Destination Wrap: NT launches new tourism brand, Fiji celebrates record arrivals + MORE!
This week’s Destination Wrap includes plenty of announcements, celebrations and shake-ups, which are almost as exciting as happy hour at our local.
Tourism NT launches new brand to attract travellers, following key market research
‘Different in every sense’ will replace Tourism NT’s ‘Do the NT’ tagline as part of a new brand positioning aimed at attracting more visitors to the Northern Territory.
The deliberate departure from ‘Do the NT’, which first launched in 2013, follows extensive market research across key markets in Australia and across the globe.
According to the Northern Territory Government, the new brand reflects the NT’s tourism products and services on “an experiential level”, not just the iconic landmarks and scenery, and evokes how a visit to the NT should make people feel.
Fiji celebrates another record year of arrivals
Tourism Fiji is celebrating another year of record visitor arrival to the destination for the financial year 2018–19 with growth across all key inbound markets.
The Fijian Bureau of Statistics (FBS) reported almost 900,000 visitors to Fiji with an overall growth of 4.2 per cent for 18-19 from the previous year.
The launch of new properties such as Six Senses Fiji in the Mamanuca Islands, the recent opening of Pullman Nadi Bay Resort and Spa, multi-million dollar renovations across popular Denarau and Coral Coast properties, and new experiences such as Fun Hub by VOU Dance and EcoTrax, has helped stimulate greater interest in the destination among Australians.
Fiji’s overall visitor arrivals for its financial year reached 895,137, FBS confirmed.
Industry welcomes new Tourism Australia head
Members of the tourism industry have welcomed the appointment of Phillipa Harrison as Tourism Australia’s new managing director.
“Ms Harrison has a wealth of experience in the tourism sector and I look forward to working closely with her in coming months to help promote our industry,” Tourism Accommodation Australia (TAA) CEO Michael Johnson said.
“I believe Ms Harrison will be a great asset to the entire industry and have confidence that with her at the helm, Tourism Australia will continue to go from strength to strength.”
“Pip is a fantastic appointment. She brings considerable experience and industry knowledge to one of the most important jobs in our industry,” Australian Tourism Export Council (ATEC) managing director Peter Shelley said.
“The relationship between Tourism Australia, ATEC and the inbound industry is a true partnership in selling our tourism products to the world, and its success is the basis for the future growth of Australia’s tourism export sector.”
Hawaii Tourism Authority releases education campaign
The Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA), in collaboration with the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau (HVCB), is sharing information on cultural etiquette through a new visitor campaign – the ‘Kuleana Campaign’.
The campaign includes 15-, 30- and 60-second videos that are aimed at curbing some of the challenges each of Hawaii’s counties are facing, with topics including ocean safety, ocean conservation, culture, land safety, astute renting, and ‘pono tourism’.
The videos – which were created for Oahu, Maui County, Kauai, and Hawaii Island – are currently being shown by several airlines, including Alaska Airlines, All Nippon Airways, Hawaiian Airlines and Southwest Airlines, to travellers visiting the islands. Hotels across the state are also reportedly showing the videos in their rooms.
In addition, when visitors log in to their Facebook and Instagram accounts, they will see the “Kuleana” videos pop up on their feeds while they’re in Hawaii, thanks to geo-targeting technology.
Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo unveils all-new wellness experience Monaco views
On behalf of Visit Monaco, Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo has revealed an all-new wellness experience: the Wellness Sky Club.
The 500-square-metre space located on the top floor of the 5-star hotel offers 360° views of The Prince’s Palace and the Place du Casino and is exclusively reserved for hotel guests who are My Monte-Carlo loyalty members.
The space – which includes an outdoor infinity pool, state-of-the-art gym equipment, steam room and sauna – adds to the 5-star property’s existing wellness offering, such as the Thermes Marins Monte-Carlo.
St George celebrates Multicultural River Dragon Festival despite dust and drought
Despite heavy dust storms and heat wave on Friday, 6 September, the community of St George in south west Queensland soldiered on to deliver their biennial event, the Multicultural River Dragon Festival, in a bid to lift community spirits during drought.
The local community threw out the welcome mat inviting visitors a to join them for dragon boat racing, water skiing demonstrations, multicultural food grazing, country markets, street parade, retro cars and live entertainment, including Wendy Matthews.
The community festival, which was started as an homage to the town’s namesake, has grown to celebrate the various aspects of the St George and wider Balonne Shire community, help raise funds for local causes and act as a chance for the community to come together during tough times.
