Phnom Penh Tourism Development Plan 2026–2030: Cambodia’s Capital Sets Its Sights on the Future

Royal Palace of Cambodia complex in Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh is preparing for a major transformation as Cambodia launches a five-year tourism development plan designed to strengthen the capital as a leading urban tourism destination in South-East Asia.

The Phnom Penh Tourism Development Plan 2026–2030 was officially launched on 17 August 2026 by Cambodia’s Minister of Tourism Huot Hak and Phnom Penh Governor Khuong Sreng, with approximately 300 tourism stakeholders attending the launch. The plan provides a shared roadmap for developing tourism, improving visitor experiences and strengthening the capital’s regional competitiveness.

A New Vision for Phnom Penh Tourism

Phnom Penh is already Cambodia’s political, economic, commercial and cultural centre, as well as an important international gateway to the country.

Under the new tourism plan, the capital is looking beyond its traditional role to develop a more distinctive urban tourism identity combining history, culture, architecture, local lifestyles, cuisine and modern city experiences.

The strategy is based around the principles of Clean, Smart and Green, reflecting an emphasis on improving destination quality while responding to changing traveller expectations.

Greener Public Spaces and a Revitalised Riverfront

The Birdcage Boutique

One of the plan’s priorities is the continued development of Chaktomuk Walk Street and its surrounding riverfront area as a modern, green and environmentally friendly tourism zone.

Phnom Penh authorities also plan to develop additional public recreational parks capable of hosting major national and international tourism and sporting events.

A major 75-hectare public park and recreational area is also being developed at Boeung Tamok, adding to the capital’s expanding green spaces and providing opportunities for leisure, exercise and outdoor activities.

Better Ways to Explore the City

Phnom Penh

Getting around Phnom Penh is another focus of the 2026–2030 tourism strategy.

Plans include dedicated public transport lanes intended to help reduce traffic congestion, new cycling lanes and a public electric bicycle-sharing system.

For visitors, improved transport options could make it easier to explore the capital's attractions while offering alternatives to conventional road transport. The initiatives are also intended to benefit local residents and support a more connected urban environment.

Three Priorities for the Future

The tourism plan identifies three important strategic directions: Phnom Penh destination branding, tourism storytelling and night tourism development.

Rather than simply promoting individual attractions, the storytelling approach aims to connect visitors with the city's history, traditions, architecture, food and everyday life.

Expanding night-time tourism is intended to provide visitors with more things to see and do after dark, potentially encouraging longer stays and greater visitor spending across the city's hospitality, dining and entertainment sectors.

Discover the Phnom Penh of Tomorrow

Phnom Penh

For travellers planning a Cambodia holiday, Phnom Penh offers an increasingly diverse city experience, from riverside walks and historic architecture to Cambodian cuisine, markets, cultural attractions and contemporary urban life.

The Phnom Penh Tourism Development Plan 2026–2030 signals an ambitious period of development for Cambodia's capital. As new parks, transport improvements, cycling facilities, tourism products and evening experiences emerge, visitors will have new reasons to explore Phnom Penh and spend more time discovering the city.

Cambodia Ministry of Tourism

Website: https://www.tourismcambodia.org/
Address: No. 3, Preah Monivong Boulevard, Sangkat Srah Chak, Khan Daun Penh, Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Phnom Penh Capital Administration

Website: https://phnompenh.gov.kh/
Address: Phnom Penh, Cambodia

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Travel Insurance at Booking Protected in Australia Until 2031

Australian travellers and the travel businesses that help them plan holidays have gained greater certainty after the Federal Government extended an important travel insurance exemption until 5 October 2031.

The decision means eligible travel businesses can continue offering travel insurance when customers book their travel, rather than being required to delay the insurance sale under the Deferred Sales Model. The exemption, originally secured in 2021, had been due to expire on 5 October 2026. Regulations extending it for another five years were registered on 16 September 2026.

Travel Insurance Remains Available at the Time of Booking

The Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) has welcomed the extension following a sustained advocacy campaign.

ATIA has consistently argued that the time of booking is an important point for discussing travel insurance because travellers know their destination, itinerary and planned activities. The association also highlighted the risks of travellers delaying insurance after making potentially significant and non-refundable travel commitments.

For travellers, this can be particularly relevant when planning cruises, snow holidays, adventure travel or complex international itineraries where the activities and destinations can influence the type of insurance cover required.

Five More Years of Certainty for Travellers

The extension provides five additional years of certainty for travel agents, tour operators and other eligible travel businesses.

ATIA said the existing arrangement also operates alongside consumer protections, including a 14-day cooling-off period and Design and Distribution Obligations applying to insurance products.

ATIA Chief Executive Officer Dean Long said the decision provides important certainty for the industry's small and medium-sized businesses and maintains the ability to discuss travel insurance when customers commit to a trip.

The extension follows ATIA's February 2026 submission to Treasury calling for the exemption to continue. Treasury's consultation material had proposed extending the relevant class exemptions to 5 October 2031.

