Bangkok is Regarded as the Best Destination for Tourists' Shopping

Next time you are on a hunt for another travel destination that offers the ultimate shopping experience, look no further than Bangkok. The city has been rated amongst the best for tourist shopping  between heavyweights  like Dubai and London. According to a survey, conducted by  TripAdvisor Travel site, the most populous city in Thailand, has been rated among the second best for tourist shopping and overall third best in terms of value for money. The survey, which  was conducted among 75,000 people, rated New York as the queen of retail, with Bangkok runner up and Dubai takes  the  third place. The fourth place was awarded to Londo

Tourism Authority of Thailand Governor Suraphon Svetasreni said “This is a very important result for us because it underscores the success of our marketing campaign. We have always sought to position Thailand as a shopping paradise, thanks to our value for money factor and the extensive diversity of products and services.”

The survey indicates how travellers and locals view 40 key tourist cities around the world, based on more than 75,000 responses sent to those who have recently written TripAdvisor reviews on the featured cities.

The survey was divided into nine category- friendliest locals,  friendliest taxi drivers, best taxi services, cleanest streets, ease of getting around,best public transport,best value for money; best for shopping; and safest city.  Bangkok was also awarded the seventh most friendliest locals category. Mexico’s Cancun was voted as the friendliest city ahead of  popular destination like Tokyo, Istanbul, South Africa’s Cape Town, and Croatia’s Dubrovnik.

The 75,000 respondents comprised of those who have written a review on either a hotel, restaurant or attraction in the featured cities during 2012. To be included in the results a city had to have a minimum of 300 completed responses, with the ranking based on average scores for each question.

Harbin Ice and Snow World 2013

 

Harbin Ice and Snow World

In 1999, to salute the new millennium form 2000, Harbin municipal government built up a shining icy and snowy Disney Land. Since then, the fairy tales about ice and snow in Harbin began. The ice and snow embedded into the blood of Harbiners, and became one of signs in Harbin. Since then, Harbin holds the event in connection with ice and snow each year, in which a charming and romantic fairy world is formed with ice and snow. Millions of tourists have been attracted for the view. The state leaders and a number of ambassadors in China have been personally visited the events and give high praise.

Harbin Ice and Snow World, since its birth, has been expanding year by year. To date, it covers more than 500,000 sq. meters, and the consumption of ice and snow has exceeded 200,000 cubic meters. Being one of the most important part of Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival, Harbin Ice and Snow World has been known as the most popular winter attraction in the world these years. In this dreamlike theme park, not only can you see the amazing colorful ice and snow sculptures but also enjoy various interesting winter and cultural activities and sports.

Harbin Ice and Snow World

Location
west part of the Sun Island, Songbei District

Opening Time and Hours
Around December 20 each year to next late February
9:30 – 21:00

Waterworld Fairground Newcastle 2013

My apologies for leading people up the (dry) garden path. This is not happening in Newcastle this year. I got the info from their website, which has proven to be incorrect..... It is happening in other locations, but that does not suit Hunter Valley people. I appreciator being informed about the wrong info I posted, as I can not get around to all the activities written about.  I welcome any feedback about incorrect info in my magazine. I also welcome any info about community family type activities in your local area - please send the info to my email address on the website. Thanks, Max

Gaurang Jhunjhnuwala

 

Gaurang Jhunjhnuwala

The driving force behind each successful hoyel is a dedicated person who combines passion ansd expertise in his or her love of the job. Gaurang Jhunjhnuwala is the General Manager - Business Development of the Ovolo Group.

A quick, business minded individual, he tempers his pace with music and down time spent with family and friends. With a keen interest in technology, he helps keep Ovolo up to date with the latest technology trends and incorporates them into practical applications.

Having attended Babson College in the United States, he brings with him experience of having worked with TBWA – Omnicron, in addition to the Intercontinental Hotel Group, that helps drive Ovolo’s branding and image.

DWTC Announces Dates for Even Bigger 2013 Edition of Specialist Food Shows

The 2013 edition of SEAFEX, The Speciality Food Festival, and Sweets & Snacks Middle East is set to take place on a grander scale next year from 17-19 November 2013 with the shows set to expand by a substantial 35% resulting in 11,500 sqm of exhibition space.

