Papua New Guinea introduces new tourist visa for Australians

Australian passport holders can now secure a 30 day, free tourist visa on arrival in Papua New Guinea.

The change in visa requirements was delivered this week by the National Executive Council and is the first time this option has been available to Australian visitors.  

Chief Executive Office of Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority (PNGTPA), Jerry Agus, said he is delighted at the news and sees this decision as an important step forward for the PNG tourism industry.

"We whole-heartedly welcome this news and believe that by simplifying the process and allowing visas to be granted upon arrival at no cost, will entice more Australians to visit one of their closest neighbours," Mr Agus said.

"Over the last few years we've seen such fantastic growth in cruising and now with an easier visa process we hope to see increased numbers for those arriving by plane too.

"We now want to work with all the partners to ensure a streamlined process through the airport immigration system.

"It's an exciting time for PNG with the tourism bodies and partners strongly focusing on developing tourism infrastructure in areas including Milne Bay and Rabaul/Kokopo, whilst it's early days we are very motivated to grow this industry and welcome more tourists."

PNG, which is only around three hours' flight from Brisbane, comprises more than 600 islands with popular activities for tourists including fishing, diving, trekking, surfing and cruising.

Baby Pandas born in Macao

 

Macao's adorable local Xin Xin made history when she became the first giant panda to give birth in the city's Panda Pavilion.

 

The nine-year-old panda became the proud mother of twins, bonding well with her cubs which were born an hour apart.

 

She and the larger cub, which weighed in at 138 grams, were in good health, but the smaller cub was under weight at 53 grams and was whisked off to intensive care.

 

Both Xin Xin and male partner Kai Kai, were gifts of the People's Republic of China in recognition of the handover of Macao to the Central Government.

 

The pair was born at the Giant Panda Breeding Research Centre in Chengdu. The Macau Panda Pavilion opened in 2010 as an extension to the breeding program for the endangered black and white mammals.

 

The pair mated naturally. However, Xin Xin was also artificially inseminated with sperm from Kai Kai.

 

The gender of the twins is not yet known, and it will be about a month before the pair takes on the familiar black and white fur. 

 

Due the historic event, the domed air-conditioned pavilion, on Macao's Coloane Island, will not re-open until Tuesday, July 12.

 

The names Xin Xin and Kai Kai were chosen by Macao residents and represent happiness and the good wishes of the locals.

 

All those wishes were greeted with excitement by both the breeding staff and panda adoring Macao locals.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H7Vo6hL_muI

 

Details: Macao Government Tourism Office, phone (02) 9264 1488, www.visitmacao.com.au

 

AccorHotels adds global luxury brands with landmark acquisition of Fairmont, Raffles and Swissôtel.

 
Following the approval of shareholders at the General Shareholders Meeting on July 12, 2016, AccorHotels Group officially announces the acquisition of FRHI Hotels & Resorts (FRHI) and its three prestigious luxury hotel brands: Fairmont, Raffles and Swissôtel. This addition of three remarkable brands instantly positions AccorHotels as a leading player in the global luxury hotel market, increases long term growth potential and profitability, and significantly expands the company's footprint in North America, the world's largest and most influential consumer market.

SeaLink's New 5-night Escorted Kangaroo Island Tour

Due to overwhelming demand from passengers, SeaLink have a launched a new fully escorted tour, the 6 day/5-night Ultimate Kangaroo Island tour, departing 24 February 2017.

The tour will be escorted by well-known South Australian Tour Escort, Shirley Tamm, who has over 35 years' experience in the travel industry and will explore Kangaroo Island's fascinating wildlife, spectacular coastal scenery, stunning landscapes, pristine beaches and unique local wines and produce.

"I'm so excited to be offering this new Kangaroo Island tour. The 4-night Kangaroo Island tour has been so popular for the past 2 years, but feedback from passengers was that they wanted even longer on Kangaroo Island so I've put together a fantastic 6 days/5-night option.

This new tour is a combination of everyone's favourite places like Seal Bay and Flinders Chase National Park, the Remarkable Rocks and Admirals Arch plus exciting new places like Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park, Stokes Bay and Rob's Shearing and Sheep Dogs to name just a few."  Shirley Tamm explains.

"I really believe this tour shows off just how beautiful the island is, the breathtaking sights and wildlife and how much the island has to offer." Continues Shirley.

Like all of Shirley's escorted tours, she will host the group across the entire six days.

