Islamorada and Long Key, the 'Purple Isles'

The fisherman's paradise known as Islamorada was incorporated as a municipality in January 1998. Now called Islamorada, Village of Islands, the village that measures 20 miles long and, in some places, barely 150 feet wide encompasses Plantation, Windley, Upper and Lower Matecumbe keys.

Legend has it the area was named by Spanish explorers who, seeing the purple sky at sunset and the purple bougainvillea, used the words “isla” and “morado” or purple island.

It's probably more likely that the area was named by William J. Krome, the primary surveyor for the Over-Sea Railroad that traversed the Keys. Trains would only stop at named towns, so Krome is said to have christened the location on Upper Matecumbe Key “Islamorada,” after the schooner Island Home owned by the pioneering Pinder family.

Known as the Sport-Fishing Capital of the World, Islamorada is where backcountry sport fishing and saltwater fly fishing were pioneered. It's where legendary fishing figures including Ted Williams, Jimmy Albright, and Cecil Keith plied their trade. Perhaps the world's highest density of professional offshore charter boats with tournament-grade captains can be found in Islamorada.

Islamorada's unique location, lying between Florida Bay (the “backcountry”) and the Atlantic Ocean (the “front side”), provides an unrivaled diversity of fishing opportunities. The Gulf Stream flows past the islands from 10 to 20 miles offshore, bringing seasonal visitors like sailfish and marlin, kingfish and wahoo, dolphin (mahi-mahi) and tuna close enough to shore to be targeted by small-boat anglers. Tarpon and bonefish are among inshore species coveted by light tackle anglers.

Scuba divers and snorkelers flock to the region to explore the extraordinary reef line and patch reefs brimming with tropical fish, sponges, soft and hard corals and crustaceans. Davis, Conch, Alligator and Pickles reefs, Crocker Wall and the Aquarium and Fish Bowl offer safe and easy viewing of Islamorada's diverse marine life for divers and snorkelers of virtually every skill level.

The intentionally scuttled 287-foot Eagle is Islamorada's premier artificial reef. The wreck sits on a 105-foot-deep sandy bottom but its superstructure can be enjoyed and explored at depths of 60 to 70 feet. In the San Pedro Underwater Archaeological Preserve, divers and snorkelers can see the remnants of a wrecked 1733 Spanish treasure fleet galleon at depths of 15 to 20 feet

On land, travelers can step inside a coral reef to see 20,000 years of reef development at the Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park. Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park, a short ride by boat, encompasses a virgin hardwood hammock untouched by modern development as well as the original Matheson home built in 1919.

The Islamorada area also features eco-tours, water sports such as standup paddling and kiteboarding, tennis facilities, bicycle trails, historic hikes, beautiful vistas of both the Atlantic Ocean and Florida Bay, opportunities to swim with dolphins and stingrays, and a typically quirky Keys recreational activity: hand-feeding tarpon off the docks at Robbie's Marina, mile marker (MM) 77.5 bayside.

Area beaches include a family facility with picnic tables behind the Islamorada Public Library and Anne's Beach, where stretches of sand are linked by a boardwalk nature trail.

Islamorada also is home to the Morada Way Arts & Cultural District, spotlighting the art galleries and restaurants at Morada Way between mile markers (MM) 81 and 82. As well as welcoming visitors throughout the year, the popular arts district is the site of the Third Thursday Art Walk each month that features fine art, live music and culinary offerings.

Local restaurants range from very upscale continental to casual to downright funky. Many specialize in fresh-from-the-dock seafood, while others offer steaks, gourmet or ethnic dishes and even pizza and hamburgers.

Islamorada is about a 1.5-hour drive from Miami International Airport and a 40-minute drive from the Florida Keys Marathon Airport in the Middle Keys.

For more information, visit www.fla-keys.com/islamorada or call 1-800-FLA-KEYS.

For more Florida Keys & Key West travel information, including electronic brochures and videos, visit the Keys website at www.fla-keys.com.

Keys social media sites include facebook.com/floridakeysandkeywest,twitter.com/thefloridakeys and youtube.com/floridakeystv.

For personal service, call toll-free in the U.S. and Canada, 1-800-FLA-KEYS (800-352-5397).

