etihad free first class upgrade extended!

How would you like to experience the comfort and luxury of Etihad Airways’ award-winning Diamond First Class in your own private suite?

Simply book and pay for a full Pearl Business Class fare before 21st June  and receive a complimentary upgrade to Diamond First Class!

For full details contact your Voyager Consultant today.

Finnair sale extended

Finnair have decided to extend their popular Economy Class special offers sale until 30 June. Take advantage of their amazing deals to top European destinations, including Amsterdam, Budapest, Rome and many more. But hurry, these seats sell fast – book yours today! Economy Class special offers from just $1,625

Treat yourself to some extra comfort and fly Finnair’s award-winning Business Class to Europe. Special deals to many destinations, including Helsinki, London and Manchester. These fares are only available until 30 June, so book fast! Business Class special offers from only $6,049.

For full details contact your Voyager Consultant today.

free breakfast and internet at parkroyal darling harbour

Great savings! Guest will enjoy complimentary buffet breakfast and in-room Wi-Fi and broadband daily. Offer valid from 1 April until 30 September 2013. Based on one person. Subject to availability.

To book, contact your Voyager Consultant today.

earn double or triple miles with etihad businessconnect

An exclusive miles offer that is only available for Etihad Guest members who are connected to a BusinessConnect account. Once connected, you can earn double miles when travelling in Coral Economy and triple miles when travelling in Pearl Business or Diamond First Class.

To take advantage of this fantastic offer, appoint an administrator to sign-up your company to BusinessConnect, Etihads’ loyalty programme for businesses.  As a bonus, your company’s new BusinessConnect account will receive 5,000 miles just for registering! http://www.etihadairways.com/sites/Etihad/_layouts/Etihad/businessconnectbenifits.aspx 

Once your business is registered, your BusinessConnect administrator will share your company’s connecting credentials so you can connect your Etihad Guest account to your company’s BusinessConnect account. See the ‘Connect Traveller’ page of the BusinessConnect website for more details.

Terms & Conditions: To be eligible to register for BusinessConnect, your company must have between 2 and 50 business travellers and not already have a corporate contracted deal with Etihad Airways. For full terms and conditions visit etihadbusinessconnect.com

Contact your Voyager Consultant today for more information.

move in and live@ mantra, breakfree or peppers

Mantra Group has launched the comprehensive live@ program to service long-term stays of 28 days or more.

The program offers:
Stylish, furnished apartments with large storage areas, kitchen, laundry and housekeeping

• A welcome grocery pack with digital photo frame
• Personalised service with a manager who will arrange additional home comforts
• Majority of hotels offer 24hr reception, pantry shopping, discounted internet, dining and car parking
• Heavily discounted 28+ rates of up to 50% OFF the daily rate with no special event surcharges
• Option of 14+ discounted rates of up to 30% OFF the daily rate
• Live like a local with a checklist of ’28 Local Secrets’

To book, contact your Voyager Consultant today.

hertz introduces mobile wi-fi

In a first for the Australian car rental industry, Hertz Australia has introduced portable Wi-Fi enabling its customers to connect to the internet from anywhere in the country for a fraction of the cost of mobile roaming or hotel internet charges.

Hertz Portable Wi-Fi

• Pocket sized 3G Units
• Re-chargeable through USB – Provided
• Offer secure high speed internet coverage for up to five hours
• Daily Limit of 150 megabytes

The Hertz Portable Wi-Fi are and available at the following Airport Locations

• Adelaide
• Brisbane
• Cairns
• Darwin
• Melbourne
• Perth
• Sydney

Ideal for Leisure Travellers who want to

• Stay in touch with News back home
• Keep in contact with friends and family
• Send emails and photos
• Upload Videos and Photos to social media sites
• Converse via Skype.

