East Hotel Wins at the 2014 AHA ACT Hospitality Awards

For the second consecutive year, EAST Hotel has won Best Suite/Apartment Hotel (Accommodation Division) at the 2013 AHA ACT Hospitality Awards.

EAST Hotel has established itself as Canberra's premier four and a half star design and lifestyle hotel. With its focus on providing a memorable Canberra experience and its premium location between the fashionable retail and restaurant hubs of Manuka and Kingston, EAST Hotel ups the ante for local guests and visitors to the nation's capital.

“As we approach the end of our second year, it is extremely gratifying to be recognised for this award with the AHA,” said Dan Bisa, owner of EAST Hotel and Director of Bisa Hotels. “EAST is now an established and dynamic addition to the ever growing hotel scene in Canberra, and we are thrilled to see the continued growth of EAST and the ongoing loyalty and positive feedback we receive from our many loyal clients.”

The 2014 Australian Hotels Association (AHA) ACT Branch Hospitality Awards were held at QT Canberra on Monday, July 21. Industry leaders, sponsors and local identities applauded more than 35 sponsored Awards rewarding the outstanding achievements of businesses and employees. The Awards were hosted by Sky News Political Reporter David Lipson.

East Hotel provides a contemporary, cool and vibrant option for visitors to Canberra, whether overnighters, business guests, long stay guests or families. The six-story hotel has 140 rooms in various studio and apartment-style combinations, recognizing the challenges families can face with hotel accommodation by providing specially designated suites, cleverly designed in a modular, fun way specifically to cater for both adults and kids. The hotel has standalone dining and bar facilities, with Ox Eatery and its associated Bar and Delicatessen having become an instant classic.

Guests can enjoy a wide range of facilities and services, including a professional and full service business centre; 24 hour gym facility and complementary access to a local gym for a full range of exercise classes; undercover parking; the East Hotel 'Free Range' news agency service offered in the lobby, where guests can pick up a daily newspaper, books or current and back issue of magazines to enjoy in the relaxing surrounds of the lobby or in the seclusion and comfort of their rooms and a friendly and accessible front desk team, including full concierge service. Guests can see the sights with a leisurely cruise on one of the Hotel's retro bicycles or hire an electric bike to see the sights without breaking a sweat. There are laundry facilities in the majority of rooms, with complimentary facilities for guests in studios. Professional dry cleaning and laundry service is available from Monday to Friday.

East Hotel's business facilities are state-of-the-art with seven modern and professional conference rooms, boardrooms and an all-day meeting lounge, complete with air hockey table, to foster the creative environment that leads to the success of any meeting. The facilities have the flexibility to fit perfectly to most business requirements with a distinctively edgy East Hotel touch. All rooms feature the latest in business technology, including VGA and HDMI capable projection screens and huge LED televisions. The concept behind the conference rooms is to provide business areas with a bit of flair, to inspire and get the creative juices flowing. East Hotel offers competitive pricing on day delegate packages which are custom-tailored for each group by the Food Director, in coordination with the client and prepared on-site by Ox's two-hatted chef and his highly skilled team to provide a sharing, interactive experience. Group events can even enjoy whiskey master-classes from the well-trained aficionados at Ox, utilizing their huge selection of fine and distinctive whiskeys.

The Hotel also has a vibrant food precinct in the main atrium. Ox Eatery, owned and managed by highly successful local restaurateurs, Chris Hansen and Steve Rockmann, features a delicatessen and an authentic imported French rotisserie with intimate booths, long bar tables and private dining areas. Ox Eatery draws on vintage 1950s style, with a thoughtfully considered 'soulful jazz' feel designed by Capezio Copeland in conjunction with Matt Darwon, featuring recycled timber, smooth surfaces and booths. The French rotisserie, the first of its kind in Canberra, is front and centre. Groups are welcomed and can enjoy private dining in one of the Hotel's special meeting rooms. Guests are able to pre-order items, including bespoke hampers from the delicatessen using the hotel website upon booking, or wander down to peruse the large selection of carefully selected delicacies, produce and wines. The large bar area is a standalone destination to enjoy the vibrant neighborhood it inhabits.

