Fiji records best ever October for AU visitor arrivals

Fiji is bang on target for a record breaking year from the Australian market with Tourism Fiji Regional Director Australia, Paresh Pant predicting more than 300,000 Australians will have visited the destination when final 12 month figures are released later this year.

Tourism Fiji Regional Director Australia, Paresh Pant

Mr Pant's comments follow the release of Fiji Bureau of Statistics showing 32,101 Australians travelled to the destination in October 2010.

The 32,101 figure brings the total of Australian visitor arrivals for the 10-month period to 263,494.

This in itself represents a six per cent increase over the 248,589 Australian visitor total Fiji achieved across the entire 12-month period January-December 2009.

"Provisional figures received from our Australian industry partners indicate we have also done extremely well in November and December from this market," Mr Pant said.

"If these bear fruit, and we are confident they will, we  will definitely cross the 300,000 for the first time which is a massive achievement for us."

Australian figures again continued to dominate Fiji's overall visitor arrival picture with the 32,101 figure constituting a huge 54.14 per cent of the total 59,290 international visitors visiting the destination in October.

October figures from other key international source markets also showed growth.

These included New Zealand (plus 6.52 per cent) and the USA (plus 7.2 per cent).

Fiji again registered impressive gains, albeit off small numbers, from both the China and India markets which increased by 58.27 per cent and 51 per cent, respectively.


Visit: www.fijime.com

One Dollar Fare Offer to Rockhamption

Today's announcement (below) by Tiger Airways of their $1*^ fare offer from Melbourne to Rockhampton from early Saturday 12th February 2011 until midnight Friday 18th February 2011 (or until sold out) is fantastic news to help our region's recovery efforts!

Rockhampton's airport was closed for a month due to flooding losing capacity of approx. 2,000 passengers per day in and out of Central Queensland's capital city (Rockhampton airport has 760,000 passengers per annum).  Capricorn Tourism & Economic Development Ltd have been working tirelessly on local, intrastate, interstate and international campaigns in an attempt to boost ailing businesses post the Rockhampton floods.  CEO Mary Carroll is also on the Minister's State Tourism Recovery Taskforce comprised of representatives from major airline companies, QTIC, TQ, DEEDI, Cruise shipping and industry representatives to work together on initiatives to help make Queensland's tourism and business industry shine again.

Mary Carroll, CEO of Capricorn Tourism & Economic Development said "It is certainly welcome news that our third major airline partner into Rockhampton has announced this fantastic offer to help boost visitation to our region.  Our Organisation has been working around the clock on a number of promotional campaigns to gain back some of the losses our businesses have felt over the past couple of months, and this news will certainly help." she said

"It was due to the floods, that Tiger Airways decided to cancel the remainder of flight schedules into Rockhampton for their six month timetable to the end of February.  This announcement not only confirms their commitment to the Rockhampton region, but they have also listened to our concerns and will be flying direct from Melbourne from the popular Tullamarine airport!" she said (Nb: Melbourne to Rockhampton flights were from Avalon Airport previously).

Buy one flight and get another one for just $1*^ Melbourne – Rockhampton from just $1.00* ^  (for travel from 29 Mar – 23 Jun 2011)

www.capricorntourism.com.au   www.rockhamptonregion.com.au

For Accommodation & Tour Bookings contact Capricorn Holidays I FREECALL 1800 676 701|capricornholidays.com.au

www.tigerairways.com



 

 

 

Lizard Island: Open for Business and Set to Reveal New Look

Lizard Island has welcomed back guests and is open for business following Tropical Cyclone Yasi which passed across Far North Queensland a week ago.

Lizard Island received only minor vegetation damage, such as fallen foliage, and staff worked quickly on the clean-up process before all guests were welcomed back on Saturday, February 5th.

Lizard Island is 240km north of Cairns and 27km off the coast of Cape Flattery, and as such was spared the full force of Tropical Cyclone Yasi.

Designers and labourers at Lizard Island have also been putting the finishing touches to a soft refurbishment which will see room interiors upgraded and a redesigned restaurant and lounge area.

Sydney-based Interior designers Pike Withers have been appointed to carry out the redesign, aimed at providing a greater sense of luxury to the rooms and public spaces, and adding some vibrancy to Lizard Island.

Reflecting the beauty of the natural environment of Lizard Island, on the Great Barrier Reef, natural materials such as stone and timber are being used throughout to create warmth and character against a backdrop of clean white with splashes of colour.

