Willoughby Symphony Orchestra presents 'Fantastique'

• CONDUCTED BY DR NICHOLAS MILTON AM

Embark on a sensational musical odyssey with Dr Nicholas Milton AM, Chief Conductor and Artistic Director of Willoughby Symphony Orchestra and violin soloist Rosa Donata Milton, Saturday 29 & Sunday 30 July on the Concert Hall stage, The Concourse, Chastwood. 
 
Experience the breathtaking sounds of Erich Wolfgang Korngold's Violin Concerto in D major, Op.35, masterfully performed by Rosa Donata Milton and the exceptional musicians of the Willoughby Symphony Orchestra. Immerse yourself in the neo-romantic splendour of this virtuosic showpiece, as Korngold's melodies take centre stage, creating a mesmerizing fusion of emotion and technical brilliance.
 
Dr. Nicholas Milton AM on the composer; “Better known in Australia for his luscious film scores to Errol Flynn classics of the golden age of Hollywood such as Robin Hood or Captain Blood, the composer’s violin concerto effortlessly weaves a gorgeous strand of melodic genius through one of the great concertos of the 20th century. Performing this concerto together with my wife on stage will therefore be not only a musical but also an emotional highlight of the season for me and our musicians.”
 
Rosa Donata Milton, is one of Germany’s most exceptional violinists and Concertmaster of the Philharmonic Orchestra of Jena and Lecturer at the Franz Liszt University of Music in Weimar. She is renowned for her interpretations of the major violin concertos of the 20th century, from Barber and Bernstein to Prokofiev, Shostakovich and Vasks.

Also featured in the program is Hector Berlioz’s Symphonie Fantastique, Op.14, which draws inspiration from Goethe’s Faust, François-René Chateaubriand’s autobiographical work René and Berlioz’s own life. Through its five movements, the symphony vividly portrays the turbulent emotions of an artist infatuated with a beloved, as the idée fixe theme recurs in various forms. From dream-like introspection to frenzied passion and ultimately a haunting witches' sabbath, Berlioz's innovative orchestration and evocative storytelling make "Symphonie fantastique" a landmark work in the Romantic repertoire.

Dr. Nicholas Milton AM “Symphonie Fantastique by Berlioz is one of the most important and impressive works of the orchestral repertoire. It is a work of astonishing colour and vibrancy, an outpouring of emotion that leaves listeners breathless with excitement. In an interpretation with the magnificent Willoughby Symphony Orchestra, this will surely be a landmark event for our community. Our magnificent musicians shine with excellence in this repertoire, performing with precisely the fiery passion that this music demands. I cannot wait to be on stage again with my beloved musicians for this brilliant program.”

Embark on an unforgettable musical journey presented by the exceptional musicians of Willoughby Symphony Orchestra through the enchanting works of Korngold and Berlioz.
 
Program
Korngold         Violin Concerto in D major, op.35
Berlioz             Symphonie Fantastique op.14
 
VENUE:           The Concourse, Concert Hall, 409 Victoria Ave Chatswood
WHEN:            Saturday 29 July 7pm & Sunday 30 July 2pm
TICKETS:          Adult $57; Conc $52; Youth $26.00 Child $15.30; Family $128.00
BOOKINGS:     02 8075 8111 or concourse_boxoffice@century.com.au

Feel at home with Far East Hospitality

Oasia Residence Singapore

Want to feel at home, but not far away from it all, for your next business travel to Singapore?

Look no further than Far East Hospitality.

Synonymous with style, charm and sophisticated home furnishings, Far East Hospitality’s eight serviced apartments caters for the discerning business traveler.

Welcome to Far East Hospitality’s “Your Family Moments” campaign launching in June 2023. The campaign will target Australian business travellers, who are looking for a longer stay in Singapore or even considering a relocation to the lion city.

Wanting to stay in in the heart of Orchard Road to keep up with the shopping beat? Then Orchard Parksuites is the perfect choice for the business traveller who wants the finer things in life.

Want a break from the hustle and bustle, but still want the hawker markets vibe while feeling grounded to a quieter neighbourhood? Then Village Residence at Hougang will take you to heartlands of Singapore’s north-east region.

