IT&CMA and CTW 2011 Opens Today With The Largest Exhibitor Showcase In The Event’s History

Organisers reveal event’s new positioning and image going forward

The first business day of 19^th IT&CMA and 14^th CTW officially kicks off. The event features 335 exhibiting companies and organisations across 20 countries; the largest the show has seen in its history.

In addition, new participating companies comprise more than 45% of total exhibitors while returning exhibitors such as Pattaya MICE City and Sri Lanka Convention Centre have increased their investment and booth space this year. Debuting MICE destinations this year include Cambodia, Vietnam and Poland. Destination states like Hyderabad CVB, Seoul and Sabah have also emerged from their country pavilions to participate as stand-alone exhibitors.

MICE Buyers and Corporate Travel Managers participation continue to be healthy at 491 delegates from 56 countries. These 2011 buyers represent the cream of the crop, with annual purchasing power of up to USD 2 million annually. 50% of these buyers are new to the event this year.

Conference delegates and media attendance are 145 and 121 respectively.

New IT&CMA and CTW highlights include a 108sqm hosted delegate lounge sponsored by Busan Metropolitan City, a Networking Zone that features a corporate gift showcase and networking area for all delegates, as well as a Delegates-Meet-Media system where delegates can submit written appointment requests at the pigeon-hole feature located at the Global Media Zone.

Organisers Reveal Event’s New Positioning and Image Going Forward

As IT&CMA and CTW approaches its 20^th and 15^th anniversary milestone respectively in 2012, TTG Asia Media, organisers of IT&CMA and CTW, reveal the event’s new positioning and image. This will serve as IT&CMA and CTW’s new identity in 2012 and going forward.

 “The revamped logo embodies the event’s growing international scope and reach. Its new positioning and tagline as, ‘The World’s Only Doublebill Event’ recognises IT&CMA and CTW’s unique position as a leading international MICE and Corporate Travel business platform.” said Mr. Darren Ng, Managing Director of TTG Asia Media. The 2012 IT&CMA and CTW event will also add luxury travel to its ambit.

In celebration of the 20^th IT&CMA next year, organisers are also offering special rates to 2012 exhibitors who book their booth on-site at this year’s event or by 15 November 2011. IT&CMA and CTW 2012 will take place on 2 to 4 October 2012 at the same venue.

Event Highlights Today:

·         Keynote Address and Panel Discussion: The keynote address by Ms. Jennie Chua, CapitaLand’s Chief Corporate Officer, covers the topic ‘Leadership in Times of Uncertainty and Crisis’. The need of the hour, this topic receives greater attention during the panel discussion featuring Mr. Paul Tilstone, Chief Global Development Officer of GBTA as moderator, with Ms. Claire Blades, Global Travel Manager of Symantec Corporation and Mr. Paul Kanjanapas, Managing Director of IMPACT Exhibition Management as panelists.

·         The ICCA Association Database Workshop: Mr. Noor Ahmad Hamid, the ICCA’s Regional Director Asia Pacific, leads the session, exclusively for ICCA members. The workshop covers ICCA on-line tools, namely Association Database for Series Search, Events Search, Hot Leads and Research Corner. Other tools include the Destination Comparison Report, ICCA PR Kit, Digital Clipping Service and Members’ Press Releases Upload. Said Mr. Hamid, “The association database is the most important business tool for members, and we would like to encourage more Asia Pacific members to use these tools to search for potential business. In particular for the ICCA Thailand members, this would mean a great opportunity to start a fresh and strong business database.”

·         Opening Ceremony: Held at InterContinental Bangkok, the opening ceremony officially welcomes all distinguished guests and delegates to IT&CMA and CTW 2011. Presiding over the proceedings, Mr. Surachai Phuprasert, Deputy Secretary General to the Prime Minister, for Political Affairs, declares the event officially open through his opening address.

Commenting on IT&CMA and CTW’s 10^th year in Thailand, Mr. Akapol Sorasuchart, President of the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau said, ‘We are truly honoured that Thailand has been chosen as the host country for this leading international MICE and Corporate Travel event for so long. This choice demonstrates Thailand’s maturity and resilience as both a business and tourist destination. It also represents a strong vote of confidence in Thailand’s world-class professional standards, diverse offerings and value for money that the country offers and delivers.”

