Destination wrap: Los Cabos Tourism’s dual famils, Destination DC’s epic activation + MORE
This destination wrap is proudly brought to you by Travel Weekly’s editor, who is now onto his seventh double-shot espresso for the day.
Los Cabos Tourism hosts dual famils in Mexican resort mecca
Thirteen agents recently returned from visiting Los Cabos, Mexico as part of the tourism board’s agent familiarisation program.
The first group of eight agents spent a relaxing few nights ahead of the busy Virtuoso Travel Week in Las Vegas, while the following week, a separate group of five agents topped off the end of the conference with a trip to Los Cabos becoming better familiarised with the Mexican destination.
The agents were hosted by Paola Zevallos of Gate 7 (Los Cabos Tourism’s Australian office) for both trips and experienced luxurious stays at various properties including Chileno Bay Resort & Residences, Montage Los Cabos, The Resort at Pedregal and One & Only Palmilla.
At Montage Los Cabos, agents got a special taste of the celebrity getaway experience, spotting American TV star and Cabo aficionado Nicole Richie. Agents lucked out further with spa treatments and fine dining at most resorts.
The agents’ itineraries included a wide variety of Los Cabos highlights such as luxury sailing to the Arch, snorkelling at Santa Maria Bay, sunrise kayaking, farm-to-table cooking classes and day excursions to the nearby local town of Todos Santos.
In Todos Santos agents enjoyed an authentic Mexican meal at Jazamango Restaurant as well as a drink at Hotel California where it is believed that the Eagles were inspired to write “Hotel California”.
Agents also inspected and enjoyed hosted lunch and dinners at the seven different Virtuoso properties in Los Cabos: One & Only Palmilla, The Resort at Pedregal, Esperanza, Grand Velas, Las Ventanas, The Cape and Montage Los Cabos.
Destination DC is coming to Sydney with giant 30-feet Lincoln Memorial chair replica
Destination DC, the official tourism organisation for Washington, DC, is celebrating in the success of tourism growth from Australia by bringing a taste of the US capital to the streets of Sydney.
On 5 September, Martin Place in Sydney will evoke the historic city with a giant 32-foot-wide by two-metre high stage featuring a replica of the Lincoln Memorial chair for CBD workers, invited political dignitaries and other participants to sit on and photograph.
Visitors will also be able to experience Washington, DC firsthand through a virtual reality 3D system that journeys through the unique neighbourhoods of DC. In addition, street food carts replicating the flavours of Washington, DC will tantalise visitor taste buds with complimentary culinary delights while enjoying music from DC-famed artists.
One lucky Australian will win a holiday to Washington, DC with flights sponsored by United Airlines and accommodations provided by Kimpton Hotel and Restaurant Group.
Demonstrating Destination DC’s continued commitment to the market, president and CEO Elliott L. Ferguson II and a delegation of representatives from Destination DC is undertaking a sales mission in Auckland, Melbourne and Sydney during the first week of September, connecting with key travel trade contacts and journalists throughout a series of training days, meetings and events.
Chinatown Mid-Autumn Festival commemorates Singapore’s bicentennial
Waves of celebration and nostalgia will sweep through Chinatown this September with the Singapore Bicentennial edition of the Chinatown Mid-Autumn Festival.
Now in its 18th year, the festival’s 2019 line-up is infused with new bicentennial elements and features a visually-stunning street-light-up that spans over two kilometres and 200 years – from the founding of modern Singapore in 1819 to the future.
Switzerland’s Zermatt becomes first Euro destination on Ikon Pass
Switzerland has become the first European destination partner to join the Ikon Pass.
With access to snow in 41 destinations across five continents, Ikon Pass holders now also have seven-day access to Zermatt and the Matterhorn ski paradise network, and five-day access on the Ikon Base Pass, with no blackout dates.
The Matterhorn occupies more than 3,500 acres of terrain across Switzerland and Italy, and a connected lift service offers Ikon Pass holders access the ski paradise, an area encompassing Rothorn, Gornergrat and the Schwarzsee-Matterhorn glacier paradise within the Zermatt ski area, and the Cervinia-Valtournenche ski areas in Italy.
Kimberley region’s delights to feature on Better Homes and Gardens
Fishing for silver cobbler in the depths of Lake Argyle and taking in a bird’s-eye view of the magical Purnululu National Park (Bungle Bungle Range) from a helicopter are just some of the unique East Kimberley experiences set to star in upcoming episodes of the Seven Network’s Better Homes and Gardens TV program.
The broadcast is part of a partnership between the Western Australian government, through Tourism Western Australia, and online travel agent 7travel. The first episode aired yesterday at 7pm, followed by a second episode to be aired on Friday 6 September at 7pm.
The episodes showcase a range of unique East Kimberley experiences and destinations such as El Questro, the Gibb River Road and Home Valley Station, as well as local tour operators.
The popular tourist hotspot of Broome will also feature on the show in October and November.
Supporting TV and digital advertising targeting out-of-state visitors will run from September to November, promoting holiday packages to the Kimberley region and the new ‘Kimberley Express’ Melbourne to Kununurra direct flights.
The partnership forms part of Tourism WA’s annual domestic co-operative program with travel partners to attract more people to the state.
Penghu lights the night during annual autumn festival
The annual Penghu International Light Festival has kicked off and will run until 2 November.
Back for its fourth year, this brilliant event features captivating light shows, rock concerts and more.
The light spectacle is composed of four zones, including Xiying Rainbow Bridge, which has been fitted with illumination equipment across the deck and piers, as well as the Guanyinting Recreation Area.
A total of 18 light shows and 12 concerts, amongst other activities, will be taking place every Tuesday to Saturday.
The Penghu Light Festival precedes Taiwan’s celebrated Lantern Festival, which will take place in Taichung in February 2020.
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