IMMERSE YOUR NEXT EVENT IN AUSTRALIA’S NEW DIGITAL ART GALLERY AT MCEC

Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) is excited to announce that Australia’s Digital Art Gallery THE LUME Melbourne is available to book for your next corporate event from September 2021.

With exclusive access to the space, guests will be treated to a truly unforgettable multi-sensory experience whilst at your gala dinner, cocktail party or breakfast event.

Exclusive events within the gallery are perfect for guestlists of 200-1200 pax (COVID-19 capacity limits permitting) and include a delectable food and beverage package that can only be found at THE LUME Melbourne.

Inside Melbourne’s most unique event space, guests will be treated to a 45-minute feature show and 15 minutes of featurette shows, woven around your event running order.

Non-exclusive events are also a possibility thanks to the mezzanine level. The space can be booked during gallery hours for smaller events up to 100 guests.

MCEC and THE LUME Melbourne can also tailor your event by immersing guests amongst your brand through custom projections. We can create bespoke solutions for your next product launch or brand experience. Take advantage of the 150 projectors and beam your chosen content across four storeys of event space.

THE LUME Melbourne’s inaugural show, Van Gogh, will take your guests on a journey into the world of Vincent van Gogh, as his most famous artworks burst to life and the sights, sounds and aromas of 19th century France fill the room. As an entirely immersive experience, THE LUME Melbourne relieves you of any styling or entertainment you would usually require.

MCEC’s award-winning chefs have curated a unique menu exclusively for events at THE LUME Melbourne. The exquisite menu was created to celebrate the uniqueness of Vincent van Gogh’s paintings, paying homage to his Dutch heritage and to France, his adopted creative home. The menu uses the freshest Victorian produce paired with an extensive Australian and French wine list.

Chief Executive Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, Peter King said this is a multi-sensory experience on an unrivalled scale.

“Where else can you be immersed amongst Vincent van Gogh artwork while hosting your networking event, gala dinner, product launch or post-conference drinks? THE LUME Melbourne is ideal for pre-function, exclusive full venue takeover or non-exclusive events during gallery hours.”

“THE LUME Melbourne provides an unparalleled opportunity to engage your guests and create a completely unique event experience. Add to this our iconic venue, located on the banks of the Yarra which showcases all that Melbourne has to offer.”

Bruce Peterson, Founder of Grande Experiences, the creator and producer of THE LUME Melbourne, said “THE LUME Melbourne is designed to offer unrivalled experiences - a real gamechanger for the events industry. Where else can you integrate brand or product so seamlessly and efficiently into the venue? An event at THE LUME Melbourne will remain an unforgettable experience for all your guests.”

Events at THE LUME Melbourne are exclusively managed by Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. Enquire here to host your event at THE LUME Melbourne.

Website: www.theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com.au

Australian Cruise Industry Suppliers Say Canada’s Move To Rescind Cruise Ship Ban A Model For Local Cruising Highlighting Need For Restart Plan Here

A group of cruise industry suppliers who travelled to Canberra calling for a restart plan for the resumption of domestic cruising in Australia said today Canada’s rescinding of its cruise ship ban effective November 1 should be used as a model for positive action here.

Overnight, the Canadian Government brought forward the rescinding of its original February 1 ban on cruise ships entering Canadian waters based partly on progress in the rollout of its national covid vaccination program.

The cruise suppliers said in a joint statement:

“Canada is a comparable maritime nation to Australia and its decision to allow cruising from November 1 subject to its public health orders is a glimmer of hope that businesses and jobs that depend on cruising here can be saved. The planned restart of cruising in Canada and its resumption already underway in numerous other international markets underlines the urgent need for federal and state governments here to engage and agree to a restart plan for domestic cruising in Australia. Cruising is a $5 billion a year industry in Australia and supports more than 18,000 jobs. We are at the frontline of the devastation caused in Australia’s travel and tourism sector and we are looking for a signal from our political leaders that they want to help us save businesses and jobs, many of which have already been lost.”