Why Travel Insurance Matters When Planning a Holiday

Travel insurance can protect travellers against a range of unexpected costs, depending on the policy purchased and its terms and conditions.

Medical treatment overseas, trip cancellation, travel disruption, baggage problems and other unforeseen events can potentially create substantial expenses. Buying insurance soon after booking can also be important because some policies provide cover for certain cancellation risks that arise before departure.

Travellers should always read the Product Disclosure Statement, understand exclusions and conditions, and check that the policy is suitable for their destination and planned activities.

The Government's extension does not remove the need for travellers to compare policies carefully. Instead, it maintains the ability for eligible travel businesses to discuss and arrange travel insurance at the point when a holiday or international trip is booked.

A Longer-Term Outlook for Australian Travel

The extension to 2031 provides a more stable regulatory environment for Australian travel businesses while keeping travel insurance discussions connected to the booking process.

For travellers planning their next holiday, the message is straightforward: consider travel insurance early, understand what is covered, and make insurance part of the travel planning process rather than leaving it until the last minute.

Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA)
Website: www.atia.travel
Phone: +61 2 9287 9900
Address: Suite 3, Level 31, 31 Market Street, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia

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Adults Only Magic Show at Sydney Fringe: My Night of Naughty Magic, Comedy and Surprises

Sam Hume and Justin Williams

I have seen plenty of live entertainment over the years, but the Adults Only Magic Show at Sydney Fringe Festival offered something rather different. Attending this R18+ performance at Fool’s Paradise, The Bunker, in Sydney’s Entertainment Quarter, I discovered a show that combines magic, outrageous adult humour, cheeky surprises and audience participation in a thoroughly unconventional evening of entertainment.

Featuring magicians Sam Hume and Justin Williams, together with assistant Richard Sullivan, the production takes traditional magic and gives it a decidedly mischievous makeover. This is certainly not a show for anyone expecting a polite magician pulling rabbits from hats!

Magic With a Naughty Twist

From the outset, the Adults Only Magic Show makes it clear that conventional rules are there to be broken. The performers mix the mystery of magic with risqué jokes, suggestive humour and unexpected twists, creating an atmosphere in which laughter is just as important as amazement.

What I particularly enjoyed about the concept was the way the show combines two different forms of entertainment. The magic provides the mystery, while the adult comedy keeps the audience laughing and wondering what outrageous moment might come next.

There is plenty of cheeky material, double entendres and deliberately provocative humour. The R18+ classification is well deserved, and the production is clearly aimed at adults who enjoy their entertainment with a generous helping of irreverence.

Sam Hume and Justin Williams Keep the Audience Guessing

Sam Hume

Magicians Sam Hume and Justin Williams are the driving forces behind the performance. Both bring an engaging stage presence to the production, using comic timing, misdirection and theatrical confidence to keep the audience involved.

Rather than presenting magic as a series of formal demonstrations, they build comedy around the tricks and make the unexpected an essential part of the experience. Just when you think you understand where a routine is heading, another surprise can change the direction of the joke or illusion.

Assistant Richard Sullivan also plays an important role in bringing the performance to life, contributing to the action and helping create the unexpected moments that make live magic so entertaining.

The performers understand that a successful comedy magic show is about more than fooling an audience. It is also about personality, timing and creating a shared experience in which everyone can enjoy the joke.

Illusions, Surprises and Audience Participation

One of the enjoyable elements of the Adults Only Magic Show is the involvement of the audience. Rather than simply watching from a distance, spectators can find themselves becoming part of the action.

Audience participation adds an extra dimension to the performance because there is always an element of unpredictability when people are brought into a live show. The resulting reactions, laughter and spontaneous moments help give the production its lively atmosphere.

The magic draws on familiar theatrical techniques, including sleight of hand, misdirection and visual surprises, but the adult comedy gives these elements a very different flavour from a traditional family magic show.

For me, the appeal lies in the combination of mystery and mischief. The audience is encouraged to relax, enjoy the jokes and accept that this is entertainment that deliberately refuses to take itself too seriously.

An Award-Winning Fringe Festival Production

Sam Hume

The Adults Only Magic Show has established a strong presence on the Australian fringe festival circuit, winning Best Magic Show in the Adelaide Fringe Weeklies awards in 2021, 2023, 2024 and 2026.

It has also received enthusiastic reviews, including five-star praise from The Wee Review and One4ReviewUK. Edinburgh Theatre Weekly described the production as “An Absolute Riot!”

These accolades help explain why the show continues to attract attention among audiences looking for something different from conventional theatre and comedy.

My Verdict: A Very Different Night Out in Sydney

Attending the Adults Only Magic Show was an opportunity to experience a side of live entertainment that is deliberately outrageous, playful and unconventional. Sam Hume and Justin Williams, supported by Richard Sullivan, deliver a combination of magic and adult comedy designed to entertain audiences who appreciate humour that pushes boundaries.

The production will not suit everyone, particularly those who prefer traditional magic or family-friendly comedy. However, for adults looking for an alternative night out during the Sydney Fringe Festival, it offers a distinctive blend of illusions, laughter and audience involvement.

