Phillipa Harrison promoted to Managing Director of Tourism Australia

Tourism Australia has today confirmed Phillipa Harrison as the organisation’s new Managing Director.

Ms Harrison was previously Tourism Australia’s Executive General Manager International, overseeing a network of international offices spanning 12 countries and managing airline relationships and distribution channels.

The promotion sees Ms Harrison become the national tourism organisation’s first ever female head and comes after a period of several months during which she has held the Managing Director role in an acting capacity.

Tourism Australia Chairman, Bob East, said Ms Harrison had been a stand-out candidate in the interview process.

"Phillipa has made an enormous contribution in her three years at Tourism Australia.  She has great support in the industry and I am confident that Tourism Australia is in the best of hands," he said.

Ms Harrison said the opportunity to lead Australia’s national tourism organisation represented a career high.

“I couldn’t be happier or prouder to be given the chance to head up the Tourism Australia team. This is a period of change, challenge and opportunity for our industry,” she said.

“With competition for the global travel wallet and the demands of the international traveller ever increasing and both global and Australian tourism facing a number of significant headwinds, the need for a strong, cohesive and united industry has never been greater.

“My focus is very much on making sure that Tourism Australia continues to lead from the front, through creative and high impact marketing but also through the important distribution and partnership platforms we provide to industry.”

Ms Harrison takes up the new position immediately.

Switzerland's Zermatt First Euro Destination on Ikon Pass

Switzerland has become the first European destination partner to join the Ikon Pass.

With access to snow in 41 destinations across five continents Ikon Pass holders now also have seven-day access to Zermatt and the Matterhorn ski paradise network, and five-day access on the Ikon Base Pass, with no blackout dates.

The Matterhorn occupies more than 3,500 acres of terrain across Switzerland and Italy and a connected lift service offers Ikon Pass holders access the ski paradise, an area encompassing Rothorn, Gornergrat and the Schwarzsee-Matterhorn glacier paradise within the Zermatt ski area, and the Cervinia-Valtournenche ski areas in Italy.

"The Matterhorn is a true icon known around the world, so we are thrilled to have Zermatt join the Ikon Pass community," said Erik Forsell, Chief Marketing Officer of Alterra Mountain Company.

"Ikon Pass strives to continually offer pass holders unique experiences in the mountains.  Now they can experience Zermatt's glacier skiing, traditional Swiss fondue, plus its infamous European après ski across two countries, on one pass."

Director of Marketing for Zermatt Bergbahnen AG Sandra Zenhäusern said, "Zermatt and Matterhorn ski paradise are pleased to be the first European destination on the Ikon Pass, and we look forward to offering our best Swiss quality and Italian lifestyle to Ikon Pass holders everywhere. We are excited to share our passion and devotion to skiing within the Ikon Pass community and its impressive destination partners across the globe."

For more information on Zermatt, head to www.myswitzerland.com/zermat.

#WIN Discover Inspiring Experiences to Transform Your Life with Lonely Planet's #Travel Goals

A modern bucket list for responsible, healthy, feel-good travel, Lonely Planet's Travel Goals is published this month.

Lonely Planet recently surveyed more than 7,500 members of its dedicated community of travellers from around the world, with 92% of respondents saying they see travel as "an opportunity for positive change".  In addition, 68% of those surveyed said they now care more about sustainable travel than they used to, while 60% view travel as more of an opportunity for personal growth than they previously did.

For those travellers wanting to discover themselves (as much as the next big sight), Lonely Planet's Travel Goals has the potential to change lives.  From sleeping under the stars and witnessing natural phenomena to more ambitious challenges, such as helping communities and safe-guarding the environment, this is the essential companion to a life well-travelled – and well-lived.

"These travel goals are not about ticking off a list of far-away sights," Lonely Planet says. "They are about a life filled with variety and self-discovery. Each goal is enriching in some way, either because it's about forging stronger connections with the natural world, helping a community clear a coastline of plastic, or spending a week on silent retreat."

How did Lonely Planet go about compiling this list?  "We started out by asking our pool of travel writers about the travel experiences that had a life-changing effect for them – what would they recommend everyone try at least once in their lives? We then honed this list to 120 experiences that we felt would be the most personally rewarding. For each goal we explain why you should consider giving it a go and give at least three recommendations for where you can put the goal into action."

To celebrate the release of Travel Goals, Lonely Planet has teamed up with World Nomads to give visitors to lonelyplanet.com/explore-every-day/competition the chance of winning an AUD $5,000 Travel Goals pack – to help inspire them to create positive, life-changing travel experiences.

