Key northern economic area to be converted into tourism centre

The key northern economic region - comprising Ha Noi, Hai Phong city, and the provinces of Vinh Phuc, Bac Ninh, Hung Yen, Hai Duong and Quang Ninh - will be developed into a leading tourism centre for the country with various highly competitive products, reinforcing the national cultural identity.

According to a recently approved master plan on developing culture, family, sports and tourism in the area by 2025, tourism in the zone will be a spearheaded as a leading economic sector.

Ha Noi, Hai Phong and Quang Ninh will become cultural, sport and tourism centres of the nation, thus promoting the region’s development and its connection with others nationwide and with international counterparts.

The master plan focuses on preserving and upholding tangible and intangible cultural heritage values, and embellishing and upgrading regional relic sites. Movements to build new-style rural areas and modern urban areas will also be promoted.

The plan aims to construct and upgrade cultural and sporting centres, residential quarters, new urban areas with high-standards, and industrials parks and export processing zones with leisure centres for children.

The region will also intensify promotion activities within the country and in foreign markets while developing specific tourism products such as cultural and spiritual tourism, and sea and island-based tourism.

The plan targets the strengthened development of a number of national tourist sites including the Vietnamese Ethnic Groups Culture and Tourism Village, Ba Voi-Suoi Hai, Huong Pagoda and Thang Long Royal Citadel in Ha Noi; Tam Dao in Vinh Phuc; Con Son-Kiep Bac in Hai Duong, Cat Ba and Do Son in Hai Phong, Ha Long, Van Don, Tra Co and Yen Tu in Quang Ninh; and Pho Hien in Hung Yen.

By 2025, the region aims to greet around 9 million international tourists and serve over 26 million domestic visitors with revenues reaching VND170 trillion (US$7.65 million).

HCM City prepares for travel expo in September

The 2015 International Travel Expo in Ho Chi Minh City will take place from September 10-12.

Viet Nam's main international tourism event, with its motto of One Decade - One Mekong - One World this year, is expected to draw 25,000 visitors besides the foreign media.

According to a release from the organisers, 22 Vietnamese provinces, 13 international tourism promotion organisations, and 25 tourism enterprises from 20 countries and territories have registered to take part in the event.

It will be held at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Centre in District 7.

Last year the event attracted 320 companies from 21 countries and territories and 22,000 visitors.

A WORLD FIRST TOURISM NEW ZEALAND EMBRACES NEW COLOURING-IN TREND

TNZ_Colour Your Journey_BTS Gabby Malpas

Tourism New Zealand is giving travellers the opportunity to ‘colour their journey’ with a series of adult colouring-in sketches available to download from newzealand.com

Colouring-in is believed to have the same effect on the brain as meditation has on the mind. Considering these benefits, Tourism New Zealand has created four sketches of iconic New Zealand locations from the new 100% Pure brand campaign.

With colouring-in fast becoming a popular pastime for adults to relieve stress and increase mindfulness, the colour sketches allow adults to unleash their creativity whilst planning their next adventure to New Zealand.

Tourism New Zealand collaborated with New Zealand artist, Gabby Malpas to re-create four evocative destinations sketches using line art. The North and South Island images reflect those featured in the latest brand campaign and include a couple exploring Waiheke Island, Hobbiton™ Movie Set, Milford Sound and Cathedral Cove.

Gabby Malpas was born and raised in Auckland and is now based Sydney where she infuses New Zealand and Pacifica culture into her work. Gabby said she is honoured to be taking destination storytelling to a new level for a place that’s close to her heart.

“I feel privileged to recreate stunning New Zealand landscapes and really encourage people to bring these to life through their own creativity. The trend of adult colouring-in is taking the world by storm and I love that it encourages people to get back in touch with their artistic side whilst finding calmness along the way.

“New Zealand will always be my home and I drew deeply upon its uniqueness when sketching the line drawings. As people colour in the lines, I hope they will be inspired by the North and South Island’s beauty,” Ms Malpas said.

Tourism New Zealand General Manager, Australia, Tony Saunders says it’s a holiday for the mind.

“It’s exciting to offer people a new way to experience New Zealand - especially as we’re the first National Tourism Board in the world to showcase our landscapes through colouring-in.

“New Zealand has such a rich story; we chose the four locations as they each present a different adventure and are all easily accessible from Australia. Whether it is sipping wine at a vineyard on Waiheke Island or jumping in a kayak to explore the wonders of Milford Sound, New Zealand has something for everyone.