Backyard Travel Release New Vietnam Tour: Historic Hanoi and a Flight of Fancy

Hanoi

Backyard Travel have today released news of a new luxury tour which includes a spectacular seaplane flight over Halong Bay.

Backyard Travel specialize in tours to Asia full of unique experiences, and on this five-day, four-night tour travellers will discover Hanoi's fascinating history before exploring the incredible limestone rock formations and crystal clear waters of Vietnam's Halong Bay; reached by a scenic flight over the UNESCO protected bay.

The tour starts in Hanoi where, led by local specialists, travellers will discover the city'sbeautiful architecture, explore the narrow streets and bustling alleys of the atmospheric Old Quarter and learn all about Hanoi's wonderful food scene on a tour with a renowned food blogger.

Travellers will also enjoy many luxurious experiences over the course of their time in Hanoi, including a two-night stay at the historic Sofitel Legend Metropole, a soothing massage at Thu Cuc Spa and dinners at two of Hanoi's top restaurants.

Unquestionably the highlight of this private-guided tour is on day-three when travellers have the unique opportunity to see stunning Halong Bay from the air on an incredible seaplane flight from Hanoi. This special service has only just begun operating and travellers will be treated to birds-eye views of the thousands of islets and green limestone islands.

Once landed, travellers will board a luxury junk and enjoy a laid-back cruise amongst the idyllic bay. Served delicious food throughout and with different excursions to local villages and islands, the cruise will also explore the quieter Bai Tu Long Bay, unknown to many.

“We're delighted to be able to offer travelers the unique opportunity to see the sublime scenery of Halong Bay from up high on the new seaplane service” said Backyard Travel's General Manager Maeve Nolan. “This, along with a relaxing cruise to Bai Tu Long Bay, an insider's tour of Hanoi and a stay at the Sofitel Legend Metropole, makes for a wonderful luxury vacation”.

This insider's tour is priced from $1599 per person, which is based on two people travelling, sharing a double or twin room and including daily breakfast, four dinners and three lunches. All excursions are private and fully guided, tours and transfers are by private air-conditioned vehicle (unless stated) and all entrance fees mentioned in the visits are included.

Halong

Backyard Travel

Bangkok based Backyard Travel is an online travel company specializing in tailor-made tours to Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Indonesia, Japan and China.

For more information about Backyard Travel visit the website:www.backyardtravel.com or social media:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/BackyardTravel
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Backyard_Travel
Google+: http://goo.gl/WpHXvB  

What Type of Gap Year Traveller Are You?

Year 12 students are counting down the days until exams are over and while study is currently top of mind, so are gap years. Young minds are wandering to far-flung places, time off and new overseas experiences.

Gap years are an opportunity to learn something new, give something back through meaningful volunteer work, or develop skills to enhance a fresh CV.

Now is the time to plan to make the most of this valuable year away. Gap years are an opportunity to learn something new, give something back through meaningful volunteer work, or develop skills to enhance a fresh CV.

Whether it's learning a new language, a new skill or developing a new career path, gappers will return home with something significant for their future other than bar hopping and full moon parties.

GVI, one of the most widely respected volunteer travel and gap year specialists in Australia, offers safe, responsible travel expeditions, and exceptional training and career development opportunities to its gap year volunteers. The exciting and unique programs GVI offers are carefully created by the team to ensure volunteers return with new and valuable skills, lifelong friends from contrasting cultures and memorable, life changing stories.

Read on for the ultimate gap year inspiration list from GVI including adventure, community and volunteering opportunities in some of the most remote and dramatic locations in the world:

Best for the soul: Volunteer with novice Buddhist monks in Luong Prabang, Thailand

Be a part of one of the most intriguing and inspiring GVI programs and experience this rare opportunity to work closely with novice monks. Volunteers will be based in the beautiful ancient city of Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World heritage site, located in northern central Laos surrounded by Buddhist temples and monasteries. Volunteers will teach the monks English, improving the quality of the young men's education. In return, volunteers will learn about the life of these young men, their culture history, religion and language and food.