"I pride myself on really looking after my guests. I'm with them all day every day and ensure they have a wonderful time." Ms Tamm continues.

Day one on the six-night Kangaroo Island Experience includes a drive to Frenchman's Rock; visit to the historic Maritime and Folk Museum and the Kangaroo Island Visitor's Centre; lunch overlooking the ocean at Zest and Thyme Café at Cape Willoughby. This is followed by a tour of SA's first lighthouse – Cape Willoughby including the weather station before heading to Dudley's Clifftop Cellar Door for tastings of their award winning wines.

Guests will then settle into their accommodation at Kangaroo Island Seaside Inn, home for the next five nights.

Day two features a tour of the township of Kingscote before visiting the Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park, home to over 150 species of Native Australian wildlife and over 600 animals! After lunch at the Parndana Hotel discover the charming but secret swimming beach and surrounding beauty of Stokes Bay. Then it's on to the picturesque surroundings of the Bay of Shoals Winery for some wine tasting and admiring the distant vistas of the North Cape.

On Day three visit Island Beehive shop which has a wide variety of locally made produce including organic honey. Then enjoy the spectacular and interactive Raptor Domain, Birds of Prey show before a BBQ lunch at Seal Bay Café. After lunch visit famous Seal Bay Conservation Park and join a guided walk through a colony of wild Australian Sea-lions.  Then travel back to Kingscote and enjoy the spectacular views of the Southern Ocean at Point Ellen and Vivonne Bay (named Australia's best beach).

On Day 4 experience the natural rugged beauty of Flinders Chase National Park where guests will witness nature's breath-taking creations - Remarkable Rocks and Admirals Arch, before falling in love with the Long-Nosed Fur Seal colony. Enjoy a gourmet lunch at the Andermel Marron Farm and then spend the afternoon touring the marron farm and sampling their Two Wheeler Creek Wines and bush tucker.

Day 5 visits Emu Bay and the Old Wisanger School, officially opened in 1885, before heading to Clifford's Honey Farm - home to the rare Ligurian honey bees and their famous honey ice-cream. Then visit Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Distillery for a BBQ lunch and tour of the distillery where they manufacture 100% pure Australian Eucalyptus Oil. Enjoy a brief photo stop at Duck Lagoon before arriving at South Australia's first sheep dairy and cheese factory, Island Pure Sheep Dairy, for a sheep milking demonstration and tastings. Complete the day with some spirit tastings at KI Spirits who have just won the prestigious title of Best Gin in Australia.

On day 6 depart Kingscote with a scenic drive to Penneshaw via American River and Pennington Bay. View prominent local art works and crafts at KI Artworks Gallery before enjoying lunch overlooking the Gulf at Ultima Thule Café. Then witness a truly authentic Australian experience at Rob's Shearing and Sheepdogs before returning to the mainland on the SeaLink ferry to Cape Jervis for a picturesque drive back to Adelaide.

The six-day Ultimate Kangaroo Island Escorted Tour is priced from $1799 per person twin share and departs from Adelaide Central Bus Station on 24 February, 2017.

The tour includes complimentary hotel pick up & drop off at selected Adelaide Hotels, return coach and ferry travel from Adelaide to Kangaroo Island, luxury air-conditioned coach travel around Kangaroo Island, five night's accommodation at Kangaroo Island Seaside Inn, daily continental breakfasts, six lunches and five dinners, all tour entry fees, guided tours and tastings and tour fully escorted by Shirley Tamm from Adelaide.

For further information and bookings visit: https://www.sealink.com.au/escorted-holidays/ultimate-kangaroo-island-tour/ call SeaLink's Group Tour Consultant on 08 8202 8608 or email escortedtours@sealink.com.au

Canada: 8th most peaceful country in the world

AUSSIE TRAVELLERS SEEK 'SAFE' ADVENTURES IN CANADA

Canada ranks in top 10 most peaceful countries in the world #ExploreCanada

Dog sledding in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories

The tenth edition of the Global Peace Index released this month by international think-tank Institute for Economics & Peace ranks Canada 8th most peaceful country in the world, ahead of Australia and Japan.

As the gap between the most and least peaceful countries continues to widen, due to increased terrorism and political instability, Australian travellers are seeking destinations like Canada that offer incredible experiences without the threat of violence or unrest.

click for free travel brochures

"In 2015, more than 279,000 Australians travelled to Canada, and this figure is set to rise again in 2016," said Donna Campbell, Managing Director Destination Canada, GSA Australia.

