Australia
NT urges Kiwis to Seek Different
Tourism NT has launched its first international marketing campaign in New Zealand since Covid-19 travel restrictions ended.
Titled Seek Different, the multi-platform campaign champions the individuality of travellers while highlighting the many facets that make the Northern Territory intrinsically different as a holiday destination – from culture and history to spirituality, landscapes and wildlife.
New paddlesteamer for Murray
Murray River Paddlesteamers will build a new A$6.75 million, 35-metre, five-star river vessel offering year-round, all-inclusive, overnight cruises from the Victorian river town of Echuca.
The vessel is expected to make its debut journey along the Murray in late 2024 and has been supported with A$2.25 million in funding by the Victorian Government’s Regional Tourism Investment Fund which has brought the project forward by three years.
South Australia bounces back
South Australia’s visitor economy is charging ahead to recover its once $8.1 billion high.
A sharp increase in international tourism and a new post-pandemic record interstate spend have helped drive the total value of the state’s visitor economy to A$6.2 billion – the highest it has been since its Covid-induced low point of A$4.4b in March 2021.
PS Emmy Lou busy on Murray
Murray River Paddlesteamers has launched its biggest-yet programme of overnight cruises for 2023-24, with a new brochure detailing an entire year of back-to-back cruises.
It has also added longer journeys in response to record- demand for multi-day cruises on the river.
Innovative researches Tassie
Innovative Travel’s Robyn Galloway has just returned from Tasmania where she researched the finishing touches for the upcoming hosted Travel Companions Club Tasmanian tour.
Tasmania is a new closer to home destination, added in repsonse to feedback from some Travel Companions members. Galloway says the island offers a diverse touring experience.
South Australia sale extended
ANZCRO’s Reward Your Wonder holiday collection sale has been extended until the end of October.
The collection includes four packages showcasing South Australia. They range from city breaks to food and wine safaris at cellar doors, wellness retreats in the hills and outback adventures in the Flinders Ranges.
IHG: 60 years in Australia
IHG Hotels & Resorts is marking 60 years since an InterContinental property opened in Australia.
US airline Pan Am, founder of the InterContinental brand, opened the InterContinental Southern Cross Hotel Melbourne, on 14 August 1962 – lauded as one of the most luxurious hotels of its time.
In the Frame: A different, private side to Murray River
Offering something completely different and private on the Murray River, as well as a base from which to explore other parts of South Australia, are key selling points that have come into their own since the pandemic for The Frames, say owners Rick and Cathy Edmonds.
Sessions open eyes to Tassie
Travel agents who attended Wednesday’s Tourism Tasmania Meet Your Neighbours event say the presentations from operators has opened their eyes to new opportunities in the destination – as well as some long-standing attractions they were not
aware of.
Tassie connects with NZ trade
The response from both New Zealand travel agents and Tasmanian tourism suppliers to a full day of meetings in Auckland today augurs well for the developing relationship between the two destinations, says Tourism Tasmania.
Some 100 Kiwi travel advisors and 15 Tassie suppliers are expected at the Meet Your neighbours sessions at The Glasshouse in Morningside.
Hayman's Beachfront Pavilions
InterContinental Hayman Island Resort will add 12 Beachfront Pavilion suites for an adults-only experience in the the Whitsundays.
The stand-alone pavilions feature a spacious bedroom with separate living area and covered outdoor balcony out to a private heated plunge pool.
Wizardry at Movie World
Warner Bros. Movie World, Gold Coast will open THE WIZARD OF OZ™ themed precinct featuring two new family-friendly rides in 2024.
The two new rides will include the world’s first THE WIZARD OF OZ™ themed suspended family coaster and a family boomerang racer, both with commensurate height restrictions that will allow younger Movie World guests to experience their first roller-coaster.
Tasmania heading to AKL
Travel agents, consultants and brokers are being invited to join Tourism Tasmania and Tasmanian operators in Auckland in August to learn more about the destination for clients.
