Travelbeat General Industry News Update: March 11, 2010 [3 Stories] USA Update On The ESTA Currently, there is no fee to complete an Electronic System for Travel Authorization for U.S.-bound travelers on the Visa Waiver Programme. However, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will introduce a nominal fee for an ESTA in the future in accordance with the Travel Promotion Act (TPA). DHS have yet to release information on when they will begin to collect the fee. Under the Travel Promotion Act (TPA), the U.S. government and the private sector will share the cost of marketing travel to the United States and improving security measures for overseas visitors. The TPA aims to promote U.S. travel and to ensure that prospective visitors to the United States receive comprehensive, up-to-date information on travel documents and requirements for entry. The TPA will be funded in part by an initial fee of approximately US$10 for travellers when they apply for or renew an ESTA for travel to the U.S. under the Visa Waiver Programme (VWP). DHS have yet to determine the amount of the fee. The ESTA fee will apply only to VWP travellers and will be much cheaper than the fee for an American visa. The fee is required every 2-years with each ESTA renewal and can be used for unlimited trips to the U.S. in that period. Many Visa Waiver Programme countries, including Australia, already charge similar entry or exit fees. VWP travellers should be aware that unauthorized third-parties have established websites, which charge visitors for information and for submitting ESTA applications. These websites are not endorsed by, associated with, nor affiliated in any way with the U.S. government. (U.S. Consulate General, Sydney) Australia MSA Sees Rewards From India Awards Mercury Silver Aviation expects to generate new business for Creative Travel in New Delhi as a result of Creative Travel winning two of the Indian travel industry’s highest honour - the National Tourism Awards. The first was an award for India’s Best Tour Inbound Operator in its category and the second as India’s Best MICE Operator (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Events). Mercury Silver Aviation (MSA) -- a division of Orient Express Travel Group -- is the Australia marketing representative for Creative Travel. Manager of MSA, Peter Power said that as national tourism awards drew attention to an organisation, the rewards usually follow in terms of new business. “We will certainly be making it known here that Creative Travel is the best in its class in India,” he said. “Creative Travel is delivering the best of India.” It is the second year running Creative Travel has won the MICE award. Established in 1977, Creative Travel has grown to be among India's leading Destination Management Companies covering all of India, Nepal, Bhutan and Sri Lanka. Mr Power said a key to the success of Creative Travel was the establishment of two specialist teams -- the Incentives team and Plan it ! Meetings & Conferences. (Graeme Willingham Public Relations Pty Ltd) Australia New Sabre State Manager For The Sunshine State Sabre Pacific has created a State Manager position in Queensland, acknowledging the commercial significance of the state as an increasingly important market for the company. The inaugural manager's role has gone to Chris Wilks. Sabre Pacific's CEO, Gai Tyrrell, said the appointment is a major elevation of Chris' existing role of Account Manager Queensland. "Chris actively demonstrated to the industry - and to his Sabre Pacific colleagues - the potential of the Queensland market for us," said Gai. "His wide experience of the travel industry will be put to excellent use in this role.” Chris has been in the travel industry for 10-years, has worked for DriveAway Holidays and AOT Holidays, and most recently was General Manager Contracting for the AOT Group. Chris said he is committed to working hand-in-hand with Sabre’s travel agency partners to further develop their business across the leisure, corporate and VFR markets. “I think that with the strong outlook of the Queensland travel market, Sabre Pacific is well positioned for growth with existing partners and for welcoming new Sabre clients into the ‘family’,” said Chris. (S2i Communications) Update: March 10, 2010 [2 Stories] Australia New Specialists To Lead Management Team Escape Travel is strengthening its position in the travel sector, with the appointment of two new industry professionals to its management team in Australia. The travel agency, a division of Flight Centre Limited, has welcomed Sally Wiseman as its national brand leader and marketing specialist Karen Cooke as its national marketing manger. Sally Wiseman brings a wealth of experience to the role, having worked as Flight Centre’s Queensland state marketing manager for almost 4-years and Insight Vacations Queensland state marketing manager for 2-years. Sally has also held positions in product contracting and business development for Keith Prowse, RCI Travel, Ansett Australia and Air New Zealand. Karen Cooke has been part of the Flight Centre Limited team for more than 6-years, five of which were spent as national marketing manager for luxury retail brand Travel Associates. Karen