Main contents
Home
Edition 38 |
|
IndustryAustralians choose Victoria over the Big Banana, sunshine and surfFor the first time on record more Australians chose to visit Victoria for their holidays than Queensland. While most other Australian states have seen a downturn in tourism, figures released by Tourism Research Australia showed Victoria was the only state to experience growth in interstate overnight visitors with 5.4 million (+0.3 per cent) for the year ending June 2009. This was in contrast to declines experienced by New South Wales (-7.0 per cent) and Queensland (-11.2 per cent). The growth in visitor numbers means Victoria has moved up to second place for the first time as the most visited state by interstate overnight visitors (5.4 million) behind New South Wales (7.2 million) but ahead of Queensland (5.1 million). Tourism and Major Events Minister Tim Holding attributed Victoria’s strong performance to a fascinating combination of major events, an increased focus on theatre and arts, and low cost airfares. “It is great to see more and more Australians choosing to visit Melbourne and regional Victoria, to experience our world-class cultural and sporting events, outstanding food and wine, shopping, theatre and beautiful villages,” Mr Holding said. In encouraging signs for the tourism industry, the figures revealed that international overnight visitors to Victoria are staying for longer than ever and spending at record levels with expenditure rising 0.4 per cent to $3.6 billion. Last week’s International Visitor Survey also delivered outstanding results for Victoria, showing increases in international expenditures and visitor nights. Victoria’s overall international visitor numbers also remained strong with 1.5 million visitors and a 29 per cent share of all international visitors to Australia. Victoria launches plan for sustainable tourismVictoria's Environmentally Sustainable Tourism Strategic Plan 2009-2012 has been launched to encourage tourism businesses to adopt more sustainable practices in order to reduce their environmental impact and achieve cost savings. Developed by Tourism Victoria in consultation with State Government representatives and key tourism bodies, the plan outlines the benefits of meeting higher environmental standards while addressing the challenges of implementing environmentally sustainable business practices. The Strategic Plan promotes the use of State and Federal Government programs such as ‘CarbonDown’ and ‘Grow Me the Money’ and urges the industry to develop partnership opportunities which will enhance sustainable tourism in Victoria. Other high priority actions include the development of a carbon footprint toolkit for businesses and destinations; accreditation of businesses that demonstrate environment credentials; and the provision of advice to regional and metropolitan tourism organisations on engaging with tourism businesses on sustainability matters, such as climate change. The Environmentally Sustainable Tourism Strategic Plan 2009-2012 is an integral part of the Victorian Government’s 10 Year Tourism and Events Strategy which was launched in 2006. Victoria thinks global for international educationPremier John Brumby has announced a $14 million boost to secure the long-term future of Victoria’s vital international education industry. Thinking Global: Victoria’s Action Plan for International Education has been developed to help Victoria reinforce its status as a leading destination of choice for students from all over the world. Highlights of the plan include $9.8 million for a new International Education Long Term Growth package; and $1.4 million for the Quality in International Education package that will maintain Victoria’s reputation as a world class study destination. The government has also allocated $2.7 million for the International Students Connections package to build on existing support services and information provision to international students in Victoria. This will include a new student buddy system and new student information kits. Victoria’s international education industry has almost doubled in the last few years, defying the global downturn to generate close to $5 billion in 2008. In addition to outlining future actions, the five-year plan addresses issues raised over student well-being that have accompanied the recent growth. Details of the Thinking Global – Victoria’s Action Plan can be found at diird.vic.gov.au. Melbourne Airport remains robust in AugustAugust has brought continued international passenger growth for Melbourne Airport and a return to growth in the domestic market, producing the highest passenger total for August on record. International passengers grew by 7.2 per cent during the month while domestic passengers increased by 1.4 per cent. Melbourne Airport CEO, Chris Woodruff said the results were a tribute to the airlines’ commitment to the Melbourne market, the resilience of Melbourne as a key tourism and business city and the strength of the Victorian economy. A number of promising developments are in place in the coming months. On the international front, Singapore Airlines will commence daily A380 operations in September, and China Southern will increase services in October, while Qatar Airways will begin services in December. AirAsia X will increase services in December, with V Australia to begin flying to Los Angeles and Phuket in December, then Johannesburg in March 2010. “Domestically, Tiger Airways will be basing a fifth aircraft here from October as they increase services to Sydney, and Jetstar will start five times daily Sydney services in late October,” Mr Woodruff added. National tourism body to highlight exceptional individualsThe National Tourism Alliance (NTA) is calling for nominations for the National Award for Outstanding Contribution by an Individual. The award aims to recognise an individual who has demonstrated extraordinary personal and professional achievement, and a contribution over many years to the Australian tourism industry. Nominations can be made by any person except the nominee. Entries must be received on Friday 