Qantas announces new Sydney international business lounge The national carrier’s Sydney International Business Lounge will undergo a multimillion dollar rebuild, providing travellers with a completely new design, at least 30 per cent more seating and a new signature dining experience. This latest in a series of lounge upgrades was announced along with several other investments including new interiors for the QantasLink regional aircraft at its half year results today. Qantas Group CEO Alan Joyce said the lounge investment demonstrated the airline’s commitment to world class customer service and leading design. “Our Business lounge in Sydney is one of the most visited on the international network, so we look forward to upgrading the space with a completely new design and a lot more capacity,” said Mr Joyce. “Our customers have told us that ample space, privacy and ambience are what they value most in their lounge experience, so the overall design of the new lounge will be tailored with this in mind.” Construction is scheduled to start in the third quarter of this calendar year and will be completed in stages to allow ongoing lounge access, targeting completion at the end of 2019. Features will include: Neil Perry designed dining concept; […]

Macao takes the lead in Forbes Travel Guide 2018 Macao is leading the way in luxury travel, with the prestigious Forbes Travel Guide 2018 awarding its hotels and restaurants more five-stars than any other city in the world. The prestigious travel guide, which uses incognito inspectors to rate and rank the world’s finest hotels, restaurants and spas, gave 12 hotels (Altira, Banyan Tree, Conrad, Encore, Four Seasons, Mandarin Oriental, MGM, Nüwa, Star Tower, Wynn Macau, Wynn Palace and The Ritz-Carlton) and 12 restaurants in Macao the coveted top award. Visit Macao  

The Brando recently featured on the BBC The Brando resort was featured in the BBC TV show “Amazing Hotels: Life beyond the lobby”, where Giles and Monica fly to the small island of Tetiaroa in French Polynesia. In the first episode of this entertaining and insightful series, they both worked alongside the staff of the exclusive Brando Resort to serve 5-star luxury to guests. Viewable in the UK only, or available on Netflix later this year.     To watch the programme please click BBC Life beyond the Lobby or for more information please contact jo@kurtzahlers.com to find out more!  

PAL ramps up Australia operations 4-Star carrier Philippine Airlines is increasing flights between Manila and Melbourne amidst the surge of passenger traffic along the route. Beginning June 1 this year, the flag carrier will operate five weekly Manila-Melbourne frequencies from the current thrice weekly service. The additional flights form part of several operational enhancements being undertaken by PAL after receiving the coveted 4-Star certification from air transport rating organization Skytrax. PR207 departs Manila every Wednesday and Friday at 4:45PM and arrives in Melbourne at 3:00AM local time the following day. PR208 leaves the Australian city every Thursday and Saturday at 5:40AM local time and touches down in Manila at 10:55AM on the same day. On Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, PR209 leaves Manila at 9:10PM and lands in Melbourne at 8:30AM local time the following day and on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, PR210 departs Melbourne at 10:15AM local time and reaches Manila at 3:30PM on the same day. PAL Vice President for Sales Ryan Uy said, “The new frequency to Melbourne would enable Aussies to maximize the benefits of the domestic and international hub of PAL which currently offers a combined total of 77 destinations. Passengers will get to enjoy our […]

MGM opens a second property in Macao MGM Cotai in Macao, with its glittering, jewellery-box-like façade, opened on 13 February offering approximately 1,400 rooms and suites. The property has plenty of diverse and unique experiences including Asia’s first adaptive and dynamic theatre, “Spectacle” – a football pitch-sized atrium with one of the world’s largest collections of sensory digital art, and dining concepts from four renowned celebrity chefs. http://visitmacao.co.uk/ https://www.mgm.mo/en/cotai      

Introducing The Sanchaya, Kurtzahlers Latest Representation Partnership The Kurtzahlers London team are delighted to introduce The Sanchaya, their latest addition to their portfolio. The Sanchaya is located on the Indonesian island of Bintan, less than an hour from Singapore and situated on one of the world’s most stunning white powder sand beachfront. Inspired by the European Salons of the 19th century, the resort cultivates highly refined service standards that pay homage to the attentiveness observed by artisans on a private estate. Its common areas, Dining Room, Library and Bar reference Southeast Asia’s rich history and culture blended with a vintage European refinement in its artworks, antiques, furnishings and spirit. An award-winning collection of 21 lavish villas and 9 suites combining exceptionally comfortable interiors with the warmth and atmosphere like those of a luxurious private estate spread over 9.6 beachfront hectares. The Sanchaya is a 50 minute ferry ride from Singapore, plus a short private chauffeured transfer from the estate’s private VIP lounge at Bintan’s ferry terminal. For more information please contact jo@kurtzahlers.com or visit www.thesanchaya.com

Vietnam is a destination that rewards exploration Vietnam is a destination that rewards exploration.  Journey just outside town to Trang An Grottoes, southwest of Hoa Lu ancient capital inside Trang An Eco Tourism Complex. This area is includes limestone ranges, valleys, caves and rivers; Trang An Grottoes also hosts Vuc Vong Temple, and the Khong residence. Embark on a small, hand rowed sampan, and begin your journey along green waterways. Continue to Hoa Lu, the birthplace of the Vietnamese nation. In the 10th century, it was here that the first capital was established.   Today only the foundations remain of the original palace, but visitors can still see two temples, Dinh Tien Hoan Temple and Le Dai Hanh Temple, dedicated to the rulers of the first two dynasties of the nation. These temples are a sight to behold, with traditional courtyards and lily ponds, set among the dramatic rice paddies and karst formations of the area. For more information contact: chris@is-intl.com