There will be an opportunity for members of the travel industry to enjoy a little Tasmanian hospitality on Tuesday, 2 August 2022 at a daytime event being held in Auckland at the Glasshouse.
New luxury choice in SA
Luxury off-grid accommodation ESCA Nest & Nature has officially opened its doors on a hilltop in South Australia’s Fleurieu Peninsula
Nest & Nature is in the beautiful Inman Valley 75 minutes’ drive from Adelaide. The self-contained, studio-style suites are completely off-grid and have expansive views over the valley.
Strait to culture in a day
One of the world’s last untapped tourism destinations is now open to travellers through a new tour that packs six iconic Torres Strait experiences into one big day out from Cairns.
A Strait Day allows visitors opportunity to experience a place where ancient culture is still part of everyday life. They can depart Cairns by plane in the morning, then hop-scotch between Waibene (Thursday Island) and Ngurapai (Horn Island) some 800 km away to learn about Torres Strait culture, food, history, and tradition – all in one package.
Kimberley, Outback QLD by 4WD
Travelmarvel has released its Kimberley & Outback Queensland by 4WD 2023 holiday programme. The launch includes a range of small group 4WD journeys to remote locations in Travelmarvel’s custom designed 4WD vehicles.
Earlybird offers include savings of up to $1,000 per couple.
First ECO destination for WA
The Margaret River region has become the first ECO Destination for Western Australia – one of only four in Australia.
Through this certification programme, visitors are assured the region has a range of high-quality nature-based tourism products and a commitment to improving sustainable practices.
Tassie ready for NZ resumption
Despite last year’s trans Tasman travel bubble being ill-fated, one Aussie destination saw enough to gain new optimism in the Kiwi market.
Cat Carey, head of industry and partnerships at Tourism Tasmania, says the destination saw enough last year to be excited about the potential from New Zealand when Air New Zealand relaunches Auckland-Hobart services early July.
Opportunities for trade in Australia
Now is an ideal time for Kiwis to discover that they don’t know Australia as well as they think they do – and for the trade here to take advantage of that, says Tourism Australia’s executive general manager commercial and business events, Robin Mack.
Nine New Zealand wholesalers / product managers plus five ‘lux buyers’ and a small media contingent were in in Sydney now for the Australian Tourism Exchange (ATE 2022).
Australia focuses on yield and reconnection: Trade famils part of that
A new consumer attitude to travel arising from being locked down and having savings to spend is one of the key trends being focused on by Tourism Australia, says managing director Phillipa Harrison.
Speaking at a press conference during the Australian Tourism Exchange (ATE 2022), Harrison noted that people don’t want discounts, they want experiences.
From prison to hotel
TFE Hotels expected to open its Adina Apartment Hotel Pentridge Melbourne in the back half of this year.
The transformation of Australia’s historic Pentridge Prison site into a mixed-use lifestyle precinct has breathed new life into the suburb of Coburg.
Great Southern to return
Journey Beyond’s Great Southern will return this summer, with the rail journey running for an extended 12-week season from 2 December 2022 to 23 February 2023, with a new offering – the Southern Wines & Wildlife package.
Travelling from Brisbane to Adelaide, guests on the Great Southern will travel down the coast, pausing for a beachside dinner in Coffs Harbour, exploration of the Hunter Valley, Port Stephens or Newcastle, and a choice of Melbourne city experiences or time in the Moorabool Valley. Once in Adelaide, guests depart on a journey through South Australia’s wine region. The package is rounded out with two nights on Kangaroo Island.
Tourism Australia says 'Don't Go Small. Go Australia'
Tourism Australia yesterday launched a new campaign in New Zealand to encourage Kiwi travellers to book their next big holiday in Australia, now that two-way quarantine-free travel has resumed across the Tasman.
Tourism Australia managing director Phillipa Harrison says the Come and Say G'Day - Don't Go Small. Go Australia campaign will run across TV, print, digital and social channels in New Zealand and feature some of the country's most iconic destinations and hidden gems.
