GEM Center: Elevating Ho Chi Minh City Events as a Premium Venue Partner of ITE HCMC 2026

GEM Center

GEM Center is strengthening Ho Chi Minh City’s reputation as a leading destination for business events and MICE tourism as a Premium Venue Partner accompanying ITE HCMC 2026. Located in the heart of District 1, GEM Center brings together sophisticated event spaces, advanced technology and professional services to create memorable experiences for conferences, exhibitions, corporate functions and international events.

A Leading Convention and Event Centre in Ho Chi Minh City

GEM Center has established itself as one of Vietnam’s prominent convention and event venues, combining flexible spaces with innovative event technology and high-quality hospitality services. Its central location makes it a convenient choice for organisers seeking a premium event venue in Ho Chi Minh City.

The centre is designed to transform a wide range of concepts into reality, from large conferences and exhibitions to gala dinners, fashion shows, entertainment productions and corporate celebrations. Advanced technical infrastructure and adaptable event spaces provide organisers with the flexibility needed for sophisticated productions.

Innovation at the Heart of Every Event

GEM Center

GEM Center continues to pursue higher standards by combining space, technology and professional expertise. Its approach is centred on creating distinctive experiences rather than simply providing an event venue.

The centre features modern audio and lighting systems, flexible seating solutions and infrastructure designed to support ambitious staging concepts. GEM Center also highlights its ability to accommodate everything from business conferences and product launches to large-scale celebrations and creative performances.

This commitment to innovation has helped GEM Center earn prestigious national and international recognition, including Vietnam’s Best Convention Centre for four consecutive years and Asia’s Best Convention Centre, reinforcing its position on the regional events map.

Supporting ITE HCMC 2026 and MICE Tourism

ITE HCMC 2026 will take place from 27 to 29 August 2026 at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center, bringing together more than 500 exhibiting companies and 260 high-level buyers from more than 40 countries and territories, alongside more than 30,000 visitors.

As a Premium Venue Partner accompanying the event, GEM Center contributes to the wider ecosystem supporting international tourism, business events and destination development in Ho Chi Minh City.

Its involvement reflects the city’s growing ambitions as an international MICE destination, where world-class venues, tourism businesses and event professionals work together to create stronger connections between Vietnam and global markets.

A Venue Creating Future-Focused Experiences

GEM Center

GEM Center’s vision extends beyond individual events. Through continuous creativity, innovation and professional service, the venue is helping demonstrate how Ho Chi Minh City can compete as a destination for international conferences, incentives, exhibitions and corporate events.

For event planners, tourism professionals and business travellers, GEM Center represents an important part of the city’s evolving MICE landscape and an inspiring venue where ideas can be transformed into memorable experiences.

GEM Center

Website:  https://gemcenter.com.vn/                                                                          
Email: info@gemcenter.com.vn
Phone: 1900 998 890
Address: 08 Nguyen Binh Khiem Street, Da Kao Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

For more travel inspiration read the daily online "The Holiday and Travel Magazine" https://theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com/

Eastern & Oriental Express: A Three-Night Luxury Train Journey Through Malaysia

Eastern & Oriental Express

There are train journeys that take you from one destination to another, and then there are journeys where the train itself becomes the destination.

The Eastern & Oriental Express, a Belmond Train, belongs firmly in the second category. Departing from Singapore, this legendary luxury train travels through Malaysia on an extraordinary three-night adventure combining elegant accommodation, fine dining, fascinating excursions and ever-changing Southeast Asian scenery.

With its polished wood, gleaming green-and-cream carriages, attentive service and beautifully appointed cabins, the Eastern & Oriental Express recreates the romance of classic railway travel while providing a distinctly contemporary luxury experience.

For travellers searching for the best luxury train journeys in Asia, luxury train travel in Malaysia, or an unforgettable way to explore Southeast Asia, the Eastern & Oriental Express offers an experience unlike almost any other.

A Grand Railway Journey Begins in Singapore

Eastern & Oriental Express

The journey begins at Woodlands Station in Singapore, where passengers board the Eastern & Oriental Express for an adventure into Malaysia.

The train's distinctive green-and-cream exterior immediately evokes the golden age of railway travel. Inside, polished wood panelling, silk furnishings and carefully considered Asian-inspired design create an atmosphere that feels both historic and sophisticated.

The train's story dates back to its inaugural journey between Bangkok and Singapore in 1993. The carriages were originally purchased by American businessman James B. Sherwood and remodelled in Singapore before becoming the Eastern & Oriental Express. Today, the train operates as part of the Belmond collection and continues its Southeast Asian journeys from Singapore.

The departure itself becomes part of the occasion. Once aboard, guests can settle into their cabins, meet their dedicated steward and watch Singapore gradually disappear as the train heads towards Malaysia.

Luxury Accommodation on Rails

The Eastern & Oriental Express is designed to make the journey as comfortable as the destinations.

Accommodation includes Pullman Cabins, State Cabins and Presidential Cabins, each providing a private sanctuary aboard the moving train. Dedicated 24-hour steward service adds a highly personalised dimension to the experience.

The cabins transform between day and night, allowing passengers to relax during the day before retiring to their sleeping accommodation.

Rather than simply travelling overnight, guests experience the pleasure of waking up in a completely different part of Southeast Asia while remaining within the same beautifully appointed surroundings.

This is one of the defining attractions of luxury rail travel: the hotel moves with you.

Fine Dining as the Landscape Changes

Eastern & Oriental Express

Food is an important part of the Eastern & Oriental Express experience.

Meals are served in elegant dining cars where the scenery outside becomes an ever-changing backdrop to breakfast, lunch and dinner.