East Hotel has been developed by Bisa Hotels and is the first of many future projects for the hotel group.

Within its first year of operation, East Hotel won four local awards and a national award as Best Suite/Apartment Hotel at the 2013 Australian Hotels Association (AHA) National Awards for Excellence, which recognizes hotels and restaurants that demonstrate outstanding services, accommodation, entertainment, food and beverage.

www.easthotel.com.au

Korea Tourism Organization Launches New Tourism Brand - Imagine Your Korea

Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) has launched a new tourism brand to the world - 'Imagine your Korea'. The new brand reflects KTO's ambition and aspiration to attract 20 million tourists and to advance Korea as a global tourist destination.

'Imagine your Korea' promotes the various charms of Korea in an effective and proactive manner to tourists. It reflects the improved global status of Korea through Korea's beautiful natural environment, rich tradition and history. At the same time it portrays Korea as a trendy and creative tourist destination that leads the global pop-culture.

The new brand image emphasises the 'K' in Korea to symbolise a variety of resources that are offered in Korea such as K-Food, K-Culture, K-Pop & K-Style. The selected slogan design portrays energetic and dynamic aspects of Korea and a welcoming message to every foreign visitor.

The 'K' which is often used to represent and symbolise Korea, portrays the welcoming open arms of Korea to visitors. The multi-coloured stripes on the 'K' uses one of Korea's most representative colour combinations, symbolising the variety of experiences Korea has to offer. The swirling 'O' was derived from the twirling ribbon of the sangmo, a hat worn during the traditional Korean farmers dance.

The President of KTO Choo Suk Byun stated at the launch of the new tourism brand on 22nd July, 2014 "Last year the number of foreign visitors to Korea exceeded 12 million, which in turn served the opportunity for Korea to make a new leap forward to become an advanced tourism country, in name and reality. Foreigners visit Korea not just because of physical accessibility and reasonable prices but because of their desire to experience the latest trends, cuisine, culture and lifestyle of Korea. In short, the nature of tourism in Korea has changed."

He added "With the launching of the new brand we can reinforce the global awareness that Korea is a creative country filled with the latest trends and sophisticated culture, thereby contributing to the opening of an era that welcomes 20 million foreign tourists in the future."

At the same time KTO launched the 'Tour Imagination' campaign where foreign visitors can have the opportunity to win one of eight trips to Korea this Autumn. KTO's 'Tour Imagination' offers the opportunity to experience the beauty of Korea in Autumn. Winners will be asked to record videos of their journeys and share them online.

To have a chance to win a trip to Korea you need to enter online by 31 August,2014 www.tourimagination.com Eight winners will be selected at random to receive a four day vacation for two in Korea this October and November.

Learn more about Korea's new tourism brand image at www.imagineyourkorea.com

The Ghan's Next Stop: Coober Pedy

For the first time in its 86 year history, The Ghan will make a regular extended stop at Coober Pedy from 2015.

Guests will be free to enjoy a full day in the world's opal mining capital as part of The Ghan's new extended journey, on sale now for travel between 23 May and 22 August 2015.

Coober Pedy is one of Australia's most unusual and intriguing travel destinations. Celebrating its centenary in 2015, the town offers a range of attractions including tours of its amazing network of underground residences and the nearby arid landscapes of the Breakaways Reserve.

The four-day Ghan will add an extra day and night to the standard Ghan journey from Darwin to Adelaide, taking guests through the heart of the Australian Outback on a 76-hour adventure.
The four-day, three-night Ghan includes:

• Off Train Excursions at the magnificent Nitmiluk Gorge in Katherine
• Day and night Off Train Excursions in Alice Springs, including a dinner under the stars at the MacDonnell Ranges
• The option to undertake a fly-in visit of Uluru (at extra cost), getting back in time to rejoin The Ghan
• A full day to explore underground at Coober Pedy, the opal mining capital of the world

“We've previously featured some of these experiences in our special events program and on every occasion, the feedback from our guests has been extraordinary,” Great Southern Rail spokesman Steve Kernaghan said.

