Sunshine Coast to celebrate 50th anniversary with Australia’s largest convention of travel writers

#astw

Australia's peak travel journalism organisation – the Australian Society of Travel Writers (ASTW) – will hold their national convention and awards event on the Sunshine Coast in August 2017, to help celebrate the 50th anniversary of the official naming of the region*.

The Sunshine Coast's success in winning the bid was announced at the completion of the 2016 ASTW AGM & Awards event being held in Cape Town, South Africa, over the weekend. Previous ASTW AGMs have been held in many of the world's premier city and resort locations including Shanghai, Bangkok, Seoul, Saigon, Cairns, Sydney and Uluru.

The Sunshine Coast will host the gala event on the weekend of 18 – 20 August 2017, and will involve pre and post famil programs to showcase the diversity and richness of the region's attractions.

Some 100 of Australia's leading travel writers, photographers, broadcasters and bloggers are expected to attend the event, along with a further 50 to 80 travel industry representatives.

The annual general meeting and awards night will be held at the Novotel Twin Waters Resort, and partners include Visit Sunshine Coast, Sunshine Coast Council and Tourism and Events Queensland. Tourism operators from across the region will be invited to participate in the event and famil program.

Commenting on the successful bid, Visit Sunshine Coast CEO, Simon Latchford, said that hosting the Australian Society of Travel Writers annual event would put the spotlight on the region's remarkable diversity of attractions.

"We know that many of the writers have been to the Sunshine Coast in the past, but the region's tourism has matured dramatically in recent times and it will provide a great opportunity to show that we also have outstanding attractions beyond the coast, with the Glass House Mountains, Hinterland and Gympie regions all having great stories to tell," said Mr Latchford.

Sunshine Coast Mayor, Mark Jamieson, said: "Hosting this convention on the Sunshine Coast provides the perfect platform to showcase our region during our milestone 50th Anniversary year.

"I'm sure those travel writers who have never previously been to our beautiful part of the world are going to be very impressed with what they see and experience, and those who are returning here will no doubt be relishing that opportunity.

"The promotional value derived from hosting travel writers from around the world is enormous. The world is coming to the Sunshine Coast and we will roll out the welcome mats."

Tourism and Events Queensland (TEQ) Chief Executive Officer Leanne Coddington said the Sunshine Coast was an ideal location for the 2016 ASTW AGM & Awards.

"Hosting many of Australia's leading travel writers on the Sunshine Coast is a great way to showcase the destination to an audience who tell their stories to millions of readers," Ms Coddington said.

"The destination offers so much not only for business events such as this but for holiday experiences and attractions which bring visitors back again and again."

*The Sunshine Coast name was first mooted in 1958 by real estate interests, but the region's official name remained as the 'Near North Coast' until November 1966, when the Landsborough, Maroochy and Noosa councils agreed to the 'Sunshine Coast' name. On August 1, 1967, 'Sunshine Coast' was accepted by the Queensland Place Names Board, marking the day the Sunshine Coast formally came into existence. A series of festivals and community events will be held in 2017 to commemorate the anniversary.

Find your naturally refreshing Sunshine Coast holiday at visitsunshinecoast.com.au

Australian Society of Travel Writers Announce 2016 Awards for Excellence

Australia's top travel writers and public relations professionals were honoured at the annual ASTW Awards for Excellence at a gala awards ceremony held at Durbanville Hills in Cape Town, South Africa on 18th August 2016.

The top writer accolade, Travel Writer of the Year, which is judged from a selection of three stories by the writer, was awarded to John Borthwick. John, has been a member of the ASTW since 1990 and his award-winning stories were published in both the travel sections of The Australian and Sydney Morning Herald's Traveller section. Finalists in the hotly contested award were Kerry van der Jagt and Craig Tansley. John was also named the winner of the Best International Story over 1000 words.

While having received awards in the past, John was particularly thrilled to receive the awards this year thanking the sponsor South African Tourism, the editors for their support in publishing his stories, the PRs and tourism boards for getting him to the places and congratulated his fellow finalists saying it was an honour to be on any step on a podium with them.