The current three-night journeys include daily four-course dinners, continental breakfasts served in the cabin, three-course lunches and afternoon tea. Selected beverages are also included according to the accommodation category.

The cuisine is designed to reflect the flavours and culinary traditions of Southeast Asia while maintaining the refinement expected of a luxury railway experience.

For food-loving travellers, the dining cars are therefore more than somewhere to eat. They are an essential part of the journey.

The Observation Car: The Best Seat for the Scenery

One of the most atmospheric places aboard the Eastern & Oriental Express is the Observation Car.

Located at the rear of the train, it provides an open-air-inspired setting where passengers can relax and enjoy the changing scenery. Teak flooring, panelled walls and the distinctive atmosphere of the carriage create an ideal place to watch Southeast Asia unfold.

As the train travels through Malaysia, the landscape changes from urban areas to countryside, plantations, jungle and rural communities.

The Observation Car is particularly appealing during the late afternoon when the light changes and the countryside takes on a softer appearance.

It is also an excellent place to meet fellow travellers and share impressions of the day's journey.

The Piano Bar and Golden Age of Rail Travel

Eastern & Oriental Express

After dinner, the journey moves from the dining car to the Piano Bar.

The intimate bar is designed around the atmosphere of a classic railway lounge, with live musical entertainment providing the soundtrack to the evening. Belmond describes the space as having a jazz-club ambience, with signature cocktails and a setting designed for conversation and relaxation.

For many passengers, this becomes one of the highlights of the experience.

There is something inherently romantic about sitting in a beautifully restored railway carriage while the Malaysian landscape passes outside in darkness.

It is a reminder that luxury train travel is not simply about reaching a destination. It is about creating memories between destinations.

Discovering Malaysia Beyond the Train

Although the Eastern & Oriental Express is a destination in itself, the excursions are an equally important part of the journey.

The current Malaysia itineraries combine time aboard the train with carefully curated experiences on land. Depending on the itinerary, travellers can discover destinations including Kuala Lumpur, Taman Negara, Langkawi and Penang.

This combination of luxury rail travel and destination exploration provides an appealing balance.

Guests can enjoy the tranquillity of the train before stepping off to experience Malaysian culture, nature, cuisine and heritage.

The result is considerably more immersive than simply looking at the country through a train window.

Taman Negara: Into the Malaysian Jungle

For travellers choosing the Wild Malaysia itinerary, one of the most memorable experiences is an excursion into Taman Negara.

The national park is one of Malaysia's great natural treasures and is presented by Belmond as one of the world's oldest tropical rainforests. The current itinerary offers a range of experiences inspired by the surrounding environment, including nature photography, e-bicycle excursions, wellness activities, ancient caves and tiger conservation experiences.

After experiencing the elegance of the train, stepping into the rainforest provides a dramatic change of pace.

The contrast is part of the appeal.

One moment passengers are enjoying fine dining and attentive service aboard a luxury train; the next they are immersed in the tropical environment of one of Malaysia's most remarkable natural landscapes.

Penang and the UNESCO Heritage of George Town

Penang, Malaysia

Penang provides another highlight of the Eastern & Oriental Express experience.

The island is home to George Town, a UNESCO World Heritage city celebrated for its multicultural history, architecture and vibrant food culture.

The Eastern & Oriental Express incorporates excursions to Penang into its Malaysian itineraries, giving guests the opportunity to discover the city's heritage and cultural character.

George Town is particularly rewarding for food lovers.

Its streets bring together Malay, Chinese, Indian and other cultural influences, creating one of Southeast Asia's most exciting culinary destinations.

Travellers can explore historic neighbourhoods, discover colourful architecture and sample local specialities before returning to the refined surroundings of the train.

Langkawi: Island Beauty and Malaysian Escape

Some Eastern & Oriental Express itineraries also incorporate Langkawi, providing a contrasting island experience.

Belmond's current Festive Malaysia itinerary includes a day in Langkawi with a luxury picnic and wellness activities, before continuing to Penang.

The combination of a luxury railway journey and tropical island exploration makes for an unusual Malaysian holiday.

Instead of choosing between a cultural journey and a relaxing escape, passengers can experience both within the same itinerary.

The Dior Spa Eastern & Oriental Express

Eastern & Oriental Express

The luxury experience continues with the Dior Spa Eastern & Oriental Express.

The onboard spa provides guests with an opportunity to relax during the journey through Malaysia, combining the intimacy of a railway carriage with Dior's luxury beauty and wellness approach.

Belmond describes the Dior Spa as a sanctuary offering Asian-inspired rituals and beauty treatments.

For travellers spending several days aboard the train, the spa provides another way to slow down and make the journey itself part of the holiday.

A Different Way to Experience Malaysia

One of the greatest strengths of the Eastern & Oriental Express is the pace.

Modern travel often focuses on getting somewhere as quickly as possible. Luxury rail travel reverses that idea.

Here, the journey is deliberately unhurried.

Passengers can wake to a changing landscape, enjoy breakfast, watch Malaysia pass through the windows, explore a destination during an excursion, return to the train for afternoon tea, dress for dinner and spend the evening listening to music in the Piano Bar.

Every part of the day becomes an experience.

Three Nights of Slow Travel Through Malaysia

The current Essence of Malaysia itinerary is a three-night journey beginning in Singapore and travelling through Malaysia before returning to Singapore. The route includes destinations and experiences associated with Kuala Lumpur, Penang and other Malaysian locations, depending on the departure and itinerary.

The Wild Malaysia journey also lasts three nights and focuses more strongly on Malaysia's natural environment, including Taman Negara and Penang.

This makes it possible for travellers to select an itinerary according to their interests.