PONANT returns to Kimberley
PONANT will restart its Kimberley 2022 expedition season following the statement by Western Australia to welcome small interstate and international expedition ships with a maximum of 350 persons to its waters.
With operations resuming 28 April 2022, PONANT will offer multiple departures between April and October including two new departure dates for its 10-night Australia’s Iconic Kimberley between Broome and Darwin, onboard Le Soléal.
Aussie 'warm up' packages
ANZCRO has released a Warm Up In Australia collection for Kiwis looking to escape the colder months.
Nate Gordon, ANZCRO’s trade marketing manager, says the collection focuses on Queensland, showcasing luxury lodges, coastal towns and islands that clients may not have considered.
Leisure Time launches WA
Leisure Time Travel has launched a number of tours to Australia and the Pacific. They include a 16-day Western Australia: Discover the Coral Coast programme priced from $11,950.
It includes return Air New Zealand flights Auckland to Perth, Broome to Perth flight with Virgin Australia, and 15 nights accommodation – twin/double rooms (single rooms available with surcharge) – and meals where indicated.
WA's Taste Great Southern
Food and wine fans can enjoy some of Western Australia’s best delights at the Taste Great Southern festival .
The annual festival, which takes place in May each year, celebrates the lifestyle, premium food and award-winning wine of WA’s Great Southern region.
More than 20 leading chefs from across the state will participate in over 30 events that will showcase the produce of the region.
Oz rail releases 2023 journeys
Australia’s Journey Beyond has opened its 2023 rail season for The Ghan, Great Southern and Indian Pacific earlier than ever before, giving guests greater choice and flexibility when planning a rail holiday.
Chief commercial officer for Journey Beyond, Peter Egglestone says guests are showing increased interest in planning and booking holidays for 2023.
Lindblad's Kimberley return
Lindblad Expeditions says the National Geographic Orion will be returning to Australian waters in 2023 with two new itineraries – Kimberley Expedition: Australia’s Wild Northwest and Kimberley Expedition: Northwest Australia and Indonesia.
ASP adds second tier
Tourism Australia has introduced a second tier to its travel agent training in New Zealand with the introduction of the Premier Aussie Specialist Program.
The premier membership category acknowledges destination expertise, inside knowledge and strong ties with the Australian travel industry with an established record of selling Australia.
Aussie inbounders mark trends
Longer itineraries with travel at a more relaxed pace will be the order of the day when Australia welcomes international visitors again, according to a panel of the country’s inbound tour operators at the Tourism Australia Global Summit this week.
Other trends they identify are increasing indigenous content in itineraries, more focus on nature and wildlife, plus an uptake in boutique and luxury accommodation and experiences.
Back on the Great Ocean Road
See Adelaide and Beyond will commence its weekly four-day small group tour, Melbourne to Adelaide, from Monday 31 January 2022.
The Great Ocean Road and Beyond small group tour is a guided trip offering reclining seat travel and accommodation in regional townships. The itinerary highlights the major icons along the Great Ocean Road and regional South Australia. These include the Shipwreck Coast, Loch Ard Gorge, the 12 Apostles, Tower Hill, the World Heritage listed Naracoorte Caves, Mount Gambier’s Blue Lake, Umpherston Sinkhole, the Langhorne Creek wine region and the Adelaide Hills.
TIME's ASP scholarship
Aussie Specialist Trainer, Daniel Wright recently sat down with a current mentee of the TIME NZ programme, Alex Hannagan, to discuss the benefits of TIME and why people should apply.
This follows TIME NZ’s partnership with Tourism Australia to offer the inaugural Aussie Specialist Scholarship to members of the wider travel industry.
Kangaroo Island by foot
South Australian tour operator Exceptional Kangaroo Island has launched a new tourism venture, Walk Kangaroo Island, to showcase the landscape across the island.
Over six days and five nights, small groups of up to 10 guests will be hosted by two experienced local guides on 11 different walks across Kangaroo Island.