Issued on behalf of:

• Jay McKenzie — Bob Wood Cruise Group (shore tour aggregator)
• Dan Russell — Clean Cruising (specialist cruise travel operator)
• Steven Biviano — Select Fresh Prividoring (fresh produce supplier)
• Graeme Blackman — Inter-Marine Pty Ltd (marine engineering)
• James Bustar — Cruise Entertainer

Website: www.theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com.au

Government of Canada announces easing of border measures for fully vaccinated travellers

Effective September 7, the Government of Canada will open its borders for discretionary travel by fully vaccinated travellers from any country who meet specific entry requirements.

In order to manage the anticipated influx of travellers, and recognizing our shared border and relationship with the U.S., Canada will begin allowing entry to fully vaccinated American citizens and permanent residents (currently residing in the US) for discretionary travel as of August 9. If they meet the entry criteria, fully vaccinated travellers will not have to quarantine upon arrival to Canada.

To further support these new measures, five additional airports will re-open as soon as possible after August 9 to welcome direct international flights: Halifax Stanfield International Airport, Quebec City Jean Lesage International Airport, Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport, Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport and the Edmonton International Airport.

We are proud to support an industry that has shown such great resilience throughout the global pandemic and this announcement is very welcome news. Easing border measures for fully vaccinated travellers is a positive and critical step for the recovery of Canadian tourism and business events sectors.

The value that tourism brings to Canada, Canadians and our communities has never been more evident. We encourage all tourism businesses to share information around this next phase of re-opening, so we can all be ready to welcome back visitors first from the US, and then around the world. Here are some key messages to share as appropriate:

• Visitors can feel confident in making travel plans as tourism businesses throughout Canada have made huge investments in new hygiene protocols.
• Canada’s adult population has one of the world’s highest rates of COVID-19 vaccination.
• Travel to Canada is going to be different than it was prior to the pandemic.
• We encourage all travellers to be fully informed of the pre-entry and on-arrival public health and testing requirements both federally and provincially. This includes the mandatory use of the ArriveCAN app. Travellers should plan for extra time in the lead up, and upon the arrival of their trip.
• For the latest information on travel to Canada including the updated federal requirements and restrictions, please visit the Government of Canada website here.

We look forward to welcoming back fully vaccinated American visitors as of August 9, and those from other countries on September 7. Together, let’s showcase the country we love with glowing hearts!

For the full announcement, please see the Government of Canada press release.

Destination Canada is not involved in the implementation of border restriction policy and cannot answer specific questions on the new regulations. The Government of Canada has a FAQ and contacts page which we encourage you to visit as well as the below resources.

Related Government of Canada Products
Backgrounder: Update on Border Measures
Backgrounder on international students

Associated Links
COVID-19: Travel, testing, quarantine and borders
ArriveCAN
COVID-19: Summary data about travellers, testing and compliance
COVID-19 measures, updates, and guidance for aviation

Website: www.theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com.au

Local Markets: The best way to get to know rural Vietnam

They say that if you want to get to know more about a country, then “eat where the locals eat, and shop where the locals’ shop”.

Vietnam is rich in colour and still has a over 54 ethnic minority groups still living as they have for hundreds of years. If you are keen to know more about the ethnic history of Vietnam then you will find a visit to a rural market an enlightening fun experience, and a great way to engage with locals.

From Lao Cai or Sapa, you can visit the markets and back in within half a day or a day. Let us to take you to 4 of our favourite ones in the far north of Vietnam for a real taste of rural Vietnam.

1. The Bac Ha Market – Sunday
Chosen as 1st among the top 10 most original mountain markets in Southeast Asia by Serendib magazine, the Bac Ha ethnic market is the most lively and important of the mountainous regions, attracting a dozen different ethnic groups from the region and its surroundings.

In a recent Travel Podcast produced by What About Vietnam - S2-24 – Explore the Bac Ha Markets – Rich in colour and tradition – click to listen here.

