For the first time Flight Centre Group Travel (Flight Centre’s group travel specialist) will exhibit at the 18th Asia Pacific Incentives and meetings expo aka AIME.  We are very excited by this opportunity and welcome you all to come visit us on Tuesday 2nd and Wednesday 3rd of March 2010. Make sure you write our stand number 1507 on the back of your hand so you can find us.

What a great opportunity to meet us and learn how we can organising your next conference, business event or incentive easy. Book in for a meeting and walk the show at AIME and kill two birds (not literally speaking, we are all pro animals here).

Contact us on 1300 301 900 or via our enquiry page to make an appointment or just for a group travel chat.

Looking forward to seeing you at AIME!

Seating 8 people, this quirky vehicle must be seen to be believed! Part bike, part limo this vehicle is perfect for private functions, product launches and photo shoots and likely to be the most talked about item at your event in 2010.

Talk to us about including this unique experience in your next conference or group travel programme.

Looking for something a little more special for annual event, sales conference or team getaway? Crown Lager has introduced the opportunity to create customised Crown Lager labels.

Leverage from your corporate event branding by labeling the bottles with a specific message, motto or statement. (You might even find a few delegates pocket a few empties as a memento).

Talk to us about including personalised Crown Larger bottles at your next event or simply visit the Crown Lager website, enter your desired message, select the number of cases required and within six weeks guests at your event will be drinking their own customised bottles of Crown to mark the occasion. It’s that simple.

• Day Delegate Package from Sofitel Gold Coast Broadbeach
• 2 night conferencing deal from The Byron at Byron
• 4 night package at Le Meridien Noumea

You won’t find these specials anywhere else! Contact us today or call on 1300 301 900 to find out more and to book in these fabulous offers.

Sofitel Gold Coast Broadbeach

Exclusive Conference Delegate Day Package
$65.00 per person
Valid until 30th June 2010
Ask us more about conference specials.(Terms and conditions apply)

The Byron at Byron Resort

2 Night Conference (based on single occupancy)
Sunday-Thursday $290 per king room
Friday and Saturday $360.00 per king room
Plus receive one of the following:
- Degustation dinner with matching wines
- 1 x Relaxation Massage
- 1 x BBQ Buffet Dinner with a 2-3 hour beverage package
- 1/2 Day Conference Delegate Package per day
Ask us about this and the 3 night conference special. (Terms and conditions apply)

Le Meridien Noumea

Fantastic 4 night package at Le Meridien includes:
- Flights and current taxes with Air Caledonie
- Accommodation twin share with breakfast
- 1 x Day conference
- 1 x Dinner with 2 hour beverage package
- Bonus: Complimentary theme decor (backdrops)
- Extra bonus: Complimentary room allocation with up to 2 rooms for every 20 booked
Cost: $1489 ex MEL

Ask us about this and the 4 night special. (Terms and conditions apply)

We know most of you have worked yourself to the bone this year, working non-stop until now. So we give you permission to enjoy yourself on your break and RELAX. We look forward to working with you in the new year on all your group travel needs!

Catch a falling star this xmas and know all your dreams will come true!

Merry Christmas everyone.

The Group Travel Specialists

Melbourne Airport’s Executive General Manager Corporate Development Damian Tkalec said “Macau is a vibrant destination and a key gateway to China - our number one long haul market. These services will also connect with Viva Macau’s growing global network, including Japan, Vietnam and Indonesia”.

“These new services will benefit Victorians who will be able to take advantage of more travel options and great prices. In addition these new services will bring in even more people to Victoria which is great news for tourism and our economy” he said. “Viva Macau’s decision highlights the strength of the Melbourne market and the airport’s partnership approach with Victorian Government and City of Melbourne in bringing more direct flights to our State.”

This announcement comes shortly before the opening of the first stage of Melbourne Airport’s international terminal expansion. When complete, the size of the international terminal will have doubled, catering for Victoria’s aviation capacity well into the future.

