New Offerings

Scenic World To Have New Skyway In November

With a million visitors a year, Scenic World in the Blue Mountains is certainly striking the right chords. In an effort to augment the existing tourism potential, Scenic World will introduce a new Skyway, which will be launched in November 2004. The new Skyway will take up to 84 people and land on the upper side of the mountains. Being built in Switzerland, the new Skyway will offer visitors a 'walk in the air' concept. Scenic World is very unique for the fact that it is World Heritage listed from November 2000 and also has the oldest trees on earth.

Talking about the Indian scenario, Geoff Bates, director of marketing and operations, Scenic World says, "Though the number of Indian visitors is quite minimal amounting to just a 1.5 per cent of the total visitors, we are very optimistic. For the new Skyway, we are offering an economical family package for AU$ 35, which is for two adults and any amount of children between 3-12 years. We also work with inbound tour operators to provide our Indian visitors customised packages. Facilities such as cooking ones own food are available apart from the three Indian restaurants in Katoomba. Besides, Scenic World is just a two hour drive from Sydney."

Sydney Showboats Get A Makeover

After having successfully launched in the Indian market, Blue Line Cruises is all set to provide its customers a new look and more entertainment in the coming year. Having started the company after 9/11, Blue Line Cruises offers its visitors a 20 per cent price rebate compared to its competitors. Says Sudhir Warrier, CEO, Blue Line Cruises Ltd, "The showboats are an old concept which we have reintroduced into the market with panache. They are huge boats with a flat bottom. Though India accounts for just two percent of our total business and just four percent in turnover, we are seriously looking at this potential market in future. To cater to Indians, we offer Indian food on board through an Indian restaurant called Zaffran. However, we do have a fair bit of interest from Indian clientele as it is a new concept to explore with varied options."

Adding further, Warrier says, to enhance our customer experience we are undergoing a total makeover, wherein we will reduce the number of seats by almost 20 per cent. This will provide our customers more space and comfort. Of the current total of 340 we will reduce it to 262. The boats will also be externally lit up to provide a stunning evening view against the Sydney Harbour Bridge. New shows will be introduced in early September, which will be more contemporary and sophisticated."

Luna Park Reintroduced

After having been shut for 20 years, the famous Luna Park situated on Sydney Harbour has been reopened. The park is a mix of the old world charm blending in with modernity, wherein the redevelopment took seven years. So what makes it special? Asserts Brian Harris, GM - sales and entertainment, Luna Park Sydney Pty Ltd, "Being a heritage listed site, we offer 17 different rides, which provide a mix of nostalgia with modern facilities. Having recently commenced services, everything is mechanical and cater to the new generation. Besides, we have the Coney Islands, which is the last art and amusement left in the world. We also have a locational advantage and caters very well to the incentive group for both current and future businesses. The convention centre has a capacity of 2,950 people and a fine dining restaurant.” This makes it an ideal stopover for corporate houses looking at conducting business cum leisure events.

Elaborating on the Indian market, he adds, "We cater for Indian food as we have a lot of Indian weddings held out here. We also have a special Indian menu. The packages on offer for Indians include special food and ride packages as well as group rates, which are economically priced."