Chinese opinion leaders promote Australia with TripAdvisor

Four of China’s leading bloggers showcased Tropical North Queensland’s great beach lifestyle, wildlife and food and wine on a visit to the region last month. They posted every day about their experiences on Weibo and Wechat and a “Wechat Moments” ad of their trip drew 31 million video views in a few days. The bloggers will also share their stories at an offline event in August. The trip was organised by Tourism Australia’s China team and TripAdvisor China, who have partnered up to deliver a range of engaging content on Australia for Chinese travellers. This content includes video, social feeds, blog content and guidebook advice.

Applications open for Greater China Travel Mission 2017

As part of the China-Australia Year of Tourism 2017 closing celebrations, Australian tourism sellers are invited to apply to take part in the Greater China Travel Mission 2017  (GCTM17). GCTM17, to be held in Guangzhou from 11 to 14 December, is an opportunity for Australian tourism businesses to meet and network with around 70 key Chinese buyers. The Greater China Premium Travel Showcase – an exclusive program for premium sellers and buyers – will follow GCTM17, from 13 to 15 December. Applications for the premium showcase will open the week commencing 17 July.

Australia’s premium hotels shine in Miami

Tourism Australia joined 12 of Australia's contemporary hotels at Le Miami, a luxury trade show focused on premium accommodation partners. Australia nearly doubled its presence at the show this year, reflecting the country’s growth in creative, design-led lifestyle hotels. Held in Miami in late June, the show was organized by Beyond Luxury Media (Pure, We are Africa), and featured several networking events as well as the Ministry of Ideas Conference Program. For more information on the US premium sector, please contact Dave Evans.

TA joins Lion screening at Film Festival on Rome’s Tiber Island

Italian journalists learnt more about Australia at a screening of the movie Lion at the Isola del Cinema festival on Rome’s historic Tiber Island. Before the film, guests watched a Tourism Australia video with Chris Hemsworth and had the chance to experience Australia through virtual reality headsets. The event, which was organised by the Australian Embassy, also featured a musical performance and a speech by Australian Ambassador to Italy, Dr Greg French.

First Australia promotion with Leclerc Voyages in France

Tourism Australia has teamed up with Asia Voyages to promote Australia through Voyages Leclerc, one of France’s largest travel agency networks. It is the first national Australia promotion for France, and will be promoted through travel agency displays, print media ads and newsletter and online banners. As part of the initiative, 100 travel agents have undergone face-to-face training on Australia, and half of those have since signed up for the Aussie Specialist Program.

Mona proposes new waterfront hotel

Founder of Mona, David Walsh has unveiled intentions for a 172 room, 5-star hotel on the museum’s current site in Berriedale, Tasmania. The proposed HOMO (HOtel at MOna) also includes a new spa treatment centre, public library, outside stage, restaurant and bar, auditorium, conference centre and function and retail spaces.

New luxury fishing experiences in Queensland

Go Fish Queensland is one of Queensland’s newest operators, offering customised recreational fishing getaways across Fraser Island, Stradbroke Island and Moreton Island. Packages can be tailored to include a range of accommodation options, transport, charter boats, guided fishing trips and full food and beverage pantry service.

Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour secured for three more years

NSW Minister for Tourism and Major Events Adam Marshall has announced that the successful Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour will run for another three years, with La Bohème set for the 2018 season from 23 March to 22 April.

New Festival of Sailing for the Whitsundays

Airlie Beach will host 12 yachts along with their skippers, international crews and supporters for the final stop of the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race in January 2018. The festivities will feature events such as a long lunch on the iconic Whitehaven Beach and a community welcome event.

Virgin launches flights from Melbourne to Hong Kong

Sir Richard Branson led a traditional Chinese dragon procession through Melbourne Airport to celebrate Virgin Australia’s first-ever flight from Melbourne to Hong Kong last week. The festivities continued on board with Cantonese lessons and a Hong Kong-inspired menu. In Hong Kong, passengers were greeted with another dragon procession and a welcome reception at the Peninsula Hotel. The Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment, the Hon Steven Ciobo MP and Tourism Australia Managing Director John O’Sullivan were among the first guests on the new route, which will boost capacity by more than 71,000 seats annually.

Ecocity World Summit 2017 arrives in Melbourne

Melbourne has welcomed more than 800 of the world’s leading urban planners, environmental specialists and architects for the Ecocity World Summit from 12 14 July. Former US Vice President Al Gore is headlining the event, which is being held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. Melbourne’s Bolte Bridge, Arts Centre Spire and AAMI Park Stadium all lit up in green light last night in honour of the event.

Sydney has once again been voted the number one city in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific at the 22nd annual Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards.

Virgin Australia has announced a wide-ranging reciprocal frequent flyer agreement with Hong Kong Airlines, Hainan Airlines, Capital Airlines and Tiajnin Airlines.

Great Southern Rail has launched its 2018/19 itineraries, with the programs featuring a new range of ‘Off Train Excursions’.

Tiger Air Australia has rolled out its Fly Carbon Neutral program, which allows passengers to reduce their carbon footprint when they fly.

Remaining tickets for the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games have gone on sale to the general public on a first come, first served basis.

Xiangpeng Aviation Co has filed with Chinese authorities to launch flights from Kunming to Melbourne via Nanjing. The new route is slated to commence in January.

Airbnb has introduced 20 curated food and beverage experiences in Sydney, called Flavours of Home.

The National Gallery of Victoria’s Van Gogh and the Seasons exhibition closes today after welcoming more than 420,000 visitors. It was the most popular ticketed exhibition in the gallery’s 156 year history.