The Melbourne market is growing strongly, largely attributed to our airlines’ commitment to the state. The last year has seen the introduction of daily Singapore A380 services, Qantas A380 services to Los Angeles, Etihad commencing Melbourne daily services, and increased capacity to/from Melbourne from a number of other airlines including Air China, Air Asia X, China Eastern, Emirates, Pacific Blue, Vietnam Airlines, Philippine Airlines and Garuda Airways.

Media release from Melbourne Airport Thursday 22 October 2009

Join this exclusive tour escorted by Ross McKinnon A.M. curator in Charge of the Brisbane Botanic Gardens on a Botanical Romp through Chile, Brazil and Argentina- visiting South American’s Leading Gardens, Nurseries and Historic homes and sites.

Ross McKinnon is well known for his extensive knowledge in the world of gardening. Ross has been featured in the written word, radio and television appearances. Ross has escorted many Garden Tours with the Group Travel Specialists. This year he returns to South America for an encore including Carnival!

The tour highlights are many, join and you will find yourself in Parati, an ancient Portugese Town whose streets are washed with the incoming Tide….Plus experience the World’s Largest and most Famous Carnival in Rio – De-Janerio, the most exciting city on Earth!

Don’t miss out on this fully escorted tour, 19 days of touring including return airfares from Melbourne,Sydney, Brisbane and current taxes * for only $10,699.00 per person Twin Share. This tour is also available for purchase from from anywhere in the world, join us in Santigo, price on application.

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Download package application here

Hold on to your hats, planning your next conference just became a breeze.
Have you ever considered Mauritius as your next conference destination? After returning from 5 nights exploring and experiencing all the Beachcomber Hotels in Mauritius, I can confidently recommend the Beachcomber Hotels and the destination for your next Conference or Incentive Group.

There were so many highlights from the trip. The beauty of Mauritius is mind blowing. We’ll get to the fun bits…but first the serious components of conferencing.

Beachcomber hotels offer conference and incentive groups a great solution to match your budget. Beachcomber Hotels have 8 properties in Mauritius, there is something for everyone. From high end incentive to a conference with no hidden costs, there is a Beachcomber property for your group.

Shandrani has an all inclusive conference package! No hidden costs. Themed dinners, rooms, meals, conference package, activities and even beverages are included. Activities included range from water skiing, windsurfing, sailing, tennis, gym, and the list goes on and on. Just 20 minutes from the airport your delegates won’t waste any time in transport before they reach the pale sand beach and the beautiful blue sea.

Paradis Hotel and Golf Club must be given your consideration. The Beachcomber resort offers you so many possibilities. The beach - stunning, the golf course had me taking lessons, the food is to die for, and the rooms are beautiful.

Le Victoria is a very popular choice for the Australian market - excellent location, not too far from Grand-Baie or Port Louis the capital. Beachcomber Hotels have the best locations in Mauritius so the beach and location are simply stunning.
Now for the fun; my highlights

Swim with the Dolphins - your group can experience swimming with the dolphins. This was the best experience I’ve ever had. We swam with them, not the other way around. Imagine floating in the water with 30 dolphins under you… that was me; however they were a little faster!

Fly through the air on an amazing Zip line experience. This is a great team building option. There are 11 zip lines cables over 2 km. Experience the property of Saint Felix, with view of the sugar cane fields, waterfalls. I’m petrified of heights but with the encouragement of the leaders and my group I DID IT! And lived to tell about it too!

Contact me to find out which Beachcomber hotel in Mauritius will best match your group’s requirements. A Mauritius experience will not only be remembered by your delegates but bragged about to their family, friends, colleagues and even clients!

Vanessa

Group Travel Specialist

Recently, I was  fortunate enough to be invited on a familiarisation trip to Club Med, Bintan Island - hosted by Club Med, Singapore Airlines and Fusion Marketing. Bintan Island is in Indonesia, but located only a 1hr ferry ride from Singapore.

