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
Tourism Western Australia MD Carolyn Turnbull departs
Tourism Western Australia MD Carolyn Turnbull is departing the agency with effect from Friday May 10. Over the past three years, Turnbull played an instrumental role in driving growth, with one of the agency’s most significant achievements being the increase in visitor spend. Under her leadership, Tourism WA achieved a record breaking $17.7 billion in […]
DriveAway launches Brit-Euro Blitz campaign
DriveAway has launched its Brit-Euro Blitz: Explore the UK, Europe & Ireland campaign, designed to inspire travellers to uncover the beauty and diversity of those destinations during May and June. The campaign arrives amidst a surge in popularity for destinations across the UK, Europe and Ireland, with year-to-date increases averaging around 30%. Notably, cities such […]
Fly and Stay Free with the Great Southern
Great Southern’s Fly and Stay Free special offer will have travellers taking in the views along the east coast between Adelaide and Brisbane next summer. This bright orange locomotive chases the summer sun, sharing the incredible coastline with those who want to experience it by train. The journey reflects the best of Australia, from charming […]
Sober travel and TikTok guide Australian Gen Z trips
Gen Z travellers prefer to limit alcohol when overseas and have an increased reliance on TikTok when planning a trip, according to a report by StudentUniverse, the world’s largest online travel retailer for young people. The State of Student & Youth Travel Report for 2024 delved into the latest travel sentiments amongst those aged 18-25 […]
Travel DAZE Exec Agenda REVEALED: top execs to speak on airline competition
As the industry reels from Bonza's implosion, it is more important than ever to ask the big questions.
TTC: Deals are driving up demand for September trips
The latest market research from TTC Tour Brands shows interest in international leisure travel remains high for 2024, with 77 per cent of Australians over 18 still planning trips this year. Notably, 28 per cent of those travellers are eyeing September for their journeys. Europe continues to be the most popular destination, with 68 per […]
Skroo says Rex will need deep pockets to fill lost Bonza slots
The door is open for Rex, and anyone else who wants to launch a regional Aussie airline...
Sno’n’Ski Holidays unveils 2025 mega famil to Colorado!
Let the games begin - this is certainly not a famil that you will want to miss!
Walk Japan launches Kyoto: Mountains to the sea walking tour
There are two types of people, one who enjoys walking on holiday and another who enjoys sipping Mojitos by the pool.
Which destination had a 48% boost in bookings following 10 MILLION TikTok views?
Here's a clue: it's not Malabar Beach.
Asher Telford appointed General Manager of SeaLink Whitsundays
Telford has plenty of reasons to smile after SeaLink doubles down and makes him GM after buying his tourism operation.
Qantas ‘working urgently’ to fix app data leak
Qantas is looking into customer reports that passengers have this morning been able to access other passengers’ personal information on the airlines app. X user Lachlan posted that he was able log into different accounts every time he opened the app. My @Qantas app logs me in to a different person each time I open […]
Hilton Expands Presence in North Queensland with the signing of Hilton Garden Inn Townsville
Heading to a North Queensland Cowboys clash? Hilton Garden Inn Townsville is set to open, but not until 2026.
Rail Europe ANZ: making dream journeys come true
Rail Europe's running a lottery! You're not going to win millions, but you might just snag a free holiday.
Bonza’s future on knife edge
It would seem a long road back from here, perhaps a knife's edge is too much credit.
Revamped Wailoaloa Beach hotel opens as Crowne Plaza Fiji Nadi Bay Resort & Spa
Crowne Plaza Fiji Nadi Bay Resort & Spa is open and ready for bookings after the first phase of a multi-million-dollar transformation. Part of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ premium collection, the transformation has seen the completion of 106 guestrooms showcasing contemporary interiors reflective of the premium Crowne Plaza brand and is a first for the […]
Nielsen Data reveals brands spending big to attract Aussie tourists
Trip A Deal, Virgin and Ignite Travel walk into a bar, blow their cash on travel advertising instead of the pokies.
Kamalaya Koh Samui clinches clutch of wellness awards
Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary & Holistic Spa has so far clinched five prestigious awards in 2024, including being inducted into the ‘Hall of Fame’ at the World Spa & Wellness Awards in London. Founders of the Koh Samui sanctuary and spa John and Karina Stewart expressed their heartfelt gratitude for the awards. “We are profoundly honoured […]
Jetstar offers 200,000 return for free flights to celebrate 20th anniversary
Jetstar hits 20 and everyone else gets the presents with free return flights to domestic and international destinations.
Amora Hotels & Resorts set to double APAC portfolio, announces new Sydney office
Staff in the new Sydney office have been welcomed by a week of rain on the forecast.
RIU opens Chicago hotel and rooftop bar a few steps from the world-famous Magnificent Mile
Rooftop cocktails hold a dear place in your heart? Look no further than RIU Chicago.
How can travel agents best sell cruises? Uniworld’s Alice Ager tells all: Travel Weekly TV
Agents, you don't want to miss this. Yes, that's the case with everything in the newsletter, but we really mean it here!
South Africa bookings are back in action
It's a wrap! South Africa in the news with resumed flights, film fest and booking tech.
Agents’ chance to score free spot on Intrepid trip to Antarctica
This is the trip of a lifetime, even if you are scared of the cold!
Bonza nosediving amid mass cancellations and reports of repossessed planes
Bonza's days appear to be numbered as the low-cost carrier today announced mass cancellations around the country.
Amy Poehler joins Vivid Sydney event
Oh Joy! Hit comedian Amy Poehler will make an emotional appearance at the Sydney Opera House for Vivid.
Pullman Sydney Penrith ties up with Trilogy Hotels, announces new GM
The crew from Trilogy hotels doing their best impression of the Penrith front row here.
Linkd appoints Carolyn Nightingale and Lawson Dibb to new roles
Linkd Tourism sings praises of Carolyn Nightingale and dubs Lawson Dibb as Kyushu Tourism Office guru.
Celebrity Ascent makes its European debut
Choosing to cruise this northern summer? Celebrity Ascent promises to raise the bar.
NCL opens sales for Norwegian Sun’s APAC debut, announces 14 new voyages
It was to be 13 new voyages we heard, but given the numbers unlucky nature, an extra had to be thought up.
Inside Travel Group appoints Tom Welland Global Trade Marketing Manager
Heidi's Tom Welland heads to Inside Travel Group as its new Global Trade Marketing Manager.
Federal Government rolls out $1.4m program to promote careers in tourism across regional NSW
The Government taking a break from some of its pointier issues with some work in our incredible industry!
Australian visitors to South Korea surge
Japanned out? Aussies are adding South Korea to their bucket list.
G Adventures celebrates Dr. Jane Goodall’s 90th with new wildlife-focused trips
Fancy yourself as a bit of a conservationist? Put your skills to the test on the Jane Goodall collection.
Virgin Australia says suspended flights to Bali result of Boeing MAX delays
If only we had a company like Boeing to blame our mistakes on. Any takers? Get in touch!
Airline Review: Singapore Airlines Business Class – A380-800
The iconic Singapore Airlines' A380-800 is in a class of its own - business class that is.