SA's border opening plan
South Australia has announced its plan to reopen to domestic tourism and ease restrictions – and marking an important step towards the resumption of international tourism.
South Australia will begin by opening its borders to fully vaccinated people from all Australian states and territories on 23 November.
It is the date South Australia is expected to reach the national double vaccination target of 80 per cent and comes earlier than initially expected, thanks to the quick uptake of vaccines by South Australians.
‘As one of the first ‘Covid-free’ states to open to fully-vaccinated travellers in New South Wales and Victoria this is an opportunity for our industry and is a positive step towards welcoming international tourists back,’ says South Australian Tourism Commission chief executive Rodney Harrex.
On 23 November, South Australia’s Covid-Ready Plan also outlines that quarantine for fully vaccinated returning Australians will drop from 14 days to 7 days.
South Australia’s borders will open to fully vaccinated international travellers when its vaccination rate hits 90 per cent (12 years and older) and the Federal Government lifts Australia’s border to international tourism. The state has just hit the 80% first vaccine milestone.
‘With Christmas, the peak summer tourism period and Adelaide’s festival season not too far around the corner – the reopening to domestic and global tourism is a real opportunity for our industry and one that we will take full advantage of,’ Harrex says.
PONANT in the Kimberley in 2023
PONANT has released sales for the 2023 Kimberley Expedition season.
Offering multiple departures between April and October 2023, the 10-night ‘Australia’s Iconic Kimberley’ itinerary journeys between Broome and Darwin. It showcases the landscapes of the Kimberley on board PONANT’s Le Lapérouse or Le Soléal, both of which will be sailing throughout the season.
AAT Kings' interactive brochure
AAT Kings is announcing its 2022-2023 season with an interactive brochure, aimed at helping agents working in varied environments enter a new era of travel. The new season brochure gives agents and customers a multi-sensory experience including embedded videos, pop up animations and immersive timelines designed with the user in mind. It also retains the brand’s customisable call to action (CTA) technology, allowing agents to create personalised brochures to suit customers’ needs, including the ability to add wish-list tours and travel agent details (including logos) before sending to clients.
ASP summit in November
Tourism Australia is reminding New Zealand agents about the relaunched Aussie Specialist Program.
The programme, which is run in conjunction with Australia’s State and Territory Tourism Organisations, has been given a new look and feel in its 32nd year with greater personalisation, faster qualifying times and shorter, more interactive training modules.
Tourism Australia managing director, Phillipa Harrison says the investment comes after many frontline travel sellers turned to the Aussie Specialist Program over the past 18 months to learn and position themselves as champions for Australian travel once borders re-open.
Wendy Wu Tours adds to ANZ
Wendy Wu Tours has released a dedicated Australia and New Zealand brochure, with two new programmes complementing its existing range of tours.
The Australasian collection has a new seven-day Tasmanian Highlights tour, focusing on the eastern coastline including Freycinet National Park and Wineglass Bay as well as Cape Pillar. Clients will also visit historical Port Arthur and sample Tasmania’s local produce, including a visit to Freycinet Oyster Farm. The tour is priced from $5600 per person, twin share.
New Aus Specialist trainer in NZ
Tourism Australia recently appointed Daniel Wright as Aussie Specialist Program trainer for New Zealand, based in Auckland.
Wright’s most recent role was senior marketing executive at South Australia Tourism Commission, based in London since January 2018. He brings more than 10 years of experience working in the travel industry, working for brands such as Flight Centre and Jucy Rentals, along with other luxury and specialist our operators.
Norfolk Island tour for foodies
Our Pacific has a small group tour to Norfolk Island, created for those seeking a foodie experience on an island that relies heavily on self-sustainability.
It also provides some active outdoor activity events, ensuring the group participants get to enjoy the outdoors and scenery that Norfolk Island offers.
New owner for The Louise
Luxury lodge The Louise, in South Australia’s Barossa wine region, has been acquired by Baillie Lodges, adding to the company’s growing collection of properties from September 2021.