Those attracted to cultural heritage, cities and island scenery may prefer one journey, while travellers seeking rainforest and nature experiences may find Wild Malaysia more appealing.

When to Travel on the Eastern & Oriental Express

Lebuh Aceh Mosque

The Eastern & Oriental Express operates scheduled departures from Singapore throughout selected periods of the year.

For example, Belmond's current departure information lists multiple departures from Singapore's Woodlands Station during 2026, with many journeys departing in the afternoon and returning three days later. Final timings can remain subject to confirmation because railway operations are affected by national and international railway constraints.

Travellers should therefore check the official Belmond website for the latest departure dates, route details and confirmed timings before making connecting travel arrangements.

Belmond is also currently promoting selected 2026 journeys and special offers, including complimentary Singapore hotel nights on qualifying September and November departures and selected solo-travel offers. Conditions and booking deadlines apply.

A Luxury Train Journey for Special Occasions

The Eastern & Oriental Express is particularly suited to travellers celebrating something special.

A milestone birthday, anniversary, honeymoon or significant holiday can become an extraordinary memory when celebrated aboard a train of this character.

The elegant dining cars, private cabins, Observation Car and Piano Bar provide a natural sense of occasion without requiring passengers to rush from one attraction to another.

It can also appeal to experienced luxury travellers looking for something beyond a conventional five-star hotel stay.

Why the Eastern & Oriental Express Is One of Asia's Great Train Journeys

There are many scenic train journeys across Asia, but few combine scenery, accommodation, dining, wellness, culture and service at this level.

The Eastern & Oriental Express offers a rare opportunity to experience Malaysia through several different perspectives.

From the urban energy of Singapore and Kuala Lumpur to tropical rainforest, historic Penang, island landscapes and the changing countryside outside the carriage windows, the journey brings together many aspects of Southeast Asia.

Yet it never loses sight of the romance of railway travel.

The polished timber, elegant cabins, fine dining, piano music and attentive service create an atmosphere that recalls a more glamorous era of travel while providing contemporary comfort.

A Journey Where the Train Is the Destination

Eastern Oriental Express Malaysia

Image: myrm/Tripadvisor; 

deucebubba/Tripadvisor

The Eastern & Oriental Express is ultimately about more than travelling through Malaysia.

It is about rediscovering the pleasure of the journey.

For three nights, passengers can leave behind airports, highways and hurried connections and instead watch Southeast Asia slowly unfold from a beautifully restored railway carriage.

There are meals to savour, landscapes to admire, excursions to discover and evenings to spend in the Piano Bar or Observation Car.

For travellers seeking a luxury train journey through Malaysia, an unforgettable Southeast Asia holiday or one of the world's most distinctive rail experiences, the Eastern & Oriental Express offers an extraordinary way to travel.

The destination may be Malaysia, but the journey is the real attraction.

Belmond Eastern & Oriental Express

Website: https://www.belmond.com/trains/asia/eastern-and-oriental-express/
Email: Belmond provides contact and booking enquiries through its official website.
Phone: +44 (0) 204 525 1139
Reservations: 1 800 237 1236
Address: Wogan House, 99 Great Portland Street, London, W1W 7NY, United Kingdom

The official Eastern & Oriental Express website provides current journey information, accommodation details, itineraries, dining, spa services, departure information and booking enquiries.

For more travel inspiration read the daily online "The Holiday and Travel Magazine" https://theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com/

Penola Beyond the Screen: Discover the Historic Limestone Coast Town Behind My Brilliant Career

Sharam Cottages, on Petticoat Lane in Penola

There is something special about visiting a destination that you have already encountered on screen.

For viewers of Netflix’s My Brilliant Career, the South Australian town of Penola may look strangely familiar. Its historic streets, heritage buildings, country landscapes and surrounding vineyards provide an atmospheric backdrop for the series, but the real Penola has a story that stretches far beyond television.

Located in South Australia’s Limestone Coast and surrounded by the celebrated Coonawarra wine region, Penola combines heritage, wine, food, historic architecture and fascinating Australian stories. The South Australian Tourism Commission describes the town as a picture-perfect country destination with a rich history and an impressive range of food and wine experiences.

For travellers who have discovered Penola through My Brilliant Career, a visit provides the chance to step beyond the screen and experience the places, people and stories that make this small South Australian town worth exploring.

Step Into the World of My Brilliant Career

Much of the appeal of Penola is its remarkable sense of place.

Historic bluestone and timber buildings line its streets, while the surrounding countryside quickly gives way to the vineyards of Coonawarra. It is a landscape that has retained much of the character that makes regional South Australia so appealing to visitors.

The filming locations associated with My Brilliant Career provide an added attraction for television and film enthusiasts, but visitors soon discover that Penola does not need a screen production to make it memorable.

The town's heritage streets, historic homes and long-established businesses provide their own stories, creating a destination where walking slowly can be more rewarding than rushing from attraction to attraction.

Yallum Park: A Historic Home Takes Centre Stage

Yallum Park

One of the most compelling places to explore is Yallum Park, a grand Victorian homestead closely associated with Penola's heritage and the filming of My Brilliant Career.

Built for John Riddoch between 1878 and 1880, Yallum Park is regarded as one of Australia's best-preserved historic homes. The property retains significant interior details, including historic English wallpapers, while its expansive gardens add to the atmosphere surrounding the house.

The homestead provides a fascinating insight into the lifestyle and architecture of South Australia's pastoral era.

Visitors can experience the property through guided tours, although Yallum Park remains privately owned. Travellers should check tour dates and availability before visiting, as access is limited.

For anyone travelling to Penola because of My Brilliant Career, Yallum Park is one of the places where the connection between television and the region's architectural heritage becomes particularly tangible.