If you haven’t experienced a Club Med holiday or conference, then I highly recommend you look into one of the many properties throughout Asia, Europe,  the Indian Ocean or the Japanese Ski fields for your next destination. The properties rang from 3 Trident to 5 Trident (the equivalent of a star rating), and can accommodate any budget.

In terms of conference and incentive agendas, Club Med can offer it all. Rates include all meals, beverages activities, conference rooms and AV hire. Want team building? Club Med has their famous Circus school, where your delegates can try their hand at the trapeze.

Club Med Bintan has 2 restaurants and 4 bars so there is always somewhere new to try. The resort is located 2 minutes from Ria Bintan Golf Course which was recently named #1 Golf Course in Asia - a great option for an off-site activity for any conference or incentive group.

So if you’re stuck for ideas for your next conference, why not ask us to create a programme to a Club Med property? We can discuss your requirements and source the most appropriate property to meet your business agenda and budget.

Andrew
Group Travel Specialist

A Grand Meetings Package exclusive to Group Travel Specialist

The MGM Grand Hotel has put together an impressive package to indulge your delegates without going overboard or over budget. Available as single or double occupancy from Sunday to Thursday until 31st December 2009, this package is not available from anyone else.

Package includes:

• Two nights staying in a Grand Room from Sunday – Thursday

• Daily buffet breakfast to be served in Rossio Restaurant*

• Two full day conference*

• The use of a meeting room from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm

• Two coffee & tea breaks with 3 choices of snacks per break

• An executive luncheon (choice of Chinese or Western set luncheon)

• Complimentary use of podium with microphone, build in LCD projector with screen in main meeting room

• Complimentary meeting stationery including one white board, flip chart, markers and office supplies

*Applicable for two persons when book “Double Occupancy” package

Added Benefits:

• One complimentary room upgrade to their Grand Studio for the event organiser / leader

• For any groups with more than 30 rooms, the hotel will offer one complimentary room up grade to their Grand Studio for every 20 materialised rooms

Single Occupancy - AUD $685 per person

Double Occupancy - AUD $945 per person

(Based on exchange rate as at Friday 08/05/09)

Terms and conditions apply. Please contact us with your enquiry and dates of travel so we can put together a proposal.

Should any questions on the above offer please call 1300 301 999.

About the MGM Grand Hotel Macau

MGM Grand Hotel Macau is the legendary setting that indulges all its guests in the glamour of royal retreat. Conveniently set with in easy reach to most of the prominent places of the city, MGM Grand hotel is the most favorable accommodation options in Macau.

Location of the MGM Grand Hotel Macau

The location of MGM Grand Hotel Macau is very convenient for all type of travelers as it exists in the center of the city. It is located just 70 miles away from the Hong Kong. The unique structure of this hotel is located on a prime water front. The whole location of the hotel is quite strategic as it is set amidst quite contemporary surrounding.

Rooms at the MGM Grand Hotel Macau

Altogether, there are 600 guestrooms within the beautifully designed 28 floors tower of MGM Grand Hotel Macau. Most of the guest rooms feature private balconies, offering panoramic vistas of the Sea or the glittering city. The hotel is designed in such a manner that its glimmering building reflects the South China.

Hotel Facilities at the MGM Grand Hotel Macau

The hotel facilities availed to the guests at MGM Grand Hotel Macau is of ultimate kind that gives utmost satisfaction to all its guests. There are altogether nine restaurants at the hotel that deals in various varieties of different countries. At these food outlets the guests are offered with the most memorable dining experience with its different servings amidst warm and elegant ambience. For the well-being and fitness of its guests the hotel offers the facilities of personalized spa. This property also features a 1,500-seat theater, a 5,500-square foot nightclub, 13,500 square feet of meeting and convertible convention space including 1,000 square foot ballroom, a 25,000-square-foot luxurious spa. The guests also have 24-hour business facilities that are given special attention by a multilingual team of the hotel.

Some of the other facilities like laundry, concierge, security, and safe are also provided to the guests at this hotel.