My recommendation is to go with an open mind, expect the unexpected and remember that this is very much an adults-only experience. If you enjoy magic with a cheeky sense of humour, the Adults Only Magic Show provides an entertaining alternative to a conventional night at the theatre.

Adults Only Magic Show

Presented as part of the Sydney Fringe Festival
Venue: Fool’s Paradise, The Bunker, Entertainment Quarter, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Performance dates:  until10 October 2026
Duration: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Classification: R18+
Ticket prices: $45–$49, plus applicable booking fee
Website: https://sydneyfringe.com/

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University of Sydney Community Festival 2026: A Free Day of Discovery, Fun and Connection

Sydney families, alumni, students and visitors can enjoy a day of discovery, entertainment and community when the University of Sydney Community Festival 2026 opens the Camperdown campus to everyone on Saturday 7 November.

Running from 11am to 4pm, the free University of Sydney Community Festival offers live entertainment, family-friendly activities, inspiring talks, hands-on workshops, guided tours, food and plenty of opportunities to explore one of Sydney's most historic university campuses.

A Day of Ideas, Entertainment and Family Fun

The Community Festival is designed to bring the University of Sydney and the wider community together for a relaxed day of experiences and activities.

Visitors can discover interactive displays, listen to talks, enjoy live performances and take part in hands-on activities. There will also be plenty for younger visitors, including lawn games, roaming performers, magic experiences and research activities designed to make learning entertaining.

Among the festival highlights are a Diwali interactive performance, the Glebe Public School Concert Band, The Great Comedy Debate, Wild World of Sports and the special Whimsy and Wizardry in the Great Hall experience.

Explore the Historic Camperdown Campus

For visitors interested in Sydney history and architecture, the festival provides an opportunity to explore areas of the University that are not always experienced during an ordinary campus visit.

Guided tours include the iconic Quadrangle, Fisher Library, the War Memorial Carillon, the Old Medical School, Law School and Pharmacy facilities, along with other behind-the-scenes experiences.

The Quadrangle heritage tour offers a fascinating walk through the University's Gothic architecture and history, while Carillon tours provide a rare opportunity to climb the tower and discover how music is played across its 54 bronze bells.

Magic in the Great Hall

One of the festival's more unusual attractions will be Whimsy and Wizardry in the Great Hall.

Running throughout the festival, the experience combines live magic, music, hands-on activities and roaming performers. Selected sessions will feature Adam Mada's Magic Marvels, bringing illusion, storytelling and audience participation into the historic Great Hall.

Plan Your Visit

The University of Sydney Community Festival 2026 is free, but visitors are encouraged to register before attending. Some activities have capacity limits and popular tours operate on a first-come, first-served basis.

The festival will be held at the University of Sydney Camperdown campus on Saturday 7 November 2026 from 11am to 4pm.

Public transport is encouraged, with Redfern and Central stations providing access to the campus and a free shuttle bus operating during the festival. Limited free campus parking will also be available.

University of Sydney

Website: https://www.sydney.edu.au
Community Festival: https://community-festival.sydney.edu.au/2026/
Email: alumni.office@sydney.edu.au
Phone: +61 2 9036 9222
Address: Camperdown Campus, University of Sydney, Camperdown NSW 2006

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Season Event Design: Creating Stylish and Memorable Business Events in Christchurch

Season Event Design

A successful corporate event should create an atmosphere that guests remember long after the final presentation has finished. In Christchurch, Season Event Design creates stylish, polished event spaces designed around the people, purpose and personality of each occasion.

Listed by Business Events Industry Aotearoa as a Christchurch and Canterbury business events service, Season Event Design specialises in high-end corporate events. The company was also one of the exhibitors at MEETINGS 2026, held at the New Zealand International Convention Centre in Auckland on 17 and 18 June 2026.

Designing Spaces with Personality

Season Event Design approaches an event space as a three-dimensional expression of a brand. Its team works with clients to create environments that reflect their business, people and event objectives.

The company provides complete event design services as well as individual elements for clients who need a particular component brought to life. From the initial concept through to construction and installation, the team works to ensure that the finished space is cohesive, practical and visually engaging.

In-Season: Contemporary Design with a Local Connection

Season Event Design

Season Event Design draws inspiration from the Canterbury region, combining contemporary styling with natural materials, fresh seasonal florals and living plants.

A strong focus on sustainability is incorporated into its approach, with high-end finishes balanced by thoughtful design choices intended to reduce the environmental footprint of an event.

This can create a sophisticated setting while retaining a sense of connection to Christchurch and its surrounding region.

Seasonal: Fresh Ideas and Bespoke Details

The team is continually developing new event décor concepts and searching for fresh ideas to keep corporate events distinctive.

Season also works with a network of local fabricators, painters and seamstresses, supporting local creative businesses while producing bespoke pieces. Custom builds can provide an event with details that are designed specifically for the occasion rather than selected from standard hire ranges.

Well-Seasoned Event Experience

Season Event Design

With more than 20 years of industry experience and qualified design expertise, the Season Event Design team brings together creative thinking and practical event production.