Placement length and starting price: From 2- 14 weeks, prices start from $1,796 per person

Best for the thrill seeker: Jaguar Conservation in Jalova, Costa Rica

Forget bungee jumping and white water rafting, true thrill seeking volunteers can come together to work and live in Costa Rica's rainforest assisting in the protection of endangered Jaguars. Accessible only by boat and within the boundaries of Tortuguero National Park, the tight-knight group will experience life at the research station, learning about the wildlife and their habitat and searching for signs of jaguars and their prey species, by setting up remote cameras and conducting beach patrols. Furthermore, volunteers will contribute to the long- term development and management of wildlife conservation efforts along Central America's Caribbean coast. During the program volunteers will gain a holistic understanding of the Costa Rican rainforest and its ecosystem by also conducting important research on turtles (seasonal) and aquatic birds. Through hands-on training students will have the opportunity to understand the rainforest and the variety of wildlife that depend on its future whilst free time can be spent admiring Tortuguero's amazing scenery, incredible beaches and through dawn patrols, spectacular sunrises as the backdrop.

Placement length and starting price: From 2- 12 weeks, prices start from $1,995 per person

Best for the aspiring teacher: Volunteer to Teach English to adults inPhang Nga, Thailand

Thailand is known and loved by gap year travellers for its tropical beaches, hidden caves and lush rainforest, however in the southern province of Phang Nga GVI is offering volunteers to experience Thailand in a new light, guaranteeing a truly individual view of Thailand that would escape regular holiday-makers. Volunteers are invited to receive TEFL (Teach English as a Foreign Language) training and earn the well-respected TEFL certification whilst leading English classes for local adults. Once certified, volunteers will lead their own classes in local community centres and schools, giving the locals the valuable opportunity to learn English and aim for a better future. Hard work is rewarded with weekends exploring the Thai culture and language, experiencing and exploring the authentic local meals and relaxing in stunning surroundings.

Placement length and starting price: From 2- 12 weeks, prices start from $1,986 per person

Best for water babies: Learn to scuba dive whilst delving into Marina conservation in Yucatan, Mexico

Travel to the exotic turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea and immerse yourself in a tropical paradise whilst learning to scuba dive and earning your PADI. Volunteers will have the responsibility of monitoring the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the second largest barrier reef in the world. Volunteers work directly on coral reef and fish monitoring, conduct turtle nesting surveys (seasonal) and assist with community programs to raise local environmental awareness amongst many other tasks. There is time to enjoy and experience a vibrant and colourful culture, joining in with community programs, teaching English and raising the environmental awareness of the local community.

Placement length and starting price: From 4-24 weeks, prices start from $3,411 per person

Best for the practical and hands on type: 

Get in there and help develop important infrastructure in areas such as clean water, agriculture and income generation in the forests of the Dawsamu District or the white sand beaches of the Yasawa Island chain in the western region of Fiji.

The perfect project for those who like to get their hands dirty and see real change in front of them! Join the GVI team in the forest or coastline of Fiji, working alongside the local community to help achieve critical projects, such as building fresh water harvesting systems, creating much needed vegetable gardens and helping rural communities set up income generating projects. When not constructing, digging or working closely with the local residents, volunteers can explore the striking local beaches, snorkel or dive the crystal waters, visit hot-springs and discover Fiji's forests and volcanic islands.

Placement length and starting price: From 2-24 weeks, prices start from $2,176 per person

To find out more on volunteering abroad and to keep in touch with exciting news and developments, check out www.gviaustralia.com.auand become a fansonFacebook.

Shangri-La Sanya resort invites special activities from visitors

Guests of all ages checking into the newest resort in Haitang Bay – Shangri-La’s Sanya Resort and Spa, Hainan – will discover a paradise dedicated to play. The 340-room resort, which opens, is set on 45 acres and offers the most recreational activities and facilities in Haitang Bay, including its own Adventure Zone and Kids’ Water Park (opening in November 2014).

Shangri-La’s first resort to open in mainland China boasts 300 metres of pristine beachfront and stunning views of the surrounding mountains and hills. It is tailor made to suit travellers of all ages, and offers options for families travelling with multiple generations as well as groups looking for a scenic and stimulating setting for a wedding, meeting or incentive event.