Other Event and Activities Taking Place Today:

·         AACVB Meeting (Only for Invited Delegates)

·         10^th GBTA GTMEF (Global Travel Management Exchange Forum) (for Corporate Travel Managers only)

·         IMEX-MPI-IT&CMA Future Leaders Forum 2011

·         Sellers-Meet-Buyers Appointment Scheduling Session

·         Buyers-Meet-Sellers Appointment Scheduling Session

·         CTW Table-Top Networking Session

Tomorrow’s Highlights Include:

·         IT&CMA Seminar 1: How to Keep and Win Association Meetings

·         IMEX-MPI-IT&CMA Future Leaders Forum 2011

·         Luncheon Hosted by Presenting Destination – Singapore (jointly hosted by SACEOS and TTG Asia Media)

·         MEHK Sun-Downer Cocktail Reception

·         Seoul Dinner hosted by Seoul Tourism Organisation

·         Late-Night Function hosted by Courtyard by Marriott Bangkok and TTG Asia Media

About IT&CMA and CTW 2011

Asia’s Only Doublebill Event in MICE and Corporate will be held from 4 to 6 October 2011 at Bangkok Convention Center, CentralWorld, Bangkok. Incentive Travel & Conventions, Meetings Asia (IT&CMA) will bring together MICE suppliers and buyers in a 3-day exhibition showcase coupled with intensive business appointments. Exhibition features include products, services and solutions relating to meetings, incentives, conventions and events. The Corporate Travel World (CTW) Asia Pacific is a conference driven by Corporate Travel & Entertainment (T&E) content. Influencers, planners and decision-makers of Corporate Travel functions in their organisation attend the annual conference to keep themselves abreast of the latest trends and knowledge that can enable them to get the most out of their T&E decisions. Sessions are led by prolific industry veterans. This 2011 will see the 19^th and 14^th instalment of IT&CMA and CTW respectively.  

World Tourism Statistics 2010

Some countries host more overseas visitors, tourists and business professional than others. Major research findings on international tourism in 2010, according to the World Tourism Organization, include:-

- The top 10 most visited countries were 1) France 2) USA 3) China and 4) Spain 5)Italy 6)UK 7) Turkey 8)Germany 9) Malaysia and 10)Mexico.

-  International tourist rebounded strongly, with arrivals up 6.6 percent and reached 940 million

- International tourism receipts are estimated to have reached US$ 919 billion worldwide (693 billion euros), up from US$ 851 billion (610 billion euros) in 2009, corresponding to an increase in real terms of 4.7%.

- The increase more than offset the decline caused by the economic downturn, with an additional 23 million arrivals over the former peak year of 2008.

- Travel for leisure, recreation and holidays accounted for just over half of all international tourist arrivals.
- As a reflection of the economic conditions, recovery was particularly strong in emerging economies, where arrivals grew faster (+8%) than in advanced ones (+5%).

- China became the world’s third biggest tourism spender.

- Travel for leisure, recreation and holidays accounted for just over half of all international tourist arrivals (51% or 480 million arrivals).

- Some 15% of international tourists reported travelling for business and professional purposes and another 27% travelled for other purposes, such as visiting friends and relatives (VFR), religious reasons and pilgrimages, health treatment, etc.

- Slightly over half of travellers arrived at their destination by air transport (51%) in 2010, while the remainder travelled over the surface (49%) – whether by road (41%), rail (2%), or over water (6%). Over time, the trend has been for air transport to grow at a faster pace than surface transport, so the share of air transport is gradually increasing.

- All regions posted positive growth in real terms, with the exception of Europe (-0.4%). The Middle East (+14%) and Asia and the Pacific (+13%) showed the strongest growth, while the Americas (+5%) was close to the worldwide average and Africa grew (+3%) somewhat slower.

Pre-Business Days Education And Networking Activities Kick Off IT&CMA and CTW 2011

IT&CMA and CTW 2011 kicked off yesterday with pre-business education and networking activities as event organisers welcomed a record high number of attending delegates this year. Over yesterday and today, the registration desk expects to see some 2,457 delegates, comprising of exhibitors, buyers, corporate travel managers, conference delegates and media, hailing from 60 countries across the globe.