Photographer of the Year went to Dan Avila for images published in Vacations & Travel magazine and on Luxe.com. Dan was delighted with his win, saying “ I am extremely excited to have won this award - it is a huge honour.”

The top PR Accolade, Communicator of the Year, was awarded to Klick Communications. Kim McKay Founder and Director was in Cape Town to accept the award, saying “Klick Communications is honoured to be recognised by the esteemed Australian Society of Travel Writers. Communications Team of the Year is a prestigious award that we are so proud to call ours for 2016”.

These prestigious awards are now in their 23rd year and are a highlight of the annual ASTW Convention for the ASTW, with over 70 guests travelling from across Australia to attend.

Other categories included Best Family Travel Story, Best Travel Broadcaster, Best Australian Story and Best Food Travel Story. Categories, winners and finalists are detailed below.

“The ASTW members represent the leading writers, editors, publishers, content creators and public relations professionals of the Australian travel industry. Over 300 entries were received across the 17 Award categories with an exceptional calibre of entrants,” said ASTW President Danielle Lancaster.

“There were 3 finalists for each category, and being named a finalist is an absolute honour in itself. I would like to congratulate all who were named as being the best in their field and I would also like to thank each of the sponsors together with South African Tourism, who were the major sponsor of this year's convention. We also thank the many judges who gave their time to judge the awards. This year, we had esteemed judges from Australia, New Zealand, England, Ireland and the USA with many commenting on the high quality of work.”

The Jack Butters Award is an honorary award given to someone who has made an important contribution to the ASTW and this year was awarded to the team that created and ran the ASTW Trivia Night for the past 20 years – Mike Smith, David McGonigal, Glenn A. Baker and Laura Spiers.

Jack Butters, was the founding president of the Australian Society of Travel Writers in 1975 and a Life Member, who championed the need to define the ethics that govern responsible travel writing.

Now, 41 years later his vision, aspirations and ambition for the future of the ASTW have been more than realised and continue to flourish and gain global recognition. While the travel industry has changed dramatically over the years, members have learned to adapt to the ongoing challenges of a profession, and an industry, that is constantly evolving, especially in social media.

For the detailed history of the ASTW please visit:

http://astw.org.au/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=65&Itemid=94 

FULL LIST of WINNERS:

1) Best Story about AGM Host Destination 2015 - Sponsored by Voyages Indigenous Tourism

WINNER – MARIE BARBIERI

The Red Beating Heart – Australia & New Zealand magazine

OTHER FINALISTS

Justine Costigan - Written in the Stars – Jetstar magazine

Angela Saurine - The Heart of the Rock – Best Weekend – News Ltd

2) Best Family Travel Story – Sponsored by Signature Media  

WINNER – MARK DAFFEY

Are We There Yet? -– Traveller – Fairfax Media             

OTHER FINALISTS

Belinda Jackson- Dolphin Island Fiji: Family Experience for a chosen few- Traveller – Fairfax Media

Helen Hayes - Salzburg - A Favourite Thing – Holidays with Kids magazine

Sheriden Rhodes - Island Life Revisited - Five Star Kids Magazine           

3) Best Travel Broadcaster – Sponsored by Tourism and Events Queensland 

WINNER – GREG GRAINGER – GREG GRAINGER TV 

OTHER FINALISTS

Ben Groundwater – Beauty and the Backpacker travel web series – Traveller – Fairfax Media

