Best Incentive Travel destinations: ULURU, Australia

In the very heart of Australia, lies the Red Centre. It is home to the country’s most recognisable natural icons, Uluru (Ayers Rock) and Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) located in the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park.  It is a truly unique destination for Business Events and Incentive Travel, unlike anywhere else in the world.

The most recognised icon of Australia alongside the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge, Uluru was declared a national park in 1950 and has been welcoming local and international visitors for decades. Here the ancient culture of the local Anangu people complements the breathtaking beauty of the desert country and its famous landmarks. 
Uluru offers a range of versatile venues for conferences, incentives and meetings... continue reading article >>>

For more information, visit the UNIQ Uluru Incentive Travel website

UNIQ Destination: Cricket World Cup | Australia & New Zealand

For six weeks New Zealand ovals and the historic grounds of Australia will host the world’s best cricketers when the Cricket World Cup returns Down Under for the first time in 22 years. Whether for business or leisure, what a great incentive it is to venture this part of the world and enjoy the best of.

We’ve chosen three of the top destinations, hosting some of the biggest matches.

> Sydney

> Melbourne

> Auckland 

Read about Cricket venues in Sydney, Melbourne and Auckland and learn about must see places.

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."

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 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.

BEST OUT OF MELBOURNE TRIP TO YARRA VALLEY FOR INCENTIVE GROUPS PRESENTED BY DMC AUSTRALIA

LUXURIOUS Yarra Valley for incentive travel programs – Ballooning & Barrel Tasting

This is perfect way for incentive groups to experience Australian wines and produce, and see the breathtaking views of the surrounding wineries and mountains from high above

Duration: 9 Hours (approximately)

What a way to start your day ‐ floating gently over the Yarra Valley. Let the breeze usher you along the corridors of grape vines and over the Yarra River as you take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. Toast your flight with a sumptuous champagne breakfast at a nearby historic chateau.

  Take a stroll through breathtaking bushland, while getting up close and personal with many of Australia’s iconic native animals. Learn about a range of breeding and recovery programs to help ensure our endangered native wildlife exists into the future.

A warehouse‐cum‐factory space in Healesville makes a real statement. There’s an organic, artisan style bakehouse and a unique coffee bean‐roasting facility.

There’s also something incredibly connective about wine tasting in the very place the wine is crushed, fermented, bottled and stored. Get involved with a look behind the scenes and experience the exciting sights, tastes and smells. Further on through the valley, experience a private barrel room tasting with the wine maker. Select a wine to suit your palate, grab a glass and wander out onto the sun‐drenched patio. Relax, or enjoy a game of petanque against the stunning back drop of the Yarra Ranges.

Lunch is something special. The delicious aroma of freshly baked bread hits you immediately as you walk in the front door. The produce on your plate comes from the garden out the back and the menu changes almost daily – completely dependent on what’s in season. There are few more memorable dining experiences.


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

Best INCENTIVE TRAVEL ACTIVITIES IN PORT DOUGLAS PRESENTED BY DMC AUSTRALIA

Much loved by celebrities, Port Douglas is a charming seaside town. Perfect location to explore the rainforest where you can jungle surf through the rainforest canopy, and travel to the Great Barrier Reef where the colour of the fish and coral are astounding.

We just came back from this amazing trip full of new ideas for next incentive programs here in Australia. If you are after an unforgettable experience for your incentive group let us know and we will be happy to craft unique incentive program for the whole team. For more, visit our UNIQ website and if you have any questions contact your DMC in Australia

Spectacular Four Mile Beach | Port Douglas, Australia
The relaxed seaside town of Port Douglas is set alongside the spectacular Four Mile Beach.Here you will get to experience the natural beauty and warm, balmy climate that attracts visitors at any time of the year.

Truly unique dining experience. Surrounded on all sides by the rainforest | Port Douglas, Queensland, Australia















But before we experienced sumptuous food, elegant wines and live music, we got to see amazing performance...  all in the middle of the rainforest

Blue lagoon and relaxed pace at Sheraton Mirage | Port Douglas, Australia

Afternoon drinks, tropical style at the Sugar Wharf | Port Douglas, Queensland, Australia

Dot painting workshop | Port Douglas | Australia

Balmy days and tropical evenings with velvet starry skies. The tropics are a feast for the senses | Port Douglas, Queensland, Australia

And while here we could get your incentive group to do a dot painting workshop too

Cruising the Great Barrier Reef

Time for some adventure on the water. One of Australia's most remarkable natural gifts, the Great Barrier Reef contains an abundance of marine life and comprises of over 3000 individual reef systems and coral cays and literally hundreds of picturesque tropical islands with some of the worlds most beautiful sun-soaked, golden beaches

There are plenty of options available for the groups during the day. Whether they choose to get wet or stay dry, they'll have the opportunity to experience all there is to discover.