also spent 9-years in various marketing roles at the Commonwealth Bank and 2-years at St George Bank. As national brand leader, Sally will be responsible for consolidating the brand’s position, overseeing store merchandising and growing relationships with key industry suppliers. Karen Cooke will manage all of Escape Travel’s marketing activities, with key responsibilities involving raising the profile of the brand as the specialists in inclusive holiday packages for families, couples and honeymooners. (Flight Centre Limited) India Kuoni Receives Two 'National Tourism Awards The Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, presents National Tourism Awards to various segments of the travel and tourism industry every year. These awards recognise the outstanding performance of companies in the travel and hospitality industry in India. This year, Kuoni received two of these prestigious awards. For the 19th time, Kuoni Destination Management, India was awarded the National Tourism Award 2008/09 for Outstanding Performance as an inbound tour operator. Kuoni as a Group also received the National Tourism Award for Best Overseas Operator to India from Europe. The awards were presented by Mr Mohammad Hamid Ansari, Vice President of India at a function held in New Delhi on March 3, 2010. '"It is a matter of great pride for us to have received this award for the 19th time,"said Dipak Deva, Chief Executive Officer, Kuoni Destination Management India & South Asia. "It further strengthens our position as India’s leading Destination Management Company. With our extensive local know–how and expertise, we will continue to reinvent ourselves with unique and creative products. "These awards are dedicated to our clients overseas, partners in India and our enthusiastic team.” (Kuoni Travel Holding Ltd.) Update: March 08, 2010 [1 Story] Australia Opportunity To Date Top Industry Leaders The Travel Industry Careers Association (TICA) is offering another opportunity for industry staffers and students considering a career in travel to get up close and personal with senior industry leaders as part of a ‘Speed Dating Event’ scheduled in Sydney on Tuesday, March 23. TICA chair Penny Spencer said format for the networking event would be based on a similar and highly successful function held last November in Sydney which attracted some 60 industry staffers and students. Format for the function will be fast paced with small groups spending 10-minutes with each speaker who will elaborate on how they climbed their individual career ladders. The networking event also includes a Q&A session followed by refreshments. Ms Spencer said feedback received from the November function had been extremely positive hence the decision to again go with a similar format. “These events provide participants with a unique networking forum and a great opportunity for people in frontline and middle management and those considering a career in travel to hear tips on how to advance their careers,” she said. “This is just one of many ways in which TICA is actively working to raise the profile of the benefits a travel industry career presents. “Not only are we moving to combat increasing skills shortages within the industry, we are also tackling other competitive industries in the race for the same pool of talent.” For more information go to www.travelindustrycareers.org. (Mike Parker- Brown) USA Bus Company Ordered To Cease Operations Following an emergency request by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), the United States District Court for the Central District of California on Saturday ordered the owner of Tierra Santa Inc, the illegal bus company involved in a March 5 fatal crash near Phoenix, Arizona, to immediately cease all interstate and international passenger service. The carrier ceased operation on the evening of Friday, March 5 at the demand of FMCSA. Saturday's order makes that shutdown enforceable by the Court. FMCSA’s complaint states that the owner of the bus company, Cayetano Martinez of Los Angeles, had previously been shut down by FMCSA, only to attempt to “reincarnate himself as a new carrier” and unsuccessfully attempted to gain U.S. Department of Transportation operating authority under a new name. “Martinez has shown a persistency and determination to continue operating under new entities and business,” the complaint states. The decree prohibits Martinez, or any affiliated company, “from contracting with or arranging for additional transportation of passengers unless the contracted motor carrier possesses valid operating authority registration from FMCSA.” The consent decree does not absolve Martinez from possible future civil penalties by FMCSA for violations of federal motor carrier safety regulations. “It is absolutely essential that unsafe carriers like this one be taken off the road,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. “Safety is our number one priority at the Department of Transportation and we will not rest until this accident has been fully investigated.” (U.S. Department of Transportation) Update: March 06, 2010 [1 Story] Australia Agents's Chance To Win A Holiday For Two In India Advanture World is offering agents a chance to win a trip