Tourism Queensland is searching the globe for candidates for what it describes as the “Best Job in the World” – an AUD$150,000 six-month contract for the role of Island Caretaker based on a Great Barrier Reef island.

Airfares and live-in accommodation on tropical Hamilton Island are included and applicants can come from anywhere in the world. A broad range of experience will be considered and the successful candidate must be willing to explore the Islands of the Great Barrier Reef, swim, snorkel, make friends with the locals and generally enjoy the tropical Queensland climate and lifestyle.

According to Tourism Queensland’s CEO Anthony Hayes, if the job sounded too good to be true, there was one catch.

“The successful applicant will need to live on Hamilton Island for six-months, travel amongst the Islands of the Great Barrier Reef and report back on their adventures to a global audience via weekly blogs, photo diaries and video updates,” said Mr Hayes.

“They’ll also have to talk to media from time to time about what they’re doing so they can’t be too shy and they’ll have to love the sea, the sun, the outdoors - which may of course not appeal to everyone.” Mr Hayes said while the “Best Job in the World” might sound like an elaborate marketing and PR campaign it was in fact a genuine job.

“Yes, this is part of a unique Tourism Queensland strategy to promote the Islands of the Great Barrier Reef internationally, but candidates will have to go through a genuine recruitment process,” Mr Hayes said.

“They will need to submit an application, take part in interviews, meet Australian visa requirements and will have set duties.

“The fact that they will be paid to explore the Islands of the Great Barrier Reef, swim, snorkel and generally live the Queensland lifestyle makes this what is undoubtedly the best job in the world.” Mr Hayes said the “Best Job in the World” campaign would kick off a three year, $1.7 million global marketing strategy aimed at increasing the profile of Queensland’s Great Barrier Reef islands, which stretch from Bundaberg in the state’s south more than 2,600 to the Tropical North.

“No one has done anything like this before and the concept aims to showcase Queensland’s unique island experiences and provide something different in what is a very competitive global travel environment,” he said.

“We want to show the rest of the world just how amazing the islands of the Great Barrier Reef are through the eyes of someone who is exploring the destination first-hand.” According to Mr Hayes the “Best Job in the World” was the type of cutting edge marketing strategy Tourism Queensland was renowned for.

“We have one of the most amazing destinations in the world and as Queenslanders we are fortunate to have it all on our doorstep,” he said.

“We want to open our doors to the world and invite one lucky person come and live the Queensland lifestyle themselves for six months and then tell the rest of the world about their experiences.” Mr Hayes said some people might question whether it was risky to let an unknown and unqualified individual become the lynch-pin for a major international marketing campaign “When we first floated the idea with our industry partners they absolutely loved it and we have received fantastic support from local industry in the Islands of the Great Barrier Reef” he said.

“I think the biggest risk will be that the successful candidate won’t want to go home at the end of the six months,” he said.

Mr Hayes said the successful candidate would be paid a salary package of AUD $150,000 for the six month contract and would receive return airfares from the nearest capital city in their home country, accommodation on Hamilton Island, travel insurance for the contract period, computer, internet, digital video and stills camera access, plus travel to a number of the other Islands of the Great Barrier Reef.

Applications open from January 10 to February 22, 2009. Tourism Queensland and their representatives in international markets will select ten candidates and visitors to www.islandreefjob.com will have the chance to select one Wild Card candidate. The final 11 shortlisted candidates will be flown to Hamilton Island in early May for the final selection process and the six-month contract will commence on July 1 2009. The campaign activity will run in the Australian domestic market and 10 key international markets, making it Tourism Queensland’s first truly global campaign.

“The campaign will be supported by extensive PR and digital marketing activities, advertising in major national print and online media outlets throughout the world, tactical cross- promotion marketing with local travel and media partners and in store promotion with participating travel partners,” he said.

Mr Hayes said the campaign was being funded cooperatively by Tourism Queensland, major partner Hamilton Island, regional partners and local industry.

“This is a legitimate job which is open to anyone and everyone,” Mr Hayes said.

“Well almost everyone – as much as I would love to, I don’t think I’ll be allowed to apply.” Potential applicants can apply on www.islandreefjob.com and visitors to the site can learn more about Australia’s unique Islands of the Great Barrier Reef.

For information on the destination please visit www.queenslandholidays.com.au

Continuing with business development measures, in 2009 Garuda Indonesia will operate at least 18 new routes in both the domestic and regional sectors, while the arrival of 14 new B 737 NGs (New Generation) starting in mid 2009 will help to realize the airline’s network expansion plans.

