RING IN THE NEW YEAR IN NEW YORK CITY

—New York City’s Five Boroughs Offer Festive Ways to Welcome 2017 Throughout New Year’s Eve Weekend—

Ring in 2017 in New York City, host to the world’s premier New Year’s Eve celebrations. With festive ways to welcome the New Year across all five boroughs, including the iconic ball drop in Times Square, there’s never been a more exciting time to be in New York City than New Year’s Eve weekend.

“Every year, millions of visitors and local residents experience the unique energy, diversity and excitement of New York as the City rings in a New Year,” said Fred Dixon, NYC & Company president and CEO. “With special hotel offerings, unique cultural celebrations around the City and fantastic dining options overlooking the Times Square ball drop, we encourage everyone to plan an unforgettable New Year’s Eve in New York City.”

More than 175 million television viewers in the United States and more than 1 billion people worldwide are expected to join the estimated 1 million revelers in New York City to watch a 110-year-old tradition: the Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball Drop. A 12-foot-diameter geodesic sphere covered in 2,688 Waterford crystals, the ball weighs 11,875 pounds and is powered by 32,256 Philips Luxeon Rebel LED lights, capable of creating a palette of more than 16 million vibrant colors. At 11:59pm, the ball begins its descent atop One Times Square as millions of people count down the final seconds of the year and celebrate the beginning of a new year.

Must-see New Year’s Eve events taking place in Times Square include:

Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve with Ryan Seacrest: A cherished annual tradition since 1972, the show will kick off New Year’s Eve celebrations live from Times Square with host Ryan Seacrest and comedian Jenny McCarthy. Pop star Fergie will also be co-hosting the Billboard Hollywood Party, featuring celebrity performances throughout the night. For more information on upcoming performances, visitdickclark.com.

New Year’s Eve Wishing Wall: When the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Day, thousands of confetti pieces will rain down upon revelers in Times Square, each containing a special wish from people across the globe. Visitors and locals looking to submit their wishes can submit in person at the Mobile Wishing Wall in Times Square or online via timessquarenyc.org starting on December 1. Visit timessquarenyc.org for specific locations and times.

Madame Tussauds New York: Located within walking distance from the ball drop, families can hang out with over 200 life-size wax figures of their favorite celebrities as Madame Tussauds celebrates the New Year. This year’s event includes passed appetizers, open bar for ages 21 and over and access to the attraction’s themed rooms, including the new Ghostbusters Experience that opened earlier this year. Visitmadametussauds.com for more information.

Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Times Square: With over 500 amazing exhibits and 20 galleries, Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Times Square will once again be holding a New Year’s Eve celebration to ring in 2017. Ripley’s New Year’s Eve party will feature a live DJ, dancing, open bar and face painting for the kids, complete with a champagne toast at midnight. For more information, visit ripleysnewyork.com.

Good Riddance Day: On December 28 from noon to 1pm, Times Square New Year’s Eve and Shred-it will bid farewell to bad memories from 2016. Mobile shredding trucks and mallets will be available for attendees to shred or destroy items like old love letters, pink slips and cellphones. Shred-it is also offering a contest on their website to win a trip to NYC for Good Riddance Day and to experience the ball drop. Those who can't make it to Times Square can submit items to be shredded on shredit.com or tweet with the hashtag #GoodRiddanceDay.

Visitors looking to dance and dine the night away will find several restaurants and venues with New Year’s Eve offerings around Times Square. Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar (two locations in Times Square), AMC Empire 25, Aureole New York by Charlie Palmer, Blue Fin, Chevys, Dallas BBQ, Dave & Buster’s Times Square, Dos Caminos, Fig & Olive, Glass House Tavern, Planet Hollywood Times Square, STK New York City Midtown, St. Andrews Restaurant & Bar and others will welcome 2017 in style. For tickets to these and other Times Square events, diners should call restaurants and venues directly or visit balldrop.com for select event tickets.

The Bronx:

Havana Café New Year’s Eve Party: Bringing the soul and taste of Havana to the Bronx, Havana Café will feature a special four-course dinner and one free cocktail starting at 8:30pm on New Year’s Eve, followed by an open bar starting at 11pm. The party continues until 4am with party favors and dancing. Visit bronxhavanacafe.com for more info.

New York Botanical Garden: Throughout New Year’s Eve weekend, visitors can check out the exciting winter wonderland at the New York Botanical Garden’s Holiday Train Show. Featuring more than 150 landmarks including the Statue of Liberty and the Brooklyn Bridge, visitors can watch as model trains zip through a miniature replica of New York City, which is sure to delight kids of all ages. Check out nybg.org for more info.