The units are available to hire for just $13.20 per day

All Wi-Fi hire is subject to availability at the location and all charges are paid locally at the Hertz Counter.

new quest for frankston

Quest Frankston on the Bay is Frankston’s newest purpose-built serviced apartment  provider. Catering for overnight, short and long term accommodation requirements, guests at Quest Frankston on the Bay can expect the consistent experience and friendly service
Quest is renowned for across Australasia.

Comprising 82 studio and one bedroom apartments, Quest Frankston on the Bay, is the perfect choice for the business travellers when visiting the Melbourne bayside suburb of Frankston.

new perth best western premier

This beautiful hotel located in the heart of Perth’s CBD, boasts exclusive features and services for all discerning tourists, sophisticated city patrons and corporate business travellers alike. Guests who choose to stay at the Best Western Premier The Terrace Hotel, Perth will be delighted by a personalised experience, including an intimate reception, historic suites, luxury appointments and cutting edge IT services and technology.

month we share with you a clever carbon offsetting project that not only prevents carbon emissions, it preserves the habitat of some of our beautiful endangered species and supports farmers. The Tasmanian Native Forest Protection preserves large tracts of privately owned land in the Tasmanian Central Highlands. Without the carbon finance from the Project, they would have been logged.

This alternative source of income enables the landowners to set the land aside for conservation purposes only and manage it in a way that encourages natural regeneration of the forest. This allows for the protection of critical habitat for some endangered species such as the Wedge Tailed Eagles (the fourth largest bird in the world), the Tasmanian Devil, Spotted Quoll and Forester Kangaroos.

A recent survey of the Project area identified 254 species of animals, which included 39 never before described species. These included six species of leaf beetles, two species of moths, eight snail species and twenty-one spiders. This study shows how important protecting these areas is, and has allowed us to gain a greater understanding of diversity in the forest.

Your company’s travel program could use this story to engage staff and further help preserve valuable native forests like this one that are home to some of our favourite endangered species. Learn more about the Tasmanian Native Forest Protection Project.

For more information on how you can offset your company’s travel carbon emissions or how you can become carbon neutral contact your Client Relationship Manager on 1800 335 395

Imagine your dream holiday… and then win it. It’s time to dream big with the Qantas Experience of Lifetime Competition

Simply make a new booking with Voyager that includes any Qantas flight during the month of June.

Then, complete the competition entry form which we will send you and nominate your preferred activity from over 10,000 amazing activities around the world available on qantas.com, and you could win the nominated experience of a lifetime for you and your family.

Your prize^

The winner will receive return economy airfares, accommodation (if applicable) and the Qantas activity of your choice for you and your family (up to 2 adults and 3 children). Entry is open to those 18 years and over.

To book your flight call 1300 780 120 or email leisure@voyagertravel.com.au

british airways jaguar & range rover chauffeur service

British Airways will offer a free chauffeur service for its first class customers flying out of Sydney from July 1.

Passengers will be collected from their home or office to Sydney Airport, and back again at the end of their trip, in a Jaguar or Range Rover.

While the airline has yet to advise how many kilometres will be complimentary before an additional per-km fee kicks in, it’s likely to be within the same radius as offered by Qantas and Emirates (40km) and Etihad (50km).

Meanwhile, Garuda will launch a free door-to-door limousine service for business class flyers in Brisbane as part of the Indonesian airline’s new Brisbane-Denpasar flights in August

malaysian airlines increase frequendy to phuket

Malaysia Airlines is increasing its weekly frequency from Kuala Lumpur into Phuket to 26 times weekly with the introduction of one new daily service which began on 1st June.

The additional service, MH798 will depart daily from Kuala Lumpur at 4.55am and arrive Phuket at 5.10am while the return flight MH799 will depart Phuket at 6.15am and arrive Kuala Lumpur at 8.45am. This addition was incorporated following greater demand from the market.

enjoy etihad chauffeur transfers througout your entire journey in the uae

When you travel in or Pearl Business Class to or from Abu Dhabi, or stop over in the UAE, you will be able to enjoy seamless Etihad Chauffeur transfers on all points of your journey in the United Arab Emirates.

