Strengthening tourism cooperation with China

Australian adventure for UK MasterChef contestants
Almost 5 million TV viewers across the UK tuned into their local MasterChef this week to watch contestants battle it out in Australia. The first two challenges were set in Tropical North Queensland, showcasing Aboriginal, nature and foodie experiences in the Daintree Rainforest and at a wedding reception in Port Douglas. The final challenge was back in Sydney. TA’s team in London assisted with ideas for the shoot, provided footage and assisted the director with fact finding for the final edit. The programme brought Australia to life highlighting the friendly nature of the locals, the adventures you can enjoy Down Under and the passion that Aussies have for good food. Visit the BBC web site for more information about the programme.

Encouraging Americans to book an Aussie vacation
Following the success of the first Great Aussie Sale in January, Tourism Australia is again partnering with major US online travel agencies to promote Australian travel deals to Americans. Until mid-May Orbitz and Travelocity are offering deals with up to 50% off hotels and discounted packages to encourage Americans to book an Aussie vacation. The campaign also includes a postcard mailing to more than 100,000 consumers promoting a Qantas Vacations Sydney/Reef package. Further information, and deals, are available at Australia.com/sale.

Engaging Muslim travellers
Tourism Australia’s efforts in engaging Muslim travellers were recognised by the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents at the 5th International Conference on Muslim Tourism, Hajj & Umrah held in Kuala Lumpur. Maggie White, Tourism Australia’s Regional General Manager South/SE Asia & Gulf, spoke to more than 140 participants from travel agencies, airlines, hotels, government bodies and academia about overcoming obstacles in promoting Muslim tourism. If you are interested in opportunities the Muslim market presents to the Australian tourism industry please contact Elaine Leong, Tourism Australia’s Country Manager, Malaysia.

Australia-China Tourism Summit
Registrations have opened for the Australia-China Tourism Summit 2011 – a platform for the heads of the Australian and Chinese Governments and industry representatives to present and discuss a broad range of topics such as emerging trends, aviation and sustainable development. The Summit will include presentations by key industry and Government figures and panels on policy, marketing, technology, distribution, product development and more. Tourism Australia will also be launching its 2020 China Strategic Plan during the event. The China Summit is presented by the Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism and Tourism Australia and will be held in Cairns from 7 – 9 June. Find out more about the event, including how to register.

Goodwill dinner in Japan
A goodwill dinner, hosted by the Australian Embassy and coinciding with the visit of Prime Minister Julia Gillard, was held on 22 April in Tokyo to support the victims of the recent earthquake and tsunami disaster. Approximately 600 guests attended with Tourism Australia hosting 35 VIPs from the Japanese travel industry, media and celebrities including Kylie Minogue. During the dinner, the Prime Minister announced a new scholarship scheme for affected students from the disaster areas. On the same day, Tourism Australia also launched Australia is with you, an initiative soliciting greater efforts for relief and support to those hit by this disaster. A dedicated page has been prepared on the Japanese edition of Tourism Australia’s website, www.australia.jp, to feature relief efforts and events underway in Australia and Japan. A logo has also been created which TA partners or consumers can freely download.

Australian Made, Australian Grown
The Australian Made, Australian Grown brand has taken another leap forward with the opening of the Australian Made store at Melbourne Airport, joining similar stores at Sydney and Perth airports. “Like the national TQUAL tourism mark that we are currently rolling out across the country, the Australian Made, Australian Grown brand gives consumers greater confidence in what they’re buying,” said the Minister for Tourism, the Hon. Martin Ferguson AM MP. “We know that Australian tourism experiences are taken home as memories, and now the Australian Made Concept Store allows visitors to take home a product that they can be assured is good value, good quality and authentically Australian,” he added. Find out more.

There’s nothing like Australia - in your pocket
Smartphone users can now explore over 3,500 photos to see for themselves why There’s nothing like Australia with new Android and iPhone apps. TA will announce availability of the apps on Facebook later today and through other social media this week.