Brooklyn:

Coney Island USA: For those who want to experience the thrill of the ball drop without the crowds of Times Square, Coney Island will be hosting a New Year’s Eve celebration with an LED ball drop simulated on the Parachute Jump, along with a stunning 3D laser light show and a circus sideshow fire finale. Select boardwalk restaurants and attractions will be open, including The Thunderbolt and B&B Carousell. For more information, visit coneyislandusa.com

Prospect Park Fireworks: Visitors and locals can celebrate New Year’s Eve in Prospect Park under Brooklyn’s beautiful annual fireworks display at midnight, sponsored by Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams. This event is free and open to all ages and includes hot refreshments and entertainment. Grand Army Plaza, West Drive in Prospect Park and Prospect Park West between Grand Army Plaza and 95th Street are the best places to see the spectacular fireworks show. For more information, visit prospectpark.org.

Time’s Up 19th Annual New Year’s Eve Bike Ride: Celebrating its 19th year, environmental education group Time’s Up will once again host their New Year’ Eve bike ride and outdoor after party. Bikers and skaters can start the year off right by meeting up at 9:45 p.m. on the Brooklyn side of the Williamsburg Bridge, then ride through Washington Square Park and Madison Square Park before partying the night away at Belvedere Castle in Central Park. For more information, visit times-up.org.

Coney Island Polar Bear Club Annual New Year’s Day Swim: On New Year’s Day 2017, the Coney Island Polar Bear Club invites those brave enough to take a plunge into the Atlantic Ocean to bring in the New Year and to benefit Camp Sunshine, a charity for children with life-threatening illnesses. The yearly tradition is open to the public and starts at 1pm at the Stillwell Avenue boardwalk entrance, with free admission to the New York Aquarium for registered attendees. For more event details, visit polarbearclub.org.

Manhattan:

Apollo Theater: With its 10th annual Kwanzaa Celebration, the Apollo Theater invites visitors to enjoy a day in Harlem on New Year’s Eve, with dance performances by Abdel Salaam’s Forces of Nature Dance Theatre and music honoring the holiday of Kwanzaa. The event will also celebrate the Forces of Nature dance school’s 35th anniversary and is hosted by radio personality Imhotep Gary Byrd. Visit apollotheater.orgto purchase tickets.

Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine: A signature New Year’s Eve event founded by Leonard Bernstein in 1984, the annual Concert for Peace will bring together New Yorkers and visitors from around the world for an evening filled with uplifting music. This year, the Cathedral will introduce a new work by+ composer Paul Moravec and librettist Mark Campbell called “Light Shall Lift Us.” The program will feature soloist Jamet Pittman and includes other works from Joseph Haydn’s “Morning” Symphony and Johann Sebastian Bach’s Mass in B Minor. A limited number of general admission seats are free and open to the public. Later in the evening, a special late-night service will be held to ring in the New Year. For more information, visit stjohndivine.org.

Children’s Museum of Manhattan: Families can enjoy a kid-friendly New Year’s Eve bash at the Children’s Museum of Manhattan. The museum will offer a New Year’s Eve Dance Party with DJ Chela, along with a New Year’s Eve ball drop just for the kids. Visit cmom.org for more info.

Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises: For an unforgettable evening sailing around New York Harbor, Circle Line cruise ships will once again offer their New Year’s Eve cruise sailings. The party cruise includes hors d’oeuvres, a full open bar, party favors, a DJ and a midnight champagne toast. The cruise boards at 9pm and sails from 10pm to 1am. (Must be 18 years old to board and 21 years old to drink alcohol.) For more information or to purchase tickets, visit circleline42.com.

Empire State Building: New York City’s iconic Empire State Building will join in the celebration of New Year’s Eve with their annual display of colorful confetti lights around the spire of the building. When the clock strikes midnight, the building will sparkle white to signify the new year, a must-see for visitors and locals alike.

Luminaries at Brookfield Place: Currently in its second installation at Brookfield Place in Lower Manhattan, Luminaries is a three-dimensional interactive light display in the Winter Garden atrium that cycles through a palette of festive colors when someone touches one of three “wishing stations.” During New Year’s Eve weekend, Luminaries will be displaying its holiday colors that dance to the tunes of Michael Bublé and Tony Bennett’s winter classic songs. Visit artsbrookfield.com for more information.

