Best/least costly way to fly 30-35 PAX from MEL to CNS for an event in Port Douglas

[serfty]

My niece has decided in her wisdom to get married in Port Douglas this October.

As one in the family who is known to travel a lot, my advice has been requested.

I have some thoughts, but in reality, such organization is outside of my experience.

So I am asking for advice and suggestions in relation to flights, accommodation and transfers that I may absorb in order to make this as painless as possible.

 

[docjames]

Re: Best/least costly way to fly 30-35 PAX from MEL to CNS for an event in Port Dougl

Alternative 1. Get a good TA and outsource the problem.

Alternative 2. Contact airlines / hotels and ask them about group rates.

Alternative 3. Attempt bookings yourself, done on a "first in" basis - ie those that confirm first, get preference to dates.

Alternative 4. Reduce "core" party size and book that together, then leave rest to fend for themselves.

You need to have a fairly good idea of number of rooms, travel dates etc if trying to do this yourself and book available airfares rather than taking a group package. Depending on where the wedding / reception is held, most hotels of a decent size usually do this as part of their package.

It would be worth speaking to a few hotels that your niece likes the look of, getting them to email their "wedding" packages to you. Most will include rooms as part of the deal, with rates for guests.


Frankly, i'd be going option 1.

 

[eastwest101]

Re: Best/least costly way to fly 30-35 PAX from MEL to CNS for an event in Port Dougl

Covered well by docjames but my suggestion was that there may be some travel agents that specialize in larger groups and get access to discounts? Sort of like the Conference and Major Events type of travel agents? Would be good to get some sort of bulk discounts on the accomodation as well.

 

[docjames]

Re: Best/least costly way to fly 30-35 PAX from MEL to CNS for an event in Port Dougl

For example, step 1 is to speak to the accomodation/venue chosen:

Port Douglas Weddings | Sea Temple Resort & Spa | Wedding Venue Port Douglas

 

[dfcatch]

Yes - somewhere like the sea temple or Sheraton will have dedicated people who organize weddings / conferences including group room bookings, and are well versed on transfers from CNS for the groups.

They may even be able to liaise directly with the airlines too ..??

Compared with a lot of city hotels, the big ones up here are used to being "destination" resorts.

 

[leemin]

Or, Alternative 5: Get a new niece.

 

[Jeffrey O'Neill]

Re: Best/least costly way to fly 30-35 PAX from MEL to CNS for an event in Port Dougl

Do i detect a potential miles bonanza.

I'm imagining booking QF or Blue holidays for 35 people.

Not sure if blue holidays still tallies points up based on $ spend, but you could earn a decent wack of points :shock:

 

[dfcatch]

Or, Alternative 5: Get a new niece.

Great idea - easy enough.... But you're still stuck with the old one too

 

[Deleted member]

The upside with organising a group is the usual free seats / couple of j seats ...Or does that not happen anymore?
As organiser I would imagine you travel free?


If it doesn't matter if you win or lose.......How come they keep score?

 

[albatross710]

Re: Best/least costly way to fly 30-35 PAX from MEL to CNS for an event in Port Dougl

A good TA might have additional benefits. With a group of 35 there is likely a reasonable amount of

"have to change my travel because"

• my dog got sick
• i have to leave early Sunday morning now
• i have to leave late Sunday now
• we've decided to go up early/late and have a holiday in the tropics
• actually i thought I had to leave early Sunday but i can stay longer now can you change me back

Consider whether you can handle all of the correspondence and payments traffic. 35 people at 2-3 emails each over a few months while you yourself are on the road

Alby

 

[Deleted member]

Option 1 , and then stay out of it


If it doesn't matter if you win or lose.......How come they keep score?

 

[High Horse]

Re: Best/least costly way to fly 30-35 PAX from MEL to CNS for an event in Port Dougl

STOP!! Don't mention the word "Wedding" in your enquiries.....!

Firstly accommodation, email a few of the venues, say you are organising an event, state your requirements and ask them for a best rate, best rate inc breakfast and if they will include FOCs. Back in the day they would provide 1 FOC room night per 15 paid.

Flights, Virgin and Qantas offer deals if there are more than 10 of you on the same flight. I think you can submit these enquiries online.

Transfers can even be done the week before based on final requirements, as the price will never change much.

 

[cove]

Re: Best/least costly way to fly 30-35 PAX from MEL to CNS for an event in Port Dougl

Certainly this is a job for some travel agent and because they are relatives and friends of your niece means zero accolades and more likely stuff as described by Alby. For about 10 years we did sports groups travel thru agents and the BS factor is nicely removed from your wonderful and normal life.
In a group of 35 you could have about 7 to 10 who would be unusual so it would be best to keep out of learning about that side of the family and their friends!

 

[serfty]

All good and fascinating advice ...

... plenty to ponder already, but further advice sought.

Thanks; keep it coming.

 

[Joy6328]

Re: Best/least costly way to fly 30-35 PAX from MEL to CNS for an event in Port Dougl

Hi Serfty!

I used to be a Wedding Co-ordinator... most of the places I worked at did deals for guests travelling to, and staying at the same hotel the wedding was being held in. Including my own wedding on Hayman Island, average Room price there is approx $450+per room, out guests stayed for $290 per night with free transfers to and from the Island and free breakfast.

If you "really" want to get involved, ask your neice for the email of her Wedding Co-ordinator and organise it direct with her, also requesting for included breakfast, discounted parking and Airport transfers. Port Douglas / Cairns Tourism is really hurting at the moment and they "should" pull out all the stops to secure 35 guests.

Don't be afraid to be demanding or cheeky - they will have seen it all before. Do your research and see what the lowest rates are on Wotif.com etc and ask for a rate even lower than that Any decent Hotelier knows that a cheap full room is better than an expensive empty room - especially when the people filling it are happy, (usually) drunk, wedding goers

For what its worth, I had part of my honeymoon at Sea Temple Palm Cove - and it is just gorgeous - it will be a beautiful wedding

Unfortunately I can't help much with the flights... but I would imagine calling a good TA or the Groups section of QF or VA would look after you, especially with your status