Air New Zealand customers free to use electronic devices during flight

Air New Zealand customers will be some of the first in the Asia Pacific region to be able to use their handheld portable electronic devices in non-transmitting mode for the entire duration of their flights following approval from the New Zealand Civil Aviation Authority.

From July 16, the airline will allow the use of handheld portable electronic devices including tablets, smartphones, e-readers and mp3 players during all phases of flight provided the devices are in flight mode.

Previously customers could not use their devices during the taxi, take-off and landing phases of flight.
Initially this option will be available to customers travelling on domestic and international services operated by Airbus A320 and Boeing 787-9, 777-200 and 777-300 aircraft with plans to include Air New Zealand’s regional turbo prop and Boeing 767-300 fleets over time, subject to regulatory approval.

“We are living in a digital age where the majority of our customers use electronic devices while travelling,” said Air New Zealand’s general manager customer experience, Carrie Hurihanganui.
“Today’s announcement will give customers further freedom to use their handheld devices to take photos, listen to music or watch pre-loaded movies gate to gate.
“Air New Zealand prides itself on being a leader in innovation and technology and continues to actively explore what can be done to make the travel experience easier and more enjoyable for our customers.”

Australia's Hayman Island One & Only | Luxury deluxe style

All eyes are on Hayman Island this month as One & Only opens its resort after a $80 million makeover.

Along with the major refurbishment are new programs for couples and families and a focus on special dining: a progressive dinner starting on Whitehaven Beach, then shifting to Langford Island, then back to Hayman's Main Kitchen and finishing on Hayman Beach.

Virgin Australia flies direct to Hamilton Island from Sydney and Brisbane daily, and from Melbourne up to five times a week. Qantas returns to the region this month for the first time since 2005. Direct services between Sydney and Hamilton Island will connect with hour-long boat transfers to Hayman ($175 one way), as well as helicopter and 15-minute seaplane transfers.

For more on Australia and luxury travel ideas >>

5 Business Travel Tips That Will Improve Your Life

If business travel is your life, you know how darining it can be.
Here are a few tips that will improve the quality of your travel experience.


1. Use a travel checklist. Even if you travel all the time, it’s easy to forget something. Keep a checklist and cross things off until you’re sure you have everything you need. Store it in the Evernote app and you will have access to it from all your devices.

2. Keep an energy bar in your carry-on bag. It could be a lifesaver in some instances. Remember to add it to your travel checklist!

3. Have some painkillers on hand. Make sure you stay hydrated but when the headache kicks in don't hesitate to take one pill. It will make the trip more enjoyable and will make your sleep more comfortable.

4. Have an empty water bottle in your carry-on. Especially when travelling through different countries and airports, it's much quicker to find a water station than.



5. Get a Local or International SIM Card & Use Skype whenever possible. If you have an unlocked phone, great, if not buy a cheap extra mobile phone, then either get a SIM card from the country you are visiting upon arrival, usually the cheapest solution and rates for a single visit. And for calling home, now that just about every hotel and lots of other places offer WiFi, there is no reason to ever pay more than the ridiculously low rates for Skype and other internet based calling, whether it is through your smart phone, tablet or laptop.

Journey to the heart of Central Australia. Incentive travel to Uluru by dmc Australia

The below incentive experiences are the story of UNIQ and my journey to the heart of Central Australia with one of our fantastic incentive groups and what we learned about the region. A combination of raw excitement and practical, reliable delivery. It's all here in Australia.

Treasures like Uluru made the perfect centre for a dreamtime incentive and Aboriginal culture made this Australian trip truly memorable for everyone.

At sunset incentive group rode high above the desert surrounds and explored the central Australian region just as the early pioneers did - on a a camel. With stunning views of Uluru and Kata Tjuta, the incentive group watched the colours change as the sun set from atop a sand dune.

 After lunch we joined Aboriginal artist and learned about the different symbols illustrating Creation Time stories and made our own dot artworks. This was a fun introduction to Western Indigenous Art.

After exciting day full of activities we enjoyed a tantalising menu of international flavours at Ilkari Restaurant and had a very comfortable five star sleep in newly refurbished rooms at the Sails in the Desert Hotel. At this premium hotel incentive group got to experience modern minimalism adorned with a subtle desert pattern and elements of Indigenous art and tradition.

The next day incentive group and UNIQ Tour Leader start trek around the base trail of Uluru. We all embraced the culture, geology and environment that is the essence of this amazing monolith. Our guide took us to the waterholes, showed the rock art sites and told about Uluru's cultural significance to the local Aboriginal people.



Here are more incentive travel experiences in Uluru / Ayers Rock to get your creative juices flowing>>

Give an experience of a lifetime... Contact your DMC in Australia today.

