Friday 31 December 2021

Da Nang tourism services operators meet requirements to welcome foreign visitors

Sun World Ba Na Hills in Da Nang
(Photo: baodanang.com.vn)
Seventeen tourism services operators in the central city of Da Nang have fulfilled requirements to join a pilot programme welcoming foreign visitors back to the beach city, the municipal Department of Tourism announced on December 2.

They include five accommodation facilities - Vinpearl Condotel Riverfront Danang, Vinpearl Resort and Spa, Vinpearl Luxury Resort, Risemount Resort and Muong Thanh Luxury Da Nang; and three tourist destinations of Ngu Hanh Son (Marble Mountains), Museum of Cham Sculpture and Sun World Ba Na Hills. The nine others are transport service providers.

The Da Nang People’s Committee earlier issued regulations on the pilot programme to welcome foreign visitors back to the city, which will be rolled out in three phases.

According to the city’s Tourism Department, foreign arrivals to Da Nang from December 2021 to next February are forecast to primarily come from key markets of the Republic of Korea and Japan, along with overseas Vietnamese returning home.

The welcome of foreign tourists to Da Nang is part of efforts to revitalise the city’s tourism and related economic and services sectors, contributing to promoting Da Nang as a safe and attractive destination.
Source: VNA
Tags: Da Nang, pilot programme, welcome foreign visitors,

The Holiday and Travel Magazine
https://theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com.au

Vietnam National Administration of Tourism
https://vietnamtourism.gov.vn/english/

Tokyo's Three, Ever-Prominent Terminal Station Areas

Shibuya, Shinjuku, and Ikebukuro are some of the busiest and most vibrant parts of Japan’s capital and are currently undergoing redevelopment with more transformation to unfold even after 2022.

Shinjuku, the busiest station in the world, that offers access to everything from skyscrapers to shrines and relaxing green spaces etc., is currently widening and connecting the station’s East and West exits, which will make reveling around Shinjuku much easier…around 2047, when the work is scheduled to finish. But fret not! – you may set your eyes on the Kabukicho area as it welcomes a revamp by 2022.

The future of all three stations is looking very bright. As for Ikebukuro, we’re currently seeing the area around the station transforming from a mecca of shopping and pop culture to a place of art galleries, stage shows. Work is also currently underway to transform the area around Ikebukuro’s West Exit into an International City of Arts & Culture.

Thursday 30 December 2021

Golfing could boost recovery of tourism industry

FLC Golf Course in the northeastern province of Quảng Ninh,
an example of how Việt Nam can utilise its assets to
maximise golf tourism. — Photo courtesy of FLC
As Vietnam begins to tentatively welcome international tourists back to its shores, an increased emphasis on golf tourism could provide a well-needed boost to the beleaguered tourism industry after nearly two years of COVID-19 restrictions.

While Vietnam has officially welcomed the first international tourists back, in phase one the overall guest experience will be limited. The question is; what can Vietnam do to attract more foreign tourists?

More importantly, how can they be convinced to spend more, thereby contributing to the tourism industry that has been so heavily affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Golf tourism could be the answer. Vietnam has many advantages that could help raise golf tourism in the country to the next level, though it is a fledgling part of the Vietnamese tourist market.

Hà Văn Siêu, Vice Chairman of Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, said that now the country decided to live with the pandemic, the tourism industry needs to find ways to open up and attract international visitors. Golf tourism has seen strong growth in recent years and Việt Nam has always been considered one of the best golf destinations in Asia.

“Golf tourism around the world has grown into a market that brings high revenue, creating jobs and opportunities for destinations around the world, including Vietnam. This is a good opportunity for Vietnamese tourism to promote the image of an attractive and safe destination which is ready to welcome tourists back in the context of the new normal.”

Vietnam is considered to have some of the most beautiful golf courses in the world. The great potential of golf tourism is clear to see and has been recognised by international tourists, according to Siêu. Before the pandemic, those working in the tourism industry recognised the trend and took steps to prepare and invest in golf courses. In 2019, golf tourism made a great contribution to the overall success of Vietnam tourism.

“Golfing will attract classy and environmentally friendly guests in the post-pandemic period. We need to promote and ensure big investments into golf tourism because this will be considered a safe type of tourism that avoids large crowds,” he added.

Vietnam was named both Asia's and the World's Best Golf Destination 2021 at the eighth annual World Golf Awards held in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates.

It is the second year that Vietnam has been honoured with the world title and the fifth consecutive year that the country has won the Asian title since 2017.

Despite the impact of COVID-19, a record amount of votes was collected this year.

The World Golf Awards celebrate and reward excellence in golf tourism through an annual awards programme, as part of the World Travel Awards.

The Vietnam National Administration of Tourism was honoured as Asia's Leading Tourist Board 2021 at the 28th World Travel Awards, after receiving the title for the first time in 2017.

The WTA also honoured Vietnam as Asia’s Leading Sustainable Tourism Destination, and Hội An was named Asia’s Leading Cultural City Destination. Hạ Long Bay was awarded Asia’s Leading Tourist Attraction and Cúc Phương National Park as Asia’s Leading National Park.

These are great conditions for Vietnam to attract new development in golf tourism. In recent years, golf courses in Việt Nam have been developed in association with high-class and luxurious resorts along coasts, ideal conditions for attracting tourists.

Out of the first 200 international visitors who came to Phú Quốc, 30 came just to play golf. This is a fairly high rate that proves the golf tourism trend of the foreign market.

“The demand of international visitors for golf tourism is undeniable. Asian countries such as Thailand, Malaysia and Japan have all focused on attracting this market.”

Thailand has built a brand and become a favourite destination for golfers from South Korea, Europe and America. Every year, the revenue of golf tourism in Thailand amounts to tens of billions of dollars, contributing to about 9 per cent of the country's GDP.

“We need to prepare a new mindset in the tourism sector to adapt safely and without fear. We believe that domestic and international tourism will reopen in the near future, with a safe route. People will be more confident in carrying out tourism activities. In the future, golf tourism in Vietnam will develop, contributing to bringing tourists to Vietnam and recovering the tourism industry after the COVID-19 pandemic,” he said.

