News in Brief: Tuesday July 29
Travel agents have just one more month to enter the ‘Mantra Dozen’ $10,000 prize draw, which also has six $1000 Mantra Gift Vouchers and 20 $200 vouchers up for grabs as runner-up prizes.
In order to enter, agents need to book 12 room nights at participating hotels in Brisbane, Canberra and Perth by August 31, with further details on www.mantra.com.au/promotions/mantra-dozen.
Korean Tourism Organisation (KTO) has launched a new tourism brand entitled ‘Imagine your Korea’, to promote the various unique attractions of the country.
The new brand image emphasises the ‘K’ in Korea to symbolise the range of offerings in Korea such as K-Food, K-Culture and K-Pop, and reflects the improved global status of the country in terms of environment, tradition and history.
Dreamworld and WhiteWater World have unveiled the newest ride and slide attractions, which will be officially launched in September.
The ‘Tail Spin’ ride will be part of the new Ocean Parade development at Dreamworld, and features 12 rider-operated mini aeroplanes that reach 72 feet high, and allow the guests to control the spin and experience the ride at their own pace.
WhiteWater World has announced its addition will be a thrill slide called the ‘Triple Vortex’, where guests will be rushed down a 145-metre tube slide on a two-person raft.
Inland NSW has praised the winners of the Inland Tourism Awards gala ceremony, which was held in Griffith on Saturday July 26.
The 11th annual NSW TrainLink Inland Tourism Awards showcased some of the best tourism attractions, products and operators in NSW and Victoria, which gives them finalists status upon entering the NSW State Tourism Awards, held in November.
Inland NSW’s CEO Graham Perry congratulated all category winners on their contribution to tourism excellence, with winners including Taronga Western Plains Zoo and Yanga National Park.
Avis Australia has announced the appointment of Phil Hoffmann Travel’s general manager Michelle McNamara to the Avis Travel Agent Advisory Board.
Recipient of this year’s NTIA ‘Best Travel Agency Manager – Retail’, McNamara joins three of Avis Australia’s senior managers on the Board, along with eight representatives from Australia’s largest leisure networks, corporate travel companies and wholesale travel sector.
Topdeck Travel has launched its new-look USA & Canada 2015/16 brochure, featuring 19 adventure tours and a variety of editorial-style features.
The brochure showcases four new trips, including the 10-day Golden States from AUD $2245 per person and the 21-day American Dream from AUD $5485 per person, as well as including a feature titled ‘Great North American Bucket List’.
As part of the new release, a 10% early bird discount will apply to all trips in the brochure when booked and paid in full before September 30 2014.
Australia’s economy hotel sector is experiencing a boost, with Accor introducing ibis Adelaide to the hotel scene.
As the first new-build ibis to be developed in Australia since 2008, the $65 million hotel launch is part of a major expansion of the ibis brand, following the success of the Sydney Kind Street Wharf development.
Hamilton Island is preparing for the Audi Hamilton Island Race Week 2014, scheduled for August 16 to 24 and featuring a host of events for the thousands of guests.
The international yachting event will include on-water racing, exclusive fashion shows, celebrity guests and fine dining with renowned chefs, with over 160 yachts already entered, and more expected to join.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
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