Destination Wrap: Colorado’s big growth in Aussie visitors, Bali’s record-breaking water park + MORE
Thinking of buying a VR headset to escape reality? Why not read Travel Weekly’s destination wrap instead?
Colorado sees double-digit growth in Aussie visitors
The Colorado Tourism Office has reported that travellers set an all-time spending record of US$22.3 billion on Colorado vacations in 2018 – a 6.7 per cent increase from 2017, and significantly above the average spending increase in the USA of 4.1 per cent year-on-year.
Australian visitors to the state increased by almost 10 per cent and their spend was up nearly 16 per cent compared to 2017.
International travel topped one million visitors for the first time with a total of 1.05 million, representing an increase of 7.44 per cent year on year.
This figure includes 57,693 Australians compared to 52,871 in 2017 – an annual growth from this market of 9.12 per cent. In the past decade, the number of Australians visiting Colorado has increased by 70.28 per cent.
International visitors to the state represented Colorado’s highest-spending traveller, with the average trip expenditure for Colorado’s top overseas markets (Australia, the UK, France, Germany, China and Japan) at $2,438 per person per trip.
Australian spend per trip in 2018 was $3,006 per person – a significant year-on-year increase of 15.85 per cent.
Overnight stays of leisure travellers were up to a record high 19.5 million – a three per cent increase from 2017.
The number of jobs directly supported by the tourism industry was also at a record high of 174,400 – a 1.9 per cent increase year on year.
Bali now home to world’s largest inflatable water park
Floating water park brand Wibit, together with its authorised partner for Indonesia, PT. Ecomarine Indo Pelago, has officially opened the world’s largest inflatable aqua park at Secret Bay in Gilimanuk, Bali.
The record was officially confirmed by a Guinness World Records adjudicator earlier this month, together with Putu Artha, the regent of Jembrana, acting as a witness, and thousands of first conquerors of the aqua park in an opening ceremony.
The new record-breaking aqua park, which is 28.9 square metres in size, spells the letters ‘INDONESIA’ on the water, and is even visible from a plane.
Tourism NT partners with Cotton On for new influencer campaign
Some of the Northern Territory’s most picturesque landscapes will feature in Cotton On Body’s 2019 summer swimwear launch as part of a collaboration with the Australian retailer and Tourism NT.
Inspired by the beauty of our own backyard, the range will be photographed throughout key destinations within the Northern Territory’s Top End, showcasing the region’s natural swimming holes, free-flowing waterfalls and tropical landscapes.
To launch the collaboration, Tourism NT and Cotton On Body have taken a group of six influencers, boasting more than 422,000 Instagram followers collectively, on a trip of-a-lifetime across the Northern Territory’s Top End.
Along the way they’ll be photographed wearing the swimwear range at various iconic swimming locations in the region, promoting the product and the destination to their audiences.
As part of the collaboration, Tourism NT and Cotton On Body will launch a competition on Monday 7 October 2019 that gives one lucky person the chance to win a holiday for two to the Top End.
Entrants will be directed to Cotton On’s website to enter, where they will need to write in 25 words or less ‘why they want to explore our Aussie backyard’. The winning holiday to the NT will replicate the influencer’s Top End itinerary.
Both organisations will promote the swimwear range and competition across their social media channels, website and EDMs, driving interest in Cotton On Body and the Northern Territory.
Queensland’s Dunk Island to remain in Australian hands
Australian-owned international investment and corporate advisory group Mayfair 101 has confirmed it has purchased Queensland’s iconic Dunk Island.
Alongside the purchase of Dunk Island, Mayfair 101 is also under contract to purchase over 200 tourism-related properties in and around Mission Beach as part of plans to revitalise tourism in the area.
The combined value of these property commitments represents an investment of over $180 million.
In a statement, Mayfair 101 said it aims to position Dunk Island and Mission Beach as a tourism mecca that celebrates the precious natural environment and attracts a diverse range of tourists nationally and internationally.
To realise this vision, Mayfair 101 expects to facilitate over $1.6 billion in investment into the Mission Beach region over the next 15 years, creating over 10,500 direct and indirect full time equivalent (FTE) jobs through construction activity.
‘Refresh Noosa’ program looks to eliminate single-use amenities in Qld accommodation
Tourism Noosa and the Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC) have partnered with the University of Queensland (UQ) on a new research project looking at the use of single-use plastic mini amenities across the accommodation sector in Queensland.
The project was inspired by Tourism Noosa’s new eco-friendly, refillable range of guest amenities that has been introduced as part of the Refresh Noosa program to eliminate the small, single-use plastic bottles that are generally found in resorts and apartments.
Partnering with the UQ Business School students, the project is looking at the use of single-use mini amenities across Queensland, the wastage associated with these, and the opportunities for businesses to switch to more sustainable and cost-effective, bulk, refillable amenities.
The project commenced in August with the group of students visiting Noosa, interviewing hotel manager Liam Kennedy from Culgoa Point Beach Resort, who has already made the change to the Refresh Noosa bulk amenities, as well as visiting Seahaven Noosa, which is set to trial refillable guest amenities.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
acqua park bali colorado colorado tourism office Destination wrap indonesia water parkLatest News
Australia fails to make top 10 destination list for American travellers
Australia's top cities have failed to make the grade with American travellers this northern summer, with no local city in the top.
APT Launches 2025 Asia Adventures
APT has launched its Asia Adventures for 2025, including new luxury holidays in India, Sri Lanka and Japan. Five new tours lead guests to the highlights of India, including a seven-night cruise along the rarely travelled Lower Ganges aboard the Ganges Voyager. Further south, Sri Lanka’s greatest destinations are revealed on a new 15-day Land […]
ANZAC Battlefield travel on the 2025 bucketlist
As Anzac Day dawns, agents prepare for a surge in bookings for the 110th anniversary of the Anzac Cove landings.