To enquire about having your incentive trip or business event in Australia or New Zealand please contact me. Luiza Nowakowska Incentive travel & Business Events Director UNIQ Travel & Incentives Australia

Airport in Singapore named WORLD'S BEST | by dmc Australia

Changi Airport in Singapore has been voted the World's Best Airport by air travellers for the second year in a row at the 2014 Skytrax World Airport Awards.

The World Airport Awards are based on 12.85 million customer nominations across 110 nationalities of air travellers. The survey included 410 airports worldwide and was based on 12.85 million air travellers across 110 nationalities. Key performance indicators were airport service and product, from check-in, arrivals, transfers, shopping, security and immigration, through to departure at the gate.

"Changi Airport offers a travel experience in itself and continues to develop its quality standards to be named the world's favourite airport again," said Edward Plaisted, CEO of Skytrax. “Changi Airport is a well-known leader and innovator for the airport industry and genuinely delights and surprises travellers who are lucky enough to enjoy the airport facilities. Changi Airport demonstrates how to make the airport experience an enjoyable part of the journey that is so important in today's fast-moving world."

Uluru Camel Cup Race Day & Outback Fest 2-5 May 2014 | by dmc Australia

Uluru, camels and dining in the desert

Ayers Rock Resort will host the annual Outback Fest from 2 to 5 May 2014. The event will feature the Uluru Camel Cup Race Day complete with Fashions on the Field.

This is perfect opportunity for incentive groups to join locals at this fun filled weekend of activities and experience a true Aussie Outback. A special outback style Sounds of Silence dinner under the stars will kick off the festival.

By day guests will get to browse the many market stalls at Ayers Rock Resort's Town Square and sample local produce and bush tucker. The weekend culminates with a true blue Frock and Rock Up Ball set under the sparkling night sky complete with a red desert dance floor and live entertainment.

Other incentive travel activities around Australia inspired by nature >>

Planning a trip to/from Australia? | NEW TOURIST FEE IN DUBAI

Source: www.telegraph.co.uk

If you are planning an incentive trip to Australia and plan to stopover in Dubai, beware of a new tourist fee.

The Government of Dubai has announced the new Tourism Dirham will be applied to guests staying in all hotels, hotel apartments, guesthouses and holiday homes from 31 March 2014.

Five-star or higher-rated hotel or resort: AED 20; ~A$6.10
Four-star hotel or resort: AED 15; ~A4.60

The guest will pay the fee directly to the hotel on a per room, per night basis. The fee will be added to the bill, invoice or receipt on a separate line and collected by the hotel at checkout.

The fee will part-fund the new Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing.

Royal itinerary revealed | by DMC Australia & New Zealand

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, aka Kate and Wills, along with their baby Prince George, are coming to Australia and New Zealand in April 2014, with Sydney featuring heavily on the 10-day itinerary.

The tour will include Sydney’s Royal Easter show, a walk around Uluru, a yacht race on Auckland Harbour, a visit to the Blue Mountains and the Anzac day march and service at War Memorial in Canberra. Other highlights include a jet boat trip in Queenstown.
“We’re absolutely thrilled and delighted to take the Royal couple for a spin on a trip we’re sure they’ll remember as part of their New Zealand tour,” said David Kennedy, Southern regional manager of Ngai Tahu Tourism.
“The Royal couple are known for their love of the outdoors and sports, so we think they’ll really enjoy the chance to experience a world-leading Queenstown adventure tourism operation.”

What else to do in Sydney or Queenstown? Here are some more ideas:

Incentive travel, and pre and post touring ideas in Sydney, Australia >>

Incentive travel, and pre and post touring ideas in Queenstown, New Zealand >>

INCENTIVE TRAVEL IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA by dmc Australia

Western Australia's breathtaking natural beauty delivers kaleidoscope of unique landscapes, extraordinary natural attractions and incentive travel experiences. 

The red dirt of the outback, the dense green forests and endless white sand beaches and blue skies will inspire your incentive travel delegates.

Whether you are looking to add a little adventure to your incentive travel ideas, tantalise the tastebuds, provide once-in-a-lifetime incentive experiences or seeking a special place for your next conference or business meeting, you'll find it in Western Australia.

Here are some incentive travel experiences to get your creative juices flowing>>

Give an experience of a lifetime... Contact your DMC in Australia today.

INCENTIVE TRAVEL ACTIVITIES IN PERTH by DMC Australia

The capital of Western Australia is the sunniest city in the world which makes it perfect destination in Australia for incentive travel. 

Perth is positioned on the majestic waters of the Swan River and hugged by renowned wine regions, stunning sandy beaches and rugged coastline of the Indian Ocean which make it perfect location for incentive travel. 