Activities are spread out across two designated areas (Oasis and Sands) with five activity centres. In addition to the Water Park and Adventure Zone, the resort features two free-form pools; jogging and bike trails; a beach football field; sand volleyball court; water games; a state of the art gym with an outdoor deck for activities such as Tai Chi and yoga, and additional recreational activities that are complimentary for guests.

Inspired by island paradises from around the globe, the resort’s design features elements found in nature and the tropics. The open-air lobby is decorated in neutral tones with ceiling fans, stone and wood carvings, floral patterns and tropical plants adding texture and warmth.

Guestrooms are located in the seven-storey Ocean, Coral and Palm wings and also take their design cues from nature, with hardwood floors, closet handles carved to look like seashells and gold-leaf seashell artwork. Every king-bedded room has a pull-out sofa bed. And family amenities include robes and slippers for kids.

Restaurants include Kon Tiki, whose menu plays homage to Sanya’s nickname as the “Hawaii of China”. Kon Tiki offers flavours from the South Pacific and draws inspiration from Polynesian culture. Interactive live fire dance performances, grass skirt dancing and a drum show keep the atmosphere lively and match the menu, which features items such as Banana Ducky Pizza – a smoked duck breast with mashed banana in tangy tamarind sauce.

The all-day dining restaurant, Chuyi Wutai, presents authentic Chinese home-style cuisine along with international fare across six open theatre-style kitchens. The 366 seat restaurant has its own kid’s corner with a buffet designed specifically for children.

Signature dishes at Chuyi Wutai include Hainanese Chicken Rice as well as local dishes such as Dongshan Lamb and wok-fried Wuzhijiao Pork.

At S.E.A. restaurant diners can enjoy the ocean breeze as they hand-select the freshest local seafood. Using the freshest ingredients, S.E.A.’s chefs present authentic Southeast Asian favourites, including Tom Yum Goong Soup and Singaporean Chilli Crab with Fried buns.

Refreshing drinks and cocktails and snacks can be enjoyed in the Lobby Lounge, Pool Bar or open-air Dragonfly Bar.

For destination weddings, meetings and events, the resort offers a 1,500-square-metre ballroom and 10 breakout function spaces. Events can also be set up along the 300 metres of beach, on “the lawn” or in the landscaped garden.

Opening later this year will be the resort’s CHI, The Spa at Shangri-La and eight two-story villas.

Cape Town Is Number Four in Conde Nast's Readers Choice Top 25 Cities in the World 2014, Also Eighth Friendliest City

Cape Town is celebrating today after moving up from last year's eleventh spot to a single digit, fourth place, in the annual Conde Nast Traveler Readers Choice Awards.

The one million votes from close to 77 000 Conde Nast Traveler readers, contributed to putting Cape Town into the mix as a global favourite.

Says editor-at-large, Maria Shollenbarger; “Cape Town is the best city in the world for blending urban culture with the great outdoors: They're literally a five-minute drive from each other. There's an exploding food scene, with vegetables, wine, and cheese coming from the gorgeous Cape Winelands.”

Cape Town was also voted in as the #8 Friendliest City in the World; an accolade that supports the opinion of Tripadvisor users when they voted Cape Town second in line as the City with The Most Helpful Locals in the 2014 Tripadvisor World City Survey.

Cape Town hotels also fared well, with several top Cape Town properties making the list of Best Hotels in Africa. One & Only, Cape Town took the Number One spot.

Just beyond Cape Town, Bushmanskloof in the Cederberg fared very well, being recognised as number six on the list of Africa's Top 20 Best Safari Lodges and Camps, number four on the list of Best Resorts in South Africa and as number 41 on the Top 100 Hotels in the World list.

South African lodge Londolozi, Sabi Sands, took top honours as Number 1 Hotel and Resort in the World, whilst several other South African resorts are recognised on the list.

Says Cape Town Tourism, CEO, Enver Duminy; “We are so proud of all the players who have come together to earn us such great global recognition. Cape Town continues to strive to delight and intrigue our visitors. We would like to extend hearty congratulations to all our members who have featured so prominently in the results.”