Quentin Long – Mornings/Today Extra - Channel 9

4) Best Australian Story – Sponsored by Tourism Australia

WINNER – KERRY VAN DER JAGT

Where to swim and sing with dolphins - Traveller - Fairfax Media

OTHER FINALISTS

Andrew Bain - Cape Crusaders - Traveller - Fairfax Media

Celeste Mitchell - Girls Just Wanna Have 4WD Fun - Escape - News Ltd

5) Best Food Travel Story – Sponsored by Outrigger Hotels & Resorts 

WINNER – CARLA GROSSETTI

A Taste of History – Cuisine magazine

OTHER FINALISTS

Sue Wallace - Summer in Aspen – Delicious

Sue Gough Henly - Dining for the Greater Good – Australian Traveller magazine

6) Best Responsible Tourism story – Sponsored by Intrepid Travel

WINNER – JOCELYN PRIDE

Alaska Untouched - Wellbeing           

OTHER FINALISTS

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

7) Best Adventure Story – Sponsored by G Adventures 

WINNER – LEE ATKINSON

Driving Across the Simpson Desert – Traveller – Fairfax Media

OTHER FINALISTS

Andrew Bain – Back to Peak Performance – Traveller – Fairfax Media

Catherine Marshall – Drums of the Jungle God – Traveller – Fairfax Media

Roderick Eime – Southern Exposure – MINDFOOD magazine

8) Best Tourism Organisation or Travel Product – Sponsored by ZOIK

WINNER – CAROLINE DAVIDSON – Rocky Mountain International – The Real America

OTHER FINALISTS

Karena Noble – Voyages Indigenous Tourism

Leigh Maloney – The Little Nell

9) Best Cruise Story – Sponsored by Hawaii Tourism Oceania

WINNER – CRAIG TANSLEY

Maldives Luxury Adventure - Traveller - Fairfax Media

OTHER FINALISTS

John Borthwick – Burmese Daze - Traveller - Fairfax Media

Jocelyn Pride – It's (not) all Akademik – International Traveller magazine

10) Best International Story Over 1000 words – Sponsored by AccorHotels 

WINNER – JOHN BORTHWICK

Where the Cold War Thawed – Weekend Australian 

OTHER FINALISTS

Craig Tansley – Where Cross Country Skiing is a Religion – Traveller – Fairfax Media

Marian McGuinness – Scents and Sensibility – Weekend Australian

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

WINNER – TIM RICHARDS

A Boy and A Coin – Traveller – Fairfax Media

OTHER FINALISTS

Rob McFarland - Cowboy in Training – Traveller – Fairfax Media

Kerry van der Jagt - In Wake of Van Gogh – Traveller – Fairfax Media

12) PR Campaign of the Year - Sponsored by TravMedia 

WINNER - KARENA NOBLE - Launch of Field of Light, Uluru

OTHER FINALISTS

Kim McKay - Positively Wellington Tourism

Natalie Schofield - Westin - World Sleep Day

13) Best Tourism and Travel News Story – Sponsored by ASTW 

WINNER – LEE MYLNE

Traversing the Long, Open Road – Travel Bulletin 

OTHER FINALISTS

Kristine Madden - The Wheel of Fortune – Travel Bulletin

Sheriden Rhodes - Well, well, well – Traveller – Fairfax Media

14) Best Travel Blog – Sponsored by TFE Hotels 

WINNER – RENE YOUNG – Together We Roam

OTHER FINALISTS

Aleney de Winter - Boy Eats World           

Jayne Gorman - Girl Tweets World

15) Jack Butters Award – ASTW

WINNER –   Mike Smith, David McGonigal, Glenn A. Baker and Laura Spiers, for going over and above by organising the trivia night for the past 20 years.

16) Communicator or Communications Team of the Year – Sponsored by TravMedia 

WINNER – KLICK COMMUNICATIONS

OTHER FINALISTS

Karena Noble

AccorHotels

17) Photographer of the Year – Sponsored by Tourism Authority of Thailand

WINNER – DAN AVILA

Alone in the Universe – Luxe.com

Love on the Bosphorus – Vacations & Travel magazine

Heaven - Luxe.com 

OTHER FINALISTS                       

Jocelyn Pride - Three Pillars of Travel: Protect/Respect/Reflect                       

Mark Daffey - Antiquity/Harmony/Destiny           

18) Travel Writer of the Year – Sponsored by South African Tourism

WINNER – JOHN BORTHWICK

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

OTHER FINALISTS   

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           

For more information on the ASTW, visit www.astw.org.au

Traveloscopy | 

Scoot Spreads Its Wings to Europe

Asia Pacific's Best Low Cost Airline will fly the spacious 787 Dreamliner on its longest non-stop flight from Singapore to Athens– transforming the guest experience in low-cost, long-haul travel  

August 16, 2016 - Get your Greek on and prepare to get outta' here for a value-packed dream vacation as Scoot gears up to launch its first destination in Europe – Athens, the picture-perfect capital city of Greece!

