Destination Wrap: ‘Philausophy’ campaign update, Abu Dhabi shows growth, Tourism Solomons webinar + MORE!
Welcome to our last Destination Wrap of the year! This week, we bring you a special festive edition, which has nothing to do with the festive season except that our journo penned it while covered in tinsel.
Tourism Australia releases ‘Philausophy’ campaign update
Tourism Australia has released another industry video as part of its ‘Come Live our Philausophy’ campaign.
The video features Georgia Currant from the Maria Island Walk in Tasmania. Check it out below:
Abu Dhabi welcomes 1.3 million hotel guests for third quarter of 2019, boosting room revenues by six per cent
Figures released by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) have revealed that the number of hotel guests staying in the emirate during the third quarter of 2019 exceeded 1.3 million, an increase of 1.7 per cent compared to the same period in 2018, while in the year-to-date in 2019 there have been almost 3.8 million hotel guests, a 2.9 per cent increase on 2018.
The latest report from DCT Abu Dhabi also shows that total hotel revenues for the third quarter were up to AED 1.1 billion, a rise of 1.7 per cent from the previous year; hotel occupancy was up 4 per cent to 69 per cent; while average length of stay was up 5.6 per cent to 2.5 nights.
These figures were spearheaded by impressive visitor number statistics from key markets, with hotel guests metrics from India, the UK, Oman and Saudi Arabia all showing solid increases for the July to September period. Indian guests increased by 8.1 per cent, UK guests by 5.3 per cent, and guests from Oman (18.6 per cent) and Saudi Arabia (2.1 per cent) also increased during this quarter.
Tourism Solomons webinar on tomorrow!
Tourism Solomons is offering industry staffers the opportunity to win a $50 pre-paid Visa card simply by participating in a Solomon Islands update webinar taking place on Tuesday 17 December 2019.
Running for approximately 30 minutes and including a Q&A session, the webinar is timed as follows:
NSW/VIC – 10:00am
QLD – 09:00am
NZ – 12:00pm
Interested agents do need to register ASAP here.
For more information on the webinars, please contact Tourism Solomons marketing representative Australia/NZ, Richard Skewes via email at richard@ptm.net.au or phone 0412 524 699.
JNTO hosts largest-ever Japan roadshow in Sydney and Brisbane following Rugby World Cup
Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) has last week concluded a series of educational seminars in Brisbane and Sydney for the travel trade. More agents than ever participated in this year’s roadshow with 319 Australian agents enjoying the opportunity to meet 41 suppliers in Brisbane and 53 in Sydney including local governments, DMCs, accommodation, attractions and transportation.
The Japanese Consulate-Generals of Brisbane and Sydney and JNTO Sydney executive director, Yoko Tanaka, welcomed the agents and thanked them for their support of Japan.
New air routes were a focus at both events with Virgin Australia commencing their direct daily route from Brisbane to Tokyo (Haneda) from March next year, ANA launching additional daily flights to Haneda and JAL switching from Narita to Haneda. The additional capacity into Haneda offers travellers easier access to regional areas through connecting domestic flights. Virgin Australia also sponsored the lucky door prize of two return air tickets to Japan for the Brisbane event.
Scotland reveals new national visitor attraction opening in 2021 for the globally acclaimed Great Tapestry of Scotland
A new visitor attraction housing the globally acclaimed Great Tapestry of Scotland will open in spring 2021 in Scotland’s premier textile region, the Scottish Borders. The £6.7 million purpose-built facility and interactive exhibition space will bring the best of Scotland’s world-renowned storytelling to life through the Tapestry’s wonderful textile artistry and a range of other significant visiting exhibits.
The vision of one of the world’s most prolific and best-loved authors Alexander McCall Smith, designed by historian Alistair Moffat and artist Andrew Crummy, and championed by a team of 1,000 women from across Scotland, the Great Tapestry of Scotland tells the inspirational true story of the country’s history, heritage and culture (from 8500 BC to present day). It is made up of 160 panels and 300 miles of wool (enough to lay the entire length of Scotland from the Border with England to the tip of the Shetland in the North Atlantic) – making it one of the largest tapestries ever created.
The Tapestry is truly the work of the Scottish people, as it was handstitched by thousands of women, men and children (age four to 92) in communities across Scotland and transported by land, sea and air to come together in the town of Galashiels, recently voted the happiest place to live in Scotland. It previously toured Scotland to great acclaim from visitors from every corner of the globe.
Destination BC premieres Great Bear Rainforest to travel industry
Destination British Columbia joined 50 travel trade, tourism media and airline partners to host the Australian premier of the Great Bear Rainforest film in partnership with IMAX Melbourne, who welcomed 400 VIP industry guests on Monday 9 December to the opening event.
The documentary narrated by celebrity A-lister, Ryan Reynolds opens to the public at Melbourne IMAX on 2 January 2020, with dates for other screenings around Australia to be announced in 2020.
Broadway Inbound teams up with the New York Yankees
Broadway Inbound is pleased to announce its newest offering – tickets for New York Yankees games at Yankee Stadium.
Together with the New York Yankees, Broadway Inbound is excited to increase its portfolio of sports offerings. The partnership will provide travel agents across the world with the necessary tools and knowledge to encourage travellers to book Yankees tickets in advance, allowing them to make the most of their time in New York City.
