Play to Stay with #D2orange for a chance to win a 2-night stay at dusitD2 Phuket Resort!

On the eve of the launch for its newest resort to open in Thailand, Dusit International invites its online community to participate in a fun, interactive game to welcome the dusitD2 Phuket Resort to its growing family of international hotels and resorts.

From 22nd April through 25th May 2014, friends and fans of the Dusit International and dusitD2 Phuket Resort’s Facebook pages are invited to post a photo of themselves with anything bright orange, the signature colour of the dusitD2 brand, along with the hashtag #D2orange on the Dusit International Instagram page. Qualifying photos will count as one entry towards the draw for the grand prize: a 2-night’s stay at the new resort, inclusive of breakfast for two.

Located only one block from Phuket island’s popular Patong Beach and within walking distance to the Jungceylon shopping and leisure complex, the vibrant dusitD2 Phuket Resort aims to become a destination in its own right, boasting 390 stylish guest rooms and suites and an array of iconic lifestyle and entertainment outlets, including a Hard Rock Café. Additionally, a scenic rooftop bar is currently under construction, designed to add to the hotel’s destination appeal.

The opening of the new resort is in keeping with the company’s aggressive expansion plans for the vibrant, young “next generation” dusitD2 brand. “With eight dusitD2 hotels in the pipeline, from California, USA to Nairobi, Kenya, 2014 will certainly see a spotlight on the dusitD2 brand,” says Dusit International Group Director of Development, Mr Rustom Vickers.

“We eagerly look forward to the dusitD2 Phuket Resort being the first of these hotels to open this year, and we are confident that its location on Phuket Island and comprehensive selection of attractions will make it a great success.”

The dusitD2 Phuket Resort slated to host its Grand Opening event on 16 May 2014. For more information on the hotel’s special opening rates, please visit http://www.dusit.com/dusit-d2/dusitd2-phuket-resort.html.

Additional Links:
Dusit International Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/dusitinternational
dusitD2 Phuket Resort’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/dusitD2PhuketResort
Dusit International’s Instagram page: http://instagram.com/dusitinternational
“Play to Stay with #D2Orange” Rules and Regulations: http://www.dusit.com/play-to-stay-with-d2orange.html

Around America in 6 Months - An Australian family explores the U.S. in an RV rental camping adventure loop of North America

David Nelson and Kirsten Swick and their three children Eleanor, Jacqui, and Stephanie will be seeing more of the U.S. this year on their vacation than most Americans see in their lifetime. The Australian family from Perth rented a motorhome from El Monte RV and left the companies’ Los Angeles location on April 25th. They won’t be returning until October 10th. Their plans start with visiting a variety of sites including national and state parks on the west coast, Las Vegas, then across the southern U.S. to Florida. From Florida the family will then travel up the east coast of the United States to end up in Montreal, Canada. Following Montreal they will then be visiting sites throughout the mid-west. After all this they will travel across the northern U.S. and then return back to Los Angeles to return the vehicle.

The couple, who will start the trip travelling with little one year old Stephanie, told us they expect New York City, Mt. Rushmore, and the National Parks to be highlights of the vacation. Eleanor, 10, and Jacqi, 8, will soon join mom, dad, and little sister in Las Vegas.

This is the family’s first RV rental trip and they are excited to explore the possibilities. David, who spends a great deal of time sailing and is used to the tight quarters involved, said he thinks the family will enjoy spending time together and appreciate that the vehicle doesn’t rock while its stationary.

The couple pointed to the favourable exchange rate between U.S. and Australian currencies as one of the primary motivators in their decision to make the trip at this time. “It is much less expensive than it used to be.” Said Kirsten.

“Normally when we come to the U.S. we fly from city to city or drive around,” said David, when discussing the trip. “We wanted to experience as much of America as possible.”

When asked what recommendations they had for others that might want to plan a similar trip, Kirsten replied, “Allow sufficient time for proper planning and preparation. You should give yourself at least 3-4 months to plan your route, camp sites, destinations, etc.”

About El Monte RV

Headquartered in Los Angeles, El Monte RV is one of America’s leading motorhome rental and sales companies, catering to both international and domestic travellers. The company has experienced rapid growth throughout the United States, thanks to its reputation for exceptional customer service. For more information about El Monte RV, contact +612 8354 5400 or visit www.aptms.com.au

60 Greater China Industry Leaders Reign at the 7th Annual TTG China Travel Awards

Nearly 1 in every 2 of TTG China Travel Awards 2014 winning organisations brought home the awards' signature 24K gold-plated Hermes trophy for the first-time tonight.

