Destination wrap: Tok Tok wraps-up, Destination DC activation, WA’s wildflowers bloom + MORE
This week’s destination wrap is equal parts overseas and local, so we’re dubbing it a Maxibon-style read.
Vanuatu Tourism Office wraps-up another successful Tok Tok
The Vanuatu Tourism Office (VTO) has just wrapped-up its annual travel trade industry event, Tok Tok, recording the highest number and widest variety of local operators ever in attendance.
VTO, alongside more than 57 local sellers – including 15 new operators – welcomed buyers from across Australia, New Zealand, New Caledonia, Fiji, Singapore, China, Europe and the United States as they descended on the nation’s capital, Port Vila, to answer the call of Vanuatu and discover all that’s new in the South Pacific Island paradise.
Beginning with a B2B event at this year’s host venue Warwick Le Lagon, local operators and international businesses were able to connect over their common goal – to sell, promote and further drive visitation to the islands.
The annual event also included a buyers’ function, featuring live local entertainment at the Port Vila Seafront Precinct that kicked things off on 29 August.
This was followed by a handful of specially crafted famils across Efate, Tanna and Espiritu Santo, allowing attendees to create their own ‘Vanuatu Moments’ as they experienced the islands’ rugged beauty, pristine oceans and warm Ni-Vanuatu spirit firsthand.
The event culminated back in Port Vila with a finale gala dinner on 31 August.
Unique neighbourhoods of Washington DC welcome Sydney’s travel industry
Ovolo in Woolloomooloo was replicated as the unique neighbourhoods of Washington, DC last Thursday night, as Destination DC and their partners, Kimpton Hotel and Restaurant Group and United Airlines, treated up to 100 members of the travel industry and media to a taste of DC.
DC neighbourhood stations were on display throughout the venue, including a live DC-inspired DJ, a mini-basketball hoop, cherry blossom displays in a photo booth, and a variety of cuisine and beverages.
One lucky travel agent, Vinay Gaggar from Flight Centre, won a trip to Washington, DC including return economy airfares on United Airlines, four nights at the Kimpton Carlyle Hotel and customisation of a day-to-day itinerary by the Destination DC media team.
Earlier in the day, the Destination DC team took to Martin Place in Sydney, evoking the historic city with a giant 32-foot-wide by two-metre-high stage featuring a replica of the Lincoln Memorial chair.
Sydneysiders got to experience Washington, DC firsthand through a virtual reality 3D system that journeyed through its unique neighbourhoods, have their photo taken on the replica Lincoln Memorial chair, and enjoy street food carts replicating the flavours of Washington, DC.
TEQ and Ignite Travel Group deliver boost to North Queensland economy
A relief campaign launched by Ignite Travel Group (ITG) and Tourism & Events Queensland (TEQ) to support weather-affected communities in North Queensland has generated more than $7 million (estimated) in gross sales and in-destination spend.
Further, ITG raised over $20,000 for the St Vincent de Paul Society (Vinnies) North Queensland Flood Appeal through contributions from each holiday package sold during the relief campaign and through fundraising events run by the ITG staff.
ITG, a local Queensland company, was engaged by TEQ alongside Whitsundays Tourism, Tourism Tropical North Queensland and Townsville Enterprise to encourage travellers to visit North Queensland and support local tourism operators with the campaign message ‘There’s never been a better time’.
Wildflowers spring to life in Western Australia
Western Australia’s wildflower season is well and truly underway, with carpets blooming in the state’s mid-north west regions.
For the first time, wildflower enthusiasts can track where to locate the latest wildflowers state-wide, following the launch of an interactive ‘Wildflower Tracker’, which also gives users the opportunity to contribute photos and flower recordings from their travels.
Western Australia Visitor Centre manager Troy De Souza said the new online tracker is a fantastic way for people to stay up-to-date on the latest blooms.
“The tracker is updated regularly as reports of new flowers come in, so users have an accurate guide on where to find wildflowers across the season,” he said.
“It will greatly assist travellers choose where and when they would like to embark on a wildflower trail across many of WA’s hotspots, such as the carpets of everlastings and wreath flowers found in the greater Geraldton area.”
Latest News
Australia fails to make top 10 destination list for American travellers
Australia's top cities have failed to make the grade with American travellers this northern summer, with no local city in the top.
APT Launches 2025 Asia Adventures
APT has launched its Asia Adventures for 2025, including new luxury holidays in India, Sri Lanka and Japan. Five new tours lead guests to the highlights of India, including a seven-night cruise along the rarely travelled Lower Ganges aboard the Ganges Voyager. Further south, Sri Lanka’s greatest destinations are revealed on a new 15-day Land […]
ANZAC Battlefield travel on the 2025 bucketlist
As Anzac Day dawns, agents prepare for a surge in bookings for the 110th anniversary of the Anzac Cove landings.
Former Channel 9 Getaway host and founder of TRIBE Jules Lund to speak at Travel DAZE
From blond-tipped travel reporter to Travel DAZE speaker, Jules Lund cuts through the BS.