Its services include themed events, stage décor, event florals, table styling, entrance features, signage and displays, event drapery, decorative lighting, food station décor, cocktail and lounge furniture, photo backdrops, plant hire and expo design and build.

Season-to-Taste: Transforming Event Venues

Season Event Design works with corporate clients to present venues at their best and create distinctive environments for conferences, gala dinners, brand activations and other business events.

The company is also a recommended supplier to Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre, extending its role within Christchurch's business events sector.

For event organisers planning a conference, gala dinner, corporate celebration or exhibition in Christchurch, Season Event Design offers a combination of creative design, local collaboration and practical event experience.

Season Event Design

Season Event Design

Contact: Esther Riley
Address: 2 Stanley Street, Sydenham, Christchurch, New Zealand
Phone: +64 3 391 0765
Email: info@seasoneventdesign.co.nz
Website: https://seasoneventdesign.co.nz/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/seasoneventdesign/

For more travel, tourism and business events news from around the world, visit the daily online edition of The Holiday and Travel Magazine at https://theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com/.

Los Angeles History 2000 to the Present: A City Always Reinventing Itself

Walt Disney Concert Hall

Los Angeles entered the new millennium as a global capital of entertainment, culture and creativity. Since 2000, the City of Angels has continued to evolve through remarkable architectural landmarks, world-class museums, major sporting events and an increasingly diverse cultural identity.

From the opening of Walt Disney Concert Hall to the arrival of the Academy Museum and the global spotlight of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, this period has added remarkable new chapters to the history of Los Angeles.

2000 to 2009: A New Cultural Era

The twenty-first century began with East Hollywood being designated America's first official Thai Town in 2000, reflecting the multicultural character that has become central to Los Angeles.

Getty Villa, Photo: Yuri Hasegawa

In 2001, the Kodak Theatre, now the Dolby Theatre, opened in Hollywood, while Hollywood and Highland created a major new entertainment destination. The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels opened in Downtown Los Angeles in 2002.

One of the city's most celebrated modern landmarks arrived in 2003 when Walt Disney Concert Hall opened. Designed by Frank Gehry, the striking building became an architectural icon and home of the Los Angeles Philharmonic.

The Getty Villa and Griffith Observatory reopened following major renovations in 2006. In 2008, L.A. LIVE and the GRAMMY Museum opened in Downtown Los Angeles, adding new dimensions to the city's entertainment and cultural scene.

2010 to 2019: Los Angeles Expands Its Global Influence

Jurassic World - The Ride

Photo: Universal Studios Hollywood

The 2010s saw Los Angeles strengthen its reputation as an international destination for arts, entertainment, food and major events.

The city continued developing its museums, neighbourhoods and creative industries while remaining one of the world's most important centres for filmmaking and popular culture. In 2019, Universal Studios Hollywood opened Jurassic World: The Ride, while Los Angeles celebrated major anniversaries at institutions including UCLA, the Petersen Automotive Museum and the Hollywood Pantages Theatre.

2020 to 2021: New Landmarks in a Changing City

SoFi Stadium

In 2020, SoFi Stadium opened in Inglewood as the home of the Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers. The enormous indoor-outdoor venue added another major destination for international sport and entertainment.

The year was also memorable for Los Angeles sport, with the Lakers winning their 17th NBA championship and the Dodgers claiming their seventh World Series title.

In 2021, the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures opened on Museum Row. Designed by architect Renzo Piano, the museum celebrates the history and global influence of filmmaking and provides visitors with a fascinating connection to the city's entertainment heritage.

2022 to 2024: New Leadership and Major Attractions

Intuit Dome

In 2022, Karen Bass became the first woman and second Black mayor of Los Angeles, marking an important milestone in the city's political history.

In 2024, Intuit Dome opened in Inglewood as the new home of the Los Angeles Clippers. The state-of-the-art arena added another major sports and entertainment venue to the region.

The year was also significant for Los Angeles sport, with the Dodgers winning their eighth World Series and the LA Galaxy claiming their record sixth MLS Cup.

2025 to 2026: Los Angeles Takes the World Stage

Hollywood Bowl

Los Angeles entered 2025 with major cultural milestones, including the centennial of the Los Angeles Central Library and the 90th anniversary of Griffith Observatory. The Dodgers then won their second consecutive World Series.

In 2026, Los Angeles has entered an extraordinary new chapter. The David Geffen Galleries at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art opened to the public in May, adding 110,000 square feet of gallery space and creating a major new cultural landmark.

The city also welcomed the FIFA World Cup 2026, with eight matches attracting more than 560,000 fans across the tournament. Los Angeles is now looking ahead to Super Bowl LXI in 2027 and the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The Ever-Changing City of Los Angeles

For travellers, exploring modern Los Angeles means discovering a city where history, creativity and innovation continually intersect. From Hollywood and Downtown LA to its museums, sporting venues and diverse neighbourhoods, every visit reveals another chapter.