Natural History Museum of Los Angeles county select Weiss/Manfredi to lead master plan for La Brea tar pits
Dr Lori Bettison-Varga, president and director of the Natural History Museums of Los Angeles County (NHMLAC), today announced the Museums’ selection of the architecture firm WEISS/MANFREDI to lead a master planning team in re-imagining the uniquely important and world-renowned La Brea Tar Pits.
The team will work with NHMLAC on a multi-year process of public engagement, master planning, design and construction at the Tar Pits’ 13-acre campus, which encompasses the world’s only active paleontological research site in a major urban area, its asphalt seeps, surrounding parkland, and the George C. Page Museum building.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
abu dhabi Broadway Inbound destination bc Destination wrap Great Tapestry of Scotland jnto los angeles tourism australia Tourism SolomonsLatest News
Holland America Line gives agents the chance to visit Alaska on 11-day Famil
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More than 65 luxury agents gather in Sydney for Best of the Best dinner
This looks like a fabulous do. We imagine there may be a few (or maybe 65) sore heads this morning!
Globally-renowned chefs gather for Vivid Food 2024
As a human, we agree that food is a fundamental part of the human experience. Some might say the most fundamental.
Air New Zealand returns to Hobart and Seoul
If you notice an uptick in Kiwis making their way through the Mona, you know why.
European Waterways targets multi-generational families with ‘floating villa’ deal
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Luxury Escapes launches ‘sail away’ sale
Rest assured, you'll be getting your 'sails' and 'sales' mixed up for the rest of the day.
Rex-owned National Jet Express adds weekly charter between Brisbane and Orange
This is for mining and civil contractors, so please, put your holiday attire away.
Let the games begin. Viking introduces eye-watering benefits for the industry’s top 10 advisors
Did someone say 'trip to Venice'? Hold my coat, this one is far too good to miss!
Best friends or frenemies? What is the REAL relationship between sales and marketing?
We can all stop fighting over the corner office because our mothers were right - we are all important in our own way.
The Walshe Group Announces Two Key Appointments
What we really want to know is whether they got joint or separate welcome parties.
FAMIL: Agents explore the delights of Mauritius on 7-day tour
Go green with envy as you read this fabulous itinerary! Time to book that second honeymoon.
Hamad International recognised as world’s best airport at 2024 Skytrax World Airport Awards
Hamad airport is so good it is almost considered a destination in itself. Ballina, up your game.
Saudi Arabia highlights tourism investment opportunities at global investment event
Now is the time to start looking at Saudi Arabia if you are not already. There's big things to come.
“Rampant” – Aussies warned as dengue fever cases spike in Bali
Worried about Bali belly? Now you have something else to worry about.
TTC Tour Brand reveals slew of deals across operators including Trafalgar and Contiki
Everybody loves a bargain and you could do lot a lot worse than check out these deals from TTC!
Fiji Airways partners with Porter Airlines in US growth bid
Any initiative that gets more people visiting the delights of Fiji is a good initiative.
Flight Centre launches CruiseHQ – a marketplace exclusively for agents
The cruise industry has surpassed pre-Covid levels so this isn't one to miss!
Feeling festive? Wendy Wu tours unwraps Christmas collection
Get the Christmas hols booked now and avoid spending it with that elderly relative with dubious political views.
OPINION: In a world of screens, we crave experience
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Sun Princess: High-end dining and world class entertainment awaits
If you are a foodie and you are not currently on the Sun Princess, we really have to ask - what are you doing?
YouGov: 2 in 5 Aussies would pay more for a sustainable hotel
If you want to be REALLY sustainable you can go camping. You just might lose the will to live.
“Can planes swim?” – Planes become boats as Dubai Airport is savaged by severe storm
Unfortunately, "can planes swim?" is a real life question and not an opener to a really bad joke...
Explora journeys reveals bespoke outdoor furniture designed by Matteo Nunziati
This is making your plastic table and chairs look really bad now, isn't it?
Bangkok Airways targets growth with renewed Sabre deal
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PR agency Example wins pitch for InterContinental Sydney
We also went in for the contract but they said that a 'Be Our Guest'- themed TikTok was unoriginal! The cheek.
Norwegian Cruise Line reveals culinary experience aboard Norwegian Aqua
Once again, this TW journalist REALLY regrets writing this before getting lunch.
Signature Queensland hosts luxury tourism event
Known for its tropical beaches and unique wildlife, Queensland also offers luxury.
Capella Sydney recognised in prestigious Travel + Leisure’s 2024 ‘it list’ of best new hotels
You know that 'it girl' at school who everyone wanted to hang out with? Capella is the hotel version of that.
Rex launches 72-hour fare sale with NO school holiday blackout so you can take your kids (if you want to)
Sadly, leaving your children at home whilst you go on holiday is generally frowned upon.
Adventure World offers chance to connect with “heart and soul” of the US
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Fiji’s family-owned luxury resort Likuliku Lagoon launches its own app
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Hawaii: The US’ laid-back front door for Australians
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Sabre targets Asia Pacific growth with latest hire
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Air New Zealand signs its largest EVER deal for sustainable aviation fuel
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IHG Hotels & Resorts continues regional growth with Sunshine Coast Holiday Inn
This Holiday Inn looks considerably flashier than some of the ones we have stayed at in our time.
Budget carrier Scoot welcomes first of 9 E190-E2 aircrafts
Here at TW we would like to offer Embraer E190-E2 a warm welcome! It's not easy being the first of the fleet.