Melanie Schinkel, Tourism Australia give us an update about the vibrant and diverse Australian experiences. From Sydney and Melbourne to the wild Kimberley and Kakadu National Park, adventure awaits. Embrace sustainable tourism and learn from indigenous Australians for a deeper cultural connection. Enjoy encounters with wildlife like koalas and kangaroos on Kangaroo Island, Tasmania, and the mainland. Australia's year-round festivals, outdoor arts, music events, and world-class sports keep the excitement alive. Savor culinary delights from fresh seafood to wine, craft beer, and coffee. Travel advisors can become Aussie Specialists for exclusive guides, rewards, and the Mega fam G Australia event (applications end on May 26th https://www.aussiespecialist.com/en-u...)  

Tourism Australia has appointed Andrew Boxall as new Regional General Manager UK and Northern Europe.  Boxall brings more than 25 year of tourism industry experience and has worked internationally across the Middle East, India, Europe, and the UK. Most recently he was the Flight Centre Travel Group’s executive general manager for supply and partnerships in the UK and Europe as well as MD for Germany. He will step into the role from Monday 15 July following the departure of Sally Cope. The position reports to Tourism Australia’s Executive General Manager Commercial & Business Events Australia, Robin Mack. “During her time Sally has done a tremendous job of overseeing Tourism Australia’s operations in the UK and Northern Europe. We are so grateful to have her expertise on the ground to support Andrew’s transition,” Mack said. “Andrew joins our business at a critical time as we get nearer to full recovery of international visitation from this important tourism market.” The UK was the fourth largest market for visitors and third for spend in 2019. “I am thrilled to be joining Tourism Australia at a time when we are looking at tourism growth beyond recovery,” Boxall said.   

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Tourism Australia launched a social media campaign targeting young Brits seeking a Working Holiday Visa to Australia. The campaign encourages travellers who have previously visited to share their favourite Australian adventures on social media. They can win one of three working holiday packages with youth travel specialist Gap 360. Designed to showcase the lifestyle for those who live and work in Australia, the #HumblestBrag competition on Instagram goes live on 11 August through 1 September 2023. It is also open to those who have not yet visited. It is supported by travel content creators who have already undertaken a working holiday to Australia. It is part of a wider campaign to drive awareness of the recently announced changes to the Working Holiday visa. The upper age limit for the working holiday for UK passport holders increased to 35 years old. Sally Cope, Tourism Australia's Regional GM for UK & Northern Europe said: "The age bracket increase provides over 16 million young Brits with the chance to head to Australia for up to three years.” The #HumblestBrag competition is the opportunity for a lucky few to begin their working holiday to Australia in style.” The Ultimate Working Holiday To Australia prize package, includes: Flights from London to Sydney for two 2x 7-day Working Holiday Packages in Sydney: Accommodation and activities, plus an overnight beach stay in Port Stephens 2x East Coast Tours from Sydney to Cairns: five-week trip stopping at Byron Bay, Surfers Paradise, and Cairns along with adventures to K'gari, the Whitsundays, and the Great Barrier Reef 2x Working Holiday Visas Two runner-up prizes are also available which includes a Working Holiday Starter Package. Jane McLellan, Gap 360 Sales Director said: "We are thrilled to be part of this campaign.” "The packages we've curated will give the perfect introduction to life in Australia."

 

• Tourism Australia launches social media campaign to inspire young Brits to head Down Under on a Working Holiday
• The #HumblestBrag competition aims to drive awareness of the increase to the visa's maximum age from 18-30 to 35 years-old
• Three bespoke prize packages are on offer from Gap 360, a leading specialist in youth travel

