Tourism Australia and Industrial Bank attract high value Chinese

Tourism Australia signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Industrial Bank, one of China’s largest banking groups, last week. A program focusing on Signature Experiences of Australia targeting Industrial Bank private banking clients has been launched as part of the MOU. The program provides exclusive travel solutions to Chinese high value travellers (HVT) to Australia through customised itineraries and special offers for airfares and hotels. A diverse range of travel options are included in the program designed to fit individual traveller requirements and preferences.

Working holiday visa expansion

Australia’s Working Holiday Maker (WHM) visa program was expanded this week. The changes will have benefits for farmers and regional communities, while fostering closer ties with dozens of countries. Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Simon Birmingham said working holiday makers were vital to Australia’s tourism industry.

Penny Fowler joins Tourism Australia Board

Penny Fowler has been appointed to the Tourism Australia Board of Directors. Mrs Fowler is Chairman of the Herald and Weekly Times in Melbourne, Deputy Chair of The Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria and is on the Advisory Board of Visy and brings extensive consumer marketing experience to the role. “Mrs Fowler brings a wealth of experience with her and I trust will make an invaluable contribution to ensuring Australia continues to be a highly desirable destination for international travellers,” Minister for Tourism Simon Birmingham said.

Educating Signature travel advisors on Australian experiences

More than 1,000 travel advisors learned about Australian experiences at a series of six educational forums hosted by Signature Travel Network last month. The forums were held in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Philadelphia, Chicago, Ft. Lauderdale and Scottsdale. Tourism Australia presented to Signature members during the breakfast sessions and networked with travel advisors and agency owners as a preferred partner at the events.

Tourism Australia hosts tourism industry in France

Last week over 50 tour operators, airlines, destination management companies, Australian operators, embassy and State & Territory tourism organisations were hosted by Tourism Australia at an industry meeting in Paris. Eva Seller, Tourism Australia’s Continental Europe Regional General Manager shared Tourism Australia's strategic approach for 2019-2020, the latest tourism developments and thanked the industry partners for their involvement in the annual event.

TA and Air NZ promote Australia's premium experiences

Tourism Australia and Air New Zealand hosted 16 luxury travel advisors in Boston last week. The dinner provided an opportunity for the advisors to refresh their knowledge of Australia and learn more about premium offerings available to their high-end clientele. The event received great feedback with strong, positive sentiment towards Australia amongst advisors in the region.

Reaching the US LGBTQ+ Market

Tourism Australia and Destination NSW jointly participated at Proud Experiences in New York City last month. The event focuses on creating opportunities for destinations and travel businesses targeting the LGBTQ+ market. Over 40 meetings were held with highly-vetted travel advisors, educating them on what's new in Australia, Signature Experiences, and key events such as the Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras. A high percentage of LGBTQ+ Americans own passports (82%) and globally, LGBTQ+ travellers have a significant annual travel spend.

New Discover Aboriginal Experiences promotional video

Signature Experiences of Australia collective - Discover Aboriginal Experiences launched a new promotional video by world renowned photographer James Fisher. The video showcases the diversity of Aboriginal tourism experiences available through Australia that would suit adventure seekers, cultural enthusiasts, foodies and nature lovers. The video is available via the Tourism Australia Video Gallery.

Two-in-one: Peninsula Kingswood Country Golf Club officially opens, VIC

Following a six-year redevelopment, Kingswood Golf Club and Peninsula Country Golf Club have officially re-opened as the Peninsula Kingswood Country Golf Club. The newest member of the Great Golf Courses of Australia collective, the 144-hectare site has two striking new 18-hole golf courses and an exquisite new clubhouse. Club facilities include a restaurant, a 25-metre heated swimming pool, gymnasium, tennis court, bowling green, and luxury in-house and remote guest accommodation. The Peninsular Kingswood Country Golf Club is located in Frankston, Victoria, under an hour’s drive from Melbourne CBD.

The wait is over, Hayman Island by InterContinental is now open, QLD

Following a $136 million refurbishment, Hayman Island by InterContinental has officially opened at the northern most point in the magnificent Whitsunday Islands in Queensland. With three distinct wings of rooms, suites and villas which hug the pristine coastline of the island, the 166-room property offers instant immersion into ‘island life’ for guests as they arrive via luxury catamaran, helicopter or seaplane. The refurbishment also includes five new restaurants and bars, an extensive range of island activities and sensory spa experiences.

One&Only Wolgan Valley launches The Winter Culinary Festival, NSW

From June to August, Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley, will host a series of incredible culinary experiences curated by Executive Chef Nancy Kinchela. In collaboration with some of Australia’s leading chefs, tastemakers and winemakers, each gourmet experience will celebrate the very best of seasonal, regional and organic produce, sourced from local boutique farms, private growers and vintners. Located a three-hour drive from Sydney CBD, all-inclusive packages to One&Only Wolgan Valley Culinary Winter series are available now.

Pt. Leo Estate brings new luxury experiences to Mornington Peninsula, VIC

Guests can look forward to world-class dining, outstanding wine and evolving landscapes with the launch of a new series of signature experiences from Pt Leo Estate winery. What has always been a fantastic day trip destination, Pt. Leo Estate has now partnered with RACV Cape Schanck Resort to offer guests a new luxury overnight experience. Inviting guests to leave the car behind, the new wine, dine and stay experience is one of three different package options, including Pt. Leo Restaurant Wine & Art Experience, Laura Wine & Art Experience, and A Taste of the Peninsula. Pt Leo Estate is located in Frankston, just over one hour’s drive from Melbourne, Victoria.

Dreamtime 2019

Seller applications are open until Friday 5 July for Dreamtime 2019, Tourism Australia’s signature business events showcase held every two years. Hosted in Perth from 1 to 3 December in partnership with the Perth Convention Bureau, the event will provide an opportunity to meet and do business with 120 qualified international business events decision makers and international trade media from ten key markets. The program includes a full-day of face-to-face pre-scheduled appointments as well as networking events. Survey results from Dreamtime 2017 held in Brisbane found that 100% of buyers and 99% of sellers were satisfied with the program.

Australia Marketplace China 2019

Seller applications are open until Tuesday 16 July for Australia Marketplace China 2019 , formerly known as the Greater China Travel Mission (GCTM). The event will be held in Chengdu from 11 to 15 November and includes pre-scheduled appointments between buyers and sellers, and opportunities to network at the official event functions. Australia Marketplace China is an opportunity for the Australian tourism industry to establish business relationships with key qualified travel agencies and tour operators from China, Hong Kong and Taiwan. AMC19 will be followed by the Australia Premium Showcase China for which applications will be by invitation only. Survey results from GCTM 2017 held in Guangzhou found that 100% of buyers and sellers were satisfied with the program. 

Registration is open for the 2019 WA Regional Tourism Conference from 16 to 18 September in Karratha.

Queensland have launched new WeChat  ‘CityExperience Mini Program’ to provide a platform to showcase key attractions to Chinese visitors.

To support regional communities Qantas has announced a $5 million Regional Grants Program providing funding over five years.

Wine Australia has partnered with ATEC to deliver the ‘Growing Wine Tourism’ program, a wine-specific skills development program for businesses looking to develop their wine tourism products and services for the inbound tourism market.

Study Queensland Talent Program  set to attract more international students following the launch of Australia’s largest ever student career development drive.