Petticoat Lane and Penola's Heritage Streets

Petticoat Lane

A stroll along Petticoat Lane is one of the easiest ways to experience Penola's historic character.

The lane represents the oldest residential area of Penola, with historic timber and stone cottages positioned close to the road. Red gum kerbing, gardens, roses and lavender add to its old-world atmosphere.

Petticoat Lane is also connected to the story of Mary MacKillop, Australia's first saint, who lived and worked in Penola during the early years of her life and vocation.

Several historic buildings are preserved along the lane, including Sharam's Cottage. The cottage dates from the early years of Penola's settlement and was built by bootmaker Christopher Sharam and his family.

Today, the lane offers visitors a quiet opportunity to wander through one of the town's most evocative heritage precincts.

Discover the Story of Mary MacKillop

Penola holds an important place in the story of Mary MacKillop, Australia's first saint.

Mary MacKillop lived and worked in Penola, and the town is closely associated with the beginnings of her educational work. The Mary MacKillop Penola Centre provides an opportunity for visitors to learn more about this important period of her life and the development of her mission.

The South Australian Tourism Commission recommends the centre as a worthwhile stop for visitors interested in discovering Penola's connection with Mary MacKillop.

For travellers interested in Australian history, religion, education or social history, this is an important part of the Penola experience.

The Royal Oak: Where Penola's Story Comes Together

The Royal Oak Penola

In Penola, history is not confined to museums and heritage houses.

The Royal Oak Penola occupies a prominent position on the town's main street and has a history stretching back to the 1840s. South Australian tourism sources note the strong connection between the historic hotel and the naming of Penola, while the pub remains a place where visitors can enjoy food and local hospitality today.

The hotel is situated in the heart of the Coonawarra wine region and serves seasonal menus featuring local produce. Its bottleshop also features wines from Coonawarra, the Limestone Coast and elsewhere in Australia.

For visitors exploring Penola, stopping at the Royal Oak provides an opportunity to experience the kind of traditional country hospitality that has helped shape the town's identity.

From Historic Streets to Coonawarra Vineyards

One of Penola's greatest attractions is that its heritage and wine experiences are inseparable.

Beyond the town centre, vineyards stretch across the surrounding landscape, placing Penola at the heart of the internationally recognised Coonawarra wine region.

The region is particularly renowned for its terra rossa soils and premium wines, with numerous cellar doors providing opportunities to taste local varieties.

A Penola visit can therefore easily combine heritage sightseeing with wine tourism. Travellers can spend the morning exploring historic streets and cottages before heading into the vineyards for cellar-door tastings and a long lunch.

South Australia's official tourism itinerary highlights wineries including Bellwether Wines, Wynns Coonawarra Estate, Brand's Laira, Balnaves and Katnook Estate as options for exploring the region.

Food and Wine Add Another Chapter

Penola's food scene provides another reason to stay longer.

The town and surrounding Coonawarra region offer restaurants, cafes, cellar doors and long lunches that make local produce and regional wine part of the travel experience.

The South Australian Tourism Commission highlights food and wine as major attractions in Penola, with visitors able to explore boutique shops, cafes, restaurants and cellar doors alongside the town's heritage attractions.

For travellers following a Southern Ocean Drive itinerary between Adelaide and Melbourne, Penola makes an appealing regional stop where food, wine and history can all be enjoyed within a relatively compact area.

A Town Made for Slow Travel

Penola rewards travellers who take their time.

Rather than trying to see everything in a few hours, visitors can wander through Petticoat Lane, explore the town's heritage streets, learn about Mary MacKillop, visit historic properties and then settle down for a meal or wine tasting.

The slower pace is part of the appeal.

Penola feels like a destination where the journey between attractions matters just as much as the attractions themselves. A historic building glimpsed while walking down the street can lead to another story, while a conversation at a cellar door can introduce visitors to another aspect of the region.

Penola Beyond the Screen

The popularity of My Brilliant Career may introduce new audiences to Penola, but the town's attractions are far older and more enduring than any television production.

There is the architecture of Petticoat Lane, the grandeur of Yallum Park, the story of Mary MacKillop, the history of the Royal Oak and the vineyards of Coonawarra.

Together they create a destination that is particularly appealing to travellers searching for historic towns in South Australia, Coonawarra wine experiences, Limestone Coast attractions and Australian film and television locations.

For fans of My Brilliant Career, Penola offers the chance to recognise familiar landscapes.

For everyone else, it offers something equally valuable: an authentic South Australian country town with stories to discover at almost every turn.

Plan Your Penola Getaway

Yallum Park

Penola is located in South Australia's Limestone Coast, in the heart of the Coonawarra wine region. It can be incorporated into a wider Limestone Coast road trip or Southern Ocean Drive itinerary, with Mount Gambier approximately 40 minutes away by road.

Travellers can combine a stay in Penola with visits to Coonawarra cellar doors, historic attractions and other Limestone Coast destinations.

Before visiting Yallum Park, travellers should confirm tour dates and availability because the property is privately owned and tours operate at selected times.

Petticoat Lane is open daily and provides a free opportunity to explore one of Penola's most significant historic precincts.

Whether you arrive because you saw Penola on television or simply because you are looking for an atmospheric country escape, this Limestone Coast town offers plenty of reasons to stay a little longer.

The screen may have introduced Penola to a new audience, but its real story is waiting beyond the final credits.