The Travel photographer _Mike Pollock interviewed on the show, had this to say about the markets:
“they start very early in the morning. People are setting up their stalls before sunrise. And the market will be very busy by about 10:00 a.m. And then by about noon, people are going home. So the best way to tackle this is to get there the night before. If you sleep in Bac Ha on Saturday night and they have what they call a ‘night market cultural’ show, and it's really not so much of a night market, but they do have a stage in the town centre run by the little temple downtown, and every Saturday night there's a performance of not just Hmong people. And I don't think this is really a tourist-orientated thing.

They'll come from a long area to go to this market, and they will trade many traditional things, livestock, buffalo, horses, goats, pigs, chickens, ducks, that sort of thing.”

2. Simacai Market on a Sunday
This market is located approximately 40 kms of from Bac Ha. Beware the road is windy and bumpy.

The name Simacai means “horse market” in H’mong language and the old people have said that in a bygone era it was the biggest horse market of the region. However, life is changing fast and horses are not the only things for sale.

The market place is simply a large ground area which is cleared every Sunday for stalls and areas for the horses. The Simacai market attracts thousands of H’mong, Zao, Phu La people. They come from far and wide to shop, catch up on gossip, and enjoy themselves meeting friends and relatives…

They spend most of their time at the market talking, and possibly drinking too much as you will soon find out.

3. Muong Hum market – Sunday
The market we like the most is the Muong Hum hill tribe market.

The reason being it typically attracts five ethnic groups. Taking place each Sunday morning, visitors can expect to see Hmong, Dao, Ha Nhi and Giay people trading their local wares in a very traditional and intimate village setting. With vendors focusing on getting sales from the local population it is a market where observing local transactions and sampling real food becomes the mainstay and something you don’t get to see every day. The geographic location of Muong Hum is next to a pretty little river. The views are stunning on route to the market site and you will feel like you are visiting one of the last frontiers of Vietnam. It’s a taste of rural Vietnam you will never forget.

4. Ban Phiet market – Monday
These take place on Mondays, they are small compared to others in Lao Cai, but definitely very colourful and are a stand out favourite with the White Hmong people who flock to them very early in the morning in their highly coloured clothes.

While the location attracts very cold weather and heavy mists, they offer the traveller a chance to experience some of their local foods, “happy water”, and purchase home spun and traditional dyed clothes, rugs, and many other household goods.

From the capital of Hanoi, you can take an overnight train to Lao Cai Province which costs about VND 800,000 for a return fare with a bed in a four-person cabin. Upon arrival in Lao Cai Town, you can either hop on a bus or taxi to Sapa which is located 34 kilometres (about 30 minutes away) from the train station.

There are many other markets located near and around Sapa, and Lao Cai province which we can organise tours for you to experience with guides and accommodation to suit:

http://itsvietnam.com/indochina-tours/hanoi-sapa/

- Can Cau Market - Saturday and Sunday
- Coc Ly Market - Tuesday
- Cao Son and Sin Cheng markets on Wednesday
- Lung Khau Nhin market on Thursday

COVID UPDATE
You would have noticed in recent media that Vietnam is going through possibly it’s toughest fight against the COVID 19 virus and Delta Variant since it began in 2020.

As of 16th July,, HCMC is in a tighter lockdown causing much concern for those not able to get access to proper food and healthcare in the city. All in all, the government is going hard on trying to get Vietnam vaccinated. The biggest issue here is getting stocks of vaccine to meet the demand of a country with nearly 100 million people. However, it is encouraging to see vital donations of vaccines from various countries around the world being delivered into Vietnam in the coming weeks.

Further discussions re the opening of Phu Quoc continue. Residents are being offered the vaccine with the hope of being able to vaccinate enough locals to allow international tourism to open up later in the year.

See our latest FULL report here.