for two to India when a Taj Hotel, Resort or Palace stay is booked between March 15 and May 3. The deal applies to more than 18 properties in India, Sri Lanka and the Maldives. The more bookings made the more entries into the draw. Discover highlights of northern India and experience luxury accommodation at a selection of Taj properties in Delhi, Agra, Gwalior and Jaipur. The prize includes return economy airfare from Australia to New Delhi, 6-nights Taj hotels, resorts and palaces accommodation with daily breakfast, a complimentary Lonely Planet gift pack and all transfers within India. For more details contact Adventure World on 1300-363-055 or visit www.adventureworld.com.au/taj (SMB Communications) Update: March 04, 2010 [2 Stories] USA Home-Based Agencies Continue Significant Growth A recent survey of ASTA members - the 2010 ASTA Agency Profile - found there continues to be a significant increase over time in the number of agencies with sales of either less than $1-million or greater than $10-million, up almost 87% and 116% respectively since 2002. Further, comparing 2003 with 2010, the percentage of ASTA home-based agents has grown by 312%. “No doubt the past year has been challenging, but there are signs of positive growth in the travel industry and in the minds of the traveling public,” said ASTA President and Chair Chris Russo. “International travel, when compared to domestic, is growing for travel consultants, and they continue as the main point of sale for most non-air travel. Travel consultants have proven to be resilient and resourceful and will continue to thrive.” Other data of note include ... Sales of hotels (23%), cruises (18%), tours (6%), saw strong increases in percentage share in 2010 compared to 2002. More than a third of current ASTA members have joined the Society since 2001. Seventy percent of ASTA agencies use an Airlines Reporting Corp. (ARC) identification number, with only 4% taking advantage of ARC’s new Verified Travel Consultant option. Seventy-nine percent of ASTA members belong to a consortia and/or franchise. This is the first time membership in a consortium has dropped below 80% in the past decade For the first time, reporting agencies expect international sales to be a larger percentage (55%) of their overall sales. The ASTA Agency Profile report can be downloaded at no charge, at ASTA.org. (American Society of Travel Agents) Russia TUI Brand Launched In Russia & Ukraine TUI Russia & CIS have announces the launch of the TUI brand in Russia & Ukraine. The joint venture between TUI Travel PLC and S-Group Capital Management (SGCM) has committed to spend up to $60-million on the TUI Russia & CIS businesses - Mostravel, VKO Group and Voyage Kiev - over the next 3-years in the areas of brand, e-commerce, management and technology. The highlights of the brand launch include ... Over 200 owned and franchise travel agencies to use the TUI brand in Russia and Ukraine; All agencies connected to one call centre and supported online; Choice of 20 destinations, with Cyprus new for Russia in 2010; 10 new brochures for Russia with 4 new programmes including a TUI Experiences brochure and a TUI Family brochure; Free children’s clubs; International service standards; Money back guarantee; A marketing and advertising campaign will be launched later in March with the slogan ‘Anything for your smile’. The TUI brand values of being a reliable, responsible and inspiring tour operator will be promoted. TUI Russia & CIS entered the market in 2009 with the aim of building a market leading travel business with its partner SGCM and the businesses VKO Group, Mostravel and Voyage Kiev. TUI Russia & CIS aims to be recognised as the number one for customer service, best practice and range of products and experiences. (TUI Travel PLc) Update: March 03, 2010 [3 Stories] Australia ‘Best Ever’ Australian Visitor Arrival Figures Fiji has kicked off 2010 with an unprecedented 65.2% jump in Australian visitor arrivals - the best figures the destination has ever seen from this market. Figures released this week by Tourism Fiji for January 2010 show the destination attracted a total of 21,586 Australians, a 65.2% jump over the 13,070 visitor arrivals recorded for the same period in 2009. The result is a huge cry from the massive drop the destination experienced from Australia in January 2009 following heavy flooding, the natural disaster seen as a catalyst for a more than 27% drop in Australian business . A beaming Tourism Fiji regional director Australia Paresh Pant said while industry sales figures indicated Fiji business was booming from this market, the January 2010 result was far and away much higher than he had anticipated. “In 12-months we have gone from one extreme to another. Last year we posted our worse ever figures for a January period in recent times - today we are posting our best ever,” he said. The Australian visitor arrival result was just one of many successes for Fiji in all of its key markets in January, the destination’s combined international visitor arrival figures growing 37.6% from 32,955 to 45,362. This included New Zealand figures where visitor arrivals jumped 49.8% setting another January record in the process. Traffic from the