Madison Square Garden: Popular nineties band Phish will make their return to Madison Square Garden from December 28–31. The band’s loyal fans are invited to rock out into the New Year as they jam out with their unique style of live music. For more information, visitthegarden.com.

The Metropolitan Opera: French romanticism will return to The Metropolitan Opera with the opening of Roméo et Juliette on New Year’s Eve. Running through March 18, this classic love story will include four graceful duets with Diana Damrau as Juliette and Vittorio Grigolo as Roméo. For more information, visit MetOpera.org.

Merchant’s House Museum: Relive the cherished tradition of making house calls on New Year’s Day as the Merchant’s House Museum continues the 19th-century tradition with their Come Calling event. House tours, readings, punch and confections will all be part of the festivities, as well as a holiday raffle drawing. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit merchantshouse.org.

New York Philharmonic: On New Year’s Eve, music director Alan Gilbert will conduct the New York Philharmonic’s special New Year’s Eve celebration. This year’s show will feature mezzo-soprano Joyce DiDonato performing American classics by Rodgers & Hammerstein, as well as Copland and Lerner & Loewe. For more information, visit nyphil.org.

New York Road Runners Midnight Run: When the clock strikes midnight, runners can lace up their running shoes for the four-mile NYRR Midnight Run in Central Park. Kicking off at 10pm with music and dancing, the race will feature a spectacular fireworks display at midnight as runners race their way into 2017. Race registration is open to the public and required. For more information or to register, visit nyrr.org.

New York Water Taxi: Families looking to enjoy a kid-friendly evening can party the night away with New York Water Taxi’s New Year’s Eve Family Cruise. With the City’s magnificent skyline as the backdrop. the cruise will sail along New York Harbor and includes hors d’oeuvres, a dinner buffet with dessert, juice and soft drinks and a cash bar for those 21 and older. TVs onboard will be livestreaming the ball drop. Tickets can be purchased online at nywatertaxi.com.

World Yacht Cruises: World Yacht Cruises will feature a Montauk-esque buffet and celebration aboard its North River Lobster Company sailing. The cruise includes a standard open bar, live DJ and an extensive buffet from 10pm through 1am. For this and other New Year’s Eve sailings with World Yacht Cruises, visit worldyacht.com.

Queens:

Elli Kokkinou at Melrose Ballroom: One of Greece’s most popular singers, Elli Kokkinou, will ring in 2017 at Astoria’s famous Melrose Ballroom. Visit melroseballroomnyc.com for tickets and more information.

Resorts World Casino: As New York City’s only casino, Resorts World Casino invites those 21 and older to celebrate New Year’ Eve at Club360 with live performances by Tavares & France Joli. Party favors, a drink ticket and a champagne toast at midnight are just some of the exciting offerings throughout the night in addition to its 3,000 slot machines. For more information, visit rwnewyork.com.

Staten Island:

New Year’s Eve at Nicotra’s Ballroom: Beginning at 7:30pm, Nicotra’s Ballroom at the Hilton Garden Inn New York/Staten Island will host a New Year’s Eve Gala. The gala includes a cocktail reception, gourmet dinner, live DJ and a champagne toast as a live feed from Times Square shows the exciting ball drop. The Hilton Garden Inn Staten Island will also feature a special room rate, which includes a buffet breakfast and admission to the gala. For more info, visit nicotrasballroom.com.

Brioso Ristorante: Visitors and locals can spend their New Year's Eve in a quaint and festive setting at Brioso Ristorante in Staten Island. Featuring a sumptuous menu of delicious and authentic Italian cuisine, Brioso has been a New York City staple since 1995. To book a reservation and to learn more, visit newyork.briosorestaurants.com.

‘TIS THE SEASON TO SPOT A BIRD

NSW is currently experiencing ideal birdwatching conditions with hundreds of thousands of migratory birds and local waterbirds flocking to the State’s full lakes and pristine wetlands.

In Outback NSW, Menindee Lakes is brimming with water following the heavy winter rains and thousands of waterbirds are migrating to its shores. While on Lord Howe Island, Summer marks the height of seabird activity with 14 species of seabirds breeding there in their hundreds of thousands.

Destination NSW Chief Executive Officer Sandra Chipchase said, “NSW also has some of Australia’s rarest and most beautiful birdlife. Capertee Valley near Lithgow has one of the highest concentrations of bird species in the Southern Hemisphere.”

“It’s not until you see an impressive flock of native birds or that majestic rare sighting that you really appreciate how amazing birdwatching can be. No matter which bird watching destination travellers choose, they are bound to glimpse some truly spectacular birds at inland and coastal locations across NSW,” Ms Chipchase said.