“Colour Your Journey is a great way to hero our new brand campaign, which marks a fresh chapter for 100% Pure New Zealand,” Mr Saunders said.

TNZ_Colour Your Journey_Artwork

Colouring-in books for adults have shot to the top of Amazon’s best-seller list with five of the top 20 best-selling books being colouring-in titles.

Tourism New Zealand’s latest brand TVC which inspired the line art illustrations can be found here

People are encouraged to use #colouryourjourney #NZMustDo and @purenewzealand to share their colouring-in creations on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

Three million reasons to celebrate tourism’s value to New Zealand

Tourism New Zealand is celebrating today’s milestone of reaching three million international visitors annually for the first time, saying it spells jobs, income and economic value for all New Zealanders.

Tourism is this country’s biggest services export and Tourism New Zealand’s Chief Executive Kevin Bowler says the industry is growing strongly.

“Yesterday the International Visitor Survey showed total international visitor expenditure up 28 per cent to $8.7 billion, and now having topped three million arrivals, it’s good news for all New Zealanders.

“International visitor spend is distributed widely across the economy; it’s not just accommodation or tourism activities that benefit; spending occurs at the local supermarket, petrol station, dairy, retail shops, and a myriad of other local businesses.”

Even before this recent surge in visitor numbers, the tourism industry was directly responsible for nearly 100,000 jobs (4.7 per cent of employment) in New Zealand. A further 73,000 people are indirectly employed bringing the total number of people employed as a result of tourism to around 170,000 (or 8.3 per cent of all New Zealand’s employment)*.

“We are also starting to see more visitors arriving outside of the traditional summer period and a wider regional distribution of visitor spending – all positive signs for the long-term growth of the industry and New Zealand’s regions.

Data released today by the Statistics New Zealand show that for the year-ending July 2015, over three million visitors came to the country, an increase of 7.3 per cent on the previous 12 months.

Leading the way was the Australians at 1.29 million maintaining steady growth of 4.1 per cent.

New Zealand’s second largest source of visitor arrivals are the Chinese at 315,248, growing at 29.5 per cent year on year.

The UK, USA, Germany and Japan round out New Zealand’s top six source markets.

Kevin says potential visitors to New Zealand continue to associate the country with landscapes and scenery, wildlife, and adventure.

“For the past 15 years we have been playing to these strengths through the 100% Pure New Zealand campaign, during which time annual visitor arrivals have grown from around 1.54 million to where they are today.”

TripAdvisor Crowns the Top 10 Castle Hotels in the World

Fonab Castle Hotel

TripAdvisor, the world’s largest travel site*, today announced the top 10 castle hotels in the world, based on the quality and quantity of reviews and opinions from millions of TripAdvisor travelers. With the majority of properties established in medieval times, travelers can experience history with a modern twist at any of these castle hotels that have earned high praise from the TripAdvisor community.

“For travelers seeking the royal treatment, TripAdvisor has identified the top castle hotels where guests can surround themselves in old world elegance,” said Brooke Ferencsik, director of communications for TripAdvisor. “With nightly rates on TripAdvisor starting under $200 during the coming months, travelers can book an autumnal escape without breaking the bank.”

Top 10 Castle Hotels in the World

1) Fonab Castle Hotel – Pitlochry, Scotland 

(717 reviews, 5 out of 5 bubbles on TripAdvisor)
Located on the banks of Loch Faskally in the heart of Perthshire, this charming castle was transformed by the Clark family into a 26-room luxury hotel. Guests can experience the original “Classic Castle Rooms” or relax in one of the modern “Woodland Rooms” that offer spectacular views of the surrounding landscape. “Tucked away, this hotel offers solitude and warmth; the grounds are rich, green, and tranquil. As lovely as the property is, the staff makes it superior,” commented a TripAdvisor reviewer.

Most affordable month to book on TripAdvisor during the remainder of 2015: November, average knightly rate – $378

2) Castle Hotel Auf Schoenburg – Oberwesel, Germany 

(473 reviews, 5 out of 5 bubbles on TripAdvisor)

In 1689, this magnificent castle was burned down by French soldiers and remained in ruins until its restoration in 1914. Decades later, the Hüttl family established this pristine, 24-room hotel within the property that now welcomes travelers from around the world. Guests are invited to unwind in the lounge, or stroll through the expansive, lush gardens that overlook the Rhine River. “It is a very unique experience to stay in a castle that is hundreds of years old. The view from our room with a small, two- seat balcony was beyond words,” wrote a TripAdvisor reviewer.