Promote potentials and strengths
Nguyễn Văn Linh, Chairman of the Vietnam Golf Tourism Association, agrees that Vietnam has many advantages that should be exploited for the development of golf tourism, including a favourable geographical position, cultural and human potential, diversity of cuisine and potential for greater golf course infrastructure. Vietnam's golf courses have a modern design, with luxurious, high-class service infrastructures that follow international standards of quality.

“Compared to a few years ago, the number of golfers in Vietnam has increased sharply. With the current potential and demand, Vietnam needs to have a plan to develop these products and services, turning Vietnam into a bright spot in golf tourism around the world,” Linh said.

Vietnam is trying to attract this group of tourists, although the numbers are not currently that high. According to statistics from the VNAT, in 2018 of more than 15 million international visitors to Vietnam, less than one per cent played golf. Those that did were mainly guests from South Korea, Japan and other Southeast Asian countries.

Phạm Duy Nghĩa, Director of Vietfoot Travel said: Vietnam has 32 five-star international standard golf courses and 6,000 kilometres of coastline. We need to take the advantage to catch up with Thailand and Malaysia.

“However, I realise that Việt Nam does not yet have policies to facilitate the development of professional golf. In addition, there are no units involved to open package tours for tourists from South Korea and Japan. Thailand and Malaysia have good package tours, thanks to the involvement of the government, hotel supply system, restaurant and travel agency."

Sharing his ideas, Đỗ Việt Hùng, Deputy General Director of FLC, said the management agency should consider and support businesses to create more favourable conditions for international visitors.

"We think Vietnam needs to license shorter golf tour packages of four days and three nights instead of the current seven days. In addition, we also need to adjust the price of golf tours competitively, compared with the general level of Southeast Asia," he said.

He also suggested redesigning the tours to attract international tourists. For example, the northeastern province of Quảng Ninh is currently one of five localities eligible to welcome international guests. The province has the advantage of having three golf courses and world-famous landmarks.

To retain international guests during their seven-day stay, Quảng Ninh could combine a golf tour and a cruise to visit the bay. This could be a solution to the problem of retaining international customers.

According to estimates from the Vietnam Golf Association, there are about 60 million people in the world who play golf. This is an attractive market for Vietnam. On the other hand, the number of golfers in Vietnam is low, at about 100,000 people, but this number is expected to increase.

The system of about 100 golf courses across the country has also been well invested. Quảng Ninh Province is one of the leading golf destinations in the country with an international-standard course system.
Source: VNS
Tags: Golf tourism, World's Best Golf Destination 2021,

The Holiday and Travel Magazine
https://theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com.au

Vietnam National Administration of Tourism
https://vietnamtourism.gov.vn/english/

Sumida Hokusa Museum Telling the Story about world-famous Artist Hokusai

The Sumida Hokusai museum holds and displays many works of the world-famous Ukiyo-e artist KATSUSHIKA Hokusai (1760 to 1849) who left behind a large number of outstanding pieces of work. 

The museum introduces the works of Hokusai and his disciples, and explains the connection between Hokusai and Sumida, the ward where the artist was born, in an engaging and easy-to-understand manner.

Visit website

Wednesday 29 December 2021

Mui Ne among top 10 best beach vacations worldwide

Mui Ne is listed among top 10 best beach vacations
worldwide by Bounce (Photo: ravenalaresort)
Luggage storage company Bounce has named Mui Ne in the southern central province of Binh Thuan among the top 10 best beach vacation destinations globally.

According to Bounce, researchers began by choosing 250 of the world’s “most popular, most beautiful and best beaches” from a variety of travel sources, before narrowing the selection down to 100.

Each of the beaches were evaluated for five factors, including water temperature, weather, average hotel price, number of restaurants and bars, and number of Instagram hashtags.

After analysing these statistics, each beach was given a score out of 10, with Mui Ne being ranked ninth in the list with 5.58 points.

Copacabana in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, was in first place with 6.97 points.

Mui Ne beach, which boasts a warm climate, is popular among surfers from the UK, France, Russia, Germany, and Australia. It also consists of massive sand dunes which makes it suitable for activities such as sand-boarding.

Mui Ne boasts many attractive landscapes such as Hon Rom, Hon Lao Cau, and Bai Rang. Upon arrival at the beach, travelers also have the chance to witness the daily life of fishermen in a humble fishing village.

This comes after Mui Ne was also listed among the top 20 most idyllic beaches in Asia by CNN travel back in 2018.

Here is the list of the top 10 best beach vacations in the world:

1. Copacabana Beach, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (6.97 points)

2. Miami Beach, Florida, the US (6.80 points)

3. Venice Beach, California, the US (6.54 points)

4. South Beach, Florida, the US (6.16 points)

5. Santa Monica State Beach, California, the US (6.14 points)

6. Naama Bay, Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt (6.02 points)

7. Pink Sand Beach, Codrington, Antigua and Barbuda (5.93 points)

8. Barceloneta Beach, Barcelona, Spain (5.89 points)

9. Mui Ne Beach, Phan Thiet, Vietnam (5.84 points)

10. Cayo Coco, Cuba (5.69 points)
Source: VOV
Tags: Mui Ne, best beach vacations, Bounce,

The Holiday and Travel Magazine
https://theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com.au

Vietnam National Administration of Tourism
https://vietnamtourism.gov.vn/english/

A Look into Tokyo's Future


From flying cars and dinosaurs to cutting-edge architecture and an inspiring commitment to sustainability, experience a journey to the distant future of Tokyo!

Watch now

Tuesday 28 December 2021

Vietjet to launch direct flights to Russia next year

Vietjet announces a plan on direct flights to Russia at a
ceremony held in Moscow on December 2, with the
 attendance of President Nguyen Xuan Phuc who is
 on an official visit to Russia. (Photo: VNA)
Vietnamese budget airline Vietjet Air will launch direct services between three Vietnamese cities and the Russian capital city of Moscow from mid-2022, its first-ever direct flights to Europe.