From the Adina Serviced Apartment to the Village Residence, each thoughtfully curated touchpoint has the business traveller in mind: wi-fi, gyms, comfortable duvets and beds ensure a good night’s sleep and full-sized kitchens to make a home-cooked meal make Far East Hospitality the name to choose in long-term business stays.

Considering bringing your pet with you? Not a problem. We know your pet is also a part of your travel adventures so Far East Hospitality’s serviced apartments also extends to your fur loved-ones.

Designed for business travellers wanting a longer stay in Singapore, Far East Hospitality serviced apartments won’t break the budget either as Far East Hospitality has already done the math for you – it’s up to 35% cheaper than a hotel stay.

Far East Hospitality has eight serviced apartments to choose from: Oasia Residence, Orchard Scotts Residences, Orchard Parksuites, Far East Plaza Residences, Adina Serviced Apartments Singapore Orchard, Village Residence Hougang, Village Residence Robertson Quay, Village Residence West Coast.

*Source: Patricia Dizon, Redhill, Email: patricia.dizon@redhill.asia

Radio hosts Jimmy & Nath hit the road to find Bigfoot with Budget

Budget Australia has teamed up with Hit Network radio hosts Jimmy Smith and Nath Roye, who are embarking on a nationwide search for one of the world’s most elusive and mythical creatures, Bigfoot.

Over five weeks, the pair will lead the nation on a thrilling, adventure-packed, Bigfoot-finding quest, determined to help Aussies get closer to the creature than ever before.

Known in Australia as the Yowie, there have been countless claimed sightings over the decades. Yet very few can say they have come face-to-face with the real deal and for this reason, Jimmy and Nath are calling on the nation to join them in their search for Bigfoot for the chance to win a $10,000 prize.

Jimmy Smith said, “When Budget came to us with the idea to find bigfoot somewhere around the country, it was love instantly – we didn’t think we could love a hairy, 7ft (potentially mythical) creature that we haven’t even met yet, but we do, until then Nath was the hairiest member of the Jimmy & Nath family.”

“We will put everything into our bigfoot bounty we will be climbing, falling, flying, swimming, and driving to try and find him… oh and along the way, someone will win $10,000 and of course, you know what they say about big feet, big fun,” said Nath Roye.

To make sure they don’t miss out on finding Bigfoot, Jimmy and Nath will be calling on the nation for their Bigfoot sightings and tips, speaking to experts along the way and documenting their search from the driver’s seat of their Budget car rental. Aussies can join the Bigfoot Bounty with Budget search by listening to Hit Network’s Weekend Breakfast show, The Jimmy & Nath Show from 20th May.

Tom Mooney, Managing Director of Budget Australia, said: “We’re thrilled to support Jimmy and Nath as they embark on their national search for Bigfoot. Budget Australia takes the hassle out of car hire so our customers can get on the road sooner and to the most exciting parts of their trip.

“There’s nothing worse than missing out on the action because you’re stuck in a queue. With our time saving features including online PreCheck and our Fastbreak membership, we’re helping Jimmy and Nath move easily and swiftly from one Bigfoot tip off to the next.

“Whether you’re searching for Bigfoot or setting off on your own outback adventure, Budget has streamlined the rental process to make travel easier and more enjoyable for everyone.”

Jimmy and Nath’s Bigfoot Bounty with Budget will be broadcast on the Hit Network’s Weekend Breakfast show, The Jimmy & Nath Show from 20th May. Listeners can also follow the Bigfoot adventure via their social accounts @jimmyandnath and visit the website for their chance to participate in the Bigfoot Bounty with Budget.

About Budget Car Rental

Budget Car Rental is one of the world’s best-known car rental brands with approximately 3,500 locations in more than 120 countries. Budget is an industry leader in providing vehicle rental services to value-conscious travellers and also operates one of the largest local and one-way truck rental businesses in the United States, through a network of approximately 1,550 locations. Budget is owned by Avis Budget Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: CAR), which operates and licenses the brand throughout the world.