Most affordable month to book on TripAdvisor during the remainder of 2015: December, average knightly rate – $174

3) Hotel Castello di Sinio – Sinio, Italy 

(346 reviews, 5 out of 5 bubbles on TripAdvisor)
Built by Marchesi Del Carretto in 1142, Castello di Sinio is located between the Barolo and Barbaresco wine regions. Travelers can experience a modern-day fortress during a stay at this exquisite hotel that offers nine suites and five rooms. A TripAdvisor reviewer noted, “Our room was a true oasis of beauty, charm and tasteful decor. The two room/two bath suite provided every amenity, including big bright windows with colorful flowers and stunning views of the surroundings.”

Most affordable month to book on TripAdvisor during the remainder of 2015: December, average knightly rate – $260

4) Castello di Petroia – Gubbio, Italy 

(387 reviews, 5 out of 5 bubbles on TripAdvisor)

Known as the birthplace of Federico da Montefeltro, Duke of Urbino, Castello di Petroia is now an impressive hotel with rooms that feature antique furnishings, exposed beam ceilings, 18th century paintings and stunning views of the Umbrian hillside. “The most charming medieval castle with breathtaking views as far as the eye can see. The castle itself has maintained its original beauty and authenticity and has been complimented by charming boutique rooms tastefully decorated with antique furniture,” commented a TripAdvisor reviewer.

Most affordable month to book on TripAdvisor during the remainder of 2015: November, average knightly rate – $153

5) Castello di Monterone – Perugia, Italy 

(528 reviews, 5 out of 5 bubbles on TripAdvisor)
Originally established as a military base, this 13th century masterpiece now operates as a premier hotel boasting 18 rooms that feature modern amenities with medieval style. Guests will be delighted by the relaxing lounge bar, outdoor swimming pool, and tranquil Turkish bath. “There was something about this place that captured my heart from the very first moment I saw it. The lights of Perugia sparkle in the distance; everything is so quiet and peaceful. It was like stepping back in time,” wrote a TripAdvisor reviewer.

Most affordable month to book on TripAdvisor during the remainder of 2015: November, average knightly rate – $135

6) Rowton Castle – Shropshire,  England 

(311 reviews, 5 out of 5 bubbles on TripAdvisor)

Located in the Shropshire countryside, this 800 year-old castle is seated on 17 acres of land making it the perfect retreat. Travelers are invited to stay in one of 19 lavish guest rooms that offer jaw-dropping vistas of the surrounding gardens. “A marvelous hotel contained within a beautifully restored ‘small’ castle with plenty of character, situated in an ideal setting with manicured lawns and flower beds,” commented a TripAdvisor reviewer.

Most affordable months to book on TripAdvisor during the remainder of 2015: November and December, average knightly rate – $124

7) Castle in Clarens – Clarens,  South Africa 

(77 reviews, 5 out of 5 bubbles on TripAdvisor)
Referred to as “Rapunzel’s Tower,” this unique property resembles a medieval manor and allows travelers to live like royalty. Offering three levels, the ground floor comes with a lounge complete with a fireplace and the Prince’s guestroom; while the middle floor features a kitchen that includes breakfast upon request. On the top floor, guests will find the Princess bedroom, boasting a four-post bed and stone bath. A TripAdvisor reviewer commented, “A true fairy tale experience. Every piece of furniture and artwork were carefully selected to fit the theme and provide royal comfort!”

Most affordable month to book on TripAdvisor during the remainder of 2015: November, average knightly rate – $155

8) Chateau Heralec – Boutique Hotel & Spa by L’OCCITANE – Heralec,  Czech Republic. 

(127 reviews, 5 out of 5 bubbles on TripAdvisor)

Situated in the Vysočina region of the Czech Republic, this 13th century treasure is now a stately hotel that boasts nearly 20 luxurious guest rooms. The largest suite, named after one of the most powerful Czech families, features wooden ceilings, a mosaic floor, and a special hand-crafted mirror. A TripAdvisor reviewer commented, “The chateau has been beautifully restored and decorated in a modern style that fits so well with the building. The attention to detail was fantastic, and the atmosphere was pure, calm and relaxing.”