NSW offers novice and experienced birdwatchers, or ‘twitchers’ as they are known, a variety of environments to see local and migratory birdlife. The State’s coastal and inland wetlands, tropical rainforest, Outback lakes, wooded bushland, coastline and islands are home to some of Australia’s rarest and largest concentration of bird species.

To find out about NSW’s most exciting birdwatching hotspots, visit the Destination NSW website.

SNOWBOMBING - CAN YOU HANDLE IT?

Snowbombing, Europe’s greatest music festival on snow, is making its Canadian debut at Sun Peaks Resort from 6 – 10 April 2017.

Get ready for four days and four nights of non-stop partying in one of British Columbia’s most superb ski resorts. Coors Light Snowbombing Canada will feature an all-star lineup including Ludacris and Kaskade, Duke Dumont, Oliver Heldens, Bob Moses Live, Netsky and Stormzy.

4 DAYS. 4 NIGHTS. 4000+ ACRES OF SNOW. OVER 50 WORLD CLASS SUPERSTARS. MILLIONS OF MEMORIES...

Set amongst the majestic mountains of Sun Peaks, Canada, expect four days and four nights of unparalleled partying across one superb ski resort in the heart of British Columbia. Fill up on pinch-yourself moments. Undeniably epic venues with the richest sounds you'll ever hear up a mountain… Gather your squad for the best holiday you’ll ever experience. You only live once (a year…).

WE LIKE TO DANCE!Our award winning music programme is truly something to talk about! Snowbombing encompasses everything great about music. From live bands to globe conquering DJs, stadium fillers to hot underground talent, we’ve got it covered.

We’re talking epic venues with the amazing sounds of more than 50 world-class DJs and musicians. Find out more here: www.snowbombingcanada.com

Nutty Timber is Games Baton's Proud Queensland Heritage

• Design features macadamia branches from Gold Coast Hinterland
• Baton relay will put spotlight on GC2018 and region's sustainability
• Queen's message to be written on spinifex grass paper from the Outback

It's a small piece of Queensland that will now traverse the world ahead of the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games.

When the designers of the GC2018 Queen's Baton were looking for materials with which to shape the baton they sought out a local wood turners group in the Gold Coast Hinterland for advice on the region's best timber.

Long before it became a world famous tourist destination, the heavily timbered mountains behind the coastal strip attracted a different kind of visitor – timber cutters looking to harvest the huge hardwood and cedar trees that had grown tall and thick in the rich volcanic soils.

But the Queen's Baton designers were not looking for that kind of wood and they certainly didn't want to chop down a tree.

They wanted something different, something special and something indigenous to the region.

Brisbane company Designworks met with members of the Gold Coast Woodturners at Mudgeeraba who suggested macadamia was native to the nearby Hinterland.

It had been spread across the region by indigenous mobs regularly pushing the trees' nuts (seeds) into the ground to secure another generation of macadamias and food.

Although the commercialisation of the popular table nut was done in Hawaii, many Australians still refer to macadamias as “Queensland nuts”.

Designworks principal Alex Wall said a network of messages went out from the woodturners that led to the discovery a fallen old macadamia tree near Advancetown in the Gold Coast Hinterland.

“It was a race to get the timber dry enough so we could work on it to produce the Baton,” Wall said.

Local timber is just one part of what makes this version of the Commonwealth Games Queen's Baton so unique.

Sustainability is a core message of the Games. That also is reflected in the Baton.

Plastic picked up by tractor-pulled sand filters that clean the city's beaches every morning was recycled and hardened.

It forms the other half of the Baton, separated by a metal spine engraved with the names of every Commonwealth nation, in the order in which they host the GC2018 Queen's Baton Relay.

The Baton, similar to an enlarged eye of a needle, has constantly changing neon lighting pulsing around the inside of the loop design and a see-through compartment on the side which will contain the Queen's message, written on paper made from the Australian desert plant, spinifex grass.

It also contains a GPS device which will allow 24/7 internet tracking of the Baton on its worldwide journey.

Wall said the distinctive loop shape came from meetings with local indigenous groups.

“When indigenous people come together they often meet in circles,” Wall said.

“[At one meeting with locals] someone did a little painting that was a loop=shaped and that became part of our initial sketching.”

The designers said they were also inspired by the “boundless energy” of the Gold Coast and believe the “bold and beautiful” Baton reflects the “people, place and spirit of the Gold Coast”.