For further information, visit www.budget.com

*Source: Avis Budget Group Australia Public Relations Team abggroup@redagency.com.au

More than 3,600 passengers from the cruise ship Costa Serena (Italy) visit Phu Quoc (Kien Giang)

Superyacht Costa Serena moored at Phu Quoc pearl island

On the morning of May 21, tender ships carrying over 2,600 international tourists and over 1,000 crew members from the cruise ship Costa Serena (Italian nationality) docked at Duong Dong ward, Phu Quoc city to (Kien Giang) tourists visit the pearl island.

This group of guests stayed in Phu Quoc until 18:00 on the same day.

According to Director of Kien Giang Tourism Department Bui Quoc Thai, sea tourism is a quality service with high spending. In 2023, a number of businesses have submitted registrations, it is expected that in the coming time, Phu Quoc will welcome a number of cruise ships.

However, the conditions to welcome large cruise ships at the pearl island are still difficult because the international passenger port is not yet complete, and they have to transship passengers via small ships (tenders) to dock.

International tourists transfer by tender to
Bach Dang Park, Ho Chi Minh City. Phu Quoc

“In order to welcome the influx of foreign tourists by sea, Kien Giang is urgently completing the infrastructure for tourism, especially soon completing the Phu Quoc international passenger port, with the maximum capacity to welcome ships with high capacity. serving up to 6,000 guests,” said Mr. Bui Quoc Thai.

Costa Serena is known as a luxury castle in the middle of the ocean. The ship has a length of over 290m, a width of 35.5m, a static height of 62m... On board there are many swimming pools, jacuzzis, luxury restaurants and a full range of entertainment, entertainment and facilities to meet your needs. fully meet the needs of visitors to explore and enjoy.

*News and photos: Trung Hieu
*Source: Kien Giang Newspaper Online - baokiengiang.vn - Posted on 21/5/2023
*Key word: Sea travel,Costa Serena,Phu Quoc,Kien Giang,

Air New Zealand receives Airline of the Year, Most Attractive Employer accolades

Air New Zealand has been humbled to be named 2023 Airline of the Year by the internationally renowned AirlineRatings.com and has also received the award for this year’s Most Attractive Employer by Randstad.

AirlineRatings.com called out Air New Zealand's exceptional achievements in in-flight innovations, including the upcoming Skynest beds in the Economy cabin, its environmental leadership, and the unwavering dedication of its staff.

Air New Zealand Chief Executive Officer Greg Foran says the recognition is all down to a remarkable team.

“We owe our success to the dedication and hard work of our 12,000 Air New Zealanders who wake each morning to connect Kiwis with each other and the world. This award belongs to them for their grit, commitment, and the exceptional service they deliver every day.

“It is a sign that we have got our swing back and that our relentless focus on doing the basics brilliantly and delivering our Kia Mau strategy with precision and ambition is working.

“As with many airlines worldwide, we understand that our fantastic team faces difficulties in providing the service we strive for and that our customers expect. We're working hard to address these challenges.

“There is no doubt that have more work to do to tackle customer concerns like wait times, on-time departures and arrivals, lost baggage, and refunds. We want to thank our customers for their patience and support as we work towards delivering the greatest flying experience on Earth.

“We’re also pleased to have been awarded Most Attractive Employer by Randstad. Air New Zealanders have worked incredibly hard through what has been a difficult time. We have focused on building sustainable jobs and a great culture at Air New Zealand, where people can be themselves and thrive. We have recruited at a phenomenal pace post-pandemic. Employers everywhere know how difficult it is to recruit in the current market, we hope this acknowledgement will attract even more talent as we continue to rebuild.”

• The AirlineRatings.com Airline Excellence Awards, judged by a distinguished panel of industry experts, evaluate airlines based on a comprehensive set of criteria, encompassing safety, innovation, passenger reviews, profitability, and more. Air New Zealand's exceptional performance across these key areas set it apart from its competitors, solidifying its position as a leader in the industry.
• The 2023 Randstad Employer Brand Research explores New Zealand workers’ perceptions of employer brands, providing a unique understanding of employee and job seeker preferences. This is the largest independent employer brand research in the world, providing insights from nearly 163,000 respondents and 6,022 organisations in 32 countries worldwide including 4,302 New Zealanders.