The proposed routes are as follows:

1. Jakarta - Tanjungkarang (Lampung)

2. Jakarta - Malang (East Java)

3. Jakarta – Makassar – Kendari (Southeast Sulawesi)

4. Jakarta – Makassar – Gorontalo

5. Jakarta – Makassar – Sorong (Papua)

6. Jakarta – Makassar – Ambon

7. Jakarta – Makassar – Palu (Central Sulawesi)

8. Jakarta - Jambi (Jambi)

9. Jakarta - Manado – Ternate (Southeast Maluku)

10. Jakarta - Balikpapan – Tarakan

11. Jakarta – Pangkal Pinang

12. Denpasar – Lombok (West Nusa Tenggara)

13. Denpasar – Kupang (East Nusa Tenggara)

14. Denpasar – Adelaide (Australia)

15. Denpasar – Hongkong

16. Surabaya – Hongkong

17. Jakarta – Shanghai (China) – Denpasar – Jakarta

18. Yogyakarta – Singapore.

While some of the routes are ‘new services’, others are ‘old routes’ that will be re-opened in stages.

For the Yogyakarta – Singapore route, Garuda Indonesia began services on December 16, 2008 flying three times a week, every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Meanwhile, with the increase of Chinese tourists to the country, Garuda Indonesia changed its Jakarta – Shanghai – Jakarta service to Jakarta – Shanghai – Denpasar – Jakarta, effective from December 20, 2008, thus enabling travelers from China to fly direct to Denpasar.

Other routes, such as Jakarta – Tanjungkarang, Jakarta – Malang, and Jakarta – Makassar – Kendari in the domestic sector and international flights from Surabaya to Hongkong and Denpasar to Hongkong will be opened in mid January 2009 and served seven times a week.


Garuda Indonesia President & CEO, Emirsyah Satar explained that by 2013 Garuda Indonesia’s aircraft fleet is expected to grow by threefold with a total of 128 aircraft, thanks to new fleet additions comprising 50 B 737NGs and 10 B 777-300ERs, and arriving in 2009, as well as the ongoing aircraft revitalization measures that will gradually replace old aircraft with more sophisticated and efficient ones. At present, Garuda Indonesia operates 54 modern jet aircraft, consisting of three wide body B 747-400 aircraft, six A-330s, and six Boeing 737 NGs, as well as 39 narrow body aircraft of the Boeing 737 series. “Backed by 128 aircraft, in 2013 Garuda Indonesia will make a “quantum leap” into the future”, Emirsyah further added.

Meanwhile, to accommodate the rising flow of travelers during the long Christmas and New Year holidays which extends from December 22, 2008 until January 04, 2009, Garuda Indonesia has increased its seating capacity to over 29 thousand seats to various destinations, such as Jakarta – Denpasar (18.650 seats) , Jakarta – Makassar (1.248 seats), Jakarta – Singapore (1.024 seats), Jakarta – Hongkong (3.516 seats), Denpasar – Singapore (898 seats), and Denpasar – Surabaya (854 seats).

During the recent Christmas holidays (December 22 – 27, 2008), Garuda Indonesia achieved 85% to 95% in seat load factor. The flow of returning travelers from January 1 till January 5, 2008 also experienced a rise of up to 95% with services to several destination cities, such as Denpasar, Medan, and Yogyakarta experiencing a super peak in passenger flow

Buenos Aires, the ruins of The Lost City of the Incas at Machu Picchu, three days cruising the Amazon River, then Rio de Janeiro and the spectacular Iguassu Falls are highlights of a 24-day escorted South America tour in May of next year with off-the-beaten track, Far Horizons.

Other exotic features include a coastal train ride from Buenos Aires to Tigre and a boat trip through the Parana Delta, two nights in Lima and two in the once-Inca capital of Cuzco, including a stay at an Orient-Express luxury hotel within a restored 16th century monastery 3,500m high in the mountains.

For the adventurous there's a motorised canoe ride to the remote cities of Leticia and Tabatinga, Manaus with its fabled Opera House built of stone from Portugal, marble from Italy and with chandeliers from Venice, a boat ride on the Rio Negro River, and legendary Rio de Janeiro including a cable car ride to the summit of Sugar Loaf Mountain, Mount Corcovado with its 700m high statue of Christ, and a stay at a colonial-style hotel during a visit to the 270-cataract Iguassu Falls.

