Down Under Answers
News
2008 News Archives
October 17, 2008
Minister Welcomes New Tourism Australia Campaign
Minister for Tourism, Martin Ferguson AM MP, welcomes Tourism Australia’s fresh direction in global marketing created by acclaimed Australian film director, screenwriter, and producer, Baz Luhrmann.
SEATTLE, WA – (October 17, 2008) The short-term advertising campaign is to be rolled out around the world from today and will appear in cinemas, on television, in print, and online. Minister Ferguson said: “Australia’s tourism industry is currently facing a difficult period and this significant change in direction from Tourism Australia comes at a very important time.
“The advertisements being unveiled today are the first instalment of a campaign which will take advantage of the massive publicity push around Luhrmann’s soon-to-be-released film Australia. “Baz Luhrmann has produced a campaign which Tourism Australia believes can convince people to holiday in Australia.
“This will be the highest profile and most sophisticated campaign ever undertaken by Tourism Australia and it is rightly a source of great hope for our industry.“
There are two new Luhrmann-produced advertisements being released today – the first of which will be shown on UK television from today. The campaign will run across 22 countries until June 2009. In addition to the television ads, eleven print advertisements – shot in every Australian State and Territory - have been produced in conjunction with DDB Worldwide: Tourism Australia’s new advertising agency. DDB will produce Tourism Australia’s next international campaign to be rolled out post-June 2009.
Tourism Australia will invest around $40 million in the campaign being launched today in Sydney. Minister Ferguson said: “The new campaign will reflect some of the themes conveyed through
Australia, but these ads will in no way be advertising the film itself. “This campaign will remind people why holidays are important; and that an Australian holiday will give them an experience that will change them and their lives.
“I congratulate Baz Luhrmann and his team and look forward to the international response.“
October 12, 2008
Boeing Strike Delays V Australia Launch
Virgin Blue Airlines Group announced today that an ongoing strike at The Boeing Company’s Seattle plant has forced a delay to the planned 15 December, 2008 launch of its long haul international airline V Australia.
SEATTLE, WA – (October 12, 2008)The announcement comes after Boeing advised its customers including V Australia that it cannot predict the duration of the dispute and therefore cannot guarantee the delivery date of the airline’s launch aircraft.
The manufacturer has ceased to assemble aircraft at the Seattle plant since the strike commenced on 6 September, 2008 when 27,000 members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers downed tools.
V Australia has three Boeing 777-300ER aircraft in advanced stage production at the plant. The strike however has no bearing on services operated by Virgin Blue, Pacific Blue or Polynesian Blue.
In the continuing absence of a revised aircraft delivery schedule, Virgin Blue said it considered the only responsible course of action was to nominate a revised V Australia launch date of 28 February, 2009 to protect the interests of its Guests. V Australia’s Brisbane-Los Angeles direct services, due to launch on 1 March, 2009, are not affected.
Effective from today, V Australia will commence contacting all Guests booked to travel in the Christmas/New Year period from 15 December, 2008 to 16 January, 2009 to offer alternative arrangements.
The airline has also suspended further advance ticket sales for travel between 15 December, 2008 and 28 February, 2009 in case the Boeing strike, now in its fourth week, should be prolonged.
Virgin Blue said should the industrial dispute be resolved in the short term, the airline would move swiftly to bring forward V Australia’s start-up schedule. The company said the impact of the serious delay would be addressed between Virgin Blue and The Boeing Company at a later date.
V Australia said it appreciates the support of those Guests who have already booked on the new airline and whose travel will be unavoidably impacted by the Boeing strike. Accordingly the airline will honour its commitments and offer one of the following alternative arrangements to Guests booked to travel between 15 December, 2008 to 16 January, 2009:
October 12, 2008
BridgeClimb Sydney Celebrates its 10 Year Anniversary
To celebrate the 10th Anniversary of BridgeClimb Sydney, on Wednesday 1st October 2008, 137 Climbers each carried a flag onto the arch of the world famous Sydney Harbour Bridge to represent every part of the world that Climbers have hailed from since BridgeClimb opened ten years ago.
SEATTLE, WA – (October 12, 2008) From Peru to Eritrea, BridgeClimb has safely guided more than 2.2 million Climbers from 137 different countries and territories to the summit of Australia’s icon since opening on 1st October 1998.