If you are not beginning or ending your journey in Abu Dhabi, and are not stopping over, you will continue to enjoy access to Etihad Chauffeur as per their existing policy.

If you are an Etihad Guest Gold Elite, Gold or Silver member, you will continue to enjoy a personal chauffeur throughout your Pearl Business Class journey when traveling across the network.

For more information, visit etihad.com

qantas extends select on q-eat

Qantas have extended their Select on Q-Eat, a service allowing Business customers travelling internationally to pre-order their Neil Perry Rockpool designed meal prior to departure. The extension is the result of a successful trial of Select on Q-Eat on Qantas flights from Los Angeles to Australia and Dallas to Brisbane last year.  Select on Q-Eat can now be ordered on the following services:

• From Singapore to Australia (QF 6, QF 36, QF 52, QF 78, QF 82); and
• Between Australia and London or Dubai (QF 1, QF 2, QF 9, QF 10)

Business travellers can pre-select their meal between seven days and 12 hours prior to departure via ‘Manage Your Booking’ at qantas.com. This includes travellers who have booked through their Travel Management Company.

Select on Q-Eat gives customers more choice, including an additional dish available as an online exclusive on selected routes.

Select on Q-Eat complements the International Business Class sleep service by giving customers more control over their journey and the ability to maximise their sleep on board. Customers can also advise via Select on Q–Eat if they would like to skip the meal service, so cabin crew know they want to go to sleep straightaway. A range of refreshment options will continue to be available at any time throughout the flight.

third runway for melbourne airport

A preliminary draft master plan released by Melbourne Airport has confirmed plans for a third runway, to help it cater for a forecast 64 million passengers annually by 2033.

The new 3km long east-west runway would be about 2km south of the current east-west runway, with other elements of the plan including an elevated loop road to cater for more vehicles and reduce travel time, plus a proposed airport rail link.

qantas international dining standard now available on domestic service

Qantas domestic Business customers will experience an international standard a la carte menu on all flights from the East Coast of Australia to Perth.

Designed by Qantas Consulting Chef Neil Perry, the new contemporary way of dining is now served on all Sydney-Perth, Melbourne-Perth and Brisbane-Perth flights  giving travellers more choice.

Complementing the traditional three course menu already available, the new dining service includes a range of small and main plates as well as ‘small bites’ to start.

Neil Perry and his Rockpool team have worked closely with Qantas to develop and implement the new menu – from designing the dishes, to writing and testing the recipes.

The menu will mark the removal of tray-service as the airline moves to deliver a more restaurant style approach on-board.

Thee launch of the new menu coincides with the use of wide-body Airbus A330 aircraft on all weekday Sydney-Perth and Melbourne-Perth flights as well as the completion of a $20 million program to refresh the airline’s Boeing 767 fleet which will be used on Brisbane-Perth flights.

qantas chauffeur drive expands to USA

Qantas will expand its new Chauffeur Drive service to include flights booked between Australia and Los Angeles, as well as to Dallas Fort Worth from 1st July.  First and Business Class passengers have been able to book chauffeur transfers for US flights from Wednesday 5th June, in addition to the current Dubai/London offering. Qantas Chauffeur Drive will further expand next year to include Santiago and Johannesburg.

Two of the world’s leading airlines have formed a global partnership.

Qantas and Emirates now offer customers one of the most comprehensive and premium airline experiences flying 14 times a day from Australia to Dubai, and provide ‘one-stop’ access to 65 destinations across Europe, the Middle East and North Africa. Together they offer the largest shared A380 network, exceptional lounges, chauffeur drive for eligible customers and award-winning customer service -a truly exceptional travel experience.

Customers will enjoy faster connections from Australia to many parts of Europe – with reduced total travel time by several hours.