The airline released the plan at a ceremony held in Moscow on December 2, with the attendance of President Nguyen Xuan Phuc who is on an official visit to Russia.

Accordingly, the flights will connect Moscow with Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Nha Trang, using Airbus A330-300 aircraft.

There will be two flights per week between Hanoi and Moscow every Wednesday and Sunday, starting from July 3. Meanwhile, passengers on the HCM City-Moscow flights will transit in Hanoi.

The Nha Trang-Moscow flights are set to be conducted every Monday and Friday as from July 10.

Vietjet’s Managing Director Dinh Viet Phuong said Vietjet stands ready for international air routes, noting that the flights to Russia demonstrate the carrier’s commitments to its products and services.

Vietjet has a comprehensive flight network in Vietnam and across Asia Pacific. Weathering through the pandemic, the airline has resumed its domestic flight network and operated a series of international flights from and to Vietnam while looking to further expand operations across continents in the near future. Vietjet operates a new, modern, and fuel-efficient fleet with technical reliability rated among top operators in the region and the world.

Vietjet is a fully-fledged member of International Air Transport Association (IATA) with the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) certificate. As Vietnam’s largest private carrier, the airline was awarded the highest ranking for safety with 7 stars in 2018 and 2019 by the world’s only safety and product rating website airlineratings.com and listed as one of the world's 50 best airlines for healthy financing and operations by Airfinance Journal in 2018 and 2019. The airline has also been named as Best Low-Cost Carrier by renowned organizations such as Skytrax, CAPA, Airline Ratings, and many others.
Source: VNA

The Holiday and Travel Magazine
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Vietnam National Administration of Tourism
https://vietnamtourism.gov.vn/english/

Webinar Invitation: “Travel Insights to Tokyo in the New Normal”

A webinar hosted by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, supported by Reuters plus. In a post-pandemic world, the sprawling mega-city of Tokyo is the perfect holiday for a stress-free adventure. Find out what new attractions Tokyo has to offer and why visitors will be flocking to the city in the new normal. Follow the Reuters plus Facebook page for details and updates.

Date: 27 January 2022
Participation: Free

Monday 27 December 2021

Heading towards green and safe services to welcome tourists

At-the-spot traveling, a group of tourists in the province
checking in at Nghinh Phong – Tuy Hoa beach park
Currently, the province has issued policies to open door to tourism sector to welcome tourists in the flexible conditions, efficiently controlling the pandemic; the tourism sector has also issued concrete instructions on manners as well as conditions to welcome tourists; the enterprises are also ready with services and procedures to welcome tourists in the context of preventing-combating COVID19-pandemic.

As for Phu Yen tourism, as far as mechanism of recovery after controlling COVID-19 pandemic is concerned, the PPC, the department of culture-sports-tourism have issued plans and instructions on conditions for operation at enterprises, together with the steps to receive tourists, with the conditions of ensuring measures of preventing-combating the pandemic.

Phu Yen tourism sector has worked with the task delegation of HCMC; taking part in the informal talks on stimulating tourism in Binh Dinh province; receiving the surveying delegation of Tay Ninh province…so as to stimulate tourism recover the sector in the context of pandemic controlling. However, the point is: recovering in the condition of pandemic controlling, preventing-combating the pandemic without neglecting; health is at the top priority.

Mrs Nguyen Thi Hong Thai, Acting director of the Department of Culture-Sports-Tourism, let known: The department has issued the temporary plan to pilot receive tourists, coping safely in preventing-combating COVID-19 pandemic in the province, with the primary target of simultaneously preventing-combating the pandemic and recovering, developing tourism, promoting the increase in the number of tourists coming to Phu Yen province, contributing to developing the locality’s economy and society. According to the division of tourism management (department of culture-sports-tourism), currently, tourism enterprises have been double checking the solutions and measures of safety in preventing-combating the pandemic prior to receiving tourists. Among the targets, the hotels, accommodation service providers which used to be medical concentrated foundations find it a plus point. Most enterprises have been striving repairing, investing in technical infrastructure, services and products to be ready for welcoming tourists in the close and safe procedures.

According to Ms Nguyen Thi Thanh Thuy, Director of An My tourism cooperative cum owner of Moc Mien Rocky Garden homestay (An Chan commune, Tuy An district), in the pandemic, the cooperative has not earned any income, however, the cooperative’s staff have been financially supported; furthermore, the costs for repairing, maintaining equipment, rooms are considerable, which leads to greater difficulties. Therefore, once opportunities for recovery come, the cooperative tries to manage, invest in services with the hope of restarting, welcoming tourists. During the pandemic time, the cooperative spends time and finance to invest in advertising, constructing, establishing the brand names on social networking.

Also during the “close time” to combat the pandemic, Mr Ngo Van Dinh and his spouse Thai Mong Trinh “froze” Com Nieu Tuy Hoa restaurant to concentrate on building a completely novel tourism product: Famstay Song Ba-Ba river. Tourists coming here have the sightseeing into Ngoc Lang vegetable village, experience being a farmer planting vegetables, explore the high-tech vegetable-planting model, indulge themselves admiring Ba river and Da Rang bridge, enjoy the simple rural dishes. “We plan to complete tourism products, complete the conditions for preventing, combating pandemic; procedures for welcoming tourists at the beginning of 2022, which is also an event to celebrate the tourism sector resuming in the new normal state”, said Mr Ngo Van Dinh.
Source: Phu Yen News
Tags: Phu Yen, green and safe, welcome tourists,

The Holiday and Travel Magazine
https://theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com.au

Vietnam National Administration of Tourism
https://vietnamtourism.gov.vn/english/

Tottori Hanakairo Flower Park's winter illumination

You can enjoy the scenery of flowers and Mt Daisen all year round. 

The winter illumination period is from mid-November to mid-January.
Location -  110 Tsuruda, Nambu Town.

