| | | | | | | |  | | TOURISM AUSTRALIA UPDATE | | As things progressively bounce back, there are some encouraging trends in the latest overseas arrivals data released late last week by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) for February 2023. The new data shows that international visitor arrivals to Australia in February were at 65 per cent of 2019 levels (as we welcomed 600,700 visitors), but perhaps of more interest for our sector is that for the second consecutive month now holiday visitors accounted for the majority of visitors (36%) ahead of visiting friends and relatives (34%) for purpose of visit. This is a consistent trend we are seeing as markets open around the world, and whilst recovery is likely to remain uneven for some time yet across our markets, with China now open we are hoping for a further boost. That is why we have held back the launch in China of our Come and Say G’day campaign until the middle of the year, so that we can really capitalise on the moment leisure travellers return in full. Elsewhere, our campaign continues to gain momentum around the world through our media, public relations, and partnership activities – and by way of example, last week we rolled out of our Qantas partnership in Italy. You can read more about this below. We have also just rolled out a new digital marketing campaign in the United Kingdom, inviting young Brits to Come and Say G’day by taking the ultimate working holiday in Australia. As Australia’s number one international market for Working Holiday Makers, this new campaign leans into the highly desirable Aussie lifestyle that awaits young travellers, encouraging them to see themselves living their dream life Down Under. More young travellers will spend and disperse but will also of course help to alleviate some of the staffing pressures facing the industry right now. Phillipa Harrison | | | |
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| | | | | Tourism Australia ACTIVITY | |
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| |  | | Tourism Australia’s Come and Say G’day campaign takes to the skies with Qantas in Italy | | Tourism Australia and Qantas joined forces to extend a warm and welcoming invitation to Italian travellers as part of the recently launched Come and Say G’day campaign. The partnership in Italy, which runs throughout the month of April includes a range of joint activities including a series of new co-created TVC, digital and social assets designed to inspire travellers to plan and book an Australian adventure. The new co-created TVC sees Tourism Australia’s Brand Ambassador, Ruby, a souvenir kangaroo who is brought to life with computer generated imagery animation, onboard a Qantas aircraft enjoying the warm Australian hospitality offered by Qantas with Ruby speaking in Italian. |
|  | | French Aussie Specialist visit South Australia and Victoria | | Eight Aussie Specialists from different tour operators based in France had the chance to experience Australia with Singapore Airlines recently. The itinerary designed by Visit Victoria and the South Australian Tourism Commission included Melbourne, Wilsons Promontory National Park, Mornington Peninsula and the Great Ocean Road and Adelaide, Kangaroo Island as well as the Fleurieu Peninsula. The itineraries showcased the diversity of products and experiences adapted to the French market to discover the local wildlife, the Indigenous culture, the must-see sites of these two regions, an excellent food and wine offer and much more. Tourism Australia’s Aussie Special Trainer created this video following the trip. |
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| | |  | | Connect to Country Edition 4 released | | The fourth edition of Connect to Country, a digital publication presented by Tourism Australia’s Signature Experiences collective, Discover Aboriginal Experiences, was recently released. The publication includes information about sleeping off-grid and under the stars, how Aboriginal communities have embraced conservation practices for millennia, Indigenous indulgence teaming culture with five-star comfort and the significance of Tourism Australia’s dual naming initiatives. The publication features engaging first person stories, captivating videos and images delivered in an enjoyable format that showcase the diversity of Aboriginal guided experiences and cultures in Australia. |
|  | | Matildas celebrate FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™ with Tourism Australia | | With last week being 100 Days until kick-off for the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023™, on Wednesday evening the UK team co-hosted a reception at the Australian High Commission in London, in partnership with Football Australia. Over 200 guests walked the green and gold carpet as they arrived at Australia House to meet and congratulate the Commbank Matildas, who just the night before had won against England’s Lionesses, ending their 30-game unbeaten run. Guests were also treated to an exclusive preview of the upcoming Disney+ docuseries, The Matildas: The World at our Feet, which will launch on 26th April. |
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| | | | |  | | Wellness Tourism Unearthed in South Australia | | Following the 2022 event in the Adelaide Hills, Wellness Tourism Unearthed is heading to the Fleurieu Peninsula to give operators the opportunity to better understand and tap into Australia’s growing wellness and tourism industry. The event will discuss latest consumer wellness and travel trends, best practice from successful businesses and provide tools to adapt or enhance current offerings. Networking at the event will help foster new collaborations and business opportunities, helping grow this valuable tourism sector in South Australia. Find out more here. |
|  | | International Business & Environment Climate Conference | | The inaugural International Business, Environment and Climate Conference (IBECC) will take place in Cairns from 24 to 26 May 2023 at the Cairns Convention Centre. Attendees will learn from global leaders and presenters as they provide an in-depth analysis into the future of ESG reporting, Scope 3, aligning business outcomes with net-zero commitments, how to drive sustainable business growth, and more. Find out more and register here. |
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| | | | | | | | |  | | Hit the road for a retro-escape at Southern Gippsland’s new motel | | Tarwin Lower in Southern Gippsland is now home to the nostalgia-filled River Drive Motel. An ode to holidays of yesteryear, the five-room self-contained accommodation offers beautifully designed rooms, equipped with all the essentials one needs for an enjoyable stay. Business and life partners Kate Hannaford and Dic Coates have created a carefully considered space with custom designed and in-house built Victorian plantation hardwood furniture and vintage pieces. Coming to life with soothing tones, textures and furnishings that draw inspiration from the eucalyptus surrounds, the Motel is filled rotating artworks from 25 Australian artists. |
|  | | Famed French bistro celebrates 30 years of service | | Fresh off celebrating its 30th birthday, beloved Sydney/Warrane establishment, Bistro Moncur will feature a series of bespoke events. The Celebration of the Bistro Moncur Menu will run for one night on Wednesday 26 April and see four of the venue’s current and former culinary leads unite for a nostalgic four-course dinner with matched wines from the restaurant’s award-winning wine list. Celebrations continue on Thursday 22 June, with Bistro Moncur hosting a French Winter Feast with matching wines. In addition to the events, head chef Tom Deadman will honour Bistro Moncur’s legacy with several new menu items. |
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| | |  | | Southern Ocean Lodge announces reopened date and charitable auction | | Baillie Lodges has announced that Kangaroo Island’s Southern Ocean Lodge will reopen to the wider public on 6 December 2023, over three years after the property tragically burned down in the 2019 bushfires. In line with the relaunch, the luxury-lodge is offering guests the opportunity to bid to stay in the all-inclusive iconic precinct from 5 to 8 December 2023. All proceeds from the auction will go to three Australian community organisations: The Royal Flying Doctor Service, The Maggie Beer Foundation and The KI Country Education Fund. The online auction will remain open until 24 April. |
|  | | Socially conscious Mexican eatery opens in South Eveleigh hub | | Socially conscious hospitality group, Plate It Forward, has launched authentic Mexican eatery, Coyoacn Social in Sydney/Warrane’s South Eveleigh precinct. The venue will offer a range of elevated Mexican street food and signature dishes influenced by Head Chef Roman Cortes’ cultural influences. Under the lead of Plate It Forward Chief Executive Officer, Shaun Christie-David, Coyoacn Social will work with local charities allowing community members to come to a safe space where they can share food, connection and stories, and donate meals to people in need in Mexico. |
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