“We are delighted to be celebrating BridgeClimb’s 10th Anniversary and extremely proud to be able to share this unforgettable experience with Australians and visitors from all over the world,” said BridgeClimb’s Founder and Chairman, Mr. Paul Cave. “It’s been very rewarding to witness the business evolve over the past ten years and I look forward to seeing how we can further develop our experiences and keep giving back to the community in the future.”
Over the past ten years BridgeClimb has made remarkable developments to the sole Day Climb experience originally offered to Climbers. Today everyone over the age of ten, in good health, can witness the awe and wonder of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the spectacular vista each experience offers on Dawn, Day, Twilight and Night Climbs.
BridgeClimb has also fashioned five generations of the world renowned BridgeSuit, introduced The Discovery Climb in 2006, celebrated its first Australian Tourism Award for ‘Major Tourist Attraction’ in 2007, and launched Wedding Climbs in 2008 for couples who wish to exchange their vows at the summit of the Bridge.
“BridgeClimb would like to acknowledge all of our Climbers and stakeholders who have helped make BridgeClimb the Australian success story it is today. It is so wonderful to be living my passion and my dream,” said Mr. Paul Cave.
Nicola Futeran, a 10 year old from Bondi, carried the Australian flag to the top of the Bridge alongside 136 other flag bearers; many of whom were BridgeClimb’s team members who welcome Climbers to BridgeClimb 363 days of the year. This colourful celebration has been recognised by Guinness World Records as a new world record for ‘Most flags flown on a Bridge’.
The footage of BridgeClimb’s 10th anniversary celebrations is available on YouTube at: http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=LcwC5UFm_bA
October 12, 2008
Air Pacific Withdraws Vancouver Services
Air Pacific has advised that effective Friday, November 28, 2008, they will withdraw its twice weekly B737 services from Vancouver via Honolulu to Nadi, Fiji.
SEATTLE, WA – (October 12, 2008) Air Pacific’s Managing Director & CEO, John Campbell, said “We are disappointed that we have to withdraw direct flights from Vancouver, however the combination of increased fuel costs and a consistently loss-making service requires tough decisions. Losses over the last five years total FJ$11.7million and just for 2008, average FJ$280,000 a month. This is clearly unsustainable.”
Air Pacific will continue to service the Canadian market by offering convenient connections via Los Angeles to/from Vancouver in partnership with Alaska Airlines via a Special Prorate Agreement. This will enable seamless bookings, competitive fares, through checked baggage, and issuance of through boarding passes on check-in. Connecting via Los Angeles on the larger Air Pacific Boeing 747-400 aircraft provides customers greater accessibility, comfort, baggage allowance, and a wider selection of in-flight entertainment – at competitive airfares. The Alaska Airlines and Air Pacific flight terminals at Los Angeles International Airport are adjoining, making transfers simple and efficient.
Air Pacific will maintain its current six B747-400 services per week between Los Angeles and Nadi and twice weekly B737 services between Honolulu and Nadi.
Customers who hold reservations with Air Pacific from Vancouver via Honolulu to Nadi will automatically be transferred to Alaska Airline services between Vancouver and Los Angeles and Air Pacific services between Los Angeles and Nadi. Ticket holders can have tickets reissued at no cost and customers who hold un-ticketed reservations can have tickets issued at the fare quoted in their reservation through their travel agent. Customers can also contact Air Pacific Reservations at 1-800-227-4446 for issue or re-issue of their tickets.
October 12, 2008
Sydney Mardi Gras to Remain World’s Number One After New Deal!
Large investment for Sydney’s Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras
SEATTLE, WA – (October 12, 2008) Sydney’s Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras will reinforce its position as the world’s leading gay and lesbian festival after securing a significan investment from Events NSW.
Events NSW Chief Executive Geoff Parmenter said he was looking forward to working with the organisers New Mardi Gras to drive a strategic agenda of consolidation and growth, with the common goal of positioning the event as the world’s premier gay and lesbian festival, and a major economic benefit driver for Sydney.
“Events NSW have a real interest in ensuring this iconic event continues to thrive with an enduring and sustainable business model. Our investment is directed specifically to the development of that platform. “From humble beginnings the Mardi Gras, particularly the street parade, has evolved into one of the biggest events on the Australian events calendar. “It has been estimated that the Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras generates more than $AUD30 million of direct economic benefit for New South Wales each year, and it has become an international showcase of Sydney’s diversity. “In support of the agreement we will develop national and international marketing strategies in conjunction with Tourism New South Wales to ensure tourism visitation is maximised,” Mr Parmenter said.
