Friday 6 February 2015

Margaret River Forges World's First Sister Caves Partnership

Mammoth Cave
The Augusta Margaret River Tourism Association (AMRTA) and the People's Committee of Quảng Bình Province in Vietnam have forged an innovative geotourism partnership to develop and improve international tourism relations.

The world's first 'Sister Caves Agreement' includes cross promotion, research sharing and other collaborations, specifically relating to tourist caves in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, Vietnam and the Margaret River Region, Western Australia.The Augusta Margaret River Tourism Association (AMRTA) and the People's Committee of Quảng Bình Province in Vietnam have forged an innovative geotourism partnership to develop and improve international tourism relations.

Both parties have agreed to collaborate to cross promote the caves in their sister region, which also involves cooperation to improve the management of the respective caves and creation of awareness for both sites on an international level.

Chief Executive Officer of the AMRTA, Pip Close, advised that the agreement provided a basis for a common understanding and sharing of knowledge between the People's Committee of Quảng Bình Province and the AMRTA.

"The aim of this relationship is to increase destination awareness of both regions on an international level, and to improve the understanding of geotourism," said Ms Close.

"The partnership provides an opportunity to share information on tourism programs and projects including best practice management, environmental management, staff training, marketing and promotion and infrastructure development with an international tourism destination which has similar natural attractions," said Ms Close.

The Consulate General of S.R. of Vietnam to Western Australia, Mr Le Viet Duyen, advised that he was pleased with the new relationships with Margaret River and the South West of Western Australia.

"The Agreement that we are signing marks an historic moment between Margaret River and Vietnam, and we look forward to future opportunities between us," he said.

Don Punch, CEO for the South West Development Commission, affirmed that this was "a fantastic first step in forging a relationship with a province in Vietnam that will benefit both Quang Binh and the South West."

"It is an opportunity to learn from each other and in so doing help build a better understanding of international tourism opportunities," said Mr Punch.

The official Sister Caves Signing Ceremony will be held on the 20th February 2015, at Lake Cave in the Margaret River Region.

Jewel Cave
The Ceremony is to be witnessed by Mr Le Viet Duyen,Consulate General of S.R. of Vietnam to Western Australia, and Hon Terry Redman MLA, Minister for Regional Development; Lands Minister Assisting the Minister for State Development Parliamentary Leader of The Nationals WA Member for Warren-Blackwood.

FACT FILE: MARGARET RIVER CAVES

  • The Augusta Margaret River Tourism Association operates four spectacular show caves; Lake, Mammoth, Jewel and Moondyne which are situated along the fragile limestone karst system of the Leeuwin-Naturaliste Ridge in the Margaret River Region, Western Australia;
  • These caves are easily accessible to visitors with a range of guided and self-guided tours, each with its own story to tell and decorated with its own unique and dazzling formations;
  • For more information about the caves of the Margaret River Region visit www.margaretriver.com.

FACT FILE: PHONG NHA CAVES

  • The Phong Nha Nature Reserve is situated on the edge of the Phong Nha/Ke Bang Karst plateau in central Vietnam, and is home to many large and spectacular caves;
  • The karst landscape is an extremely complex and ancient one, with high geodiversity and some geomorphic features of considerable significance;
  • Since the park was listed in UNESCO's World Heritage Sites and visitation subsequently increased, Quảng Bình Province has invested in upgrading the Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng visitor site 
  • to turn it into one of Vietnam's major tourist destinations;
  • For more inform about the caves of the Phong Nha Nature Reserve please visit www.phongnhakebang.vn/en.

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