*Source: Conor NastasiAccount, Manager, alternative thinking. shifting behaviour altshift.com.au

Chinese Airlines Allowed To Operate 12 Weekly Round-Trip US Flights

Beijing had been pushing to equalize the number of weekly flights from both countries.

The US-China relationship has witnessed a slight thaw, with the US transportation department allowing Chinese carriers to up their weekly flight count to 12. American carriers have been concerned that the situation with Russia puts them at a disadvantage compared to airlines in Asia. However, the latest decision is being viewed by many as a step forward in stabilizing the political relations between the two countries.

Chinese carriers allowed 12 weekly flights

The US Department of Transportation (USDOT) has agreed to allow Chinese airlines to increase their weekly flights to the US from eight to 12 round trips. This comes after officials in Beijing had proposed to equalize the number of weekly flights per side, as the US carriers were already allowed to operate 12 weekly flights to China.

China has started allowing foreign tourists since March after scrapping COVID-related restrictions, and the USDOT says that it is aiming for a "a gradual, broader reopening of the U.S.-China air services market."

The dispute

The long-standing US-China flight dispute traces its roots to the conflict in Ukraine, with Russian airspace becoming off-limits to US airlines but not to those of China and other Asian countries.

This has meant that US airlines, while flying to Asian destinations, have to take a longer, more circuitous route that renders these flights more expensive and time-consuming. This also means carriers in countries such as China and India, which continue to have access to Russian airspace, are at a competitive advantage.

For instance, last month, The New York Times compared two flights between New York John F. Kennedy International Airport and New Delhi’s Indira Gandhi Airport, operated by Air India and American Airlines. Air India’s flight costs about $1,500 and lasts approximately 13 hours and 40 minutes. American Airlines' flight costs $1,740 and lasts 14 hours and 55 minutes.

Reports surfaced last month of the airline industry in the US lobbying for a ban on airlines willing to do business with Russia or forcing them to employ the same routes as their US counterparts. Some US senators urged the Biden administration to ensure no commercial airline overflying Russian territory arrives or departs from a US airport.

And while the Chinese carriers have been allowed to up their weekly flight schedule to the US, the transportation department will continue to monitor the situation and assess how it affects the US airlines. It told the Financial Times that it would: “continue to assess how and when to further modify its posture towards PRC [People’s Republic of China] carrier flights in a manner that offers a competitive operating environment for the air carriers in the US”

Room for improvement

The latest decision will certainly help boost direct flight connectivity between the US and China further. Many legacy carriers in the US already have at least 90% more seats on offer this coming June through August than they did the previous year.

But this is still a fraction of more than 150 round-trip flights allowed by each side in the pre-pandemic era. In fact, direct flights between the two countries remain more than 90% down compared to 2019.

With COVID restrictions gone, travel demand between the US and China will likely increase over the coming months, and the two countries will eventually have to navigate through the global political landscape to allow for more direct flights for passengers.

*Source: PATA, Level 26, Gaysorn Tower, 127 Ratchadamri Road, Lumpini, Pathumwan Bangkok 10330 Thailand communications@PATA.org

Hard Rock Hotel and Chasa Montana spas add to health and well-being proposition of the Swiss Graubunden region for GCC families

Hard Rock Hotel

The Swiss region of Graubunden is aiming to attract increasing numbers of GCC visitors this summer, with a focus on luxury and value-led health and wellness, as well as outdoor family adventures.
“In addition to Graubunden’s range of hotels and serviced apartments, Michelin-starred restaurants and immersive cultural experiences, which make it the perfect destination for GCC families this summer, the region is highlighting two rather unique spa hotels in our destination portfolio,” commented, Head of Business Development at Visit Graubunden, Tamara Loeffel.

Situated in the world-famous Swiss resort of Davos, the four-star Hard Rock Hotel, which opened in 2017, as one might expect the hotel comes complete with ‘Rock Star’ memorabilia such as an Elvis Presley jacket and a Beyonce dress and, of course, the obligatory Harley-Davidson.