  Tourism Australia has launched a social media campaign inspiring eligible young Brits to apply for a Working Holiday Visa to Australia. The campaign will encourage youth travellers who have visited the destination previously to share their favourite Australian adventures   on social media, to win one of three working holiday packages with youth travel specialist Gap 360.   Designed to showcase the incredible lifestyle on offer for those who live and work in Australia, the #HumblestBrag competition calls on anyone who has an unforgettable memory of Australia to showcase their most FOMO-inducing moments across Instagram. Launching today (11 August) and running until 1 September 2023, the competition is also open to those who have not yet visited, to share what they would love to experience in Australia.   Supported by a select group of travel content creators who have already undertaken a working holiday to Australia, the competition is part of a wider campaign to drive awareness of the recently announced changes to the Working Holiday visa. On 1 July 2023, the age bracket of the working holiday for UK passport holders increased from 18-30 to 18-35 years old inclusive.   Sally Cope, Tourism Australia’s Regional General Manager for UK & Northern Europe said:   “The age bracket increase to the Working Holiday Visa provides over 16 million¹ young Brits with the chance to head to Australia for up to three years, where incredible opportunities and an unbelievable lifestyle awaits – where else can you be in the boardroom at 4pm and by the beach an hour later? The #HumblestBrag competition is the opportunity for a lucky few to begin their working holiday to Australia in style with the youth travel experts at Gap 360. We can’t wait to welcome them Down Under.”   Up for grabs is the grand prize, the Ultimate Working Holiday To Australia prize package, which includes:  

• Flights from London to Sydney for the winner and a friend
• 2x 7-day Working Holiday Packages in Sydney: A week of accommodation, loads of fun activities, an overnight beach stay in Port Stephens, and everything you need to kickstart a working holiday
• 2x East Coast Tours from Sydney to Cairns: 5-week trip up the East Coast stopping at all the major highlights like Byron Bay, Surfers Paradise, and Cairns along with bucket-list adventures to K’gari, the Whitsundays, and the Great Barrier Reef
• 2x Working Holiday Visas

  Two runner-up prizes are also available which includes a Working Holiday Starter Package.   Jane McLellan, Gap 360 Sales Director said: “We are thrilled to be part of this campaign with Tourism Australia, offering entrants the chance to explore Down Under and work at the same time. Gap 360 has long been the go-to for adventurous travellers seeking their trip of a lifetime, and our experts here know Australia like the back of their hand. The packages we’ve curated will give the perfect introduction to life in Australia and set them up to live and play the Aussie way.”