The refurbishment at Lizard Island is part of plans announced by new owners Delaware North Australia Parks & Resorts last year to spend around $20 million over a period of three years to carry out refurbishments across all their Australian resorts, which includes Heron and Wilson Islands, El Questro Wilderness Park and Homestead and Kings Canyon Resort.

The refurbishment at Lizard Island is set to be completed in the coming weeks.

www.lizardisland.com.au

Momento Travel Services joins co-operative marketing with Rocky Mountaineer

Momento Travel Services is proud to announce their continued co-operative arrangements with Rocky Mountaineer in the Australian marketplace.

Managing Director, Kylee Kay states: "As representative for the Rocky product over many years, our highly trained staff are thrilled to be able to continue the relationship into the new Rocky Mountaineer era of increased advertising and presence to the trade and consumers alike. Rocky has boomed this year as a consequence of new direction and of course a strengthened position with the dollar and we look forward to further increases to come".

Momento Travel Services currently represents Aston Hotels & Resorts Group (Hawaii & USA), Alamo Rent-A-Car (Worldwide), AMTRAK Rail (USA), VIA Rail (Canada), Papillon Grand Canyon Group (USA), Original London Sightseeing Tours (UK) and Peirce & Leslie (India). Each premiere travel product is available for purchase either as a holiday package, for group travel, or for independent travel through all Australian retail outlets.

Visit momentotravel.com.au or call 1 300 300 713 for schedules, fares and more information.

AHA launches revamped accommodation representation - Tourism Accommodation Australia

The Australian Hotels Association is stepping up its leading role in the accommodation sector with a major revamp of its national structure and representation.

The AHA has launched Tourism Accommodation Australia as a new identity representing accommodation hotels separately from the AHA's pub members.
"We are all about a re-focusing of our efforts to ensure a more targeted response to the complex and rapidly evolving issues facing the accommodation sector," said AHA CEO Des Crowe.

The AHA has represented the interests of Australia's hotels since the early 1840's, and has operated a dedicated accommodation hotels division since 1958.

The launch of Tourism Accommodation Australia recognises the need for a clear representative voice for the accommodation sector.

"The AHA has long been Australia's only truly national hotel accommodation representative body," said Mr Crowe.

"But no organisation can afford to rest on its laurels and we have acted in response to member feedback calling for a stronger, more distinct identity for the accommodation sector."

The AHA's recent consultations with its accommodation hotel members revealed a desire to separate accommodation sector issues from the general liquor, gaming, food and entertainment issues being addressed on behalf of pub members. The launch of Tourism Accommodation Australia will provide this dedicated voice at a national level, supported by a strong network of branches in every state and territory.

"AHA accommodation division members have demanded that we represent their interests at both a national and state/territory level.

Currently the AHA has membership entry at the branch level feeding into the national structure. These state branches are important for developing tourism and event opportunities acknowledging that states and territories are in constant competition in this area", said Tourism Accommodation Australia (Victoria) spokesperson Darryl Washington.

Carol Giuseppe from Tourism Accommodation Australia (NSW) added: "Many of the issues impacting our industry are determined at a state level including tax issues, domestic tourism promotions, health regulations, fire safety, stamp duty, the list goes on.

Tourism Accommodation Australia will continue the necessary work to keep in touch with state politicians and local councillors and the state bureaucrats who advise them and do the implementation."

The Tourism Accommodation Australia National Board will replace the AHA's existing National Accommodation Board and will be based in Sydney with an office in Canberra and will include representatives of heads of hotel chains and accommodation property owners.


The Board of Tourism Accommodation Australia will soon appoint a National Executive Director whose major focus will be on Canberra and national issues. The Executive Director will receive direction from the Board and will work with state and territory branches of Tourism Accommodation Australia.

Mr Crowe said Tourism Accommodation Australia is committed to supporting the implementation of the National Long Term Tourism Strategy.

"Tourism Accommodation Australia will feed off the energy and focus provided by Minister Ferguson and Minister Sherry and the direction of Tourism Australia while providing these decision makers with the feedback they need to receive from the accommodation sector.

Tourism Accommodation Australia will work closely with other industry groups including the National Tourism Alliance, Australian Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Tourism & Transport Forum, AHA, HMAA and the Restaurant and Caterers Association", Mr Crowe said.

"Tourism accommodation has a critical role to play in shaping Australia's economic future.

