17 September 2008

Boost to nature-based tourism

Nature-based tourism is one of the fastest growing sectors internationally and with its diverse natural attractions Victoria is well placed to capitalise on this growth.

Last week, Minister for Tourism and Major Events Tim Holding and Minister for Environment Gavin Jennings released the Nature-based Tourism Strategy 2008-2012 which will help develop the tourism potential of Victoria’s natural attractions while protecting and managing the environmental importance of these areas.

The strategy identifies five priority areas in Victoria – the Great Ocean Road, Phillip Island, the Grampians, Gippsland and the High Country with major projects and activities planned for each area.

The four-year strategy has been backed by $12.45 million and is being jointly led by Tourism Victoria, the Department of Sustainability and Environment and Parks Victoria.

"Nature-based tourism is one of Victoria’s most important tourism markets, with 77 per cent of international visitors and 37 per cent of domestic visitors undertaking at least one nature-based tourism activity during a trip to Victoria," Mr Holding said.

"Victoria’s national parks attract the highest visitor numbers in Australia, 28.6 million to protected area parks in 2004/05, however research indicates that Victoria is not perceived as a highly sought after nature-based tourism destination when compared to other Australian states.

"The initiatives outlined in the Nature-based Tourism Strategy will help improve our performance in this section."

The strategy has been developed following extensive consultation with the tourism industry, local government and key environmental and conservation groups throughout Victoria.

For further details on the Nature-based Tourism Strategy 2008-2012 visit tourismvictoria.com.au/naturebasedtourism

Victoria’s 101 Must Dos

Earlier this year the RACV partnered with Tourism Victoria to run a campaign to find out what Victorians loved doing. People voted for their favourite tourism experience online over a three-month period and the results will be announced in this prime-time special on Channel Nine.

Victoria’s 101 Must Dos showcases every one of the 101 top things people voted to see and do in the State, with the focus on the countdown from ten to one.

All 91 things outside the top ten will be highlighted in categories including the State’s most spectacular scenery spots; food and wine; favourite places for family fun; back to nature experiences; action and adventure for thrillseekers; arts, history and culture offerings; the best weekend getaways; most indulgent pampering suggestions; and planes, trains and automobiles.

This one-hour special is full of travellers’ tales and places to inspire Victorians to plan their next getaway. Testament to the old adage that the best things in life are free, it reveals plenty of adventures and experiences that won’t cost you a fortune.

After the unveiling of the top ten Victorian Must Dos on Channel Nine, results will be available later that night on the RACV website and in the December issue of Royal Auto Magazine.

Melbourne again tops the nation

Melbourne is the nation’s top spot for shopping, theatre, style and romance, restaurants, bars, cafes, nightlife and sporting and cultural events.

The annual Brand Health Survey conducted by Tourism Victoria confirmed that Melbourne and Victoria continue to be top places to visit.

Melbourne has recently overtaken Sydney as the most lucrative market for domestic tourists. For the year ending March 2008, domestic overnight visitors spent $4.7 billion in Melbourne - $135m more than in Sydney.

The Minister for Tourism and Major Events said our reputation for shopping, theatre, world-class food and wine and the best sporting and cultural events make Melbourne the envy of the world.

"Since the last survey, Melbourne had increased its lead as Australia’s most stylish and romantic city, it is the leading shopping destination and offers the most interesting cafes, bars and nightlife," Mr Holding said.

"Regional Victoria was well recognised around Australia for its many outstanding attractions including great food and wine, touring routes and spa and wellness experiences."

Since the survey began in 1996 Melbourne has either strengthened or maintained its reputation in each of the seven city categories.

Bathhouse reopens its doors

A new era in tourism for the popular Daylesford region has began with the opening of the refurbished $10.6 million Hepburn Mineral Springs Bathhouse.

The revitalised tourism icon is expected to directly generate 60 to 70 new jobs over the next two years and create flow-on investment and continued growth of the already strong tourism industry.

Currently, the local tourism industry supports 2,200 jobs and is worth more than $262 million annually.

The heritage-listed bathhouse, which dates back to 1895, has been carefully renovated and a new wing has been built to house the unique mineral water bathing pools.

The original Edwardian Bathhouse now boasts a stunning contemporary architectural design with over 30 wet and dry treatment rooms, making it one of the largest and most spectacular spas in the country.

The refurbishment was backed by $8 million from the State Government’s Regional Infrastructure Development Fund.