Yesterday’s highlights included:

The Corporate Travel Expert (CTESM) Course: 

Designed for corporate travel managers and executives, the CTE course is being held at IT&CMA and CTW for the last time in its current form. The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) has conducted this course at IT&CMA and CTW every year since 2008. Going forward in 2012, GBTA will introduce a new course on Global Travel Procurement (GTP) under the umbrella of their GBTA Academy. While the GTP course has already been launched earlier this year outside Asia, the version that will be introduced at IT&CMA and CTW 2012 is being developed to specially suit the Asian market.

This year’s CTE course covers the Fundamentals of Business Travel and culminates in the CTE Certification for participants. Course facilitator, Mr. Dean Fowles, Principal, Global Sourcing – Services, T&E Management at Rio Tinto is enthusiastic about the course, commenting, “While the core material is retained, the course this year is far more comprehensive and touches on global trends. Earlier, the course was largely tweaked from the American course material, but it is now tailor made for the Asian market. We have developed reference materials that will be invaluable for participants. This has grown into a really great forum to network and share global best practices.”

Participant Mr. Niranjan S. Pathak, Manager – Travel and Immigration Service at HSBC Software Development India shared his objectives of attending the course, “I am interested in understanding the key consideration factors to improve business, with special focus on minimizing hotel and airline cost while growing the travel business. I want to achieve this without compromising on quality.”

Association Professionals Competencies PAE 103 and 104 Course: 

This certification course returns for the third consecutive year to IT&CMA and CTW. Open to association professionals, it is conducted by Mr. Michael Anderson, CAE, President and CEO of CSAE - Canada and Mr. Simon Pryor, FSAE, President of AuSAE Australia.

Explaining the course structure this year, Simon Pryor remarked, “Based on feedback and evaluation, we have tweaked the course to help Asia-based associations focus on growing their membership and also attracting and retaining staff and volunteers.”

Supporting this assessment, Michal Anderson said, “We want to equip participants with critical tools with high utility value, which will help them focus on membership, human resources and marketing. A challenge for associations is to strike a balance between the role of staff and that of volunteers, and we hope to share practices that will help participants achieve this balance.”

Participant, Ms. Joyce Kwok of SACEOS Singapore feels the takeaways from this one and a half-day course is immediately beneficial to her job, “I am supporting the membership drive SACEOS is currently undertaking and we believe this course is the best platform to learn about retention and attraction of members.” Commenting on the course speakers Joyce said, “I am very keen to learn from these experts.”

The course is held as a day-long intensive workshop with an assessment and examination on 4th October 2011. It is available in Asia only through the IT&CMA and CTW platform.

Friendly Golf Game: 

Jointly sponsored by Rose Garden Riverside Golf Course and Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), the Friendly Golf Game continues to be a popular networking event. Open only to invited guests, this game saw some 25 delegate players this year.

Pre-Show City Tours: 

IT&CMA and CTW 2011 buyers and media get a chance to experience Bangkok with four pre-show city tours. All tours have been sold out through pre-registration over the months leading up to the event. The tours extended from the afternoon to late evening yesterday and were a popular event amongst delegates to get acquainted with destination Bangkok.

Today marks the start of the Business days of IT&CMA and CTW 2011. Highlights include:

ICCA Association Database Workshop (only for ICCA members)

AACVB Meeting (only for Invited Guests)

IMEX- MPI- IT&CMA Future Leaders Forum 2011

Keynote Address and Panel Discussion

Sellers-Meet-Buyers Appointment Scheduling Session

Buyers-Meet-Sellers Appointment Scheduling Session

Opening Ceremony and Welcome Cocktail

About IT&CMA and CTW 2011

Asia’s Only Doublebill Event in MICE and Corporate is held from 4 to 6 October 2011 at Bangkok Convention Center, CentralWorld, Bangkok. Incentive Travel & Conventions, Meetings Asia (IT&CMA) will bring together MICE suppliers and buyers in a 3-day exhibition showcase coupled with intensive business appointments. Exhibition features include products, services and solutions relating to meetings, incentives, conventions and events. The Corporate Travel World (CTW) Asia Pacific is a conference driven by Corporate Travel & Entertainment (T&E) content. Influencers, planners and decision-makers of Corporate Travel functions in their organisation attend the annual conference to keep themselves abreast of the latest trends and knowledge that can enable them to get the most out of their (T&E) decisions. Sessions are led by prolific industry veterans. This 2011 will see the 19th and 14th instalment of IT&CMA and CTW respectively. 