What is Tottori Prefectural Flower Park?
Tottori Flower Gallery(Hanakairo)-this is flower park where you can enjoy flowers and greenery all the year round. The Flower Zone is surrounded by a one-kilometer circular Walkway with a roof. You can see various kinds of flowers while you proceed along the Walkway enjoying a scenic view. The Rest Zone offers you an environment where you can feel at home in strolling around in the woods. Please relax yourself to the full inn the nature of this vast land, which is as large as 50 hectares.

There is a free shuttle bus from Yonago Station https://www.tottorihanakairou.or.jp/en/

Profile of Tsuyoshi Tane Architect of the Imperial Hotel

Tsuyoshi Tane is a Japanese architect based in Paris and founded ATTA in 2017, after acting as a co-founder of DGT since 2006. 

He started his career when he won the first international competition for designing the Estonian National Museum with former partners at the age of 26 years old. Tane believes in the creation of architecture is digging the memory of the place that connects its past to the future - as his concept “Archaeology of the Future”. 

He has received numerous awards and honors, including the Architecture Prize of the French Ministry of Culture, the Grand Prix of AFEX in 2016 and 2021, the 67th Japanese Ministry new face Award of Minister of Education Award for Fine Arts in Japan, and the Medal of the Académie d’Architecture Française Dejean Prize 2016 and the Nouveaux albums des jeunes architectes 07-08 of the French Ministry of Culture and Communication. 

Tane is frequently giving public talks and lectures and has been teaching at the Columbia University Graduate School of Architecture Planning and Preservation NY/Paris in 2012- 2018 and is currently teaching at Tama Art University.

The Imperial Hotel Co., Ltd. (Representative Director Hideya Sadayasu) has announced it will adopt the design concepts of Japanese architect Tsuyoshi Tane of ATTA - Atelier Tsuyoshi Tane Architects, currently based in France, for the construction of its new main building in Tokyo, scheduled to be completed in 2036.

The Holiday and Travel Magazine
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AUSTRALIA’S BIGGEST OUTBACK EVENTS HIT HIGH NOTES WITH 2022 LINE-UP

Jimmy Barnes, Missy Higgins, Kasey Chambers, Jon Stevens, Kate Ceberano, Daryl Braithwaiteand a catalogue of iconic singers are set to rock the Broken Hill Mundi Mundi Bash & Birdsville Big Red Bash

The Outback Music Festival Group, organisers of Australia’s biggest Outback events, the Birdsville Big Red Bash, and new sister event the Broken Hill Mundi Mundi Bash, have today announced an incredible roll-call of Australian rock legends to perform at each of the iconic red-dirt locations in 2022.

 

Tickets for the Birdsville Big Red Bash (July 5-7, 2022) and the Broken Hill Mundi Mundi Bash (August 18-20, 2022) are on sale now from www.bigredbash.com.au and www.mundimundibash.com.au

 

“There is quite literally nothing like our events anywhere else in Australia, and as we hold the title of running the world’s most remote music festival, I would say anywhere else in the world!  We’re not on a Coast or in a major metro postcode or big entertainment venue, and there’s no wineries within cooee of where we’ll be.  Our events are run on two of the most remote Outback locations in the country, renowned for their rugged beauty and amazing landscape.  Both the Birdsville Big Red Bash and Broken Hill Mundi Mundi Bash are camping based with awesome Outback activities and a killer music line-up – they’re a true bucket-list experience,” said Festival owner and Managing Director of the Outback Music Festival Group Greg Donovan.

 

The stellar line-up of over 30 artists fronting both events in 2022 includes:

             

Jimmy Barnes and Missy Higgins who are both headline acts for the eventwhich will also will also feature Kasey Chambers, Jon Stevens, Kate Ceberano, Richard Clapton, The Rolling Stones Review Starring: Adalita, Tex Perkins & Tim Rogers, Bjorn Again, Sarah McLeod, Shannon Noll, Ash Grunwald, Jack Jones, Dragon, The Radiators, Mick Thomas (Wedding Parties Anything), Mi Sex, Chocolate Starfish, Steve Balbi, Bachelor Girl and Mel Dyer for the Birdsville Big Red Bash (July 5-7, 2022).

And Jimmy Barnes and Missy Higgins who will each be headline acts again will join Kasey Chambers, Jon Stevens, Daryl Braithwaite, The Black Sorrows, Richard Clapton, Russell Morris, The Wolfe Brothers, Sarah McLeod, Busby Marou, The Rolling Stones Review Starring: Adalita, Tex Perkins & Tim Rogers, Bjorn Again, Mick Thomas (Wedding Parties Anything), Ash Grunwald, Pierce Brothers, Eurogliders, Mel Dyer, The Buckleys, Kyle Lionhart and Bachelor Girl for the Broken Hill Mundi Mundi Bash (August 18-20, 2022).  More Broken Hill local artists will also be announced for the Mundi Mundi Bash.

“There’s not another gig in the country that offers anything like the spectacular 40 metre high Big Red sand dune in the Simpson Desert, or the rugged Barrier Ranges on the Mundi Mundi Plains as a performance backdrop.  It’s an exciting year ahead and we know there’s a huge appetite for our events, so we’re expecting tickets to go fast.  We’ve been a sell out for the last four years and with ongoing hesitation around overseas travel we’re banking on people wanting to explore their own backyard and visit these iconic locations, taking in the amazing line-up as part of that experience,” added Greg Donovan.

 

“There’s nothing on earth like the middle of Australia so the band and I are really looking forward to kicking up some red dirt with everyone at these two gigs. It’s a long way to drive but it’s going to be worth the trek,” said Jimmy Barnes.

Both the Birdsville Big Red Bash and Broken Hill Mundi Mundi Bash are all ages, dog friendly camping events, with the Big Red Bash remaining the only multi-day music festival to be successfully staged in 2021.

 

“We had a magic window of time in which we could stage a COVID safe Big Red Bash event in July 2021, which was headlined by Paul Kelly.  Our COVID safety protocols were so detailed and beyond what was required that the Queensland Government were happy for us to proceed despite a rapidly changing environment.  Looking back it feels like some kind of miracle.  Since then however vaccination rates are through the roof, and there’s a clear path forward for staging live events.  We’re looking forward to working in this new normal in 2022,” added Greg Donovan.