South Australian Tourism Commission 

Website: South Australia Tourism
Phone: 1300 655 276
Address: Level 2, 1 King William Street, Adelaide SA 5000, Australia

Yallum Park 

Address: 4325 Mount Burr Road, Penola SA 5277, Australia
Website: Yallum Park
Phone: 0418 854 505

Royal Oak Penola 

Address: 31 Church Street, Penola SA 5277, Australia
Website: Royal Oak Penola
Email: info@royaloakpenola.com.auPhone: 08 8737 2322

Penola Coonawarra Visitor Information

Phone: 08 8737 2855

For more travel inspiration read the daily online "The Holiday and Travel Magazine" https://theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com/

MUNDI MUNDI PLAINS CLEARED IN RECORD TIME FOLLOWING AUSTRALIA’S BIGGEST OUTBACK FESTIVAL

Overcoming its toughest-ever start, the Broken Hill Mundi Mundi Bash delivered its full festival line up - and today has triumphed against the odds to see the final festival goers exit the site with no delays

The iconic Mundi Mundi Plains have been cleared in record time, bringing the 2026 Broken Hill Mundi Mundi Bash to a close after one of the most challenging weeks in the festival’s history.

More than 10,000 festival-goers and almost 4,000 vehicles have now departed the spectacular Belmont Station site in Outback NSW, with organisers recording wait times of between zero and one minute during the major roll-out yesterday and today.

After record rainfall turned the festival’s arrival into its toughest yet, organisers have declared the 2026 event roll-out the best on record - a remarkable turnaround made possible by nearly three days of sunshine, resilient partons and an army of crew, volunteers and technology working behind the scenes.

“We’ve never had such a smooth roll-out across all our Bash sites,” said Festival Founder and Outback Music Festival Group Managing Director Greg Donovan.

“To have that after the start to the event we had has been such a relief, and a real credit to our team on the ground. We developed an app which helped us manage the roll-out, had other technology including number plate readers, a dedicated local Bash FM radio station broadcasting updates, drone assistance and the support of an incredible crew of volunteers on the ground - and it ran like a dream.”

Just over 3,200 vehicles departed the site yesterday, with a further 700 completing their exit today.

The smooth departure came after organisers deployed eight recovery vehicles, anticipating there may have been more need to help vehicles from the rain-affected plains. Instead, just one per cent of patrons required a recovery tow.

“We had the recovery vehicles on standby thinking we might need to do a lot more to help people off site - but it was amazing the way the ground recovered,” Donovan said.

“I’m sitting out here looking at a near-empty site. The stage team have also done an incredible job. Firstly getting the stage into place, and now packing down. They’ll leave here shortly and it will be just our core event team and the awesome volunteers who are still supporting us and beautiful wide-open plains. Mother Nature is giving us a farewell sprinkle at the moment with 5mm forecast to come - but nothing can stop us now. She tried her best, and while we didn’t entirely beat her, we went damn close.”

The successful conclusion comes after organisers made the difficult decision to close the gates before the festival was due to begin, with almost 30 per cent of the event site underwater following record rainfall.

The decision meant about 5,000 ticket holders were unable to access the site.

Rather than let the weather have the final word, the Bash team, performers and local community rallied to create an alternative festival experience, staging a series of free pop-up performances across Silverton and Broken Hill.

Furnace and the Fundamentals kicked things off at the Palace Hotel last Wednesday night, following their performance on the Mundi Mundi Plains.

The following day, the Silverton Hotel hosted performances from Shane Howard, Troy Cassar-Daley and Adam Thompson, before Shane and Troy performed a second show at the Palace Hotel.

The Hot Potato Band then took to the Palace Hotel stage on Friday night, with Fanny Lumsden performing on Saturday following her appearance at the Bash.

Shane Howard, the opening day of the Mundi Mundi Bash became a career milestone of its own, with the Goanna frontman performing a personal record four shows - including two free pop-up gigs - in a single day.

All 1 Day Early Entry and Standard Entry ticket holders who were unable to access the site because of the ground conditions will receive a full refund, regardless of whether they subsequently attended the final day.

Donovan said the response from the artists was emblematic of the spirit that has come to define the Bash.

“We were blown away by the support of the performers. Shane Howard, Troy Cassar-Daley, Adam Thompson, Furnace and the Fundamentals, Hot Potato Band and Fanny Lumsden all did pop-up gigs, offering their time for free to give our Bashers a lift. And we had other artists also keen to do the same, but weren’t able to get production and venue elements in place quickly enough when the full show was running on site It was humbling to see everyone rally and the vibe on site was electric. Jon Stevens performed for a powerhouse 1.5 hours to close the event and everyone else on the line-up was equally on a high and giving the crowd an incredible experience.

“The music industry has such an awesome reputation for being amongst the first responders in times of need and last weekend we experienced that firsthand. To say we’re grateful for everything they did - and the support team who work with them to make the magic on stage happen - doesn’t even cover it.”

Despite the weather-related difficulties, the 2026 Bash ultimately delivered on the things that have made the event one of Australia’s most unique festival experiences, and the country’s bigger Outback festival: big music, bigger skies and a crowd prepared to embrace whatever the Outback throws at them.

Charity remained central to this year’s event, as it does with all Bash events, with the inaugural Bash Choir and Mundi Undi Run raising an impressive $150,000 for the Royal Flying Doctor Service through ticket and merchandise sales.

Meanwhile, Big Blue Day and associated merchandise sales raised $228,000 for Beyond Blue, highlighting the importance of mental health support in regional and remote Australia.

Across the plains, Bashers also embraced the Mad Max Gathering, sunrise yoga, Mundi’s Got Talent and scenic helicopter rides, alongside the festival’s trademark combination of music, camping, community and spectacular Outback scenery.

Families, grey nomads, music lovers and first-time visitors travelled from across Australia to experience the event, with the festival’s weather-battered opening only strengthening the sense of camaraderie among those who made it onto the plains.

The sentiment from those who attended the event has been that the 2026 Bash has become less a story about the weather than about how people responded to it.