Its 94 rooms, suites and 17 apartments are lavishly furnished with enchanting mountain and village views, and there is a themed restaurant appropriately called ‘Sessions’, as well as a rooftop bar with a 360-degree view over Davos.

Staying right on theme, the hotel has also introduced a ‘Sound of your Stay’ programme, where guests can order a Fender guitar or a Crosley player, including an amplifier, headphones and video lessons to their room.

However, this also extends to the hotel’s Rock Spa®, which takes wellness to a new level. It is the world’s first fully immersive music-centric spa, utilising amplified vibrations, pressures and patterns as the foundation for its treatments. The groundbreaking experience takes guests on a rhythmic massage journey – bass vibrations ripple through the massage table as treble beats come from above, sending pulses through the body and leaving guests feeling energised and invigorated.

These reinvented Rock Spa® treatments transcend current spa rituals and inspire spa-goers to ‘Play Hard, Purify Harder.’ Treatments include ‘The Smooth Operator’, ‘Face the Music’, and ‘The Wrap Remix’, amongst others. The Rock Spa® also includes hydrotherapy pools, steam baths and saunas with rhythmic massages, facials and manicures.

Situated 1,850 metres above sea level, in the charming village of Samnaun in the middle of the Silvretta ski, hiking and biking area of Samnaun-Ischgl, the Chasa Montana - Alpine Luxury Hideaway recently reopened after an extensive US$ 22 million renovation. It is the only five-star superior hotel in Samnaun and has been a member of the renowned Relais & Châteaux hotel association since 2014.

It has 25 double rooms and 20 suites, four restaurants, (including the Michelin-starred gourmet Stübli La Miranda), a wine cellar with over 1,400 different wines, a lounge with rare whiskies and a cocktail bar.

The hotel features an impressive 1,500-square-metre Roman-inspired spa with seven saunas and four pools (three indoor and one outdoor), all heated to a temperature of between 28-36 degrees Celsius. There are a variety of relaxation zones, a wellness and fitness area, a hairdressing salon, spa lounge and beauty treatment rooms. The Montana Spa blends natural luxury with refined elegance. Here guests can de-stress in sublime facilities, pampered with irresistible anti-aging skincare products and luxury spa brands.

The hotel is also a model of sustainable hospitality – state-of-the-art technology has been used throughout the entire building, focused on saving energy. A heat recovery system is used for the hotel's hot water demand and even its Pizza oven, as well as filtering the backwash from the indoor pool and whirlpools. The new ventilation system reduces heating oil consumption by 20%.

The hotel’s Chef, Bernd Fabian, also selects products from sustainable agriculture and livestock farming – in the spirit of Relais & Châteaux. He relies on local ingredients, with the milk and cheese products coming from local farmers.

During the summer months, Samnaun offers theme parks and children's playgrounds, with 80 km of mountain bike trails and 250 km of hiking trails with breathtaking views. Using the hotel’s "All inclusive" guest card, guests benefit from free access to a ride on the mountain railways from Samnaun to Ischgl, free access to the water park at Alpenquell, as well as other discounts.

“Quite apart from their unique facilities and locations of these remarkable properties, the general Graubunden region offers fresh air, outstanding natural beauty, mild climate and healthy outdoor activities. It is an ideal destination for GCC families that want to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and the oppressive summer heat and humidity,” said Loeffel.

“Train rides through the mountains in the Rhine Gorge are considered among the most spectacular train journeys in the world. It is even possible to visit four different countries in one day – Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Austria and Italy. There are many other resorts worth exploring too, such as Vals, home to thermal baths, and the countryside around Flims and Laax, famous for its crystal-clear lakes,” she added.

Swiss, Emirates, Qatar Airways and Etihad all have convenient daily schedules direct to Switzerland, with excellent transport links via road or rail from Lyon and Munich for families touring different parts of Europe. For more information, please log on to https://www.visitgraubunden.com/en-ar/.

Visit Graubunden – The No. 1 Holiday Destination of Switzerland.

