Experiencing problems viewing this ezine? Click here

A MESSAGE FROM THE MANAGING DIRECTOR

Patrick Tessier


Welcome to the
January Edition of TravelTalk.

TravelKey launch exciting for members

Exciting news this month with the launch by Travelscene American Express and American Express of TravelKey, a fantastic new innovation which will further entrench Travelscene American Express’ position as a market leader.

Many of you are already taking advantage of TravelKey, which allows American Express Cardmembers to exchange their reward points at point of sale for everything from travel to tax and travel insurance. Points can be used to pay for any travel booking, either fully or partially, as well as for land, cruise, packages, cars, taxes, travel insurance or service fees. Points can also be used for the best available fare with any airline without restriction and delivers maximum flexibility with child and infant discounts, and no blackout periods.

This is a significant and exclusive market opportunity for the Travelscene American Express network, and has already begun to increase Cardmember traffic through our doors.

Both American Express and Travelscene American Express are devoting significant resources to maximising awareness of TravelKey with existing and potential Cardmembers – we look forward to your ongoing support and the new opportunities this will bring as we continue to strengthen the Travelscene American Express network throughout Australia.

The convenience of TravelKey is mindblowing - both for us as a business and for you, our customers. Instead of competing with existing Frequent Flyer programs, it actually complements them.

Your points can be used for anyone, for both return and one-way redemptions and there is no expiry date.

TravelKey is available to Cardmembers enrolled in either the Choices or Ascent Membership Rewards program. It is designed to complement the existing Frequent Flyer programs that are only available to Cardmembers enrolled in Ascent. 12,000 Membership Reward points are equivalent to $100.

At Travelfest we only align ourselves with the best, so we’re thrilled to be able to bring this exciting opportunity to you. It’s about time a travel rewards scheme actually rewarded its members!

Feedback
patrick@salefest.com
Travelfest searching for
inventive options

Travelfest has an ongoing commitment to the incentive and conference market and to finding the best deals and locations for our clients.

As part of this commitment Terence Harris will personally research another three locations for future incentives. Greater knowledge of cities, accommodation and other infrastructure is crucial to our corporate expertise.

Travelfest has built an extensive library of incentive and corporate destinations, both from previous successful groups and also from extensive first hand research. This encompasses everything from domestic and New Zealand, to team building options as varied as the Kokoda Trail, to filmmaking in Fiji, to various specialised areas of the world.

To keep ourselves ahead of the competition it is imperative that we can always find exactly what our clients need but to also add a touch of difference. New destinations are coming up all the time and we make sure we have as much first hand knowledge and experience of these destinations as possible. Knowing which hotels and activities are available and what will make our client's meeting memorable is something for which we strive.

So if you are looking for the convention, tour, or incentive to increase your productivity or a conference with a bang, give Terence a call to see what more we can do meeting your budget and over-achieving with your aims.

• Terence will shortly escort our official AADA tour to the NADA convention in Orlando. This convention is the largest of its kind, involving approximately 28,000 delegates each year. We will report on our tour in next month's issue.

World Cup
Soccer Packages

At Travelfest we have now access to some world cup soccer packages for the Socceroos in Germany.

These packages are based on availability and will sell fast so please advise if you are interested as soon as possible.

18 June Munich - Australia v Brazil match Hotel accommodation 17-20 June 3* NH Munchen am Ring Hotel
22 June Stuttgart - Australia v Croatia match accommodation 21-24 June 3*Mercure at Stuttgart Airport
Australia v Japan match is sold out

The packages are nett and include 3 nights accommodation in 3* hotels (arrival day prior to game day) in the city where each game is held, and costs are based on 20 people maximum per city, and 10 rooms minimum booked per city.

The packages also include a ticket for the featured game.

The packages do not include hotel transfers, transfers to the game or meals.
Packages must be booked and paid for within two weeks.

Costings for 18 June (Munich) are EUR 1738 per person and 22 June (Stuttgart) are EUR 1595 per person.

Contact Terence today!

Attention
all AMEX cardholders!!

American Express has just launched a new and exciting points spend program. Exclusive to Travelfest's buying group, the points redemption program began on January 17.

Always trying to redeem points but can only use specific airlines, then after transferring the points you find you cannot use them? Travelfest with American Express brings you the solution.

This fantastic new program is like no other in the market. It allows you to use your AMEX points on any travel product at Travelfest. Flights, car, packages, Visa, and travel service fees, can now be paid for with your points.

Book any travel product, any time to any value in any class and as long as it is available to a paying customer, YOU CAN NOW USE YOUR POINTS!

This exclusive scheme will allow you to book yourself, a family member, or a friend, with a no questions policy when burning points. That’s something that in the past with airlines and certain schemes, has not been allowed this easily or honestly.

Off the side for corporate customers using the Qantas/American Express co-branded card (featured in last month's TravelTalk), this could improve your savings even further: Pay for your tickets on the Qantas/American Express card and make your targets to receive a discount rebate. Then use the points accumulated to purchase further travel products and save your company even more.

Whether for corporate or personal use this program reforms old points schemes and widens the range, offering the cardholder flexibility and a whole world of product for redemption.

