China to Open Border Tourism Pilot Zones in Inner Mongolia and Guangxi

China

Recently, the State Council has approved to set up the first two border tourism pilot zones in Manzhouli (Manchuria), Inner Mongolia and Fangchenggang, Guangxi.

10 national departments involved, including the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the National Development and Reform Commission co-issued the Implementation Plan for the Construction of the Border Tourism Pilot Zones in Manzhouli, Inner Mongolia and Fangchenggang, Guangxi.

According to the spokesperson from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the total length of China’s borderline is more than 22,000 kilometers (approximately 13,670 miles), bordering on 14 countries. The new plans to develop border tourism is of great strategic significance in boosting the economy and opening-up of the border areas, promoting regionally-coordinated development, and building a harmonious and stable periphery.

*China National Tourist Office www.cnto.org/

THAILAND QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY

Her Majesty Queen Sirikit

Mother’s Day was first introduced to Thailand on 15th April, 1950. In 1976, Mother’s Day was changed to 12th August to commemorate the birthday of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Mother of all Thai people.

Every year during the month of August, Thai households and public places will be decorated with lights, decorations, and portraits of the most beloved Queen Sirikit in celebration of the day of Her birth.

In the morning, an alms-giving ceremony will be held followed by country-wide candle-lighting ceremony and fireworks displays.

The Queen’s birthday is celebrated everywhere, but nowhere more than in Bangkok, the capital, especially along Ratchadamnern road and Grand Palace area.

Queen Sirikit is regarded as mother to all Thai people, thus her birthday is also celebrated as Mother’s Day and observed as a Thai national holiday.

Date - 12/08/2018
Source.

Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office (MTCO)
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A Thousand Journeys

Eubena Nampitjin, Untitled, 1995

Celebrating twenty years of this groundbreaking touring exhibition of Aboriginal paintings from northwest Australia from the Helen Read Collection.

The exhibition includes paintings from Central Australia, ochres from the Kimberley and Raark compositions from Arnhem Land.

Helen Read began her pioneering journey with Aboriginal art working as a midwife and pilot for the Pintupi Homelands Health Service in the Gibson Desert. Living in Walungurru (Kintore) in 1985 was the beginning of a deep appreciation for Aboriginal peoples and their art. Helen Read’s collection has been exhibited in Australia and internationally.

Image detail: Eubena Nampitjin, Untitled, 1995, acrylic on canvas, 80 x 120cm© Eubena Nampitjin/Licenced by Viscopy, 2017.

On now to Sunday, 8 July 2018 - 4:00pm  - 10:00am

A Thousand Journeys

Manly Art Gallery & Museum

Location - Manly Art Gallery & Museum, West Esplanade Reserve, Manly NSW 2099

Phone: 9976 1420
Email: artgallery@northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au
Website: Manly Art Gallery & Museum

www.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/whats-on/event-calendar

Hue looks to become ‘food capital’ of Viet Nam

the capital of gastronomy in Viet Nam

Hue City, which has long been known as the only place in Viet Nam that has royal dishes, is striving to become the capital of gastronomy in Viet Nam.

Authorities of the central province of Thua Thien – Hue have projected to invest more than 12.4 billion VND (542,500 USD), including 3.7 billion VND from the State budget and the remaining from organisations and individuals, to build a brand name for Hue dishes in 2018-2020.

The move is significant as many Hue dishes, which are now available in the market, are inauthentic because they are not prepared in a proper way and with wrong ingredients, causing the false tastes.

More than 1,000 Hue-style dishes are being preserved at present. Hue is best known for elegant royal cuisine, which was served to kings under the Nguyen dynasty (1802-1945).

One distinctive quality of Hue food is the harmonisation of yin and yang in each dish. For example, molluscs are always cooked with chilli, pepper, lemongrass and grapefruit leaves, "hot" spices that balance the "cool" features of the water-based creatures.

Various snack-like items, such as ‘banh beo’ (rice cake with grilled shrimp), ‘banh nam’ (flat steamed rice dumpling), ‘banh bot loc’ (dumplings with shrimp), and ‘banh canh’ (cake soup), to name but a few, are a major part of the Hue cuisine.

Visitors can find these items at Hue restaurants in Ha Noi and Ho Chi Minh City. ‘Bun bo Hue’ (spicy beef noodle soup), a local breakfast dish, is also popular around the country.

Some Hue dishes have been listed as the country’s best foods by Viet Nam’s Record Book such as bun bo (beef noodles), com hen (rice with mussels), banh beo (rice cake with grilled shrimp), banh bot loc (dumplings with shrimp), banh khoai (fried rice crepes), ruoc (shrimp paste), me xung (sesame candy), che hat sen (sweet lotus seed pudding), tom chua (pickled shrimp), and thanh tra (a grapefruit variety that was served to the king).