Field of Light Uluru at Ayers Rock Resort, Australia shines on until 2020 Internationally acclaimed artist Bruce Munro’s immersive installation, Field of Light Uluru, has been extended for a further period and will now remain in place until 31 December 2020. The award-winning exhibition, located at Ayers Rock Resort, opened on 1 April 2016 to critical acclaim, and has since exceeded all expectations proving to be a stand-out drawcard to the destination. Guests can enjoy the field in a number of ways – a Field of Light Pass includes transfers, a Star Pass includes transfers as well as sparkling wine and canapes, and for those wanting a special evening under the stars there is A Night at Field of Light dining experience that includes transfers and guests can also arrive via helicopter or camel for an additional charge. Between 22 October and 24 March each year, guests can also enjoy Mayu Wiru, meaning ‘beautiful flavour’ in local Pitjantjatjara. This premium experience for a maximum of 16 guests combines an exceptional gourmet menu celebrating the ancient flavours of Indigenous Australia with a private escorted tour through Field of Light.  

International Chinese New Year Night Parade The Cathay Pacific International Chinese New Year Night Parade will usher in the Year of Dog with a one-of-a-kind, world-class celebration. Having been the centrepiece of  Hong Kong’s Chinese New Year celebrations for the past 22 years, the fun-filled and colourful carnival was named by Lonely Planet Bluelist as one of the “Best Value Entertainment Around the World” in 2007 and named by Forbes magazine as one of the “10 Best Events of the Year” in 2011, which means the parade is not short performances to enthral and entertain audiences. Theme floats with illuminated decorations will light up the streets in Tsim Sha Tsui and a variety of international and local performing groups will join the Year of the Dog mascot to celebrate the Chinese New Year in this colourful event.

Last chance to learn and book with Qantas to win an Aussie adventure! It’s your last chance to learn and book with Qantas for your chance to win an Aussie adventure! Qantas will fly you and a friend in Business, non-stop to Australia on the new Qantas Dreamliner, with £1,500 spending money!     You’ll start your journey in style at the brand new Qantas London Lounge before experiencing our renowned warm Australian hospitality as soon as you step onboard. To enter, just complete three modules on the new Qantas Learning Hub, and make an eligible Qantas booking by 31 January 2018. The more bookings you make, the more chance you have to win! There’s more! We’ll send you a £10 Love2Shop gift card just to say thanks for registering and completing a minimum of three Qantas Learning Hub modules. Start learning now at learninghub.qantas.com See full terms and conditions at qantas.co.uk/agents  

Meet Diethelm Travel Group at ITB Berlin at Booth 229 in Hall 29B The time has come yet again to start planning for ITB Berlin 2018 from 7 – 11 March. This year we’ve expanded our booth (Booth 229 in Hall 26B) to better accommodate your visit with Diethelm Travel Group’s directors from across Asia. As the only travel company with its own comprehensive network of locations throughout Southeast Asia, we’re eager to share information with you about our leading quality standards, unique Journeys of a Lifetime and 2018 offerings. Diethelm Travel team members in Berlin: Stephan Roemer Chief Executive Officer Email: Stephan.Roemer@diethelmtravel.com Manfred Kurz Managing Director, Diethelm Travel Malaysia Email: Manfred.K@my.diethelmtravel.com Jeff Redl Managing Director, Diethelm Travel Vietnam Email: Jeff.R@vn.diethelmtravel.com Harith Perera Managing Director, Diethelm Travel Sri Lanka Email: Harith.P@lk.diethelmtravel.com Gregor Zajc General Manager, Diethelm Travel Philippines Email: Sales@ph.diethelmtravel.com Victor Mogilev Group Director of Sales, Diethelm Travel Group Email: Victor.M@diethelmtravel.com   Contact us on the above list to book a private appointment, or email sales@diethelmtravel.com for more information.

Win an unforgettable adventure filled Thai holiday of a lifetime Tourism Thailand, and our friends at Thai Airways, are offering you the chance to win a stunning, adventure-filled holiday to Thailand, that you will never forget. This amazing holiday for two will take you to the beautiful beaches of Khao Lak and get you up close to nature in Khao Sok National Park. This incredible opportunity includes two return economy tickets with Thai Airways to Phuket then on to enjoy three days at Elephant Hills, on their Jungle Lake Safari Tour, where your hotel room floats on the water!   This is followed by five incredibly relaxing nights at two stunning Khao Lak hotels – the La Flora Resort & Spa and La Vela. A jungle adventure and relaxation on unspoilt Thailand beaches – what could be better? All you have to do to enter our competition, is complete the Amazing Thailand Online Training Programme: training.tourismthailand.co.uk T&Cs apply. Subject to availability. Closing date for entries 10.1.18.