The prize includes:

> 1 x World Nomads Explorer travel insurance plan – worth AUD $500
> 1 x travel voucher for flights and accommodation - worth AUD $4,465
> 1 x copy of Lonely Planet's Travel Goals book – worth AUD $34.99

To enter, tell us in 25 words or less what your ultimate travel goal is and why you want to achieve it.

Evergreen launches new brochure - Egypt, Jordan and Israel 2020/21

… with new Israel extensions…..

Evergreen has launched its 2020/21 Egypt and Jordan brochure with a new extension to Israel.

"With a very positive reaction to the launch of our Egypt and Jordan product last year, we have extended our program in 2020/21 with the introduction of an Israel extension," said Angus Crichton, Director Sales, Marketing and Product for Evergreen Cruises & Tours.

"We invite you to join us on a journey to Egypt, Jordan and Israel across four unique itineraries' to unveil these magical destinations which for many have only been a dream. Unforgettable experiences await you in these exotic lands as we bring to life the people, landscapes, history, cultures and culinary delights to ensure the trip of a lifetime".

Itineraries include:

· 10 Day Cairo & Ancient Egypt River Cruise starting from $4,275pp*

Discover Egypt and the bustling capital city Cairo where you can wander lively bazaars, try a traditional home-cooked meal and witness the grandeur of the Pyramids and The Great Sphinx of Giza.

· 15 Day Cairo to Amman & Ancient Egypt River Cruise starting from $6,695pp*

Embark on a truly memorable journey from Luxor to Aswan as you experience Egypt's most spectacular sites from the chic surrounds of one of the largest and most stylish river ships on the Nile. Mövenpick MS Hamees is a comfortable and contemporary ship, encompassing a range of facilities including a swimming pool, reading room and sun deck with space to socialise.

· NEW 16 Day Tel Aviv to Cairo & Ancient Egypt River Cruise starting from $9.445pp*

· NEW 21 Day Tel Aviv to Amman & Ancient Egypt River Cruise starting from $12,415pp*

Unforgettable experiences await in the exotic lands of Egypt, Jordan & Israel. A colourful, vibrant and passionate culture will capture your imagination. Spectacular desert landscapes, great feats of archaeological wonder and Mother Nature's sensational ability to create her own phenomenon. Israel offers breathtaking landscapes, the eerie stillness of the Dead Sea, the ancient walls and pathways of Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, and a complex and fascinating history.

Highlight of the 2020/21 Program:

· Cruise the Sea of Galilee with a local guide who will point out the many historical and spiritual sights during the cruise.

· Explore the city of Tel Aviv with a local guide, visiting the 4,000 year old Jaffa, the old world port dating back to Phoenician and Crusader times

· Evergreen's signature "You're Invited" program includes a visit to a local Cairo home where you will be welcomed for a cooking demonstration and dinner with a local Egyptian family

· Four night cruise from Luxor to Aswan on one of the largest and most stylish river ships on the Nile

· Hotel accommodation in handpicked high-end deluxe hotels and resorts

· Evergreen's exceptional value inclusions: daily excursions, many meals, intra-tour flights, airport transfers, port charges and taxes, plus all tips and gratuities

To mark the release of the new program Evergreen is offering a range of special limited time Earlybird offers. Available until 31 January 2020, the Earlybird offers* include:

· Flights included on Egypt and Jordan cruise and tour programs of 15 days or longer OR Save up to $1,800pp/$3,600 per couple

· Save $700 per person when you book and deposit on any tour of 14 days or less

· Early Payment Discounts with savings of up to an additional $800 per couple

For bookings, please contact your local Evergreen Expert travel agent, visit www.evergreentours.com.au or call 1300 383 747.

Macao: UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy

Macao’s highly acclaimed standing as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy goes far beyond the dinner table.



Home to one of the world’s earliest forms of fusion cuisine, this popular Asian centre has its sights firmly set on sustainability and avoiding food wastage, important ingredients to not only promoting its stance on a worldwide problem but also boosting its tourism appeal.

Adelaide to welcome its first micro-hotel

The micro-hotel trend that is sweeping big cities across the world is coming to Adelaide.

Leading developer Hines Property has received planning approval today to build the city’s first micro-hotel at 274 North Terrace on the corner of Frome Street, which will feature high quality yet small rooms designed for short-stay visitors and young tourists.

The Havannah Vanuatu named one of National Geographic's Unique Lodges of the World

#Vanuatu



Tranquil and exclusively for adults, The Havannah Vanuatu, is excited to announce on the eve of its 10th Birthday, it has just been accepted as a member of National Geographic's Unique Lodges of the World: one of only four in Australia and the Pacific and one of only 61 in the world.