With major cultural openings and international events continuing to reshape the destination, the history of Los Angeles is not simply something to look back upon. It is still being written.

Discover Los Angeles

Website: www.discoverlosangeles.com
Email: info@latourism.org
Phone: +1 213 624 7300
Address: 633 West 5th Street, Los Angeles, California 90071, USA

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

Cindy Poole Glass Artist: Discover Esperance Through Art, Glass and Sustainability

Cindy Poole

A Unique Glass Art Experience in Esperance

Visitors exploring Esperance in Western Australia can discover a different side of the region at Cindy Poole Glass Artist, where contemporary glass art, local stories and sustainable design come together in a working gallery and studio.

Located near Pink Lake and just off Great Ocean Drive, the gallery showcases handcrafted kiln-formed glass artworks inspired by the landscapes, wildlife and natural beauty of Esperance. The studio has developed its glass practice since 1995, transforming glass through heat, layering and detailed craftsmanship.

Discover the Art of Kiln-Formed Glass

A visit to Cindy Poole Glass Artist goes beyond browsing a traditional gallery. Visitors can explore jewellery, sculptural artworks, homewares and other contemporary glass creations while learning about the techniques used to transform raw and reclaimed materials.

The gallery's collections include glass jewellery, sculptures, wearable art and functional pieces, with recurring themes drawn from nature and the Esperance environment. Some works incorporate reclaimed architectural glass and recycled glass bottles, giving discarded materials a new purpose through creative design.

Sustainability Meets Creative Design

Esperance Whale Tail. Public artwork
by Cindy Poole & Jason Wooldridge

Sustainability is an important part of Cindy Poole's glass practice. Reclaimed and recycled glass can be transformed into attractive objects for everyday use, demonstrating how materials that might otherwise become waste can be given a new life.

The approach provides travellers with an opportunity to discover Australian-made art while learning about creative reuse, circular design and the possibilities of sustainable craftsmanship. The gallery experience explores the processes and stories behind the artworks and the role of recycled glass in the studio.

Take a Piece of Esperance Home

For visitors wanting a memorable souvenir of Western Australia, the gallery offers a wide selection of handcrafted pieces, including jewellery, vessels, tableware, sculptures and decorative artworks.

Nature provides a strong source of inspiration, with works featuring themes such as whale tails, leafy sea dragons, ocean forms and the Esperance landscape. Cindy Poole has also contributed to public art projects in the region, including the Esperance Whale Tail.

Get Hands-On with a Glass Workshop

Cindy Poole

Travellers can take their experience further by booking a guided studio tour or hands-on workshop. The Discover experience provides a behind-the-scenes look at the gallery and studio, including the design process, equipment and skills involved in creating kiln-fired glass art.

For those wanting to create their own keepsake, Discover and Create experiences provide an opportunity to participate in the making process and take home a personal glass memento of an Esperance holiday.

For travellers exploring Australia's Golden Outback, Cindy Poole Glass Artist offers a creative Esperance attraction where art, local storytelling, craftsmanship and sustainability meet.

Cindy Poole Glass Artist

Website: https://www.cindypoole.com.au/
Email: sales@cindypoole.com.au
Phone: +61 497 714 059
Address: 23 Longbottom Lane, Esperance WA 6450, Australia
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday, 1.00pm to 4.00pm; private appointments available by arrangement.

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

The Coffee Harvesters of Indonesia: Discovering the Patience Behind Every Bean

The Coffee Harvesters of Indonesia

For travellers who love coffee, Indonesia offers the chance to discover the drink at its source. Across the country's volcanic highlands and tropical plantations, coffee is grown in landscapes ranging from the mountains of Sumatra and Java to Bali, Sulawesi and Flores.

A visit to an Indonesian coffee plantation can reveal something that is easy to overlook when ordering a cup in a cafe: great coffee begins with decisions made in the field.

One of the most important decisions is knowing when to pick.

The Moment a Coffee Cherry Is Ready

Coffee cherries do not all ripen at the same time. On a single branch, green, yellow and deep red cherries can appear together.

For coffee harvesters, this creates a simple but demanding task. Rather than taking every cherry at once, ripe fruit can be selected while cherries that have not reached the desired stage are left on the plant for another picking.

For visitors walking through a coffee plantation, watching this process provides an insight into the patience and experience behind coffee production.

The difference between a cherry that is ready and one that needs more time may appear small to an inexperienced observer. For someone who has spent years working among coffee plants, the colour, appearance and maturity of the fruit help guide the decision.

Experience Indonesia's Coffee Regions

The Coffee Harvesters of Indonesia

Indonesia is one of the world's major coffee-producing countries, with distinctive coffee-growing regions spread across the archipelago. The country's mountainous terrain, tropical climate and fertile volcanic soils contribute to a wide variety of coffee-growing environments.

Travellers can explore coffee experiences in places such as the Gayo Highlands of Aceh, Kintamani in Bali, Tana Toraja in Sulawesi and the highlands of Flores.

