Despite hardship, tourism boards and destinations near and far are staying hopeful, with their eyes set firmly on recovery.

With love from Aus: Tourism Australia’s message of hope

Tourism Australia has released a new ad sending love from Australia to the rest of the world that seems to suggest our wildlife is taking a much-needed break from tourism.

Check it out below:

https://www.facebook.com/11071120908/videos/503081967243267/

‘We’ll Keep it Beautiful for You’: Vanuatu Tourism Office launches new campaign

The Vanuatu Tourism Office has launched a global campaign in response to the COVID-19 outbreak called ‘We’ll Keep it Beautiful for You.’

Despite Vanuatu having no recorded cases of COVID-19 to date, there are strict restrictions in place preventing international travellers from entering the country.

The tourism office’s new campaign promises people overseas that the Ni-Vanuatu locals will keep Vanuatu beautiful for them until the restrictions are lifted and the time is right for them to return.

As part of the campaign, the Vanuatu Tourism Office will share a range of #VanuatuMoments featuring locals helping to keep Vanuatu beautiful, on its Facebook and Instagram channels.

A series of social tiles have also been created for travel agents and the travel industry based in Vanuatu to share on their social channels, with the campaign message and promise “we’ll keep it beautiful for you.”

ONE DAY LEFT to register for SATC’s free webinar

The South Australian Tourism Commission invites the state’s tourism businesses to join a free 60-minute webinar where presenters from Deloitte will cover the tactical and practical activities available to South Australian businesses across the tourism and hospitality sectors.

When: 2:00pm Tuesday, 7 April 2020

Registration: Click here to register.

It comes as the South Australian government revealed a $5.7 million package designed to help local operators and partners, with two direct financial support packages for the tourism and events industries: the Small Tourism Business Grant Fund and the Regional Events Grant Fund.

For details, including how to register for grants, see the Tourism Response Portal on tourism.sa.gov.au.

Kakadu Tourism closes visitor accommodation and tourism operations

The Croc Hotel Kakadu

Kakadu Tourism has announced the closure of its facilities until further notice, as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak.

A fully Indigenous-owned business, Kakadu Tourism operates accommodation including Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel and Cooinda Lodge and Camping Grounds, as well as Yellow Water Cruises and Spirit of Kakadu 4WD Adventure Tours.

It will continue to operate the two hotels with a skeleton crew to accommodate emergency services’ workers and those classified as ‘essential travellers’, as well as provide takeaway food and petrol at Cooinda.

New dates announced for ‘Memphis in May’

Memphis in May has announced new dates for its postponed 2020 festival.

With plans to take place in October this year, the rescheduling of what is one of the city’s most anticipated tourism events indicates not only the importance of the event, but also the city’s “determination to bounce back from the current COVID-19 pandemic”, Memphis Travel said in a statement.

The month-long event which will now take place in October, will comprise the Beale Street Music Festival, the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest, and the Great American River Run.

Absence makes the heart grow fonder: Travel Manitoba

While everyone does their part to stay home in these unprecedented times, and the things and places we love are placed on hold for now, Travel Manitoba has released a stirring video showing that sometimes, absence makes the heart grow fonder.

Manitoba is Canada’s central province and is famous for its prairie land in the south and Arctic tundra in the north, which is home to the world’s largest population of polar bears.

Upskill your US knowledge with destination webinars

Canuckiwii is bringing agents a series of destination webinars to help upskill from the comfort of their homes, with the schedule and links to registration available below.

Travel Nevada – Wednesday, 8 April: SYD 9am / AKL 11am register now
Visit Anchorage – Wednesday, 15 April: SYD 9am / AKL 11am register now
Washington, DC – Wednesday, 22 April: SYD 9am / AKL 11am register now
Grapevine, Texas – Wednesday, 29 April: SYD 9am / AKL 11am register now
Travel Oregon – Wednesday, 6 May: SYD 9am / AKL 11am register now

Each webinar will be hosted by an in-market member of its respective tourism board, meaning you’ll hear from the experts that live and breathe these destinations.

Beverly Hills Conference and Visitors Bureau’s message of hope

The Beverly Hills Conference and Visitor’s Bureau is reminding travel professionals to remain hopeful.

“It is no secret we are in the midst of a worldwide storm,” the tourism organisation said.

“But rather than allowing events to dampen our spirits, we are choosing to find the light.

“During these unprecedented times of stillness, we have been given an important gift that we often seek: the luxury of time. Time to imagine. Time to create. Time to dream. Time to plan for a healthier, brighter future,” it said.

A message from Tourism Solomons  

The Solomon Islands is urging travellers to stay patient, and not to visit until the COVID-19 pandemic passes:

“We Solomon Islanders have an innate ability to smile through even the darkest of days.

And there’s nothing that makes us happier than an opportunity to have you come visit our wondrous Solomon Islands and see for yourself just why we are so uniquely different.

That time might not be right just now – but it won’t be long before the time IS right and when that happens, we will be more than ready, complete with the biggest of smiles, to show you some of our true Solomon Islands hospitality.

We are known as the ‘Hapi Isles’ for a very good reason.

If you have already booked, there’s no need to cancel – just postpone your visit until the time is right.

We’re not going anywhere, we’re very much here and we’re very much still smiling.”

Caesars Entertainment honours healthcare workers 

To honor healthcare workers treating #coronavirus, the #EiffelTower will sparkle each night at 8pm for 10 minutes. Thank you for your tireless work. #AloneTogether #StayHomeNevada pic.twitter.com/W8KQUDf11m

— Paris Las Vegas (@ParisVegas) March 26, 2020

In tandem with Paris, France, the Eiffel Tower replica at Paris Las Vegas will feature a special light show at 8pm (Pacifc Time) every night for 10 minutes to honour healthcare workers.

The show will also be used as a symbol of hope as the world faces the COVID-19 pandemic, together.

For video of the Eiffel Tower’s twinkling light show in Las Vegas, visit Paris Las Vegas’ Twitter page.

For video of the Eiffel Tower’s extended illuminations in France, visit La Tour Eiffel’s Twitter page.

Japan’s Ishikawa Prefecture is in blossom

Away from Japan’s tourist trail, Ishikawa’s cherry blossoms have returned for Sakura season takes hold.

Here are some of the best places to see it.

Kanazawa Castle (Ishikawa Prefecture)

Kenrokuen Garden (Ishikawa Prefecture)

Daishoji River cruise (Ishikawa Prefecture)

Kurikara Fudoji Temple (Ishikawa Prefecture)