Former Channel 9 Getaway host and founder of TRIBE Jules Lund to speak at Travel DAZE
From blond-tipped travel reporter to Travel DAZE speaker, Jules Lund cuts through the BS.
HX’s Roald Amundsen finds aliens in the Antarctic
Forget whales, HX's MS Roald Amundsen captures aliens in the Antarctic - and they're not pretty.
Mayhem in France as 70% of flights face cancellation
I mean it wouldn't be France if there wasn't at least one strike.
Etihad Airways launches double-decker service with world’s only in-air three-room suite
We imagine falling asleep in the three-room suite is superior to falling asleep on your neighbour's shoulder.
Norwegian Cruise Line launches 2024 Europe travel season
Europe certainly has a lot of ports. Its time for Australia to up its game.
“The power of travel for positive change” – Intrepid’s Jenny Gray hails controversial all-women Saudi Arabia trip
There is an awful lot to love about this tour from Intrepid. Where do we sign up?
Princess names the Sun, unveils Sanctuary Collection + Star Princess to Alaska in ’26
A huge bottle of Veuve was smashed into the side of the ship to make things official. So no, we couldn't snag a glass.
Collette special offers across peak northern summer season
If you are craving a trip to Europe then grab this deal with both of your grubby hands.
Air India and All Nippon codeshare between the two countries
Here at TW we agreed that the photo would have worked better if they had swapped planes.
A&K offers minimum 18 weeks paid parental leave
Contrary to what the photo suggests this benefit is only applicable for humans. Back to work Mrs Jumbo.
NH Hotel Group rebrands as Minor Hotels Europe & Americas
Hang around the bends of the hotels. We imagine they will be full of a lot of branded content.
Scenic Eclipse II – the business of creating unforgettable life-changing memories
These cruise brothers from another mother offer a view of cruising on Scenic Eclipse II that is poles apart.
MSC builds new hospital ship with Mercy Ships
If you want to read a story that puts a smile on your face then this is the one for you.
“I peed on myself watching this” – Social media users squirm at Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of The Seas 55ft dive video
TW is not responsible for any involuntary actions your body might have after watching this video.
FLIGHT REVIEW: Qantas Boeing 787 Dreamliner business class
The real bonus is you're unlikely to be around screaming children. Hoorah!
Traveltek offers travel agents new rapid deploy cruise website
As always, if you have any issue with the platform, just turn it off and on again.
Experience whale watching & classical music at the Australian Festival of Chamber Music in Townsville
Disappointedly, the whales do not start singing in tune with the orchestra. Opportunity missed.
Fond, very Fond. London hotel famed for James Bond link adds ‘Classic Comforts’ lunch menu
James Bond author Ian Fleming was so fond if this hotel, it inspired the legendary phrase ‘shaken, not stirred’.
What sets Eclipse Travel apart with Africa expert Hilary Dubyk: Travel Weekly TV
If you want to know more about Africa, then Hilary Dubyk is your person.
Surge in Australians visiting Japan
Feel like all of your friends have just returned from Europe? Now it's Japan.
Seabourn announces Western Kimberley Traditional Owners as Godparents of Seabourn Pursuit
Seabourn has named Western Kimberley Traditional Owners, the Wunambal Gaambera, as Godparents of the ultra-luxury purpose-built Seabourn Pursuit. It is the first cruise line to appoint Traditional Owners as godparents of a ship. Seabourn Pursuit embarks on its inaugural season in the Kimberley region this June. The naming ceremony will take place on Seabourn Pursuit’s […]
Sydney named 17th best place to work remotely
If you struggle to get a seat within Sydney's coffee shops, you now know why.
W Melbourne grows sales team
We appreciate the thought that has gone into this team photo.
Cunard welcomes new ship Queen Anne
This might be the most impressive ship handover in ship handover history.
Intrepid Travel appoints Yvette Thompson as general manager sales & marketing ANZ
It isn't end-of-day Monday and Yvette Thompson has already nabbed herself an impressive promotion.
Anna Fawcett re-joins Global Touring in newly-created APAC role
With such an impressive CV, Global Touring is no doubt thrilled to have Fawcett back.
“We know our response has been far from perfect” – Emirates’ open letter following Dubai flooding
If you also need to write an apology letter, then this is a pretty good template.
Malolo Island Resort opens brand new Spa
Fiji’s Malolo Island has added another string to its bow – opening its $1.3 million day spa on Thursday, 18th April 2024. (Lead Image: matriarch Rosie Whitton with spa staff) Located at the edge of the resort’s luscious patch of tropical rainforest, the new “Leilani’s Spa” adds another level of elevated experiences to Malolo’s already […]
Virgin Australia’s HILARIOUS second instalment of the ‘Bring on Wonderful’ campaign
We don't use the word 'hilarious' lightly, but this is worthy of the title.
Visit Sunshine Coast reveals new brand identity
If you were looking for another reason to visit the Sunshine Coast then this is it.
Sofitel launches brand campaign starring Sex Education’s Gillian Anderson
We can confirm the content of this video is less spicy than Sex Education.
Holland America Line gives agents the chance to visit Alaska on 11-day Famil
If you've ever wanted to see a Polar Bear (and who doesn't?), now is your time.
More than 65 luxury agents gather in Sydney for Best of the Best dinner
This looks like a fabulous do. We imagine there may be a few (or maybe 65) sore heads this morning!