 

In 2022 there will be two incarnations of the Broken Hill Mundi Mundi Bash – with the 2021 postponed event and line-up with Paul Kelly as headliner also set to run from April 21-23, 2022.

 

All of the 2022 Outback Music Festival Group events will be run across three days with a capacity of just 10,000 per event – and on locations that are as vast as they are beautiful, allowing for well-above average social distancing.

 

The events offer up a uniquely Australian destination adventure for families, grey nomads, camping and caravanning enthusiasts and intrepid travellers.

In addition to the music line-up, each event will also feature a jam-packed program of outback activities – from a Nutbush City Limits World Record dance off attempt (the current record of 2,787 dancing revelers was set by the Big Red Bash on Thursday July 8, 2021) to a Mad Max costume dress up world record attempt at the Mundi Mundi Bash events, comedy and outdoor film screenings, scenic helicopter flights, camel rides and charity initiatives such as the ‘Bashville Drags’ at the Birdsville Big Red Bash and the ‘Mundi Undie Run’ at the Mundi Mundi Bash – both runs raising funds for the Royal Flying Doctor Service. 

And all events will sit under a glittering night-sky that only the remote Outback can offer, with the Milky Way so vivid festival goers will feel they can reach out and touch it.

While the event locations are remote they are easily accessible by road.  The Mundi Mundi Plains location has sealed road leading right up to the event site, while the Big Red Bash location has graded gravel road to reach the festival site.

 

“We share a lot of driving information to help keep our festival goers safe as most people will reach us by road.  And while a lot of these people will be driving 4WD’s, the reality is that most vehicles can reach either event.  Particularly the Mundi Mundi Bash that has sealed roads all the way,” added Greg Donovan.

 

Scheduled and charter flights, bus tours are available to all events, and train transport is also available to Broken Hill for the Mundi Mundi Bash.

 

Both the Birdsville Big Red Bash and Broken Hill Mundi Mundi Bash events will be BYO alcohol for both the campsite and concert areas, and ticket holders are also permitted to bring their own food.  There will also be a large range of food vendors selling both hot and cold food and non-alcoholic beverages at the events.

The events also have dog-friendly camping and concert areas and children aged 11-and-under will also able to attend for free. 

 

Event organisers the Outback Music Festival Group will continue working with State Health and Government as they countdown to staging the event in 2022.

Tickets for the events will go on-sale from 10.00am AEDT on November 25.  Information and ticket purchasing details follow:

What:                                2022 Birdsville Big Red Bash

Where:                              Big Red sand dune, 35 km West of Birdsville

When:                               July 5-7, 2022

More info & tickets:      www.bigredbash.com.au (tickets released from 10.00am AEDT on November 25)

 

What:                                2022 Broken Hill Mundi Mundi Bash

Where:                              Belmont Station, on the Mundi Mundi Plains 9km north of Silverton - 35km north of Broken Hill

When:                               August 18-20, 2022 (the 2021 event has been postponed to April 21-23, 2022 with a different line-up – tickets are already on-sale for this event)

More info & tickets:      www.mundimundibash.com.au (tickets released from 10.00am AEDT November 25)


The Holiday and Travel Magazine
https://theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com.au

Sunday 26 December 2021

MASTERCHEF GARY MEHIGAN HELPS WHIP UP INDIAN APPETITE FOR TRAVEL TO AUSTRALIA

An Indian audience of over 14.5 million had a virtual taste of Australia with Friend of Australia and celebrity chef, Gary Mehigan. 

Gary interacted with top food bloggers and premier Aussie Specialist agents during an exclusive masterclass. 

Joined by reputed wine brand, Jacob’s Creek, he promoted Australia’s best food and drink experiences and highlighted the versatility and uniqueness of Australian cuisine. 

Gary also shared insights into sustainable culinary practices in Australia, the growing number of unique Indigenous experiences, and his travel and dining recommendations across Australia.

GENERAL ENQUIRIES
Tourism Australia Head Office
GPO Box 2721, Sydney NSW 1006
+61 2 9360 1111
ask.us@tourism.australia.com

TRAVEL ADVICE
For travel advice, please visit www.australia.com or speak to a qualified Aussie Specialist travel seller.

The Holiday and Travel Magazine
https://theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com.au

East Meets West Orchestral Concert


Sat 12 Feb 2022, Canberra ANU Llewellyn Hall

Sat 19 Feb 2022, Adelaide Town Hall

Wed 2 Mar 2022, Brisbane QPAC Concert Hall

Sun 6 Mar 2022, Sydney Town Hall

Featuring the Chinese Classics Butterfly lovers Violin Concerto and The Yellow River Piano Concerto. The 50-piece orchestra comprising musicians from leading symphony orchestra including Adelaide Symphony Orchestra, Queensland Symphony Orchestra, etc.

Buy Tickets

The Holiday and Travel Magazine
https://theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com.au

Vietnamese people travel increasingly

Sa Pa Town, Lao Cai Province. Photo internet
According to statistics of Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT), the total number of domestic visitors in November reached 2.5 million visitor trips, an increase of more than 3 times compared to October (750,000 trips) and nearly 9 times compared to September (300,000 arrivals). It is estimated that domestic visitors in the first 11 months of 2021 reach 34.75 million trips.

The VNAT’s Chairman Nguyen Trung Khanh said that domestic tourism is having a positive change and recovering, for example, Ha Noi and provinces of Lao Cai and Khanh Hoa are ones of the leading localities in attracting visitors. The Government's policy on safe adaptation and effective control of Covid-19 and the Provisional Guidance to welcome tourists by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism are the basis for localities and businesses to proactively connect and serve visitors.

Lao Cai Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism informed that, in November, the province welcomed 55,450 visitor trips, an increase of 4 times in comparison of the number of October with 13,800 trips.

Visitors to Lao Cai mostly come from green and yellow regions (level 1, 2); most of them are from Ha Noi and intra-province. Currently, most of the local areas and tourist attractions have welcomed back visitors such as Cat Cat Village, Ta Van Village, Fansipan peak (from December 3). Visitors mainly come to Sa Pa Town, Lao Cai City, Bao Yen District.

