News in Brief: Friday August 15
The NSW government’s $10 million investment in Sydney’s Autumn Racing Carnival, The Championships, will ensure the event holds a critical position in the state’s major events calendar, according to Tourism & Transport Forum (TTF).
TTF’s acting chief executive Trent Zimmerman said the event drives visitation to Sydney and generates expenditure in the visitor economy, attracting tens of thousands of visitors from NSW and interstate.
“These visitors spend money on accommodation, dining, entertainment and transport, helping to support the 280,000 people across New South Wales whose jobs depend on tourism,” Zimmerman said.
“This $10 million investment will also help to support the racing industry statewide and ensure New South Wales has a sustainable racing industry in the long-term.”
!["Horse-races.jpg"]("~/getattachment/5e1ae65a-66c2-46d5-bd13-78a0f1a8af2a/Horse-races.jpg.aspx" "\"Horse-races.jpg\"")
Royal Caribbean International is offering guests up to $US200 bonus on-board credit and reduced deposits on most of its local and international sailings as part of its global WOW sale.
The offer is valid for bookings made between August 17 and 20, with the amount of on-board credit depending on the length of the cruise. Other WOW sale promotions include a buy one, get 50% off deal.
!["500x317xwow-jpg-pagespeed-ic-RmzwkNXKtE.jpg"]("~/getattachment/b07047bb-a282-4607-8f76-d8f90615b3e5/500x317xwow-jpg-pagespeed-ic-RmzwkNXKtE.jpg.aspx" "\"500x317xwow-jpg-pagespeed-ic-RmzwkNXKtE.jpg\"")
A South Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) incentive offering travel agents the chance to win an eight-night South Pacific holiday has been extended until August 31.
The incentive was launched June 2013 as part of an ongoing accreditation program to encourage agents to become specialists in marketing the region as a tourism destination.
To qualify, agents have to register to become an accredited SPTO specialist, which involves a series of online training modules and an online examination, which will then give them access to SPTO event invitations, incentive programs, specials and other news.
!["2826_south-pacific-958x354.jpg"]("~/getattachment/fbfdde4f-9497-43a6-92ef-3583bff8f88d/2826_south-pacific-958x354.jpg.aspx" "\"2826_south-pacific-958x354.jpg\"")
The 2014 Real Food Festival will take place on the weekend on September 13 and 14 in Maleny, in the heart of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, with its fourth year featuring guest chef Christine Manfield, and the chance to sample local food and connect with suppliers.
The festival will also include demonstrations, talks, interactive workshops and kids’ activities, while Manfield will present in the Real Food Kitchen with other chefs from the region.
!["news-real_food_festival.jpg"]("~/getattachment/dc1a1177-539d-44de-8b6b-1e79152c3712/news-real_food_festival.jpg.aspx" "\"news-real_food_festival.jpg\"")
Cunard has announced a multi-million pound refit for Queen Victoria, scheduled for January 2015 and including the creation of nine single staterooms.
The makeover will replicate many of the new features installed on Queen Elizabeth during its recent overhaul, and will feature new carpets, large flat-screen televisions, sun awnings on the deck and increased on-board shopping areas.
!["Queen-Victoria-Cruise-Ship.jpg"]("~/getattachment/77a65134-5ce0-4aa9-be77-ee634085654f/Queen-Victoria-Cruise-Ship.jpg.aspx" "\"Queen-Victoria-Cruise-Ship.jpg\"")
Travel Counsellors Australia has announced it will host its 2015 annual conference in Canberra, with the date set for February 28.
The company has received a record level of interest from its agents, with the event set to feature motivational speakers, specialists from the world of business and valuable training sessions.
!["scaled-ae1r9793.jpg"]("~/getattachment/d5cff822-c9d0-40b4-afc8-7525646db432/scaled-ae1r9793.jpg.aspx" "\"scaled-ae1r9793.jpg\"")
The build of Scenic Tours’s two next-generation ‘Space-Ships’ are well underway, with the launch scheduled for April 2015.
The Scenic Jasper and Scenic Opal will sail the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers and bring the fleet total to 12, with both new ships offering the largest suites on the rivers, private balcony accommodation, and a new pool on the Sun Deck.
!["article-1293819-0A5A6654000005DC-356_634x418.jpg"]("~/getattachment/fb91aff9-3114-409e-83b2-f73b08d67307/article-1293819-0A5A6654000005DC-356_634x418.jpg.aspx" "\"article-1293819-0A5A6654000005DC-356_634x418.jpg\"")
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
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