The significant growth in the size of the 2013 shows is due to excellent sales, strong order books and promising new business relationships, which were reported by exhibitors at the close of three influential gourmet food trade shows taking place at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) in November last month. SEAFEX, The Speciality Food Festival, and Sweets & Snacks Middle East provide the only dedicated platforms in the Middle East for niche sectors enjoying strong growth in the region: seafood, gourmet and fine food ingredients, and confectionery and snacks. Organised by DWTC, the three shows welcomed 11,582 highly targeted food & beverage and hospitality professionals to source new ingredients and products, identify new suppliers and secure distributor contracts for the lucrative MENA region.

This year’s shows have seen a 22% increase in visitors compared to 9,436 visitors in 2011. “As the organisers of Gulfood, the single largest annual food trade show in the world, the DWTC team brings unrivalled experience to these three specialist shows within the same industry. We are pleased to announce that the 2013 edition will be the largest to date due to excellent exhibitor feedback, both in terms of being able to reach the right target audience, and in the lucrative deals concluded,” said Trixee Loh, Senior Vice President, DWTC. “With more than 330 exhibitors from around the world across the three shows this year, visitors have been able to access an unbelievably well-stocked pantry of ultra-premium fine food products and ingredients – something which is becoming increasingly important as the region’s appetite for fine dining grows.” SEAFEX, the largest dedicated seafood exhibition in the Middle East, which launched this year, was particularly well received in a region where fish often tops the menu.

A total of 21 country pavilions, from countries as far afield as Canada, China, Spain, Peru, Yemen and Vietnam, enjoyed the highly targeted platform that the show provided. British Columbia Gourmet Food, an export-driven food company focused on delivering a premium Canadian food portfolio to international food markets, reported high levels of interest and a number of potential sales within the first few days of the show.

 SEAFEX, 2013

President and CEO, Robert Davidson, said: “We are extremely pleased with the number of potential enquiries that we have received from serious customers and the networking opportunities the exhibition has provided to meet with qualified business partners from the MENA region and beyond. We have definitely met our objective to create market awareness in the UAE, GCC, and Middle East Region for our Canadian Sustainability natural foods programme, and we look forward to participating at the show again next year.” The third edition of The Speciality Food Festival, the Middle East’s only dedicated gourmet and fine food trade exhibition, reaffirmed its success at reaching a targeted audience with millions of dollars worth of business conducted during the show. The French Pavilion, which this year had the largest presence yet in the show history with over 12 French businesses exhibiting and a 25% increase in space over the 2011 edition, was particularly pleased with the opportunity that the show provided in raising the profile of its exhibitors among sector professionals, especially French beef, now to be available in the UAE for the first time in 10 years.

Indulge at Hobart's New Salamanca Wharf Hotel

 

Salamanca Wharf Hotel

The just-opened Salamanca Wharf Hotel is an exciting new contemporary boutique hotel, offering luxurious apartment style accommodation. Located on Castray Esplanade, nestled between the 1840 built John Lee Archer sandstone ordnance stores, the hotel is located in Salamanca, 

Tasmania's premier entertainment precinct. Inspired by the majesty, beauty and colour of Antarctica, the rooms feature extraordinary photography by Antarctic adventurer Laurent Dick.  The crisp and vibrant colours of Antarctica, blue, aqua, golden orange and russet are reflected in the decoration throughout the hotel and quality timber finishes and furniture sit alongside colourful curtains, cushions and throws. Guests can choose from Studio, Premium Apartment or Loft Penthouse accommodation and each room features a fully equipped kitchen with quality appliances and a fully stocked bar fridge brimming with Tasmania's best beers, wines, cheese and chocolates. 

The hotel will offer competitive rates via its online booking facility which will be functional in the coming weeks. In the meantime, enquiries can be made via the website or phone.