"In 2011 the Federal Government is calling our industry into account
through the National Long Term Tourism Strategy and all industry groups have work to do to keep up with the pace and ensure that tourism and hospitality sectors are taken seriously by Treasury.

Already in 2011 Federal agencies have been asking for hotel industry input on student visas, minimum wages, skills and labour shortages, award modernisation, business events, and occupational health and safety codes of practice.

"Tourism Accommodation Australia will be meeting in March at the Hotel Hospitality & Design Expo at the Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre from 14-16 March 2011 to discuss these pressing issues as well as reports from its work on the various National Long Term Tourism Strategy subcommittees, Service Skills Australia and branch sub-committees of workplace relations, OHS, and skills and migration."

Swissôtel Odessa, Ukraine: The First Five-Star Hotel Of The International Hotel Chain On The Black Sea

Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts is about to add another Eastern European deluxe hotel to its portfolio: Swissôtel Odessa, expected to open in spring 2013. Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts signed yesterday a management contract in Odessa with the Ukrainian investors, Interpoint Development.

Swissôtel Odessa will include 333 modern and contemporary rooms, varying from the classic category "Swiss Advantage" to Presidential Suites. Furthermore the hotel will provide a lobby lounge-bar with a library, two restaurants and a brasserie with an extensive terrace overlooking the Black Sea, as well as separate private dining rooms for events. A panoramic lounge "Skybar" on the top floor will offer its visitors a relaxing atmosphere and stunning views. The hotel facilities also include spacious conference and banquet rooms.
The new Pürovel Spa & Sport complex with extensive fitness facilities, various treatment rooms and as well indoor and outdoor pools with direct access to the beach will be unrivaled in Odessa.

"There has never been a project of this kind in Odessa before," says Meinhard Huck, President of Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts. "The location of the hotel on the French Boulevard is really superb. The hotel is situated close to a park area, right on the coast of the Black Sea, and only 4 kilometers from the city centre. Interestingly enough at the end of the 19th century, a summer cottage situated nearby, that used to belong to a mayor of Odessa, was named "Switzerland". We are looking forward to a fruitful partnership with Interpoint Development and HI-Raise Constructions, as well as the opening of a new Swissôtel in Eastern Europe."

"This unique multinational and distinctive city is being famous for its own traditions, cuisine and humour, leading the trend of fashionable resort destination."

Odessa, amongst the top four largest cities in Ukraine with more than 1 million inhabitants is considered to be one of the main destination for business, culture and tourism in the country. Due to the presence of a well-connected international airport, together with a well-developed rail network, the largest sea port in Ukraine and its outstanding geographical location by the Black Sea coast, Odessa is a major transport and commercial hub.

State and national higher educational establishments are situated here: 8 academies and 8 universities. Moreover Odessa has a rich cultural heritage - magnificent buildings designed in various styles: art nouveau, baroque, eclecticism, Russian classicism. The National Theatre of Opera and Ballet, Saint Assumption (Sviato-Uspenskii) Cathedral, Primorskii Boulevard, Potemkin Steps, streets and boulevards set off by trees and sand beaches are all beloved places by tourists.

Tourism Fiji tackles Australian Fijian Rugby League stars

Pictured: Members of the Tourism Fiji industry team rubbing shoulders with international rugby league star and Penrith Panthers captain, Petero Civinoceva at the recent 2011 Petero Civinoceva Medal Awards at the New South Wales Leagues Club in Sydney.

Tourism Fiji is a major sponsor of the event which annually recognises the contribution players of Fijian origin contribute to the sport.

Dual international and West Tigers' winger, Lote Tuqiri took out top honours on the night being presented with the inaugural Australian Triple International Achievement Award.

Pictured (from left to right):  Cindy Lanyon, Shangri-la Fijian Resort & Spa; Luisa Finiasi, Regional Marketing Officer, Tourism Fiji Australia; Navi Gagalia, InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa; Petero Civinoceva, Patron, AFRL; George Toge, Mana Island Resort & Spa; Gloria Osborne, Musket Cove Island Resort & Spa, and Una Letewale, Warwick Fiji Resort & Spa.

Attending the awards night and meeting many of the players was a major score for the Fiji industry representatives.

The five-man Fiji-based industry team was in town to join the national tourist office in promoting the destination at the Sydney Bridal EXPO, now the biggest annual wedding/honeymoon showcase in the South Pacific.

Visit: www.fijime.com