“It was important for us to share these incredible Outback moments with a wider audience, which is why we've now included them as highlights in our regular schedules.”

“There's really no other way you can visit three or four iconic Australian destinations in such a short space of time, while still enjoying the luxury and comfort that The Ghan delivers.

Great Southern Rail's 2015/16 journeys for The Ghan, Indian Pacific and The Overland are on sale now. Visit www.greatsouthernrail.com.au or call 1800 725 993 to book.

For fares, timetables, images or further information, contact Great Southern Rail PR Manager Melanie Reid on 0419 848 507 or melanie.reid@gsr.com.au.

Flavours From the Rock of Polynesia

Niue is full of surprises and possibly none less than its fantastic food scene, which draws on fresh local produce from the land and sea.

Niue's inaugural food festival kicks off this September and will run from 19-22 September. The festival will be a showcase of local cuisine, producers and also a coupe of very special guest chefs.

Taking part in the four-day event will be award winning author and chef, Robert Oliver who was recently filming in Niue and is renowned as a strong advocate for increasing the use of local Pacific foods in island cuisine. Also joining the lineup is top New Zealand chef, Michael Meredith, of Meredith's restaurant who has a strong affinity to the Pacific through his Samoan heritage. Completing the culinary trio is Tongan born, Auckland based chef, Alex Kaihea, owner of The Beach House at Bucklands Beach.

In addition to showcasing local cuisine and produce from the sea and land, the trio of chefs will be demonstrating and cooking alongside locals as well as producing an exclusive luncheon on the lawns of the New Zealand High Commission. The festival promises to be a feast of food and culture with a local village hosting a traditional Umu feast, alongside a Kai Makete 'tasting market' in the centre of Alofi and special ticketed events.

Recognising that this tiny Pacific nation's star is very much on the rise and that food and travel go hand in hand, one of New Zealand's favourite food personalities, Helen Jackson has together with Niue Island Tourism put together an escorted 'food lovers' tour to the Kai Niue festival.

Spaces are strictly limited with guests staying at the Matavai Resort and enjoying all of the festival highlights.

For more information contact Niue Tourism on 1300 136 483.

Noosa – There's an Event for Everyone

If you are thinking about taking a mid-year holiday to Noosa, why not time your visit around one of the many and varied events that will soon be taking place. There are so many upcoming events and festivals in the Noosa region that there is truly something for everyone - whether it's watching or participating in triathlons and trail walks or something a little more relaxing, like enjoying the sweet sounds of a jazz festival or being inspired at a cultural festival. Read on to find out about some key events taking place in Noosa in the second half of 2014.

The Noosa Strade Bianche Cycling Festival – 9th – 10th August 2014
The Noosa Strade Bianche Cycling Festival evokes the rich past of steel-frame cycling, appealing to vintage bicycle enthusiasts, those passionate about cycling history and cyclists who enjoy a unique challenge. The festival is centred in and around Noosa Marina, where the rides will start from, as well as the Show & Shine being held on the Marina boardwalk. www.noosa-stradebianche.com.au.

The Noosa Jazz Festival – 4th – 7th September 2014

Recognised as one of Noosa's favourite music events, the Noosa Jazz Festival brings together more than 150 Australian and international artists producing an impressive four- day spectacular. Artists across all genres of jazz perform in Noosa's favourite restaurants, in purpose-built venues and at open-air concerts. www.noosajazz.com.au.

Noosa International Rugby 7's – 3rd – 5th October 2014
The Noosa International 7's  Festival was established in 2010 and has since grown to become Australia's premier rugby sevens event outside of the IRB International World Series. The tournament receives international attention with the festival hailed by the teams and coaches, including the Australian coach, Michael O'Connor, as the 'best 7's festival in Australia outside of the IRB Sevens'. www.noosainternationalseverns.com.au 

Reality Bites Festival – 23rd-26th October 2014
Books and ideas – Reality Bites Literary Festival is a feast of food for thought in the last week of October in the Noosa hinterland town of Cooroy, just 20 minutes from Noosa Heads. Join celebrated authors for Australia's premier literary non-fiction festival. www.realitybitesfestival.org.

