August News

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Travelforce Wins Major Travel Award

Last month, Travelforce was honoured with the National Travel Industry Award for "Best Individual Corporate Travel Agency" in Australia. Travelforce executive staff attended the gala dinner along with over 900 other travel professionals. Chairman and CEO of Travelforce, Andrew Ross, said, "Travelforce has reached many milestones in its 32 year history. I think this award tonight is its single greatest achievement." He then went on to praise his staff, citing their wealth of knowledge and expertise as the driving factor in the company's success.

Photo - From left to right:Wayne Swaysland, Michael Gunn, Michael Schischka, Mary-Lou Ross, Michelle Orme, Andrew Ross, Nicole Jack, Geoff Currie. Sitting: Susan Olding, Karen Verity.

Ascent Client Management System

Each month we will answer the most Frequently Asked Questions about the revolutionary Ascent Client Management System. This month looks at TravelAnalysis - the interactive, comprehensive travel management reporting solution.

FAQ - Travel Analysis

How do I see a snapshot of my company's travel expenditure (including transactions fees)? The first page of TravelAnalysis defaults to the Executive Overview. You can select the date range and get summary information on all areas of your travel expenditure. If you then require more detail, you can drill-down to the next level of data.

I think my travelers are booking out of policy - can TravelAnalysis identify non-compliance? Yes, the Air Overview page has a series of dashboards that measure Key Performance Indicators including Out of Policy. Click on the dashboard for detailed Out of Policy data.

Can I export TravelAnalysis data to excel? Yes - all drilled-down TravelAnalysis reports are exportable to excel.

How do I drill down to cost centre level? Go to the section within your desired expenditure area titled "expense" e.g. Air expense, Hotel expense. The Expense page has a filtering capability that allows data to be sorted by a range of criteria including cost centres.

Does TravelAnalysis allow me to compare/track Average Ticket Prices? Yes - for high level ATP information, go to the Air Overview page and refer to tables marked "Domestic" and "International". For more detailed ATP information, go to the Air expenses page and use the filters on the left side to obtain the information relevant to your specific need.

For more information about the Ascent Client Management System please visit the Travelforce website -  www.travelforce.com.au or call 1300 36 36 96 and ask for your Client Relationship Executive.

Changes to Customs Checks in Beijing

In the lead up to the Olympics and during the Olympic and Paralympic period (20^th July - 20^th September 2008) a 'Special Customs Check' will be implemented by airport authority at the entrances of T1 - T3 at Beijing Airport. During this period all passengers and airline staff will be required to go through this customs check. In order to minimise delays, passengers should check in as early as possible. The following airports in China will also be affected by the 'Special Customs Check': Shanghai (PVG), Tianjin (TSN), Qingdeo (TAO) and Shenyang (SHE).

Introducing the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation

As of the 12^th January 2009, all Australians will be required to obtain Electronic Travel Authorisation prior to entering the US aboard an air or sea carrier. From August 1^st 2008, the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) will be accessible for citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries (including Australia) to apply for advance authorisation to travel to the US. After logging onto the ESTA website (http://esta.cbp.dhs.gov) and answering some basic questions, you will receive a response to your application within 72 hours, although it￿s usually within a few seconds. The authorisation is then valid for two years or until your passport expires - whatever happens first - and allows for multiple trips to the US.

2009 Silver Sailings Savings

For a limited time only, enjoy savings of up to 50% on a variety of worldwide voyages. Past guests of Silversea save an additional 5% - 10% on special Venetian Society sailings. With a wide selection of 7 - 16 day itineraries to choose from, there has never been a better time to experience the all-inclusive luxury of Silversea.

Click here to view Silversea savings.

For further information please call William on 1300 36 36 96

Christmas Extravaganza

Delight your family with a traditional London Christmas staying at the Mandarin Hyde Park Hotel. Experience the time honoured Carols by Candle Light at the Royal Albert Hall, visit Santa at Harrods and ice skate on London's largest outdoor ice skating rink at the magical winter wonderland in Hyde Park. These activities and more are included in the "Christmas Extravaganza" priced from GBP 2525.00

For further information please call Ruth on 1300 36 36 96.

Magic Mauritius

For an enchanting, uplifting holiday visit Mauritius, where past and present harmoniously blend together. On sale until 30^th Sept, your Mauritius holiday will include 6 nights twin share accommodation at a leading hotel, return airfares, private car transfers, breakfast and dinner daily and select water and land activities. Mauritius offers a captivating beauty, with guests compelled to visit time and time again. Experience the magic yourself!

For further information please call Julia on 1300 36 36 96.

2009 Early Bird Savings!

When you book any 2009 Avalon Waterways Cruise before 30^th September 2008 you will save $450! Choose from 36 cruises, ranging from 8 - 23 days, through out Europe, Egypt, China and the Galapagos Islands. With the newest ships on the Waterways, Avalon offers the intimacy of small ship cruising, luxury amenities, the highest standard of service and superb dining and entertainment.

For more information on Avalon 2009 River cruising and how to take advantage of even bigger savings please call Ruth on 1300 36 36 96.

WICKED the Broadway Musical

Hailed by the New York Times as "Broadway's biggest blockbuster", Wicked has now opened at Melbourne's Regent Theatre. QANTAS holidays are offering accommodation packages including 1 night at a participating hotel of your choice and 'A' reserve tickets to WICKED the Broadway Musical. Book your tickets to discover the untold story of the witches of Oz!

For pricing and further information please call Olivia on 1300 36 36 96.

Tennis Time!
The Hyundai Hopman Cup, played in Perth from the 3^rd - 9^th January 2009, is the International Tennis Federation's official mixed team competition, attracting some of the world's leading players. Tennis enthusiasts will be captivated by the electricity and excitement of the tournament and can enjoy either a 3 or 8 night travel package including 'A' reserve seating, official merchandise and a souvenir program.

For hotel and pricing information please call Olivia on 1300 36 36 96.

Employee of the Month - July 2008

July saw three of our employees receive accolades for their efforts. Gavin, Ruth and Michael all displayed their commitment to the Travelforce core values - respect, integrity and professionalism. Congratulations to Gavin, Ruth and Michael!
From Left to Right: Gavin Jackson, Ruth Sucgang, Michael Gunn.

Virtuoso Escapes

Virtuoso and Travelforce bring you up-to-the-minute and worldly travel options that never compromise on quality - and always include Virtuoso's added value. Click here for the recent edition of Virtuoso Escapes, or call our PrivateTravel Executives for more information - 1300 36 36 96.