Travelbeat
General Industry News
Update: July 23, 2008 [4 Stories]
Australia
Beijing Olympic Games A Major Draw
Australians are keener than ever to travel to China, according to a recent survey conducted by Visa.
The survey revealed that among those who intend to visit China, 82% of Australians intend to travel to Beijing and 69% to Shanghai in the next 2-years.
Thirty-one percent said they also want to visit Guangzhou, a city 120kms north of Hong Kong, with Shenzhen (25%) and Xi’an (18%), both much smaller cities with growing tourist appeal, rounding out the top five destinations.
Among those surveyed, one in five Australians had travelled previously to China.
Three quarters of Australians surveyed also believe the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games will elevate Beijing’s status as a key tourist destination even further.
China’s unique local culture is the key reason for travel for almost six out of every ten respondents who intend to visit the 2008 Olympic Games host country.
Exploring the tourist trail for interesting places and meeting new people (59%) also ranked high as a reason to visit the country.
The survey revealed that the most desirable attractions for Aussie tourists on holiday in China are the Great Wall of China (88%), Forbidden City (70%) and Terracotta Warriors (57%).
The findings of the Visa survey are supported by a report recently issued by the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) which found that visitors to China were increasingly looking to broaden their travel experience with cruising and green tourism among the growing attractions.
(Porter Novelli)
England
Profit from Responsible Tourism Not a Dirty Word
Profit and responsible tourism can go hand in hand - and World Travel Market aims to prove it beyond doubt.
A unique conference 'The Business Case for Responsible Tourism', aimed at demonstrating its value to travel companies worldwide, features a line-up of internationally respected Responsible Tourism experts.
Taking place on Thursday, November 13 at ExCeL London, it follows the second WTM World Responsible Tourism Day on Wednesday, November 12.
The conference will be chaired by Prof. Harold Goodwin, Director of the International Centre for Responsible Tourism.
Taking place between 11:00am and 4:00pm the day will focus specifically on issues facing hoteliers and tour operators.
Fiona Jeffery, Chairman of World Travel Market, said ... "Businesses suffer from the misconception that responsible tourism strategies can mean taking a hit on profits.
"In fact, if responsible tourism activity is integrated with a well orchestrated business plan, it can have a positive impact on overall performance and has resulted in some highly successful businesses reaping the benefits of responsible tourism."
(Reed Exhibitions Ltd)
Australia
Greyhound Wants To Fill Void
Greyhound Australia is working closely with South Australian Government and the Premier Stateliner Group in an effort to provide a new service to the mining town of Roxby Downs.
In a first for its South Australian services, Greyhound is hoping to provide daily runs to and from Roxby Downs and Pimba on the Stuart Highway.
CEO, Robert Thomas, said the new route will be a breakthrough for the company’s operations in the State.
“We are in discussions with the South Australian Government and Greyhound, Australia’s oldest coach company is ready and able to offer a service,” Mr Thomas said.
The route between Roxby Downs and Pimba will allow travellers to connect to a daily service running North and South between Adelaide and Alice Springs, via Port Augusta, already operated by Greyhound.
Mr Thomas said Greyhound is happy it can allay fears that South Australia’s resources sector would be cut off with no service to Roxby Downs.
“We realise how important Roxby Downs is to the South Australian economy,” he said. “The new service will ensure a daily overnight freight and parcel service in and out of Olympic Dam, Roxby Downs and Woomera.
"Greyhound’s service will also mean a daily passenger service from Roxby Downs, Woomera and Olympic Dam to Port Augusta and Adelaide in the South, and Coober Pedy and Alice Springs in the North.
“Already Greyhound is the sole provider of transport services to BHP’s Olympic Dam operation and the announcement today shows our total commitment to South Australia," said Mr Thomas.
(Sequel Communications)
Hong Kong
TravMedia Opens Regional Office
TravMedia, the international online information resource for travel journalists has opened its Asia/Pacific headquarters in Hong Kong, headed by Regional Manager Ms Lauren Michod.
Established in 2000 as an electronic travel news service for journalists, TravMedia distributes media releases instantly to over 11,000 travel, lifestyle and travel trade media globally and has six offices around the world.
TravMedia is a one-stop research resource for media, allowing journalists access to travel company information, public relations contacts and high-resolution imagery from anywhere in the world.
The service can be tailored to send journalists hourly, daily or weekly email alerts and is free for journalists to use.
Travel companies posting news on TravMedia represent a broad cross-section of the industry, including: airlines, tourism boards, hotels, tour operators, cruise lines, theme parks and more.
The site distributes news announcements for over 1000 companies worldwide and hosts over 36,000 high-resolution photographs.
TravMedia was created by ex-travel journalist Nick Wayland who as a busy travel writer always had a need to research material while on the go.
"TravMedia was created to provide the travel industry with a dedicated communications channel with the media and to provide an online filing cabinet of the industry's breaking news and media resources in one place.” said CEO & Founder, Nick Wayland.
TravMedia has been endorsed by the Australian Society of Travel Writers and the British Guild of Travel Writers.
(Grebstad Hicks Communications)
Update: July 22, 2008 [1 Story]
USA
Support For Bill To Attract Overseas Tourists
The Travel Promotion Act, which strives to educate and attract international visitors to the U.S., is now being supported by a majority of lawmakers in the House.
The bill has not been scheduled for a vote on the House floor, but Rep. John Mica, Republican - Florida, expects it to increase in priority as the economy continues to weaken.
Overseas travellers are attractive to many hospitality and travel-related businesses because, on average, they stay longer and spend more than domestic travellers.
(American Society of Travel Agents)
Update: July 21, 2008 [2 Stories]
Australia
AAT Kings Appoints New WA Sales Manager
AAT Kings has announced the appointment of Shane Lowe to the position of Sales Manager, Western Australia.
Shane joins AAT Kings with solid experience in sales and the travel industry.
Before joining AAT Kings, his most recent role was holiday consultant at STA Travel in London and, prior to that, he worked as a tour guide around Australia.
David Gendle, National Sales Manager of AAT Kings said ... “We are very glad to welcome Shane to the AAT Kings sales team. His appointment will help sustain and further develop our relationships with agents and our travel partners.”
(The Travel Corporation)
Australia
Flight Centre Releases Preliminary Results
Flight Centre Limited (FLT) has today released preliminary financial results for 2007/08 and reaffirmed its expectations for 2008/09.
Following a solid finish to the year, FLT expects to report 40% growth in pre-tax profit for the 12-months to June 30, 2008 when it releases its audited full year accounts on August 26, 2008.
FLT believes its final result will be in the order of $212-million, within the range outlined in its current market guidance, compared to its record $151.6-million result in 2006/07 (excluding the abnormal gain on the sale of FLT’s Brisbane head office property in September 2006).