"We know that Australian travellers want to get off the beaten track, explore amazing wilderness, witness incredible wildlife, and immerse themselves in local culture, but they want to do it in a safe environment."

Kayak in Newfoundland and Labrador

Predictably, the Global Peace Index ranks Canada much higher for safety than the USA (ranked 103), and also places it ahead of Singapore, Sweden, Italy, Germany, Spain, and the UK.

"With the increasing number of terrorist attacks in Europe, mass shootings in the US, as well as political unrest in Asia and the Middle East, Canada is becoming the ideal destination for outdoor and urban adventures in a safe, non-violent environment," said Donna.

"One thing is certain: Australians won't stop seeking new experiences in far-flung destinations, and every year more and more Aussies are travelling to Canada for some of the world's best road trips, events, urban adventures, wildlife, and winter sports, in destinations that are exhilarating, yet free from terrorism and conflict."

Getting there: Air Canada flies daily from Sydney and Brisbane to Vancouver, connecting through to the eastern provinces. For great Canada travel deals and packages click HERE

ABOUT THE GLOBAL PEACE INDEX

The Global Peace Index is the world's leading measure of global peacefulness produced by the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP). It gauges ongoing international and domestic conflict, safety and security in society, and the degree of militarization in 163 countries and territories by taking into account 23 indicators.

www.keepexploring.ca

ASTW Awards of Excellence Finalists Announced

The Australian Society of Travel Writers is delighted to announce the finalists for the 2016 Awards of Excellence.

The team of judges, gathered from around the world, have praised the quality of the entries with several saying they were inspired to travel to a range of destinations after reading them.

Thank you to everyone for entering and congratulations to all the finalists.

WRITER AWARDS

Travel Writer of the Year - Sponsored by South Africa Tourism

Kerry van der Jagt
Where to Sing and Swim with Wild Dolphins – Traveller - Fairfax Media
Grin and Bear It - Traveller - Fairfax Media
Myanmar: Floating on a wave of hope for a new beginning - Traveller - Fairfax Media

Craig Tansley
Coming Up Trumps - Traveller - Fairfax Media
The Last Great Ski Town - Traveller - Fairfax Media
Maldives Luxury Adventure on a Budget - Traveller - Fairfax Media

John Borthwick
Where the Cold War Thawed – The Weekend Australian
Burmese Daze - Traveller - Fairfax Media
In the Wake of Cape Crusaders - Traveller - Fairfax Media

Best Travel Broadcaster – Sponsored by Tourism and Events Queensland

• Ben Groundwater – Beauty and the Backpacker travel web series – Traveller – Fairfax Media
• Quentin Long – Mornings/Today Extra - Channel 9
• Greg Grainger – Greg Grainger TV

Photographer of the Year – Sponsored by Tourism Authority of Thailand

• Dan Avila - Alone in the Universe/Love on the Bosphorus/Heaven
• Jocelyn Pride - Three Pillars of Travel: Protect/Respect/Reflect
• Mark Daffey - Antiquity/Harmony/Destiny

Best Story about the AGM Host Destination - Sponsored by Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia

• Justine Costigan - Written in the Stars – Jetstar magazine
• Marie Barbieri - The Red Beating Heart – Australia & New Zealand magazine
• Angela Saurine - The Heart of the Rock – Best Weekend – News Ltd

Best Family Travel Story – Sponsored by Signature Media

• Belinda Jackson - Dolphin Island Fiji: Family Experience for a chosen few- Traveller – Fairfax Media
• Mark Daffey - Are We There Yet? – Traveller – Fairfax Media
• Helen Hayes - Salzburg - A Favourite Thing – Holidays with Kids magazine
• Sheriden Rhodes - Island Life Revisited - Five Star Kids Magazine

Best Travel Blog – Sponsored by TFE Hotels

• Girl Tweets World - Jayne Gorman
• Together We Roam - Rene Young
• Boy Eats World - Aleney de Winter

Best Australian Story – Sponsored by Tourism Australia

• Kerry van der Jagt - Where to swim and sing with dolphins - Traveller - Fairfax Media
• Andrew Bain - Cape Crusaders - Traveller - Fairfax Media
• Celeste Mitchell - Girls Just Wanna Have 4WD Fun - Escape - News Ltd

Best Food Story – Sponsored by Outrigger Hotels and Resorts

• Sue Wallace - Summer in Aspen – Delicious
• Sue Gough Henly - Dining for the Greater Good – Australian Traveller magazine
• Carla Grossetti - A Taste of History – Cuisine magazine