“It's got the natural environment as well as the bold energy of the Gold Coast people,” Wall said.

“Our immersion into the Gold Coast revealed a city rich in contrasts and full of optimism – if you can do it anywhere, you can do it here.”

The Queen's Baton Relay (QBR) will begin at Buckingham Palace on Commonwealth Day, Monday, March 13, 2017, when Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will place her message to the Commonwealth inside the GC2018 Baton.

The Baton will then travel 230,000km over 388 days through 69 Commonwealth nations on its journey to Australia and eventually to the Gold Coast for the Games' Opening Ceremony where the Queen's message will be read.

The relay route goes first to Africa, then the Caribbean and Canada, through the United Kingdom and onto to India and Malaysia and Singapore before a swing through Oceania and New Zealand arriving in Australia on December 25, 2017.

For more information of the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games™:
https://www.gc2018.com/

For more information on holidays on the Gold Coast go to:
http://teq.queensland.com/destinations/gold-coast
http://www.visitgoldcoast.com/

World's Happiest Country Has Reason to Rejoice: 2017 Declared 'International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development' by UN

Costa Rica, the world's happiest country and a global leader in sustainability, will surely be rejoicing – the United Nations has declared 2017 the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development. According to UNWTO Secretary-General, Taleb Fifai, the declaration brings “a unique opportunity to advance the contribution of the tourism sector to the three pillars of sustainability – economic, social and environmental, while raising awareness of the true dimensions of a sector which is often undervalued.”

Costa Rica is ahead of the world, producing nearly 93 percent of its electricity from renewable resources and conserving around 30 percent of its national territory. The country is also on track to become the first carbon neutral nation in just a few years. At the forefront of Costa Rica's sustainable tourism is the Cayuga Collection, comprising ecolodges, resorts, and sustainable hotels throughout Costa Rica and Nicaragua.

About The Cayuga Collection: 

 All Cayuga properties specialise in creating the symbiosis of sustainability and luxury, always providing a sense of place by taking into account local culture and customs. To Cayuga, sustainability is about more than reusing your towel twice and environmental initiatives. The luxury hospitality group earned a Condé Nast Traveler World Savers award in 2010 and 2012 for its social responsibility, and a Travel + Leisure Global Vision award for Environmental Leadership in 2010. Its properties have earned four and five leaves from the country's Cámara Nacional de Ecoturismo. Cayuga works with local communities to train and employ local people and improve local living and learning conditions. Each of its properties is involved in conservation and community development, and the company even created a public charity called Equilibrium to further its reach and impact. For more information about all of Cayuga's properties and experiences, visit www.cayugaonline.com.

“Respect for the environment is a critical part of our work and each of our properties maintain the highest level of environmental sustainability ratings, but that's not the end of our sustainability work,” says Hans Pfister, Cayuga's president. “Our approach to sustainability aims to assist the communities around us by creating educational and economic opportunities. Our guest experience is not compromised, but instead enhanced, by sustainability.”

As the Cayuga Collection's carbon footprint and environmental impact shrinks, human resources initiatives like guaranteed year-round employment, funding and even transportation for higher education, commitment to hiring locally and promoting from within earn Cayuga an enviable employee retention rate. An added bonus is that when senior managers leave they take their skills as sustainable hospitality operators to other properties so that more communities may benefit. Cayuga Director, Hans Pfister, assures that “guest experience is not compromised, but instead enhanced, by sustainability.”

Here's how Cayuga's luxurious properties are helping their communities:

Arenas Del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort (Manuel Antonio)

www.arenasdelmar.com
The rural 450-person community of Sabalo, a short drive away from Manuel Antonio, needed a way to process recyclables. Earth Equilibrium, with financial assistance from guests at Arenas Del Mar, helped them build a new recycling plant and developed a sustainability training program for the school.

Finca Rosa Blanca Coffee Plantation Resort (Central Valley)

www.fincarosablanca.com
The Food Bank is Barrio Jesus, where many employees at the hotel live, is run by Finca Rosa Blanca. This food bank offers hot meals to over 70 people in need every day. The Finca Rosa Blanca team is also hard at work to finish the brand new recycling centre in the food bank, which will service the whole community.

Kura Design Villas (Uvita)

www.kuracostarica.com
The students at the Uvita middle school had a whole new oceans education program in 2015 thanks to the hard work of Martin and Alejandra, the owners of the ultra-exclusive Kura Design Villas.