UK/Europe increased by 22% while Fiji’s US business for the period also showed good growth with a 4.1% increase. The only markets not showing growth in January were the Pacific islands, Japan and not surprisingly Canada which registered a 13.3% drop for the month. Tourism Fiji attributed this to the fact that many Canadians may have opted to stay at home to watch the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympic Games. Mr Pant said the overall January result, which represents 47.5% of Fiji’s entire international visitor intake provides with an excellent platform with which to reach the 270,000 Australian figure Tourism Fiji has set itself in 2010. (Mike Parker-Brown) Chile Tourism Destinations Largely Escape Quake Damage Tour operators and officials in Chile say Patagonia, Easter Island and other key tourism attractions as well as tourism infrastructure suffered little or no damage from the 8.8-magnitude earthquake that struck and killed more than 700 people Saturday. The epicenter of the massive quake was near the central Chilean city of Concepción. Meanwhile, Santiago airport continues to re-establish service after the earthquake damaged the passenger terminal of the country's main international airport. The airport, which generally handles about 300 daily flights, has been re-establishing service. (American Society of Travel Agents) USA ASTA Survey Reveals Top 10 Choices For the 8th year in a row, Orlando and Las Vegas remain the most popular summer destinations booked by ASTA travel consultants, according to ASTA’s 2010 Hot Spots for Summer survey. Orlando came out on top with a 17.7% share of responses, and Las Vegas maintained the second spot with 16.2% of the votes. Overseas, the top four international destination cities remained the same for the 8th year in a row as well, with top-ranked London receiving an 8.5% share of the vote followed by Rome (8%), Paris (7.6%), Cancun (6.7%) and Punta Cana (2.8%), with its 2nd year in the top five. Rounding out the top 10 after Orlando and Las Vegas were San Francisco (4.9%), Miami (3.7%), Los Angeles (3.3%), New York City (2.8%), San Diego (2.6%), Honolulu (2.0%), Seattle 1.9%) and Washington, DC (1.8%). Several changes occurred this year, most notably Seattle’s return to the top 10, displacing Chicago for 9th place. The other major change was New York City moving up three places to 6th compared to 2009 and pushing Honolulu down to 8th place. When it comes to Americans heading abroad, Western Europe again dominated summer travel choices, taking five places. While the five destinations haven’t changed since 2009, those rounding out the top 10 have: Hong Kong (.8%) made its first appearance in the top 10 and the Riviera Maya (2%) made an appearance at 6th place. (American Society of Travel Agents) Update: March 01, 2010 [1 Stories] Australia TMS Releases 2009 Australian Salary Report Collated against the backdrop of what has to date proven one of the toughest economic environment seen in years, TMS Asia-Pacific has released the results of its 2009 Australian Travel and Hospitality Industry Salary Report. TMS CEO Andrew Chan said one of the key finding of the fourth annual poll was the not so surprising fact that less than 50% of the 600 respondents taking part in the exercise had seen an increase in salary over the past 12-months. The full story ... TMS Releases 2009 Australian Salary Report (Mike Parker-Brown) Update: February 27, 2010 [2 Stories] South Africa UNWTO Welcomes Outcome Of The First T.20 UNWTO welcomes the outcome of the First T.20 Ministers’ Meeting held in Johannesburg, (February 22-24) to debate the contribution of tourism to the global agenda, in particular to the ongoing process of supporting economic recovery and the transformation towards a greener and more sustainable economy. Following a constructive, future-oriented meeting, ministers and officials concluded with the following recommendations ... a. To strengthen the analytical base that underpins the economic and development case for travel and tourism. b. To intensify collaboration to position tourism as a key driver of sustainable economic and social development. c. To enhance the role of tourism to contribute towards creating new, decent employment opportunities, boosting trade, renewing infrastructure, and above all, accelerating ethical and sustainable development, thereby expanding the reach of the economic benefits of tourism to a larger segment of the world population. d. To continue to examine broad international economic frameworks that have a significant impact on global tourism development. e. To increase cooperation between countries, working closely with stakeholders, with a view to facilitating international movement of tourists, addressing restrictive travel barriers, and fostering mutual understanding and collaboration. f. To engage and partner with the international community, including UNWTO; G20; international and intergovernmental bodies such as the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), the International Trade Centre (ITC) and International Labour organization(ILO); private sector organizations and associations such as the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC); national