Noosa Triathlon Multi Sport Festival – 29th October – 2nd November 2014

An irresistible mix of sport and entertainment, the Noosa Triathlon Multi Sport Festival is a week-long festival that offers everything from swimming, cycling, running, golf, a serious after party and a dynamic sport and lifestyle expo. It's one of the largest triathlon events in the world which draws 6,000 competitors each year to the Olympic distance course (1.5km swim, 40km cycle and 10km run). Add into the mix a whole host of high-profile personalities for celebrity spotting and it is little wonder spectator numbers swell to more than 40,000 with a total of 10,000 competitors across all events. www.noosatri.com.au.

The Great Noosa Trail Walk – 4th – 6th October 2014
The Great Noosa Trail Walk is a three-day journey over the October long weekend through the natural and cultural landscape of the Noosa hinterland, through Lake Macdonald, Kin Kin, Cooran, Pomona and Cooroy. The trail traverses the country towns of Cooroy, Pomona, Cooran and Kin Kin via dedicated walking trails through rainforest, farmlands, forests and spectacular lookouts with views from the hinterland through to the ocean. www.greatnoosatrailwalk.com.au.

Noosa will play host to a whole range of other festivals and events throughout the remainder of 2014. For further information visit www.visitnoosa.com.au.

THE SUN SHINES ON RECREATIONAL BOATING AT THE SYDNEY INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOW

The Sydney International Boat Show has ended for 2014 with organisers and exhibitors thrilled that the results achieved at the dual venue event have surpassed expectations.

The show attracted a diverse group of visitors seeking information, products and services across many of the boating lifestyle market segments. Being the 47th event, show organisers were keen to ensure that the visiting public were exposed to new products and technologies that would improve the boating lifestyle of those regular to the water. For those new to boating, it gave show organisers and exhibitors the opportunity to share the joys of recreational boating.

More than 150 luxury and prestige boats were moored at the purpose built marina at Darling Harbour. At Glebe Island, visitors had over 700 boats to peruse, as well as all manner of accessories, marine electronics and safety gear.

President of the Boating Industry Association Alan Blake said, “There has been plenty of optimism from show visitors. This is an early indication that we are set for a positive summer.”

Clear blue skies on each day of the show assisted with making a visit to the boat an even more pleasant experience. Visitors were most impressed with the Glebe Island venue. The quality of the facility and the manner in which the organisers adapted to it, ensured the show remains the leading boat show in the country.

“The positive presentation of the boating lifestyle at the Sydney International Boat Show this year is a credit to the exhibitors who have engaged at the event with the audience who came to learn, explore and buy,” said General Manager of the Boating Industry Association Roy Privett. “There have been challenges, and it is important that we recognise and acknowledge them. But we are very pleased with the results and will walk away ready to make the event even better next year.”

This year, visitors to the show were ferried between the two display locations with the on-water displays remaining at Darling Harbour and the indoor exhibits installed at the interim Sydney Exhibition Centre @ Glebe Island. The ferry shuttle was an added bonus with guest experiencing the beauty of the harbour firsthand.

“Our transport modelling was 95% correct and we will make changes to improve that next year,” said Boating Industry Association event manager Domenic Genua. “Some issues evolved around people being held up on ferry transfers, but as one commuter ironically asked ‘where would you rather be?’,” a reference to the show’s slogan.

The efforts of the show’s Partners in Safety, Transport for NSW, together with other promotional partners was evident, and went a long way towards making the show the success it has been.

The Sydney International Boat Show returns to Darling Harbour and Glebe Island 30 July – 3 August 2015.