Chief financial officer Shannon O’Brien said FLT’s established businesses in South Africa, New Zealand and the United Kingdom were expected to drive profit growth during 2008/09, along with Australia, where the strong dollar, near full employment and the availability of cheap international airfares continued to stimulate demand.
“With the momentum we have built globally and the strategies we have in place for overall improvement, we start 2008/09 in a position of strength,” Mr O’Brien said.
“Our businesses continue to perform reasonably well, particularly in our established markets, and there is opportunity to grow our leisure, wholesale and corporate travel brands in all geographies.
"As we continue to develop, our focus will be on organic expansion but we will also consider strategic acquisitions and joint ventures in niche and growth sectors from time to time.”
Mr O’Brien will serve as Acting Chief Executive Officer while Graham Turner takes long service leave.
(Crook Publicity)
Update: July 20, 2008 [1 Story]
Australia
APT Urges Agents To Take Up Gardening
APT will elevate agent knowledge of its joint venture Botanica World Discoveries gardening tours following an intense product briefing undertaken by APT’s Business Development Managers (BDMs).
The training was in preparation for the imminent release of the 2009 Botanica World Discoveries brochure covering tours in Europe, Asia, North America, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand.
APT General Manager Sales and Marketing, Chris Hall said the BDMs would be stressing to agents there was considerable commission potential as customers tended to be high-end consumers.
“Packages average $10,000 and usually there are several travellers booking together and they like everything organised for them,” he said.
“There is very solid ‘growth’ in this gardens market.
“It is a sector of the experiential travel sector often overshadowed by media’s concentration on remote destination experiences, but it is equally a rewarding one for agents.”
(Graeme Willingham Public Relations Pty Ltd)
Update: July 19, 2008 [5 Stories]
USA
ASTA Victorious In ARC Case
The Independent Arbitration Panel (IAP) has granted ASTA's appeal of the annual fee increase by the Airlines Reporting Corp. (ARC).
In its ruling, the IAP said .. "The IAP finds ARC has not met its burden of proof to show the new annual administrative fees adopted by ARC on December 6, 2007, represent a fair allocation of costs between carriers and agents.
"Therefore, ASTA's appeal is granted. .... [ARC's decision] on annual fees represents a shifting of ARC's cost burden from the carriers to the travel agents without any proven benefit to either ARC or travel agents."
"This ruling shows that David can bring down Goliath when you have right on your side," said Cheryl Hudak, CTC, ASTA President and CEO.
"This is a tremendous victory, not just for ASTA but for travel agents across the country who now will not be subject to unconscionable annual fee increases that could have risen by as much as 500 percent in coming years.
"Many groups, including ASTA's Corporate Advisory Council, were involved in this victory, but we would specifically like to thank Carlson Wagonlit Travel Network Associates and Uniglobe Travel USA LLC, and in particular Andrew Henry (Uniglobe), Don Kennedy (Carlson), Priscilla Alexander (Protravel International) and Allan Huntley (Abacus Travel) who served as agency witnesses in the appeal," she said.
Although the IAP finding applies to the 2008 fee increase specifically, it went on to address the future years covered by ARC's fee increase plan, saying that "absent new evidence," the proposed fee structure does not appear to represent a fair allocation of costs "based on the value of other services that ARC provides and offers to the travel agents."
(American Society of Travel Agents)
England
Expedia Media Solutions Signs With Finland
Expedia Media Solutions has announced a major new global online advertising and marketing partnership with Visit Finland (Finnish Tourist Board) for 2008.
The global partnership with Visit Finland will see advertising for the destination feature on both Expedia and Hotels.com points of sale in 11 countries including the UK, Germany, France, Italy, the Nordics, the Netherlands, Spain, the US and Australia.
Visit Finland is also working in partnership with the Helsinki City Tourist & Convention Bureau and SAS/Blue1 on the campaign.
Anne Lind, Marketing Director from the Finnish Tourist Board, said ... "We are pleased to be working with Expedia Media Solutions on this dynamic marketing project.
"Tourism is a highly competitive market and in order for us to attract new visitors to Finland it is essential that we look to new and innovative ways to promote and showcase our destination.
"The partnership with Expedia enables us to reach their huge global audience of 55-million travel shoppers a month and take our message direct to the consumer at a point when they are looking to plan or book a holiday.
"We are particularly impressed that Expedia will also focus on enhancing the Finnish travel product portfolio on their global network of websites.”
(Finnesse Communications Marketing and PR)
Australia
European Travel Experts Roadshow Details
European Travel experts are beginning nationwide roadshows with representatives from each of the seven operators that make up ETE.
The shows for retail travel agents will begin this month in New South Wales.
National Sales Manager from one of the partners Beyond Travel, Bryce Crampton said that the ETE group offers expertise on a number of different sectors in the European travel industry and agents will have the chance to meet with a variety of experts face to face for comprehensive destination training.
The Roadshow programme will begin in Newcastle on Monday, August 4 at Western Suburbs Leagues Club, from 6:00pm until 8:30pm.
Other functions held will be ...
- Newcastle, Wests Mayfield, Tuesday, August 5, 7.30-9.30pm;
- Terrigal, Ondo Ristorante Italiano, Tuesday, August 5, 12-2pm;
- Gosford, Iguanas Waterfront, Tuesday, August 5, 6-8:30pm;
- Canberra, Hellenic Club of Canberra, Wednesday, August 6, 6-8:30pm;
- Wollongong, Novotel North Beach, Thursday, August 7, 12-2pm.
There are further events being held around NSW, Queensland and Victoria in October and November.
RSVP is essential as seats are strictly limited so register online at www.eurotravelexperts.com.au.
(SMB Communications)
England
UNWTO Minister's Summit At WTM
The second annual United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) Minsters' Summit will take place on Tuesday, November 11, 2008 at World Travel Market (WTM) at ExCeL London.
All eyes will be on WTM in London as Ministers seek to address the pressing challenges of Responding to the economic downturn and staying on course with the climate and poverty reduction agendas.
UNWTO Secretary-General, Francesco Frangialli, said ... "A new and more demanding economic scenario has emerged in recent times.
"While factoring this into the international tourism agenda, we must not lose sight of the unaffected challenges of climate change response and the fight against poverty.
"The long-term starts today and the tourism sector must act now and face up to the economic uncertainty with all of its constructive potential. We are proud to count on World Travel Market as a partner in this endeavour."
Fiona Jeffery, Chairman of World Travel Market said ... "We are moving into extremely challenging times and it is important that strategically we do not forget the big picture and long term goals whilst dealing in a very different economic climate.