*Source: STEVEN JONES, Managing Director, Shamil Communications
E-mail: steven.jones@shamalcomms.com    Website: www.shamalcomms.com

Award-Winning OUTRIGGER Fiji Beach Resort Shines Even Brighter with Multi-Million Refurbishment

OUTRIGGER Fiji Beach Resort 

OUTRIGGER Fiji Beach Resort – which was just ranked as one of the “best places to stay in the world for 2023” by TripAdvisor – has unveiled the first look of its resort transformation, following the completion of the first phase of its multi-million resort refurbishment.

Having commenced in October 2022, the enhancements are transforming the iconic resort into a modern beachfront oasis – updating the property’s rooms and suites and communal areas. The traditional Fijian style in which the resort was originally designed will be maintained and elevated across aspects of the renovation.

Located on the Coral Coast, OUTRIGGER Fiji Beach Resort is comprised of 253 rooms and suites situated on 40 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds with lush, tropical gardens and sweeping oceanfront views.

Phase One of the refurbishment comprised of:

• 16 renovated premium Bures
• Creation of a new “Premium Ocean View” room category, consisting of 46 original “Lagoon Wing” rooms.

Located in the very heart of the resort, the newly transformed Premium Ocean View rooms feature a contemporary design and exquisite ocean views, complimented by the resort’s signature Talai Butler service.

Phase Two of the refurbishment is currently underway and will be completed in stages, with the upgrades taking place in the main accommodation wings, remaining Bures and selected public areas including the main buffet restaurant and lobby.

The resort is scheduled to finish the transformation by November 2023 and will remain open throughout the entire project, which has been carefully designed for minimal impact on the guest’s experience and resort operations.

Ben Johnson, Area Director of Sales and Marketing, Fiji Islands says: “We are so thrilled to finally announce this next chapter at OUTRIGGER Fiji Beach Resort; this thoughtful design project has been in the works for a long time and is a perfect balance of traditional style with contemporary touches. The property improvements bring the brightness and beauty of the Bula Spirit into our accommodations to further provide a memorable, captivating and elevated offering for our guests.”

*Source: Nicole Tapster, pepr,  nicole@pepr.com.au | pepr.com.au

Tivoli Hotels & Resorts opens its first all-inclusive property - Tivoli Alvor Algarve Resort

Tivoli Alvor Algarve Resort

In the year of its 90th anniversary, Tivoli Hotels & Resorts opens its fifth resort in the Algarve and the first all-inclusive, taking its elegance and experience to a new destination in the Algarve in the south of Portugal.

Tivoli Alvor Algarve Resort is situated next to the picturesque village of Alvor and close to the city of Portimão. The resort offers dedicated facilities and entertainment for all ages, providing an unforgettable family experience. The all-inclusive offering goes beyond the resort to include access for guests to some of the best local restaurants and theme parks.

The Tivoli Alvor all-inclusive offer allows guests to enjoy the best of life in a spacious resort with 491 contemporary guest rooms spread over 27.5 acres, including 56 two-bedroom Premium Family Rooms and four Premium Suites.

Built in 2019, the resort has reopened as Tivoli Alvor with newly decorated rooms inspired by Tivoli’s contemporary classic style. There are five outdoor pools (one adults only, three for families and one for children) and one indoor pool, four restaurants, two bars and a Wellness Centre.

For adults, the resort offers a gym, a Wellness Centre with indoor lap pool, Turkish bath, saunas and spa treatments, a peaceful adults-only swimming pool and bars for an evening drink. There is an entertainment programme just for adults and partner restaurants outside the resort where guests can dine as part of the all-inclusive experience. For golfers there are several courses close by.

Young guests, between 4 and 12 years old, can have fun in the Pluma Junior Club, making the most of its facilities including a swimming pool with slides, games room, children's playground and minigolf. The daily entertainment programme, full of games and challenges for the little ones, will keep children entertained, managed by a team of childcare experts. Teens can keep busy playing football, padel or tennis and join daily activities prepared specially for them.

Tivoli Alvor Algarve Resort offers two all-inclusive options, one standard and a more exclusive with extra premium services. Both allow guests to discover the best of the destination, with access for the family to a choice of local theme parks for one day per person included (with a minimum stay of seven nights): Zoo Marine, Slide & Splash or Lagos Zoo.