According to vnexpress, in Ha Noi, in October, the number of visitors is about 5,000 as the city allows reopening some activities such as accommodations, parks, museums...

In November, the number of visitors reaches about 300,000 trips. According to the reports of Ba Vi National Park, Thu Le Park... they served tens of thousands of visitors. On weekends, a series of accommodation establishments in and near the center of Ha Noi are full of customers, some places are full until New Year's Eve.

The number of domestic visitors in Khanh Hoa has also continuously increased in the last 3 months with 4,000, 13,700 and 28,500 trips respectively. From April to September, affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, tourism activities in Khanh Hoa province were almost halted. The province is one of the pioneering localities to reopen tourism activities, with the reception of intra-provincial visitors from October 1, and inter-provincial visitors from October 16.

In the southern provinces, tourism activities were still quiet, but in November also began to record many individual and group visitors. In which, Phu Quoc Island welcomed about 31,700 domestic visitor trips. The last week of November, the tourist area in the north of the island was bustling.

Tourism Information Technology Center

The Holiday and Travel Magazine
https://theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com.au

Vietnam National Administration of Tourism
https://vietnamtourism.gov.vn/english/

Detective Conan Comics Volume 100 Celebration Tapestry Appears at Tottori Sand Dunes Conan Airport!

An original tapestry with a width of 6m will be released for a limited time!

“Detective Conan”, a work by Gosho Aoyama, a cartoonist from Tottori prefecture, has celebrated its 28th year since it began serializing on Weekly Shonen Sunday in 1994, and comics are available in more than 25 countries and regions around the world. 

It is a national manga that is loved by so many people, with a cumulative total of more than 230 million published. Detective Conan, who is such a very popular manga, finally achieved the feat of publishing 100 volumes of comics on October 18 (Monday). 

In Tottori Prefecture, we decided to exhibit “Volume 100 Celebration Tapestry” at Tottori Sand Dunes Conan Airport to celebrate this happy event and to express our congratulations, and held an unveiling ceremony on October 18th (Monday). 

State of the unveiling ceremony From the right of the photo, Conan Edogawa, Governor of Tottori Prefecture Shinji Hirai (October 18, 2021 at Tottori Sand Dunes Conan Airport) 

※The tapestry will be on display until the end of February 2022 

Located in Tottori City, and regular passenger flights to Haneda Airport mainly arrive and depart. 

Various decorations related to Detective Conan are arranged in the airport, and color objects such as Conan and Ran, which are unique to this airport, and color objects of the popular character Shuichi Akai are a must-see.

Conan Airport "Phantom Thief Kid Color Object" is appears! 
The “Phantom Thief Kid Color Object” currently installed on the 3rd floor of the international terminal will be relocated to the 1st floor of the domestic terminal so more people can see it. After the relocation, it will be displayed in the atrium, you can see the dignified appearance of Phantom Thief Kid from both of side. The new Phantom Thief Kid will be released on Wednesday, November 17th. 

Conan train renewal “Detective vehicle” operation started! 
The “Conan Train” that operates mainly between Tottori and Yonago on the JR San-In Line has been redesigned into a new design “Detective Vehicle”. Eight new characters such as Toru Amuro and Heiji Hattori have appeared under the theme of “Detectives are in full force”. A departure ceremony was held at Tottori Station on Saturday, September 18th, and many fans expressed their joy.

Check the Sites Below for the Latest Information from Tottori Prefecture FB (Visit Tottori, Japan) : https://www.facebook.com/tottoritouren/ IG (Tottori Awesome)  https://www.instagram.com/tottoriawesome/ YouTube  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfFYg_iup-m1v52_LB-Eyig 

■ HP : https://www.tottori-tour.jp/en/(EN, KR, ZHTW, ZHCN, RU, TH)

Digital Sightseeing in Shinjuku

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government has begun a trial run of digital maps for sightseeing in Shinjuku. There are three themed maps: “Neo-Shinjuku”, “The Best Neighborhoods to Stroll in Shinjuku” and “Tales and Histories in Shinjuku, Tokyo”. You can use these maps to browse information about sightseeing spots, use GPS to display your current location, and switch between maps.

Stroll in Shinjuku Neighborhoods
This project is part of a proof of concept conducted by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Bureau of Industrial and Labor Affairs and Stroly, Inc. The map displays information on tourist spots in the Shinjuku area, shows current location information using GPS, allows users to switch between maps and experience virtual sightseeing.

The local businesses that bring Sydney New Year’s Eve to life

zoom_inLighting the Sydney Harbour Bridge on New Year's Eve
From photographers to creative agencies, musicians to firework curators, Sydney talent is at the centre of the biggest night of the year. Sydney New Year’s Eve is managed by the City of Sydney and we work with multiple Sydney-based businesses to pull the night together.

We spoke to our partners to find out a little more about Sydney New Year’s Eve from their perspective.

Watch the video to hear from Fortunato Foti, creative director at Foti International Fireworks, Blak Douglas creative consultant, Nick Parmar from ticketing partner Humanitix and Julian and Kim from The Presets.

Read on to hear from more of our creative partners.

“Nothing beats a local’s perspective when bringing iconic events like Sydney New Year’s Eve to life,” says Pyrmont-based freelance photographer, Henry Li. This year will be Henry’s first year capturing the official fireworks photos.

“Being locals growing up in Sydney, our ultimate goal is to help showcase the colour of our city and what makes Sydney so iconic. Local businesses are the backbone of our community and support from the City of Sydney’s major events provides budding artists a platform for sharing their ideas and transforming their vision into reality,” he said.

Creative Producer Georgia Moraitis works at VANDAL, a new media-production company based in Redfern. VANDAL will bring the pylon projections to life for the first time this year.

“After a rollercoaster 2 years, the city has been left hurting. Now, more than ever, it’s important to celebrate everything that makes Sydney one of the most vibrant arts and entertainment communities in the world.”

