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

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.

TRAVEL BRIEFS

By John Crook

Big Fella Festival

New Years day and night should have a listing in your diary, for that's when the party starts at Falls Creek Alpine Resort. Jazz from Liz Cavanagh and her regular support muso's, just one of the headline acts at the inaugural festival. Check this out! Three nights lodge accommodation, continental breakfasts, Big Fella event pass for two, with a tariff from $207 per person based on double occupancy. It's valid Dec 31 2008 – January 2 2009. To book call 1800 033 079 or email fallscreekinfo@bigpond.com

Free nights and all your food

Enjoy bonus free nights in Fiji, where TravelOnline is offering special rates at Shangri-La Resort and Spa. Departures ex Brisbane, Sydney or Melbourne with land only content priced from $1158 per person twin share. Check with www.tourismfiji.com for more information and bookings. The package is for six nights (but pay for the price of only four) and note that all meals are taken care of with some other extras included. The offer is valid for sale until 31 March 2009 and for travel to 25 December 2008 and from 11 January to 31 March 2009.

Luxury stone cottages

Never before have I experienced such high quality in a B&B, one which has been created out of stones from the property. When Liz and Kyle started building their stone cottages, there was a degree of doubt, almost ridicule, amongst locals. That has all changed. Their group of cottages are in the upper luxury area. Everview is located near Canowindra (NSW) and currently there's a 2-night accommodation package, with a complimentary bottle of wine, an upgrade to a gourmet breakfast and a late check-out. Tariff is $460 and valid Monday to Thursday. Check www.everview.com.au

Five star dining aboard

With 55 staterooms and 95 crew no wonder that SeaDream I and II continue to win awards, the latest being named the world's best five-star vessels,- thanks to Berlitz Guide to Cruise Ships and Cruising magazine. Check the prices at www.seadream.com, but remember the prices are inclusive of all 5-star dining, drinks from the open bars and wine with all meals, nightly cocktail parties, use of the 50-course golf simulator, gratuities and port charges and taxes. Just a slice of paradise at sea.

Billy has arrived

The Melbourne season of Billy Elliott will break all records. That's my opinion and is judged on the many reports I receive from friends who have caught the production. It plays Her Majesty's Theatre from December 13. Mantra Southbank has an offer worth pursuing. If my eyes are not deceiving me one package in particular is priced from $175 per room per night including show tickets, boxed continental breakfast for two, one pre-show drink per person in Up One Bar and a late checkout. There are more competitive packages at other Mantra properties in Melbourne. Call 1300 780 13 15 17. Conditions and some surcharges apply.

First hand experience at sea

In what I would regard as a super deal, I note we Aussies can now experience Queen Mary 2's features in a 15 nights cruise ex Los Angeles to Sydney departing February 10 2009. The price is from $2599 per person twin share . That is value! Air fares not included. Ring 13 24 41 or visit www.cunardline.com.au