Patrons, performers, crew, volunteers and the local community adapted, improvised and kept the show moving - an approach that has become central to the identity of the Mundi Mundi Bash.

With another three days now in the books, the Mundi Mundi Bash will return in 2027, with dates to be announced tonight.

The festival continues to build its reputation as one of Australia’s most iconic and quintessentially Australian music festivals - an event where the Outback is not simply the backdrop, but part of the experience.

The 2026 Broken Hill Mundi Mundi Bash was proudly supported by the NSW Government via Destination NSW.

2026 Broken Hill Mundi Mundi Bash – SOLD OUT EVENT

Where: Belmont Station, Mundi Mundi Plains (9km north of Silverton, 35km north of Broken Hill)
When: The Mundi Mundi Bash event ran from August 20–22, 2026

More info & tickets: www.mundimundibash.com.au

Full Line-Up: The Teskey Brothers, Jon Stevens, John Butler, Boy & Bear, Baby Animals, Jessica Mauboy, The Whitlams, Leo Sayer, Tim Finn, Mi-Sex, Troy Cassar-Daley, Chocolate Starfish, Furnace and the Fundamentals, Wendy Matthews, The Radiators, Shane Howard, Fanny Lumsden, 19-Twenty, Legacy – 60 Years of Fleetwood Mac, Hot Potato Band, Tom Busby and Wes Carr.

For more travel inspiration read the daily online "The Holiday and Travel Magazine" https://theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com/

Show the World Our Home: Capture the Beauty of the Hunter, Central Coast and Mid North Coast

The Hunter, Central Coast and Mid North Coast are home to some of New South Wales' most memorable landscapes, communities and travel experiences. Now Newcastle Airport is inviting photographers to capture what makes these regions special in a new photography competition celebrating World Photography Day.

Called "Show the World Our Home", the competition is encouraging people who live in, know and love the region to photograph the places, people and moments that represent home.

From spectacular coastal sunrises and iconic local landmarks to everyday scenes that reveal the character of regional New South Wales, the competition provides an opportunity to showcase the region through the eyes of the people who experience it every day.

Capture What Home Means to You

Photography has a remarkable ability to tell a destination's story.

A single image can capture a dramatic coastline, a quiet country landscape, a vibrant community event or an unforgettable aviation moment. Newcastle Airport's competition is designed to celebrate precisely these personal perspectives.

The Hunter, Central Coast and Mid North Coast offer an extraordinary range of photographic opportunities. Visitors and residents can discover beaches, mountains, vineyards, forests, historic towns, rural landscapes and busy regional communities, providing an almost endless variety of subjects.

The competition is therefore not simply about taking a beautiful photograph. It is about showing the character and identity of the region.

Photography Categories for Everyone

"Show the World Our Home" features five photography categories, providing opportunities for photographers of different ages and backgrounds.

The Junior Photographer category is open to primary school-aged entrants aged 5 to 12 years, while the Youth Photographer category is open to secondary school-aged entrants aged 13 to 17 years.

Adult amateur photographers can enter the Community Photographer category, while the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Photographer category provides an opportunity for eligible entrants to share their perspectives and connection to the region.

The Aviation Photographer category is open to eligible entrants of all ages and provides an opportunity to focus on aircraft, airports and aviation-related subjects.

Parent or legal guardian consent is required for entrants under 18 years.

A Chance to Win a Travel Prize

Lake Macquarie 

There is plenty of incentive to get behind the camera.

Each category winner will receive a $500 Newcastle Airport travel voucher, contributing to a total competition prize pool of $3,000.

A separate People's Choice Award will provide another $500 Newcastle Airport travel voucher, with the winner determined through public voting from the shortlisted photographs.

The winning and selected photographs will also receive valuable exposure, with opportunities for images to be displayed throughout Newcastle Airport, featured across its digital channels and included in a terminal exhibition.

For photographers, this provides more than a competition prize. It offers an opportunity to have their work seen by travellers passing through one of the region's important gateways.

Key Dates for the Photography Competition

Entries are now open, giving photographers time to explore their surroundings and capture an image that represents their vision of the region.

Entries close on 18 October 2026.

Finalists will be announced on 2 November 2026, followed by the announcement of the winners on 19 November 2026.

Photographers considering entering should allow enough time to select their strongest image and complete the online entry requirements before the closing date.

Your Region, Your Story

The beauty of a regional photography competition is that there is no single definition of what makes a great image.

For one photographer, it might be the first light appearing over a Hunter beach. For another, it could be a vineyard landscape, a country road, a local sporting event, a historic building or an aircraft taking off against the evening sky.

"Show the World Our Home" gives participants the opportunity to decide what deserves to be seen.

For travellers, the competition also provides a reminder of the extraordinary diversity found within the Hunter, Central Coast and Mid North Coast. These regions are filled with destinations worth exploring, from coastal communities and national parks to food and wine regions, heritage towns and regional attractions.

How to Enter

Newcastle Airport

Entering the competition is straightforward. Participants need to complete the online entry form and attach their photograph.

Before submitting an entry, photographers should check the official competition terms, eligibility requirements and category conditions provided by Newcastle Airport.

The competition is an invitation to look at familiar places differently and consider what makes the region worth sharing with the world.

Whether you are an aspiring junior photographer, an enthusiastic teenager, an amateur adult photographer, an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander photographer, or someone fascinated by aviation, there is a category designed to give you a chance to tell your story.

Newcastle Airport

Website: https://www.newcastleairport.com.au/
Email: enquiries@newcastleairport.com.au
Phone: +61 2 4928 9800
Address: Williamtown Drive, Williamtown NSW 2318, Australia

Photography competition entries and full terms and conditions are available through the official Newcastle Airport competition information and entry page.

