| | | | | | | |  | | TOURISM AUSTRALIA UPDATE | | As we all grapple with the implications for our industry of the emergence of the Omicron variant, we have been reminded yet again that recovery will not be linear. Whilst the initial response in Australia, and around the world, will inevitably impact traveller confidence, once again health and safety considerations need to lead the response whilst the situation is assessed by the experts. The introduction of additional national border security measures has prompted New South Wales, Victoria and the Australian Capital Territory to introduce precautionary steps in relation to quarantine arrangements for overseas arrivals, and other States and Territories have tightened their arrival regulations. We have been here before, but this time there is some comfort in knowing that Australia’s vaccination rate is one of the highest in the world, our vaccines and testing systems are evolved and working well, and the mechanics around opening Australia up to international travel have been well thought through by industry as it continues to engage with the Federal and State Governments. For now, it’s a matter of staying focused on the future, and waiting for the experts to advise the next steps. Last week the Government released a proposed strategy for the visitor economy, THRIVE 2030 (The Re-Imagined Visitor Economy). I strongly encourage you to provide feedback. More information can be found below. Phillipa Harrison | |
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| | | | |  | | Singapore Media Experience Sydney and Melbourne | | Last week Tourism Australia hosted its first international media group familiarisation in almost two years. The nine Singapore journalists landed in Melbourne on the first quarantine-free flight from Singapore to return to Australian shores since the beginning of the pandemic and took part in an itinerary that showcased both Melbourne and Sydney. In partnership with Singapore Airlines, the media familiarisation featured the newest hotel, restaurant and gallery openings in Melbourne, a day trip to the Mornington Peninsula, tickets to Moulin Rouge The Musical, a sail on Sydney Harbour, a behind-the-scenes tour of Sydney Opera House and a number of exceptional dining experiences across Sydney. | | |  | | Register for Tourism Australia’s Industry Webinar | | Tourism Australia’s next industry webinar will be held at 11am AEDT on Friday 10 December. Tourism Australia’s Managing Director, Phillipa Harrison, will take you through the latest thinking and plans for the year ahead. Regional General Manager, Americas, Chris Allison and Derek Baines, Country Manager, Japan will provide country updates and Sally Cope, Regional General Manager United Kingdom will talk through Tourism Australia’s strategy for Working Holiday Makers. Register to attend here. | | |
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| | | | |  | | Japanese consumers enjoy a taste of Australia | | Tourism Australia with Meat & Livestock Australia jointly ran a travel and food event at the famous Osaka Gas Cooking School in Japan last weekend. The event showcased Australian cafe culture, as introduced by Nobu, a World Latte Art Champion who developed his barista career in Melbourne over seven years and currently runs Melbourne-style café ‘Pathfinder xNobu’ in Osaka. The event also introduced Australian influenced recipes using Aussie lamb and beef by chef Azuma, who is one of Meat & Livestock Australia's 'Lambassadors' and also owner chef of MICHELIN-starred modern Chinese restaurant ‘Azuma’ in Osaka. Consumers enjoyed not only learning about travel but also food and drink experiences in Australia through this hybrid event. | | |  | | Tourism Australia attends Signature Travel Network Conference | | Tourism Australia connected with travel advisors at the Signature Travel Network Annual Conference in Las Vegas, last month. The conference attracted more than 1,000 advisors, managers, and agency owners, with 406 advisors attending the event for the first time. Through small group appointments, Tourism Australia taught 150 advisors about the Signature Experiences of Australia and the benefits of the new Aussie Specialist Program. A total of 175 advisors attended Tourism Australia’s presentation on premium product and the progress of Australia’s National Plan for Reopening. Many advisors also sought more information on Australia by visiting the Tourism Australia booth. Signature Travel Network includes 210 member agencies in the United States and 70 international agencies, which generate more than $11 billion in annual travel sales. | | |
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| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |  | | Mona Announces Immersive Dining and Culture Experience, High Tea for Two | | Hobart’s revered private museum, Mona, has announced a new dining experience that combines a sumptuous high tea with an immersive art showcase. Curated by contemporary American artist Kirsha Kaechele, High Tea for Two will bring the secluded Ladies Lounge gallery to life with artworks from Mona’s collection and Kirsha’s own family heirlooms. Taking inspiration from the scandalous tales of Kirsha’s great-grandmother, Tootsie, in the lush emerald-green Ladies Lounge guests will be invited to indulge in enlightened conversations while dining on delicate and decadent treats created by Mona Executive Chef, Vince Trim. To make the most of the living installation experience, guests are asked to wear green, gold, white and black, or any combination of those. To book tickets visit the website. | | |  | | Narooma’s The Whale Inn to Host Iconic Sydney Restaurant for Summer | | New South Wales’ South Coast will sizzle this summer with the fragrant flavours inspired by Hong Kong street food when Sydney’s beloved Queen Chow takes up a temporary residency at The Whale Inn. Narooma’s hotel will become home to a seafood-led menu of well-executed dishes created by Tal Buchnik (formerly Mr. Wong) and Queen Chow Manly’s Toby Worthington. Drawing on the coastal surrounds, the pair’s menu will showcase the best produce the country has to offer. Menu highlights will include Wagonga rock oysters locally sourced with rice wine mignonette, local sashimi with mandarin ponzu and hand-dived local Abalone. Queen Chow Narooma will open to the public on Saturday 11 December. For more information visit the website. | | |
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| | | | |  | | Phillip Island Nature Park Celebrates Centenary Anniversary | | This week Victoria’s Phillip Island Nature Park, and the reserve’s popular penguin residents, have celebrated 100 years since significant steps were taken to support the penguin population from extinction. Located on the traditional lands of the Bunurong People, the Nature Park has been visited by tens of millions of people from more than 70 countries over the century. Visitors often venture to the idyllic seaside community to catch a glimpse of the nightly parade of penguins in person. During COVID-19 restrictions, the Park’s digital initiative Live Penguin TV has been viewed more than 25 million times globally. The Park’s ongoing conservation efforts have seen the penguin population triple from around 12,000 in the mid-1980s to over 32,000 breeding birds today. For more information visit the Phillip Island Nature Parks website. | | |  | | Falls Creek to Serve up its First FEASTIVAL in 2022 | | From Friday 18 February through to Sunday 20 February 2022, Falls Creek Resort in North-East Victoria will host FEASTIVAL, a three-day celebration of local music, arts, comedy, and food. The stunning alpine region will glisten alongside a musical setlist headlined by Australian artists including Boy & Bear, Miiesha and Didirri, in addition to showcasing a raft of local talent. Guests’ funny bone will be tickled by a comedy night featuring Dave Thornton and Lloyd Langford. Meanwhile all ages fun can be found at the festivals many workshops and performances from Flying Fruit Fly Circus, art exhibitions, markets, and kids activities run by The Connected Circus. Bellies will be fuelled by food on site profiling regional produce and operators. For more information and to see the program visit the website. | | |
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