Meticulousness of Hue cuisine comes all the way from ingredients selection to dish decoration, which has always attracted people’s attention when visiting the former capital of Viet Nam.

During Hue Festival 2018, restaurants within the city were bustling with both domestic and international diners. Many visitors revealed that cuisine is the magnet pulling them into the ancient city.

Myriad activities were being held throughout the event in order to promote the city’s one-of-a-kind cuisine, including Hue international food festival, royal gala dinner, and vegetarian food court, among others.

In addition to completing a dossier to recognise Hue as a food capital of Viet Nam, Thua Thien-Hue Province moves to build a culture and food museum in the imperial city.
Source: VNA

Vietnam National Administration of Tourism

The WILD PLAY Discovery Centre

The WILD PLAY Discovery Centre is a modern and flexible venue offering versatile indoor and outdoor spaces and facilities. Located in the heart of the parklands adjacent to the spectacular Wild Play Garden, the building is surrounded by a spacious covered deck. The venue includes an outdoor kitchenette and BBQ pavilion, with picnic tables for catering your event. This is the perfect spot for family celebrations, corporate parties and interactive workshops.

Facilities

• BBQ and kitchenette pavilion with fridge, sink & microwave
• 3 x outdoor picnic tables with benches and umbrellas
• 5 x folding trestle tables
• 50 x stacking plastic chairs
• Interactive whiteboard and projector
• Audio input and speakers
• Accessible toilet
• Accessible ramp access

Features

• Direct access to The Ian Potter Children’s WILD PLAY Garden
• Atmospheric lighting inside and outside
• Secluded location in the heart of the parklands surrounded by majestic trees, native plants and diverse wildlife

Hours of Operation
The WILD PLAY Discovery Centre is the base for Education Programs during the week, used by schools and educators from Monday to Friday. The venue can be hired from our Venue Services team for private functions on Friday evening, Saturday and Sunday.

Available Bookings:
Saturday / Sunday, 8am – midday
Saturday / Sunday, 8am – 5pm
Saturday / Sunday, 8am – midnight
Saturday / Sunday, 1pm – 5pm
Friday / Saturday / Sunday, 6pm – midnight

Bookings
For bookings and enquiries please complete our function application form and email it to events@bgcp.nsw.gov.au along with any supporting documentation. Once your proposal is received you will receive acknowledgement from the Trust within 5 working days.

For more information and maps please view the Venue Information Sheet here.

www.centennialparklands.com.au

JAMES CAMERON: CHALLENGING THE DEEP EXHIBITION OPENING

Image credit: Mark Thiessen/Nat Geo Creative

Filmmaker and renowned deep-sea explorer James Cameron and his underwater pursuits are front and centre at this year’s Vivid Ideas Series, with his sold-out Game Changers talk last Sunday and a major new immersive exhibition, James Cameron: Challenging the Deep, opening 29 May.

For those who missed out on a ticket to his conversation with Adam Spencer, a visit to the James Cameron: Challenging the Deepwill trace Cameron’s lifelong achievements in deep ocean science, technology and exploration, including his record-breaking dives in Deepsea Challenger, the submersible vessel he designed then built in Sydney.

Visitors will experience how Cameron’s drive and passion for understanding and exploring our oceans has shone a light on the spectacular phenomena and mysteries of the least known place on earth and enabled maritime archaeologists to document and understand the shipwrecks of RMS Titanic and the German battleship Bismarck.

The exhibition will run until early 2019, visit www.anmm.gov.au for tickets.

SYDNEY.COM | VISITNSW.COM | DESTINATIONNSW.COM.AU

China consolidates position as biggest travel spender

As confirmed by the UNWTO World Tourism Barometer released this week, virtually all source markets reported higher tourism spending in 2017, reflecting continued strong demand for international tourism across all world regions. Both emerging and advanced economies fuelled growth, led by the United States which spent US$ 12 billion more on travel abroad.

China spent US$ 8 billion more, consolidating its leadership as the biggest spender in the world. The Russian Federation spent US$ 7 billion more and Brazil US$ 5 billion more, both rebounding from weaker spending in previous years. Strong tourism expenditure reflects enhanced connectivity, increased visa facilitation and a global economic upswing.

All top 25 source markets reported higher spending on international tourism in 2017, as highlighted in the report. China consolidated its leadership as the biggest spender in travel abroad in 2017 with US$ 258 billion in expenditure (+5% in local currency).

The other three BRIC economies all substantially increased expenditure in 2017. The Russian Federation (+13%) rebounded after a few years of declines, to reach US$ 31 billion, climbing three places to re-enter the top ten at number 8.