Most affordable month to book on TripAdvisor during the remainder of 2015: December, average knightly rate – $219

9) Ashford Castle – Cong, Ireland 

(1,705 reviews, 4.5 out of 5 bubbles on TripAdvisor)
Overlooking Lough Corrib, this Irish castle was founded in 1228, by the Anglo-Norman de Burgo family. Today, travelers can stay in one of 82 opulent rooms that are outfitted with antique rosewood furniture, custom carpets, and bespoke beds complete with Egyptian cotton linens. A TripAdvisor reviewer said, “From the moment we pulled up to the gates, to the moment we drove away, the staff was outstanding! Our room was beautiful, luxurious and so comfortable, and we loved the view of the lake and grounds.”

Most affordable month to book on TripAdvisor during the remainder of 2015: November, average knightly rate – $270

10) Castle Durrow – County Laois, Ireland 

(314 reviews, 4.5 out of 5 bubbles on TripAdvisor)

Built in the early 1700s by Colonel William Flower, Castle Durrow boasts pre-Palladian design and sprawling gardens that represent 18th century architecture. Whether guests opt for the premier “Oriental Style Bedrooms” or one of the “Master Rooms,” they will be surrounded by luxurious bliss. According to a TripAdvisor reviewer, “This is an absolutely fantastic hotel. It’s a really beautiful building on stunning grounds. The food is divine and the staff are so genuinely nice and friendly and extremely professional as well.”

Most affordable months to book on TripAdvisor during the remainder of 2015: November and December, average knightly rate – $195

Cruise Whitsundays' Playground Named in Lonely Planet Ultimate Travel List

Cruise Whitsundays' playground has been acknowledged as a top destination to visit for the second time in one week.

This time Lonely Planet, in their just released Ultimate Travel List, has identified the Great Barrier Reef as one of the most thrilling, memorable, downright interesting places on the planet to visit.

Cruise Whitsundays takes visitors daily to experience the wonders of the outer Great Barrier Reef at stunning Hardy Reef, 40 nautical miles (about 75 kms) out from the mainland.

Hardy Reef is where Cruise Whitsundays has its Reefworld pontoon, the ideal base for exploring the underwater wonderland of magnificent corals, colourful fish and marine life.

And at day's end up to nine guests can experience the wonder of sleeping out on the Great Barrier Reef in Cruise Whitsundays' Reefsleep experience. Guests sleep under the starry sky on the upper deck of Reefworld with their bed for the night a special Australian swag bag, complete with crisp linens and comfy mattress – singles or the option of doubles for couples. For guests wanting privacy there is an air-conditioned cabin.

Cruise Whitsundays operates a range of purpose-built reef vessels, designed with the Great Barrier Reef in mind. All are high speed catamarans with spacious air-conditioned lounges, large outer viewing decks, bars serving refreshments and comfortable seating. The journey to and from the reef is all part of the experience with the cruise passing spectacular islands and bays – and, in the June-September whale season, the chance to sight humpback and pilot whales. 

The Lonely Planet accolade for Great Barrier Reef follows TripAdvisor naming the Cruise Whitsundays' day and half-day trip destination of Whitehaven Beach, in the inner reef region, as being among the 10 most truly sublime, breath-taking beaches.

Tigerair Australia's Momentum Continues With New-Look Terminal 4 Opening In Melbourne!

Tigerair Australia is thrilled to provide the first flights from the new-look Terminal 4 which opens its doors to customers at Melbourne Airport today.

Tigerair's first service departed from the new-look terminal at 6:45 this morning with around 40 services or 7,200 visitor seats through Melbourne Airport's Terminal 4 on a daily basis.

Tigerair Australia CEO Rob Sharp was at the terminal this morning to greet customers when the doors opened for business for the first time.

“The move to our new home here in Melbourne is another significant milestone for Tigerair Australia as our transformation strategy continues to gather momentum. The new terminal is symbolic of the new Tigerair reflecting a step change from the old terminal with which our customers are familiar.

“The new-look Terminal 4 provides a vastly improved customer experience at our busiest domestic port and is the first terminal in the Asia Pacific region to feature fully automated self-service check in facilities. I would like to congratulate Melbourne Airport on the state-of-the-art facilities at the new Terminal 4 which are very much in sync with the Tigerair model.

“The Tigerair brand is all about value, choice and innovation and we continually look at ways to make our operation and the customer journey more efficient and streamlined in a way that makes the customer experience more enjoyable at the same time. Terminal 4 delivers on all of these fronts with a streamlined design and advanced technology, without conventional check-in desks.