Scheduled to commence on 20 June 2017, the new service between Singapore and Athens marks Scoot's first long-haul flight between Asia Pacific and Europe, as well as the longest flight operated by a low-cost carrier (LCC) with flight distance exceeding 10,000km

The commencement of Scoot's services to Europe is part of the Singapore Airlines (SIA) Group's strategic move to stimulate passenger traffic between Asia Pacific and Europe, as well as to boost connectivity through the Singapore hub.

Budget-conscious travellers will soon be able to Scoot to Greece at pocket-friendly airfares, immersing in the rich history and culture Athens has to offer. Take a trip back to ancient Greece with visits to the famed Acropolis of Athens and the legendary Temple of Apollo in Delphi, before hopping over to the many picturesque Greek islands including Mykonos and Santorini for a dose of idyllic romance. Travellers can also connect onward from Greece to other alluring cities in Europe for an extended pan-Europe vacation.

Mr Lee Lik Hsin, CEO of Budget Aviation Holdings (BAH), said, "Guests have requested us to fly to Europe for a while, and Scoot is excited to finally oblige! Scoot has devoted much thought to configuring our cabin product and services to elevate and transform the low-cost travel experience, enabled by our world-first all-787 Dreamlliner fleet, and this has positioned us well to mount our first ever long-haul flight between Asia Pacific and Europe."

Scoot guests are empowered to choose from an extensive range of cabin products and services available for purchase to customise their travels.

In Economy, take your pick from Standard or Stretch seats ranging from 30" to 34" seat pitch; for guests keen on a peaceful journey, while the ScootinSilence Economy child-free zone offers a quiet travel environment for better rest so you arrive in Athens all raring to go.

What's more, there is a wide selection of drinks, snacks, light meals and hot meals for those who need to satiate the palate during the flight.

Get bored easily on long flights? Scoot's inflight Wi-Fi plans and in-seat power will provide endless entertainment options and opportunities to keep in touch with loved ones during flights, or you can stream an extensive range of movies and TV series to your own devices with our ScooTV inflight streaming entertainment.

Those seeking greater comfort and more frills may opt for ScootBiz, which features an all-leather seat with 38" seat pitch and adjustable leg rest, along with bundled meals, drinks, in-seat power, ScootTV inflight streaming entertainment and 30kg check-in baggage.

Scoot's new Singapore-Athens route will be serviced by new and spacious Boeing 787-8Dreamliners that are fitted with eight crew bunks and a total of 329 seats, including 18 in ScootBiz.

To commemorate its foray into Europe, Scoot is offering attractive one-way Economy FLY fares to and from Perth to Athens starting from $369, FlyBag starting from $461, FlyBagEat starting from $526 and $1099 for ScootBiz, inclusive of taxes. Sydney, Melbourne & Gold Coast FLY fares to and from Athens starting from $419, FlyBag starting from $513, FlyBagEat starting from $578 and $1199 for ScootBiz, inclusive of taxes. For the 10% off selected FLYBAG and FLYBAGEAT fares, enter the promo code GREEKON. This promotion starts now and runs till 11.59pm on 31 August 2016; hurry now and secure your Dreamliner Odyssey!

Scoot's flight schedule for Singapore-Athens return services is outlined below. For more information and to book your next flight, visit www.flyscoot.com.

 

George Lazenby and Frederick Forsyth at #SPYfest #Goulburn

Get your spy on with AUSTRALIA'S ONLY BOND, GEORGE LAZENBY, AND THRILLER WRITER, FREDERICK FORSYTH, at SPYFest Goulburn

Australia's only Bond, George Lazenby, will be joined by internationally renowned thriller author, Fredrick Forsythe, for the return of SPYfest Goulburn: The Epicentre of Espionage, 16 – 18 September 2016.

Returning for the second year, and this year held over three big days, SPYfest is a celebration of all things spy, in tribute to Goulburn's very own James Bond, George Lazenby. The festival offers something for the whole family, regardless of whether they're Bond fans or not.