Qantas customers will enjoy being able to get to their destinations in Europe more quickly by no longer having to travel to London and then backtrack.

Frequent Flyers

The Qantas and Emirates partnership means more flights and more choice for every Qantas Frequent Flyer.  Qantas Frequent Flyers can now earn and use points when flying on eligible Qantas and Emirates flights on the joint network– a combined total of more than 175 destinations.

Eligible Qantas Frequent Flyers will also enjoy benefits when flying with Qantas or Emirates including selected lounge access, priority check-in and boarding and additional checked baggage allowances.

Qantas and Emirates codeshare flights on most part of the joint network for travel are on sale now.

For more information visit qantas.com/qantasandemirates.

qantas introduces new east west business class service

From late May, passengers travelling in Business will experience an international standard a la carte menu on all flights between the East Coast of Australia and Perth. The expanded menu is designed by Qantas Consulting Chef Neil Perry.

The move from a tray-service to a more restaurant-style approach, with each course separately plated, will allow travellers to maximise their personal space.   In addition to the traditional three course menu already available, the new service includes a range of small and main plates as well as ‘small bites’ to start, allowing passengers to design a menu to match their appetite, and choose when they would like to dine.

qantas domestic takes 2012 title for most punctual airline

Figures released by the Australian Bureau of Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Economics (BITRE) confirm Qantas as the most punctual domestic airline in the country in 2012.

Leading the board in both on-time departures and arrivals, the statistics also highlighted Qantas as the airline with the fewest cancellations for the year.

The annual figures released by BITRE mark the fourth year in a row that Qantas has averaged a better on-time domestic performance than its main domestic competitor.

Qantas Group CEO, Alan Joyce said Qantas was incredibly proud of their on-time performance and see it as a direct result of the time and resources that have been dedicated to improving it.

“We understand that getting to your destination on time is very important for our customers, particularly our business passengers who rely on us to get them to meetings,” Mr Joyce said. “Qantas makes a significant investment in improving our punctuality and the effort our crews put in during 2012 is clear to see.”

Qantas led the competition in 9 of the 12 months for the calendar year (including one tie) and averaged an 85.9% for on-time departures – 2.6% more than their competitor. This equates to over 3,000 flights and almost half a million more passengers being on time.

travelodge hobart now open

Travelodge Hobart opened its doors on Friday, 12 April 2013.  It is a 131 room hotel, previously run as Leisure Inn Hotel on Macquarie Street.

The hotel is centrally located, making it a great value hotel option in Hobart.  The hotel has undergone a complete refurbishment, with a modern and contemporary new look. New features include 32″ LCD TVs with Austar, new kitchenettes with microwaves (except Express Rooms), in-room controlled heating and quality furnishings.

Guest rooms also provide visitors the convenience of tea/coffee making facilities, mini-fridge, iron/ironing board, hairdryer and opening windows. Hotel facilities include onsite restaurant/ breakfast room, undercover parking,  guest laundry, dry cleaning service, luggage storage. The hotel is also serviced regularly by two airport shuttle buses.

Located a leisurely stroll from Hobart’s famous Battery Point, Salamanca Place and waterfront restaurants and bars, the hotel’s location ensures handy access to all the unique attractions this region has to offer.

etihad meet and greet service at abu dhabi airport

Etihad have introduced their new Meet and Greet Service at Abu Dhabi International Airport. Staff will meet you at the arrival gate lounge or bus disembarkation point and accompany you every step of the way through the arrival process.
They will take you through fast-track immigration, organise baggage assistance and guide you through the airport to the exit.

The service is exclusively available to guests arriving on Etihad Airways flights at Abu Dhabi International Airport.

Etihad Meet and Greet is offered in Gold and Silver packages and can be booked online up to 48 hours before your flight’s departure.