Prices start from $27,250pp twin-share including return air and taxes from Sydney, a Far Horizon escort and local guides, twin-share accommodation, all meals, sightseeing and entry fees.

Full details on 1800 083 141 or www.farhorizons.com.au

Share your treasured memories of Korea with people from all over the world and be in the running to win Korean tour packages valued at US$20,000 along with many other great prizes.

The Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) is recruiting 100 international bloggers of Korean culture & tourism from June 15 to August 31 2009 in collaboration with the Voluntary Agency Network of Korea (VANK). The event titled ‘Blog Korea! Visit Korea!' is aimed at strengthening the online promotion of Korean tourism.

Blogs can be written in a variety of foreign languages (English, Chinese, Japanese, German, French, Spanish, and Russian). Persons interested in becoming one of Korea Tourism's top bloggers can apply for the event after posting content about Korean culture and tourism on their blog.

The KTO will recruit one hundred (100) bloggers in early September after examining the extent to which bloggers are interested in Korea, the contents of each blog, and the number of "hits" on each blog. The one hundred (100) top bloggers of Korean culture & tourism will be awarded prizes and the top five (5) bloggers will receive the latest LG netbook worth $500, fifteen (15) runners-up will receive a digital camera, and the remaining eighty (80) bloggers a MP3 player. Moreover, the top thirty (30) most active bloggers will be invited to a special camp in Korea in October 2009.

In May 2010, the KTO will select the three bloggers who have shown the best performance over the last eight months (between September 2009 and April 2010). The best blogger will win a Korea vacation package valued at $10,000 while two runners-up will win a $5,000 Korean tour package. The winners can be accompanied on their trip by a family member or friend.

The KTO hopes that the event will enhance interest in Korean culture & tourism among bloggers from all over the world. The KTO will recruit 500 top bloggers within three years, and aims to promote Korean tourism more aggressively by expanding its exchanges with bloggers.

If you'd like to take part in this event, please visit the KTO's website http://english.visitkorea.or.kr and click on the ‘Blog Korea’ button to enter.

Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley has released a range of weekend Jazz in the Vines packages for couples and groups planning to attend the highly anticipated annual festival, to be held on Saturday 31 October.

Now in its 17th year, the 2009 festival is held at Tyrrell’s Vineyard and boasts seven hours of live music. With a stellar line-up of artists including James Morrison, who is back by popular demand from last year; Watussi; the award winning Galapagos Duck; Australia’s Army Band, Dixie Jazz Band; and Ladies of Jazz, featuring Christine Anu, Grace Knight, Paulini and Monica Trapaga.

Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley’s Jazz in the Vines packages, which include two nights’ accommodation, breakfast in Redsalt daily and tickets and transfers to the festival start at $1,030.00 for two in a deluxe hotel room and $1,580.00 for four in a two bedroom villa. For larger groups, book a Jazz in the Vines package staying in one of Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley’s new three bedroom villas from $2,050.00 for six people.

Upgraded Jazz in the Vines packages incorporating Alfresco and VIP tickets to the event are also available across all accommodation options.
The new, fully contained three bedroom villas can sleep up to six people and feature two bathrooms, large living and dining area and a kitchen, no more than a couple of minute’s walk from Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley’s many dining and recreational facilities. In addition, all three-bedroom villas have two terraces, three large LCD TVs and all the modern technology to get you connected.

With the Brokenback Mountain ranges as a backdrop, the festival not only attracts some of the finest jazz, soul and funk musicians, it showcases the best of the Hunter Valley’s food and wine. While party goers are free to bring their own picnics, Crowne Plaza’s Redsalt restaurant, The Verandah Restuarant, Esca Restaurant and The Hunter Valley Cheese Company are just a few of the local restaurants offering gourmet meals and snacks. Six of the region’s most popular wineries, including Tyrrell’s and Bimbadgen, will have bottles on the day, while Peterson’s Champagne House will set up its own bubble’s bar, offering revellers a superb menu to match the entertainment experience.

Made up of four of Australia’s most well known female music artists, Ladies of Jazz promise to be a highlight for the day as they come together to pay homage to legendary greats, providing a show of music celebrating the many decades of jazz.

Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley is the perfect place for jazz lovers looking to kick on after the festival. The resort’s four restaurants and bars include Grapevine Café-Bar – overlooking the pool and open for cocktails, wine, food and a wide array of beers from around the world –and Vista Lounge, the hotel’s specialty whisky bar, which is open well into the night.