Lapa Rios Ecolodge (Puerto Jimenez, Osa Peninsula)

www.laparios.com
The newest library in the Osa Peninsula region is now open! With help from Lapa Rios and Earth Equilibrium a new program called “Books To Fly” has put new libraries in three schools around Puerto Jimenez. The five-year plan includes adding 13 more libraries to the region's schools.

Latitude 10 Beach Resort (Santa Teresa, Nicoya Peninsula)

www.latitude10resort.com
The high school in Santa Teresa has a new climate change curriculum developed with help from Latitude 10 and Earth Equilibrium. The course is seven weeks long and its focus is to create agents of change out of the 30 students.

Jicaro Island Ecolodge (Granada, Nicaragua)

www.jicarolodge.com
Padre Nello School is more than just an educational facility, for the community it is a gathering place and now it is also a place where residents can come to get fresh purified water. Our sustainability efforts also helped the school purchase solar panels and lights for the school.

Heading to Brisbane These School Holidays?

Then you are 'summer set' for family fun at QPAC!

Families visiting Queensland for the school holidays will be set for summer holiday entertainment with Queensland Performing Arts Centre's (QPAC) SummerSet, a jam packed family program, on offer from the end of November through to 22 January 2017.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show kicks off the SummerSet experience from 29 November to 18 December 2016 in the Cremorne Theatre, QPAC. Don't miss seeing one of the most read and famous children's books of all time emerge off the page and onto the stage in a masterful theatrical experience for those aged 2+. Along with the hungry caterpillar, the show also features some other delightful characters from Eric Carle's bestselling classic tales.

Christmas comes early for children aged 2+ with the live musical spectacular Giggle and Hoot's Magical Christmas live on the Concert Hall stage for one day only on 10 December 2016. Starring Jimmy Giggle, Hoot, Hootabelle, Gigglefangs, Pirate Hootbeard and of course Hootoclaws and his dancing Elves.

The New Year sees the welcome return of the adventurous wildlife presenter Steve Backshall, with his brand new show Steve Backshall's Deadly 60 Pole to Pole, in QPAC's Concert Hall from 4 to 5 January 2017. Following his sold out 2016 Australian tour, Steve will take audiences aged 5+ on a theatrical journey of wild discovery and dangerous entertainment as he shares his experiences travelling from the South Pole to the North Pole.

The Snail and the Whale is a critically acclaimed live musical stage adaptation of the modern classic picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. From 6 to 22 January 2017 in the Cremorne Theatre, QPAC, audiences aged 4+ are invited to join a tiny snail on her trip around the world.

Returning for three days only in the Concert Hall, QPAC, is everybody's favourite Mister Maker live on stage. This brilliant, fun, fast-paced and interactive new show, recommended for children 3+, is bound to be a highlight of the summer school holidays from 13 to 15 January 2017.

With something for every age group, QPAC has your family's summer entertainment all set. To book via qpac.com.au/summer or call 136 246.

The Snail and the Whale…A heart-warming adaptation ... with songs, sensitivity and imagination
Time Out Sydney

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show…A knockout success
The Daily Telegraph

Deadly 60 Live…An interesting and educational experience for fans of Deadly 60 that will appeal to wildlife fans, young and old.
Glam Adelaide

QPAC Presents
The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show

Based on Eric Carle's books

When: 29 November to 18 December 2016
Where: Cremorne Theatre, QPAC, Cultural Centre, South Bank, Brisbane
Tickets*: Refer to qpac.com.au for current pricing
Bookings: qpac.com.au or 136 246

QPAC and Live Nation Present
Giggle and Hoot's Magical Christmas

When: 10 December 2016
Where: Concert Hall, QPAC, Cultural Centre, South Bank, Brisbane
Tickets*: Refer to qpac.com.au for current pricing
Bookings: qpac.com.au or 136 246

QPAC, Andrew Kay and Phil Bathols Present
Steve Backshall's Deadly 60 Pole to Pole

When: 4 to 5 January 2017
Where: Concert Hall, QPAC, Cultural Centre, South Bank, Brisbane
Tickets*: Refer to qpac.com.au for current pricing
Bookings: qpac.com.au or 136 246

QPAC in association with Tall Stories Present
The Snail and the Whale

When: 6 to 22 January 2017
Where: Cremorne Theatre, QPAC, Cultural Centre, South Bank, Brisbane
Tickets*: Refer to qpac.com.au for current pricing
Bookings: qpac.com.au or 136 246

QPAC and Live Nation present
Mister Maker

When: 13 to 15 January 2017
Where: Concert Hall, QPAC, Cultural Centre, South Bank, Brisbane
Tickets*: Refer to qpac.com.au for current pricing
Bookings: qpac.com.au or 136 246

To see video of Steve Backshall go to https://www.qpac.com.au/event/deadly_60_17/

Regions Benefit as Tourism Confirmed as New Zealand's Top Export

Phenomenal growth has seen tourism become New Zealand's top export earner.