"The Ministers' Summit, part of WTM's Ministerial Programme working with the UNWTO, aims to keep these long term goals at the forefront of our industry and provide a timely forum for discussion, debate and leadership."
(Reed Exhibitions Ltd)
Australia
League Legend Joins Tourism Campaign
As part of the Queensland Government’s $675,000 tourism marketing for the 2008 Rugby League World Cup, league legend Wally Lewis will join Tourism Queensland to promote Rugby League World Cup holidays from the Cape to Coolangatta.
Tourism Minister Desley Boyle said the ‘Where else would you find Wally?’ campaign would encourage over 200,000 people going to games in Brisbane, Gold Coast, Townsville and Rockhampton to stay longer and visit other Queensland tourism destinations.
“Almost 25% of tickets sold to the Rugby League World Cup final so far are from interstate and we expect around 8,000 international guests.
“With sports tourists being traditionally high spenders, splurging around $300-$400 per night on accommodation, tickets, food and beverages, we can expect the state’s tourism and hospitality industry to be big winners.
“If their team wins they go out, spend up big to celebrate, but if their team loses, they do the same to commiserate so they are an ideal tourist.
“The marketing campaign will be predominantly online and supported by print promotions.
“The campaign will target interstate fans to encourage them to come to Queensland for the Cup and spend some extra time exploring while they were here.
(Government of Queensland)
Update: July 17, 2008 [2 Stories]
Australia
Shareholders Vote In Favour Of Merger
Jetset Travelworld Limited (JTG) shareholders have approved the proposed merger with Qantas Holidays Limited (QH) and Qantas Business Travel Pty Limited (QBT), voting in favour of all 6 resolutions put forward at an Extraordinary General Meeting held in Melbourne today.
Chairman Mr John MC King said ... "The merger of the JTL retail agency network operations with QH and QBT will create a significant entity comprising complementary travel
businesses that are distinct in their respective industry sectors, with well-established travel brands and channels to market.
“Shareholder endorsement is the green light to create an integrated business which covers all segments of the travel market: retail, wholesale, corporate and online,” he said.
Qantas Airways Ltd, through wholly-owned subsidiary QH Tours Ltd, will hold 58% of issued shares in the new entity.
JTG will acquire all of the fully paid issued shares in Qantas Holidays Limited as well as the beneficial interest of Qantas Business Travel Pty
Limited as part of the merger.
The JTG Board will also be reconstituted to include Qantas Group nominees: Mr Geoff Dixon, Mr Peter Gregg, Ms Lesley Grant and Mr Gareth Evans.
Existing JTG Directors Mr John MC King, JTG’s Chairman, and Mr Peter Spathis, a Director since June 2002, will continue on the new Board, with Mr King continuing as Chairman.
Mr Peter Collins has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of the merged entity, with Ms Andrea Slark as Chief Financial Officer, effective from July 25, 2008; the scheduled date of the implementation of the merger.
(Media Monitors Ltd)
Australia
AAT Kings Appoints New Marketing Manager
AAT Kings has announced the appointment of Quynh Nguyen to the position of AAT Kings Marketing Manager.
Quynh takes on this role with solid experience in marketing and the travel industry.
Before joining AAT Kings she held the position of marketing executive at Scenic Tours and prior to that she worked within the marketing team of Bali wholesaler, Garuda Orient Holidays.
Les Cox, Managing Director AAT Kings said ... “As well as broad industry experience, Quynh brings specialist Australia and New Zealand destination and market knowledge to her new role.
"Her appointment will help build and sustain awareness of the many unique tour destinations Australia and New Zealand has to offer with our travel partners.”
Quynh said ... “I’m delighted to take on this role at AAT Kings. I look forward promoting the diverse range of products AAT Kings has to offer.”
(The Travel Corporation)
Update: July 15, 2008 [1 Story]
Indonesia
Losing ASEAN's Tourism Race
Despite Improving Arrival Numbers, Indonesia is Losing Market Share Within the ASEAN Competition for Tourist Arrivals.
While national tourism officials may point to pride at growing tourism numbers for Indonesia, the discomforting fact remains that against the objective measure of "market share" of all foreign tourism arrivals among the ten countries comprising the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Indonesia's tourism marketing results are truly nothing to crow about.
From 2002 to 2007 ASEAN arrivals as a whole increased +41.9%, while Indonesian arrivals improved by a much more modest +9.5%.
Indonesia's market share of all ASEAN arrivals decreased by 22.8% from 2002 - 11.44% market share - to 2007 - 8.83% market share.
Among the five ASEAN countries who lost market share between 2002 and 2007, Indonesia’s loss was only exceeded by Brunei's share which dropped - 85.6%.
(Bali Discovery Tours)
Update: July 13, 2008 [1 Story]
Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur Unveils 'Hop On, Hop Off' Bus
Government bodies in Malaysia have come together to establish a 'hop on, hop off' air conditioned double decker tourist bus service in Kuala Lumpur.
Designed to provide an efficient linkage between the major attractions within the city and enhance tourism services, the service will further upgrade Kuala Lumpur’s status as a tourist-friendly city.
Director of Tourism Malaysia Sydney, Mr Shahrin Mokhtar, said the bus will offer tourists a more convenient way to discover Kuala Lumpur.
“The service has been developed to allow tourists to spend the day in the city - either shopping, dining, sightseeing, discovering our unique cultural activities or simply enjoying the freedom of exploring at their own pace,” said Shahrin.
The bus will run on a half hourly schedule, from 8:30am - 8:30pm, with 22 designated stops that access 40 tourist attractions.
“Riders will be given a pamphlet that promotes the sights of the city,” said Shahrin.
“They will also have the benefit of a guide on the bus, in addition to the driver.”
A pre-recorded tour guide will be available on headsets in nine languages (Bahasa Malaysia, English, Mandarin, Hindi, Arabic, Japanese, French, Spain and Tamil).
Tourists will have the option of a 24 or 48-hour pass, available from 38-65 Ringgit (A$12-21).
(S2i Communications)
Update: July 11, 2008 [1 Story]
Hong Kong
Visitor Arrivals Rise, Led By The Chinese
Hong Kong welcomed more than 14-million visitor arrivals in the first half of 2008, recording a 9.1% increase from the same period in 2007.
Mainland Chinese visitors made up 7.7-million visitor arrivals, an 11.2% growth from 2007 while international visitor arrivals accounted for more than 6.3-million, representing a 6.6% growth from the first 6-months of 2007.
According to the Tourism Board, Hong Kong is targeting approximately 30.4-million visitor arrivals in full-year 2008, an 8% increase from the record 28.1-million arrivals in 2007.