MYSTICAL CAVES OF GUNUNG MULU NATIONAL PARK

To some people, the exodus of millions of bats from the cave may send chills down their spines but for nature lovers, it is a sight to behold. If that is not enough, how about a cave that is so big until it can accommodate forty Boeing 747 airplanes or five times the size of London’s St. Paul’s Cathedral?

Yes, we are talking about the caves of Gunung Mulu National Park, renowned for their natural splendour and mystical charms. The Gunung Mulu National Park is one of two UNESCO World Heritage Sites in East Malaysia. The Park, covering 544 square kilometres is the largest national park in Sarawak. It is also home to the world’s largest cave chamber (Sarawak Chamber), the world’s largest cave passage (Deer Cave), Asia’s longest cave (Clearwater Cave) and a treasure trove of 2,000 varieties of plants and animals, from 8 types of hornbills, 170 species of orchids to 10 species of pitcher plants. The Gunung Mulu National Park also covers the world’s longest tree-based walkway – a 480-metre rainforest canopy skywalk and the spectacular razor-sharp limestone Pinnacle.

Godzilla-sized caves. Spellbinding adventures.

Imagine forty Boeing 747 airplanes fitting into a cave chamber. That is what the Sarawak Chamber, measuring at 600-metre by 415-metre and 80-metre high can do. Located in the Good Luck Cave (Gua Nasib Bagus) of Gunung Mulu National Park, the Sarawak Chamber is the world’s largest underground cave chamber.

The interesting fact about the Sarawak Chamber is one must follow a river upstream from the cave entrance to reach the chamber. Taking a journey along the passage with a roof up to 60 metres is truly as adventurous as the cave itself!

Another fascinating huge creation of Mother Nature is the Deer Cave. It is the world’s largest cave passage – so huge to the extent that it can hold five times the size of London’s St. Paul’s Cathedral!

This is also where you will find about 3 million bats forming clouds circling higher and higher up the cliff like a tornado, leaving the cave and spiralling into the rainforests in the evening. Best of all, you can catch this natural phenomenon at the bat observatory deck. It has been reported that there are twelve species of bats in the Deer Cave, including the colony of wrinkled-lipped bats. Other animals in the cave include swiftlets, earwigs, centipedes, crickets, spiders, white crabs and scorpions.

To further thrill visitors, it is not just in Mount Rushmore National Memorial in the United States that has the famous rock sculptures of four US Presidents. Be surprised to discover Deer Cave’s very own limestone shape has the side profile of America’s 16th President, Abraham Lincoln.

Primeval caves. Memorable experiences.

A stone’s throw away from the Deer Cave is Langs Cave. This cave is an intimate encounter as it is tiny and has walls adorned with long shawls, rim stone pools on the floor and fascinating stalagmites and stalactites. Here, you will get to see for yourself rare animals like the small white cave prawns hiding in the pool or a clearer picture of the bats.

Another fascination is the Clearwater Cave. Measuring at 51 kilometres long and 355 metres deep, it is Asia’s longest and the world’s eight longest cave passage. As the name says it all, the cave is named after the crystal clear pool created by the subterranean river. The pool with water flowing out of the cave is the perfect spot for visitors to go for a little picnic while gazing in awe at the exquisite profiles of the cave. With plank walls, paths and small bridges, the place is perfect for photo opportunities.

Next is the Wind Cave, which was named after the cooling breeze along the cave. This is a small, tubular limestone cave formed during the Jurassic-Cretaceous era about 60 million years ago. A 1,000 metre plank walk running through the cave makes it easy and safe to explore. The cave, featuring unique stalagmites, stalactites, pillars and conical cavities and blade-like pinnacles of limestones makes this cave awesome and picturesque. Wind Cave is also a favourite spot for nesting of swiftlets, known for producing saliva which is well sought-after as nourishment.

The thrills of spelunking never end.

Apart from the number of caves mentioned, travel and tour agencies also offer cave tour packages, such as Garden of Eden Valley Walk, Racer Cave, Lagangs Cave, Clearwater and Wind Cave Connection, and Sarawak Chamber package.