Contact Travelfest's Sean if you would like to know more about this exciting new development with our buying group and American Express. Remember this is exclusive to our buying group only.

Car rental savings now
open for small to medium
corporate accounts.

Hertz have launched a new initiative for smaller to medium sized corporate accounts that previously have not had the buying power required to make serious savings on car rental.

While client's of Travelfest have in the past either had their own corporate deals with car hire companies or used the exceptional rates through our buying power as a member of the Travelscene American Express Group, this new initiative takes a company's buying power one step further.

The new scheme will allow companies with expenditure on car hire from $2K per annum to now enjoy savings enjoyed by other companies with far greater expenditure. Travelfest through Hertz will set up a corporate account bringing better rates for car hire at the point of purchase for our customers both in Australia and worldwide.

The program also offers other benefits to our clientele from special offers throughout the year, free membership to the Hertz #1 Club Gold as well as further corporate reporting and a centralised area where all free upgrades/rental certificates are sent.

With over 220 Hertz locations Australia-wide and a huge range of cars, this offer is exceptional for corporate companies previously excluded from buying power savings.
Hertz has undergone further changes with fleet upgrades and now can guarantee satellite navigation within Europe/UK that previously was unattainable through any major rental company.

Travelfest with Hertz is very excited to bring yet another initiative for our corporate clients' savings.



Virgin Atlantic

It seems there is no end to what Richard Branson comes up with, from record labels to cola, credit cards to condoms; now it seems from running domestic and international airlines to travel in space.

Comfort and affordability!

And why not? From a recent experience on-board the Virgin Atlantic Airbus it seems Sir Richard has every right to reach beyond the sky and go for the stars. Why? Because he has one of the top, if not the best, business class service in the world.

The quickest, widest ranging and most advanced entertainment system ensures you can watch any number of movies or TV shows, stopping, rewinding, forwarding or pausing them when you wish. All are on-demand and no waiting for airlines to rewind tapes or requesting movie cartridges from the attendants.

Food is wonderful - if you can escape the on-board bar which is a great way to pass the hours of roaring through the sky at over 800 km/h and meet other business acquaintances and friends.

Then again why not change into the VA "sleepsuit", have a massage from the on-board therapist and change your reclining seat into the 2-metre flat bed. You’ll get one of the best sleeps available at 37,000ft, in a seat/bed designed and patented by VA. Only one other airline in the world has been sold this product.

The Richard Branson message is clear through his crew - "Let's make flying fun again" – and they certainly do that in an extremely comfortable way.

So Sir Richard might as well go from business class to space trips as he already has a product that beats most first class airline products going around.

I just cannot wait to see what will be done with the Airbus A380 double-decker giants when they arrive. Most airlines are talking of consolidating two flights into one and cramming the passengers in - I'm sure Sir Richard and his VA team have more tricks up their sleeve for this too.

Airbus A380

TAKE A TIP – CANADA'S THE GO!

In October of 2005 I had the opportunity to join an Australian Agents Familiarisation to Canada, hosted by Air Canada, Cantrav and Fairmont Hotels and Resorts. We visited Vancouver, Whistler, Lake Louise and Banff. Looking for a destination with wow, Canada is it.

Grizzly Bear

Canada is a clean, safe and beautiful country. I was delighted in Canada's natural beauty. All the major attractions are ideally suited for both children and adults alike. They also suited to both holidaymakers and conference groups.

Anything is possible with Canada from amazing incentives, the best skiing holidays in the world, wildlife, culture and beautiful cities with European architecture, all set against some of the most incredible natural backgrounds the earth can offer.

Cruise the inside passage, take a train through the Rockies, ski amazing wide slopes, get on board a husky sled to the cry of mush or explore amazing cities. Canada has some of the best cruise ships and accommodation bound to fit any expectation and budget. We stayed with Fairmont Hotels which were a thrill on the trip in themselves, ever pictured yourself in a wonderful chateau style property sipping red wine by the fire gazing over lake Louise whilst mountain peaks stretch lazily into the sky. Or try the skills of the concierge in Vancouver to organise your day in a city set by the sparkling Pacific Ocean whilst you hold your conference. Fairmont takes a usual holiday or incentive one step closer to perfect. Combine this with a guarantee to have yourself in the best location any Canadian city or location can offer.

Along with our ground operator or DMC Cantrav, which has a team based "service delivery" philosophy, the trip was a massive success. Cantrav recreates the excitement of discovery and challenge by seeking out the best experiences for visitors to British Colombia, Alberta and Alaska. They are the destination experts with over 20 years experience and a single, driving goal: to be the best client focused, value added, knowledge based destination management company anywhere. What more can you want for that exceptional incentive or holiday?

Vancouver

Travel from Vancouver, boarded on one side by waters of the sparkling Pacific Ocean and on another by the towering Coastal Mountains, Vancouver is truly one of the most picturesque cities I have visited in the world. The snow-capped mountains, lush emerald forests to wide sandy beaches - Vancouver welcomes everyone to explore its beauty and uncover its secrets.