Best Responsible Tourism story – Sponsored by Intrepid Travel

• Kerry van der Jagt - Monaco's Prince Albert is on a Mission to protect the environment - Traveller - Fairfax Media
• Andrew Bain - Nature's treasure trove – Traveller - Fairfax Media
• Jocelyn Pride - Alaska Untouched - Wellbeing

Best Adventure Story – Sponsored by G Adventures

• Andrew Bain – Back to Peak Performance – Traveller – Fairfax Media
• Lee Atkinson – Driving Across the Simpson Desert – Traveller – Fairfax Media
• Catherine Marshall – Drums of the Jungle God – Traveller – Fairfax Media
• Roderick Eime – Southern Exposure – MINDFOOD magazine

Best Cruise Story

• John Borthwick – Burmese Daze - Traveller - Fairfax Media
• Craig Tansley – Maldives Luxury Adventure - Traveller - Fairfax Media
• Jocelyn Pride – It's (not) all Akademik – International Traveller magazine

Best Story Over 1000 words – Sponsored by AccorHotels

• Craig Tansley – Where Cross Country Skiing is a Religion – Traveller – Fairfax Media
• John Borthwick – Where the Cold War Thawed – Weekend Australian
• Marian McGuinness – Scents and Sensibility – Weekend Australian

Best Story Under 1000 words – Sponsored by Macau Government Tourist Office

• Tim Richards - A Boy and A Coin – Traveller – Fairfax Media
• Rob McFarland - Cowboy in Training – Traveller – Fairfax Media
• Kerry van der Jagt - In Wake of Van Gogh – Traveller – Fairfax Media

Best Tourism and Travel Trade Story

• Kristine Madden - The Wheel of Fortune – Travel Bulletin
• Lee Mylne - Traversing the Long, Open Road – Travel Bulletin
• Sheriden Rhodes - Well, well, well – Traveller – Fairfax Media

PR AWARDS

PR Campaign of the Year Sponsored by TravMedia

• Kim McKay - Positively Wellington Tourism
• Karena Noble - Launch of Field of Light Uluru
• Natalie Schofield - Westin - World Sleep Day

Communicator or Communications Team of the Year – Sponsored by TravMedia

• Klick Communications
• Karena Noble
• AccorHotels

Best Tourism Organisation or Travel Product – Sponsored by ZOIK

• Leigh Maloney – The Little Nell
• Caroline Davidson – Rocky Mountain International
• Karena Noble – Ayers Rock Resort Indigenous Tourism

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Sydney Voted Number One City by Travel + Leisure

Sydney has cemented its position as a world-leading destination having been voted the number one city amongst Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific in the 21st annual Travel + Leisure 2016 World's Best Awards.

Minister for Trade, Tourism and Major Events Stuart Ayres welcomed the accolade and said it was another fantastic achievement for the State.

“This once again shows that Sydney is an amazing global city. Its iconic landmarks, stunning beaches and world-class events continue to resonate with the readers of Travel + Leisure and international travellers,” Mr Ayres said.

“The US is an important visitor market for NSW with the State welcoming more than 380,000 visitors to Australia from the US, who spent more than $683 million in the year ended March 2016.

“These outstanding figures reinforce the extraordinary work achieved by our tourism and major events agency Destination NSW, in partnership with the tourism industry and I congratulate everyone involved for their incredible contribution.”

The prestigious “2016 World's Best Awards” are voted for by readers of Travel + Leisure and reflect the views of experienced world travellers.

Destination NSW Chief Executive Officer Sandra Chipchase said she is delighted that Sydney has been recognised as the number one city in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific by Travel + Leisure, one of the world's most prestigious travel and lifestyle magazines.

“Sydney continues to stand out against its rivals with our spectacular harbour, expanding calendar of events and festivals, flourishing hotel scene, exciting food and wine experiences and of course, home to the world's largest festival of light, music and ideas, Vivid Sydney,” Ms Chipchase said.

Sydney dominated the City Hotels category in the Australia, New Zealand, and South Pacific region, with the Sir Stamford at Circular Quay, The Langham Sydney and Park Hyatt Sydney making the top five list.

Travel + Leisure is a premier travel and lifestyle magazine in the US and serves as a one-stop resource for sophisticated travellers who crave travel tips, news and information about the most exciting destinations in the world.

For more information on events, attractions and experiences in Sydney visitwww.sydney.com

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