Among this year's 27 inaugural winners were Air Canada and Mandarin Oriental Hotel group for the Best North American Airline (servicing China) and Best Luxury Hotel Brand in Greater China respectively. Both successfully claimed titles that were dominated by long-time winners.

The 2014 roll-call of debuting winners was most evident across theIndividual Hotel Awards (in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen,Hong Kong and Macau), Hotel Awards in Other Regions in China and theResort Hotel Awards. A re-classification of the perennial title Best Resort in China, introduced this year in the latter category, now features 2 winners. The Ritz-Carlton, Sanya emerged as winner for Best Resort inChina (Beach) while InterContinental Kunming claimed the title of Best Resorts in China (Non-Beach).

While first-time winners made their way into the TTG China TravelAwards, 7 veteran organisations - Air China, Singapore Airlines, Ascott China, Holiday Inn Macau, The Garden Hotel, Guangzhou and The Venetian® Macao-Resort-Hotel – held their ground against the competition with consecutive wins since the inauguration of TTG China Travel Awards in 2008.

Notably, another 7 of tonight's 60 winning organisations made a remarkable come-back into the awards. Among them were, Banyan Tree Lijiang, returning to claim a new title Best Spa Resort in China, andSingapore Tourism Board, regaining its hold as the Best Overseas NTO in China. Other returning winners included The Peninsula Hong Kong (Best Luxury Hotel in Hong Kong), Four Points by Sheraton Shanghai, Pudong (Best Mid-range Hotel in Shanghai), Sofitel Wanda Beijing (Best Business Hotel in Beijing), The Mira Hong Kong (Best Business Hotel inHong Kong), and Kempinski Hotel Yinchuan (Best Hotel in Northwest China).

This year's awards also featured defending winners Kerry Hotel Pudong,Shanghai and Sofitel Guangzhou Sunrich securing new titles as the Best Meetings & Conventions Hotel in Shanghai and Best Luxury Hotel inGuangzhou respectively.

"The winners of this 7th annual TTG China Travel Awards are a reflection of the intense competition and unfailing dynamism in the Greater Chinaregion. The industry professionals who have voted for these winning organisations over a 2-month period are increasingly discerning and this will certainly serve to better the service standards and performance of the travel, MICE and tourism industry in the region," noted Mr. Darren Ng, Managing Director of TTG Asia Media – the company behind TTG Travel Trade Publishing's TTG China and TTG-BTmice China titles for the Chinese market.

Added Ng, "The exemplary achievements of all our 60 winners – first-time, defending and returning – are nothing short of inspiring. While our inaugural winners have demonstrated that previous benchmarks can be surpassed, our defending champions – in particular the seven long-standing veterans – proved that it takes relentless drive to stay in the lead. Our returning winners are also an exacting testimony that perseverance to excel does pay off."

The TTG China Travel Awards is a TTG Travel Trade Publishing Event organised by TTG China and held yearly in Shanghai, in conjunction with Leading International MICE Event in China - IT&CM China in Shanghai. Voting for the TTG China Travel Awards 2015 opens in January 2015.

More information on the TTG China Travel Awards can be found at: www.ttgchina.com/ttg-awards

Phantasy Fairytale Underwater Art Exhibition Opens at Per AQUUM's Huvafen Fushi and NIYAMA in the Maldives‏

Andreas Franke’s Phantasy Fairytale underwater art exhibition is now open at Huvafen Fushi and NIYAMA in the Maldives as part of the 2014 Per AQUUM Dream Calendar.

This exceptional exhibition blurs the lines between fantasy and reality with western fairytale characters superimposed against the backdrop of the Indian Ocean to create magical photographic art pieces. These fairytale characters include Snow White, Little Red Riding Hood, Snow Queen, Star Money and The Last Unicorn with each piece being encased in Plexiglas then submerged in the Indian Ocean. Guests are able to view the photographic pieces from inside Subsix, the underwater music club at NIYAMA, and from inside the underwater treatment rooms at LIME Spa at Huvafen Fushi. Each piece is available for purchase and a percentage of the proceeds will be donated to Per AQUUM’s Coral Regeneration Program.