Whistler Village

Or discover Whistler , located amidst the spectacular Coastal Mountains of British Colombia just 75 miles north of Vancouver, lies Whistler, a charming alpine village and home to two premier mountains, Whistler and Blackcomb. In the winter the resort skiers paradise, in summer, home to a Mecca of outdoor adventure and excitement. With two magnificent mountains as a backdrop, this Village is quite a sight. I had the opportunity to venture into the pedestrian-only Village, alive with entertainment, intriguing shops and restaurants.

Then there is Lake Louise and Banff - The Canadian Rockies. Lake Louise is one of the most beautiful spots I have had the pleasure to visit. Its blue-green water with the inspiring Victoria Glacier as the backdrop is just spectacular. Relaxed, the pace of Lake Louise attracts people who want to savour the finer things of life, whether that is a good book in front of the fire place, the stillness of the outdoors, or a walk exploring the surrounding mountain and alpine.

Banff Springs Hotel

Banff and its environs are accessible for all to enjoy amidst the naturally roaming wildlife such as elk, deer, Canadian geese and even a bear or two can be spotted!! No spotting of bears on this trip, but we did see plenty of elk and deer.
From snowcoaches to trolleys, harbour cruises, to city tours there is plenty of choices for sightseeing. You can choose from a Parade of Lights Carol Cruise on Vancouver Harbour or learn about the wildlife on a day tour to Banff. Guide your own team of huskies with a dogsledding tour or relax on a horse-drawn sleigh ride through a winter wonderland. Take an exciting guided snowmobile tour through the white mountain wilderness and dine on barbecue salmon or fondue!!
www.fairmont.com

So take a tip from Pattie and set sail for Canada if you are looking for the best incentive trip or holiday or conference you have had to date.

Tasmania

A destination that proves superb value for money for a conference, incentive, or even that quick get-away from work, often overlooked, is Tassie.

Growing up in Tasmania, you could say that I have a biased opinion of what an amazing place it is. Having lived there for so many years I have a great overall picture of what there is to offer in a destination that has just about everything you could imagine.

The Spirit of Tasmania

With a mix of both high-end excitement and totally relaxing holidays, there are endless choices at your fingertips.

Tasmania has more than 20 national parks and 4-5 of these are world-known icons. Places like Wineglass Bay in Freycinet National Park, Cradle Mountain in Cradle Mountain Lake Sinclair National Park, the famous Franklin River in the Franklin/Gordon Rivers National Park, and the Great Southwest National Park, which with more than 5400 sq Kms is by far Tasmania's largest World Heritage Park. It is clear why they call Tasmania 'The Natural State'!

Wineglass Bay

If relaxation is what you are after, then why not lie back in a private beach bungalow somewhere on one of Tasmania's pristine beaches. From the rugged but spectacular west coast, with waves that have not seen land since travelling all the way from South America, to the sun drenched, white-sanded east coast, dotted with national parks and historic beachside towns.

Cascade Brewery

Tasmania has some of the most amazing resorts and hotels. A couple to mention are Lemonthyme Lodge in the Cradle mountain wilderness and Freycinet Lodge on the East Coast, situated within the national park and on the waterfront. There is also Somerset on the Pier in Hobart, where you can lie on your private balcony overlooking the yachts arriving in the harbour from the Sydney to Hobart.

From Tasmanian Produce from King Island, to Chocolate from Cadbury’s factory in Hobart, you are ensured superior quality with all local produce. Tasmania boasts two of Australia's finest breweries. Boags and Cascade breweries are a proud part of Tasmanian produce and pride.

If seafood is one of your favourites you can be assured that it will be fresh, plentiful, and one of the widest varieties available anywhere in Australia.

The Salamanc Market

Tasmania has beautiful and historic buildings wherever you are travelling. The locals are proud of their state and people always come back from their trips telling me that they had locals showing them around and offering local knowledge and information wherever they went.
Amongst this myriad of history, cuisine and stunning wilderness beauty is set an infrastructure that can host many a corporate event from conferences and conventions to meetings and events.

Of course the locals will add that special 'Tassie Touch' for whatever your reason to visit. After spending more than 18 year of my life there, plus working with Tourism Tasmania for more than two years, I recommend any person looking for a fresh new destination to consider Tasmania as your next holiday or corporate destination.

Like what you're reading? - subscribe a friend today!

We aim to inform and provoke discussion, so if you want to share it with your friends and associates we couldn’t be happier. In fact we encourage you to. Forward this e-zine to all your friends and invite them to subscribe. Just get them

to click on the link to contact us with their details and we’ll ensure they get a copy every month.

TRAVELFEST PTY LTD Lic: 32466 ABN: 93 097 589 949

MELBOURNE: 226-228 McKinnon Road, McKinnon, VIC, 3204
Phone: 613 9578 6555 | Fax: 613 9578 6505

Terence Harris : terence@travelfest.com.au
Pattie Spanidis: pattie@travelfest.com.au
Sean Dean: sean@travelfest.com.au

EMAIL THE
EDITOR:
Luke
Prendergast
luke@salefest.com

Internet: www.travelfest.com.au