I love New York announces fall partnership with award-winning creative agency

More than 12 million people in 180-plus countries will soon have the chance to engage with a captivating wave of images that convey the natural beauty, adrenaline-pumping adventures, dreamy accommodations and diverse attractions of the Catskill Mountains via social media. The program is a partnership effort between Empire State Development’s (ESD) Division of Tourism/I LOVE NEW YORK and Beautiful Destinations, the award-winning creative agency behind the largest travel and lifestyle community on Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat.

Phillipa Harrison to lead Tourism Australia’s international network

Tourism Australia has confirmed the appointment of Phillipa Harrison as its new Executive General Manager of International, where she will oversee a network of international offices spanning 12 countries and manage airline relationships and distribution channels.

Harrison is currently General Manager Sales and Marketing at the Rawson Group. She has more than 20 years’ experience working within the tourism industry – both within Australia and also the United Kingdom.

Prior to her current role, Ms Harrison spent six years working for Hamilton Island Enterprises and before that held a variety of senior sales, marketing and product roles at Viator Systems (Sydney), Base Group (Sydney), STA Travel (London), Contiki Holidays (London), and Trailfinders (London).

Tourism Australia Managing Director John O’Sullivan, said Ms Harrison was highly respected within the Australian tourism industry and would be a valuable asset to Tourism Australia.

“Phillipa is well-known within tourism circles and also to Tourism Australia, most recently through the work she has done helping to build Hamilton Island into the internationally acclaimed tourism business it is today,” Mr O’Sullivan said.

Win AUD$500 with Brand USA Las Vegas Specialist Training Incentive

Brand USA Australia, in partnership with Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA), announced a trade incentive through the Discovery Program, Brand USA’s official training course.

The incentive will run for four weeks, from 31 October through to 27 November, 2016. The Las Vegas Specialist Badge incentive is open to all agents, current or new registered users of the program.

To participate agents must complete the ‘Regional Expert’ badge (if not already completed), before moving onto the Las Vegas Specialist Badge. Once the Las Vegas Specialist Badge is complete, agents will automatically go into the draw to win a AUD$500 Visa Prezzy Card.

Agents who earn the Las Vegas Specialist Badge will gain a wealth of knowledge about the city, spanning accommodations, dining, nightlife, and must-experience attractions and precincts, such as the legendary Las Vegas Strip.

The USA Discovery Program provides agents with the opportunity to learn about the variety of experiences available to Aussie travellers in the USA. The training course offers a series of 16 badges, categorised by themes as well as destinations. In addition to the Las Vegas badge, these include Regional Expert; Winter Sports; Big City Buzz; Great Outdoors; Coastal Escapes; Music, Culture & Heritage; Fly-Drive; Food & Drink; Family Holidays; Cirque du Soleil; National Parks Specialist; Luxury Specialist; Utah Specialist; Santa Monica Specialist, and Portland Specialist.

Stamp of approval for 2016 Macau Grand Prix

This year’s running of the 63rd Macau Grand Prix has received a special stamp of approval – for more reasons than one.

In addition to two events gaining World Cup status, the annual motor sport spectacular is to be recognised with a commemorative stamp issue series, to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of the Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix. Furthermore, the F3 cars of the Theodore Racing team will brandish the “Experience Macao: Your Own Style” motto to help promote Macao as tourist destination during the Grand Prix.

One of the drivers will be New Zealand motor racing F3 favourite Nick Cassidy. Like the 63rd running of the Formula 3 event, the 50th Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix will be a World Cup race, as rewarded by the governing body FIA, the International Automobile Federation.

“You can almost sense the excitement as teams from around the world prepare for this annual road race meeting from November 17-20,” said Helen Wong, general manager of the Macao Government Tourism Office (Australia and New Zealand).

“In honour of the 50th Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix, Macao Post will issue a set of commemorative stamps,” she said. “The set of five stamps feature some of the most iconic winners in the history of the event. In addition, a range of commemorative souvenirs have been produced, including T-shirts, gloves, key chains and leather jackets. The merchandise will be on sale at various points around the circuit during the event to promote the Grand Prix.”

A series of events will be held to encourage widespread participation in the celebrations, including the promotional show at Tap Seac Square, where racing machinery from the Macau GT Cup and Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix will be on display.

Entry will be free, allowing residents and international enthusiasts from Australian the chance to get an up-close look at some of the cars and motorcycles which will be out on the Guia road cirtcuit. A series of events will be held during a Grand Prix week to commemorate the Golden Jubilee with former winners Mick Grant (1977 and 1984), Steve Plater (2006 and 2007), and Phillip McCallen (1996) returning to Macao as part of the celebrations.

An exhibition of classic motorcycles will join the Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix and Macau GT Cup show on November 12 and 13, as well as take part in a parade around the road circuit on Saturday, November 19.