Annual data released today shows international tourism has pumped $14.5 billion into the economy and directly employed over 188,000 people for the year ending March 2016.

“Tourism benefits all New Zealanders and the level of growth we are achieving is presenting huge opportunities that are ripe for the picking,” says outgoing Tourism New Zealand Chief Executive Kevin Bowler.

“The impact of tourism spend is far ranging, benefiting retail owners, supermarkets, petrol stations, restaurants and cafes in addition to accommodation and travel spend.”

“One in 13 New Zealanders are now directly employed in the tourism industry and this will increase as visitor numbers continue to grow.”

Last year 3.4 million overseas visitors came to New Zealand and at the current rate of growth will double in seven years.

Kevin leaves his tourism role this week after seven years as Chief Executive.

“It's a great feeling to leave the industry on such a high note. New Zealand tourism is thriving and these results confirm it's the driving force behind the economy.”

“This is the highest level of international tourism expenditure on record and it's predicted to increase.”

“Tourism New Zealand is doing a fantastic job promoting what the country has to offer the world and the results speak for themselves.”

“I'm extremely proud of the innovative and creative work my staff across the world do to market New Zealand to selected target audiences.”

When Kevin started the in the role in early 2010 tourism numbers had just started to recover following significant visitor number decreases bought on by the global financial crisis and high fuel prices.

“Extremely successful Middle earth campaigns and a deep focus on digital media helped drive significant growth in visitor numbers,”

During Kevin's tenure visitor numbers increased a whopping 37 percent alongside an impressive 41 percent increase in visitor dollars to the NZD economy.

“Over the last year we have been really focused on attracting visitors in the shoulder seasons to spread visitor numbers more evenly across the entire year. We invested 100% of our marketing dollars into travel outside peak periods and as a result, the combined percentage growth for autumn 2015 and spring 2016 was considerably higher than the summer growth.”

Tourism growth is set to continue, with the industry expecting a record-breaking year ahead.

newzealand.com

BridgeClimb Wins 2016 NSW Tourism Award for Major Tourist Attraction

BridgeClimb Sydney has won the 2016 NSW Tourism Award for Major Tourist Attraction. This is a prestigious award presented annually by the NSW Business Chamber marking excellence in the tourism industry and demonstrated outstanding achievement over the past 12 months.

BridgeClimb, led by our Founder and Chairman Paul Cave, has transformed the Sydney Harbour Bridge into an international bucket list experience since opening in 1998.

CEO of BridgeClimb Todd Coates said, “It's an honour to be included amongst all the finalists tonight and we are proud to have been presented with this award by the NSW Business Chamber and the tourism industry.

“We are privileged to be able to share the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge with the world. We are thankful to our key partner and stakeholder, Roads and Maritime Services, and to our industry bodies Destination NSW, Tourism Australia and the NSW Business Chamber. This award is also a wonderful recognition of all our wonderful team for their service to our Climbers. We especially salute each of the 3.5 million Climbers we have welcomed since 1998, for giving us the opportunity to share our passion for the spirit and beauty of our great Bridge and city.”

To gain this acknowledgement, BridgeClimb proved itself against criteria including, safety, customer service, quality, business planning, marketing, sustainability, and our commitment to tourism excellence and involvement in the tourism industry.


While the award highlights BridgeClimb's achievements over the past 12 months, it's a culmination of over three years of work. Over this period, BridgeClimb has been innovative in product development, proactively 'raising the bar' for our customers through team culture, striving to provide excellence in customer service and enhancing our Workplace Health Safety & Environment programs.

BridgeClimb offers a truly memorable experience, perfect for special occasions, family adventures, team building and corporate events. For more information, please visit www.bridgeclimb.com or call (02) 8274 7777.

INDUSTRY CELEBRATES 2016 NSW TOURISM AWARDS

Outstanding tourism businesses from across NSW were honoured last night at a special ceremony at Luna Park to mark the 2016 NSW Tourism Awards.

Supported by Destination NSW, the Awards celebrate and acknowledge tourism excellence and are managed by the Tourism Industry division of the NSW Business Chamber.

Destination NSW Chief Executive Officer Sandra Chipchase said Destination NSW is proud to support the NSW Tourism Awards.