For the rest of the weekend, the award winning Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley, offers guests a range of recreational activities. Set amongst its own 18-hole golf course, the hotel features a huge outdoor pool, tennis and basketball courts, gym and Tea Tree Spa. Featuring a range of individual and group treatment rooms, including the VIP suite and Sanctuary Spa Suite, Tea Tree Spa provides visitors to the Hunter with a unique individual or group pampering experience.

For more information on the Jazz in the Vines accommodation packages or to make a booking, call 02 4991 0900. For more information on Jazz in the Vines, visit www.jazzinthevines.com.au

Starwood Hotels & Resorts today announced the launch of the richest meeting offer ever: the “Free Meetings + Free Nights” meeting package to help take the load off companies planning events and conferences this year. Starwood's biggest meetings offer ever includes free meetings and free stays for every three-night residential meeting booked – a savings of up to 50%. One- and two-night residential conference bookings also enjoy the meetings component for free.

This “Free Meetings + Free Nights” generous offer will be available at more than 100 hotels in Asia Pacific in many popular travel and meetings destinations including China, Japan, Southeast Asia, South Asia, Australia, New Zealand and Fiji. Participating brands include aloft, Westin, Sheraton, St. Regis, The Luxury Collection, Four Points by Sheraton, W and Le Méridien.

Meeting planners can find more details on this offer as well as a list of destinations and hotels at www.starwoodmeetings.com . Note: The offer is valid until March 2010 for bookings by September 2009.

www.starwoodmeetings.com is one of the most robust meetings-related websites in the industry. Featuring a variety of attractive offers, rewards and recognition, and comprehensive search
options, it is an easy-to-use, one-stop resource for organising events of any scale. An industry-first MICE widget, which sits on the desktop of event organisers, provides organisers with the most
relevant information on promotions, meetings packages and updates within the shortest time.

* terms and conditions apply. Please visit www.starwoodmeetings.com for the full terms and conditions.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with more than 930 properties in approximately 97 countries and 145,000 employees at its owned and managed properties. Starwood Hotels is a fully integrated owner, operator and franchisor of hotels, resorts and residences with the following internationally renowned brands: St. Regis®, The Luxury Collection®, W®, Westin®, Le Méridien®, Sheraton®, Four Points® by Sheraton, and the recently launched AloftSM, and ElementSM. Starwood Hotels also owns Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc., one of the premier developers and operators of high quality vacation interval ownership resorts. For more information, please visit www.starwoodhotels.com.

Travel’s biggest bargain hunt …the Sydney Travel XPO

The world in travel will once again roll into Sydney for the annual Travel XPO, Sydney Exhibition Centre, Darling Harbour, March 14 – 15, 2009. Budget-friendly holiday ideas as well as fantastic deals will be on offer for travellers pinching a few pennies and on the hunt for a great bargain.

Despite many industries struggling under the pressures of a weak economy, the travel industry has been tempered with successes. So it seems that even with interest rates, grocery and fuel prices rising, we are still in need of a good break.

But how to you evade the credit crunch and still whisk yourself away? Learn the art of penny pinching of course and embrace travel’s latest trend, bargain hunting - where being savvy and resourceful has well and truly replaced over-consumptive holiday options. Planning ahead, researching the options, selecting the right destination and accommodation and taking full advantage of discounts and great deals have all become paramount.

All of this can be time-consuming and arduous, that is unless you decide to visit the Sydney Travel XPO. As Australia’s largest travel exhibition, the Travel XPO consolidates the world in travel under one roof. So say goodbye to hours of research online and visits to travel agencies and say hello to two days of quality bargain hunting. You’ll be able to meet your favourite Getaway presenters, talk to hundreds of exhibitors specialising in various domestic and international destinations, see live entertainment, book great deals and attend FREE Film and Talk Room seminars.

So whether you’re searching for inexpensive ideas, deals and options for your next ‘at-home holiday’ or overseas trip, you won’t want to miss the Sydney Travel XPO. And who knows… you might win a holiday for just attending!

Where & When: Sydney Travel XPO

Sydney Exhibition Centre, Darling Harbour

March 14 – 15, 2009

Open: 10am – 5pm daily

Tickets: Adults: $13, Seniors/Pensioners: $11, Children (5-16yrs): $5, Children (under 5yrs): FREE, Family (2A + 2C): $29, YHA members: $9

Tickets available at the door or online at www.travelxpo.com.au

Groups: Pre-booked tickets are available for groups of a minimum of 10 people at a discounted rate. To arrange a group call (02) 9452 7575.