Each destination offers something different. Gayo is renowned for its coffee-growing highlands, Kintamani is associated with Arabica coffee grown alongside fruit trees, while Toraja and Flores offer their own distinctive coffee traditions and landscapes.

See Coffee Being Harvested by Hand

For tourists, one of the most rewarding ways to understand Indonesian coffee is to visit a plantation during the harvest season.

Indonesia's official tourism website highlights coffee tourism experiences where visitors can learn about cultivation, harvesting and traditional processing. In the Gayo Highlands, for example, visitors can experience coffee harvesting and traditional processing.

In Rigis Jaya, Lampung, visitors can follow the journey from coffee cultivation and harvesting through processing, roasting and tasting. The coffee village provides an opportunity to meet local farmers and learn about the work involved in producing Robusta coffee.

These experiences turn coffee tourism into more than simply drinking a cup. They allow travellers to understand the people, landscapes and skills behind the finished product.

From Cherry to Coffee Cup

The Coffee Harvesters of Indonesia

Once coffee cherries have been harvested, the work continues. Depending on the region and production method, the fruit undergoes processing, drying, hulling and roasting before the beans are ready to brew.

Some Indonesian communities continue to use traditional processing methods passed from one generation to the next. At Wae Rebo on Flores, for example, coffee is traditionally processed by hand, giving visitors an opportunity to see how coffee moves from freshly picked cherries towards a finished drink.

For a traveller, seeing these stages can completely change the way a morning coffee tastes.

Travel Into Indonesia's Coffee Country

Coffee tourism can also take visitors beyond the major cities and well-known tourist attractions. Plantation visits introduce travellers to mountain villages, rural communities and agricultural landscapes that may otherwise remain outside a conventional Indonesian itinerary.

In some destinations, visitors can combine plantation walks with coffee tasting, roasting demonstrations or hands-on harvesting experiences. Activities vary between destinations, so checking arrangements with local operators before travelling is recommended.

When visiting working plantations, travellers should follow local instructions, avoid damaging coffee plants and ask permission before photographing farmers or workers.

The Patience Behind Every Bean

The Coffee Harvesters of Indonesia

The most memorable lesson from Indonesia's coffee plantations may be one of patience.

A coffee harvester sees a branch differently from a visitor. One cherry may be ready today, another tomorrow and another several days later. The decision to wait is part of the craft.

For travellers, discovering this process adds a human dimension to Indonesia's famous coffee culture. Behind every cup is a landscape, a farmer, a harvest and thousands of small decisions made at exactly the right moment.

The next time you enjoy an Indonesian coffee, remember the person in the plantation who knew which cherry to pick today and which one to leave behind.

Ministry of Tourism of the Republic of Indonesia

Website: https://www.indonesia.travel/
Email: info@kemenpar.go.id
Phone: +62 21 3838000
WhatsApp Contact Centre: +62 811 8956 767
Address: Sapta Pesona Building, Jl. Medan Merdeka Barat No. 17, Gambir, Jakarta Pusat, Jakarta 10110, Indonesia.

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

Hui Pass Makes Delegate Travel Easier at Auckland Business Events

Hui Pass 

Getting hundreds of delegates around a destination can be one of the practical challenges of organising a conference or business event. Auckland Convention Bureau and Auckland Transport have introduced Hui Pass, a simple public transport option designed specifically for delegates attending business events in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland.

Auckland Convention Bureau was one of the exhibitors at MEETINGS 2026 and used the event to showcase Auckland’s business events offering, including the new Hui Pass initiative.

Five Days of Unlimited Auckland Travel

Hui Pass is a public transport travel card created for conferences, meetings and business events in Auckland. Each card provides five consecutive days of unlimited travel on Auckland buses and trains from the first time it is used.

The pass costs NZ$20 per card and is available to business event organisers through bulk purchase, with a minimum order of 50 cards. AirportLink bus services are included, making the pass particularly useful for delegates travelling between Auckland Airport, accommodation and the city.

Ferry services are not included, with standard ferry fares applying separately. After the five-day period, delegates can top up their cards and continue using them with standard public transport fares.

A Simple Solution for Conference Delegates

Launch of Hui Pass 

Hui Pass can make it easier for delegates to travel between hotels, conference venues, restaurants and attractions without having to arrange individual transport for every journey.

For event organisers, the cards can be incorporated into delegate registration, sponsorship packages or event experiences. Organisers can also customise the front of the card with event artwork, conference branding or sponsor branding for an additional fee.

The five-day format also gives delegates the freedom to explore Auckland independently before or after conference sessions. From central Auckland, delegates can use public transport to discover different neighbourhoods, dining areas and visitor experiences.

Supporting More Sustainable Business Events

Encouraging delegates to use public transport can support sustainability objectives by reducing dependence on private transfers and individual vehicles.

Hui Pass also reflects Auckland’s continuing investment in public transport. Auckland Convention Bureau highlights the City Rail Link as part of the city’s evolving transport network, with the rail link scheduled to open in late 2026.

For conference organisers, the result is a practical delegate benefit that can also contribute to a more connected and sustainable Auckland business event.