New Mardi Gras Chair David Imrie said the not for profit, volunteer-based organisation was very excited about working with Events NSW and the opportunities it would provide to build on the success of the event and to make it the best festival of its kind in the world. “Parade, Fair Day and an enhanced arts and cultural festival will be pillars of a new, selfsustaining, creative approach focused on improving participation, content and production
values,” Mr Imrie said.
The strategy aims for:
New Mardi Gras Chief Executive Officer Anna McInerney said over the past 30 years, Mardi Gras had become one of Sydney’s best known and hallmark events attracting both interstate and international visitors. “It’s time to drive even greater national and international recognition of Mardi Gras and its
vibrant, energetic expression of our Aussie larrikin personality,” Ms McInerney said. “The envy of other global cities, this unique, Australian tradition has endeared its way into the heart of the city and continues to deliver economic and marketing returns for New South Wales.”
Mardi Gras was voted by Condé Nast as one of the world’s top ten costume parades. Planet Out named it as the best gay event in the world. It remains the one truly famous global gay and lesbian annual event and an attractive escape from the northern hemisphere winter.
August 27, 2008
“Gold Medal” From Tourism Australia Goes to Down Under Answers
Wholesaler Receives Multiple Honors at 2008 Opal Awards
SEATTLE, WA – (August 25, 2008) Annual North American travel industry event Corroboree gathered over 300 attendees this month in Malibu, California to celebrate the best Australian travel professionals on the continent. Seattle’s Down Under Answers proudly announces “gold” in the event’s prestigious Opal Awards, taking the Best Wholesaler overall award - marking the fifth accolade garnered for this specialized Wholesaler in this category at the Opal Awards.
Corroboree’s Opal Awards honor Aussie Specialists, Tourism Boards, Australian Experience Companies and Wholesalers who have excelled in marketing and selling Australian vacations. This year’s awards are especially timely, as U.S. Tourism to Australia is expected to spike with the November 2008 opening of the Baz Luhrmann epic film “Australia.” Described as to Australia what “Braveheart” was to Scotland, the Hollywood hype and wide shots of the striking Australian landscape are expected to drive a need for the best in the field of Aussie travel.
The Best Wholesaler award carries special weight, as it is one of the few Opal Award categories voted on solely by the Aussie Specialists “The Opal Awards gives us an opportunity to acknowledge the extra distance that the winners go to help us achieve our objectives of getting more Americans to Australia,” said Michelle Gysberts, Vice President, and Tourism Australia Americas (pictured above with Down Under Answers President, Kirk Demeter). Down Under Answers has taken the Best Wholesaler award from 2003-2005 and 2007-2008 (as voted by Australian specialists), and from 2005-2008 (as voted by Kiwi Specialists), with the additional distinction of receiving the “Supreme Award” in 2006 and 2007 (as voted by Tourism New Zealand).
Following Corroboree, Down Under Answers again took gold at “Oztalk,” the training weekend for wholesale staff and Australian suppliers. Wins included two awards: Best Wholesaler (over 5000 passengers) and Best Website, marking the third award for Down Under Answers’ online component, http://www.duatravel.com, adding to 2007 and 2008 accolades by Tourism New Zealand.
Located in Seattle, Down Under Answers has been the leading travel wholesaler in their niche since opening in 1992. Specializing in personalized itineraries and authentic local experiences in each destination, Down Under leads travelers to eco-resorts in world heritage listed areas, off-the-beaten path tours with experienced guides - from Sydney’s resplendent harbor to many sites of the soon-to-premiere film “Australia.” The Down Under Answers team of destination specialists either hail from Australia or New Zealand, or have traveled extensively throughout the region and are passionate about the South Pacific. Down Under Answers caters to every traveler and offers unbeatable prices and tailor-made service through Aussie Specialist partners.
Of the awards for Down Under Answers, President Kirk Demeter remarks “These awards support our continued commitment to provide flawless service for our partners and to make our clients’ vacation dreams come to life.”
Media Contact
Laura Pettitt
Barokas Public Relations
206.344.3136
April 29, 2008
Down Under Tours Green Policy
With significant diversity in its natural resources, Australia is an environment where enormous opportunity exists for people to learn more about the area’s natural and cultural resources. The Down Under Tours Group of Companies has made a firm commitment to environmental sustainability through the support and participation of local studies, the implementation of staff accreditation and achieving nationally and internationally recognised company accreditation. Additionally, best practice operations management is a fundamental component of the Down Under Tours Group commitment to environmental sustainability. It includes the focus on energy management, waste management and contribution to conservation through all levels of the Company.