6 November 2009. Nominations can be emailed to or sent to: Nicole Sheridan The winner will be announced at the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards ceremony on Friday 26 February 2010 in Hobart. Victorian Tourism Awards tickets on saleTickets are now on sale for the Victorian tourism industry’s night of nights, the 25th Melbourne Airport 2009 Victorian Tourism Awards Presentation and Gala Dinner. This year’s gala event promises to be an evening full of excitement as the industry gathers to celebrate the state’s finest tourism operators. Victoria’s regionsPremier unveils vision for future MarysvillePremier John Brumby has unveiled a new vision for the Marysville and Triangle region to be rebuilt with an iconic new town centre, core community infrastructure and diverse tourist facilities. The Marysville and Triangle region urban design framework sets out the core building, public spaces, essential services and tourist facilities that will help drive the economic and social recovery of Marysville. The urban design framework includes plans to revitalise the town by attracting investment in tourism accommodation and rebuilding businesses in and around the main street; protecting large sites for future tourism, accommodation and conference centre facilities; and enhancing the region’s tourism offering with a new bike and walking path. The release of a framework is a significant milestone for the community and follows months of local stakeholder consultation, clean-up and reconstruction efforts after Marysville was virtually destroyed. The draft framework will be on display for public viewing in the Murchison Street marquee, as well as a number of key locations within the Triangle. It can also be viewed at wewillrebuild.vic.gov.au or murrindindi.vic.gov.au, along with details of how to make a submission. Feedback is being sought until 10 October, and the final urban design framework will be incorporated into the Murrindindi Planning Scheme. Bushfire-affected communities across Victoria have also been working together to identify local rebuilding and recovery priorities for the future, with 30 community recovery plans in the process of being submitted to the Victorian Bushfire Reconstruction and Recovery Authority for consideration. These plans will be assessed against priorities for funding, which will form part of a statewide plan for reconstruction and recovery, to be released later this year. Conference win boosts Yarra Valley tourismThe Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges tourism industry has received an important boost with the announcement that the region will host the Australian Regional Tourism Network (ARTN) Convention in September next year. Tourism and Major Events Minister Tim Holding congratulated Yarra Valley and the Dandenong Ranges Marketing on the win and commended the region on its resilience in the wake of the February bushfires. “This announcement is wonderful news for the local tourism industry. Not only is the Convention expected to bring at least 90 delegates to the region, but it is an opportunity for the region to show people in the tourism industry that recovery from the bushfires is well underway,” said Mr Holding. Mr Holding said conference business was a significant contributor to regional tourism economies. The announcement follows the launch of a $70,000 campaign to drive conference business into bushfire affected regions earlier this year. The Convention will be hosted at a range of venues and is sponsored by the Victorian Government and Sebel Heritage Yarra Valley. Stawell Gift on trackStawell’s Visitor Information Centre and the Stawell Gift Hall of Fame will operate under the one roof as part of a new Victorian Government commitment to secure the future of the 120-year old race in its home town. Under a new partnership between the Victorian Government, Northern Grampians Shire and the Stawell Athletic Club, $310,000 will be provided to stage the iconic event and upgrade its key features over three years. The deal will see $70,000 delivered to the Stawell Athletic Club each year and $100,000 to co-locate the Stawell Gift Hall of Fame with the town’s Visitor Information Centre. This latest announcement follows previous contributions including $250,000 towards the new Stawell Gift Hall of Fame, $195,000 to improve the grandstand, a $2000 increase to the Women’s Gift prize money, and $60,000 for sponsor marketing. Premier John Brumby said the investment would ensure the Stawell Gift can be a viable, sustainable and iconic part of the rich calendar of major events regional and rural Victoria has to offer. “The Stawell Gift is much more than a race – it’s Australia’s most famous and prestigious footrace, a must see for locals and a major tourist attraction to this stunning region,” Mr Brumby said. Earlybirds soak up new Peninsula Hot Springs poolsThree new cascade gully pools have opened at the popular Peninsula Hot Springs, offering visitors even greater choice for health and wellbeing experiences. Located in Rye on the Mornington Peninsula, Peninsula Hot Springs is a natural hot springs and day spa centre just 1.5 hours from Melbourne. The $7 million bathing facility is currently undergoing extensions to provide a further 24 bathing experiences as part of its Stage 2 redevelopment, due to officially open on 3 December. Visitors are encouraged to beat the crowds by taking advantage of the facility’s extended mid-week opening hours, when they can enjoy the new cascade gully pools in the early morning and late evening. The earlier opening time enables a relaxing bathe before work for peninsula locals and short stay visitors, while the move to later evening hours was in response to positive feedback from clients who enjoyed the “magical” night time atmosphere. For more information and bathing times, go to peninsulahotsprings.com Adventure & BackpackingSafari Pete releases new backpacker guide to Melbourne and VictoriaSafari Pete, popular travel identity and creator of one of Australia’s most popular backpacker guidebooks series, has released his first guide to Melbourne