Bundaberg Tourism Remains Strong

Whilst many areas within the Bundaberg region have been impacted by the recent flooding event, most local tourism icons have remained relatively unscathed according to Bundaberg North Burnett Tourism (BNBT).

"Tourism icons such as the Mon Repos Turtle Experience, Lady Elliot and Lady Musgrave Islands, the Bundaberg Rum Bondstore, Hinkler Hall of Aviation, the Bundaberg Brewed Drinks Barrel, the various Childers wineries and many others are open for business as usual", said BNBT Chair, Greg Barnes. Importantly, the number of breeding turtles returning to lay their eggs at Mon Repos have not been affected in the slightest and numbers are actually growing with some 239 of the ancient mariners having already returned to the largest loggerhead rookery on the east coast since the start of the current season.

Whilst recent media reports have accurately described the devastation that many communities and businesses have suffered as a result of the deluge of rain that fell on Boxing Day, they haven't reported the fact that most tourism operations were able to continue on as normal or to quickly bounce back into full operation.

"Perhaps the biggest impact on tourism operators has been the dramatic number of unnecessary cancellations for accommodation", Mr. Barnes said. "As devastating as the floods have been for our local community, travellers should be aware that our airport, railway, highways and most local roads are open as usual and that we continue to offer visitors an incredible holiday experience at a most attractive time of the year", he said".

"Bundaberg has always been regarded as a friendly and welcoming region with a lot to offer the traveller but as it recovers from the floods visitors to the region will stand in awe at the resilience of this incredible community".

For general tourism information or to make enquiries about the Mon Repos Turtle Experience, visitors can call Bundaberg North Burnett Tourism on 1300 722 099.

Culinary Heavyweights Throw Support Behind Taste Festival

Three of Australia's culinary icons have thrown their weight behind this year's Taste Festival, Tasmania's largest event, to be held on Hobart's waterfront from December 28-January 3.

Tetsuya Wakuda and Leo Schofield, AM, along with well-known Australian Master of Wine Andrew Corrigan, will all be involved in this year's event.

Tetsuya will officially open the Festival on December 28. Leo will be Chief Judge for the Taste Festival Food Awards on December 28 and will also present a talk at the Taste Theatre at 2.30pm on the emergence of a high-quality restaurant scene in Tasmania to match the high quality of our produce. Andrew will also present at the Taste Theatre and be Chief Judge for the Wine Awards.

"The rapidly growing awareness of the superb quality of Tasmanian produce, coupled with the emergence of a new generation of local chefs, is setting this state on the high road to national and international eminence," Mr Schofield said. "First the food, then the creative cooks who understand how to handle it, now the brilliantly refurbished Princes Wharf as an exciting new venue for the much loved Taste Festival. With these three critical elements in place, Tasmania's landmark food expo is set to continue as the foremost showcase for fine food and fine cuisine in the country."

The Taste Festival will return to its roots this year with a renewed focus on the very best in Tasmanian food wine, beers and other great local products. The iconic Taste Plate is again a feature of the event with every food stallholder previewing their menu on a tasting plate costing $7.50 or less.

In addition, new initiatives such as The Brasserie, Taste Theatre and Red Hat Tours will showcase Tasmania's finest producers, winemakers, brewers and chefs.

A new program of activities has been introduced to entice Festival participants to not only sample some of the best food, wine, beer and beverages in Tasmania but also provides the opportunity to learn about the journey from paddock to plate.

The program includes:
- A new Taste Theatre for food and wine programs, lectures and guided tastings;
- A new program of "Red Hat" small- group tours of the Taste, focusing on particular subjects such as sparkling wine, aquaculture etc;
- A new "Brasserie" featuring Tasmania's burgeoning craft brewing and cider making industry along with matched foods;
- A renewed focus on Tasmanian provenance and new products;
- A new Retail Alley where visitors can buy Tasmanian products;
- A new Cafe Precinct where people can meet friends at serviced tables for great coffee and pastries.

For seven days and nights, Hobart's waterfront will again be transformed into a display of colour and life as the Taste Festival ignites the historic Sullivans Cove precinct: showcasing the uniqueness and diversity of Tasmania's produce and gourmet food and wine to approximately 250,000 people.

This year's Festival's theme, Sensational Taste, encourages festival goers to engage the senses by sampling the best of our sensational Tasmanian produce, complimented by a mix of interesting cultural food experiences.