HX’s Roald Amundsen finds aliens in the Antarctic
Forget whales, HX's MS Roald Amundsen captures aliens in the Antarctic - and they're not pretty.
Mayhem in France as 70% of flights face cancellation
I mean it wouldn't be France if there wasn't at least one strike.
Etihad Airways launches double-decker service with world’s only in-air three-room suite
We imagine falling asleep in the three-room suite is superior to falling asleep on your neighbour's shoulder.
Norwegian Cruise Line launches 2024 Europe travel season
Europe certainly has a lot of ports. Its time for Australia to up its game.
“The power of travel for positive change” – Intrepid’s Jenny Gray hails controversial all-women Saudi Arabia trip
There is an awful lot to love about this tour from Intrepid. Where do we sign up?
Princess names the Sun, unveils Sanctuary Collection + Star Princess to Alaska in ’26
A huge bottle of Veuve was smashed into the side of the ship to make things official. So no, we couldn't snag a glass.
Collette special offers across peak northern summer season
If you are craving a trip to Europe then grab this deal with both of your grubby hands.
Air India and All Nippon codeshare between the two countries
Here at TW we agreed that the photo would have worked better if they had swapped planes.
A&K offers minimum 18 weeks paid parental leave
Contrary to what the photo suggests this benefit is only applicable for humans. Back to work Mrs Jumbo.
NH Hotel Group rebrands as Minor Hotels Europe & Americas
Hang around the bends of the hotels. We imagine they will be full of a lot of branded content.
Scenic Eclipse II – the business of creating unforgettable life-changing memories
These cruise brothers from another mother offer a view of cruising on Scenic Eclipse II that is poles apart.
MSC builds new hospital ship with Mercy Ships
If you want to read a story that puts a smile on your face then this is the one for you.
“I peed on myself watching this” – Social media users squirm at Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of The Seas 55ft dive video
TW is not responsible for any involuntary actions your body might have after watching this video.
FLIGHT REVIEW: Qantas Boeing 787 Dreamliner business class
The real bonus is you're unlikely to be around screaming children. Hoorah!
Traveltek offers travel agents new rapid deploy cruise website
As always, if you have any issue with the platform, just turn it off and on again.
Experience whale watching & classical music at the Australian Festival of Chamber Music in Townsville
Disappointedly, the whales do not start singing in tune with the orchestra. Opportunity missed.
Fond, very Fond. London hotel famed for James Bond link adds ‘Classic Comforts’ lunch menu
James Bond author Ian Fleming was so fond if this hotel, it inspired the legendary phrase ‘shaken, not stirred’.
What sets Eclipse Travel apart with Africa expert Hilary Dubyk: Travel Weekly TV
If you want to know more about Africa, then Hilary Dubyk is your person.
Surge in Australians visiting Japan
Feel like all of your friends have just returned from Europe? Now it's Japan.
Seabourn announces Western Kimberley Traditional Owners as Godparents of Seabourn Pursuit
Seabourn has named Western Kimberley Traditional Owners, the Wunambal Gaambera, as Godparents of the ultra-luxury purpose-built Seabourn Pursuit. It is the first cruise line to appoint Traditional Owners as godparents of a ship. Seabourn Pursuit embarks on its inaugural season in the Kimberley region this June. The naming ceremony will take place on Seabourn Pursuit’s […]
Sydney named 17th best place to work remotely
If you struggle to get a seat within Sydney's coffee shops, you now know why.
W Melbourne grows sales team
We appreciate the thought that has gone into this team photo.
Cunard welcomes new ship Queen Anne
This might be the most impressive ship handover in ship handover history.
Intrepid Travel appoints Yvette Thompson as general manager sales & marketing ANZ
It isn't end-of-day Monday and Yvette Thompson has already nabbed herself an impressive promotion.
Anna Fawcett re-joins Global Touring in newly-created APAC role
With such an impressive CV, Global Touring is no doubt thrilled to have Fawcett back.
“We know our response has been far from perfect” – Emirates’ open letter following Dubai flooding
If you also need to write an apology letter, then this is a pretty good template.
Malolo Island Resort opens brand new Spa
Fiji’s Malolo Island has added another string to its bow – opening its $1.3 million day spa on Thursday, 18th April 2024. (Lead Image: matriarch Rosie Whitton with spa staff) Located at the edge of the resort’s luscious patch of tropical rainforest, the new “Leilani’s Spa” adds another level of elevated experiences to Malolo’s already […]
Virgin Australia’s HILARIOUS second instalment of the ‘Bring on Wonderful’ campaign
We don't use the word 'hilarious' lightly, but this is worthy of the title.
Visit Sunshine Coast reveals new brand identity
If you were looking for another reason to visit the Sunshine Coast then this is it.
Sofitel launches brand campaign starring Sex Education’s Gillian Anderson
We can confirm the content of this video is less spicy than Sex Education.
Holland America Line gives agents the chance to visit Alaska on 11-day Famil
If you've ever wanted to see a Polar Bear (and who doesn't?), now is your time.
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!