‘Ireland Rocks’ travel trade workshops 2016

Tourism Ireland is delighted to announce the 2016 Tourism Ireland Sales Mission will take place in Australia and New Zealand from the 14th – 21st November.  The Roadshow will visit Auckland, Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne.

Ireland has seen exceptional growth in visitors from Australia & New Zealand over the past number of years, with a record number of approximately 200,000 people visiting the island of Ireland in 2015.

Tourism Ireland will be welcoming a select group of thirteen delegates who represent a full range of tourism experiences in Ireland to take part in the Sales Mission.

We are also very pleased to have secured the talents of Ciaran Gribbin, Grammy nominated artist to not only host and perform at the events, but also to create a fun and engaging environment for all involved.  Derry native Ciaran, has worked with world class artists including Madonna, Paul McCartney, Crowded House, U2, Snow Patrol, The Script and Al Pacino as well as touring the world as the frontman of INXS.

‘This year we aim to showcase the very best of Ireland and highlight our key themes, including the Wild Atlantic Way, Causeway Coastal Route and Ireland’s Ancient East – our newest touring region’ said Tourism Ireland’s Manager for Australia & New Zealand, Sofia Hansson.  ‘The ‘Ireland Rocks’ workshops will provide a unique opportunity for travel consultants to learn more about this captivating destination in a fun, creative, engaging and inspiring way’.

All consultants who attend will have an exciting opportunity to earn a place on a familiarisation trip to Ireland in 2017 with airline partner Emirates at each event.
SAVE THE DATES!

Auckland             14th November evening function

Brisbane              15th November evening function

Sydney                 16th November evening function

Melbourne         21st November evening function

More information on venues and registration will follow shortly.  Don’t miss out on an evening of music, food, fun and prizes.

Samoa fashion week 2016

This week Samoa showed itself to be the fashion and style capital of the South Pacific as it hosted the inaugural Samoa Fashion Week – SAC Runway 2016.

The first of its kind in Samoa, the week kicked off in South Pacific style with a Charity Fashion Cocktail event at the Tanoa Tuitala Hotel.

The week-long event aims to showcase the work of emerging local designers and culminates on the 16th with a glittering runway show where two emerging designers will be selected as this year’s winners, they will then attend the Pacific Runway Fashion Show in Sydney, Australia.

New Caledonia’s 30 second suitcase

Ever wondered what a cowboy hat, snorkelling set and bottle of French champagne have in common?

That’s exactly the challenge we set for a group of strangers, allowing them just 30 seconds to identify where a suitcase had come from, for the chance to fly there themselves.

The guesses came in from all corners of the globe, including Costa Rica, Morocco, New Zealand, West Indies, and everything in between.

But no-one guessed the correct answer – New Caledonia. Watch ‘the 30-second suitcase’ video to see how it all unfolded.

New Caledonia Tourism Australia (NCTPS) created ‘the 30-second suitcase’ to coincide with the launch of the tourism board’s new fully immersive virtual reality (VR) campaign – a first for any South Pacific destination.

Participants will be transported to one of their closest neighbours through a series of 360 degree videos, where they can sip champagne in the Paris of the South; snorkel off the fine white sand beaches of the Isle of Pines and watch the cowboys, from the real Caledonian Brousse, muster cattle in Bourail.

Discover all 15 unique and authentic Caledonian experiences that will capture your imagination and leave you wanting to travel to New Caledonia more than ever before.

Visit Sunshine Coast and Mantra Group partner to increase visitors to the Sunshine Coast

Visit Sunshine Coast (VSC) and Mantra Group have formed a 12 month business partnership agreement to attract more visitors to the region.

Visit Sunshine Coast CEO Simon Latchford and Mantra Group Regional General Manager Winston Hall signed the deal at a business breakfast at Mantra Mooloolaba Beach, marking a new era of partnership between the two organisations.

With an emphasis on marketing, the agreement will see the Mantra Group and the regional tourism organisation work cohesively on strategic planning and joint campaigns that will be supported through cross-promotion, public relations, social media, business events and trade activities.

Mr Latchford said he was extremely pleased to join forces with this major accommodation group strengthened through a formal agreement.

“We look forward to working together to further enhance the Sunshine Coast’s reputation,” said Mr Latchford. “Visit Sunshine Coast is all about the power of partnerships and continuing the momentum of the recent tourism boom to deliver bigger benefits for the Coast.