Contact us for more information

Please feel free to contact us for any questions or itinerary ideas at – info@itsvietnam.com or call us at Suite 1705 - Artex building - 172 Ngoc Khanh, Ba Dinh, Hanoi, Vietnam +84 24 62514052

Website: www.theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com.au

INDOCHINA TRAVEL SERVICES CO., LTD.
Website: www.itsvietnam.com
Address: Suite 1705 - Artex building - 172 Ngoc Khanh, Ba Dinh, Ha Noi, Viet Nam
Tel : +84 24 6251 4052
Hotline : +84 9 3663 1705
Email : info@itsvietnam.com

P&O Cruises Celebrity Chef Luke Mangan Calls Getting Vaccinated a 'Jab for Jobs'

P&O Cruises Australia celebrity chef, Luke Mangan has become a powerful advocate for the safe restart of domestic cruising and for the hospitality sector which have both been hit hard in the pandemic.

Luke is also a passionate advocate of the national vaccination program and is encouraging everyone to get vaccinated as the shot becomes available to them.

He calls getting vaccinated a 'jab for jobs'.

Luke has just had the second of his two shots and posted this message to encourage others.

"Ok guys, I got my 2nd jab today! If you can and want to, go for it. Let's get this thing over and done with!

Let's get small businesses back, tourism back, hospitality back, life back! Stay safe, everyone."

Well said, Luke.

Website: www.theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com.au

SYDNEY FILM FESTIVAL AND ACMI PRESENT ‘THE LONG & WINDING ROAD: THE FILMS OF ABBAS KIAROSTAMI’ RETROSPECTIVE

Sydney Film Festival and ACMI, Australia’s national museum of screen culture, announce a program of 8 essential features and 3 short films by pioneering Iranian filmmaker, Abbas Kiarostami. Audiences can see the films as part of the 68th Sydney Film Festival (18-29 August 2021) and a selection at ACMI from 2-13 September. Entitled The Long & Winding Road: The Films of Abbas Kiarostami, the program is presented by Sydney Film Festival and ACMI. The collaboration marks the sixth large-scale retrospective season ACMI and Sydney Film Festival have co-presented since 2015, allowing audiences in Sydney to deep dive into the works of cinema greats from around the world. Sydney Film Festival Director Nashen Moodley said, “Abbas Kiarostami is widely recognised as one of the most influential figures in contemporary film, with his distinct style serving as an early entry point for audiences across the globe to experience the vibrant world of Iranian cinema. “Known for his deeply humanist and formally inventive approach to filmmaking, this retrospective will showcase the diverse body of work produced during Kiarostami’s illustrious forty plus year career. This is a wonderful opportunity for seasoned cinephiles and new audiences alike to celebrate the legacy of one of cinema’s truest auteurs,” he said. Kiarostami was born in Tehran in 1940. Martin Scorsese attributed the “highest level of artistry in the cinema” to the director. At the time of his death in Paris in 2016, Kiarostami was an undisputed master of contemporary cinema. ACMI Director of Film Programs Kristy Matheson said, “Abbas Kiarostami was a prolific photographer, poet, teacher and filmmaker. He not only introduced the world to Iranian cinema but redefined what a film can be. His multi-disciplinary practice will be right at home at ACMI – we're thrilled to showcase Kiarostami’s extraordinary artistry at our multiplatform museum.” Selections include Kiarostami’s beloved Koker trilogy: Bronze Leopard Winner at the 1989 Locarno Film Festival Where is the Friends House?, a poetic tale about a young boy who must return a classmate’s schoolbook; Un Certain Regard Opening Film at the 1992 Cannes Film Festival And Life Goes On, a self-reflexive meditation on identity set amidst the aftermath of the 1990 earthquake that devastated northern Iran; and Through the Olive Trees, a wildly meta examination of class and romance. Other career-defining titles revisited: The Traveler, Kiarostami’s debut feature about a headstrong boy who embarks on a series of deceptions to travel to a sporting match in Tehran; Close-Up, a sophisticated blend of documentary and fiction that takes a bizarre crime and artfully reworks it for the big screen; and Taste of Cherry, which features one of cinema’s most daring endings and became the first Iranian film to win the Palme d’Or at Cannes. Audiences can also expect more recent career highlights: Winner of the Grand Jury Prize at Venice Film Festival The Wind Will Carry Us, a gently comic fable on the unpredictability of life; and Ten, an illuminating and experimental piece focusing on the lives of contemporary Iranian women. The program also features the short films Bread and Alley, Orderly or Disorderly and Solution. The 8 features in the program are: The Traveler (1974) Where is the Friend's House? (1987) Close-Up (1990) And Life Goes On (1992) Through the Olive Trees (1994) Taste of Cherry (1997) The Wind Will Carry Us (1998) Ten (2002) The 3 shorts in the program are: Bread and Alley (1970) Solution (1978) Orderly or Disorderly (1981) The full Sydney Film Festival program is announced on Wednesday 21 July 2021.  Flexipasses and subscriptions to Sydney Film Festival 2021 are on sale now. Call 1300 733 733 or visit sff.org.au for more information.  For more information about the film season at ACMI and ticketing details, visit acmi.net.au.