“Awards such as these provide a valuable platform to encourage businesses to consistently strive for excellence in their respective fields and last night was a wonderful testament to the ongoing strength of the NSW tourism industry,” Ms Chipchase said.

Twenty-eight award winners were announced in a range of categories including Major Tourist Attractions, Festivals and Events, Destination Marketing and Accommodation.

With more than 110 finalists in 2016, each winner was selected by an independent judging panel for their exceptional contribution to the NSW tourism industry.

Five winners were inducted into the NSW Tourism Awards Hall of Fame:
Chateau Elan at The Vintage, AAT Kings NSW, Big4 Deniliquin Holiday Park, Taronga Western Plains Zoo and Margan Wines & Restaurant who took out top honours in their respective categories for the third year in a row.

NSW Minister for Trade, Tourism and Major Events Stuart Ayres said the NSW Tourism Awards highlight how the State’s finest tourism operators continue to attract people to stay, play and enjoy areas across the state.

“This year’s NSW Tourism Award winners represent individuals and businesses whose commitment to excellence continues to make NSW the number one destination to visit in Australia,” Mr Ayres said.

For the full list of winners, visit the official Awards website.

Image: Winner 2016 People's Choice Award - Lizzie Doyle, Australian Reptile Park with Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier for Western Sydney, Ray Williams MP

Air China launches major flight between Sydney and Chengdu

China's flag carrier Air China welcomed a major flight between Sydney and Chengdu, capital of Southwest China's Sichuan province, on Saturday.[Photo/Xinhua]

An Airbus 330-200 plane flying Sydney's first direct route from China's fourth-largest international airport touched down at Sydney Airport, marking the start of a service running three times a week that is expected to bring 23,000 Chinese visitors and 89 million Autralian dollars of their expenditure to the New South Wales (NSW) economy.

"Chengdu, the land of abundance and capital of Sichuan province, is a city proud of its natural endowment, historical heritage, cultural diversity and hardworking people. The city and its surrounding area are leading other cities in China's west in economic development and have been working to build and strengthen their ties with Australia," Consul General of the Consulate-General of China in Sydney Gu Xiaojie said at an event in Sydney Airport welcoming the new route.

"Air China's direct flights will help to strengthen Chengdu and Sichuan's cooperation with the most dynamic and prosperous city in New South Wales, hence creating new opportunities for the Chinese and Australian people to deepen mutual understanding, friendship and economic cooperation.

The consul general said the Chinese and Australian economies are "highly complementary", with recent years witnessing "rapid growth in bilateral trade and investment, tourism, education, science and technology".

New South Wales is the destination of more than half of Chinese investment and students and 40 percent of tourists to Australia, "and we value our friendly relationship with the state very much", he said.

Chengdu is Air China's second-largest hub offering connections to more than 40 destinations within China and international cities such as Frankfurt, Paris and Rome. The new flight, which offers 237 seats on the aircraft, will help Sydney Airport host seven airlines flying to 13 Chinese cities by the end of the month, said Sydney Airport Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Kerrie Mather.

"In the year ending June 2016, New South Wales welcomed almost 640,000 people from China and they spent some 2.1 billion Australian dollars in our local economy, which is very welcomed. The partnership with Air China will help continue to grow that, for our local economy, and likewise, we will look forward to sending more people to Chengdu and China," NSW Parliamentary Secretary for Major Events and Tourism Jonathan O'Dea said.

The managing director of Air China's Southwest Branch Liu Yong said the Chengdu-Sydney flight will establish a new "bridge in the sky" to help boost economic, trade and cultural exchanges.

"The weather forecast said there'd be rain, but it turned out to be nice and sunny, a very smooth first flight. It's a good sign for our new link and I'm confident of it," Liu said.

"Chinese nationals continue to be our largest foreign contributor in inbound passengers and this new service will drive further demand," Mather said.

As part of continued efforts to meet that demand, Sydney Airport has rolled out a number of initiatives to welcome Chinese passengers. These include Mandarin-speaking "ambassadors" to help visitors, as well as retail, food and beverage offerings tailored to Chinese travelers, and a presence on Chinese social media platforms to ensure that passengers are kept up to date, she said.

"It's going to be great for Sydneysiders as well. Chengdu is one of the fastest developing cities in the world and an ideal destination for people who want to explore western China," she said.

"It's famous for the giant pandas and for Sichuan cuisine, which is personally my favorite. I'm sure Sydneysiders will love Chengdu as much as I do."