IT&CMA and CTW 2011 Opens in Bangkok

IT&CMA and CTW 2011, Asia's Only Doublebill event, celebrates its 10th year in Thailand this year.

Opening Ceremony

The Thailand Convention Exhibitions Bureau (TCEB) is pulling out all the stops to make the Opening Ceremony a real extravaganza. It will include amazing performances featuring a nostalgic walk down memory lane. It will be fitting tribute to the past decade. The Opening Ceremony will be held at the Intercontinental Bangkok, which is situated very close to BCC at CentralWorld.

Keynote Address and Panel Discussion
A big draw of IT&CMA and CTW 2011 is the keynote address by industry veteran, Ms. Jennie Chua, Chief Corporate Officer at CapitaLand Limited. Ms. Chua has an extensive track record in the tourism and hospitality industry. She will address the very topical issue of leadership in times of uncertainty and crisis in her speech titled, 'Managing in Times of Uncertainty and Change - The global economy, corporate environment and travel and tourism industry'.

Ms. Chua has an extensive track record in the tourism and hospitality industry. In her illustrious career she has held many reputable posts such as President and CEO of Ascott Limited and President and CEO of Raffles Holdings Limited. She presently chairs several business, tourism, arts and social sector organisations including the International Advisory Council for Tourism of Singapore Tourism Board, Tourism Industry Skills and Training Council and the Community Chest of Singapore. Ms. Chua is also Deputy Chairman of Temasek Foundation, the non-profit philanthropic organisation established by Singapore's Temasek Holdings. Ms. Chua has received numerous awards including three Singapore National Day Awards (1984, 2004 and 2008); Outstanding Contribution to Tourism Award 2006 by the Singapore Tourism Board; Women's World Excellence Award 2006; Travel Personality of the Year Award 2005 by TTG Asia and 25 Stars of Asia Award 2003 by Business Week Magazine.

The Keynote Address will be followed by the keynote panel discussion which will further deal with Strategic Solutions in Times of Crisis. The session will be moderated by Paul Tilstone, Chief Global Development Officer of Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) and feature distinguished panelists Ms. Claire Blades, Global Travel Manager of Symantec Corporation and Mr. Paul Kanjanapas, Managing Director of IMPACT Exhibition Management.

Claire Blades joined Symantec in 2004 and has a wealth of experience. She began her travel industry career with Carlson Wagonlit Travel. She moved into corporate travel management working at Oracle Corporation where she stayed for over seven years, and was instrumental in travel policy design and online booking tool deployment. At Symantec, Claire has managed the travel function for Europe, Middle East and Asia from the Reading facility since the merger with Veritas Software Corp in June 2005. She relocated in December 2009 to Florida to take on global responsibilities. In addition to her Symantec responsibilities, Claire serves on the Global Business Travel Association's Corporate Social Responsibility Committee. 

Paul Kanjanapas entered the travel industry after graduating from the European Business School with a Bachelor's degree in international business administration, and has been heading the company since January 2002. He oversees the day-to-day operation and business development of the largest exhibition and convention venue in Thailand, and one of the largest in South-east Asia, which includes the Novotel Bangkok IMPACT, located in the heart of IMPACT Arena, Exhibition and Convention Center. Paul has served in several positions – from Committee Member to Vice-President for Education and Public Relations – in the Thai Exhibition Association over the years He has also served as a Committee Member of the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions & Exhibitions) Capabilities Team helping the Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau to develop the capabilities of MICE players in Thailand.

Sculpture in the Vineyards Now on Display in the Hunter

Each year weird and wonderful sculptures pop up all around the Wolllombi Vineyards for three months..

The official opening of Sculpture in the Vineyards 2011 was held in the garden behind Noyce Brothers Cellar Door, in the heart of the Wollombi village, yesterday, Sunday 2nd October.