For more incentive travel ideas in Port Douglas, Cairns, Tropical Queensland and Australia visit our website and if you have any questions contact your DMC in Australia today.

INCENTIVE TRAVEL IN TASMANIA PRESENTED BY DMC AUSTRALIA

Tasmania is a high appeal destination with strong drawing power for incentive travel. This video will showcase some of the possibilities for groups planning to visit Australia and Hobart.

To find out more about your next event in Australia and Tasmania, contact your DMC in Australia, UNIQ Travel Australia.

BEST INCENTIVE TRAVEL ACTIVITIES & PROGRAMS IN MELBOURNE PRESENTED BY DMC AUSTRALIA

Melbourne in Australia is made for incentive travel and events. This amazing city is not only abundant in world-renowned hotels and restaurants but also buzzing with charm and energy of chic cafés, boutique bars, designer shopping and avant-garde galleries hidden in famous laneways.

Hot air balloooning | Melbourne & Yarra Valley, Victoria, Australia

Soak up the stunning colours of the Yarra Valley, with its luscious green pastures and rows of colourful grapevines, and see the sun rise around you as you glide through the sky in a hot air balloon.

 Cocktail party with 360 degree views | Melbourne, Australia

Have your event reach new heights by holding a cocktail party on the 89th floor of the World’s Tallest Residential Building. Luxurious private event space, with views spanning 360 degrees across Melbourne’s expansive landscape is sure to impress.

 Lanes, arcades and local wines | Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Discover Melbourne’s hidden laneways and historic arcades.
Sample local wines and take in the history and architecture
of Australia’s largest labyrinth of cobblestone laneways.






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

Top INCENTIVE TRAVEL program highlights in SYDNEY | DMC Australia

Australia's most famous city of Sydney is a destination that exceeds its promise to incentive travel winners. With its Opera House Sails and Sydney Harbour Bridge, this iconic Australian city is sure to impress.

 

Look no further. Sydney is the place that will deliver an unforgettable experience for incentive travel participants whether your group is 20, 50 or 250.

 

 

While at first it might seem like hosting incentive group in Sydney, Australia can be stressful, fear no more as your DMC for Australia and incentive travel planner is here to lead you every step of the way.

 

Morning

WELCOME TO AUSTRALIA, WELCOME TO SYDNEY
On arrival at Sydney International Airport, the incentive group will be greeted by a character representing Australia or the city of Sydney's famous icon. Transfer by coach to the five-star hotel located on Sydney Harbour where participants will freshen up before the start of unforgettable taste of Sydney. Today the incentive travel winners will be inspired by some of the most famous icons in the world – Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney. Opera House. >> for more details contact your DMC for Australia


Afternoon

SURFING BONDI BEACH
Enjoy the ultimate day at the world famous Bondi Beach. Get wet and experience the thrill of surfing. Enjoy the sun, the sand and walk along the coast with the surfing guru who will tell you all about the area. For lunch enjoy an Aussie BBQ on the beach.
>> for more details contact your DMC for Australia




Evening

DINNER AT THE TARONGA ZOO

This is an indulgence Oprah style. Group will travel across spectacular Sydney Harbour before meeting the friendly locals including koalas and echidnas. Dinner with spectacular views to the Sydney Harbour at this unique venue will be a memorable experience.
>> for more details contact your DMC for Australia


If you would like to learn more about incentive travel options, have a look at our website full of ideas for incentive groups in Australia or contact your DMC for Australia

Best place in the world to relax, swim, bushwalk, and learn about indigenous Australia

This month we ventured the far North West of Australia in search of the best incentive travel experiences for our clients. We were not disappointed.

 

We love being spoilt but spoiling incentive groups is even more enjoyable. That's why we're always in search of new, undiscovered gems not many have seen. And we definitely found what we were looking for in the North West corner of Australia.

Journey through some of the world’s most amazing untouched wilderness area, gave us a real Australian outback experience.  

We started our journey at the Broome airport where we boarded a small Cessna for the picturesque flight to Eco Beach.

Weather was beautiful. As it is most of the year. May to October is classed as the 'dry season'. While the southern part of Australia is chilly, here the days are generally fine with temperatures between mid 20 to low 30. Humidity levels are low and the skies are a deep blue that stretches out for miles, with hardly a cloud in the sky. 