The Hepburn Shire Council, Department of Sustainability and Environment, the Victorian Mineral Water Committee, Sustainability Victoria and the Federal Government contributed $2.6 million to the project.

The bathhouse opened its doors to customers on Monday 15 September. For information go to http://www.hepburnbathhouse.com/

Moto GP Strong tickets sales with one month to go

In less than a month the world’s fastest men on two wheels will descend on Phillip Island for the 2008 GMC Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix.

The GMC Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix brings big-spending tourists, creates employment and business opportunities and provides regional Victorians with an opportunity to enjoy world-class entertainment in their own backyard.

Ticket sales are again strong and organisers are expecting a bumper crowd to attend over the three days. This year additional grandstand seats have been made available to meet the strong demand and corporate sales are up on last year.

This year marks the 14th running of the world’s premier class of motorcycle racing at the iconic Phillip Island circuit, with the race secure until at least 2011.

The 2008 Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix, Phillip Island, 3 - 5 October

For further information, visit motogp.com.au

New additions to arts precinct completed

Melbourne’s new $128 million recital centre and theatre complex have been completed ahead of schedule.

The recently completed Melbourne Recital Centre and the new Melbourne Theatre Company (MTC) theatre at Southbank includes four new arts spaces in two distinct buildings, each with dedicated backstage and public spaces.

The complex now goes into a testing and commissioning phase, where its sophisticated acoustics and technical systems will be tuned like a fine instrument.

The Premier, John Brumby said arts and culture are just as important drawcards to Melbourne as major events and sporting tradition.

"These two buildings will help further develop our record as Australia’s cultural capital," Mr Brumby said.

These new venues will provide important new opportunities for local artists and musicians to showcase their talent while attracting some of the world’s best performers and offering a range of new experiences for Victorian audiences.

Performances will begin early next year with the start of the Melbourne Recital Centre and MTC’s 2009 programs.

Holidaymakers warned of misleading tourism operator

Consumer Affairs Victoria has cancelled the business name Victorian Tourism Centre because it misled consumers who thought they were dealing with an authorised government agency.

Tourism and Major Events Minister Tim Holding said holidaymakers should be wary of any offer for accommodation or other tourism service that stated or implied a connection with Tourism Victoria or the Victorian Government. 

"I am pleased that Consumer Affairs Victoria has taken this action as many people have written to me after purchasing accommodation through the Victorian Tourism Centre thinking they were receiving advice from Tourism Victoria," Mr Holding said.

"The Victorian Government and Tourism Victoria do not sell or endorse holiday accommodation vouchers."

Enquiries and complaints about tourism operators and services should be directed to Consumer Affairs Victoria, who can advise consumers about their rights and investigate any complaints.

Crown Towers takes award hat trick

Melbourne's Crown Towers was named amongst the best hotels in the annual HotelClub Awards, which were voted on by more than 70,000 HotelClub customers across the world.

It is the third time in a row five-star Crown Towers has been rated in the top three hotels for Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands.

A ranking in the top three is the highest accolade in the annual poll of 70,000 consumers.

Voters were asked to rate hotels on ambience, rooms, cleanliness, location, service, family friendliness, business facilities, restaurant and bar facilities, and value for money.

Crown Towers, The Hotel Windsor and Four Points by Sheraton Geelong were also named the top three hotels in Victoria.

Tourism Excellence - Case study

While zoos are some of the world’s oldest tourist attractions, many zoos of the western world are in the forefront of innovating new products to allow visitors to better understand and appreciate the wonders of the animal kingdom.

Successful businesses spend a significant amount on making changes to their products, processes and services. The Royal Melbourne Zoo is highly regarded around the world for its enlightened approach to animal management as well as its programs developed to introduce the public to the animal world.

Learn more about how the Melbourne Zoo is fostering innovation visit tourismexcellence.com.au/pdf/module6/CS_Royal_Melb_Zoo.pdf

What’s on

Heathcote Food and Wine Festival – 4 to 5 October, Heathcote

Glenrowan Winemakers' Weekend – 4 to 5 October, Glenrowan

International Customer Service Week 2008 – 6 to 12 October

Tourism Victoria's 2008 Tourism Marketing Masterclass - 8 October, Melbourne

AGV Annual Conference 2008 – 13 to 14 October, Melbourne

Victoria's International Exchange - 24 November, Melbourne