastles.

The campaign will see Tourism Australia work closely with the states and territories as well as up to 120 industry partners including Flight Centre, one of the biggest global travel agency networks, and AOT Group, the largest wholesaler of Australian travel products and services in the world.

Mr McEvoy said that families represented the largest domestic tourism segment in terms of both numbers and also spending, contributing nearly a third of total leisure holiday expenditure. In the past 12 months, the family segment grew more than 6 per cent, compared to domestic tourism as a whole which expanded around 1 per cent.

The launch of the campaign comes just weeks after the most recent National Visitor Survey (NVS) which shows continued growth in domestic tourism, with total trips up 0.8 per cent, nights up 4.3 per cent and spending up 2.7 per cent for the first quarter of 2013.

Mr McEvoy said Tourism Australia had been heavily promoting domestic tourism, as part of its broader There's nothing like Australia campaign launched in 2010, and was seeing a significant turnaround in domestic travel, with the 74.6m domestic trips taken by Australians in the past 12 months just short of the last peak (75.6m) in 2008.

"Australians are now taking ten times more trips in their own country than overseas, and it's particularly pleasing to see more Australian families choosing to holiday in their own country. With this campaign we want to remind Australian families of the unforgettable experiences and memories of a beach holiday at home," he said.

In 2012 Australians took nearly 75 million overnight domestic trips, an increase of 4 per cent compared to the previous year.

Domestic tourism remains the biggest segment of the Australian tourism industry, injecting A$50 billion into the economy last year.

The campaign includes TV, cinema, print and digital and runs between 27 July and13 September.

Vietnam and the Mekong: A Multi-Billion Dollar Market for Outbound, Incentive and Medical Tourism

According to a research by the World Travel and Tourism Council, the total spending abroad on international travel by the Vietnamese in 2011 is at US$ 3.3 billion, and rose to US$ 3.5 billion in 2012 (according to the Vietnam Tourism Association accounted from foreign tourism promotion agencies). Outbound travel spending is expected to grow by 6.4% per annum until 2022. The first half of 2013 has seen a 20% growth in outbound travel from the Vietnamese, with more tourists preferring long-haul tours to Australia, Canada, Europe, the Middle East and the US. This growth has been consistent over the past five years, making Vietnam one of the prime source markets for many countries. Preferred Asian destinations that are increasingly receiving more and more Vietnamese tourists are Cambodia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, South Korea, Taiwan and Thailand. Dubai, Egypt, India and Turkey including Russia and parts of Central Asia are also gaining more popularity among the locals. The Middle East and Europe greatly benefits from this outbound surge. “Tours to Dubai and Europe are selling well and outbound had been spared by the tough economic circumstances in the past two years”, Nguyen Viet Hung comments, General Director of Fiditourist. This increasing demand brings high revenue growth for travel firms. “We have arranged 10 groups of long-haul and 20 groups of short-haul trips monthly. Our company’s outbound business inched up 20% this year”, says Mr. Nguyen Tha Khai, Director of Perfect Tour Travel. One of the major travel operators in the country, Saigontourist, that have seen over 10% yearly growths for outbound supports this. “We had around 22,000 clients traveling abroad in the year’s first half, around 30% of which took long-haul,” Doan Thi Thanh Tra adds, Marketing Manager of Saigontourist. Group Incentives and Business Travel is also at a record high. The Vietnamese spent billions of Vietnamese dong buying outbound trips for their business partners and customers. These corporate clients are primarily from the pharmaceutical, insurance and oil sectors. When it comes to Medical Tourism, the Vietnamese are currently spending around US$ 1 billion per annum for healthcare treatment in Singapore. The number of Vietnamese patients who visit Thailand, South Korea and other countries for medical treatment is also high, according to the Ministry of Health.   **International and regional buyers and sellers generated over US$ 7 million in new business during ITE HCMC 2012, which is now proven to be the best trade platform catering to this multi-billion dollar market. The 9th ITE HCMC 2013 expanded its exhibition floor space by 50% to accommodate an ever increasing demand of companies wanting to penetrate and maintain their market share. Over 85% exhibition space has been sold, limited space available Click Here to Book Now!

Sea World Resort Announces Plans for World Class Conference Centre

A multi-million dollar state of the art conference centre, capable of catering to 1000 people, will be built at Sea World Resort & Water Park providing a new focus for the business and convention market on the Gold Coast.

Sea World Resort & Water Park General Manager Bikash Randhawa made the announcement today saying the new centre will be a game-changer for the corporate sector.

"This will be a unique conferencing venue in a world class location. We have been offering exceptional mid-size conferences for many years and this new centre will allow us to do business on a much larger scale. It will reinforce our position as one of the conference leaders on the Gold Coast."

With 750 sqm of space, dividable into three sections, the new conference centre is due for completion in 2015 and will be a welcome addition to the existing six conference venues currently in operation at Sea World Resort.

This new facility will include the latest audio-visual equipment, a Porte Cochere with vehicle access, as well as a large Al Fresco style veranda ideal for coffee breaks, lunches and cocktail receptions.

Mr Randhawa said the new centre would provide numerous points of difference from other venues.

"Delegates can really discover a world of difference here at Sea World Resort, and our dedicated team will make any conference simply unforgettable. Thanks to our sister properties we will also offer partners and families of delegates some amazing experiences and package events at Warner Bros. Movie World, Sea World, Wet'n'Wild, Paradise Country and Australian Outback Spectacular as part of their conferencing at the Resort.

"At Sea World Resort you'll experience that special touch, and our diverse range of venues and packages can be tailored to meet the needs of your conference," he said.

Sea World Resort offers 402 rooms and suites allowing delegates to stay on site, making the Resort a one-stop conference destination. There are also four restaurants and two bar areas, including award-winning a la carte, a modern seafood buffet at The Shoreline and authentic Japanese cuisine at Hatsuhana, as well as free wifi access throughout the Resort and complimentary broadband to all guest rooms.

To discover a world of difference, call the Conference and Events team on (07) 5519 6218 or visit SeaWorldResort.com.au

IT&CMA and CTW Asia-Pacific 2013 to be Largest To-Date

This year's instalment of IT&CMA and CTW Asia-Pacific is set to be the biggest yet, with delegate numbers expected to cross the 2,800 mark.

Bringing together Asia-Pacific’s MICE and corporate travel suppliers, with an added luxury travel dimension, the world’s only doublebill event will run from October 1 to 3 in Bangkok.

To-date, more than 700 MICE, corporate travel, luxury travel, association and corporate buyers have completed registration, which ends on August 23.

Returning buyer Ben Gosman, managing director, Netherlands-based Free Style, said: “I look forward to discussing and exploring new experiences and business opportunities each time I listen. The promise of new exhibitors, like with this year’s show, and the ease of touching base with existing partners justify why IT&CMA and CTW Asia-Pacific is a must-attend event for me.”

Furthermore, exhibitors at this year’s IT&CMA and CTW Asia-Pacific will be comprised of 35 per cent first-time exhibitors. Debuting CVBs include India Tourism, Fukuoka CVB, Sapporo CVB and Tourism New Zealand, while first-time corporates include Fujita Kanko, Meliá Hotels International and Sentosa Leisure Management, among others.

A survey conducted in April 2013 stated that US$45 million in sales was confirmed as a result of the 2012 event, with the aggregate procurement value estimated at US$120 million.

A number of features will also make their debut at this year's show, including an online diary, an Association Day & Performance Improvement Forum, and a luxury post-show tour.