(HVS International)
Update: July 10, 2008 [3 Stories]
Australia
Winery Owner Appointed To Board
Tourism Victoria Chief Executive Gregory Hywood has congratulated Janelle Boynton of Boynton Feathertop winery on her appointment to the Board of Tourism Victoria.
“With an excellent mix of skills and experience I anticipate Janelle will make a significant contribution to Victoria’s tourism industry,” Mr Hywood said.
“Through her important proactive work as a member of the Victorian Food and Wine Tourism Council and North East Valleys Food and Wine, Janelle has shown her ongoing commitment to the tourism industry.
“She has made great progress on recent projects including the North East Food Cluster and we look forward to her input as a board member of Tourism Victoria.
“Janelle brings extensive experience to the position as she has been instrumental in working with the local community and the tourism sector to grow tourism in Victoria’s High Country region.
“Janelle has also shown great professionalism and dedication, overseeing and expanding the winery during a period of challenge and change.
“Her impressive record of achievement includes rebranding the winery Feathertop label after the 2003 bushfires, achieving a $300,000 turnaround from loss to profit making venture.
“Importantly, Janelle brings considerable experience across different vocations which have helped to shape her career, including project management of many state and local government architectural projects.”
The Board of Tourism Victoria has recently begun a new era with the appointment of Dr Janine Kirk AM as Chairman.
(Tourism Victoria)
Australia
No More Band-aids - Tourism Needs Policy Shift
Australia must look to aviation, visa and tourism industry policy reforms if it is to remain competitive in a tough international tourism market Queensland Tourism Minister Desley Boyle said yesterday.
Ms Boyle said while creative marketing will always play an important role in our activities Australia cannot afford to just make cosmetic changes.
"Through my recent meetings with Asian airlines and tourism wholesalers it was very clear the demand for Queensland and Australian holidays remains strong but this demand is being choked by accessibility issues," Ms Boyle said.
"We are effectively reducing the size of our potential market by refusing cabotage to international airlines or making innovative changes like removed age restrictions on working holiday visas.
"Also high on the agenda is the need for national and consistent green accreditation of all tourism operations if we are to convince markets that visiting Queensland is environmentally sustai nable.
"This is a new world for tourism and we can't keep turning to marketing campaigns to solve the problems."
Ms Boyle said that Australia - to most of the world - is a long haul destination.
"Long haul tourists need to be really motivated to book a holiday and the fact that many Americans, for example, only get 2-weeks annual leave makes it even more difficult," she said.
"I can tell you there are a lot of Queenslanders particularly in the Tropical North and Whitsundays anti cipating the outcomes of the Federal Government's Aviation White Paper."
(Government of Queensland)
Australia
Breakaway Travelclub Wins Major Award
Breakaway Travelclub has cemented its position as the leading provider of travel services to Australia’s travel industry employees, defeating a high-profile field to be named Best Agency Support Service in the 2008 National Travel Industry Awards.
“Our industry is focused on selling the travel dream to Australia’s consumers,” said Breakaway Managing Director Anthony Cassar.
“Breakaway Travelclub enables everyone in the Australian travel industry to also experience the dreams they sell every day, but at significantly discounted levels,” he said.
Mr Cassar thanked the 28 international airline partners who provide confirmed space interline fares for travel industry employees through Breakaway Travelclub, and urged the small handful of other carriers and suppliers who were not currently working with Breakaway to join the programme.
“We are delighted that Australia’s travel professionals have voted us Best Agency Support Service, particularly when our competitors for this award were all major brands in the Australian travel industry,” he said.
“We consider ourselves to be the travel industry’s travel agent – and we are both delighted and very grateful that the travel industry feels the same way.”
Breakaway Travelclub, which incorporates World Interline Tours, offers travel agents, airline staff and other industry employees exclusive industry discounts on firm space airfares, accommodation, cruising, tours, stopovers, car hire and annual multi-trip insurance policies.
Pictured: Anthony Cassar and Alessandra de Matteis celebrate the NTIA award win by Breakaway Travelclub.
(Asia Pacific Public Relations)
Update: July 09, 2008 [5 Stories]
Australia
William Angliss Institute Scoops Top Honour
William Angliss Institute has been awarded the gong for ‘Best Registered Travel Industry Training Institution’ for the 2nd year running, at the 2008 National Travel Industry Awards for Excellence (NTIA).
Representatives from the Institute were amongst more than 700 members of the travel industry who descended on the Westin Hotel in Sydney on Saturday night to hear the results at the glitzy ceremony, which was hosted by the Australian Federation of Travel Agents (AFTA).
Brendan Clennett, Manager, Angliss Travel, said ... “We are delighted with the win. To receive such a prestigious honour in two consecutive years is a ringing endorsement of our sound strategic approach to training.”
William Angliss Institute is a dedicated training provider for the hospitality, tourism and foods industries.
Each year over 15,000 students are trained at the main campus in Melbourne.
Formed in 2005, Angliss Travel offers a range of customised training solutions and consultancy services for the Tourism sector that are built around client requirements and meet the needs of today's work environment.
It works closely with the industry to maintain relevant training for practical and current workplace needs.
Partners include Jetstar, Stella Tourism Group (Harvey World Travel, Travelscene AMEX, Air New Zealand Holidays, Concorde) and HRG Corporate.
(Pesel & Carr)
Australia
Bosca Heads Up Europe Specialist
Former Alitalia and Qantas executive Claudio Bosca has been appointed as General Manager of Global European Travel, the specialist retailer which has just openedat Crows Nest on Sydney’s affluent North Shore.
Bosca has more than 30-years experience in travel retail and wholesaling in Europe and Australia.
The retailer is at 68 Alexander Street, Crows Nest.
(David Baker & Associates)
USA
Affluent Americans To Continue To Travel
High gas prices, housing woes and the economic slowdown may keep some Americans from taking vacations this summer, but the wealthy are expected to go ahead with their travel plans.
"If you think about the high-income folks in the U.S., the CEOs and others who make a lot of money and have been doing well over the last 8-years, they can afford to do that. And they're doing it while they can," said Doug Shifflet, Chairman and CEO of travel research firm D.K. Shifflet & Associates.
(American Society of Travel Agents)
Australia
Searching For Queensland Beach Holidays
More Australians are looking for a warm Queensland winter escape than visiting the snow fields.
Queensland's Tourism Minister Desley Boyle said according to web monitor HitWise, online searches for beach holidays in Queensland outnumbered those of ski holidays down south.
"Searches for theme parks, islands and beach-related accommodation appeared amongst the top 30 search terms referring traffic to the Travel - Destinations and Accommodation industry between February and May," Ms Boyle said.
"Comparatively, during the same period only three ski holiday terms appeared.