New Zealand says “39”
As Japan prepares to host thousands of rugby fans, New Zealand has come together with their national rugby team the All Blacks, and Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern to say ‘thank you’ to the Japanese people.
Part of a campaign launched yesterday – ‘New Zealand says 39’ – the All Blacks have expressed a deep gratitude on behalf of New Zealand to the people of Japan for looking after their team and fans as they arrive for the tournament.
New Zealand says 39 acknowledges the connection between the two nations and the shared passion and pride in hospitability toward others – called omotenashi in Japan and manaakitanga in New Zealand.
The number 39 in Japan means (San Kyu) and is a cultural symbol that is meaningful, recognisable and respected as meaning thank you.
VisitorPoint celebrates new tourism industry partnership
A new tourism business partnership between New Zealand’s top brochure distribution company and Australia’s leading online booking platform is being hailed as a ‘win win’ for the travel trade.
VisitorPoint, New Zealand’s only national distributor of tourism information, has joined forces with global travel-tech group, Adventium Technology.
According to VisitorPoint, the company currently distributes over 3,500 brochure titles from New Zealand tourism operators throughout the country.
The new arrangement will mean all current and future users of the Adventism TravelDesk booking platform throughout Australia and New Zealand will have a seamless platform on which to order stock through VisitorPointOnline.
Brisbane 2031 vision to encourage tourist spend
More than 500 operators, investors, industry, local councils and government partners have joined forces to deliver a bold new 12-year vision to encourage visitors to stay longer and spend more in the Brisbane region.
The ‘Visitor Economy 2031 Vision’ for the Brisbane region targets travellers and aims to build experiences in Brisbane, encourage brand awareness and global advocacy and encourage visitors to explore the entire Brisbane region – using Brisbane as a base to explore Australia.
Some of the initiatives currently underway include:
- A $10 million cooperative marketing program in collaboration with Brisbane Marketing, Brisbane Airport Corporation and the State Government targeting North America and ASEAN markets where there are direct flights into Brisbane
- Brisbane City Council’s River Access Network that has opened-up opportunities for new commissionable tourism products, similar to Sealink and the Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation’s (QYAC) newly launched Yalingbila whale watching tour.
Japanese TV and music star hits the road to promote WA
Japanese television star and musician Takeshi Tsuruno has embarked on a road trip from Perth to Monkey Mia for a Japanese travel show to be broadcast on BS Fuji TV.
The two-hour program, called Tsuruno Tabi, follows Tsuruno and his friends Rui Tsubota and Shinya Ueda as they explore Western Australia’s Coral Coast region.
The WA episode of Tsuruno Tabi marks the first time the show has been filmed outside of Japan and is part of the promotion by Tourism WA, Tourism Australia and All Nippon Airways (ANA) of the new direct flights between Tokyo and Perth.
The flights, which launched on September 1, 2019, are expected to bring an additional 76,000 visitors to WA over the next three years and inject $175.5 million to the State’s economy, according to a statement by Western Australia Tourism Minister Paul Papalia.
Great Barrier Reef coral nursery doubles in size
The Great Barrier Reef’s first ocean-based coral nursery has doubled in size and moved to a location accessible to snorkellers thanks to a $60,000 grant from Powershop, Australia’s only 100 per cent carbon-neutral energy company.
Reef Restoration Foundation CEO Stewart Christie said Powershop had turned paying power bills into a way for customers to have a positive impact on the environment through its program, Your Community Energy.
“The Powershop Coral Tree Nursery was established in Welcome Bay at Fitzroy Island off Cairns over the past week as part of our not-for-profit social enterprise’s goal of planting 1 million new corals on the Great Barrier Reef by 2026,” he said.
“The grant from Powershop’s Your Community Energy program has added 10 coral trees to the nursery which will allow the Reef Restoration Foundation to plant thousands more corals a year on the Great Barrier Reef.”
Featured image: Supplied by Northern Territory Government
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
Destination wrap fiji tourism nt Wholesaler WrapLatest News
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!
Globally-renowned chefs gather for Vivid Food 2024
As a human, we agree that food is a fundamental part of the human experience. Some might say the most fundamental.
Air New Zealand returns to Hobart and Seoul
If you notice an uptick in Kiwis making their way through the Mona, you know why.
European Waterways targets multi-generational families with ‘floating villa’ deal
The jury is still out on whether spending a week on a 'floating villa' with family is a hell or a paradise.
Luxury Escapes launches ‘sail away’ sale
Rest assured, you'll be getting your 'sails' and 'sales' mixed up for the rest of the day.