governments and regional organizations, and the European Commission, in order to advance tourism’s role in stimulating the global economy, enhancing employment, creating decent jobs, alleviating poverty, supporting development, and transforming progressively into a greener, more sustainable economy. (World Tourism Organization) USA Executives Meet For Cross-Industry Dialogue More than 85 travel agency executives braved one of the biggest snowstorms of modern history to attend the 2010 ASTA Premium Business Summit and Corporate Advisory Council (CAC) Meeting. The event was hosted by Marriott at the JW Marriot San Antonio Hill Country Resort and Spa - San Antonio, Texas. Topics such as The Corporate & Leisure Travel Experience of the Future, The Airline Industry of Today and Tomorrow, Managing Airline Unbundling & Direct Connect and Travel Agents as Information Brokers: The Super PNR - Is it Real? were among the issues debated and discussed during the Summit. Expert panelists and speakers representing all facets of the industry gave their perspectives and insights into where the industry is headed. This included: Ellen Bettridge, ASTA Executive Committee member/CAC Chairman, VP/Retail Travel Network, American Express; Marc Casto, President & COO, Casto; Tom Cates, CCO, Amadeus North America; Kaye Ceille, SVP, AVIS Budget Group; Monisa Cline, VP, North American Sales, Continental Airlines; Vicki Freed, SVP, Royal Caribbean International; Mike Foster, owner, Uniglobe Instant Travel Inc.; Scott Hintz, co-founder, TripIt; Chris Kroeger, President, GetThere; Kevin Mitchell, Chairman & Founder, Business Travel Coalition; Tim Smith, President, San Diego Travel Group and Chairman of the board, Signature Travel Network; and Rose Stratford, SVP, BCD Travel. Other travel agency supplier speakers included Jeff Coggin, Assistant Vice President, Enterprise Holdings; Cynthia Kropp, Executive Vice President, ABC Corporate Services; Peter Pincus, global account executive, Marriott International; and Cindy Perry, Vice President, Travel Insured International. (American Society of Travel Agents) Update: February 25, 2010 [1 Story] South Africa UNWTO Address To The T20 Ministers Of Tourism “Global challenges such as the recent economic crisis and the climate imperatives can only be addressed in a global cooperative manner and in fora such as the UN or the G-20,” said UNWTO Secretary-General, Taleb Rifai, in his opening remarks at the Tourism Ministers’ Meeting in Johannesburg. The Ministry of Tourism of the Republic of South Africa, with the support of UNWTO, is hosted a Tourism Ministers’ Meeting (T20) under the theme 'Travel and tourism: stimuli for the global economy' from February 22-24. Tourism ministers meeting at the UNWTO General Assembly (October 2009, Astana, Kazakhstan) expressed a strong sentiment that tourism should be further mainstreamed in global economic decision making. Travel and tourism can make a valuable contribution to the economic recovery, and can be an important pillar of the global efforts to unlock enhanced economic growth, infrastructure development, trade promotion, poverty eradication and particularly job creation. The T20 is a members-driven initiative with the support of UNWTO. Read the full speech of UNWTO Secretary-General, Taleb Rifai: www.unwto.org/pdf/TR_T20.pdf (World Tourism Organization) Update: February 24, 2010 [1 Story] USA President Says He Love Las Vegas President Barack Obama spoke to tourism officials in Las Vegas late last week, aiming to reassure them that he supports the city and its tourism industry after controversial comments put him at odds with Sin City. "I love Vegas," Obama said. "What happens in Vegas reflects what's happening across America." He also vowed to help the country's tourism industry by setting aside money for promotions to foreign visitors. "I don't just want Vegas to go back to the way it was, I want it to be thriving," President Obama said. (American Society of Travel Agents) Update: February 23, 2010 [1 Story] Cambodia Steady Growth For Tourism Sector According to the report ‘Tourism Highlights’ released by the Cambodian government, Cambodia has witnessed steady growth in its tourism sector over the last 5-years. In 2004, there was a total of one million international arrivals to Cambodia and this figure was recorded at approximately 2.13-million in 2009, reflecting a compound annual growth rate of around 16%. In 2009, the Vietnamese formed the largest group of arrivals, accounting for approximately 15%. The Koreans formed the second largest group at 9% of total arrivals while the Americans accounted for 7%. (HVS International) Update: February 22, 2010 [1 Story] Australia OETG’s 1ndependence Push Orient Express Travel Group’s 1ndependent buying group for independent agents is being expanded to include a centralised hotline for sales and ticketing enquiries -- 1300 163 367 -- in the Express Ticketing office in Adelaide. Higher levels of service, additional resources, products, competitive prices and commissions have been allocated to the 1ndependence brand. To benefit immediately, OETG will be waivering the $250 joining fee until January 2011 for qualifying agents. OETG says the benefits of membership included