Sculpture in the Vineyards in the Hunter Valley, NSW Australia,  features  large-scale outdoor and site-specific works as well as an indoor exhibition of small sculpture at The Gate Gallery. This event provides artists with a rare opportunity to showcase their work, engaging visitors over a three month exhibition period by inviting them to enjoy contemporary sculpture amidst boutique vineyards and an historic town, rich in indigenous and colonial heritage. People can enjoy fine wines and a wander through some of the most picturesque countryside in NSW while feasting their eyes on this years fabulous array of sculpture.

This years participating venues include-

- Undercliff Winery

Proclaimed and settled as a farm in 1846 the property still retains the original timber slab sheds and homestead, the latter is now unique accommodation for guests named Settlers Cottage. The clay quarry for the 19th century Wollombi brickworks is adjacent to the vineyards and is now a billabong fed by a subterranean water table providing irrigation for the vineyard. Undercliff Winery, built in 1993 is nestled in a tranquil valley only 1.5 kilometres from Historic Wollombi Village. The cellar door was constructed to compliment the existing heritage values of the Undercliff Estate with the external slab walls superbly set off a cedar cathedral ceiling. The wine making equipment was built specifically as was the 6 metre table used for vintage lunches and other functions.The cellar door is open daily 10 am to 5pm and the owner operators are Peter and Jane Hamshere.

- Stonehurst Cedar Creek

The vineyard is located on the land originally granted to Napoleonic War Veterans in the 1820′s and which become renowned for its horticultural produce. The Heslop family farmed deer and cattle on the property for many years before establishing the vineyard in 1995. The vision for the vineyard is to produce premium quality wines through sustainable viticulture – no insecticides and only organically approved fungicides are used. The family homestead, Cellar Door and wine cellar are all built of sandstone quarried on the farm and old convict stone. The cedar creek cottages, which are self–contained with all modern amenities, are built from old timber slabs and convict brick to the rich heritage of Wollombi. The Winery can found on the Wollombi Valley Wine Trail and the cellar door is open 7 days a week 10am – 5pm.

- Noyce Brothers Wines

The Noyce family have been farming in the Wollombi Valley for 40 years, and the wines are cultivated on land first settled in 1823. The aim at Noyce Brothers is to explore ways in which technology and tradition can push the boundaries of taste. The cellar door is in the magnificent old sandstone Grays Inn, next to the General Store in the heart of Wollombi Village, with lovely restaurants close by. Opening Hours: Open Wednesday-Monday 10.30am to 5pm

- Wollombi Village Vineyard

-  Wollombi Wines Vineyard

This is situated adjacent to the historic village of Wollombi and bordered by the beautiful Wollombi Brook. Family owned and operated by proprietors Allyson and Peter Hoft, the vineyard produces quality wines with typical Hunter flavour and characteristics, including three three lower alcohol wines. Wine tasting 7 days  a week 10am to 5pm

-  The Gate Gallery and Sculpture Garden

It is with great pleasure that The Gate Gallery and Sculpture Garden play host to Sculptures in the Vineyards for a second year. Opening in 2010 the Gate Gallery and Sculpture Garden, situated in the expansive grounds of Lavender Gate Farm, is rapidly establishing itself as an important part of the contemporary Sydney and Hunter art scene. During Sculpture in the Vineyards The Gate Gallery features an indoor exhibition of small sculptures by selected Sculpture in the Vineyard artists in addition to their site-specific works. The Gate Gallery also exhibits a range of works by Australian and international artists with particular emphasis on Aboriginal work. The Gallery is open from Friday – Monday 10.00am  – 3.00pm or by appointment. No appointment is necessary to view The Sculpture Garden, which is open daily from 10.00am – 3.00pm. Principals Caroline & Willem van Zanten welcome artists and visitors alike and are happy to discuss the artworks, personal exhibitions and forthcoming events.

History

Sculpture in the Vines began in 2002 when Susan Lowes of Millfield Wines teamed up with Stonehurst Wines’ Phillipa Heslop and Stella Downer o f Stella Downer Fine Art to launch the annual exhibition. It was held March through to April to coincide with the Hunter Valley Harvest Festival and comprised of invited artists coming through the gallery in Sydney - Rae Bolton, Jan King, Robert Hague, Trevor Weekes to name a few. The first year involved three wineries; Millfield, Stonehurst and Tallavera Grove. Undercliff Winery and Millbrook Estate became part of theexhibition in the second and third years.