Rex-owned National Jet Express adds weekly charter between Brisbane and Orange
This is for mining and civil contractors, so please, put your holiday attire away.
Let the games begin. Viking introduces eye-watering benefits for the industry’s top 10 advisors
Did someone say 'trip to Venice'? Hold my coat, this one is far too good to miss!
Best friends or frenemies? What is the REAL relationship between sales and marketing?
We can all stop fighting over the corner office because our mothers were right - we are all important in our own way.
The Walshe Group Announces Two Key Appointments
What we really want to know is whether they got joint or separate welcome parties.
FAMIL: Agents explore the delights of Mauritius on 7-day tour
Go green with envy as you read this fabulous itinerary! Time to book that second honeymoon.
Hamad International recognised as world’s best airport at 2024 Skytrax World Airport Awards
Hamad airport is so good it is almost considered a destination in itself. Ballina, up your game.
Saudi Arabia highlights tourism investment opportunities at global investment event
Now is the time to start looking at Saudi Arabia if you are not already. There's big things to come.
“Rampant” – Aussies warned as dengue fever cases spike in Bali
Worried about Bali belly? Now you have something else to worry about.
TTC Tour Brand reveals slew of deals across operators including Trafalgar and Contiki
Everybody loves a bargain and you could do lot a lot worse than check out these deals from TTC!
Fiji Airways partners with Porter Airlines in US growth bid
Any initiative that gets more people visiting the delights of Fiji is a good initiative.
Flight Centre launches CruiseHQ – a marketplace exclusively for agents
The cruise industry has surpassed pre-Covid levels so this isn't one to miss!
Feeling festive? Wendy Wu tours unwraps Christmas collection
Get the Christmas hols booked now and avoid spending it with that elderly relative with dubious political views.
OPINION: In a world of screens, we crave experience
If you get feelings of deep shame and regret when you see your screen time, don't worry - you're not alone.
Sun Princess: High-end dining and world class entertainment awaits
If you are a foodie and you are not currently on the Sun Princess, we really have to ask - what are you doing?
YouGov: 2 in 5 Aussies would pay more for a sustainable hotel
If you want to be REALLY sustainable you can go camping. You just might lose the will to live.
“Can planes swim?” – Planes become boats as Dubai Airport is savaged by severe storm
Unfortunately, "can planes swim?" is a real life question and not an opener to a really bad joke...
Explora journeys reveals bespoke outdoor furniture designed by Matteo Nunziati
This is making your plastic table and chairs look really bad now, isn't it?
Bangkok Airways targets growth with renewed Sabre deal
Two stories abut Sabre's growth in one week and its only Wednesday! Watchout world.
PR agency Example wins pitch for InterContinental Sydney
We also went in for the contract but they said that a 'Be Our Guest'- themed TikTok was unoriginal! The cheek.
Norwegian Cruise Line reveals culinary experience aboard Norwegian Aqua
Once again, this TW journalist REALLY regrets writing this before getting lunch.
Signature Queensland hosts luxury tourism event
Known for its tropical beaches and unique wildlife, Queensland also offers luxury.
Capella Sydney recognised in prestigious Travel + Leisure’s 2024 ‘it list’ of best new hotels
You know that 'it girl' at school who everyone wanted to hang out with? Capella is the hotel version of that.
Rex launches 72-hour fare sale with NO school holiday blackout so you can take your kids (if you want to)
Sadly, leaving your children at home whilst you go on holiday is generally frowned upon.
Adventure World offers chance to connect with “heart and soul” of the US
I mean who hasn't dreamed of a road trip around the US?! Go with Adventure World and you're less likely to get lost.
Fiji’s family-owned luxury resort Likuliku Lagoon launches its own app
We were relieved to find out that having a "concierge in your pocket" referred to an app on your phone.
Hawaii: The US’ laid-back front door for Australians
If you needed another sign that you should definitely head to Hawaii - this is it!
Sabre targets Asia Pacific growth with latest hire
Call the Avengers! Sabre continues its bid for world domination with latest hire.
Air New Zealand signs its largest EVER deal for sustainable aviation fuel
Air New Zealand makes huge step towards sustainable travel. We bet it recycles its rubbish properly too.
IHG Hotels & Resorts continues regional growth with Sunshine Coast Holiday Inn
This Holiday Inn looks considerably flashier than some of the ones we have stayed at in our time.
Budget carrier Scoot welcomes first of 9 E190-E2 aircrafts
Here at TW we would like to offer Embraer E190-E2 a warm welcome! It's not easy being the first of the fleet.