and Victoria. Produced with the support of Tourism Victoria, the first edition of Safari Pete’s Backpacking Melbourne & Victoria Guide is an informative yet quirky take on Victoria’s tourism experiences. The pocket-sized guide includes fold-out maps and offers a wealth of information for inbound and interstate backpackers to explore the city of Melbourne and the diverse regions of Victoria. Known for his sharp dress sense Safari Pete is a legend in the Australian backpacker travel circles not only for his guidebooks but as a tour guide and MC of the Neighbours Trivia nights in St Kilda. Safari Pete’s Backpacking Melbourne & Victoria Guide is available in all major hostels and backpacker travel information centres in Melbourne as well as information centres throughout regional Victoria. For more information email Safari Pete at Media & trade visitsTourism Victoria continues to support tourism operators across the state by coordinating visits (‘familiarisations’) for Australian and international media and the travel trade. Largest Gulf-based tour operator takes a tripThe owner of Lawand Travel, the largest inbound tour operator in the Gulf countries, visited some of Victoria's key regions including Phillip Island, Goldfields and the High Country on a recent trade familiarisation. Hosted by Tourism Victoria, the 11-day itinerary took in skiing and snow play at Mt Buller, in addition to other regional attractions such as Ballarat Wildlife Park and Sovereign Hill. A highlight of the whirlwind tour also included a trip to the Phillip Island region, where Mr Lawand and his travelling companions spent time at Churchill Island, the Koala Conservation Centre, Nobbies Centre, A Maze’n Things and the iconic Penguin Parade before returning to Melbourne. Tour operators snow test Falls CreekTourism Victoria and Falls Creek Alpine Resort recently hosted a group of influential inbound tour operators specialising in the greater China and Middle East markets Accompanied by Tourism Victoria representative, Lindsay Goding, four travel company delegates were invited to the picturesque alpine resort of Falls Creek. During the tour, the participants tried their hand at a range of activities including snow skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, before being pampered during a relaxing session at Mii Spa. CampaignsShowcasing Victorian villages in mXAs part of Tourism Victoria’s new Villages of Victoria marketing strategy the competitive strengths of some of Victoria’s most unique villages will be highlighted in Melbourne metropolitan newspaper, mX. The mX promotion will be in market for 40 weeks in total; from 28 September 2009 to 17 August 2010. It will feature 20 fortnightly awareness and tactical advertisements in the Escape national section on Tuesdays. The advertisements will aim to drive traffic to an online deal/event or destination page that can provide consumers with additional information. The print advertising activity will take place in conjunction with public relations activity, tactical online marketing, and promotional campaigns with other media partners including Royal Auto. Additional Tourism Victoria campaigns scheduled to take place this month include: Daylesford – continued television advertising on major television networks in Sydney and Adelaide, national broadcasts on SBS and subscription TV. Online advertising on Fairfax Digital, nineMSN and Yahoo. Cinema digilite advertisements. Print advertising in Marie Claire, Women’s Health, Delicious, Gourmet Traveller, Sumptuous, The Weekend Australian, Sunday Life (NSW edition). What’s onVictorian Tourism Industry Council’s Quarterly ForumForeign students are an increasingly critical source of funds for Victorian learning institutions and a valuable barometer on the international reputation of Victoria as a safe place to visit, study and live. Hosted by the Victorian Tourism Industry Council (VTIC) in association with Tourism Victoria, the next chapter of the quarterly Tourism Industry Council forum will examine the international education sector, its challenges and its broader implications for Victorian and Australian tourism. With some of Victoria’s key education markets also encompassing our major future international visitor markets, a panel of experts will present and debate the past, current and future issues confronting Victoria’s lucrative educational tourism industry. Date: Wednesday 30 September Victorian Bed and Breakfast Farmstay and Accommodation ConferenceThe 2009 Victorian Bed and Breakfast Farmstay and Accommodation Conference is a must-go event for established accommodation owners, people seeking to enter the industry and anyone with an interest in the small to medium hosted accommodation sector. This year’s forum is centred around the highly relevant and timely theme, Quality: first, last and always. The program features presentations from a diverse range of experts ready to help operators better understand the importance of focusing on quality and what it can do for their businesses. Operators will benefit from useful information that can be applied to their businesses, as well as great networking opportunities, food and wine. Tickets are tax deductible and delegates can also enjoy a reduction in conference registration costs this year. Date: Tuesday 6 OctoberVenue: Victoria University – Flinders Street campus Level 12, 300 Flinders Street, Melbourne. Early Bird discount: Available until 29 September, with further discounts for group bookings Click here for more information and to register. 2009 Regional Produce SummitRegional food and wine leaders and producers will converge in Warrnambool this October to explore the theme of sustainability in regional food and wine tourism at the 2009 Regional Produce Summit. Organised by Regional Development Victoria and supported by Tourism Victoria, the event is hosted by the Great South Coast Food and Wine Group Date: Sunday 18 – Tuesday 20 October 2009 Registrations close on Monday 5 October. Click here for full program and registration details. Upcoming events
|
|
| Last Updated ( Friday, 25 September 2009 ) |