Website: www.theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com.au

Koh Samui’s SEEN Samui Beach Club and Soho Hospitality Make Waves at the Prestigious 2021 Luxury Lifestyle Awards

Koh Samui’s hottest hangout SEEN Samui Beach Club and Soho Hospitality have been awarded Best Luxury Commercial Interior Design in Thailand by the 13th Annual Luxury Lifestyle Awards 2021, by a judging panel of international architecture and design professionals.

The Luxury Lifestyle Awards are one of the most prestigious, respected, and recognized award brands for the luxury market. The awards are conducted via an independent research process and are regarded as one of the most distinguished in the world. The objective of these awards is to recognize excellence across the whole range of industry sectors and maintain the highest standards in the property industry worldwide.

Owned by Minor Hotels and designed by Bangkok based, Soho Hospitality, SEEN Samui boasts mid-century architecture and uses high contrast geometric patterns and organic curves. Embracing the nostalgia of Miami and California’s beach club culture, the design aesthetic is retro-1950’s chic, influenced by the resurgence of mid-century tropical design. The minimalist architecture is offset by mirrored furniture pieces, abundant metallics and opulent fabrics in bright colours.

Commenting on the prestigious accolade for SEEN Beach Club Samui, Mr. Emanuel Grosch, General Manager, said, “We are thrilled to receive such high praise for our unforgettable Samui hotspot, and we are especially proud of the fact that this international award does not judge architecture and interior design only, but nods to our impeccable reputation and professional performance”.

In recognition of Soho Hospitality’s impeccable reputation and professional performance, the Bangkok based design house was also awarded Best Luxury Interior Design Studio in Thailand. Founded in 2010, Soho Hospitality is a Bangkok based integrated creative studio & restaurant group delivering compelling hospitality experiences from concept to design, development and management.

Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Rohit Sachdev said, ‘We are delighted to be recognized for the interior design of Seen Beach Club in Koh Samui. Working alongside Minor Hotels, we set out to conceptualize a beach club inspired by a mid-century tropical design that would rival the best beach clubs in the world. We are proud to bring our goal to fruition.”

With its frontline Chaweng beach location and stunning panoramic sea views, SEEN is the place to party in Koh Samui. Open daily from 10am. 

For more information visit the website: www.seenbeachclubsamui.com

Website: www.theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com.au

Website: www.theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com.au

Booking.com reveals six stargazing stays you don’t have to leave earth for as space becomes the newest destination for billionaires

With billionaires Richard Branson and Jeff Bezos both having completed successful trips to space in the last two weeks, space travel buzz has got us over the moon. This is especially true for the 39%* of Aussies who have revealed they are excited about the prospect of space travel in the future.  

To get us starry-eyed about the prospects of space travel, Booking.com reveals six destinations across Australia offering incredible opportunities for stargazing, so you too can feel as though you’re transcending Earth’s orbit. 

 

Whilst space travel might not be a reality for all of us yet, we can still get a taste for space right here on planet earth! Australia has some of the darkest skies compared to the rest of the world, offering unique celestial sights not to be seen anywhere else. Whether it’s a magical light show, Aurora Australis, the best view of the Milky Way or the otherwise invisible galaxies Alpha Centauri and the Magellanic Clouds, our home soil has everything to satisfy your galactic dreams. 