Says Garreth Bloor, Mayoral Committee Member for Tourism, Events and Economic Development at the City of Cape Town; "The City is particularly proud of this achievement and what it means to the city's touristic potential - and its offering as a premier events destination. As we continue to create opportunities for economic growth we encourage excellence in our tourism sector."

Top Cities
http://www.cntraveler.com/galleries/2014-10-20/top-25-cities-in-the-world-readers-choice-awards-2014/22

Friendliest Cities
http://www.cntraveler.com/galleries/2014-08-05/the-2014-friendliest-and-unfriendliest-cities-in-the-world/5

The Best Hotels in Africa
http://www.cntraveler.com/readers-choice-awards/2014/africa-and-the-middle-east/best-hotels-in-africa-readers-choice-awards-2014

Africa's Best Safari Lodges and Camps
http://www.cntraveler.com/readers-choice-awards/2014/africa/top-20-safari-lodges-and-camps-in-africa-readers-choice-awards-2014

Best Resorts in South Africa
http://www.cntraveler.com/readers-choice-awards/2014/africa-and-the-middle-east/best-resorts-in-south-africa-readers-choice-awards-2014

Top 100 Hotels in the World
ttp://www.cntraveler.com/gallerihes/2014-10-20/top-100-hotels-and-resorts-in-the-world-rca-2014/60

Released for Cape Town Tourism by Rabbit in a Hat Communications, Tammy White, +27 73 202 5041, tammy@rabbitinahat.co.za.

For further information, please contact Cape Town Tourism's Strategic Content and Communications Manager, Nicole Biondi, +27 21 487 6800, nicole@capetown.travel.

Useful links:
Website: http://www.capetown.travel
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CapeTown.Travel
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CapeTownTourism @CapeTownTourism for trade and industry news or https://twitter.com/lovecapetown @lovecapetown for all the news on destination Cape Town
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/CapeTownTourism
Instagram: http://instagram.com/lovecapetown

Phat Diem Cathedral

It lies 28 km East of Ninh Binh city, Phat Diem Stone Church was designed and constructed (1875 - 1899) by father Pedro Tran Luc. Phat Diem's architecture is a sucessful combination of oriental pagodas and Gothic Church, which comprises lake, atrium, cathedral, 4 chapels, stone church, man-made cave.... Remarkable, mother Maria's heart Church is called as Stone Church, because all its parts were made of stone: wall, beams, windowns, towers and columns, etc.

Phat Diem Stone Church is not only the pride of Vietnamese Catholics, but also of its unique architectural style found in Ninh Binh only.

The architectural ensemble of Phat Diem is a center of Catholicism's most original of Vietnam with a dozen works in stone andwood built in a style combining architecture bouddhisques pagodas and Catholic churches. It was cultural and historicalmonument by the Ministry of Culture of the Socialist Republic of Việt Nam (Decree No. 25 VH / QDJ of January 18, 1988).

It includes, besides the Cathedral itself, a pond, a bell tower (called "Phương Dinh" in Vietnamese), four side chapels, a stone church (Chapel immaculté heart of Mary), two caves or artificial rocks, two porches and an ordeal. It is built on a north-south orientation.

Since the Central Road, the visitor sees in the distance a white statue is the statue of Christ the King overlooking a square island in the center of a rectangular pond. It covers an area of ​​one hectare and is known as the "Ao Ho" or "the Pond".

Just across the courtyard, we can begin the visit by the Phuong Dinh is the masterpiece of the architectural ensemble of PhatDiem.Ses dimensions are approximately cubic: 21m wide, 17m deep and 25m tall on three floors with stars resembling thoseof the pagoda and the temple of Viet Nam. This architecture is one of originality in Vietnam and globally rare.

In front of the Cathedral, we allow ourselves to be seduced by the meticulous perfection sculptures and carvings, but especially by the admirable purity of all lines. Phat Diem Cathedral is also notable for its Sino-Vietnamese style very original creating an atmosphere of silence and meditation for meditation and prayer. North of the Cathedral, are two large artificial caves, Lourdes isthe most beautiful ("Lo Đuc" in Vietnamese), Calvary northwest and four side chapels.