"In fact Gold Coast page views on Queenslandholidays.com.au for June this year were triple that of the same month last year."
Ms Boyle said Tourism Queensland was taking the lead this winter, marketing escapes from the chilly southern states with an innovative interactive 'Wow! Queensland' campaign.
Launched in April and continuing until September, the campaign, valued at almost $3-million, aims to get southerners skiing in warm Queensland waters and not on cold southern fields.
(Government of Queensland)
USA
Fewer Foreign Travellers Choose The U.S.
Complicated security requirements, unwelcoming customs agents and a lackluster international marketing campaign are driving down the number of foreign tourists even as the slumping dollar is making the U.S. a more affordable vacation option.
The U.S. share of international travellers slipped from more than 7% to about 6% between 2000 and 2006, while major destinations such as San Francisco and Honolulu saw the number of foreign visitors decline by 20% to 34%.
(American Society of Travel Agents)
Update: July 08, 2008 [1 Story]
Australia
Abu Dhabi Tourism Seals Representation Accord
Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA), the apex body which manages the tourism assets of the Arabian Gulf emirate of Abu Dhabi, has opened a representation office in Sydney to build destination awareness.
Australia joins an ADTA representative office network already comprising of the UK, Germany and France, with the authority anticipating further expansion into China and Italy by the end of this year.
Award-winning Hill & Knowlton Australia, one of the country's leading representation companies, is now charged with helping raise the profile of Abu Dhabi, the largest of seven emirates which constitute the United Arab Emirates.
"Our decision to open this office is reflective of the growing air traffic from Australia to the UAE. To meet this growth our national carrier Etihad Airways plans to increase its Sydney to Abu Dhabi services from seven to 11 weekly flights as of November this year," explained His Excellency Mubarak Al Muhairi, Director General, ADTA.
"The Australian market holds huge inbound tourism potential for Abu Dhabi. Current figures show that on average, more than 8,000 Australians are flying to, or through Abu Dhabi International Airport on a monthly basis."
Research amongst travel agents in Australia revealed the Middle East is primarily viewed as a stop-over destination.
"The majority of Australian tourists travelling to the Middle East tend to spend between one to 4-days in the country before travelling on to Europe," said explained Ali Ahmed Al Hosani, Director of Promotions, ADTA.
"There is an emerging trend of retired clients and families using the Middle East as a stop-over on long haul journeys.
"Lack of knowledge could explain why the region is viewed simply as a stop-over destination, and our initial focus must be on addressing this by first educating the travel trade."
(Hill & Knowlton)
Update: July 07, 2008 [6 Stories]
Australia
Globus Family Area Sales Manager Wins Top Award
Globus Family Area Sales Manager Melinda Robilliard has been chosen as Australia’s Best Sales Executive in the coveted National Travel Industry Awards.
Melinda, who represents Globus Family in Victoria’s north-west region, received the award for Best Sales Executive - Industry Supplier, at the 2008 NTIA awards dinner in Sydney on Saturday night.
Globus Family National Sales Manager Anton Loeb said the company was extremely proud of Melinda, who has been with Globus for 3-years and was previously nominated for the award in 2006.
“It’s a great achievement for Melinda to be recognised by her colleagues within the industry and reflects the strong relationships she has built with her agents,” Mr Loeb said.
“Her knowledge, experience and caring nature ensure that her agents see her as a vital part of their business and a source of valuable information.
“We thank her for her hard work and commitment to representing the Globus Family in Victoria.”
Pictured: Melinda Robilliard (centre) with NTIA presenters Kylie Gillies and Larry Emdur from Channel 7.
(MG Media Communications)
Australia
AAT Kings Wins Agent Vote 2nd Year In A Row
AAT Kings has won the highly regarded Best Tour Operator - Domestic award for the 2nd consecutive year at the 16th annual National Travel Industry Awards.
The award ceremony was held on Saturday, July 5 at the Westin Sydney and was attended by the cream of the travel industry, all hoping to have secured the votes of the industry to receive a prestigious accolade.
Les Cox, Managing Director of AAT Kings, said ... “We are absolutely delighted to have won this award. We pride ourselves on being the Australia and New Zealand specialists and I am thrilled that the industry recognises and values our efforts.
"This really goes to show how you can specialise in a particular area and really excel.
“I would like to thank everyone at AAT Kings for making this award a reality and I also thank our travel agent partners for once again voting for AAT Kings.”
(The Travel Corporation)
Australia
Sky High Fuel Prices Force Aussies Off Road
Spiralling fuel prices are forcing nine in 10 Australians to cut back on domestic travel, according to a new survey.
An overwhelming 89% said they would love to explore more of Australia, but high fuel prices had forced them to cut back.
They said fuel tax cuts would encourage them to travel more.
The totaltravel.com survey, which attracted 1,515 responses, asked the question ... ‘Would fuel cuts encourage you to travel more domestically?’
Eleven per cent of voters said fuel excise cuts would not encourage them to travel more domestically.
They admitted that they would prefer to stay at home or travel overseas while the Australian dollar was so strong.
totaltravel.com Global Marketing Manager Paul Fisher said the fuel crisis would change the way people travelled in Australia.
“Australians will still go on holidays, but they will travel far shorter distances and be more cost conscious when they arrive,” Mr Fisher said.
Many families would forgo air travel for short car trips, he said.
“Regional areas that are harder to access may suffer a downturn in tourism.”
The survey was conducted over the past 4-weeks.
(totaltravel.com)
Australia
Insight Inducted Into NTIA Hall Of Fame
Insight Vacations has won the highly regarded Best Tour Operator - International award for the 3rd consecutive year at the 16th annual National Travel Industry Awards.
Insight Vacations was awarded the coveted title for the third year in a row, after previously being named Best National Tour Operator in 2005 before the International category was introduced.
To cap the night off Insight was inducted into the NTIA Hall of Fame.
The ceremony, held at the Westin Sydney on Saturday night, was attended by the travel industry’s high achievers, all hoping to have received enough industry votes to be awarded a prestigious accolade.
Lorraine Sharp, Managing Director of Insight Vacations said ... “We are honoured to be named winner of this award for the 4th consecutive year. Insight has achieved some incredible milestones this year, but this is one that I am most proud of.
“I would like to thank everyone at Insight Vacations for making this award possible and I also thank our travel agent partners for voting for Insight.”
(The Travel Corporation Pty Ltd)
Australia
Creative Wins Four In A Row At NTIA Awards
Creative Holidays was voted Best Wholesaler, International for the 4th year running at the 16th annual National Travel Industry Awards on Saturday night, firmly cementing its place as Australia’s leading wholesaler.