Lazenby is the only Australian to have played this iconic character, taken on the part of the world's most dashing and famous spy in the 1969 film 'On her Majesty's Secret Service'.  Born in Goulburn in 1939, Lazenby used his last British pounds on hiring a tailor-made suit from his predecessor Sean Connery's tailor, and splurging on a Bond-esque Rolex watch to secure the role.

Lazenby is joined at this year's SPYfest by Frederick Forsyth, English thriller writer and MI6 spy that is most famous for best sellers such as The Day of the Jackal, The Odessa File, The Fourth Protocol and The Dogs of War. Forsyth draws upon his experience as a spy in the British Secret Intelligence Service to craft his tales, laden with suspense and realism. With over 70 million book sales to his name, Forsyth frequents best-seller lists worldwide and over a dozen of his titles have been adapted to film.

"We're thrilled to have George back for the second year in a row, as well as welcoming our new special guest, Frederick, as ambassadors for SPYfest. Goulburn is proud of its association with such an iconic and timeless franchise, which continues to resonate with the young and old today," said Sarah Ruberto, Business Manager of Marketing, Events & Culture at Goulburn Mulwaree Council.

"This year's SPYfest events are set to draw a crowd with the fun ranging from the fast-paced to the glamorous, much like the films themselves. Visitors can watch the classic cars from the films including the Aston Martin driven by George Lazenby in 'On her Majesty's Secret Service, or get glammed up and don their finest tux and Casino Royale-worthy fare for the Secret Agents Gala Dinner," Sarah continued.

The Gala Dinner will feature the guests of honour, local wines and big band entertainment. For something a little different, visitors can also learn from those in the know by engaging in the modern art of surveillance as professional drone pilots offer mentoring sessions right from Seiffert Oval.

While there's plenty to keep the Bond enthusiasts satiated, Goulburn will play host to a whole range of characters from this captivating genre from Agent 99 and Austin Powers, to modern heroes Jason Bourne and Spy Kids.

"SPYfest is an opportunity to showcase all of what Goulburn has to offer, and the support of local businesses is what makes this event a resounding success. We have local businesses temporarily renaming their businesses for the weekend – why not swing past Dye Another Day to tame your tresses, or get your script filled out at local chemist Licence to Pill. We look forward to welcoming everyone to Goulbourn," Sarah concluded.

SPYfest takes place on the weekend of 16-18 September throughout Goulburn. Some events are ticketed, with limited places available. For more information and to purchase tickets, go to http://www.spyfestgoulburn.com.au/. For more information on Goulburn visit www.goulburnaustralia.com.au

For more information, images, interviews, to visit Goulburn to attend, or to attend the Press Conference with George Lazenby and Frederick Forsyth in Goulburn, please contact Lauren Griffiths at Threesides on 0417 409 264 or lauren.griffiths@threesides.com.au

Silversea Cruises appoints Amber Wilson General Manager for Asia Pacific

Amber Wilson, new GM AP for Silversea

Silversea Cruises is pleased to announce Amber Wilson as the ultra-luxury cruise line’s General Manager for Asia Pacific. Based in the Sydney office, Wilson will be responsible for the Asia Pacific markets, revenue and the direction of sales and marketing management with the Sydney and Singapore teams reporting directly to her.

“I am thrilled to be joining a company widely acknowledged as being the pioneer of ultra-luxury cruising,” said Wilson. “It is a privilege to have this opportunity to drive the Silversea brand forward and build upon the reputation of luxury and unrivalled service, while strengthening relationships with industry partners in the region.”

With over 17 years’ experience in the travel and cruise industries and a strong commercial background, Wilson has worked across a range of senior management roles in Australia and the UK. Previous cruise experience includes Star Cruises & Norwegian Cruise Line, where Wilson quickly rose from Sales Coordinator to Meetings, Incentives, Conference and Exhibition (MICE) Sales Manager.

Most recently, Wilson held the position of General Manager, Sales & Marketing at Cruiseco, a tenure of 12 years that saw her team quadruple in size. Key projects included the launch of the brand in the UK, and the scope of work stretched from river to ocean cruises, highlighting the breadth of experience she now brings to the Silversea organisation.