For more travel inspiration read the daily online "The Holiday and Travel Magazine" https://theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com/

Discover Hawai‘i Through Its Farms: A Taste of the Islands from Kona Coffee to Tropical Cacao

Hawai‘i is celebrated around the world for its beaches, volcanic landscapes, warm hospitality and spectacular natural beauty, but there is another side of the islands waiting to be discovered.

Beyond the resorts and famous attractions, Hawai‘i's fertile volcanic soils support an extraordinary agricultural heritage. From Kona coffee and tropical fruit to cacao, honey, tea and taro, farms across the islands produce distinctive flavours while offering visitors the opportunity to meet the people who grow and create them.

For travellers seeking authentic Hawaiian experiences, a farm visit provides an opportunity to connect with the land, learn about local agriculture and taste products at their source.

Hawai‘i Island: Where Coffee Meets Volcanic Soil

Hawai‘i Island, often known as the Big Island, is particularly renowned for its agricultural experiences. The slopes of the Kona district provide the setting for one of the world's most famous coffee-growing regions.

Kona coffee is closely associated with Hawai‘i and is valued for its distinctive flavour and the unique growing conditions found on the island. Visiting a coffee farm allows travellers to go beyond simply drinking a cup of coffee and discover how the beans are cultivated, harvested, processed and roasted.

Among the farms and agricultural attractions to explore are Greenwell Farms, Kona Joe Coffee and the Kona Coffee Living History Farm.

Greenwell Farms: Discover the Kona Coffee Story

Greenwell Farms

Greenwell Farms offers visitors an opportunity to experience a working Kona coffee farm and learn about the history and production of Hawaiian coffee.

A farm visit can provide insight into the journey from coffee tree to finished cup, while the surrounding agricultural landscape demonstrates how Hawai‘i's climate and volcanic environment contribute to the character of Kona coffee.

For coffee lovers, exploring a Kona farm is one of the most rewarding food experiences on Hawai‘i Island.

Kona Joe Coffee: Coffee with a View

Kona Joe Coffee 

Kona Joe Coffee offers another way to discover the agricultural heritage of the Kona region.

The farm is known for its coffee-growing experience and provides visitors with an opportunity to see coffee cultivation in the landscape where Kona coffee is produced.

Travellers interested in Hawaiian food, coffee culture and sustainable agriculture can combine a farm visit with the pleasure of tasting locally produced coffee.

Kona Coffee Living History Farm: Step Back in Time

Kona Coffee Living History Farm

The Kona Coffee Living History Farm provides a different perspective on the island's coffee heritage.

Rather than simply focusing on the finished product, the living history experience helps visitors understand the people, traditions and working practices that shaped Kona's coffee-growing communities.

For travellers interested in Hawaiian history and culture, the farm offers an opportunity to see how coffee became an important part of life in the Kona region.

From Coffee to Hawaiian Chocolate

Hawai‘i's agricultural story extends far beyond coffee.

The islands' tropical climate also provides favourable conditions for growing cacao, the crop from which chocolate is made. Visiting a cacao farm or chocolate producer offers travellers the chance to learn about an increasingly important part of Hawai‘i's food culture.

The Original Hawaiian Chocolate Factory and Honoka‘a Chocolate Co. are among the experiences to consider when exploring Hawaiian chocolate.

Original Hawaiian Chocolate Factory: From Cacao to Chocolate

At the Original Hawaiian Chocolate Factory, visitors can discover more about the transformation of locally grown cacao into chocolate.

Honoka‘a Chocolate Co

For travellers who enjoy food tourism, chocolate experiences offer a fascinating insight into the agricultural and production processes behind one of the world's favourite treats.

Sampling locally produced chocolate also provides another opportunity to experience Hawai‘i through its distinctive flavours.

Honoka‘a Chocolate Co.: Discover Hawaiian Cacao

Located in the historic town of Honoka‘a, Honoka‘a Chocolate Co. provides another opportunity to explore Hawai‘i's developing cacao and chocolate culture.

The experience highlights how local ingredients can be transformed into products that reflect the character and creativity of the islands.

A visit can be combined with exploring Honoka‘a and the surrounding Hamakua Coast, making it an appealing stop for travellers interested in food, culture and local communities.

Ancient Leaf Tea: A Different Taste of Hawai‘i

Ancient Leaf Tea

Coffee may be Hawai‘i's most famous agricultural beverage, but tea is another fascinating part of the islands' farming story.

Ancient Leaf Tea provides visitors with an opportunity to discover Hawaiian-grown tea and experience another side of the islands' agricultural diversity.

Tea cultivation demonstrates how Hawai‘i's varied elevations, climates and volcanic landscapes can support an impressive range of crops.

For travellers looking for something beyond the traditional Hawaiian holiday, a tea farm experience can provide a quieter and more immersive way to connect with the land.

OK Farms: Connecting Visitors with Local Agriculture

OK Farms

OK Farms offers another opportunity to experience Hawai‘i's agricultural diversity.

Farm experiences can introduce visitors to tropical crops and the challenges and rewards of growing food in Hawai‘i. They also provide an opportunity to understand the importance of local farming and the connection between agriculture, communities and the Hawaiian landscape.

For visitors interested in sustainable travel, farm tourism can be an especially meaningful addition to an island itinerary.

Big Island Bees: Discover the World of Hawaiian Honey

Big Island Bees

Hawai‘i's agricultural experiences also extend to honey.

Big Island Bees provides an opportunity to discover beekeeping and Hawaiian honey while learning about the relationship between bees, flowers and agriculture.