In 2005 Millfield Wines was sold and together with Stella Downer and Tallavera Grove exited the exhibition. Local artist Kess Harper curated the exhibition that year on the three remaining vineyards, all Wollombi Valley Wine Trail vineyards.  The name was changed to Sculpture in the Vineyards in 2006.

Tara Morelos has curated the exhibition for the past 4 years and is joined in 2010 by Cassandra Hard Lawrie and Todd Fuller in 2011. The wineries are very appreciative of the effort and commitment each curator has given to the exhibition, and are committed to supporting artists, without whose work there could be no event.

“Our artists continue to inspire, amaze and enthuse all who visit this annual event.”  Phillipa Heslop

For more information visit www.sculptureinthevineyards.com.au 

World Tourism Day Celebrated

World Tourism Day is celebrated annually September 27 as part of Tourism Month. A United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) initiative, it calls attention to the global issues and aspirations around tourism.

The purpose of World Tourism Day is to foster awareness among the international community of the importance of tourism and its social, cultural, political and economic value goals.

World Tourism Day has been celebrated on September 27, when the United Nations World Tourism Organisation 1980 held the first one. The date was chosen as on that day in 1970, the Statutes of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation were adopted. The adoption of these Statutes is considered a milestone in global tourism.

 

Each years World Tourism Day has a special theme, and this year’s theme is ‘Tourism – Linking Cultures’. It celebrates tourism’s role in linking together the cultures of the world through travel. With millions of people travelling the world each year, never before have so many people been to so many places, nor been so exposed to other cultures. This interaction between individuals and communities, and their diverse cultures, leads to tolerance, respect and mutual understanding - the building blocks for a more peaceful world.

As the most widely celebrated global day for tourism, World Tourism Day represents an opportunity to address how tourism can help build tolerance and understanding worldwide by serving as a catalyst for communication and exchange between the different cultures of the world.

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon

Taking about World Tourism Day, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said "World Tourism Day is an opportunity to reflect on the importance of tourism to global well-being. As we travel, let us engage with other cultures and celebrate human diversity. On this observance, let us recognize tourism as a force for a more tolerant, open and united world".

Taleb Rifai, UNWTO Secretary-General said  “WTD 2011 is a call to all those involved in tourism to act in a way that is conscious and respectful of culture, which promotes intercultural dialogue and ensures that local communities fully participate in, and benefit from, the development opportunities of tourism.” 

                                                                                                                                      

Cape Town Tourism CEO Mariette du Toit-Helmbold: said “Travel teaches tolerance. As people discover other places, people, and cultures, so they grow an understanding of how difference is not something to be feared. This is as true when speaking about Capetonians engaging with people and experiences beyond their back yard, as it is for the global traveller who encounters life in the townships of Cape Town.”

Taleb Rifai

At its Twelfth Session in Istanbul in Turkey in October of 1997, the UNWTO General Assembly decided to designate a host country each year to act as the Organization's partner in the celebration of World Tourism Day. At its Fifteenth Session in Beijing in China, in October of 2003, the Assembly decided the following geographic order to be followed for World Tourism Day celebrations: 2006 in Europe; 2007 in South Asia; 2008 in the Americas; 2009 in Africa and 2011 in the Middle East.

The previous host countries and the themes chosen for the past five years were:- 2006: 'Tourism Enriches', host Portugal; 2007: 'Tourism opens doors for women', host Sri Lanka; 2008: 'Tourism Responding to the Challenge of Climate Change and global warming', host India; 2009: 'Tourism - Celebrating Diversity', host Africa; and 2010: 'Tourism & Biodiversity', host China.

Egypt was the country chosen to be the 2011 official host country to act as the UNWTO's partner in the celebration of World Tourism Day.

Aswan

The Egyptian city of Aswan hosted the official 2011 World Tourism Day (WTD) celebrations. UNWTO Secretary-General, Taleb Rifai, said “It is most fitting that Egypt, home to some of the world’s most celebrated cultural heritage and a leading tourism destination, be the host country for the official celebrations of World Tourism Day 2011”.