Gold Package (AED 240, $ 65):

• Personal welcome on arrival at Abu Dhabi International Airport (one member of staff for every guest)
• Assistance throughout the arrival process, including immigration fast track and baggage collection
• Complimentary porter service to transport baggage at airport

Silver Package (AED 140, $ 38):

• Personal welcome on arrival at Abu Dhabi International Airport (one member of staff for every 1-5 guests)
• Assistance throughout the arrival process, including immigration fast track and baggage collection

For more information visit www.etihad.com/meetandgreet or email meetme@etihad.com.

thai increases capacity & adds new aircraft to europe network

Thai is increasing flight frequencies to some of the most popular destinations in Europe and
introducing some of the most technologically advanced aircraft such as the Boeing 777-300ER and Airbus A380-800. The new aircraft all feature the latest in in flight products and services ensuring an improved long-haul flight experience for all customers.

virgin australia gets go ahead for tiger airways acquisition

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has ruled that the proposed acquisition of 60% of Tiger Airways Australia by Virgin Australia is unlikely to lead to a substantial lessening of competition in the Australian market for domestic air passenger transport services.
The ACCC will not oppose the deal after testing of the case found that Tiger Airways would be highly unlikely to remain in the local market if the proposed acquisition didn’t proceed. Virgin Australia now has the opportunity to pursue its stated objective of transforming Tiger Australia into an effective competitor to Jetstar for price sensitive travellers.

virgin australia terminal move at los angeles airport

From 01 June 2013 all Virgin Australia operated aircraft arriving into Los Angeles will be disembarking at the newly refurbished Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT) moving from Virgin Australia’s current location of Terminal 5. There will be no change to Virgin Australia operated flights departing Los Angeles and these will continue to depart from Terminal 3.

All Delta Air Lines operated flights (including the Virgin Australia codeshare services operated by Delta Air Lines) will continue to arrive and depart from Terminal 5.

earn double asia miles on cathay pacific business class from australia to hong kong

Cathay Pacific are offering Double Asia Miles when you book your round-trip on Business Class from Australia to Hong Kong.  Simply register for Asia Miles when booking your Cathay Pacific and there’s no limit – so the more you fly, the more you earn.

More than 20,000 miles can be earned with this offer – enough to redeem a round-trip Economy Class flight award from Hong Kong to Bangkok.

Offer available now for travel to 31 May 2013.

For more information or to sign up visit asiamiles.com

new airport terminal for melbourne

The federal government has approved a new $400 million domestic terminal for Melbourne, with the aim of easing congestion and driving economic growth.

Anthony Albanese, federal minister for Infrastructure and Transport, approved the development and said expanding airports is necessary to connect Australia to the world and drive economic growth.

This new terminal will be able to handle up to 10 million visitors per year and is the first stage of the airport’s southern precinct project. According to the australian.com.au it “will include 17 new aircraft parking bays, extra car parking, ground transport facilities and road upgrades.”

The terminal is expected to open by the middle of 2015.

Rendezvous Hospitality Group (RHG) operates 13 hotels in 10 locations across Asia Pacific under the brands Rendezvous Grand Hotels, Rendezvous Hotels and Rendezvous Studio Hotels.  Rendezvous hotels are committed to offering discerning travellers for business and leisure superior value accommodation with a unique hospitality experience. Through dependable, personable and efficient service, they strive to ensure that every guests has an enjoyable stay.  Their collection of contemporary and heritage-style hotels range from midscale to upscale properties. Building upon existing strengths, they continue to grow the Rendezvous brand in key destinations throughout Asia Pacific.  Visit them at www.rendezvoushotels.com

Business Benefits Package 

Designed to provide value and  service specifically tailored to meet the needs of business travellers, the Business Benefits Package includes:

• Free unrestricted internet (broadband and wifi)
• Full breakfast for one
• Newspaper of choice
• Choice of either a laundered or pressed shirt OR a complimentary drink at the hotel bar*

$27.50 per person daily

*offer may vary between hotels

Feature hotel of the month

Rendezvous Grand Hotel Perth Scarborough

A newly refurbished iconic hotel with a unique beachside location and one of the largest convention and meeting facilities in Perth.