Information: Visit www.travelxpo.com.au or call (02) 9452 7575.

Denali

Travelers can now enjoy the fabulous view from the historic Mary's McKinley View Lodge at reduced prices. Receive 25 percent off the first night and 50 percent off each consecutive night on reservations booked before May 1. Hotel taxes are additional. The closest lodge to the top of Mount McKinley, Mary’s McKinley View Lodge is located 134.5 miles north of Anchorage in close proximity to flightseeing, fishing, hiking, horseback riding and more. To make reservations, call 907-733-1555 and mention the code ATIA09 or visit www.mckinleyviewlodge.com for more information.

Southwest

Travelers exploring Lake Clark National Park with Alaska Alpine Adventures can save 15 percent in 2009. Backpack through Revelation Range, one of the least-visited mountain ranges in Alaska; hike along the watershed of the Upper Kijik River; or navigate the tundra foothills surrounding Turquoise Lake and Twin Lakes. Recognized as one of the “Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth” by National Geographic Adventure magazine in 2009, Alaska Alpine Adventures offers hiking, backpacking, climbing, mountaineering, skiing, rafting and kayaking expeditions in Alaska's national parks, refuges and wilderness regions. For more information, call 877-525-2577 or visit www.alaskaalpineadventures.com.

Statewide

Guests of John Hall’s Alaska can save as much as $900 per person off of the price of all-inclusive CruiseTours. This discount applies to a selection of itineraries, such as the 20-day “Alaska and the Klondike” tour, 15-day “Grand Slam Alaska” or the 15- to 21-day “Cordova, Kennecott and Arctic Circle” tour. Celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, John Hall’s Alaska specializes in all-inclusive, small group experiences throughout the state. Learn more at www.KissAlaska.com or by calling 800-325-2270.

More: www.travelalaska.com

The Westin Melbourne, the most decorated Westin property in the world has been recognised by frequent flyers as one of the best leisure and business hotels in Australia.

Last year, the Westin was named in Conde Nast traveller's gold list as one of the best places to stay in the world, alongside the best luxury hotel in the Victorian Tourism Awards hall of fame amongst others.

Now consumers who travel frequently have named the Westin Melbourne in their favourite category. Qantas Frequent Flyers were asked to vote for their favourite qantas.com hotels across destinations and categories such as comfiest bed, best room, best view and more. The results are now being showcased in a spectacular minisite that has been integrated into 'Hotels' on qantas.com. www.qantas.com/hotels

Anne Jamieson, Sales and Marketing Director, the Westin Melbourne said, "This is a great honour. Qantas frequent flyers are connoisseurs of the industry. As world travellers, their taste is most discerning. So to be voted as one of their favourite hotels is certainly flattering."

She said, "Our guests love the Westin because of its unrivalled location in the heart of Melbourne, the welcoming staff and the sleek chic ambiance which epitomises the hotel."

About Westin Hotels & Resorts

With a portfolio of more than 150 properties around the world, Westin Hotels & Resorts is in the midst of the most robust growth period in the brand's 77-year history. Westin Hotels is the fastest growing upper-upscale brand in the world with plans to expand to more than 250 hotels in the next five years. Westin Hotels & Resorts is owned by Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT). Starwood Hotels is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with approximately 940 properties in more than 97 countries and 145,000 employees at its owned and managed properties. Starwood® Hotels is a fully integrated owner, operator and franchisor of hotels and resorts with the following internationally renowned brands: St. Regis®, The Luxury Collection®, Sheraton®, Westin®, Four Points® by Sheraton, W®, Le Méridien® and the recently announced AloftSM and ElementSM Hotels. Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. also owns Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc., one of the premier developers and operators of high quality vacation interval ownership resorts. For more information, please visit www.starwoodhotels.com.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with more than 940 properties in approximately 97 countries and 145,000 employees at its owned and managed properties. Starwood Hotels is a fully integrated owner, operator and franchisor of hotels, resorts and residences with the following internationally renowned brands: St. Regis®, The Luxury Collection®, W®, Westin®, Le Méridien®, Sheraton®, Four Points® by Sheraton, and the recently launched AloftSM, and Element SM. Starwood Hotels also owns Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc., one of the premier developers and operators of high quality vacation interval ownership resorts. For more information, please visit www.starwoodhotels.com.