Boasting coastal charm, fantastic seafood and fabulous wine, Perth will spoil your incentive group with its choice of incentive travelofferings.

UNIQ Travel (dmc Perth Australia) will put together incentive travel package so the group wil get to taste the best Perth has on offer. One of the local attractions is:

Beef & Beer Experience | Perth, Western Australia
Incentive group will be transferred to The Old Brewery for lunch where participants will enjoy the Beef & Beer Experience. Combining history with relaxed and contemporary dining, The Old Brewery boasts sensational views of the Swan River and Perth city skyline.

 More incentive travel ideas and experiences in Perth, Australia >>


Give an incentive experience of a lifetime... Contact your DMC in Australia today.

Best INCENTIVE TRAVEL Activities In and around Adelaide, South Australia | DMC AUSTRALIA

South Australia has all you need for your incentive travel program. Visit the picturesque Barossa and taste world famous wines. Visit Kangaroo Island to watch wildlife in its natural habitat and swim with dolphins. South Australia is the place to start your Australian incentive travel program, and your dmc Australia (destination management company) will help you in putting together the best this region has on offer.

Cuddle a koala during your incentive trip to South Australia and Adelaide

DAY 1 | ADELAIDE
Start the day in the vibrant Adelaide Central Market. See the world’s largest collection of Aboriginal artefacts. Have lunch at one of the alfresco restaurants. Travel to Glenelg, walk on the beach and explore the sunset.
Overnight: Adelaide
Source: South Australian Tourism Commission

DAY 2 | ADELAIDE HILLS
Tour to the Adelaide Hills (20 minutes). Stop at Mt Lofty Summit for amazing views of the
entire Adelaide region. Cuddle a koala and interact with over 130 species of native Australian animals at Cleland Wildlife Park then continue on to Hahndorf and walk the historic street, filled with artisan producers, crafts shops and cafes. After lunch in Hahndorf, tour the surrounding wine producers including Hahndorf Hill Winery, Nepenthe, The Lane and Shaw+Smith.
Overnight: Adelaide or Hahndorff
Source: South Australian Tourism Commission

Wine classes in McLaren Vale with dmc Australia

DAY 3 | FLEURIEU PENINSULA
Tour) to McLaren Vale (one hour) located on the Fleurieu Peninsula. This is one of the most picturesque wine regions in Australia: visit wineries like Coriole, D’Arenberg and Chapel Hill for tastings then head south via Mount Compass into Victor Harbor.
Ride the horse drawn tram onto Granite Island, home to the world’s smallest penguins (seen on night tours).
Return to Adelaide (1.5 hours).
Source: South Australian Tourism Commission

For more incentive travel ideas in Australia and Adelaide visit our website and if you have any questions contact your DMC in Australia today.

Follow professionals and cycle your way through South Australia | by DMC Australia

19-26 January  2014
See the WorldTour pro cycling teams race in South Australia for UCI WorldTour points and the Santos Ochre Leader's Jersey. 

This is the first stop on the world cycling calendar and the Santos Tour Down Under is sure to kick off the cycling year in exhilarating style.

The biggest cycling race in the southern hemisphere is a week-long event that brings the top WorldTour professional cycling teams to race on the streets of Adelaide and regional South Australia each January. Up for grabs are important UCI WorldTour points and the Santos Ochre Leaders Jersey.

Are you going to ride like the pros?

Or maybe you have incentive group that would like to try to join the professionals. It's now or never. Let us know, we are here to help.

INCENTIVE TRAVEL to Australia? Here is why you should get your group here this year | by DMC Australia

The perfect place to inspire, energise and unwind, Australia has got it all.

Australia is an incentive destination recognised by major corporations from London to New York, Warsaw to Hong Kong. Here’s why you’ll guarantee a return on your investment if your incentive group is 6, 12 or 60:

• Discover the secrets of Uluru (Ayers Rock) in the company of the indigenous owners whose ancestors have lived on this land for millennia.
• Dive the Great Barrier Reef and dine in the exotic rainforests of Tropical North Queensland.
• Take a scenic helicopter flight from the heart of Melbourne to one of the world’s great sights of the Great Ocean Road.
• Stage your awards ceremony in the Sydney Opera House and then celebrate with a seafood banquet as you cruise under the Sydney Harbour Bridge, taking in some of Australia’s finest real estate.

Options are endless and depend on the dynamic and needs of the group.

Australia is a friendly destination that has been chosen by many global companies for their incentive travel adventure and reward programes based on recognition that this is a destination that delivers on time and on budget.

From your coach driver to concierge, jet-boat driver to flight attendant your welcome is
warm and service is consistently of a high standard.  And as you incentive travel specialist based in Australia our job is to make the whole experience as unique as every team member is.

Get in touch today, we are here to help.