| | | | | | | |  | | TOURISM AUSTRALIA UPDATE | | As we head into an extended lockdown in Greater Sydney, my thoughts are with all those affected. I know these latest restrictions and subsequent lost bookings are hurting operators across the country. Following the National Cabinet Meeting last Friday, the Prime Minister of Australia provided a few updates, including details on the progress for the ‘pathway out of COVID-19’ which will be finalised in coming weeks. There was also an update on the decision to reduce international passenger arrival caps, however the Commonwealth has increased the number of facilitated commercial flights into Darwin for quarantine at the Howard Springs facility. It was also agreed that South Australia will commence the first trial of home quarantine arrangements for returning travellers who are fully vaccinated, which is really positive news for our sector. Read the full statement from the 9 July National Cabinet meeting here. As we look to the future and eventual reopening of international travel, this week our Minister for Tourism, the Hon. Dan Tehan MP is also meeting with some of Australia’s key tourism partners during his overseas visit to Japan, Singapore, and the United States of America. Last Friday on our webinar, we had Former Federal Minister for Tourism, the Hon. Martin Ferguson AM, talking about the future of the industry and the work of the Reimagining the Visitor Economy Expert Panel. It was a great discussion, and I would encourage you to watch the replay here. Phillipa Harrison |
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| | | | Tourism Australia Activity |
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| |  | | Content initiatives to support bushfire recovery in Continental Europe | | Tourism Australia recently ran a series of major content initiatives in Germany, Italy and France with a focus on bushfire recovery and wildlife preservation efforts. In Germany, the online travel pages of travelbook.de featured two articles on Australia's unique wildlife including information about how visiting a sanctuary or wildlife conservation park helps bushfire affected areas. In France, Tourism Australia partnered with major news media outlet, Le Monde online, with a dedicated article as well as three Lonely Planet articles on bushfire recovery. In Italy, Tourism Australia partnered with DOVE, the most influential travel magazine in the country, in an online and print content initiative. The initiative included a print article on nature and wildlife regrowth after the 2019-20 bushfires as well as two online articles. |
|  | | New Aussie Specialist webinar series kicks off in Japan | | Tourism Australia in Japan recently kicked off a new virtual webinar series, Virtual Hotel Inspections, as part of the Aussie Specialist Program. Using live streaming, for half an hour hotel representatives take participants on a virtual tour around the property and showcase features including the lobby, guest rooms, swimming pool and other common areas. In cooperation with Tourism and Events Queensland, three hotels have participated so far including the Flynn in Cairns, QT Gold Coast and Tangalooma Island Resort on Moreton Island. More than 200 Aussie Specialists have been able to connect with the properties and feedback has been very positive. South Australia and New South Wales will be featured next, with other states and territories to follow before the end of the year. |
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| | | | | | | | |  | | UNWTO Global Survey of Climate Action | | The United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) is inviting tourism industry members to participate in the Global Survey of Climate Action in Tourism. The survey seeks to identify frontrunning initiatives and opportunities from public and private stakeholders from around the world to accelerate climate action in tourism. The deadline is 15 July 2021 and should take between 10 to 20 minutes to complete. Take the survey here. |
|  | | Black Summer bushfire recovery grants | | From 22 July 2021, community organisations, businesses and local councils can apply for grants from the $280 million Black Summer Bushfire Recovery Grants program. The program aims to help communities address priorities for recovery and resilience after the 2019-20 bushfires. Part of the National Bushfire Recovery Fund, the grants are additional to support already provided through a range of bushfire recovery programs. The grant covers every Local Government Area that was declared a disaster due to the 2019-20 bushfires and applications close on 2 September 2021. Read more here. |
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| | | | |  | | Condo SkyFest celebrating local Aboriginal culture this September | | In the heart of Wiradjuri Country in New South Wales, the small town of Condobolin is preparing for its biggest annual event, Condo Skyfest: Miima Warrabinya (Reaching for the Stars) from 3 to 5 September 2021. This free immersive celebration of Wiradjuri heritage is a must for anyone with an interest in learning more about ancient night skies and celebrating Aboriginal culture. It features special sky-dances, live music, boomerang throwing, a parade of illuminated sky-lanterns, workshops on the Wiradjrui language, Indigenous art exhibitions and food, and stargazing with professional astronomers. For more information on the program visit the website here. |
|  | | Crystalbrook Vincent opens in the heart of Brisbane’s Howard Smith Wharves | | Sustainably led hospitality company, Crystalbrook Collection, has launched Crystalbrook Vincent in the heart of Brisbane’s Howard Smith Wharves. Carved into a soaring cliff face below Brisbane’s historic Story Bridge, the five-star hotel offers an extravaganza of dynamic designs, sustainable amenities, unexpected entertainment, events and dining experiences. Formerly known as The Fantauzzo, the newest addition to the Crystalbrook family takes the first name of the namesake artist – Vincent Fantauzzo. It is the collection's seventh property to open in three years and the acquisition makes the group Australia’s largest independent five-star portfolio of hotels and resorts. To make a booking visit the website here. |
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| | |  | | Gippsland the sole Victorian host of 100th Year of the Archibald Prize | | Gippsland Art Gallery in Sale has been named by the Art Gallery of NSW as the sole Victorian host venue for the 2021 Archibald Prize Regional Tour. The Gallery will be the first regional location to host the prestigious prize for portraiture, celebrating its centenary year, from 8 October to 21 November 2021. The Archibald Prize, first awarded in 1921, is the country’s favourite art award, and one of its most prestigious. The Archibald is the perfect opportunity to plan a trip to the Gippsland region this year. To get the latest updates about the exhibition including when tickets become available, join the Gippsland Art Gallery e-news list here. |
|  | | New Samphire Rottnest Trail Retreat in WA | | The Hike Collective, a Perth-based tour company offering locals and visitors guided tours of some of Perth's best hiking trails, has launched the Samphire Rottnest Trail Retreat. The three-day, two-night experience offers the opportunity to encounter the attractions that make Rottnest Island such an iconic West Australian destination. The retreat includes two nights’ accommodation at the Samphire Rottnest boutique lodge, gourmet lunches, bespoke dining experiences, an evening cocktail masterclass, and a long table banquet at the resort's signature restaurant, Lontara. The tour forms part of the Hike Collective's Signature Trail Retreat Collection. The three-day experience starts from $1,195, departing on 29 August and 19 September. Bookings can be made on the website here. |
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