| | | | | TOURISM AUSTRALIA UPDATE | Last week Australia’s Prime Minister released Australia’s plan for reopening to the world. Under this plan, large parts of the country will be moving from Phase B to Phase C of the National Plan, which means that international travel should reopen to fully vaccinated Australian travellers in November. Other key points in the announcement included: - New South Wales and South Australia undertaking home quarantine pilots.
- The Government working to finalise arrangements to enable fully vaccinated Australians to travel in and out of Australia.
- In addition to the four COVID-19 vaccines that have been approved and registered by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) for use (Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Moderna and COVID-19 Vaccine Janssen), the TGA has also published its initial assessment of the protection offered by the Coronavac (Sinovac) and Covishield (AstraZeneca/Serum Institute of India) vaccines. The TGA has advised that these vaccines should be considered as ‘recognised vaccines’ for the purpose of determining incoming international travellers as being appropriately vaccinated.
Our next industry webinar will be held this Friday 8 October at 11am AEDT. Further details on how to register to attend can be found below. Phillipa Harrison | | | | | | | | | Spotlight on the Regions – New Zealand | This week, ‘Spotlight on the Regions’ features an interview with Andrew Hutchinson, Tourism Australia’s General Manager Domestic and New Zealand, who shares insights and observations from the New Zealand market, as well as updates on key stakeholders and activities in the market. Read the update here. | | | | | | | Tourism Australia Activity | | | | | | | Discover Aboriginal Experiences digital magazine – Connect to Country | A new Discover Aboriginal Experiences digital magazine ‘Connect to Country’ promoting the diversity of experiences available in the collective has been released. The publication features engaging first person stories and captivating videos and images. The first issue features over 25 product experiences across a variety of story themes. View the first issue of the magazine here. Media and trade partners can sign up to the Discover Aboriginal Experiences newsletter to keep updated here. | | | | Australia adventure on show | Alongside state and territory partners, Tourism Australia attended the Adventure Travel Trade Association’s Adventure Travel World Summit 2021 held virtually in Hokkaido, Japan from 20 to 24 September. Tourism Australia’s keynote partnership showcased the latest soft adventure experiences on offer across Australia, with a focus on Indigenous and sustainable tourism and the Discover Aboriginal Experiences (DAE) collective aligned with this year’s summit theme of Kyōsei, or ‘in harmony with nature’. Andrew Smith, CEO of the Worimi Local Aboriginal Land Council, Sand Dune Adventures, and DAE Member, shared a Welcome to Country address and storytelling session with delegates. The team hosted a virtual expo booth and connected one-on-one with global media and buyers during the Virtual Marketplace and MediaConnect sessions. | | | | | | | | | North American luxury clients are eager to visit Australia | Over 100 luxury travel advisors from across the USA, Canada and Mexico learned about Australian premium experiences at the annual International Luxury Travel Market North America in Mayakoba, Mexico, last month. Tourism Australia met with advisors through 60 one-on-one appointments and presented to a group of 60 advisors on Australia’s premium product offerings, along with the Aussie Specialist relaunch, inaugural Australia Global Summit, the new Australia 365, and the trade resources hub. There was further networking at the Australia lounge area shared with Tourism and Events Queensland, Tourism Western Australia, Baillie Lodges and Southern World. The event attracted advisors with strong knowledge and experience of selling Australia. Many reported Australia remains of high interest to their luxury clients and that demand has been rising as the nation moves closer to border reopening. | | | | Tourism Australia Industry Updates in Canada | Industry updates for the Canadian travel markets were held in Toronto on 16 September and in Vancouver on 27 September. Aussie Specialists, key tour operators, and Air Canada were in attendance. Attendees were provided with an overview on Tourism Australia’s activities over the past 18 months and the progress of Australia’s National Plan for Reopening. Announcements included the relaunch of the Aussie Specialist Program, the new Australia 365, and the upcoming Australia Global Summit. Guests enjoyed Aussie-inspired food and Australian wines, with pavlova for dessert. For most, it was their first face to face travel industry event since March 2020. Restrictions are being lifted in most regions and Canadians are looking forward to planning international travel. | | | | | | | | | Industry networking in Italy | On 29 September, Tourism Australia organised an in person ‘Get Together’ event with industry partners in Milan, Italy. The event welcomed 32 key industry representatives including tour operators, airlines, product representatives along with Visit Victoria, South Australian Tourism Commission as well as Tourism and Events Queensland. The event reunited Tourism Australia’s key industry partners in person after more than 22 months of virtual engagements. The event celebrated the passion and commitment for Australia, with partners sharing their experiences and vision for future travel Down Under once borders reopen. | | | | Tourism round table in Paris | As part of his official visit to France, the Hon. Dan Tehan MP, Australia’s Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment had the opportunity to meet with Australia’s long-standing tourism trade partners in Paris. The meeting took place at the Australian Embassy in Paris and was hosted by Australian Ambassador, her Excellency Gillian Bird. Tourism Australia and key French industry partners shared their commitment to rebuilding the tourism and aviation sectors noting the value of the French market for the overall recovery. Minister Tehan thanked partners for their unwavering support and reiterated the importance of the