full agency independence through Express Ticket and Express Fares promotions and product offering, 24-hour access to automated Express Ticket for all GDS systems (Sabre, Galileo and Amadeus) across specific carriers on a 24/7 basis, priority tickets and quotes turnaround, access to OETG’s competitive preferred airline agreements, competitive rebates and incentives and the latest industry specials, fares and promotions published daily and transmitted directly to members through www.1ndependence.com.au. CEO Tom Manwaring said OETG would soon announce details of its first ‘Independence Partner Meeting’, within Australia, in October-November. “Both our agents and partner airlines have requested this forum, to advance knowledge and profit opportunities," he said. This is the first significant marketing initiative undertaken for 1ndependence, and follows the recently announced upgrades for Express Ticketing and Express Fares, said Mr Manwaring. “Centralising it in Adelaide where we also operate our Round the World desk is recognition that we plan to grow this side of our business,” he said. (Graeme Willingham Public Relations P/ty Ltd) Update: February 21, 2010 [1 Story] England British Tourism On The Road To Recovery The weak pound has been a key influencer on travel in 2009 and resulted in a dramatic 25% improvement in the tourism balance of payments deficit, equivalent to £5-billion, as 15% fewer Britons made trips abroad. New provisional figures from the International Passenger - the key monitor of international tourism to the UK - show that in the 12-months of 2009, overseas residents made 29.6-million visits to the UK and spent just under £16.5-billion. The number of visitors has fallen 2.4-million from last year, while the spending has risen by 1%. While the number of visitors has fallen the favourable exchange rate resulted in a sharp jump in average spending per trip in sterling terms. The decline in visitor numbers meant that during 2009 Britain welcomed 29.6-million overseas visitors, the lowest number since 2004, proving that there are still challenges for the industry. Key European markets set the pace for much of 2009 with our near neighbours taking advantage of the value for money on offer in Britain, but one of the most positive signs emerging during the final months of 2009 was a return to growth in the number of visits from North America, with visits up 8% in the final 3-months of the year. By contrast the global economic downturn resulted in the number of international business visits to Britain dropping by around 20%, or 1.6-million during 2009. This is perhaps unsurprising considering the decline in global trade and upheaval in the banking and financial services sector during the past 18-months. After a sustained period of exceptionally fast growth the number of visits to Britain from the twelve EU Accession nations fell sharply in 2009 by some 21%, equivalent to 700,000 fewer trips. (VisitBritain) Update: February 20, 2010 [2 Stories] England TMP Appoints New Tourism Chief Liverpool City Region’s official tourist board, The Mersey Partnership (TMP), has appointed a new director to oversee development of the area’s £1.3-billion a year Visitor Economy. David Andrews will take up his new post of Director of Visitor Economy on March 30, 2010. David brings a wealth of experience to the role having worked for the UK’s national tourist body VisitBritain and its forerunner the British Tourist Authority for over 16-years. During this time he managed their offices in Chicago, Singapore and Amsterdam for 8-years. He is currently completing a contract for the Abu Dhabi Tourist Authority - the body responsible for promoting the UAE State’s emergence as a global tourism destination. TMP Chief Executive Lorraine Rogers, said ... “David’s knowledge and experience of virtually every aspect of developing successful and appealing visitor destinations, and forging a strong allegiance among partners, is extensive. "He has a wealth of international experience in Asia, North America and Europe that is very relevant to the ambitions and strategy for the Liverpool City Region’s Visitor Economy. "We are delighted that he is joining TMP as our Director of Visitor Economy.” The Visitor Economy is one of four Transformational Actions identified by TMP and its public and private sector partners to deliver sustainable economic growth across Liverpool City Region. These economic development plans are embedded in Liverpool City Region’s Multi Area Agreement (MAA) with Government (The Mersey Partnership) Australia Palm Cove Romances Couples Palm Cove has confirmed its reputation as the destination for romance by giving away a $2500 wedding vow renewal ceremony to a couple celebrating their golden anniversary. Alan and Judith Crockford renewed their vows at picturesque Angsana Great Barrier Reef Chapel on the Palm Cove beachfront on Valentine's Day, just in time for their 50th wedding anniversary on February 20. The couple's story about meeting as teenagers on a ship when they were emigrating to Australia and Alan's support for Judith in recent years as she battled cancer twice won them the prize in Tourism Palm Cove's Taste of Romance promotion. Tourism Palm Cove President