Thus, the Phat Diem Cathedral, one of the most original architectural and grandest of the Church of Viet Nam, which is also a precious cultural heritage of the people, once built by faith and the efforts of our ancestors, was now respectfully preserved by the current generation and became a popular destination for Vietnamese as foreigners.

BUSINESS EVENTS SYDNEY WINS PREVUE VISIONARY AWARD

Business Events Sydney (BESydney) has been recognised or its forward-thinking use of technology, receiving a 2014 Prevue Visionary Award for its virtual replica of the Sydney Harbour Bridge at the Asia-Pacific Incentives and Meetings Expo (AIME) 2014.

The initiative used the latest in theatre experience technology to enable visitors to take a virtual Bridge Climb, and take in stunning the views of Vivid Sydney, which is owned and managed by Destination NSW.

BESydney Chief Executive Officer Lyn Lewis-Smith said: “Sydney is a city that needs to be experienced. The iTVgoggles we used allowed us to virtually transport people from the tradeshow floor to our city, immersing them in Vivid Sydney, the largest festival of music, light and ideas in the Southern Hemisphere.”

“The BESydney team works hard to promote the strengths of our city and the benefits these can offer to the global business community. Client experience is always top of mind and we are thrilled to be awarded the ‘Return on Experience’ Pillar award in the Prevue Visionary Awards,” she said.

Shanghai Huangpu River Night Cruise

The Huangpu River is the mother river of Shanghai. Nanpu Bridge, Yangpu Bridge and Oriental Pearl TV Tower compose of a huge picture scroll. The Bund is the cultural section of Shanghai that best represents the blending of ancient and modern influences. This renowned waterfront district is the city's most famous landmark. Local people honor the Huangpu River as Mother River, and as you view the lights and spectacle from the deck of your evening cruise, you will understand why.

Between the stately colonial edifices along the Bund, the glittering skyscrapers on the eastern shore of Pudong, and the unceasing river traffic, there is plenty to keep your eyes from ever resting. Besides offering a privileged view of the bridges that span the Huangpu, the cruise boats also offer an excellent view of the famous colonial-era buildings that make up the Bund, buildings such as the Peace Hotel with its unique pyramid roof in blazing green and the Customs House with its large clock tower.

The main ticket office of Huangpu River Cruise is opened daily, and the schedule usually includes a full morning cruise (from 9am to 12:30pm) and a full afternoon cruise (from 2 to 5:30pm). Both these full cruises make a complete circuit of the Huangpu to its mouth. The Huangpu River cruise company also offers a night cruise from 7 to 9pm, splendid when the lights are on the Bund and Pudong, but this voyage does not go downriver to the Yangtze. Cruise schedules vary depending on the season, and on weekends additional cruises are sometimes added.

Couples Retreat: Aussies Want to Holiday With Hugh Jackman and Deborra Lee-Furness

Yasawa in Fiji

Hugh Jackman and his wife Deborra Lee-Furness top the list of celebrity couples Australians want to go on a holiday with, while Lara Bingle and Sam Worthington and Kim and Kanye share the bottom spot.

According to a recent survey of almost 10,000 Australians conducted by LuxuryEscapes.com, a travel site specialising in five star holidays at affordable prices, 42 percent stated they would want to go on a holiday with the Wolverine star and his wife. Funny man Hamish Blake and his author wife Zoë Foster Blake came second with 13 percent of the votes, while Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban nabbed the third spot with 12 percent.

“Even though he's a big Hollywood star, Hugh comes across as a down-to-earth guy with a great sense of humour. Deborra is admired for her great work in international adoption, so I'm sure a holiday with the two of them would be fun yet thought-provoking,” said Adam Schwab, CEO of LuxuryEscapes.com.

However, reality stars Lara Bingle and Kim Kardashian and their famous partners Sam Worthington and Kanye West didn't fare well in the survey. Both couples scored only one percent each of the votes, grabbing the bottom spots in the survey.

“I'm guessing it's because going on holiday with these couples might mean candid photos ending up in newspapers and magazines – and unless you're famous, few people want to get snapped in their cossies,” Schwab added.

LuxuryEscapes.com offers affordable holidays to five and six star resorts in Australia and overseas.