The Garden of Eden Valley Walk enables visitors to enjoy the pool on the river, take a leisurely trail and watch the exodus of bats. It is surrounded by limestone cliffs on three directions. To the East, the steep ridge of Mount Mulu, from here a river flows into the “Garden” and passes through Deer Cave.

For the adventurous, Racer Cave is a challenging experience. Named after the racer snake, Racer Cave will test the endurance of visitors with rocks of odd sizes and shapes. From clambering up and down using ropes, sliding, crouching, turning of body to enter, the adventure awaits visitors. Some of the limestones are truly amazing, especially the curtain-shaped wall which provides a perfect backdrop for striking a pose. On the other hand, the Lagangs Cave is easy to explore. Considered ideal for beginners and family, the cave has a lot of stalactites, stalagmites and ancient river bed sediments.

Overall, with countless caves available throughout Malaysia, spelunking or caving activities are truly exciting. In fact, in some tour packages, you can even enjoy having “cocktails in the caves”. This subterranean cocktail will feature local entertainment by locals playing traditional instruments, such as the haunting lute-like sape.

So come unlock the mystical caves in Gunung Mulu National Park and be truly fascinated by its alluring beauty and adventures.

For more information or enquiries, please contact Visit Malaysia Year 2014 Secretariat, at 03-8891 7000 or log on to www.vmy2014.com. 

New Orleans to Host IPW 2016

The U.S. Travel Association announced Wednesday that New Orleans will be the venue for IPW 2016—the first time the blockbuster travel industry event has returned to the Crescent City since 2002. New Orleans also previously hosted the annual five-day event, formerly known as International Pow Wow, in 1993 and 1979.

IPW is the largest travel trade show in North America—a one-stop opportunity for U.S. destinations, attractions and businesses to showcase themselves to thousands of influential travel professionals from international markets. The business transacted at IPW has been calculated by the independent firm Rockport Analytics to bring nearly one million extra international visitors and $1.7 billion in international tourism spending to recent host cities, and 8.8 million additional international visitors and $28 billion in international tourism spending to the U.S. economy overall.

"One of the major objectives of IPW is to spotlight the economic benefits of travel and tourism, and few cities anywhere in the world understand that equation as well as New Orleans," said U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Roger Dow. "New Orleans epitomizes the idea of rolling out the welcome mat for your guests. We're thrilled that IPW's exhibitors and attendees will be able to experience this utterly unique American destination for the first time in over a decade."

Greater Miami and The Beaches had been previously announced as the host city for IPW 2016, but arrangements for the event were postponed when the City of Miami Beach Commission voted through a $500 million renovation and expansion of the city's convention center, set to begin in 2015 and last an estimated three years.

”We look forward to welcoming IPW back to Greater Miami and showcasing a new state-of-the-art Miami Beach Convention Center and the many assets and attractions of our ever-evolving destination,” said Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau President and CEO William D. Talbert, III, CDME.

Dow praised the handling of the transition by both Miami and New Orleans, and called it a virtual certainty that IPW will return to Greater Miami and The Beaches once upgrades to its convention facilities are complete.

"We have to change venues for IPW 2016 for the best, most welcome reason we can possibly think of: Miami has wisely decided to make a huge investment in its convention space," Dow said. "The fiscal benefits of that decision will return to the city many times over, and in the meantime, we will have another top-shelf new facility to consider for a future IPW."

"We are thrilled to showcase New Orleans to the entire world marketplace for international travel by hosting IPW in June 2016," said Stephen Perry, president and CEO of the New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau. "New Orleans is a magical place built on deeply rooted culture, innovative and authentic food, inspiring music and fabled architecture. We travel the world to meet with our travel industry partners to encourage them to bring business to New Orleans, but having them come and experience all that we have to offer first hand is an opportunity that is a catalytic game changer.

"The timing could not be better. Hosting this critical international selling and marketing show is a perfect fit with our plans for the world promotion of New Orleans' 300th Tricentennial birthday in 2018. This will result in hundreds of millions of new dollars of international capital flowing into New Orleans and Louisiana," Perry said.