 

Why not time your stay to align with one of the many astrological events happening in our solar system in the coming months, when it is safe to travel. Two exciting meteor showers will light the sky in October, the Draconid meteors between the 8th and 9th, and the Orionids shower to peak around the 21st. There is nothing quite like a lunar eclipse, with a partial eclipse on the 19th of November and a total solar eclipse taking place on the 4th of December. Also, to feed your night sky delights until then, there is a full moon this Saturday, 24th July

1. Flinders Ranges, SA  

A 5-hour drive from Adelaide and you will reach the Flinders Ranges national park. With little to no air pollution in the area, the Ranges are covered in a bright blanket of stars all year round. 

 

Where to stay: Wilpena Pound Resort,  situated in the serene Flinders Ranges, Wilpena takes glamping to the next level. You will be in the perfect position to explore the National Park and sleep under the bright, starry night sky.  

 

2.   Mount Wellington, TAS 

One of the best places to see the Aurora Australis come to life is on Hobarts highest mountain, Mount Wellington.  

 

Where to stay: Pipeline Chalet Mt Wellington, located 8km from Hobart in Ferntree amongst Mount Wellington. The Chalet provides spacious, open plan living accommodation. The outdoor living spaces centers around a beautiful fireplace to keep you warm whilst stargazing under the moonlight.

 

3.  Dampier Peninsula, WA  

The beautiful Kimberly region in Western Australia must not be missed for an unforgettable off-the-grid experience.  

 

Where to stay: Kooljaman at Cape Leveque, is a low impact accommodation choice run on solar power and local bore water. With minimal impact on the environment, Kooljaman is the perfect stargazing playground, on the shores of the Dampier Peninsula.  

 

4.  Mudgee, NSW  

Located just outside of Mudgee is the Mudgee Observatory which boasts dark skies away from the town lights, making this the perfect location to view the starry night sky as it was intended.  

 

Where to stay: Evenslea Luxury Boutique Accomodation,  located in Mudgee a short drive from the Mudgee Observatory. Relax in the lush surroundings of Evenslea after an enlightening visit to the Observatory.

5.  Charleville, QLD  

A 2.5-hour flight west of Brisbane will take you to Charleville in outback Queensland. Charleville is home to the Cosmos Centre, where you will be transported through indigenous astronomy, to discover elements such as a giant emu in the sky! 

 

Where to stay: The Rocks Motel, located 2 km from the Charleville Cosmos Centre. The Rocks Motel has city style with all the country charm and hospitality expected of the largest town in Southwest Queensland.  

 

6.  Uluru, NT 

One of the top recommended destinations for stargazing by Booking.com travelers and Australia’s most famous natural landmark is Uluru. This iconic rock formation not only makes you feel like you are not on earth, but when the night hits, the sky filled with stars is what will take your breath away. Travelers can learn all about the stars and explore the vast night landscape with the use of telescopes and binoculars during one of the offered stargazing tours, and who knows you may even spot the milky way! 

  

Where to stay: Emu Walk Apartments are just a short walk from Uluru Resort centre and offer a perfect accommodation for travelers to enjoy incredible stargazing that will totally make you feel like you are in outer space. The property offers luxury modern, fully serviced apartments with all the practicalities of home. Guests can enjoy comfort and relaxation after a long day exploring the Uluru area.

  

*Research commissioned by Booking.com and independently conducted among a sample of adults who have taken a trip in the last 12 months/plan to take a trip in the next 12 months. In total 22,000 respondents were polled (including 1,000 each from Australia, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Japan, China, Brazil, India, US, UK, Russia, Indonesia, Colombia and South Korea; and 500 each from New Zealand, Thailand, Argentina, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Hong Kong, Croatia, Taiwan, Mexico, Netherlands, Sweden, Singapore and Israel). Respondents completed an online survey between 9th August to 28th August 2019.

Website: www.theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com.au