This is the second luxury lodge to join the group in South Australia. Southern Ocean Lodge, situated on Kangaroo Island, joined the fold in 2008. The lodge was destroyed in the bushfires in January 2020 and the property is now closed. However, Baillie Lodges is rebuilding the lodge and anticipates this will reopen in late 2022 or early 2023.
Time to sell Capricorn Coast
Queensland’s Southern Great Barrier Reef gives New Zealand travel agents something different in the state to sell, with opportunities now to convert the interest that was steadily rising pre-Covid, says Mary Carroll, chief executive officer of Capricorn Coast.
‘We regularly visited trade and consumer shows in recent years and we were really starting to see great interest. Now is the time to convert that to real life bookings through the trade.’
Carroll says a key message for the market is that they can fly into Brisbane and then take a one-hour domestic flight to Rockhampton.
TIME partners with ASP
TIME (Travel Industry Mentor Experience) NZ has a new partnership with Tourism Australia’s Aussie Specialist Program. This includes the inaugural Aussie Specialist Scholarship.
The development was announced at a TIME event at Crown Institute of Studies on in July, which celebrated graduates from recent intakes and also announced four new mentees and their mentors.
The scholarship covers full TIME programme fees for six months of dedicated, tailored mentoring from a strategically selected senior industry professional plus on-going benefits including the TIME to Learn programme and additional one-off mentoring with a mentor of choice (subject to availability).
Our Pacific boosts NLK
Our Pacific says the levels of enquiry around Norfolk have definitely increased with the launch of the AKL to NLK service on Air Chathams last week.
As a result the company has reviewed its product offers on the island, especially as the intention is for the airline increase to the service to two flights per week from the beginning of August.
‘We have created air plus land packages for couples, families, holiday homes, long weekends, golfing and fishing adventures as the destination is now starting to attract a wider range of holiday makers than in the past,’ says Lindy Christian, head of strategic development. ‘Shelley Gutry, Our Pacific’s product manager, visited the island prior to Covid-19 , so we have a good working knowledge of the destination within the company.’
Maher: Aussie pick up augurs well for 2022
Maher Escorted Tours says its first sold out Aussie tour since the trans Tasman bubble opened will depart for Western Australia and Northern Territory early next month.
Away for the Winter 2021 visits Ayers Rock, Alice Springs, Kakadu, Broome and Perth amongst other places and includes experiences such as lunch at Daly Waters outback pub, Lake Argyle and Ord River wildlife cruise, and a sunset harbour dinner cruise in Darwin.
Maher’s business manager, Emily Newrick, says a tour to Tasmania on 10 October is close to selling out as well, with 25 passengers confirmed so far.
NZ-based Aussie Specialist trainer on horizon, delegation heading here
Tourism Australia is set to appoint an Aussie Specialist Programme (ASP) trainer in the New Zealand market. The recruitment process is underway now. For all non-ASP related business the contact will be TA’s Sydney-based general manager domestic and New Zealand Andrew Hutchinson and his team.
Phillipa Harrison, TA’s managing director, says the move reflects the importance of personal meetings now that the trans Tasman bubble has opened.
Tasmania 'super confident' about NZ
Tourism Tasmania is pleased with the start of the Air New Zealand flight between Auckland and Hobart, and the office is hearing from New Zealand trade that there is plenty of interest in the destination.
Chief executive of Tourism Tasmania, John Fitzgerald, says Air New Zealand is also reporting to be happy with how things are tracking.
‘We are tracking where we thought we would be and the holiday periods of July and October are looking strong. We’re super confident about the market long term.’
QLD optimistic on Kiwi pick-up
The New Zealand market into Queensland is showing the patterns that the domestic Australia sector did when state borders opened, according to Tourism & Events Queensland.
Michael Branagh, group executive global marketing at TEQ, says both started slowly while confidence built up.