The Day featured a High-Level Think Tank on this year’s theme of ‘Tourism – Linking Cultures’, in which leading public and private tourism stakeholders, academia and the media addressed  the role of tourism in building understanding, respect and tolerance worldwide.

Winner of Photo Competition

World Travel Day activities running throughout the year include the annual World Tourism Day Photo Competition, which offers a round-trip to Egypt as first prize. UNWTO has also launched the first ever World Tourism Day, asking people to ‘tweet’ about how they consider tourism to link cultures. Winning entries will appeared on the official programme handed out during the celebrations in Aswan. 

Egypt is world famous for its rich history and vibrant culture which draw millions of tourists to the country each year. It is precisely this interaction between the peoples and cultures of the world, driven by tourism, that is at the heart of the WTD 2011 theme ‘Tourism – Linking Cultures’.

Mounir Fakhri Abdel-Nour

The Minister of Tourism of Egypt, Mounir Fakhri Abdel-Nour. said “We are very honoured to be hosting the official celebrations of World Tourism Day 2011 in Egypt. Tourism is one of the most important sectors of our society, representing 12% of our GDP in 2010 and responsible for one in every seven jobs. World Tourism Day is an excellent opportunity to raise awareness around the world of this vital economic sector and its contribution to social, economic and environmental well-being worldwide and in Egypt in particular”.

Despite a challenging round for tourism in recent years, it remains a powerful economic contributor, a major generator of jobs and opportunities, and an agent of change, working as it does to bring travellers to new, unknown things, people, and experiences.

Meat Loaf Perform In the Hunter Valley

Bimbadgen Estate

“Meat Loaf’ is not only the name of a popular meat dish, but also of a popular rock group from years gone by.  ‘Meat Loaf’ is still going strong, and will soon be performing in the Hunter Valley.

‘Meat Loaf’ will be bringing their ‘Guilty Pleasure Tour’ to a ‘Day on the Green’ to the Bimbadgen Estate so that people in the Hunter region of NSW can hear them in an outdoor concert setting. They will be performing a mix of their old and new hits.

Meat Loaf sang at the AFL Grand Final yesterday in Melbourne. They will release a new cd called ‘Hell In A Handbasket’ this month. The best selling record they put out was “Bat out of Hell’ in 1977.

The concert will be held on Saturday 8th October, 2011at the Bimbadgen Estate, McDonalds Road, Pokolbin, NSW Australia. Gates will open at 3.30pm, with the ‘Choirboys’ performing first on stage at 4.15pm, followed by ‘Thirsty Merc’ at 5.30pm, and then ‘Meat Loaf’ at 7pm.

Meat Loaf at the AFL Grand Final

General Admission and Reserved Seating tickets can be purchased from ticketmaster.com.au or 136 100. Children under 12 years of age are admitted free of charge in the General Admission area when accompanied by a parent. General Admission costs $ 114.00; Silver Reserved Seat $ 149.00, Gold Reserved Seat $ 199.00, Platinum Reserved Seat $ 299.00, and a Concert & Dining Package $ 395.00.

Enquiries Phone Number: 02 4998 4600
Enquiries Email Address: office@bimbadgen.com.au
Web Address: www.bimbadgen.com.au

China Art on Show in Australia

China has been an exciting contemporary art environment for many years. For Australians there are two ways of seeing some of these important art works. The first way (and the more expensive way) is to fly to China and visit some of the Chinese contemporary art galleries. The second way is to go to Canberra to visit the National Museum of Australia which has just opened a four month long Chinese contemporary art exhibition called “A New Horizon”. The art works are from the National Art Museum of China located in Beijing.

On display are many important artworks created since the foundation of the People's Republic of China in 1949, including 62 Chinese ink-and-wash and oil paintings, 11 sculptures and new media works by some of the most important contemporary Chinese artists.

The exhibition reflects the rapid changes to art practice, technique and perceptions of Chinese culture, and the significant social changes of the past 60 years. Curator and NAMOC director Fan Di'an says the exchanges serve as a bridge for understanding and dialogue between the two countries. "The exhibition chronologically presents the evolution of Chinese contemporary art in three distinct parts - New China, New Thinking and New Century," he said. "It shows how different generations of Chinese artists have drawn their inspirations from the tension between individual experience and the influences of the outside world, imbuing their works with a vital force."