How Organisers Can Order Hui Pass

Sample Hui Card

Business event organisers and professional conference organisers can purchase Hui Pass through Auckland Transport. Orders should be placed at least four weeks before the event.

The process involves estimating delegate numbers, submitting an order request, receiving confirmation and invoice details, and having the cards prepared and couriered to the nominated New Zealand address for distribution before or during the event.

Auckland Convention Bureau

Contact: Ken Pereira, Head of Business Events
Phone: +64 21 142 2245
Email: meet@aucklandnz.com
Website: https://aucklandconventionbureau.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/auckland-convention-bureau/home/

Auckland Transport

Website: https://at.govt.nz/
Hui Pass information: https://at.govt.nz/bus-train-ferry/hui-pass
Phone: +64 9 355 3553
Website: https://at.govt.nz/

For more travel, tourism and business events news from around the world, visit the daily online edition of The Holiday and Travel Magazine at https://theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com/.

Three More Captivating Landscapes in Inland NSW You Need to See

Bald Rock National Park

Inland NSW is filled with remarkable scenery, from enormous granite formations and vast inland waterways to mysterious natural rock landscapes. These three destinations offer unforgettable experiences for travellers exploring the New England High Country.

1) Bald Rock National Park, Tenterfield

Rising more than 200 metres above the surrounding bushland, Bald Rock is Australia's largest granite monolith. Around 250 million years old, the enormous rock stretches about 750 metres long and 500 metres wide, creating a spectacular landscape in Bald Rock National Park.

A challenging walking track leads to the summit, where visitors can enjoy sweeping views across the surrounding countryside. Keep watch for rock wallabies and other native wildlife along the way.

Where to stay: Gabarraa Luxury Escape offers an architectural timber tiny home experience on a farm, while Tenterfield provides dining options including the award-winning Stonefruit wine bar.

2) Lake Copeton, Inverell

Lake Copeton

Lake Copeton is one of the largest inland dams in NSW, covering about 46 square kilometres in the Gwydir Valley. On calm, clear days, the enormous lake can create a mirror-like reflection of the surrounding sky and hills.

The lake is a popular destination for fishing, sailing, waterskiing, canoeing, swimming and other water activities. Visitors can also enjoy bushwalking, camping and picnicking, while the lookout beside the 113 metre-high dam wall provides impressive views.

Where to stay: Reflections Copeton Waters Holiday Park sits on 900 hectares beside the lake, with cabins, powered and unpowered camping sites, a playground and splashpad.

3) Australian Standing Stones, Glen Innes

The Australian Standing Stone

In the New England High Country near Glen Innes, enormous granite stones create a distinctive landscape reminiscent of ancient stone circles. Some of the formations stand more than five metres high, while natural erosion over thousands of years has shaped their unusual forms.

The Australian Standing Stones form part of the National Celtic Monument and provide a fascinating place to explore the region's granite landscape.

Where to stay: Tui Lodge offers farm-stay accommodation on a 12-hectare property populated by alpacas, goats, sheep and other animals. Nearby Glen Gowrie Distillery in the Furracabad Valley provides another local experience.

Explore Inland NSW

From the enormous granite walls of Bald Rock to the sparkling waters of Lake Copeton and the unusual formations of the Australian Standing Stones, these three destinations showcase the extraordinary variety of inland NSW landscapes.

Destination NSW

Website: https://www.visitnsw.com/
Phone: 1800 002 234

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

Disney’s Frozen The Broadway Musical Brings a Magical Adventure to Newcastle

Disney’s Frozen The Broadway Musical

A Magical Adventure to Warm Your Heart

Newcastle families and theatre lovers can step into the magical world of Arendelle when Disney’s Frozen The Broadway Musical arrives at Civic Theatre Newcastle from 10 to 25 October 2026.

Presented by The Very Popular Theatre Company, this spectacular stage production brings the beloved Disney animated story to life with Elsa, Anna, Olaf, Kristoff and Sven at the centre of an unforgettable theatrical adventure. The production combines familiar songs, new stage numbers, colourful costumes, impressive sets and special effects to create an experience designed to delight audiences of all ages.

Step Into the World of Arendelle

Disney’s Frozen The Broadway Musical

Frozen tells the story of sisters Elsa and Anna and their extraordinary journey of family, courage and love. When Elsa’s magical powers place Arendelle in danger, Anna sets out on an adventure that takes her into the mountains and towards an unexpected discovery about what truly matters.

Audiences can look forward to much-loved songs including Let It Go, Do You Want to Build a Snowman? and For the First Time in Forever, alongside additional songs written especially for the Broadway stage version.

With spectacular stagecraft helping transport audiences from Newcastle to the icy landscapes of Arendelle, Disney’s Frozen The Broadway Musical offers an opportunity for both longtime Frozen fans and newcomers to experience the story in a completely different way.

A Special Newcastle Theatre Experience

Disney’s Frozen The Broadway Musical

The Newcastle production is staged by The Very Popular Theatre Company, a Newcastle-based theatre company established in 2006 with a focus on bridging the gap between community and professional theatre in the Hunter region. Its productions encompass musical theatre, comedy, reimagined classics and other popular theatrical styles.