With eight ships currently featured across the award-winning fleet, Silversea is due to launch its new flagship,Silver Muse, in April 2017, and migrate one of its vessels, Silver Cloud, to the expedition fleet later that year, following an extensive refurbishment.

Silversea US$170 Million Fleet refurbishment

Silversea, the leading ultra-luxury cruise line, is delighted to announce the biggest fleet-wide refurbishment plan in its history, worth US$170 Million.  This investment is not aimed at simply maintaining Silversea’s self-imposed high levels of excellence, but to reaffirm the company’s commitment to exceptional standards of guest comfort and timeless elegance.

“We are thrilled to be moving ahead with these major refurbishments and look forward to welcoming guests aboard and sharing our unique vision of ultra-luxury cruising, both in terms of service and physical environment”, said Manfredi Lefebvre, Chairman of Silversea.  “We pride ourselves on being the reference when it comes to ultra-luxury cruising and this investment reflects our long-term commitment in this regard toward our ships, our guests and our crew”.

Silver Whisper, host to the iconic World Cruise, will undergo a refurbishment that will take place by the end of 2016, and has been largely influenced by feedback from World Cruisers, proving that Silversea guests truly are at the heart of the company operations.  This also ensures that 2017 World Cruisers will get to experience a top coat of luxury, and be the first guests to help massage the fresh feel into the understated glamour that the brand has become synonymous with.

The luxurious suites will be refurbished and the bathrooms adorned with dark emperor marble flooring, delivering a tangible sense of elegance that can be felt from head to toe.  Public spaces will be the key beneficiaries of the bursary, where a freshly tiled pool and new chaise lounges will breathe new levels of comfort and style into open air spaces.  Dining areas at The Restaurant and La Terrazza will be re-skinned with plush new carpet and elegant hard-wood parquet respectively, and will each receive new furniture, echoing the theme of contemporary glamour throughout the ship and augmenting the high-quality service packaged around the finest culinary offerings at sea.

Finally, Silver Whisper’s communications hub is set for a major overhaul with the addition of two satellite antennas, vastly improving Internet speeds on board and enabling guests to take full advantage of the new, interactive TVs and on demand movies available in every suite. 

The refurbishment programme extends to Silver Wind during her dry dock scheduled for October 2016. Once again, refurbishment of furniture and furnishings, technology upgrades that include interactive TVs and on demand movies complete the contemporary, yet understated levels of luxury in every suite.  Additionally, the concept restaurant La Terrazza and the flagship Main Restaurant will both have new flooring bestowed upon them, enhancing the overall feel of gastronomic excellence delivered on board.

The pool deck will undergo a complete rip-and-replace approach to one of its aesthetic jewels, the exceptional teak flooring.  This will reinstate the deck area as one of the most atmospheric aboard, more akin to a luxury yacht than a cruise ship, while reaffirming Silver Wind’s status as a timeless classic within the Silversea fleet.

Beyond the Classic fleet, Silver Discoverer will also benefit from this investment in 2016, entering dry dock this October.  While service and suite presentation will of course be held strictly to Silversea’s high standards, it is in the public areas of this Expedition vessel where guests will see the most visible changes.  The Restaurant will be remodelled with a lighter, more contemporary colour palette and the ever popular pool grill area will flaunt new furniture.  The Discoverer lounge will go through a transformation from breakfast venue to a sophisticated lounge in which to relax, read and reflect on the day’s excursions. Silversea continues to augment the expedition experience to the benefit of its guests, and this is illustrated with further investment in new AV technology in the Explorer Lounge and new furniture from which to enjoy the lectures and briefings in unbridled comfort.

Silversea is committed to the continued evolution and progression of elegance at sea, a commitment that is exemplified by this level of investment, and one that will continue to be driven by, and at the service of its guests.

Further fleet-wide refurbishment will be communicated in due course. 

For a complete list of itineraries, details, and fares, visit Silversea.com or contact your travel professional or Silversea Cruises on +61 2 9255 0600 or 1300 306 872 (Australia) or 0800 701 427 (New Zealand).

Now you can pay to use a lounge at Sydney International Airport

Okay, so your flight is delayed and you look like spending a few extra hours at Sydney International Airport. Is it worth shelling out for the pay-to-use lounge?