“The Sydney Harbour Bridge is one of the most iconic canvases in the world! We’ve used the pylon architecture – in their 89-metre-tall glory – as the starting point of our storytelling through vibrant visuals, playful colour and animated design. We’re even 'bouncing' animated shapes from one pylon to the other.”

Morris McLennan is a Castle Hill-based photographer and time-lapse specialist.

“Working with local talent to bring major events like New Year’s Eve to life is a great support to the creative industry. Engaging with local, small businesses means those contractors are more involved, more knowledgeable of local events and the people and dynamics of the community,” Morris said.

Matt Lambley is a northern beaches-based photographer and filmmaker, also working on Sydney New Year's Eve for the first time this year.

“Like many Sydneysiders, I’ve grown up experiencing the Sydney New Year's Eve fireworks display every year and have developed a special love for the event”, Lambley said.

“I’m proud to live in this beautiful city, that’s home to such a world-renowned New Year's Eve display. To be chosen to be a part of the team that pulls off the event this year is an honour and such an exciting thought,” he said.

Paul Garbett from Surry Hills creative agency Studio Garbett has been working with the City of Sydney since 2019.

“We won the project through a competitive tender process. We developed the brand name, logo and guidelines which inform things like the visual identity, bridge animations, lighting, dance choreography and fireworks display.

“Local creatives have so much to offer. We have some of the best talent in the world and a unique insight into the local culture and contexts,” Garbett said.

Randwick local Iain Reed from 32 Hundred Lighting has been bridge technical manager for Sydney New Year’s Eve for 15 years.

“We don’t want to lose local talent after what has been a very challenging few years. Major events keep us alive and vibrant. It’s great that the City of Sydney supports the local talent pool of lighting designers, technicians and suppliers,” he said.

Ziggy Ziegler has done the creative lighting and digital art for Sydney New Year’s Eve since 2015.

“Sharing and pooling our talents helps our city to grow and the City of Sydney are a huge part of that. Meeting new artists and colleagues on the journey each year leads you to new ways of communicating, learning how to adapt and change,” he said.

Saturday 25 December 2021

Six Flags Magic Mountain

Join us for a chat with Carlos Montenegro from Six Flags Magic Mountain and discover what's new and coming soon to the park and why Six Flags Magic Mountain is the ultimate theme park experience for your clients.

Open every day, Six Flags Magic Mountain is known as the Thrill Capital of the World. The 260-acre theme park features world-class roller coasters, more than anywhere else in the world, and over 100 rides, games and attractions for the entire family! Six Flags is the home to both the DC Comics and Looney Tunes characters, so don't miss a chance to meet them, including Batman, Wonder Woman, or even Bugs Bunny or Taz. Los Angeles Tourism had the pleasure of talking with Director of Tourism, Carlos Montenegro, to learn more about what's on offer at Six Flags Magic Mountain.

Carlos, what makes Six Flags Magic Mountain unique?
Six Flags Magic Mountain is the Thrill Capital of the World! With the most rollercoasters on the planet, Six Flags Magic Mountain offers guests over-the-top fun and excitement for thrill-seekers of all ages, seasonal live entertainment and experiences, exceptional dining, exclusive shopping and unparalleled memories 365 days a year.

When booking Six Flags Magic Mountain for their clients, what are the key selling points you would suggest travel advisors highlight?
Six Flags Magic Mountain has:
  • The most rollercoasters at any theme park in the world (20 in 2022).
  • Unique shopping experiences featuring exclusive DC and Looney Tunes merchandise only found at the park.
  • Character meet and greets with DC and Looney Tunes characters.
  • Dining options for all tastes including the park’s world- famous funnel cakes and limited-time seasonal offerings throughout the year.
  • Packages available from front-of-line ride options to VIP Tour guides and all-day culinary dining pass options.

What’s the number one question you receive from travel advisors?

How can I book a group to visit Six Flags Magic Mountain?
Whether booking travel for a business, church, student or youth group of 10 or 500 (or more!), visit our group sales page here for all the details.

How do I get there?
Six Flags Magic Mountain is conveniently located off the I-5 freeway north of Los Angeles in Valencia; UBER and Lyft provide service to the park.

What’s new or coming soon to Six Flags Magic Mountain?
Debuting in Summer 2022, Six Flags Magic Mountain, in partnership with Warner Bros. Themed Entertainment and DC, is adding another record-breaking coaster—WONDER WOMAN™ Flight of Courage—to its unparalleled thrill ride lineup. Six Flags Magic Mountain’s record 20th roller coaster—the most at any theme park in the world—will debut as the tallest and longest single-rail coaster on the planet where riders will fly over 3,300 feet of track, towering 13 stories and soaring at speeds up to 58 miles-per-hour. The new coaster will be located in the six-acre DC UNIVERSE™ area of the park, which will be expanded and entirely remodeled to include a new, innovative restaurant and bar experience, plus retail locations featuring exclusive DC branded merchandise.

Can you share your top celebrity moment in LA?
L.A. Lakers’ great Kobe Bryant loved Six Flags Magic Mountain’s rollercoasters and often came “after hours” with family and friends (his wife and daughters still visit regularly). Entertainers Mariah Carey and Nick Canon, celebrated their engagement party at the park. Late, Late Show television host James Corden recently visited the park and shared his VIP Tour experience with a 7-minute video. Many other celebrities have visited the park by taking advantage of our popular VIP Tour, including Britney Spears, the Kardashian family, Justin Bieber, Kanye West, the Jonas Brothers, Katy Perry, Carrie Underwood, Selena Gomez, Rihanna, Kaley Cuoco, JoJo Siwa, Angelina Jolie, and many, many more!

Friday 24 December 2021

AUSTRALIA’S INDIGENOUS CUISINE SHOWCASED IN CANADA

Tourism Australia hosted a cooking class for 16 top Canadian media led by Friend of Australia Chef Mark Olive on 29 November in Vancouver. 

Tourism Australia shared an overview of its Discover Aboriginal Experiences program highlighting the variety of Aboriginal tourism products on offer throughout the country. 

Mark demonstrated his Kangaroo Bolognese recipe, using Indigenous ingredients, while weaving in stories of Australian Indigenous culture and food. 