Committed to breaking boundaries, this Per AQUUM and Andreas Franke collaboration can be viewed until the end of May 2014 and spins the typical photographic art exhibition on its head giving the world an imaginative interpretation of underwater life.

An Exceptional Destination Wedding at Any Budget: Aston Hotels & Resorts Has the Ingredients for a Perfect Celebration

With 24 unique Hawaii hotels, resorts, villas and cottages, more than 65 years of hospitality experience, and thousands of dream weddings hosted on site, Aston Hotels & Resorts combines the most desirable locations in Hawaii with incredible accommodations, scenic settings, and a team of wedding specialists to create unforgettable destination nuptials.

The best part: Aston works with each couple to bring all that legendary surf, sun and sand together under any budget, and with plenty of aloha.

• Location, location, location: Aston guests can choose from a wide variety of wedding venues, including intimate gazebos and romantic, secluded beaches to lush, landscaped gardens and grand pavilions. With destinations spanning three distinct collections on Oahu, Maui, Kauai and Hawaii Island, there are endless site options and amenities to choose from. Poolside decks, beachfront lawns, barbecue areas, on-site restaurants and function spaces are excellent settings for a rehearsal luau, bridal shower, barbecue or picnic. Choices range from the contemporary Aston Waikiki Beach Hotel, located directly across from world-famous Waikiki Beach, to breathtaking wedding locations along Maui’s famed Kaanapali Beach, to the tranquillity of Hawaii Island’s stunning Waikoloa coastline and Kauai’s historic plantation cottages.

• Rooms to remember: Complimentary upgrades, exclusive amenities, perks and savings await. Aston provides guests with exceptional value, not only offering an incredible selection of accommodations at the best available rates, but also providing numerous amenities designed to maximize convenience and savings. Fully equipped kitchens, grocery delivery service, large outdoor areas, one-, two- or three-bedroom suites and in-room washers and dryers are available, in addition to exclusive programs like the free Aston Aloha Book, which offers over US$2,500 in savings on dining, shopping, activities in Hawaii.

• Relax, we’ve got it covered: Our staff and coordinators work closely with each couple to create an unforgettable wedding experience. On-site wedding coordinators, catering services, and day spas and salons are perfect for relaxing and pampering, along with flexible wedding packages tailored to your preferences. With this kind of exceptional service and expertise, you’ll have peace of mind on your big day.

• Aloha and diversity: With Hawaii as a leading destination for LGBT guests, Aston Hotels & Resorts properties are TAG Approved®, providing the very best in gay-friendly hospitality, as well as high standards in employment policies, services and support for the gay community.

Visit www.aptms.com.au or call +61 2 8354 5400 to find our more information.

Oakwood Worldwide and Travelport Sign On As CTW Asia-Pacific 2014 Sponsors

Asia-Pacific’s leading Corporate Travel conference and exhibition for the region’s industry professionals has sealed in sponsorship from big name hospitality and travel technology brands, eager to leverage on the opportunity to exclusively engage the 150 quality attending corporate travel buyers.

CTW Asia-Pacific’s track record of delivering this key buying segment cements Oakwood Worldwide (APAC) acknowledgement of CTW Asia-Pacific as a powerful platform that provides outreach to the corporate segment. Said the brand’s Managing Director, Craig Ryan, “The event’s ability to attract valuable decision makers involved in corporate travel procurement has been the key motivating factor in our leap to be a first-time CTW Asia-Pacific sponsor. The show has proved to be a very important one in the annual calendar of corporate travel managers in Asia-Pacific. Being a sponsor ensures we are able to directly engage and better acquaint the industry with the Oakwood Worldwide brand and its suite of accommodation solutions.”

Sharing the same sentiments is returning sponsor Travelport, who already had a successful experience last year. The company’s Corporate Account Director, Dirk Mertens elaborated, “By exclusively hosting a segment for the event’s attendees, we had a captive platform to interact with corporate travel professionals from around the region. As a result of this direct engagement, we gained a deeper understanding of the needs of business travellers.”

He added, “The feedback we received from these corporate professionals goes into ensuring we provide the right solutions for them. Returning as a sponsor enables us to meet with new corporate professionals and build on the working relationships we had forged with this sector in 2013.”