“Our check in staff will be completely mobile, using our latest innovation, the Max Airport iPad app to assist passengers on the spot to check-in, print out boarding passes, change flight details or help them use the self-serve check in kiosks and automated bag drop facilities at Terminal 4.

“Passengers will simply arrive, check themselves in (either in advance online using web-check, via the self-serve kiosks at Terminal 4 or with help from our roaming check in staff using Max Airport) and go straight to the departures lounge and boarding gate. Bags will be tagged and placed on the automated bag drop facilities.

“The airline has significantly enhanced its on time performance and our customer satisfaction is at an all-time high. We have revised our product offering and delivered numerous customer facing innovations to make flying Tigerair better than ever. Earlier this month we announced the next phase in our growth strategy with four additional aircraft, our first international services to Bali and additional domestic services on sale.

“With the combination of the new-look Terminal 4 facilities and our roaming check in staff using the Max iPad app, our passengers will be able to check in more efficiently than ever before at Melbourne Airport. As technology continues to evolve, we will never be complacent and we already have many more customer facing innovations in the pipeline which we will announce in due course.

“I'm thrilled to be here today welcoming our first customers to the new-look Terminal 4 as we continue to take Tigerair and budget air travel in Australia to new heights.”

Cua Van floating fishing village (Viet Nam) listed in 11 insanely beautiful small towns around the world

Recently, huffingtonpost.com website (US) has annouced list of 11 insanely beautiful small towns around the world including Cua Van floating fishing village (Viet Nam).

Accordingly, the website wrote that “Sure, we love big, bustling cities. But there's something to be said for small towns where life moves slower, traditions are everywhere and the people stop to say hello. From North Africa to New Zealand, these are some of the most charming little places in the whole entire world.”

Cua Van is located six hours from Ha Noi. This 700-person floating fishing village in Ha Long Bay is stunning, thanks to teal water, colorful raft houses, limestone hills and winding streets.

Below is list of 11 insanely beautiful small towns around the world

1. Sidi Bou Said, Tunisia
2. Bled, Slovenia
3. Cua Van, Viet Nam
4. Franschhoek, South Africa
5. Anneccy, France
6. Guilin, China
7. Reine, Norway
8. Vernazza, Italia
9. Paros, Greece
10. Queenstown, New Zealand
11. Salvador, Brazil

Cyclists to follow in footsteps of NZ pioneers

The Pioneer, New Zealand’s first seven day mountain bike stage race, has revealed its course for the inaugural 2016 event.Trails never before opened to the public will feature in the event that snakes its way from Christchurch to Queenstown on New Zealand’s South Island. Getting underway on Sunday January 31, the race finishes on 6 February, New Zealand’s national day known as Waitangi Day.

The course follows spectacular scenery and some of the journeys of New Zealand’s early pioneers. Competitors will enjoy traditional Kiwi hospitality at each stopover in the event villages set up daily in breath-taking locations.

“To ensure this race was true to our vision of extraordinary scenery and unique Kiwi hospitality experiences, we needed access through privately owned land which is usually closed to the public,” said Dave Beeche, CEO of event company, Lagardere Oceania Unlimited.

“From private property owners to conservation guardians of this spectacular terrain, all have been really accommodating and are looking forward to working with us to deliver a hugely successful event.”

The course will follow two of New Zealand’s Great Rides, the Alps 2 Ocean Trail and the Queenstown Trail as well as racing through more than 30 privately-owned properties, gaining access to parts of the country few have had the privilege to explore.

Quang Binh calls for investment in 34 tourism projects

The central province of Quang Binh has announced a list of 34 tourism projects calling for investments from 2015-2020 with total capital of over 23 trillion VND (1.03 billion USD).

Among the projects, there are six with expected capital exceeding 1 trillion VND (45.4 million USD).

These include an entertainment park in Dong Hoi city worth 1.5-2 trillion VND, the Da Nhay - Ba Trai resort and tourism complex which will cost at least 1.5-trillion VND, a 1-trillion-VND eco-tourism complex in Bo Trach district, a 1-trillion-VND 36-hole golf course in Quang Ninh district, a 2.5-trillion-VND luxury resort in Dong Hoi city, and a mineral water eco-tourism site project worth around 1.2 trillion VND in Le Thuy district.

Deputy Director of the provincial Department of Planning and Investment Le Manh Hung said that if successful, the projects will help boost the locality’s socio-economic development.

The province is currently working to complete legal procedures to grant investment licences to 28 projects totaling 28 trillion VND (1.26 billion USD) to both domestic and foreign businesses later this month.