Celebrity favourites Yasawa Island Resort and Jean-Michel Cousteau eco resort, both exclusive private island resorts in Fiji, and the JW Marriott in Khao Lak, Thailand, have all been featured on the travel site at insider rates.

“LuxuryEscapes.com lets everyday Aussies holiday like celebrities without breaking the bank and having to graze magazines with candid bikini snaps,” Schwab concluded.

Top 5 celebrity couples Aussies want to holiday with

Jean-Michel Cousteau eco resort

1. Hugh Jackman & Deborra Lee-Ferness (42 percent) 

2. Hamish Blake & Zoe Foster (13 percent) 

3. Nicole Kidman & Keith Urban (12 percent) 

4. Brad Pitt & Angelina Jolie (8 percent)
5. Ellen DeGeneres & Portia (7 percent)

The survey was conducted among 9,850 Australians in September 2014.

Malaysia Tourism designates 2015 as the Year of Festivals

Following the momentum of Visit Malaysia Year 2014, the Ministry of Tourism and Culture Malaysia, has designated next year as Malaysia Year of Festivals 2015, or MyFest 2015.
Theme: Endless celebrations

MyFest 2015 heralds the country’s biggest ever fiesta of celebrations, events and happenings all year long; encompassing all genre including culture, shopping, festivals, destination marketing, food and other themed events.

MyFest 2015 branding MyFest 2015’s logo was launched in Kelantan on 18 September 2014 by YB Dato’ Seri Mohamed Nazri bin Abdul Aziz, Minister of Tourism and Culture Malaysia.

The logo personifies the elements of 1Malaysia with Visit Malaysia Year 2014 logo and festivals, to depict an amalgamation of colours, flavours, sounds and sights of Asia, all in 1Malaysia, the result of its multi-racial heritage. This new branding showcases Malaysian warmth and hospitality; echoing the “We are the host” philosophy. The iconic Rebana Ubi drum in the logo, represents the common use of drums during festivals by the various races in Malaysia.

New events, new attractions, new insight

Working together with industry players and stakeholders, the Ministry of Tourism and Culture Malaysia has identified key events, attractions, focus products and marketing strategies.

Destination marketing strategies include Putrajaya’s upcoming year-long Skyride Festival which is a hot air balloon theme park and Marina Putrajaya’s musical fountain. New events include Asian Symphonies, International Festival of Shadow Plays, Truly Asian Street Food Festival, Kuala Lumpur Lake Gardens Festival, BBKLCC World Fiesta MYOF 2015 and the 1st Craft International Festival. Other strategies include participation in the World Travel Mart London in November 2014, MyFest travel packages and the Countdown to MyFest 2015 and the Grand Launch event.

New events, new attractions, new insights

Working together with industry players and stakeholders, the Ministry of Tourism and Culture Malaysia has identified key events, attractions, focus products and marketing strategies.

Destination marketing strategies include Putrajaya’s upcoming year-long Skyride Festival which is a hot air balloon theme park and Marina Putrajaya’s musical fountain. New events include Asian Symphonies, International Festival of Shadow Plays, Truly Asian Street Food Festival, Kuala Lumpur Lake Gardens Festival, BBKLCC World Fiesta MYOF 2015 and the 1st Craft International Festival. Other strategies include participation in the World Travel Mart London in November 2014, MyFest travel packages and the Countdown to MyFest 2015 and the Grand Launch event.

Moving forward

Budget 2015’s RM316 million allocation for various tourism promotion programmes has set a positive outlook for the industry. Malaysia’s strong positioning as the 10th Most Visited Country in the world in 2012, 2nd Most Visited Country in Asia Pacific and listing by Lonely Planet as one of the top 10 destinations to visit in 2014 are all factors that add value to MyFest 2015. To promote MyFest 2015 and create strong engagement with industry players and stakeholders, the Ministry of Tourism and Culture Malaysia is organising a series of nationwide meeting sessions from October 2014 to January 2015. The events will disseminate the vision, targets and branding guidelines of MyFest 2015 for effective implementation; while providing the opportunity to meet up to share ideas and garner feedback.

With so many strategies, partnerships and incentives in place, it is envisaged that government agencies, the private sector, non-government agencies and industry players are in for a great start to MyFest 2015.