The exhibition is open 7 days a week from 9am to 5pm, and admission is free.

The venue is the National Museum of Australia, Lawson Crescent, Acton Peninsula, Canberra ACT 2600

Contact details are Phone 1800 026 13,  Fax +61 02 6208 5148

Email: information@nma.gov.au

Website: www.nma.gov.au

Thailand Wins More Awards

Thailand Wins Hospitality & Location Accolades – Again

Thailand has won many travel awards over the years. Most recently the “P3 Update Magazine” has awarded Thailand as a “Top Notch International Location” and a “Sought After Asian Location” for 2011.for production and location filming..

Phuket was ranked high by Conde Nast reader’s for value for money and for people and hospitality.

578 film productions were made in Thailand in 2010, which was a five year high. This year 453 foreign productions had been shot up to August this year. This compares to 377 which were completed by this same time in 2010.

Total production value through 2010 was approximately $62.3 million. The country has generated more than half that through the third quarter – approximately $38 million. It is interesting to note January and June 2011 were the busiest months for foreign productions filming in Thailand.

Through the end of August 2011, Japanese productions topped the list filming in Thailand (86 productions), with Europe a close second (80) and India coming in third (76).

Production companies are coming to Thailand not just because of its locations, but to utilize Thai-based production services such as set construction, costume and make-up crafts, and post production work including sound and digital services.

For additional information, please visit www.thailandfilmoffice.org

Come to Kunming

Kunming

You may be like me and have not heard of the city of Kunming in China until recently. Kunming is a major city in south west China close to Asian countries of Vietnam, Burma, and Laos.  It is known as the "City of Eternal Spring", as it has very temperate weather because of its almost tropical latitude but high altitude. Kunming is the largest city and the capital city of the province of Yunnan. Kunming consists of an old, previously walled city, a modern commercial district, and expanding residential and university areas. The population of the Kunming province is more than 10 million people and is on the increase, with many new roads and buildings being constructed.

China National Travel Mart

In October this year Kunming will be the host city to the China National Travel Mart where people from all over China, Asia and the rest of the world will gather..Many will arrive at the Kunming International Airport (KMG) which has connections to various Chinese and international cities. The airport is located about 9km south-east of the city area. A new larger airport is being planned to be built within the next 5 years, further from the city center. The recently refurbished south train station links other cities in China. Four major bus stations have recently been located on each side of Kunming outskirts due to the traffic congestion in the city.

Moving around in Kunming is done by either walking, riding bicycles, buses, or taxis. Bicycle riding is made easier by dedicated bicycle lanes along major roads, and bicycles can be hired by visitors. Bus rides are cheap costing about 20c, and taxis start at about $1, with a 60c fuel tax added to each fare.

Notable buildings to see in the Yunnan Province include temples such as the Yuantong Temple and Tanhua Temple

Yuantong Templ

 

Museums in Kunming worthwhile visiting include - Kunming Zoology Museum, Yunnan Military Academy, Yunnan Railway Museum, Yunnan Provincial Museum, and the Kunming City Museum

Kunming has many modern and traditional shops to explore, some large and some small market stalls. Something a little different is the Kunming flower and bird market, which, as well as selling flowers and birds, sells antiques, curios, coins, jade articles, jewellery, ink stones, porcelains, potteries, stone carvings, marble products and other  arts and crafts to be found there. It is a treasure trove for souvenirs.

Kunming Botanical Gardens

To enjoy the outdoors people flock to the various parks, such as the Kunming Zoo, Kunming Botanical Gardens, Dianchi lake, Green Lake Park, Yunnan Nationalities Village, Jindian Park, Western Mountain Forest Reserve, Stone Forest, and the Jiuxiang Scenic Area,

Two major Theatres are the Kunming Art Theatre and Kunming Theater. 

For more information on Kunming see websites such as

- TripAdvisor (http://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g298558-Kunming_Yunnan-Vacations.html)

- Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kunming)

- Travel China Guide (http://www.travelchinaguide.com/cityguides/kunming.htm)

- China Highlights (http://www.chinahighlights.com/kunming/)