Creative Holidays was recognised as an industry leader committed to delivering the highest level of professionalism and service to the trade.
Presented at The Westin Sydney, the NTIA award ceremony was attended by travel industry members all vying to be honoured with the highest accolades for excellence in the tourism sector, rewarding organisations and individuals who continually deliver an outstanding level of service.
As further testament to its position as Australia’s leading wholesaler, Creative Holidays was also entered into the NTIA Hall of Fame for Best Wholesaler, International at the 2007 awards.
Justin Montgomery, Managing Director of Creative Holidays said ... “To be voted as industry leader by the travel industry for the forth year running is such an honour and one that I share with the entire Creative Holidays team.
"We are committed to providing the highest level of service to our travel agent partners and winning this award for the 4th year running proves what a fantastic job the whole team is doing."
(The Travel Corporation)
Australia
OETG Companies Merge Into One Legal Entity
The divisional companies of Orient Express Travel Group will now trade under the umbrella company Orient Express Travel Services P/L (OETS).
OETG has advised the NSW Office of Fair Trading that the Chung Pak Travel Pty Ltd travel agents licence is no longer required, and that the registered business names CP Holidays, CP Tours and Chung Pak Travel are now under the proprietorship of OETS.
Within NSW all trading activity will be within the OETS travel agents licence.
All Chung Pak brands will also sit within OETS’ TCF lodgement and Pty Ltd structure.
Similarly within Victoria, OETG has advised the Business Licensing Authority that the Orient Express Travel International Pty Ltd licence is no longer required.
The licensing responsibilities within Victoria will be met by the OETS Victorian licence.
All further group trading names Orient Express Holidays (OEH), Transglobal Destinations, Global Destination Management, Orient Express Travel Melbourne (OETM) and Orient Express Travel Corporate (OETC) are under the proprietorship of a single entity, OETS.
OETG CEO, Tom Manwaring, said the changes were implemented to simplify group administration and regulatory processes.
(Graeme Willingham Public Relations Pty Ltd)
Update: July 05, 2008 [2 Stories]
Australia
Tourism Australia Appoints New Global Creative Agency
Tourism Australia has announced the selection of DDB Worldwide as its new global creative services agency for the next 3-years.
Tourism Australia Chairman, Rick Allert AO, said DDB Worldwide was chosen following an intensive and highly competitive selection process involving many of the world’s best creative agencies.
“In appointing DDB Worldwide we have chosen an agency partner that not only provides the requisite international network and infrastructure credentials, but is also, most importantly, at the top of the creative game globally,” Mr Allert said.
Tourism Australia’s Managing Director, Geoff Buckley, thanked all of the agencies who participated in the tender process for their time, effort and commitment.
“In particular, I would like to thank the other short listed agency Saatchi & Saatchi for participating in this exhaustive selection process. We congratulate them on reaching the final shortlist of a very competitive tender.”
Mr Buckley said that Tourism Australia’s focus in the coming months is on maximising the global marketing and promotional opportunities presented by the Baz Luhrmann movie Australia due for release in November 2008.
“DDB Worldwide will be assisting Tourism Australia to maximise our promotional opportunities around the movie which offers huge potential to put Australia in the spotlight globally and ignite the Australia brand to motivate people who will see the movie to then see the country,” Mr Buckley said.
(Tourism Australia)
England
Forum On Bilateral Chinese Tourism Trade
Now in its third year the WTM ChinaContact Forum will follow-up on industry experiences learned from the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing offering an interactive opportunity for discussion about how to develop business with China as a destination, service provider and tour operator.
With the support of VisitBritain, the China National Tourism Administration, Visit London, the Kunming Municipal Tourism Board and the Pacific Asia Travel Association, top experts from tourism bodies and travel companies intimately involved with the Chinese tourism agenda will meet at World Travel Market (WTM) on November 12, 2008 to share their case studies with delegates from around the world.
Since 1999, China has embarked on an unprecedented rate of growth within the travel industry both domestically and internationally.
This rate is expected to remain stable at over 10% for the next 12-years, on course to make China the top tourist destination and tourism source market before 2020.
Fiona Jeffery, Chairman of World Travel Market said ... "China is an important emerging market within the travel industry from both an inbound and outbound perspective.
"Year on year the WTM ChinaContact Forum delves deeper into the intricacies of doing business with this ever increasing and important consumer market which offer WTM delegates an excellent insight into the challenges and the appropriate business practices required when working with this market."
For further information about the WTM ChinaContact Forum and to register visit www.wtmlondon.com.
(Reed Exhibitions Ltd.)
Update: July 03, 2008 [1 Story]
England
How To Effectively Target Gay Travel Markets
For the third consecutive year, World Travel Market (WTM) has invited leading gay travel marketing experts, Out Now, to present their research and findings on the gay travel market at WTM in November.
This year Out Now will examine the essential knowledge the industry needs to capitalise on the much homogenised, but financially lucrative segment of the international travel industry.
Gays and lesbians account for around 6% of the global population and around 10% of total travel expenditure.
WTM's Out Now Gay Marketing Masterclass will be moderated by Out Now founder and CEO, Ian Johnson.
This year's Masterclass titled Homosexual, not Homogenous - The importance of market segments when selling travel to the lesbian and gay markets, will take an in-depth look at the various different sub markets within gay travel groups exploring how to best target each individual sub category.
A trade only exhibition, the World Travel Market will be held from Tuesday, November 11 to Thursday, November 13.
For further details visit www.wtmlondon.com
(Reed Exhibitions Limited)
Update: July 02, 2008 [3 Stories]
Australia
VisitBritain Appoints 303
Judy Watkins, Manager VisitBritain, yesterday announced the appointment of 303 Group as their new creative and media-buying agency of record for Australia and New Zealand.
“I’m delighted to announce the appointment of 303 as our new creative and media-buying agency.
"Our team was impressed with their strategic thinking and the powerful creative media planning submitted. We look forward to working with them in the future,” Watkins said.
“Both Australians and New Zealanders continue to view Britain as a key destination to visit due to the historical and family connections of our countries, but the challenge is to ensure they continue to travel and see what else Britain has to offer outside of the main cities.
"We’d like Australians and New Zealanders of all backgrounds and age groups to experience a truly memorable British holiday,” she added.
Jon McKie, Managing Director 303 Group Sydney, said ... “The pitch process was a complex one and managed very well by our senior Account Director Matt Clarke, who happens to be originally English which helped a great deal.
"Our Creative Director Julian Watt played a significant role in delivering ideas against the brief, which was indeed challenging.
"The creative work we submitted was truly memorable. We are very excited about the prospect of working with VisitBritain.”
The work for VisitBritain includes online and offline activation with consumer response and retention.