‘We are starting to see a pick-up from New Zealand and we are optimistic of that continuing. Once it gets colder we’ll see more interest.
NTL-AKL service ‘more than sustainable’
Newcastle Airport has its sights set on a resumption of services to Auckland this year, hopefully for an extended season and probably with a new carrier.
NTL-AKL services were successfully launched for the 2018-19 summer and then showed further growth in the 2019-20 summer before being disrupted by Covid last summer.
Stephen Crowe, executive manager corporate affairs with Newcastle Airport, says the early experience proved a trans Tasman service to and from the region is ‘more than sustainable’ and discussions with airlines are ongoing.
Take another look at Canberra
The New Zealand travel trade is being urged to think again about Canberra and promote it as a food and wine destination with new experinces not usually associated with the city.
Nicole Casey, partnerships events officer with Visit Canberra, was at ATE this week and says that among other things, clients will now find Bell tent and (since about a fortnight ago) a Tiny House accommodation at Mount Majora.
The guest experience typically starts with a wine tasting, and includes a hamper dinner and lunch.
MCY-CNS link gives Kiwis ‘open-jaw’ option
The work done last year to increase Queensland connectivity for the domestic market will have a positive spin-off for New Zealand trade and clients now that the state is open to Kiwis, says Gareth Williamson, general manager aviation business development with Sunshine Coast Airport.
Air New Zealand starts its three times weekly Auckland to Sunshine Coast seasonal service 28 June, running through to the end of October. Williamson says the destination is working on having the season extended.
ATE gives Kiwis chance to refresh Aussie offers, look to post-Covid rebuild
Putting together packages with experiences clients can not find in the average brochure and connecting with small businesses that don’t necessarily have a strong presence on this side of the Tasman are among the aims of 17 New Zealanders with face to face appointments at Australian Tourism Exchange (ATE21) in Sydney this week.
Buyers were also checking out high end accommodation and activities, plus adventure options for families and couples.
ANZCRO releases Aus brochure
ANZCRO Australia Package Collection 2021/2022 is an ideal starting point for planning a client’s holiday across the Tasman, says the company’s managing director Nick Guthrey.
The collection, produced in print and online, features 46 packages that are ready to sell, fully comissionable and can be customised to suit a client.
‘The sights of Australia are so vast and varied it can be hard to know where to start planning a holiday. That’s why we created the Australia Package Collection.
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An early taste of the bubble
By Stu Freeman
Yesterday I was on Flight QF166 to the Gold Coast – Qantas’ inaugural between Auckland and Coolangatta and an early opportunity for me to experience travel in the trans Tasman bubble.
Auckland Airport yesterday (apart from a couple of slightly busier bursts during the day) was quiet to the point of being eerie – a boon for clients travelling just outside peak who want to get through the airport quickly with no hassle.
Globus: ‘Immediate interest from the trans-Tasman bubble’
Globus family of brands reports immediate interest and bookings through the trade for its Globus and Cosmos Australian tours following the announcement of the trans-Tasman bubble.
Brett Simon, head of New Zealand at GFOB, says the Red Centre, Northern Territory tour was the biggest seller on Thursday out of New Zealand, while Tasmania and West Australia’s Kimberley also continue to be popular.
VSC’s re-entry into NZ market
Visit Sushine Coast (VSC) has developed strategies and activities for its market re-entry to New Zealand which commenced this week in anticipation of the first services to Australia.
VSC CEO Matt Stoeckel says the activity includes a “For real” multi-channel campaign which follows the successful first phase of the campaign that was rolled out earlier in the year in anticipation of the borders opening during 2021.
TA campaign to attract Kiwis
Tourism Australia is kicking off its first international campaign in more than a year today to remind New Zealanders of the experiences that await them across the Tasman.
Tourism Australia managing director Phillipa Harrison says she hopes New Zealanders will make the most of the two way bubble that starts on 19 April and enjoy being the first international travellers back to Australia. That theme is evident in the campaign theme - 'Be the First'.