Eco Beach is a multi award-winning eco resort set amongst the pristine and untouched Kimberley environment. Our favourite form of  accommodation were very spacious Eco Villas. Thie Eco resort truly provides guests with an unforgettable and unique wilderness experience whilst having minimal impact on the surrounding landscape.

At the heart of the retreat lies Jack's Bar and Grill, an open air bar and restaurant with some of the finest coastal views you are likely to see on the west coast of Australia. In the evening we chose to dine on the terrace and had an opportunity to enjoy a cold mango beer, beautiful white wine and tropical barramundi salad served with roasted peanuts, mango and pawpaw.






Next to Jack's lies the pool deck with an alluring infinity pool surrounded by huge Balinese day beds and oversized loungers. Perfect setting for an evening cocktail or two?

 Next day, aboard a 4WD we drove along the beach to the best fishing spot. For those not keen on the activity a chilled champagne, walk on the beach and stunning sunset were served.

 Next day we were exploring the area and bushwalking with the local guide. Great way to learn about Aboriginal culture and customs of the indigenous people.

After three days of pure luxury, eco style it was time to get back to Broome where our adventure continued





If you would like to learn more about incentive travel options, have a look at our website full of ideas for incentive groups in Australia

Brand-new uniforms for Qantas staff. Travelling between Australia and Europe became even more stylish.

Qantas unveiled the fruit of a year-long labour: brand-new uniforms for 12,600 uniformed staff. But who is the guy behind the design work...

At 15 he dropped out of High School, at 16 he launched his own ready-to-wear fashion line, at 18 he was featured in Vogue Australia and at 20 he became the Cointreau young designer of the year.
And it doesn't stop here of course as after he moved to Paris he took the world by storm.
His immense success even allowed him to politely turn down an offer from Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton to take charge of its fashion label Celine. 

Source: AFP

Here is the whole story and why Martin Grant got involved in Qantas project http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/features/going-like-blazers/story-e6frg8io-1226611494527

Benefits of flying between Australia and Europe with Emirates and Qantas

Photo: Reuters

So what are the benefits of the new alliance between Qantas and Emirates other than a new stopover point in Dubai. Here is the summary.

 

 

 

 

 

• Extra luggage - previous international limit of 20kg in economy when flying with Qantas is now 30kg on international flights (except the Americas)
• Extra care - if long wait in Dubai fear no more. Qantas has introduced stopover service in Dubai which means accommodations and meals. Premium economy and economy passengers get the service if the connection time is between eight and 24 hours. First and business-class passengers get the service for stopovers between six and 24 hours.
• Extra points -  Qantas frequent flyer and Emirates Skywards members will earn points on planes in the network.
• Extra luxury -  if travelling first or business class you get a chauffeured hire car service to and from the airport

Advertisement

For more details: http://www.theage.com.au/travel/travel-news/everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-new-alliance-20130329-2gyxa.html#ixzz2QZjJSeKj

Best wine regions in Australia & New Zealand. Another great reason to travel to the Land Down Under...

Outstanding produce and culinary delights | food&wine experience in Australia

Source: Trip Advisor

Whatever the event, Australia can deliver outstanding food and wine experiences tailored to the cultural origin and food preferences of any client.

Australia has a rich food heritage that embraces influences from every part of the world. We offer fresh seasonal produce brought from paddock to plate by accomplished chefs, producers and makers. Australia is passionate about its
food and wine.

Devotees of food and wine will find New Zealand to be a gourmet heaven, with plentiful fine restaurants and cafes, tasting trails and vineyard venues set in stunning natural surroundings. New Zealand’s distinctive, cool-climate white wines, notably Sauvignon blanc, are acclaimed worldwide. The country is also fast developing a reputation for its red wines, especially Pinot Noir.


If you are after an ultimate food and wine experience in Australia or New Zealand let your DMC for Australia & New Zealand know. We will be happy to take your incentive groups to unique places in Australia and New Zealand and share our gorgoues produce and heavenly wines.  

For more information contact your incentive travel specialist and DMC for Australia and New Zealand today.

Why travel to Western Australia? Here is the answer...

Here are some more reasons why to choose Australia for your next incentive travel project over other destinations...

Spinifex, Karijini National Park | North Western Australia

Another reason to go to Australia | Ocean River, Montgomery Reef - Kimberly Coast, Australia

4-tiered waterfal | Mitchell Falls, Kimberley, Western Australia

Stunning. Oxers Lookout in the Karijini National Park, Western Australia

Sapphire Stream, Western Australia

Karijini National Park | North Western Australia

 

High above Ningaloo Reef, West Australia - by Sundaysunset.images

Esperance, Western Australia - by Cam Sharpe Photography