As the only event in the Asia region with the largest hosting program for Corporate Travel Buyers, CTW Asia-Pacific validates and handpicks 150 applicants from diverse industries across the region every year. The event receives interest from over 400 registrants throughout the year. Successful delegates hosted to each CTW Asia-Pacific comprise of key decision makers who plan, execute, influence corporate travel matters within their organisations.

Ooi Peng Ee, General Manager of event organiser TTG Events, highlighted the benefits of sponsoring at CTW Asia-Pacific. “What makes CTW Asia-Pacific unique is the opportunity to connect with coveted corporate professionals in the region at one location. Corporations based in Asia are one of the biggest procurers of travel products and services in the world. We thus, understand the value of the access that CTW Asia-Pacific offers to global and regional suppliers wanting to grow in tandem with such a promising, but elusive demand market.”

Interested sponsors can contact

- See more at: http://www.iccaworld.com/npps/story.cfm?nppage=3938#sthash.Atmszvdl.dpuf

Oakwood Worldwide and Travelport Sign On As CTW Asia-Pacific 2014 Sponsors

25 March 2014 Submitted By: TTG Asia Media Pte Ltd


Singapore, 25 March 2014 – Asia-Pacific’s leading Corporate Travel conference and exhibition for the region’s industry professionals has sealed in sponsorship from big name hospitality and travel technology brands, eager to leverage on the opportunity to exclusively engage the 150 quality attending corporate travel buyers.

CTW Asia-Pacific’s track record of delivering this key buying segment cements Oakwood Worldwide (APAC) acknowledgement of CTW Asia-Pacific as a powerful platform that provides outreach to the corporate segment. Said the brand’s Managing Director, Craig Ryan, “The event’s ability to attract valuable decision makers involved in corporate travel procurement has been the key motivating factor in our leap to be a first-time CTW Asia-Pacific sponsor. The show has proved to be a very important one in the annual calendar of corporate travel managers in Asia-Pacific. Being a sponsor ensures we are able to directly engage and better acquaint the industry with the Oakwood Worldwide brand and its suite of accommodation solutions.”

Sharing the same sentiments is returning sponsor Travelport, who already had a successful experience last year. The company’s Corporate Account Director, Dirk Mertens elaborated, “By exclusively hosting a segment for the event’s attendees, we had a captive platform to interact with corporate travel professionals from around the region. As a result of this direct engagement, we gained a deeper understanding of the needs of business travellers.”

He added, “The feedback we received from these corporate professionals goes into ensuring we provide the right solutions for them. Returning as a sponsor enables us to meet with new corporate professionals and build on the working relationships we had forged with this sector in 2013.”

As the only event in the Asia region with the largest hosting program for Corporate Travel Buyers, CTW Asia-Pacific validates and handpicks 150 applicants from diverse industries across the region every year. The event receives interest from over 400 registrants throughout the year. Successful delegates hosted to each CTW Asia-Pacific comprise of key decision makers who plan, execute, influence corporate travel matters within their organisations.

Ooi Peng Ee, General Manager of event organiser TTG Events, highlighted the benefits of sponsoring at CTW Asia-Pacific. “What makes CTW Asia-Pacific unique is the opportunity to connect with coveted corporate professionals in the region at one location. Corporations based in Asia are one of the biggest procurers of travel products and services in the world. We thus, understand the value of the access that CTW Asia-Pacific offers to global and regional suppliers wanting to grow in tandem with such a promising, but elusive demand market.”

Interested sponsors can contact ctw@ttgasia.com for more details on customised sponsorship packages.

For more information, log on to www.corporatetravelworld.com | www.itcma.com

Travel ...

"Travel... forces you to trust strangers and to lose sight of the familiar comforts of home and friends. You are constantly off balance. Nothing is yours except the essential things: air, sleep, dreams, the sea, the sky." ~ Cesare Pavese

The Washpools

No place like Towarri National Park. Well maintained! Just Devine! It is just up the road from Scone NSW. There is a delightful creek to walk along, It is know locally as the washpool. As the story goes that farmers used to bring their sheep down to wash them in part of the rocky creek. There are BBQs, tables and seats, and toilets for the general public to use

Mother's Day Afternoon Tea at The Windsor

The Windsor Hotel in Melbourne Australia is now taking bookings for the special Mother’s Day morning and afternoon teas – possibly the most sought after treat for Melbourne Mums.