The season includes evening and matinee performances across October, making it possible for families, visitors and theatre enthusiasts to choose a performance that suits their Newcastle itinerary. The production runs for approximately two hours and 20 minutes, including a 20-minute interval, and is recommended for audiences aged five and over.

A special Auslan-interpreted and fundraising performance is scheduled for Saturday 24 October at 1pm, with $10 from every ticket sold donated to the John Hunter Children’s Hospital School.

Plan a Newcastle Theatre Visit

Disney’s Frozen The Broadway Musical

Civic Theatre Newcastle is located at 375 Hunter Street in the heart of Newcastle. The theatre provides an ideal starting point for a city visit, with the Honeysuckle Foreshore, restaurants, cafes and other Newcastle attractions within easy reach.

Disney’s Frozen The Broadway Musical is scheduled for performances from Saturday 10 October through Sunday 25 October 2026, with tickets and special offers available through the official production and Civic Theatre websites.

For families looking for things to do in Newcastle, or visitors seeking a memorable theatre experience during an October getaway, a journey to Arendelle promises an evening filled with music, adventure, laughter and the enduring message of the power of family.

The Very Popular Theatre Company

Website: https://frozennewcastle.com.au/
Email: admin@verypopulartheatreco.com.au
Phone: 1300 367 852
Address: 144 Fern Street, Islington, NSW 2296, Australia

Civic Theatre Newcastle

Website: https://civictheatrenewcastle.com.au/
Email: civicboxoffice@ncc.nsw.gov.au
Phone: (02) 4929 1977
Address: 375 Hunter Street, Newcastle, NSW 2300, Australia

For tickets and current performance information, visit the official Frozen Newcastle website or Civic Theatre Newcastle.

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

Selwyn NZ: Where Business Events Meet Beautiful Canterbury Surroundings

Lincoln Event Centre

For business event organisers looking for a destination that combines professional facilities with the natural beauty of Canterbury, Selwyn NZ offers a refreshing alternative to traditional city venues.

Located just 20 minutes from Christchurch, Selwyn provides a diverse collection of venues suitable for meetings, conferences, exhibitions, incentive events, team-building activities and celebrations. Selwyn NZ was one of the exhibitors at MEETINGS 2026, New Zealand's leading business events trade show, showcasing the district's opportunities to the international business events community.

Flexible Venues for Business Events

Selwyn's business events venues range from modern purpose-built facilities and community centres to boutique rural venues, wineries and distinctive agricultural settings.

The district's venues can accommodate groups ranging from intimate meetings of just a few people through to large-scale events for up to 1,000 attendees. Many venues provide commercial kitchens, complimentary on-site parking and essential audiovisual equipment including projectors, screens and sound systems.

This flexibility makes Selwyn suitable for everything from executive strategy sessions and board meetings to conferences, gala dinners, exhibitions and corporate celebrations.

Conferences Close to Christchurch

Straight 8 Estate

One of Selwyn's attractions for conference organisers is its convenient location. The district provides a setting away from the distractions of central Christchurch while remaining close enough to make access straightforward for delegates.

Lincoln Event Centre, for example, is around 35 minutes from Christchurch city centre and 25 minutes from Christchurch Airport. The purpose-built facility features spaces for conferences, exhibitions, gala dinners, annual meetings and large functions.

Other venues throughout Selwyn provide different experiences, including the modern Te Ara Ātea in Rolleston and the West Melton Community Centre, offering organisers a choice of facilities and locations.

Business Events with a Sense of Place

Beyond the meeting room, Selwyn gives delegates opportunities to experience the landscapes, food, wine and outdoor activities of Canterbury.

The district stretches across the Canterbury Plains towards the Southern Alps and includes fertile farmland, braided rivers, high-country landscapes and distinctive rural communities. Delegates can complement a conference programme with activities such as hiking, cycling, golf, skiing, jet boating, farm experiences, food and wine activities and stargazing.

For incentive groups and executive retreats, Selwyn also offers boutique venues and high-country accommodation where delegates can experience a very different side of New Zealand.

A Destination for Memorable Events

Lincoln Event Centre

Whether planning a small corporate meeting, a multi-day conference, an exhibition, gala dinner, incentive programme or team-building experience, Selwyn combines practical event facilities with the character and open spaces of rural Canterbury.

For organisers seeking a business events destination near Christchurch that offers flexibility, natural surroundings and a wide range of experiences, Selwyn provides plenty of possibilities.

Selwyn NZ

Contact: Shay Robinson
Address: 2 Norman Kirk Drive, Rolleston, New Zealand
Phone: +64 3 325 3288
Email: shay.robinson@selwyn.govt.nz
Website: https://selwyn.nz/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/selwynnewzealand/

Shay Robinson has been associated with Selwyn District Council's economic development and visitor economy work.

For more travel, tourism and business events news from around the world, visit the daily online edition of The Holiday and Travel Magazine at https://theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com/.