Tourism award ‘a win for Whitsundays’

A Whitsunday cruise company says its win at the Australian Tourism Awards is a win for the region.

Fantasea’s Reefworld dive platform took out the award for significant tourism attraction.

General manager Mike Mahoney says it is nice to be recognised by people within the industry but the prize also has commercial benefits.

“It’s just great that we keep the 74 islands brand there in front of both the industry and the consumer,” Mr Mahoney said.

“The Whitsundays is really developing. It’s a very exciting time for us.”

Long weekends on Norfolk Island for New Zealanders

Long weekends in Norfolk Island are now on the itinerary with the announcement weekday flights out of New Zealand are being changed.

From March 29, Air New Zealand’s return Boeing 737 service departs Auckland on Thursdays instead of Wednesdays.

The weekend Sunday return flight remains unchanged.

Air New Zealand’s Jo Kennedy says the move is due to aircraft availability with the introduction of the Northern Summer schedule.

Norfolk Island Tourism general manager Steve McInnes says there are benefits for the sub-tropical island.

“This move opens up the short break market enabling visitors to come across for a long weekend. Plus the early 8.30am departure out of Auckland and a measly 100 minute flying time enables travellers to get almost a full day with us.”

Air New Zealand is still offering free connecting flights to Auckland from Wellington and Christchurch.

For further information on Norfolk Island, please visit Norfolk Island, an exotic island paradise at :
http://www.exotic-australia.com/Norfolk_Island_-_a_getaway_paradise.html