The Taste Festival invites the celebration of our community and rich heritage while contributing to increasingly sophisticated, and forever surprising, contemporary food culture.

The Taste Festival is proudly produced and presented by the Hobart City Council, the aim of which is to present a unique and memorable festival that showcases some of the best food and beverages Tasmania has to offer, while providing opportunities for the whole community to meet with friends and family and celebrate the essence of Summer in Hobart, in a fun and safe environment.

Families and children will be well catered for this year at the Woolworths Fresh Food Kids in the Park on Hobart's Parliament House Lawns, an alcohol free area offering plenty of activities. Daily programming includes a dedicated area for sporting activities and games, family outdoor board games, cooking classes for children, jumping castles and children's rides, various workshops, face painting, buskers, performers, and other family entertainment.

With stage one of renovations to the waterfront venue completed prior to the Taste Festival (including the installation of a stunning new lighting structure); the new forecourt area will be transformed into a vibrant, welcoming entrance and information hub with clear signage to guide patrons throughout the Festival site.

The Forecourt Stage will become the Festival focal point for stage-based acts and busker performances throughout the day. Each evening, the Forecourt Stage will transform into a popular area to dance the night away with friends.

An exciting line up of entertainment will again be a Festival highlight, with a focus on showcasing local Tasmanian talent. An increase in roving performers will also entertain the crowds around the venue.

For further details visit www.tastefestival.com.au

C Grill Launches New Website

C Grill Restaurant today announced the launch of its new website at http://www.cgrill.com.au.

"Our new site plays a very important role in communicating not only with our existing guests, but also engaging our future guests," says Adrian Teh, Hotel Manager for Chifley Hotel Wollongong. "It was important to design and build a best-in-class restaurant website that tells our story and presents our brand through relevant, capturing content and the use of bold, vibrant food photography that really captures the "WOW" experience of dining at CGrill."

Features of the restaurant's new interactive multimedia website include:
> Multimedia gallery
> Downloadable menus
> Social media connectivity
> What's On Section

C Grill, Wollongong's latest addition to the dining scene sits within the brand new Chifley Hotel on Harbour Street and is now open to guests and public alike.

Diners can appreciate a sophisticated yet relaxed dining ambience created by a mix of warm tones, natural materials and finishes.

Flooded with natural light during the day and filled with soft candlelight at night, C Grill will offer the ideal combination of a stylish and inviting dining room, accomplished food and perceptive service. A private dining room is also available for business dinners or special occasions.

Taking inspiration from the informal style of the world's most famous grill restaurants, C Grill's menu is specifically developed to highlight the freshest and finest seasonal ingredients available throughout Australia. Highlights from Executive Chef Peter Wasbourne's simple yet thoughtful menu are the signature prime cuts of beef charred to perfection, as well as starters, salads, plates to share and desserts.

About C Grill - C Grill, located at 60-62 Harbour St in Wollongong, Australia serves classic grill style cuisine. The restaurant is open for breakfast, from Monday through Friday, 6:30-9:30am and dinner from - 10pm, Tuesday through Saturday. Street parking is available.

All major cards accepted. For more information, please visit www.cgrill.com.au or contact C Grill at +61 2 4201 2111 or email reservations@cgrill.com.au.

New Website and Refreshed Brand For Travel.com.au

travel.com.au has started rolling out their new-look website this week, together with a refreshed brand.

The new site features enhanced user capabilities, simpler site navigation, faster search results and more travel deals, dramatically improving the user experience.

Lisa Ferrari, General Manager - Brand for travel.com.au says, "the new site brings together travel.com.au's complete product offering of flights, holidays, hotels, cruise, tours, car hire, insurance and travel guides in an easier to use format. It also features the highly successful Domestic and Trans-Tasman booking engine released earlier this year, allowing users to quickly search and compare flights from multi-carriers on one screen."

As well as the improved functionality to the site, travel.com.au has launched a new logo, tagline and look and feel.

"We wanted to create a new look that encapsulates the essence of the travel.com.au brand personality. The refreshed logo is fresh and inspiring whilst focusing strongly on our name. A new tagline has been added - one destination, endless possibilities - which sums up the strength of the travel.com.au product offering." Ferrari added.

Ferrari ends, "After thirteen years in the travel game, we are thrilled with the site we've launched this week. We are confident that these improvements will lead to an even greater travel experience for our customers".