John Astle said the wedding vow renewal ceremony was witnessed by journalists from some of the country's top bridal, honeymoon and couples' holiday magazines who were on a Taste of Romance familiarisation. "Giving away the wedding vow renewal ceremony was the highlight of Palm Cove's Taste of Romance promotion which saw our beachside village buzzing with couples over the Valentine's weekend," he said. "Tourism Palm Cove is rolling out a campaign focusing on the romance market to show we have all the right ingredients for the perfect tropical getaway for two. With its long sandy beach and backdrop of rainforest-clad mountains, Palm Cove offers ultimate tropical serenity in a postcard setting. "Award-winning restaurants, peaceful day spas and exceptional resorts are tucked along the esplanade where ancient melaleucas define the relaxing atmosphere. This welcoming village vibe earned Palm Cove the title of Queensland's Friendliest Beach in 2009." (Liz Inglis) (Photo: Kirsty Lea) Update: February 18, 2010 [2 Stories] Australia Two-way Loyalty OETG Key In Chinatown Orient Express Travel Group reaffirmed its association with and commitment to Chinatown agencies around Australia as it launched its Chinese New Year agency celebrations in Melbourne last night. Similar events follow next week in Brisbane and Sydney, with the Sydney event the venue for OETG announcing the winner of a Honda Jazz car, a draw based on OETG’s Select agents selling $50,000 worth of Singapore Airlines tickets over the June-December period through OETG’s Express Ticketing service. OETG CEO Tom Manwaring said last night that OETG had enjoyed consistently loyal support from its 310 Select agencies because of transparent business contracts, 24/7 service for its key Express Ticketing and Express Fares, OETG’s considerable buying power, Express reservations support, access to the major GDS, travel insurance, annual Select conferences which attract some 150 delegates, as well as agency promotions and incentives like the SIA car draw, and events such as the New Year dinners. “This business model has progressively added value and created brand recognition for the Select franchise within the Asian-Australian community,” he said. “You can’t expect loyalty and respect though unless there is a convincing, trusting, fair and transparent two-way relationship.” Mr Manwaring said that as a specialist travel provider since 1983, OETG had developed a high level of trust and understanding of the market. He announced the 10th Select conference will be held in Bangkok, May 21-24. (Graeme Willingham Public Relations Pty Ltd) Australia Full Steam Ahead For Harvey World Travel Harvey World Travel franchisees and managers have taken part in Australia’s first ever national conference held on a cruise ship. The Harvey World Travel ‘Full Steam Ahead’ Business Symposium took place on P&O’s Pacific Dawn on February 11 & 12, with a focus on best business practice for the year ahead. The full story ... Full Steam Ahead For Harvey World Travel (S2i Communications) Update: February 17, 2010 [2 Stories] Australia International Push For Northern Rivers Tourism Byron Bay and Beyond is the new catch phrase for Northern Rivers Tourism and it is about to be heard around the world. Parker Travel Collection, which has been representing Australian tourism operators and destinations in international markets for more than 12-years, has been appointed to build awareness overseas and market destinations in the Northern Rivers region. Northern Rivers Tourism Chief Executive Officer Russell Mills said the appointment was a key element in the destination's marketing programme to expand its export ready products, build awareness of destinations, experiences and events and convert this into new business for tourism operators in the Northern Rivers region. "Our strategy is to instil confidence among international trade wholesalers and retailers selling our region and capitalise on Byron Bay's iconic profile to encourage international visitors to experience the Northern Rivers region," Mr Mills said. Parker Travel Collection Managing Director Todd Parker said the destination offered international travellers an authentic Australian holiday experience. "Fabulous Aussie beach life and water-based experiences, a thriving market culture, an emphasis on health and wellness, precious natural assets in the hinterland and national parks plus an incredible bounty of locally grown produce are all combined in one accessible region," Mr Parker said. Mr Parker said rebranding the Northern Rivers as 'Byron Bay and Beyond' would increase awareness of the destination in international markets giving export ready partners an edge in a highly competitive market. (Pip Miller PR) Indonesia Indonesia Ranks High For Australian Holiday Makers After New Zealand and the U.S.A., Indonesia ranks third as the most preferred holiday destination for Australians in 2009. 