(303 Group Pty Ltd)
Australia
New Specialist Retailer
Two Sydney travel industry identities who have more than 60-years experience between them have opened a retail outlet which will specialize in packaging personalised itineraries in Europe.
Directors of car lease and rental firm globalCARS, Tim Oliver and Andrew Morgan have set up Global European Travel in suburban Crows Nest on the rim of Sydney’s wealthy North Shore.
The shop at 68 Alexander Street opened on July 1 and will package up personalized combinations of accommodation ranging from pension to 5-Star and self-catering apartments and villas, international and intra-Europe flights, rail, cruise, vehicle rental and leasing and coach tours throughout Europe.
(David Baker & Associates)
Australia
Tempo Holidays To Be Acquired By Cox & Kings
Susan and Gary Hearst have entered into a share sale agreement to sell their family business, Tempo Holidays, to Cox & Kings, the worlds oldest, and one of the most respected travel businesses.
The sale is expected to be finalised in September 2008. The sale price is undisclosed.
It is “business as usual”, according to the Hearsts with Cox & Kings (C&K), also a family business, retaining Tempo Holidays 100-plus staff, product range, branding and management team led by CEO Steve Reynolds.
Jeremy and Antony Hearst, sons of Gary and Susan Hearst will also continue their involvement in the business.
Staff and key suppliers have been informed of the planned sale.
C&K - this year celebrating 250-years in business as a travel provider - has offices in London and Mumbai, as well as sales offices in North America, Asia and the Middle East.
The purchase will mark C&K’s entry to Australia.
The Hearsts started the business in 1990, as Yalla Tours.
The business was rebranded as Tempo Holidays in 2001 and now markets travel products to over 40-countries.
Principals of C&K are expected to meet with Tempo Holidays management, staff and key partners next week.
(Graeme Willingham Public Relations Pty Ltd)
Update: June 30, 2008 [2 Stories]
New Zealand
Tourism Spend Surpasses $20-billion For First Time
Tourism expenditure has surpassed $20-billion a year for the first time according to new figures out today, said Tourism Minister Damien O’Connor.
The Tourism Satellite Account: 2007, published today by Statistics New Zealand, shows tourism spend in New Zealand increased 4.7% ($896-million) in the year to March 2007 compared to the previous year.
The figures also show international tourism expenditure accounted for $8.8-billion, or 18.3% of New Zealand’s exports, compared with $8.4-billion the previous year, confirming tourism remains New Zealand’s number one export earner.
Mr O’Connor said the report shows just how important tourism is to New Zealand’s economy, contributing 9.2% of GDP.
“The sheer size of the tourism industry and its potential to help transform our economy into one which is more sustainable and of higher value means it is extremely important to New Zealand,” said Mr O’Connor.
“Tourism's future depends upon sustainability and delivering greater value from each and every visitor to this country. We need to continue to deliver on our world famous 100% Pure New Zealand brand and implement the outcomes of the New Zealand Tourism Strategy 2015 to ensure ongoing prosperity in the industry.
“Operating sustainably is no longer optional. In today’s world it is essential for business success. Doing what we can to protect our environment will also reward us financially, ensuring the economic sustainability of the tourism industry and New Zealand as a whole,” said Mr O’Connor.
To view the Tourism Satellite Account: 2007 go to www.tourismresearch.govt.nz
(FeedBurner)
Indonesia
Bali On Way To 2-million Visitors In 2008
Bali foreign tourist arrivals for the month of May 2008 continued to perform in record-breaking territory achieving 159,877 visitors, a full +24.24% better than the same month in 2007 (128,693).
On a cumulative basis for the months January-May 2008, Bali arrivals totaled 753,934 – improving +25.50% over the same period one year before (601,143).
If Bali manages to sustain its current level of improvement through the end of 2008 it will be assured of achieving the first year ever in which foreign tourist arrivals top 2-million.
The top 5 countries producing foreign visitors to Bali in May 2008 were ...
* Japan 142,161
* Australia 101,465
* Taiwan 60,395
* South Korea 57,300
* People’s Republic of China 55,048
(Bali Discovery Tours)
Update: June 29, 2008 [3 Stories]
Australia
Australia Tops Holiday 'Must See' List
Australia tops the list of ‘must-visit’ travel destinations in Asia Pacific for the majority of people living in the Asia Pacific region, according to a new survey commissioned by Visa International.
The survey, which asked more than 4,500 people from nine Asia Pacific countries and territories to share their top five ‘must-visit’ travel destinations in the region, found that 63% of respondents said Australia was the place they most wanted to see.
Australia ranked in first or second place for all source destinations surveyed, underscoring widespread regional interest in travelling to Australia.
According to the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), more than 2.7-million people from the nine source destinations surveyed visited Australia in 2007.
PATA forecasts that more than 3-million people will visit Australia from these same source destinations in 2010, representing an average annual growth rate of 3.4%
Australia was in the top five list of every location polled: Koreans (71%), Malaysians (66%), Indians (65%), Japanese and Singaporeans (both 61%), New Zealanders (60%), Taiwanese and Hong Kongers (both 58%).
(Porter Novelli)
Australia
Tempo’s AMEX Incentive Winners
On June 26, Tempo Holidays presented prizes to AMEX Centurion and Platinum travel agents who had the highest value of Tempo Holidays’ Latin America product sales between March and May.
Silvana Tawaf (AMEX Platinum) won a place on Tempo’s Latin America educational departing in September, Emily Finch (AMEX Centurion) won a place on the same educational as well as the opportunity to hop around the Greek Islands and Julie Ann Harvey (AMEX Platinum) won a Greek Islands hopping experience.
The presentations were made by a Tempo’s Suzanne Hallas (BDE NSW & ACT), Liz Froggatt (Industry Sales Manager) and Steve Reynolds (CEO).
(Graeme Willingham Public Relations Pty Ltd)
Australia
Strategy Skilling Fraser Coast Tourism Industry
Fraser Coast tourism operators and the Queensland Government have joined forces to ensure the region's tourism growth isn't restrained by skill shortages.
Education and Training Minister Rod Welford, who is in the region this weekend for the Government's 7th Community Cabinet, said the Fraser Coast Tourism Skills Formation Strategy would give industry greater responsibility for attracting, recruiting, skilling and retaining its workers.
"In a fast-growing region, Fraser Coast tourism companies face a growing challenge to recruit and keep good people," Mr Welford said.
"Industries like mining and construction are hard to compete with - a situation that is likely to continue for some time.
"Rather than remain passive, the tourism industry needs to look at ways to tackle this challenge, and our Government fully supports efforts to develop new strategies to remedy skilling and labour shortages."