A wave of new art installations is sweeping across the Australian outback with the region shining bright throughout 2023. Visitors can enjoy a vibrant calendar of art and cultural festivals. "The Red Centre is home to some of our most significant Aboriginal art movements,” said Scott Lovett, CEO Tourism Northern Territory. “This year further cements the Territory's position as a world-class cultural destination." New Northern Territory attractions include:   Interactive Arts The Wintjiri Wiṟu Experience, Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park - From May 2023 The newest experience, launched by Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia, sees iconic Uluru in a new light. The Wintjiri Wiṟu Experience is a twice nightly state-of-the-art, drone and laser light show that will illuminate the desert sky. It features over 1,000 drones weaving a kaleidoscope of colour. Created in consultation with traditional land owners, the show tells the Mala story, of great importance to the Aṉangu people. Book the signature Sunset Dinner to enjoy welcome cocktails and canapes on the sunset amphitheatre platform overlooking Uluru.   Bruce Munro's 'Light Towers' Renowned British light artist Bruce Munro returns with his new illuminating extravaganza, 'Light Towers'. This follows the success of Munro's Uluru-based 'Field of Light', which has received international acclaim. Munro's 'Light Towers' is a display of 69 towers, each made up of approximately 220 bottles filled with fibre optic cables. It forms a new multi-million-dollar partnership with the Kings Canyon resort. Enjoy both Munro's illuminating art installations as part of a Red Centre adventure, accessible by road along the Red Centre Way.   Other unique arts events include: Darwin Festival, Australia's hottest winter arts festival from 10 – 27 August Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair, one of Australia's most significant internationally recognised arts events, 11 – 13 August   New galleries and museums Hermannsburg Historic Precinct Following a multi-million dollar refurbishment, the newly appointed Hermansburg site is a completely new visitor experience. The Aboriginal settlement of Hermannsburg is famous as the home of Aboriginal landscape watercolour artist, Albert Namatjira. It's also one of five National Trust-listed historic precincts in Australia.   Ayeye Atyenhe Art Join an aboriginal art workshop in Alice Springs and immerse in Arrernte culture with renowned Aboriginal artists, Marie Ryder and Kevin Bird. Ayeye Atyenhe Art celebrates and supports the work of talented Indigenous artists from around the Northern Territory, Central Australia and North-East Arnhem Land   GOCA (Gallery of Central Australia) GOCA is a commercial gallery where everything's for sale. The gallery at Ayers Rock Resort boasts a remarkable collection of works from art centres across the Central and Western Deserts. Remarkable because the art represents almost 20 communities in the Northern Territory, South Australia and Western Australia.   Luxury Accommodation & Camping There are several new accommodation openings in the Red Centre including Drover's Dream at Kings Creek Station, with 10 new eco premium tents with views of George Gill Range from private decks. BBQ dinner hampers, fire pits and a Bushman's breakfast are included. For self-drive travellers there is a choice of new campsites including Kings Canyon Resort and Glen Helen Lodge and Ntaria Campground and Outback Store at the newly renovated Hermannsburg precinct.   Outdoor Dining The 'Under a Desert Moon' dining experience, which comprises a 5-course wine-paired dinner has a refreshed menu with a focus on bush ingredients and native flavours. This year also celebrates 10 years of the Tali Wiru dining experience at Ayers Rock Resort. Tali Wiru, meaning 'beautiful dune', encapsulating fine dining under the Southern Desert sky. This open-air restaurant boasts magnificent views of Uluru and the distant domes of Kata Tjuta.   Stargazing Sleepover Earth Sanctuary's Sunset to Sunrise tour  is a new premium program and astronomical camping experience! Enjoy an award winning astronomy tour with canape dinner, drinks and campfire nibbles. The tour includes access to Earth Sanctuary's Space Observatory with an experienced astronomer. You may witness zodiac constellations, meteor showers and other cool astro events. Wake up at sunrise to breakfast before a guided morning walk. This is a unique outback camping experience, perfect for couples. More information and travel inspiration at www.northernterritory.com

Tourism Australia and Qantas have teamed up to lure Brits down under. It is part of the recently launched Come and Say G’day campaign. The multi-market partnership has started in the UK. It includes a series of new ads, social assets and online videos. The ad sees Tourism Australia brand ambassador Ruby the kangaroo brought to life with CGI animation. It encourages international visitors to discover regions as well as major cities. “Qantas is proud to be airline partner for the campaign,” said Qantas CMO Petra Perry. “The campaign is building awareness that international tourists can easily travel directly to Australia.” Tourism Australia will work with Qantas in 10 international markets, including the US, Japan, Korea, NZ and Indonesia. G’day is now available to view on Qantas aircraft via inflight entertainment globally.

Tourism and Transport Forum Australia wants a major change to the working holiday visa. The peak tourism body said the age eligibility should rise to 50. The federal government is exploring various ways to address chronic worker shortages across Australia. The visa is currently eligible for people up to 35 years old. The working holiday visa provides affordable labour especially in rural areas where there are major worker shortages. It is popular with backpackers. Since reopening, 120,000 visas were approved this year.

 

'Come and Say G'day' Register here for your chance to visit Australia!