Honey tasting offers a surprisingly distinctive way to experience the island because the flavour of honey can reflect the plants and environment from which the bees gather nectar.

For families, food lovers and travellers interested in nature, a visit connected with Hawaiian beekeeping can add another dimension to a Big Island holiday.

Why Farm Tourism Belongs on Your Hawai‘i Itinerary

Farm visits provide something that traditional sightseeing cannot always offer: direct contact with the people and places responsible for producing the food and beverages visitors enjoy.

A coffee tasting becomes more meaningful after seeing coffee trees growing on the slopes of Kona. Chocolate has a different story after learning about cacao cultivation. Honey becomes more fascinating when visitors understand the work of bees and beekeepers.

These experiences also encourage travellers to look beyond the most familiar attractions and discover local communities, working landscapes and Hawaiian products at their source.

Taste Hawai‘i Beyond the Beach

   Greenwell Farms

Hawai‘i's farms reveal an island destination shaped not only by spectacular scenery but also by agriculture, tradition, innovation and passionate local producers.

From the coffee farms of Kona to cacao and chocolate, tea plantations, tropical produce and Hawaiian honey, the Big Island offers travellers many opportunities to experience Hawai‘i through food and farming.

For visitors seeking authentic Hawaiian experiences, farm tourism provides a memorable way to slow down, meet local growers and producers, learn about the land and take home a deeper appreciation of the flavours of the islands.

The next time you travel to Hawai‘i, make time to venture beyond the beach. The story of the islands is growing in their fields, orchards, coffee plantations and farms.

Hawai‘i Tourism Authority

Website: https://www.gohawaii.com/

For destination information, travel inspiration and details about experiencing Hawai‘i, visit the official Hawai‘i tourism website.

For more travel inspiration read the daily online "The Holiday and Travel Magazine" https://theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com/

Arabian Travel Market 2026: Dubai to Explore the Future of Hospitality, Innovation and Experience-Led Travel

Arabian Travel Market (ATM)

The global travel industry will turn its attention to Dubai from 14 to 17 September 2026 when Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2026 returns to Dubai World Trade Centre.

Held under the theme “Travel 2040: Driving New Frontiers Through Innovation and Technology,” ATM 2026 will bring together tourism leaders, hospitality executives, destinations, technology innovators and travel professionals to examine the forces reshaping tourism across the Middle East and beyond.

Middle East Hospitality Looks to the Future

The Middle East continues to attract major tourism investment, supporting confidence across the region's hospitality industry.

Haitham Mattar, Managing Director, India, Middle East and Africa, IHG Hotels & Resorts, says continued investment in tourism across markets including the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Egypt is strengthening the industry's long-term outlook.

For hotels and resorts, this investment is creating opportunities to develop new destinations, accommodation concepts and experiences while responding to increasingly sophisticated travellers.

ATM 2026 will examine how hospitality businesses can remain resilient while adapting to rapidly changing consumer expectations.

From Hotel Rooms to Meaningful Experiences

One of the strongest themes emerging across global tourism is the shift from accommodation towards experiences.

Today's travellers are increasingly seeking memorable activities connected with gastronomy, wellness, culture, heritage and outdoor adventure. Hotels are therefore evolving beyond traditional accommodation to become gateways to local experiences.

This experience-led approach will be explored throughout the ATM 2026 conference programme, providing industry professionals with insights into how hospitality brands can create personalised and meaningful stays.

Can Hospitality Be Reinvented?

Arabian Travel Market (ATM)

The ATM Global Stage will host the session “Does the Hospitality Industry Need Reinventing?”, examining the commercial strategies being used by hotel operators to strengthen resilience and long-term value.

Topics will include asset repositioning, wellness, branded residences, mixed-use developments and experience-led programming.

Amir Golbarg, Chief Operating Officer of Minor Hotels, will contribute to the discussion, which will also examine changing investment priorities and the strategies influencing the future of hospitality.

What Do Today's Travellers Really Want?

On the Future Stage, “Decoding Hospitality Growth – What Do Today's Travellers Want?” will explore the increasingly diverse motivations influencing travel decisions.

The session will feature Hala Matar Choufany of HVS, Justin Reid of Tripadvisor, Jad Shamseddin of Aleph Hospitality and Sarah Duignan of STR.

Discussion will focus on how hotels can respond to travellers seeking combinations of wellness, culture, connection, personalisation and value.

For tourism businesses, understanding these changing expectations will be essential as competition for international visitors intensifies.

Technology Takes Centre Stage

Arabian Travel Market (ATM)

Technology will be another major focus at ATM 2026 through ATM Travel Tech, a dedicated event examining innovations transforming the guest journey.

Artificial intelligence, predictive services, robotics, immersive technology and smart hospitality solutions are among the technologies changing how hotels interact with guests.

The objective is not simply to introduce new technology, but to use innovation to create smoother, more personalised experiences while improving operational efficiency.

Global Hospitality Leaders Head to Dubai

Leading hospitality brands expected at ATM 2026 include IHG Hotels & Resorts, Accor, Minor Hotels, Rotana, Hilton, Jumeirah, Mandarin Oriental, Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts, Rixos Hotels and Sofitel.

Their participation reflects the importance of the Middle East as both a tourism destination and a major centre for hospitality investment.

For travel professionals, ATM provides opportunities to discover new destinations, examine emerging travel trends, develop business relationships and understand where the industry is heading.

Arabian Travel Market 2026 

Website: https://www.wtm.com/atm/en-gb.html
Event dates: 14–17 September 2026
Venue: Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Email: enquiries@arabiantravelmarket.com
Phone: +971 4 438 0355
Address: Dubai World Trade Centre, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

For more travel inspiration read the daily online "The Holiday and Travel Magazine" https://theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com/