Dreamworld Unveils New Ride & Slide for September Openings

Dreamworld and WhiteWater World are proud to reveal detail of their much-anticipated new ride and slide due for launch in September.

TAIL SPIN – Dreamworld's BIG 9 THRILL RIDE:  After much speculation, Dreamworld is pleased to unveil its newest ride called the TAIL SPIN as part of its new OCEAN PARADE development.  With 12 rider-operated mini aeroplanes that reach 72 feet into the sky, the TAIL SPIN allows guests to enjoy as much [or as little] thrill as they please with controls that allow riders to spin at their own pace.  As the newest addition of Dreamworld's world-famous THRILL RIDE slate, the TAIL SPIN now officially transforms the Big 8 to Big 9 Thrill Rides alongside THE TOWER OF TERROR II, GIANT DROP, BUZZ SAW, CLAW, WIPEOUT, MOTOCOASTER, PANDAMONIUM AND THE CYCLONE ROLLER COASTER.

WIPEOUT RE-OPENS:  After 20 years of service and 7 million riders, Dreamworld's iconic Wipeout will re-open today after undergoing a major facelift.  The WIPEOUT's relaunch is the first installment to Dreamworld's makeover of OCEAN PARADE, also home to THE CLAW, SHOCK WAVE, FLOWRIDER, CYCLONE and ZOMBIE EVILUTION. 

TRIPLE VORTEX: A proud new addition to WhiteWater World will be its newest thrill slide called the TRIPLE VORTEX where guests will be rushed down a 145m tube slide on a 2-person raft, through three funnels.

QUEUE INNOVATIONS TO INCLUDE PARENT SWAP:  As part of Dreamworld's focus on ultimate guest experience, innovations to the current queue systems will be implemented starting with the TAIL SPIN and WIPEOUT including the introduction of a parent swap facility.  In addition Dreamworld will be installing the trial of a DW TV system that aims to entertain guests while in the queue.

FOOD & BEVERAGE OUTLETS: Also soon to be revealed are Dreamworld's plans to invigorate its in-house food offerings to reflect current gourmet and dining trends and further add to the guest experience.

UNLIMITED ENTRY UNTIL JUNE 2015: Dreamworld is currently offering unlimited entry to Dreamworld, WhiteWater World and SkyPoint Observation Deck until June 2015 for only $79.99 Child/Pensioner and $99.99 Adults. (*online only, limited time only). For only a little more than a 1 Day ticket, this offer is great value for families who can now experience all the exciting new developments at Australia's Biggest Theme Park PLUS enjoy unlimited entry to 3 great attractions until June next year!

For further information go to www.dreamworld.com.au or contact Dreamworld

China to beat US in business travel spend by 2015

According to a new report, China is the world’s hottest market for business travelers right now and travel spending in the country could surpass the U.S. as soon as 2015,.

Business travel spending in China rose to $225 billion last year — or 23 per cent of the $1.1 trillion global spend. That’s next only to the U.S., where spending reached $274 billion, the report from the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) said.

The pace of business travel growth in China has been remarkable. Since 2000, spending has increased by about 16 per cent each year on average, compared to a mere 1 per cent in the U.S. ”Despite stronger growth, the U.S. continues to lose compared to China, which is poised to take over as the #1 business travel market in the world by 2016,” the report said.

For decades, the Chinese economy experienced double-digit growth — an expansion that has been reflected in the country’s business travel industry.

As Beijing built the world’s second-largest economy, it also developed extensive transportation infrastructure. China now boasts top-flight transportation options, including a high-speed rail network, that make it easier for both leisure and business travelers to get around.

Yet there are some signs that the blockbuster industry growth might be slowing. China’s economy has entered a period of more moderate growth, and business travel spending will likely also take a hit.

The GBTA also expects spending restrictions that are part of government’s anti-corruption campaign to weigh on the industry. The group predicts 13% annual growth over the next five years.

“Despite slowing growth, China remains in a league of its own as far as market potential goes,” the GBTA’s report said.