Media learnt about Aboriginal foodways and culinary traditions, to keep their readers and audiences inspired as Australia prepares to reopen to Canadian travellers.

GENERAL ENQUIRIES
Tourism Australia Head Office
GPO Box 2721, Sydney NSW 1006
+61 2 9360 1111
ask.us@tourism.australia.com

TRAVEL ADVICE
For travel advice, please visit www.australia.com or speak to a qualified Aussie Specialist travel seller.

The Holiday and Travel Magazine
https://theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com.au




Year of the Tiger in Concert

Sat 5 Feb 2022, the Concourse Chatswood, Sydney. NSW, Australia

A live concert to celebrate Chinese Lunar New Year 2022 together with Willoughby Symphony Orchestra and the selected popular Australian Chinese soloists, this all-star cast brings you remarkable and immersive live music experience of authentic classics. 

The concert features two immensely acclaimed Chinese classics Spring Festival Suite and Tune of Meihu, rarely performed live on Australian stages and launching its Australian premiere.

Buy Tickets

The Holiday and Travel Magazine
https://theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com.au

Hue tourism: Flexible to solutions for recovery and adaptation

Safety is always a prime requirement during tourism exploitation
Subsequent to Resolution 128/NQ-CP issued by the Government on “the safe and flexible adaptation, effective control of the COVID-19 pandemic", like other spheres, the Ancient Capital's tourism sector is preparing and developing the solutions for adaptation and early recovery of this "smokeless" industry.

However, the implementation process is assessed as difficult when safety is always a prerequisite. To get an overview of the readiness of Hue tourism, Thua Thien Hue Weekend Newspaper had an interview with Mr. Nguyen Van Phuc, Deputy Director of the Department of Tourism.

“Adaptation” is a word that has been underscored over the past time. What solutions has the tourism sector developed to adapt to the new normal?
First of all, it should be emphasized that since the onset of the pandemic, Thua Thien Hue tourism activities have progressed normally, with limited capacity in some peak periods.

Adaptation is clearly reflected in the viewpoint and method of pandemic prevention and control. Previously, safety comes before operation; now operation is in safety. There is a harmonious combination between safety in the pandemic prevention and tourism operation. Therefore, Hue tourism cannot maintain the same solutions as before, but needs more flexible processes and changes.

Adaptation is also to realize the dual objective of pandemic prevention as well as socio-economic recovery and development and to keep pace with the "tempo" of recovery and development together with the provinces and countries worldwide.

The COVID-19 pandemic has developed quite complicatedly. In your opinion, what is the appropriate adaptation model to develop in the short term?
Operation in an adaptive state requires new solutions, based on what Hue currently has and the solutions effectively implemented over the past time. Simultaneously, new adaptive solutions need supplementing.

Currently, the sector formulated the recovery plan for the late 2021 and 2022 period with a set of 8 solutions. Specifically, it will boost the solutions to ensure safety for pandemic prevention and control in tourism operation; provide the mechanisms and policies to support employees and businesses; develop the diversified products to meet new market trends.

Simultaneously, there is a need to strengthen tourism communication and promotion, continue the communication strategy of "Hue - safe destination"; stimulate tourism demand with stimulus packages launched by businesses and the support policies and programs drawn up by the State; connect, support the tourism development and promote information technology application, digital transformation for both supporting the pandemic prevention and designing new products and services.

It is recognizable that we lack the experience of adaptation. Other provinces are also in the process of adaptation, so Hue has not been able to draw experience. Therefore, the adaptation process will be both operating and drawing experience.

The recent pandemic developments in Thua Thien Hue require the adaptive solutions to have continuous changes and fluctuations suitable for each specific time.

Many solutions have been proposed, but the sector determines that a new and most suitable adaptation model is required. Then it will be widely scaled up.

Recently, the Provincial Tourism Association has conducted a new adaptive tour survey. At the upcoming film festival in Hue in mid-November, the department will host two tours in line with the trend of "green" tourism. This gives the momentum to seeking the most suitable models.

In the recovery plan, what forecasts has Hue tourism sector made for the tourist markets in the coming time, sir?
In principle and practice, forecast is one of the important solutions to proactively have the appropriate answers to visitor attraction. Good solution also contributes to helping businesses to be proactive in the solutions to linkage and recovery.

Hue tourism develops a very specific roadmap. In the immediate future, it still focuses on exploiting the flow of provincial tourists, then domestic and international tourists.

For domestic tourists, there have recently been a lot of discussions about the source of tourists in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. However, according to the assessment, the source of domestic tourists recovers soon and is expected to be in the linking region of 5 provinces: Quang Binh, Quang Tri, Thua Thien Hue, Da Nang and Quang Nam. Thanks to traveling by road and getting information quickly, the provinces can share tourists in safe areas is the most feasible.

Does it mean Hue tourism is ready to welcome tourists?
Currently, 100% of employees in the tourism sector are vaccinated. This is an important factor for tourism to operate in safety. Another factor is that the province is accelerating vaccination coverage among the people. The latest updated data shows that the vaccination reached about 65% of the province's population (early November 2021 data).

Another factor is the readiness of businesses. The sector management has set great store by the Provincial Tourism Association for its pioneering solutions in recent years. Currently, 14 accommodations are registered as places of quarantine and medical supervision. In the situations arising, Hue will have adequate accommodations to serve tourists in quarantine, under medical supervision and normal tourists.

Some other provinces started planning to welcome international tourists. How is Hue tourism, sir?
For all many challenges ahead, with the determination and consensus of all levels, businesses, Hue tourism strives in November 2021 to build the standard models, tours, routes that ensure the safety standards and optimal customer service.

Afterwards, in December, domestic tourists will be welcomed with separate tours from the tours organized. Especially for international tourists, in December, we will strive to organize a charter tour from Korea and in 2022 will welcome international tourists.

Source: Hue news
Tags: Hue tourism, recovery, adaptation,

The Holiday and Travel Magazine
https://theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com.au

Vietnam National Administration of Tourism
https://vietnamtourism.gov.vn/english/