Brazil (+20%) also recovered strongly and moved up eight places to number 16 with US$ 19 billion in expenditure. India continued its rise with 9% growth in spending to US$ 18 billion and moved up four places in the ranking to 17th.

“Emerging economies play a key role in tourism development and we are very pleased to see the rebound of the Russian Federation and Brazil, and the ongoing rise of India, as these key emerging outbound markets contribute to growth and market diversification in many destinations”, said UNWTO secretary-general, Zurab Pololikashvili.

Read full article at TravelDailyMedia: http://www.traveldailymedia.com/china-consolidates-biggest-spender/

Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office (MTCO)
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Don't hibernate, activate this winter

Winter fun

As the wintery months approach, the Alpine Region of Victoria comes to life. From Mt Baw Baw, Mt Buller, Dinner Plain, Falls Creek, Mt Hotham, Lake Mountain to Mt Stirling, snow equals fun for all. Snow domes and dog-sled experiences bring something new this season!

Opening weekend
To celebrate the arrival of winter and the Queen’s Birthday long weekend, Falls Creek and Dinner Plain will kick-off the season with firework displays, live music and if the snow gods play nice it will be full steam ahead for skiing, snowboarding, tobogganing and snow play.

Winter activities
For the seventh time, Falls Creek will again host its annual Falls Creek Sled Dog Classic on 4 and 5 August which is tagged as the premier alpine sled dog race in Australia – the only sled dog race through an Alpine Village. This year, 30 sled dog teams will be seen racing a 5km course through the Falls Creek Village under lights.

Held over two days (11 and 12 August), The Annual Dinner Plain Sled Dog Challenge showcases the top dogs of sled dog racing in Australia and is unique in being the first Australian snow-based race of its kind. More than 80 mushers (dog team drivers) and in excess of 350 sled dogs are expected to compete at this year’s event.

Those wanting a bit more action than just watching from the sidelines can jump on a sled dog rides with through snow-kissed landscapes behind a team of gorgeous huskies at Mt Hotham, Mt Buller, Mt Baw Baw.

Mt Baw Baw is home to Alpine dingoes Warragul and Rowdy at the new Dingo Resource Centre. Visitors can learn about the dingoes, the critically endangered Baw Baw Frog, Leadbeater's Possum and other species of plants and animals that occupy the mountain.

Lake Mountain’s Burton Riglet Park provides a safe and encouraging environment for 3 to 6 year olds wanting to learn how to ski and snowboard. New this year, the park is offering the Learn To Ride program to 7 to 14 year olds and those progressing on from the Burton Riglet Park program.

Mt Hotham alpine adventurers can ease into dinner and take a guided snowshoe adventure at sunset and end the walk with a warming, authentic French cheese fondue as part of a three-course dinner, all in a tipi.

Nights come alive at Mt Buller in July and August for the Weekend Twilight Sessions. On Saturdays and Sundays from 7 July to 26 August guests can ski and snowboard or hit the village toboggan slope under lights until 8.30pm. Après ski fans can enjoy the magical winter wonderland from 5pm with crackling fires, live music and toasted marshmallows.

Those wanting to relax well-used muscles or melt away city stresses can head to Dinner Plain’s Onsen Retreat + Spa featuring a Japanese-inspired 40 degree outdoor Onsen perfect for bathing and restoration after skiing and snowboarding. The Spa also offers beauty and body treatments, massage, an indoor pool, gym and group fitness classes for a complete wellbeing experience amid mountains and gumtrees of the high country.

Winter Fun

Travellers on the glamping trail can check out Mt Hotham’s latest accommodation and another Australia first: eco domes in the snow. Guests can enjoy snowshoeing and warm drinks by the fire under the stars right at their doorstep, all before spending the night in a luxury bed in the wilderness amongst the gum trees.

Adventurers not wanting to miss a minute off the snow can book a Ski-In Ski-Out tepee at Mt Stirling, adjacent to Mt Buller. The Alpine Winter Camp will complete the ultimate overnight stay with an Insta-worthy value to boot.

QT at Falls Creek offers guests boutique luxury to the snowy slopes and rolling green hills of Falls Creek. The 39 designer apartments offer uninterrupted views, access to the main ski runs and the chance to escape to the snow in style.