The Rendezvous Hotel Perth, is an iconic beachfront hotel overlooking the soft white sand of Scarborough Beach and the sparkling blue water of the Indian Ocean. Just a 30-minute drive from Perth Airport and only 15 minutes from Perth’s central business district, you will appreciate having the beach at your doorstep and easy access to some of the area’s main attractions.

The 336 stylish rooms and suites at Rendezvous Hotel Perth feature smart design and modern technology to ensure you have a comfortable stay.

Take advantage of  quality facilities during your visit, whether it’s taking a dip in the lagoon-style heated pool, playing tennis on floodlit courts or being pampered with a massage at Vanilla face + body spa. The hotel offers a variety of first-rate wining and dining options for you to indulge in, including poolside drinks at Cascade’s Pool Bar, pre-dinner cocktails or after work drinks in the Lobby Lounge, and the popular Straits Cafe.

If you are planning a conference, banquet or incentive trip, Rendezvous Hotel Perth can provide tailored venues and services to meet all your needs. Facilities include two large ballrooms and 14 meeting rooms that can accommodate as many as 680 delegates. 

Rendezvous Hotel Christchurch will re-emerges from the ever-changing city of Christchurch.

Stylish, welcoming and thoroughly modern, Rendezvous Hotel Christchurch offers 171 contemporary guest rooms and suites with a commanding position offering panoramic city views and overlooking the stunning Southern Alps.

Experience the diverse mix of fascinating heritage, beautiful coastline and countryside and wide variety of attractions provides all the ingredients to make your holiday, short break or business trip extra special.

Now Accepting Reservations For Stays

For a limited time only, Rendezvous Hotel Christchurch is offering a pre-opening special to give you even more reason to stay.

Save 10%* off the best available rate every day of the week and enjoy their value promise benefits.

You will receive:

• Free internet connectivity
• Free local telephone calls
• Low cost long distance calls
• Low cost laundry pricing
• Low cost mini bar drinks and food
• No surcharge for use of credit cards and no weekend or public holiday surcharges when you drink or dine.

work bits

Job title

Coles Team Manager

How long have you been at Voyager?

I started working with Voyager in May 1992. I then went on Maternity leave Dec 2000 and returned back to Voyager in Feb 2006.

What does your job involve?

Assisting & managing the Coles account and team of four consultants with day to day tasks. I also consult.

One word to describe Voyager?

Passionate

Best part of your job?

Being able to assist others.

getting to know you

Nickname

Melsie

One word to describe yourself

Determined

Likes

Sports; going to the gym; Spending time with my family; going on holidays.

If I won a million dollars

I would invest in property.  Perhaps even buy a new home.

Biggest bugbear

People who are liars, I dislike liars!

My best holiday destination

Port Douglas, such a beautiful place.

At the weekends I love

Relax and spend time with family; certainly enjoy going out and discover new places.

The social benefits associated with Carbon Offsetting projects can go unrecognised by the general public.

At Climate Friendly they spend a lot of time following a thorough due diligence process when looking at sourcing new projects. This is carried out to make sure there are additional economic, environmental and social benefits for the local community where the projects are located.

A fantastic example is the Cambodian Cookstove Project. This project has now implemented over 2 million  energy efficient cook stoves around and within the Phnom Penh region in Cambodia. Additional benefits of this project include the following:

• Reduced deforestation in the region , hence reduced pressure on Cambodia’s valuable native forests,
• Improved health and livelihoods of stove users due to the reduction of indoor air pollution from previous wood stoves.
• Greater gender equality as traditionally women and children were responsible for collecting the wood. The time saved can now be dedicated to health, education or income generating projects.
• The money saved by families on fuel expenses can now be spent on health, education or new economic activities.

For more information on this project or the various others visit the Climate Friendly Projects Page here.