A: 17a Castray Esplanade, Hobart TAS 7000

P: 03 6224 7007

W: www.salamancawharfhotel.com.au

Australia's Oldest Pearl Farm

 

The dream that started in 1946 is still alive today. Australia’s oldest operating pearl farm at Cygnet Bay was established by Dean Murdoch Brown. In the 1940’s and 50’s, Dean’s business was concerned with the collection of mother-of-pearl shell. This all changed in the late 50’s when Dean’s sons revolutionized the industry. Lyndon, strove to perfect the art of pearl cultivation and eventually unlocked the secret of seeding a pearl shell, a technique previously known only by the Japanese. Lyndon’s brother, Bruce, and his wife Alison soon joined the venture introducing the first non-hard hat diver to the industry in the 60’s. Together, the brothers designed and built what was unique to the industry then, a fibreglass lugger.

Today the pearl farm is home to three generations of the Brown family. Bruce and Alison’s son, James, studied marine biology at James Cook University, Queensland, and is now the Farm Manager. Dean Murdoch Brown would be thrilled to see the family is living his dream.

The beauty and peace of Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm is due to its remote location on the Dampier Peninsula. A two and a half hour journey from Broome along a red dirt track is a small price to pay for tranquility. But we do want our visitors to be aware that shops, fuel and medical facilities on the Dampier Peninsula are limited. Cygnet Bay is lucky enough to have a small store only eight kilometres away at the picturesque Ardiyaloon One Arm Point Aboriginal (OAP) Community. This Community also has a medical clinic, which is accessible 24 hours a day. The Royal Flying Doctor Service respond incredibly quickly to any medical emergency. Fuel is available at Beagle Bay, Lombadina and OAP Communities however some services are not always open on weekends and, if driving, they recommend that you plan your trip accordingly. Beagle Bay and Lombadina also have small general stores, which stock the basic supplies. Being prepared means there will be no unpleasant surprises, ensuring your journey and stay with them will be a happy experience.

Meet The Family

The year was 1946. The Kimberley was unchartered territory. There were few roads and many dangers but this didn’t stop a man hell-bent on following his dream. The man was Dean Brown. Armed with a rifle, he skippered a rickety wooden lugger through treacherous, crocodile-infested waters into an unknown frontier to discover a hidden paradise. Cygnet Bay has been home to the Brown family for over 60 years. Originally established to collect mother-of-pearl, this small Australian family-run operation progressed to become the first Australian company cultivating cultured pearls. It has continued across three generations to forge a niche in the global pearl market. They welcome visitors to join them in sharing the secrets and stories of Australia’s longest running pearl farm.

  

Contact

FARM GALLEY for SALES, ACCOMMODATION AND TOUR BOOKINGS :
Terrace, Broome, WA
ph: 08 9192 4283
fax: 08 9192 4810
Cape Leveque Road, Dampier Peninsula, WA

BROOME GALLERY :
ph: 08 9192 5402
Shop 2, 21 Dampier

EMPLOYMENT:
For extended VISA/Short term work – EMAIL : admin@cygnetbaypearls.com.au

 www.cygnetbaypearls.com.au

Harbin Ice and Snow World 2013

 

First set-up by the Harbin Municipal Government in 1999, Harbin Ice and Snow World is by far the largest ice and snow art exhibition in the world. It is commonly referred to as possessing four of the key 'mosts': the most art attractions, the most beautiful night views, the most recreational activities and the most forms of entertainment. Furthermore, the festival is constantly evolving and each year brings with it a new theme, providing visitors with a totally unique experience from one year to the next.

The ice carvings at the Ice and Snow World are regarded as some of the world's finest examples of ice art, with visitors able to admire some of the largest and most majestic ice-sculpted masterpieces. Each of these ice carvings are designed in some way related to the festival's theme, enabling travelers to sample a variety of cultural flavors. For example, in its first year the festival's layout was designed around the idea of 'Prosperous China and High-flying Longjiang', with the ice carvings depicting the rapid development of the country. In 2005, the theme was 'Friendship between China and Russia', with all the sculptures fashioned in a typical Russian style. Among them were replicas of some of Russia's most famous architecture, such as the East Palace, and Moscow's Red Square.

