Wednesday, 12 November 2014

SYDNEY ADVENTURE TRAVEL EXPO EXCITES EXPLORERS AT TOWN HALL

Aspiring voyagers flocked to Sydney Town Hall for the STA Adventure Travel Expo on the weekend 8-9 November.

The expo was a huge success, with crowds queuing before doors even opened at 12pm Saturday. Visitors were welcomed by a live outdoor band and the aromas of delicious Turkish street style food cooking outside Town Hall.

Saturday night The Scary Canary played host to the Adventure Travel Expo Awards to acknowledge:
  • Peter Dobre Photo workshop for Best Australian Tour Operator
  • Shhnooze for Best Australian Adventure Activity
  • Tucan Travel for Best International Tour Operator
  • Backpackers Fiji for Best International Adventure Activity

Wanderlust and excitement were high at the free event as guests spoke to friendly staff who were ready and willing to send people packing for their next overseas adventure. Exhibitors varied from Awake Tours, specialising in music festival and extreme event tours, SNA Tours who provide China and Indochina tours for the 35+age group, and VisitOz, a company connecting overseas visitors with paid farm work in Australia. In addition to smaller tour groups, representatives from some of Australia’s largest travel companies were present including G Adventures, Contiki, Busabout and Intrepid.

Guests played ping pong, sipped on cold drinks and got a polaroid taken at the STA chillout area, took photos surfing a ‘wave’ at Waves Surf School, and drank traditional Kava with Backpackers Fiji.Exclusive deals and fantastic discounts were offered to travellers who booked their trip on the days of the expo, including My Mates Tours who offered 50% off a holiday in 2015, and The Rock Tour who were offering two free nights’ accommodation when you booked a three day tour.

As well as these amazing discounts most exhibitors were running competitions that only dreams are made of, including: STA Travel offering a $1000 gift voucher and a free extreme New Zealand adventure, Italy on a Budget offering a four day trip from Rome to the Amalfi Coast, and Contiki boasting $200 off tour prices.

Exhibitors received great responses from attendees, who were overall aware of the exhibitors and deals on offer. Kerstyn Egan, retail marketing manager for STA Travel said she received ‘really good feedback’ about the expo.
“Generally people are quite well informed, so we’re here to clear the air, provide more options and give a broader overview.”

“I’ve spoken to a range of repeat travellers who are looking for a more in depth and authentic experience” said Beven Connelly, a direct marketing executive from Intrepid Travel.
He said the expo was a good place for people to come for further information, so they can then go home and consider the tour and time off.

Director at My Mates Tours Catherine Joukhadar said that the expo assisted in drawing audiences to book tours and connect with her company.
“We’ve had quite a few people engage with us via social media, and six people in under two hours have confirmed they will be coming back to book.”

All in all the weekend was a huge success with crowds consistent across both days of the expo- proving that Australia really is the nation that loves adventure.

INFO: www.myadventureexpo.com
FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/AdventureTravelExpo
TWITTER: @TravelExpo
INSTAGRAM: @myadventureexpo

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