No snow required
Those wandering towns and cities can include these on their list where no snow is required:

• Ballarat Winter Festival, Ballarat – experience winter in a city setting. Highlights include Sovereign Hill’s Winter Wonderlights and pop-up ice skating rink in the heart of Ballarat CBD.
• Warratina Lavendar Farm, Yarra Valley - Those wanting to take a stroll in the gardens can take in the acres of lavender, breathe the fresh country air and enjoy the display gardens and views of distant hills across the Yarra Ranges at Warratina.
• Winter Blues Festival, Echuca – Come July 26, music fans will come together to celebrate the country’s best Blues musicians playing at the historic Port of Echuca’s heritage precinct and surrounding venues. ‘
• MoMA at NGV: 130 Years of Modern and Contemporary Art, Melbourne - Opening 9 June and running till 7 October 2018, National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) will be the sole international venue for the Masterworks from The Museum of Modern Art (MOMA) New York exhibition. Visitors will see the works by internationally renowned artists like Paul Cézanne, Salvador Dalí, Henri Matisse, Pablo Picasso, Lyubov Popova and Vincent van Gogh.
• Winter Night Market Queen Victoria Market, Melbourne - Wednesday nights in Melbourne are set to warm up as the Winter Night Market returns to the iconic Queen Victoria Market every Wednesday from 6 June to 29 August 2018. Visitors to the night market can escape from the chill with more than 30 global street food and drink stalls, 50 specialty and artisan stores, plus a weekly programme of quirky entertainers and some of Melbourne’s best live music performers.

For more winter events, visit www.visitmelbourne.com/june

Yamanakako Hanano-Miyako Koen (Flower Garden)

Yamanakako Hanano Miyako Koen

Yamanakako Hanano Miyako Koen, located at the area of Lake Yamanakako, the nearest lake to Mt. Fuji, is a flower park in the highland 1,000m above sea level where you can enjoy various kinds of flowers from spring to autumn.

“Seiryu-no-sato (Home of spring water)” in the park has the Myojin waterfall, a greenhouse dome, and an exhibition site of lava of Mt. Fuji.

Access -
By car: 5 minutes from Yamanakako IC, Higashi-Fujigoko Road.
By train and bus: 30 minutes by a Fujikko bus (Lake Yamanakako sightseeing bus) from Fujisan Station, Fujikyuko Line. Get off at the Hananomiyako-koen bus stop.

Yamanakako Hanano-Miyako Koen (Flower Garden)
Address 1650 Yamanaka Yamanakako-mura Minamitsuru-gun
Telephone number 0555-62-5587
Fax number 0555-62-5618
URL http://www.hananomiyakokouen.jp/( External link )

www.jnto.org.auwww.facebook.com/VisitJapanAU/

New Zealand’s biggest business events showcase starts todAy

MEETINGS 2017 show floor

Exhibitors from 19 regions will meet with buyers from eight countries when New Zealand’s annual business events industry showcase, CINZ MEETINGS 2018 starts in host city Auckland tomorrow.

Conventions and Incentives New Zealand (CINZ) Chief Executive, Sue Sullivan says New Zealand’s premier business events exhibition brings together over 190 suppliers and 500 conference, event and incentive organisers to meet under one roof for two days at ASB Showgrounds.

“Exhibitors and buyers will hold more than 6,000 meetings during our two days of pre-scheduled appointments and social networking events. With the support of key regional convention bureaux and Air New Zealand, we have hosted 48 Australian buyers and media on six different regional weekend tours, another 28 will visit Hobbiton and Hamilton on Friday, and eight head to the Bay of Islands for a post-MEETINGS tour hosted by Millennium Hotels and Resorts and Air New Zealand.

“Visiting Auckland, Lake Taupo, Rotorua, Marlborough, Christchurch and Queenstown this weekend, our Australian buyers and media have experienced everything from luxury lodges, wineries and local cuisine, to four-wheel driving, jetboating, sailing, island hopping, thermal health spas, and teeing off in the awe-inspiring scenery of a world heritage listed national park. They have also been immersed in true Māori cultural experiences, and throughout their time here they have all experienced the overwhelming warmth of the Aotearoa New Zealand welcome – our manaakitanga,” she says.

MEETINGS attracts international conference and incentive organisers, brought here with support from Tourism New Zealand (TNZ) and Air New Zealand. This year they include 30 hosted buyers and media from China, South-East Asia, North America, Argentina and over 90 buyers and media from Australia. Last year MEETINGS generated more than $56 million of signed business across the two days at ASB Showgrounds.

Sue Sullivan says New Zealand is a sought-after conference, incentive and event destination. “We are safe, friendly, hospitable, innovative and great to do business with. This makes our industry a significant generator of income, employment, investment and knowledge-sharing for New Zealand,” she says.

“With the New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC) in Auckland, and Christchurch’s new convention centre set to open by 2020, New Zealand is ready to capture a bigger share of the international multi-day convention market. Regional New Zealand will also benefit from these new venues, as large conferences book to take their sub-conferences to venues outside of the main centres.”

Air New Zealand is the principal sponsor of CINZ MEETINGS 2018, and major sponsors are ASB Showgrounds, Peek Exhibition and Centium Software.