Mr Welford said the Government had provided funding of $128,000 over 2-years toward the Fraser Coast Tourism Skills Formation Strategy, an amount matched by the Fraser Coast South Burnett Regional Tourism Board Limited.
"The strategy represents a change of direction, in that industry will be driving future responses to staffing and training needs," he said.
"Through this process industry members will take the leading role in identifying training needs and how the industry can recruit, train, retrain and keep good people in the longer term."
Mr Welford said the process could table proposals such as tourism traineeships, which had been launched this year at Bundaberg and involved TAFE, the regional tourism body, local businesses and a group training organisation.
(Government of Queensland)
Update: June 28, 2008 [1 Story]
USA
Law Boosts Fees, Bonds, Fines For Agents
The American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) is advising agents that under new amendments to Florida's Seller of Travel law, which go into effect July 1, the fines have increased for selling travel to any country that the State Department has designated a sponsor of terrorism.
Currently, those countries include Iran, Syria, Cuba, Sudan and North Korea, although North Korea may soon drop off the list.
Florida has also increased registration fees and security bonds for travel agents.
(American Society of Travel Agents)
Update: June 26, 2008 [2 Stories]
Australia
Whitsunday Tourism In Focus
Queensland Tourism Minister Desley Boyle will join the board of Tourism Queensland in Airlie Beach today to meet with the Whitsunday tourism industry.
The board will take a local industry tour before further discussions are held into plans to offset the weather effected peak season and regional airline cuts.
Minister Boyle said she commended Tourism Whitsundays and the local industry for their serious yet forward-focused approach to what has been a devastating year so far for the region.
"At our last meeting the industry came with clear ideas and plans all of which were discussed in detail.
"Today's meeting will provide important follow-up on the issues raised previously.
"Our most difficult challenge is to find ways of replacing the airline capacity cuts to the region.
"While the State Government is currently in discussions about potential flight replacements we may need to turn our focus to other strategies."
Ms Boyle said that marketing campaigns and trade promotions would stimulate both of these.
"We can employ the best advertisers in the world, use the latest and best photo technology but nothing can replicate the experience of actually visiting, seeing and exploring the Great Barrier Reef and Whitsundays," she said.
Tourism Queensland will be holding a board meeting on Hamilton Island on Friday.
The Whitsundays will also be hosting the board of Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC) and the Chairs and Managers of the state's Regional Tourism Organisations to discuss the state Tourism Network Review.
(Government of Queensland)
Austria
2010 Focus At Euro 2008
The international spotlight was firmly fixed on South Africa yesterday during two media events at Euro 2008 in Vienna Austria, where the world’s media interrogated every facet of South Africa’s readiness for 2010.
First was a CNN face-off with SA LOC CEO Danny Jordaan, Deputy Finance Minister Jabu Moleketi, a FIFA representative; and Moeketsi Mosola, SA Tourism CEO and acting CEO of the International Marketing Council.
Second was a media cocktail event that included discussions about the emergence of the African player, and 2010 as a catalyst for the transformation of African football as well as the preparation, legacy and work ahead for 2010.
South African Tourism CEO, Moeketsi Mosola, spoke about the industry’s state of readiness for 2010; the legacy of 2010 for the nation and for the industry; and fears around safety and security that impact negatively on the industry.
“We recognise the challenge that crime poses not only to our visitors, but to all South Africans,” he said.
"The nation is investing heavily in crime-curtailing strategies and mechanisms. We are determined to get the better of the criminals."
The South African tourism industry is excited about the 2010 tournament and it is equipped to deliver the accommodation and the experiences that have made South Africa a world-class holiday destination, Mosola told media delegates.
“We confidently expect 10-million foreign arrivals in South Africa come 2010,” he said.
“Of those, no more than 500,000 will come specifically for the World Cup.
"For us, the big event starts in 2009 with the Confederations Cup. We will be fully prepared by 2009 already.
“2010 will augment, not define, the success of South Africa’s travel and tourism industry.”
(Professional Public Relations Pty Ltd)
Update: June 25, 2008 [2 Stories]
Belgium
4th Consecutive Year of Growth In 2007
European Tourism Insights 2007 - and Outlook for 2008, the European Travel Commission’s (ETC’s) 4th annual report on the state of the region’s travel and tourism industry, shows that Europe enjoyed another year of good growth in 2007 - above the long-term forecast established by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) - with international arrivals and overnight volume rising by 4-5%.
The result is especially impressive given that 2007 was a fairly uneventful year in terms of regional tourism draws.
After an exceptional crop of mega-events in 2006 (including the Winter Olympic Games in Turin, the FIFA Football World Cup in Germany, the Ryder Cup in Ireland, and a whole host of cultural events linked to famous artists and musicians), they were thin on the ground in 2007.
The most important were arguably the Rugby World Cup in France and the America’s Cup in Spain.
On the positive side, there were no major terrorist incidents or health scares in Europe.
Nevertheless, the region did face several challenges during the course of 2007 that clearly impacted on tourism demand.
These included higher oil and, therefore, fuel prices, higher taxes, stricter safety and security controls at airports, and continuing erratic weather in many parts of Europe.
Once again, much of the increase in 2007 came from Europeans taking more frequent short breaks, usually flying with the growing number of low-cost/no-frills airlines linking regional airports as well as capital cities.
A copy of the report European Tourism Insights 2007 - and Outlook for 2008 is available at www.etc-corporate.org.
(European Travel Commission)
Australia
Premier Opens New South Bank Visitor Centre
Visitors to South East Queensland's most popular precinct now have improved access to information and services with the opening of the new South Bank Visitor Centre.
Premier Anna Bligh officially opened the Centre yesterday located on the ground floor of South Bank House in Stanley Street Plaza, South Bank.
Premier Bligh said the new Visitor Centre is now more visible to Parkland and precinct visitors and includes a range of new services and merchandise.
"The Visitor Centre has always provided guests with detailed information on everything South Bank has to offer, including cultural activities, holiday accommodation, restaurant and event information," Ms Bligh said.
"South Bank Corporation is always looking at ways to improve the visitor experience and have implemented a number of initiatives.
"One is the upgrade of the pools to include further water saving measures; improved lighting and landscaping, and most importantly, the inclusion of a disabled access ramp."
South Bank Corporation Board Chairman Steve Wilson said the Visitor Centre - previously the Visitor Information Centre - has been providing services to the residents, visitors and workers since the Parkland's inception in 1992.
"With more than 8-million visitors to the Parklands each year, it is important for visitors to have an easily found one-stop-shop for all of their requirements, needs and questions," he said.
The Centre will continue to provide information on South East Queensland events, tours, accommodation and dining.
(Government of Queensland)
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