ABOUT TRAVEL.COM.AU
travel.com.au was established in 1997 and is one of Australia's most experienced online travel companies. The brand offers customers the best of both worlds when it comes to booking travel - the flexibility of booking online 24 hours a day or with a passionate and experienced Travel Expert over the phone. With the greatest deals on international and domestic flights, holidays, hotels, tours, cruise, travel insurance and car hire, travel.com.au is one destination with endless possibilities.

Stamford Reaches First Milestone with Earthwatch Initiative

Stamford Hotels and Resorts are delighted to announce they have raised over $10,000 for Earthwatch as part of their 'Grow a Greener Future' program.

Stamford launched their first environmental campaign 'Grow Green' in 2005 and took it to the next level earlier this year with the development of 'Grow a Greener Future', joining forces with Earthwatch as an ongoing commitment to the continued reduction of energy usage within all of their properties.

The program is offered to all guests and encourages them to reuse their towels and reduce the linen change if they are staying for two nights or more. Guests who take up this offer receive a $10 credit on their bill and Stamford donates $2 to Earthwatch for each day the option is adopted.

Stamford's Chief Operating Officer Mr. Thomas Ong says, "Stamford Hotels and Resorts are 100% committed to 'Grow a Greener Future' and we are thrilled to have reached over $10,000 in donations. As a hotel group, we have identified several ways to decrease our carbon footprint without affecting our high levels of service. We look forward to contributing even more as we continue our work with Earthwatch."

For further information about Stamford Hotels and Resorts' Grow a Greener Future program, please visit http://www.stamford.com.au/page.asp?3653=711780&e_page=40600

YTL Corporation expands Japanese portfolio with master plan to develop Hokkaido's Niseko Village into an iconic all-seasons destination

Hokkaido, 14 December 2010: YTL Corporation announces its master plan to re-energise the 460-hectare Niseko Village development in Hokkaido. Targeting affluent individuals, Niseko Village will be transformed into an all-seasons mountain resort offering exclusive hotels, luxury homes, ski-in ski-out estates and exclusive shopping and dining, all with spectacular views of Mount Yotei (Ezo Fuji, the Mount Fuji of northern Japan). The first Asian non-Japanese company to be listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, YTL Corporation's investments in Japan include seven prime commercial properties in Tokyo such as Ebisu Fort, Daikanyama and Harajyuku Secondo, which were acquired by YTL subsidiary, Starhill Global REIT, in 2007.

Master plan integrates nature with culture.
In line with YTL's global design philosophy to preserve local culture and enhance the natural beauty of the environment in every development, the Niseko Village master plan will recreate the rustic atmosphere of a traditional Japanese town in a natural alpine setting on Mount Annupuri. Designed by the award-winning, international HOK Group, Niseko Village will be a luxurious mountain retreat boasting two hotels, a world-class golf course, private villas, luxury condominiums, shopping, dining, and wellness facilities from spas to onsens. Each individual development will incorporate traditional elements of local culture, providing visitors with a holistic Japanese experience.

'YTL Corporation first entered the Japanese market in 1996 with its listing on the Tokyo Stock Exchange and today we are proud to develop Niseko Village as our first venture outside Tokyo. I believe that YTL's master plan is testament to our continued confidence in and commitment to the country. As well as bringing on board the best talent from across Japan and the world to plan and design the town, we also want to engage local communities throughout every stage of the development. We aim to establish Niseko Village as the 'Aspen of the East' by bringing world-class ski facilities, infrastructure, attractions and resort properties to visitors and residents. The re-energised Niseko Village will be comprehensively planned, setting us apart from many resort destinations in Japan,' said Tan Sri Dato (Dr.) Francis Yeoh, Managing Director of YTL Corporation.

Hinode Hill - First residential property development in Niseko Village
Tapping into the growing trend of well-heeled international home buyers investing in vacation properties around the world, YTL Corporation has named its first residential project in Niseko Village, 'Hinode Hill'. This premium development of 125 luxuriously furnished apartments, with panoramic views of Mt. Yotei, will also be fully serviced by YTL Hotels.

Designed by award-winning Japanese architecture firm Tokyu Architects & Engineering Inc, along with world-renowned Japanese interior designer Yukio Hashimoto, and landscape designer Hiromitsu Sato, each apartment blends modern contemporary style with refined Japanese aesthetics. When completed, Hinode Hill will be one of the most luxurious serviced residences in the area. The name is derived from 'Hinode', Japanese for 'Sunrise', symbolic of the dawn of a new beginning for Niseko Village.