To explore the flavours of the region, the resort also offers the choice of dinner at a selection of local restaurants (included within the all-inclusive rate, subject to availability and booking 72 hours in advance), such as the renowned Restinga Praia (Praia do Alvor), the Àbabuja (Ribeira de Alvor), Jardim das Oliveiras (Monchique), T-Bone Steakhouse (NH Marina Portimão), Sky Bar Carvoeiro and The One Restaurant (both at Tivoli Carvoeiro), Pepper's Steakhouse, Oregano Restaurant and Purobeach Vilamoura (all located at Tivoli Marina Vilamoura).

The Premium All-inclusive rates also include check-in and check-out in the VIP area, minibar upgrade, breakfast in a dedicated area and a free 30-minute massage per adult/stay. For an easy trip to the nearby sandy beaches or to Alvor village, the resort offers a regular complimentary miniature train transfer exclusively for guests.

The gastronomic offering in the resort includes options throughout the day. The Essenze restaurant is the meeting point for the whole family, with a buffet of international cuisine, available for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with a pleasant indoor area and a terrace. For dinner there are three additional restaurants available by reservation. Carosello has an Italian-inspired menu, based on pasta and pizza, with a mix of buffet and à la carte service. For meat lovers, Roastic is a steakhouse and Mad Med offers fresh Mediterranean flavours, high-quality organic ingredients and local produce including seafood. For those who want a light meal or drink by the pool, there is the Salty Bar and the Shore! Bar offers evening entertainment and cocktails.

Tivoli Alvor Algarve Resort, owned by Azora since 2022, is located just 600 metres from the sea and close to the charming village of Alvor, with its whitewashed houses, cobbled streets and fishing boats moored along the banks of the Alvor River. Surrounded by extensive green areas, the location is perfect for connecting with nature, making the most of the beaches nearby and discovering the local caves near Portimão and Lagos, such as the Benagil cave or the cliffs of Ponta da Piedade. The city of Portimão with its museum, marina and nightlife is just a short distance away, and Faro Airport is one hour's drive.

Rates at Tivoli Alvor Algarve Resort start at 380€ (approx. £330) for a Premium Family Suite, all-inclusive for two adults and one child up to 12 years old. For more information about the Tivoli Alvor Algarve Resort, visit https://www.tivolihotels.com/en/tivoli-alvor.

*Source: ANDREA GRANJAMINOR HOTELS, DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC RELATIONS & COMMUNICATIONS, TIVOLI HOTELS & RESORTS
E a.granja@nh-hotels.com

Shoalhaven Blitzes the 2023 NSW Top Tourism Town Awards!

Berry

Berry and Huskisson won gold in the tiny and small town categories of the NSW Top Town Awards; and Kangaroo Valley Bronze in the tiny town category, and Ulladulla Silver in the top town category at the Local Government NSW Destination & Visitor Economy Conference on 30 May, 2023.

“We were incredibly excited to have five Shoalhaven towns listed among the 31 finalists in the NSW Top Town Awards and to bring home the gold for both Berry and Huskisson, silver for Ulladulla, and bronze for Kangaroo Valley and is incredible,” said Mayor Amanda Findley.

“We love all our towns equally and as the off-season in Shoalhaven approaches, would love to see locals and visitors support their own favourite towns and enjoy the beautiful nature, walks, whales, foods, wine and more,” Cr Findley said.

The award winners were selected based on public voting (25%) and the rich visitor content provided by Shoalhaven City Council tourism team and local Chambers of Commerce and Tourism including editorial, itinerary and video footage.

Shoalhaven finalists included Huskisson and Kangaroo Valley in the Tiny Towns under 1,500 category, Berry, Sussex Inlet in the Small Towns under 5,000 category and Ulladulla in the Top Towns Category with a population over 5,000.

Huskisson

Berry and Huskisson will go on to represent NSW at Australia's Top Tourism Town Awards and compete with other states later in the year.

The NSW Top Town Awards, powered by Business NSW, aim to highlight the value of tourism and the visitor economy to towns across the state by showcasing the towns, people, attractions and experiences that make NSW a 'must visit' destination.

*Source: Matt Ftaser, Original Spin info@originalspin.com.au