  Australia's borders are now OPEN to ALL travelers! From the stunning world-class natural beauty of the landscapes and wildlife to vibrant modern cities and the deliciously diverse culinary delights that only Australia has to offer. Let’s not forget our warm and friendly people, who are excited to welcome back the world for their next vacation.   ‘Come and Say G’day’ is an invitation to spend time with us, get to know us, eat with us, drink with us, tell stories, share adventures with us, and above all – embrace the experience that is Australia with us! Become an Aussie Specialist today so you can inspire your clients to ‘Come and Say G’day’ Down Under. Plus, you’ll be in the running to win:  

• 1 spot on a Spring 2023 fam trip to Australia

  All you need to do is complete the following by November 30, 2022:  

• Register at www.aussiespecialist.com
• Complete the ‘Introduction to Australia’ curriculum (max. 90mins)
• Complete the ‘Come and Say G’day’ training course (max. 60mins)
• Watch the short film ‘G’day’ (max. 9mins)
• Complete the ‘Come and Say G’day’ quiz (max. 10mins)

  Plus, you will love the ongoing benefits of becoming an Aussie Specialist which include exclusive invites to webinars, competitions, quizzes, special events and fam trips to Australia!   Get started today, just click on the image of Ruby the souvenir kangaroo and Louie the toy unicorn to watch the 9-minute short film 'G'day'  

Tourism Australia’s new global campaign, Come and Say G'day, is set to go live Reminding travellers why ‘There's Nothing Like Australia’ it launches in key international tourism markets around the world from 20 October 2022. The multichannel Come and Say G'day campaign includes new broadcast ads (in 60, 30 and 15 second versions), print and high impact Out of Home advertising placements, as well as social, digital, and content marketing. The campaign activity will be enhanced with partnerships with airlines, state tourism organisations, and distribution partners globally. Brand Ambassador, Ruby the CGI animated souvenir kangaroo, has been appearing on billboards around the world in the past week. "Come and Say G'day is unashamedly Australian through the use of a globally recognisable icon in Ruby the kangaroo who goes on an adventure across the country," Tourism Australia Managing Director, Phillipa Harrison said. Ruby is voiced by Australian actress Rose Byrne. A short film, G'day, will premiere at launch events across the world. Alongside a launch event in London, media and viewing events will occur in Tokyo, Singapore, Mumbai, Frankfurt, Berlin, Paris and New York. Come and Say G'day is Tourism Australia's first global campaign since 2016.

Bespoke holiday specialist to Australia and New Zealand, TravelEssences has entered to the UK market. Founded by Kiwi Andrew Morten in 2006, the company has a head office located in Zeist, the Netherlands and branches across Germany. TravelEssence says it takes a personal approach with their clients and suppliers and works directly with over 2,000 small-scale accommodations, allowing clients to stay with Australian or New Zealand hosts. Each holiday is unique and custom-made. “As a New Zealander, I want travellers to be able to experience Down Under the same way as the locals do.” Morten said. TravelEssence focuses on trips away from the main tourist areas. “Locals know exactly what places make their country special and unique, and that is the experience they want to share with their guests,” Morten added.

Australia will this week remove final Covd-19 border restrictions. Health Minister Mark Butler said proof of vaccine will no longer be required for international travellers from July 6. “The Chief Medical Officer has advised it is no longer necessary for travellers to declare their vaccine status,” Butler said. “Unvaccinated Australians, as well as certain groups of visa holders, have been able to travel to Australia for some time. “We will continue to act on the medical advice as needed.” Inbound travellers are still be required to wear masks on Australia-bound flights and follow any state rules requiring masks on domestic flights. The requirement for all travellers to complete a passenger declaration form will also end. “Removing these requirements will not only reduce delays in our airports but will encourage more visitors and skilled workers,” Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil said.

Qantas ’project sunrise plan is edging a step closer to reality. It is set to announce a milestone order for Airbus A350-1000 jets. With the A350 jets, Qantas would have the planes needed for non-stop Sydney-London flights. The planes would allow non-stop near-20 hour flights on the flagship kangaroo route, possibly by 2025. It has been a key focus for Qantas but was put on the backburner due to the pandemic. The current one-stop route takes nearly 24 hours, although the shorter route from Perth, in Western Australia is non-stop. Qantas said it would be making a major announcement on Monday. The West Australian newspaper reported the multibillion-dollar Qantas order would include 12 A350s, as well as A321XLRs and A220s. Qantas called non-stop Sydney-London flights the ‘final frontier’ in global aviation.