6.3-million Australians travelled abroad on holiday last year with 548,000 coming to Indonesia, the majority of whom visited Bali. The continuing strong demand for travel by Australians was bolstered by a strong national economy, essentially unscathed in the current world economic crisis. Inbound tourism to Australia remained largely stable, counting 5.6-million visitors to Australia in 2009. For only the second time in two decades, Australia experienced a tourism deficit with more Australians traveling overseas than the number of inbound international visitors. (Bali Discovery Tours) Update: February 16, 2010 [2 Stories] France Euro Disney Reports 11% Drop In Attendance The Euro Disney theme park, located near Paris, is facing financial difficulties after an 11% decline in first-quarter revenues and 11% drop in attendance. "Our first-quarter revenues reflect the continuation of the difficult economic environment with a decrease in resort visitation," said Euro Disney CEO Philippe Gas. Guests are "booking closer to their visits while also searching for promotions." (The Telegraph London) Singapore Tourism Receipts Reached S$12.4-billion In 2009 Visitor arrivals to Singapore reached 9.7-million last year, underscoring the strong performance in the final quarter of 2009 and exceeding the year’s forecast of 9 to 9.5-million visitor arrivals. Tourism receipts from January to December 2009 were estimated at S$12.4-billion, reaching the upper-bound of the forecast of S$12 to S$12.5-billion. Visitor arrivals from Malaysia (+18.0%) and Vietnam (+10.9%) registered a double digit growth, attributed in part to aggressive airline and marketing promotions under the Singapore Tourism Board’s 2009 Reasons to enjoy Singapore global marketing campaign. Hong Kong SAR (+5.9%), Germany (+4.8%) and the Philippines (+3.1%) also registered growth in 2009. Indonesia (S$2,123-million), the People's Republic of China (S$1,403-million), Australia (S$934-million), India (S$891-million) and Malaysia (S$673-million) were Singapore’s top five markets in terms of tourism receipts for 2009. These markets accounted for 49% of total tourism receipts during this period. Tourism receipts from visitors from Malaysia (+11%) registered the highest growth from January to December 2009. (Singapore Tourism Board) Update: February 15, 2010 [2 Stories] New Zealand i-SITE Visitor Centre On Board Interislander Ferry Travellers will soon be able to make holiday plans and bookings on the Interislander’s Kaitaki ferry, with a new satellite i-SITE planned to open on the vessel in March. The new initiative means over 400,000 travellers per year - 40% international visitors - will have the opportunity to make accommodation and activity bookings and seek expert advice while crossing the Cook Strait on Interislander’s largest ferry. “We see this as an excellent way to expand the passenger services available on board,” said Thomas Davis, Interislander’s General Manager. “The established network and resources makes i-SITE an ideal partner for Interislander, two iconic travel industry brands.” The Kaitaki i-SITE will run as a joint venture between Positively Wellington Tourism and Destination Marlborough. The centre - scheduled to open on March 15 - will be managed out of Wellington and be open on the vessel daily from 7:45am-4:35pm. Positively Wellington Tourism Chief Executive David Perks said the centre will focus on selling accommodation and activities in the two gateway regions, while also helping visitors plan travels further afield. “This is going to be a fantastic service for Kaitaki passengers, at the same time giving us the opportunity to make sure they know how much there is to do in Wellington and Marlborough; and that they stick around and do it,” Mr Perks said. (Hill & Knowlton) England Malta To Host ABTA Convention ABTA has announced that this year's Travel Convention will be held in Malta, from Monday October 18 to Wednesday October 20 and will be the first time the convention is held in the country. The venue will be the Hilton Malta Hotel at Portomaso St Julian's, 15 minutes drive from Valletta and 30 minutes dirve from the airport. ABTA chief executive Mark Tanzer, said ... "I am delighted that Malta will be hosting the 2010 Travel Convention. "It is a vibrant and developing destination for UK travellers and The Travel Convention will give our members a great opportunity to acquaint, or re-acquaint themselves with all that it has to offer. "ABTA is extremely grateful to the Parliamentary Secretariat for Tourism, the Malta Tourism Authority and Air Malta for offering to support the Convention and we look forward to a very exciting and successful event." (Travel Weekly UK) Update: February 12, 2010 [1 Story] Australia China Takes A Break The China spring festival runs from February 13-19 so China will practically cease trading, said a spokesperson from Wendy Wu Tours Sydney office. “During these holidays most hotel offices and local operators will be closed and the Wendy Wu Tours office in Shanghai will be on skeleton staff. "As a result confirmations and requests from China may be delayed until February 20. Also during this time Vietnam will be celebrating TET, with most hotel offices, ground operators and businesses closed and also causing delays to requests from Australia. “We ask that agents be patient during these times and we will commit to all confirmations and requests as quick as we can once these countries reopen for business,” said the spokesperson. (SMB Communications) Back to Front Page