Australia-France tourism partnership and Australia’s enduring attractiveness as a world-class destination for international travellers. | | | | | | | | | Food Temple Australia in Paris | Australia was the feature destination at the prestigious food festival ‘Food Temple’ last month. Australian chefs based in France along with chefs who have a strong Australian influence in their cooking held several masterclasses and workshops, including Indigenous cuisine and ingredients. Tourism Australia hosted a pre-recorded masterclass featuring the Agrarian Kitchen based in Tasmania. The event was attended by the general public, trade partners and Aussie Specialists. As part of the ‘Australia Now’ program, the event provided a taste of Australian cuisine and whet potential French visitors appetites for Australia ahead of borders reopening. Watch a recap of the event here. | | | | Update on National Experience Content Initiative | Tourism Australia’s National Experience Content Initiative has been rolling out over the past few months and over 45 operators have been featured so far. All the new images and video content can be accessed free of charge on the image and video galleries. The initiative aims to support tourism businesses across Australia in their recovery and drive increased visitation by helping them to better market their experiences and attractions. See some of the recent examples in the Gold Coast region here, including Nightfall Camp, Fisherman’s Co-op, Gold Coast Skydive and Jet Ski Safaris. | | | | | | | | | New Hot List for September | Tourism Australia has released its latest travel 'Hot List' for September 2021, available now on its corporate site. The guide to the latest news and tourism offerings across the country is updated monthly. The 'Hot List' contains a wrap-up of new places to stay and experiences to enjoy around Australia. Check it out here. | | | | Register for Tourism Australia’s Industry Webinar | Tourism Australia’s next industry webinar will be held this Friday 8 October at 11am AEDT and will include an update from Tourism Australia’s Regional General Manager in the United Kingdom and Northern Europe, Sally Cope. Executive General Manager of Commercial and Business Events Australia, Robin Mack will give an update on Tourism Australia’s activities in business events and Chief Marketing Officer, Susan Coghill give an update on how industry can get involved in the upcoming domestic campaign. Register here. | | | | | | | | | | | | | Sustainability support for NSW businesses | In New South Wales (NSW) there are a number of programs that may be of interest to tourism operators working to make their businesses more sustainable from an environmental, community and profitability perspective. These include: Government Departments and Agencies Grants, Programs, Tools and Advice This is not a definitive list, but aims to provide some guidance on what can be time-consuming research. Find out more about Tourism Australia’s approach to sustainability here. | | | | | | | | | Ace Hotel chain to open first boutique offering in Sydney’s Surry Hills | New York City based boutique hotel chain, Ace Hotels, has opened bookings for the company’s first offering south of the equator, Ace Sydney. Located on the edge of the city centre in Surry Hills in the historic Tyne House brick factory, the stylish hotel will open in early 2022. The unique hotel has been designed by the team from Flack Studio who bring an Australian touch to Ace Hotel’s international style. The new hotel will house a range of room options, including cosy quarters fitted with either king or queen beds to the larger Ace Suite; a multi-room space offering panoramic views of the inner-city. The new Surry Hills Ace Hotel will join the company’s existing hotels in locations such as Kyoto, Los Angeles and New York. Bookings can be made for May 2022 onwards. To make a booking visit the website. | | | | Red Sand Campers launch new depot in Hobart ahead of summer | Red Sands Campers, 4WD tourism operator, are launching a new depot in Hobart, Tasmania. Set to operate from 15 November 2021 until March next year, the depot will allow travellers to embark on self-led tours of raw beauty and spectacular landscapes of Hobart and surrounds. Arriving just in time for the summer holidays, Red Sands Campers pride themselves on offering would-be explorers the highest quality two to five person campers for hire in Australia. Red Sands Campers’ packages include unlimited kilometres as well as tables, chairs, full kitchen, bed linen and safety equipment. To reserve a vehicle from the Hobart depot, visit the website. | | | | | | | | | The Art and Away invites travellers into the homes of Huon Valley artists | The Tasmanian Artists and Makers of the Huon [TAMOH] will facilitate the Art and Away Trail this November. Showcasing local works from 20 of the Huon Valley’s finest artists, the Art and Away Trail will run over a long weekend from 5 to 7 November 2021, from 10am to 4pm each day. Guided by the Art & Away Art Trail Map, the immersive experience through the Huon Valley will allow travellers to visit a diverse range of artists in their own creative spaces. Stepping into the studios and workshops of the artists behind the work, art-lovers will gain a deeper appreciation of the artists, their work and their love for the region. For more information visit the website. | | | | Luxury tour operator launches six-night experience in Victoria from the Southern Ocean to the Southern Grampians | All-inclusive walking tour operator Hedonistic Hikes has launched a tour through The Grampians in Victoria. The ‘South West Coast and The Grampians’ tour will run through Gariwerd Country exploring the fascinating coastal and mountainous landscapes. The package includes six nights’ accommodation, access to two knowledgeable guides, a private tour of UNESCO World Heritage site and an opportunity to hike the recently completed final section of the Grampians Peaks Trail. Hikers will also enjoy dinner at the highly acclaimed Wickens at Royal Mail Hotel in Dunkeld, home to one of Australia's finest working kitchen gardens and an award-winning wine cellar. The next walking tour departs 26 March 2022. Find out more via the website. | | | | | | | | | | | |
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