One of the highlights for any visitor to the festival is to visit the site at night when multicolored lights set underground illuminate the sculptures, revealing a whole new colorful dimension to the exhibits. The contrasts of the bright and dazzling lights against the dark night sky make the works look all the more spectacular.

The Ice and Snow World is also a centre for various forms of recreation and entertainment, with a variety of opportunities on offer. Visitors will be amazed by the magnificent ice buildings, including an ice maze, ice bar, and even an ice hotel. If you are a fan of snow sports, then there is also the chance to participate in activities such as ice rock-climbing, skating, skiing, sliding, snow fights, ice golf, and ice archery. In addition to all this, special performances based on the festival theme are put on throughout the event which will no doubt greatly entertain those in search of something a little less physically-demanding.

Understandably, the best time to travel to that place is during the winter. The Harbin Ice and Snow Festival opens on 5 January 2013, and for those who dream of a proper winter experience, this place is the place to make those dreams become a reality.

Second Annual UNWTO Forum to Focus on Aviation and Tourism

For the second year running, Arabian Travel Market 2013 will host a special UNWTO forum, with this year’s session taking place on Tuesday 7th May 2013, under the theme ‘Aviation and Tourism Policies: Balancing the Benefits’.

Following on from a highly successful and dynamic discussion at this year’s World Travel Market UNWTO forum, which focused on the topics of visa facilitation and air transport policies as key drivers for tourism co-operation and sector growth, the second annual UNWTO gathering at Arabian Travel Market 2013 will bring regional airlines, tourism leaders and the UNWTO together to discuss the role of the industry in driving Middle East tourism growth and the regional influence on its tourism strategies and policy.

“The theme for this year’s forum is particularly relevant, and timely, as IATA reports indicate that the Middle East will handle 400 million air travellers by 2020 as a number of new state-of-the-art airports come on line, major carriers expand their route networks, and aircraft orders from the Gulf region add new capacity,” remarked Mark Walsh, Portfolio Director, Reed Travel Exhibitions, organiser of Arabian Travel Market.

“Route network expansion for the Middle East’s major carriers is driving domestic and international tourism demand. Regional aviation sector growth forecasts remain positive through to 2020, buoyed by up to US$90 billion worth of investment into infrastructure expansion in key gateway destinations,” he added.

A full schedule of events and networking sessions will mark the 20th anniversary of the Arabian Travel Market exhibition with air travel one of the eight major vertical sectors during the weeklong event, alongside budget travel, careers, health and wellbeing, luxury, shopping, sports, and cruise and water-based travel.

Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, Ruler of Dubai, the 2012 edition of the Middle East’s leading travel exhibition showcased 2,436 exhibitors covering over 20,000 square metres and attracted more than 23,000 attendees. Arabian Travel Market 2013 will be held at the Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Centre from 6-9 May 2013.

A Taste of Tasmanian Farming at Huon Valley Caravan Park

 

Huon Valley Caravan Park

The recently opened Huon Valley Caravan Park brings a family camping holiday offering unlike any other to Tasmania. So much more than a traditional holiday park, the Huon Valley Caravan Park located on 27 acres just outside Huonville, also operates as a fully self-sufficient farm.

Visitors can have their very own Tassie farming adventure as they watch the hungry pigs devouring barrels of strawberries and cherries from local orchards, hand feed the chickens, sheep and goats, see Honey the Jersey Cow and Myrtle the Guernsey cow being milked and learn about how cheese is made at the regular demonstrations, walk through the apple orchards and explore the extensive vegetable patch and greenhouse before relaxing by the campfire in the evenings.

The Park is conveniently located just outside Huonville and within easy driving distance of Hobart and convenient for day trips to southern Tasmanian attractions, including Tahune Airwalk, the Hartz Mountains National Park, Hastings Caves & Thermal Pools and Bruny Island. Unpowered sites are available from $20 per night and powered sites from $30 per night. Bookings are not required.    

A: 177 Wilmot Road, Huonville TAS 7109

P:  0438 304 383

W: www.huonvalleycaravanpark.com.au