Click here for more details: DUT_Group_Green_Policy.pdf
February 05, 2008
Announcing Platinum Service Due in Late 2008
This year will see the introduction of an exciting and new level of service aboard The Ghan named Platinum Service.
Platinum Service is a new luxury level of train travel, like no other Australian train accommodation. The new Platinum Service Cabins are currently being built by a luxury boat builder to a completely new floor plan inspired by the world’s most luxurious trains and are expected to be in service later in the year.
Platinum Cabins will be approximately twice the size of our standard Gold Twin Cabins with each room offering deluxe accommodation including double beds, spacious ensuite and 24 hour room service. They will have all the modern comforts, in a classic style, with a distinctly Australian character. The Ghan will offer accommodation options that rival the best world-class trains. This new service level is in addition to our existing Red and Gold Services, which will continue to operate on The Ghan. This means that The Ghan will now cater to all budgets from Red Service the most economical way to travel, through to Gold Service for those holidaymakers who want to travel in comfort and now the deluxe offering of the new Platinum Service.
Platinum Service has been designed to meet the needs of the discerning traveller looking for that next level of comfort that will truly be the ultimate way to travel in style by train through the heart of Australia.
This is the most exciting development in Australian Rail Travel since February 2004 when The Ghan travelled to Darwin connecting Adelaide to Darwin by rail for the first time.
The details of Platinum Service are still under wraps as final preparations are being made. It is expected that initial interest will be very strong, as rail enthusiasts from around the globe seek to be the first, to experience this new level of service.
Look out for further information, updates and progress reports on this exciting new product offering from Great Southern Rail.
January 30, 2008
Impact of the December 2007 Fires
Background
In the afternoon of 06 December 2007 an intense storm passed over Kangaroo Island and the associated lightning strikes started 12 fires across the Island. Some of these were quickly contained or extinguished however 4 fires continued to burn, the largest of which was not contained until 15 December. The level of resources brought to the Island to fight these fires is unprecedented—12 aircraft for both fire bombing and observation, and over 700 mainland and interstate incident management and fire ground crew.
Impact
The community impact of such an incident is significant - given there are less than 4,500 residents. Tragically the life of one young man was lost during the fire which is keenly felt in a small community. In terms of scale, a total of 89,956 hectares (222,286 acres) burned, representing 20% of the Island. What remains unaffected is 349,851 hectares (864,131 acres) in area. Much of the area burned lies within Flinders Chase National Park which has a long, complex fire history. Much of the vegetation contained within the park is fire adapted or in some cases fire dependent in terms flowering or releasing seed.
From a wildlife perspective there were no doubt significant losses however the Australian fauna has adapted to fire. Most animals are resilient in escaping fire to adjacent refuges, or responding quickly breeding post-fire, feeding on the rapid growth which follows the fire. Images below show the typical response of Australian flora starting within 2 weeks of a fire. Observations post-fire show increased wildlife density in refuge areas - especially mobile species like kangaroos and wallabies. Also obvious are the echidnas really working over the unburned ground.
Visitor experience
Based on almost 20 years observations, visitors coming to Kangaroo Island post-fire are not impacted by the incident once any facilities affected by the fires are opened again. The regrowth of vegetation has been quite vigorous aided by the fact that some areas of Kangaroo Island which burned receive over 1000 mm average annual rainfall.
The recovery of plant and animal populations following the fires are rich interpretive themes which we are drawing upon to enhance the quality of our visitor experience through awareness to understanding.
January 15, 2008
Qantas to Increase Services to Honolulu
Sydney, 15 January 2008: Qantas announced today that it would increase its Honolulu services from three to four per week from 5 April, 2008.
The Executive General Manager of Qantas, Mr John Borghetti, said the strong Australian dollar made Hawaii a very attractive destination for Australians and that the airline was seeing strong demand on the route.
Mr Borghetti said the additional service would depart Sydney at 7:45pm on Saturdays and arrive in Honolulu at 9:30am the same day. The return flight would depart Honolulu at 10:50am on Saturdays and arrive in Sydney at 5:30pm the following day.
He said the new service was in addition to the three weekly services departing Sydney at 7:45pm on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.
Mr Borghetti said the services would be operated by a 229 seat, two-class Boeing 767-300 aircraft.
From 5 April, the Qantas Group will operate a total of nine services per week between Sydney and Honolulu, including five Jetstar flights.