welcome to our E-newsletter.

LTM can help!!

Did you know a range of LTM product can cater to your group or C&I event? Be sure to drop us a line and see how we can help... Here are a few suggestions to get you underway

Reefwatch Air Tours: 19 seat Dornier Aircraft can fly your group 1000ft above the world heritage listed Daintree Rainforest and Great Barrier Reef for a birds-eye view of these two stunning areas. See it like you’ve never seen it before!

Blazing Saddles: Horse ride through lush green rainforest, or get the adrenalin pumping as you race an ATV across dry savannah landscapes. Of course you’ll need some fair dinkum tucker to sustain you so be sure to tuck in to the Aussie Bush BBQ Lunch in the farm’s main shed. Enjoy some Billy Tea with the Blazing Saddles team and take in the sheep dog show, milk a cow or catch some whip cracking! Smaller groups (max 6) can experience the Outback in Style – a more personalised way to explore the bush. Private transfers, a personal guide horse / ATV riding and a gourmet picnic lunch provide a special day. Experience native Australian fauna, flora and hospitality at this working cattle station west of Kuranda.

Ocean Spirit Cruises: Sailing daily to Natures Pontoon Ocean Spirit Cruises can cater for groups on their 150 seat sailing catamaran to Michaelmas Cay, alternatively, why not sole charter the vessel for an exclusive trip to remember. Ocean Spirit also operates a nightly dinner cruise which is available for sole charter. From a cocktail party to a buffet dinner – Ocean Spirit has the perfect end to the perfect day.

Billy Tea: Explore the unique beauty of the World Heritage listed Daintree Rainforest, Cape tribulation and Bloomfield track from the comfort of a custom built 4WD. Each vehicle seats 13 and comes complete with Naturalist driver/guide – take sole use of 4 vehicles as Billy Tea Bush Safari’s can accommodate groups of up to 52 pax.

Flames of the Forest: Fancy a magical custom designed night of enchantment in the rainforest? Why not let Flames of the Forest tailor an exclusive night of food and entertainment for your C&I group or special event.

Dundees: Ever eaten crocodile? How about buffalo or Emu? Experience the flavours of Australia at Dundee’s Restaurant where fresh, local produce is always the special of the day! With seating capacity for up to 300 including al fresco dining you can enjoy waterfront dining at it’s best on the Cairns Marlin Marina.

For more information on our entire product range just visit www.livingstontm.com.au!

This awesome photo was taken from the HABA vessel, Evolution, in July/August 2007 during one of the most exciting times of the year on The Great Barrier Reef, offshore Port Douglas. HABA’s on-board Marine Biologists were ecstatic and the Underwater Photographers were clicking frantically. . The excitement was contagious!

From late July until September the whales are on their annual migration and HABA have almost daily encounters causing them to stop and allow passengers to be amazed and entertained by their spectacular and playful antics. This particular day was perfect as they usually are that time of year: pristine skies of deep crystal blue and soft wispy white clouds; temps between 22C (71.6F) 25C (77F); relative humidity at 67%.

LTM is pleased to welcome and introduce the new onsite managers at Mandalay and Shalimar apartments Port Douglas.

Under new management, Mandalay & Shalimar Apartments are now pleased to offer a new category to the existing apartment structure with the beautifully renovated “Executive 3 bedroom apartment.” This stunning addition comprises polished timber floors throughout, white leather furniture, luxurious new bathrooms and state of the art kitchens. This sole refurbished room (more are planned to follow after seeing the brilliant results!) is sure to be in high demand with rates starting at just $495/night!

2008 is seriously under way and there is plenty happening.

Marina and Sharee are both off on their respective missions to the UK and North America in the next week or two armed up with some of North Queensland’s best accommodation and tours.

And the domestic sales trips are also up and running.

Our new office in Stuttgart Germany , managed by Gerd Grunewald , has already represented our product range at a series of consumer travel shows in Germany. Gerd recently holidayed with his wife Andrea in Egypt where Andrea had an attack of appendicitis. I’m pleased to report that they are now both home in Stuttgart with a host of new experiences to recount.

Gerd and Andrea will be in Perth for ATE and touring product in North Queensland post ATE.

You will note a sensational shot of whales off Port Douglas last whale migration season in the section of this newsletter devoted to the HABA barrier reef product. HABA is a superior product featuring a state of the art vessel , great crew and many years of experience to draw on. For guests staying in Port Douglas HABA is an ideal choice for that MUST do... ...The Great Barrier Reef.

The summer rains have concentrated their efforts generally south of Cairns so far this wet season. The Cairns region has had it’s fair share of the wet but further south around Mackay /Rockhampton have had extraordinary totals. Can you believe 600mls in a day. That’s 24 inches on the old scale.

Good to see Tourism Australia going into the market to gain tenders from Advertising Agencies for work on branding. hopefully  with successful results. From my standpoint..."Keep It Simple" is probably a good place to start.

ATEC symposium will be held in the Newcastle/Hunter region at the end of April and of course ATE in June in Perth. I’ll be having a birthday at ATE and drinks are welcome!!!!

If you have a comment on this newsletter or on industry issues of any kind. Email us on info@livingstonTM.com.au.

Maybe we will develop a blog on our website to facilitate discussions of industry issues. What do you think????