The morning and afternoon teas will be held in the famous Grand Ballroom, the elegant Bourke Room, and the stately 111 Spring Street Restaurant. The cost is $99 per adult, $65 for children aged between 7 and 12, and $45 for children aged three to six.

For bookings or further information telephone 03 9633 6004.

The Hotel Windsor in Melbourne has been serving traditional afternoon tea since 1883.

This luxury hotel in Melbourne serves its renowned afternoon teas on silver three tiered stands where freshly baked scones are served with jam and cream and exquisite pastries sit above delicate finger sandwiches. A glass of French sparkling is served on arrival and an extensive selection of speciality teas and coffees are brought to your table throughout the afternoon.

On weekends, guests enjoy an indulgent dessert buffet and chocolate fountain.

Vegetarian and gluten free options can be catered for at no extra cost, please advise any dietary requirements at the time of booking.

The Windsor Luxury Melbourne hotel Afternoon Tea is served in the signature Melbourne hotel restaurant, 111 Spring Street every day of the week.

Afternoon Tea Sitting Times & Prices
Monday-Friday: various sitting times | $69 per person
Saturday-Sunday: various sitting times | $89 per person (includes an indulgent dessert buffet)

Please contact reservations for more details regarding session times.
Reservations are essential.
To make a reservation, please telephone (+61 3) 9633 6004 or email reservations@thw.com.au
Alternatively, to make an instant booking online click on the "make a booking" tab.

Weekday Afternoon Tea Menu
Weekend Afternoon Tea Menu
Tea Menu
Download an Afternoon Tea at The Windsor invitation

Luxperience 2014 Offers Insight into Global Travel Trends

Michelle Papas

Luxperience 2014 opens on 31August with over 300 luxury and high end experiential travel specialists seeking inspiration for new products. The Luxperience worldwide team has put together an overview of what some of these buyers will be looking for according to the trends prevailing in their particular markets.

Michelle Papas Director of Marketing and Buyer Relations of Luxperience says, “There is no doubt that Asia-Pacific is now the engine of growth in international travel both within Asia and also the rest of the world. The statistics speak for themselves with organisations such as PATA announcing a collective growth of 7% across Asia Pacific. However, we would never suggest that our clients put all their eggs in one basket. Luxperience delivers key buyers from all over the world in ONE stunning location. We have the inside track on key trends in both the US and China to ensure we have the knowledge and recognise opportunities to be able to provide meaningful connections between our buyers and exhibitors.

According to Luxperience’s representative in China Edward Chen, inner Asia remains the most popular destination for luxury experience seekers from China, namely Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, Singapore, Thailand, Maldives, Bali, Malaysia and the Philippines. This insight is further supported by UNWTO findings which cite that in 2013 China, as a source market for Asia, experienced a 30% growth year on year.

For Chinese luxury travellers looking for places further afield, Italy, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand are popular. This aligns with what US luxury travellers are also looking for.

A key trend in both APAC and US markets is experiential travel, specifically adventure holidays. Be it diving with great white sharks or skydiving in far-flung places, it is now the travel experience which is the most critical consideration to the decision makers. Travellers are no longer looking to just loll on a beach, they are looking for special interest components. This is reflected in the number of aspirational adventure products that have already signed up to Luxperience 2014.

Another current trend in the US is parents planning travel experiences with their children. Parents want their children to see things and learn things through travel. They see it as a path to global citizenship.

One key difference between the two markets are the challenges that each faces.

Edward Chen

In China, the implementation of the new tourism law, introduced in 2013, means that there are levels of uncertainty, particularly for pre-arranged shopping tours and the availability of optional tours. There has also been a change in consumer purchasing methods – traditional distributors are developing their online capabilities, however with online agents already moving towards mobile technology, online solutions are no longer satisfying consumers’ demands. In addition, competition amongst travel licensed to operate outbound tourism has increased. With over 1,900 travel agents holding a license and the government approving more year on year the competition is more intense than ever.

“For both China and US, these challenges don’t spell a demise in the tourism industry,” continues Michelle Papas, “instead the industry must be more thoughtful and tourism professionals more creative. Rather than being marketers, tourism officials need to take into account a wide range of disciplines and think out of the box.”

For further information on participation at Luxperience 2014, please contact: beinspired@luxperience.com.au or visit www.luxperience.com.au.