The development has a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, and premium penthouses with private onsens. Residents will enjoy lush gardens, ski-in ski-out facilities, and rooftop onsens, a first for residences in this area. Homeowners will also benefit from YTL Hotel's established international marketing network to lease out the apartments to vacationers visiting Niseko Village.
'Located on one of Asia's 'perfect powder' spots, Hinode Hill offers a holiday home away from home. It will be the first of many residential developments supporting the township. With the master plan for Niseko Village due to be completed within the next five to 10 years, Hinode Hill homeowners will enjoy a strong first-mover advantage in significant investment returns as we commence the development of further residential and commercial properties in the area,' said Kemmy Tan, Director of YTL Singapore.

Green Leaf Niseko Village Hotel Relaunched With A Wide Range Of Winter Activities
Newly-transformed by award-winning, New York-based firm, Champalimaud Design, the latest offering from YTL Hotels is the art-inspired Green Leaf Niseko Village hotel - a charming, 200-room eclectic retreat for both ski lovers and those wishing to experience snow and winter R&R for the first time. An excellent range of R&R options include a traditional, outdoor onsen and a spa with a menu for all the family including children. Access to Asia's perfect powder alpine terrain is on your door-step with convenient ski-in and ski-out facilities.

Complementing the Green Leaf hotel in Niseko Village is the 500-room Hilton Hotel nearby, also owned by YTL Hotels, and right next to the Niseko Ski Gondola providing direct access to the top of Mount Annupuri, 1,000m above sea level. With both hotels ideally located at the base of Mount Annupuri and adjacent to two 18-hole golf courses - one of which was designed by Arnold Palmer − an all-season equestrian centre and a 23-court tennis complex, the action never stops in Niseko Village. For summer, there's a host of exciting activities including white-water rafting and scenic flights in a hot-air balloon. All this contribute to making Niseko Village an ideal resort destination for all-season, all-family enjoyment. 'At Niseko Village, a vacation will include a host of exciting adventure activities for snow lovers and summer visitors,' said James McBride, President, YTL Hotels. 'Ultimately, YTL Hotels' vision and investment will turn this spectacularly beautiful region into a mountain resort destination that can rival anything Europe or the US has to offer today or tomorrow,' he added.

New Event to Light Up Canberra's Autumn Nights

A major new annual event will showcase Canberra in a whole new light and provide more reasons to visit the nation's capital during autumn.

Enlighten: See Canberra in a whole new light was launched today by ACT Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation, Andrew Barr, and will premiere in March 2011 to coincide with the month-long Canberra Festival.

"Enlighten is an exciting new event that will be held over four nights on 11, 12, 18 and 19 March 2011, and will involve after-hour activities at national attractions, amazing architectural lighting and a vibrant event hub with headline acts against the stunning backdrop of Lake Burley Griffin," Australian Capital Tourism General Manager, Simonne Shepherd said.

"The ticketed event will enhance the festive vibe of Canberra's birthday month with an exciting program highlighted by our national attraction partners offering a unique after-dark experience and outstanding musical acts including concerts by international artists, George Benson, Chris Isaak and Frankie Valli.

Performing exclusively at Enlighten, George Benson expressed excitement about his involvement in the event.
"I'm thrilled to be coming to Australia with my band to open the very first Enlighten festival in Canberra in March. I love Australia and I can't wait to get back," Mr Benson said.

"But the excitement doesn't end there," said Ms Shepherd. "We will be announcing another major musical act in early 2011, so stay tuned."
National attractions participating in the 2011 Enlighten event include the National Gallery of Australia, Parliament House and the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House.

"Visitors will see the capital in a whole new light as the stunning foreshore of Lake Burley Griffin is transformed into a festive hub and national attractions come to life with spectacularly lit facades and special one-off activities," Ms Shepherd said.

"Autumn is a wonderful time to visit the Canberra region. The change of season is heralded not only by the fiery colours of the deciduous trees, but by the iconic Canberra Balloon Fiesta and a month long celebration of Canberra's birthday - the Canberra Festival.

"This event promises to bring a new dimension to Canberra's birthday celebrations, enhancing the vibrancy of Canberra during autumn by creating a 'city in festival' and showcasing the fantastic experiences we have here."

Enlighten tickets will be on sale this week through Ticketek at www.ticketek.com.au or by calling 13 28 49. For more information visit www.enlightencanberra.com