International Anglers join NRL Legend to compete at Lake Proserpine

For the third consecutive year the Whitsundays will be hosting the Australian Fishing Championships from 15 November 2018 at Lake Proserpine. Some of the world’s best Anglers compete with NRL legend including Matt Sing.

The Australian Fishing Championships Series XIII is the absolute pinnacle of tournament fishing in Australia, and the opening Round of the Championships at Proserpine will be televised and promoted across Australia.

Lake Proserpine, also known as Peter Faust Dam, is home to more barramundi over one metre in size than any other impoundment in Australia.

Natassia Wheeler, CEO of Tourism Whitsundays said “The success of the Australian Fishing Championships in one of our regions premier fishing spots Lake Proserpine, is a continuation of our strategy to promote Lake Proserpine in the Whitsundays as the premier barramundi fishing impoundment in Australia.”

“Once again we have a regional strategy around developing experiences in the Whitsundays and held the AFC again this year in support of that strategy to ensure we get visitor dispersal throughout our region and promote the Whitsundays.”

Former NQ Cowboys star Matt Sing will join Australia’s top anglers Craig Griffiths and Karim Riddler, and International guests Jong Hyun Kim and Dong Won Kim in a head to head battle to catch a one metre barramundi.

Karen Vloedmans from the Proserpine Chamber of Commerce said "It will be wonderful to welcome back competitors of the Australian Fishing Classic. This event is a calendar highlight on the professional fishing circuit and having the tournament return to Lake Proserpine is a great demonstration that the Whitsunday region is a world class fishing destination. We look forward to seeing many mighty Barramundi being caught during the tournament, catches that will be showcased around the world."

Whitsunday locals have the opportunity to meet competitors and enjoy dinner with them at Hotel Metropole Proserpine on the 15 of November. Tickets are $79 each and available at whitsundaytickets.com.au

Throughout the tournament the anglers will also head out for some reef fishing off Airlie Beach and then up to Bowen for a wrap up party at the Grand View Hotel helping to ensure that the publicity for this event is as much throughout the Whitsunday region as possible.

The Australian Fishing Championships will be a fantastic opportunity for the Whitsundays to showcase the variety of fishing spots in the region, to visitors from Australia and overseas.

To view a PDF of this release, click here.

SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER TO PREMIERE IN SYDNEY

Image credit: Cyril Moreau

It’s time to put on your platforms, dust off your disco pants and get your tickets for the hit musical Saturday Night Fever, which are now on sale.

Minister for Tourism and Major Events Adam Marshall said the NSW Government had secured the blockbuster show for Sydney with the production set to inject around $6.5 million into the State’s economy.

“This new production of Saturday Night Fever has never been staged in Australia and we anticipate more than 14,000 overnight visitors will travel to Sydney to see the musical,” Mr Marshall said.

Saturday Night Fever tells the story of a 19-year-old from Brooklyn who spends his weekends at the local discotheque where he can escape the realities of his life.

Saturday Night Fever will premiere in Sydney at the Sydney Lyric Theatre from 29 March, 2019. Singers Paulini, Natalie Conway and Nana Matapule were announced this week as three of the ensemble cast.

For further information and to purchase tickets, visit www.saturdaynightfever.com.au.

My Wonderful 8 day Group Tour of Vietnam.

Ho Chi Minh City

I have just come back from a wonderful week-long group tour of Vietnam. I travelled with a small group of travel agents and their partners from various states in Australia. I was the odd one out, being the only media person in the group.

Our tour started in Ho Chi Minh City, the toured to Phu Quoc Island and Hanoi.. It was good seeing the two largest cities and the largest island in Vietnam.  Tourism is a growing industry in Vietnam and becoming a popular destinations for Australians to visit. I was impressed with the hotels and resorts we stayed in, the restaurants we dined at and the tourist attractions we visited. The hospitality our group experienced was exceptional.

Ho Chi Minh City Hall,

Our tour group participants first met at midday on a Friday. After we checked into the Kim Do Hotel and had lunch we visited the Reunification Palace, Central Post Office, Notre Dame Cathedral and the Ao Dai Museum. All these tourist attractions are well worth visiting. Our afternoon was rushed to fit everything in, so my suggestion for people is to spread the visits out over a full day so that each attraction can be fully explored at a leisurely pace.

The first night of the tour wee stayed at the Kim Do Hotel, which is right in the middle of District 1 of Ho Chi Minh City on the pedestrian street. After eating a heart breakfast in the hotel dining room we boarded our bus and travelled to the nearby Cu Chi Tunnels, after lunch at a nearby restaurant we were taken to the Tan Son Nhat Airport for our flight to Phu Quoc Island for our 3 night stay at the wonderful newly opened Intercontinental Phu Quoc Long Beach Resort. Our activities on the island included a boat trip to a coral reef where we snorkeled, visits to the Vinpearl Safari, dog racing camp, peal farm pepper farm, night market,

We then took a flight to Hanoi where we stayed at the Alan Vien Hotel for 2 nights and visited a local  village of Duong Lam, saw the Amazing Quintessence of Tonkin show at Baraar Land. We visited the Vietnam Ethnology Museum, Temple of Literature, and Hoa Lo Prison which should be on everyone's agenda when they visit Hanoi.

Era Cruise on Lan Ha Bay

Our last 2 days in Vietnam were spent on the overnight Era Cruise on Lan Ha Bay.

Our 8 day visit to Vietnam ended all too quickly. We all enjoyed the local cuisine in the restaurants,  the friendly people we met, the hotels and resorts we stayed in and the tourist attractions we visited. In the coming weeks I will write more detailed articles about the places we went to in Vietnam. To be kept up to date on the latest tourist developments in Vietnam go to the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism website  www.vietnamtourism.gov.vn/english

TOP 10 THINGS TO SEE AND DO AT REAL FESTIVAL

Mountain

Your handy guide to all the highlights at this year’s event.

If you’re having trouble deciding what entertainment, activities and experiences you’re going to get amongst at this year’s Real Festival, we don’t blame you. The two-day program is next-level amazing, but don’t worry because we’re here to navigate you through it.

We’ve come up with a list of the top things to see and do so you can plan ahead, and catch all the highlights. And if you thought things couldn’t possibly get any better, it’s all for free. Well except the food and drinks, you will have to buy those, and believe us you’re going to want to buy them. So don’t forget your wallet ok?

1 - MOUNTAIN – HEADLINE PERFORMANCE BY STALKER THEATRE
World renowned outdoor theatre group Stalker perform a 30-minute physical and visual stage show on both Friday and Saturday night at Real Festival. Their fast-paced fusion of circus, aerials, dance and acrobatics has captivated audiences around the world, and now it’s your turn to be amazed.

2 - OUTDOOR DINING
If you like your food with a side of amazing views, Real’s dishing up a backdrop of the Blue Mountains and the Nepean River. Grab something from the food trucks (choose from more than 20) relax with a drink in the riverside bar (sounds fancy, and it is) and enjoy coffee in a cone at the sustainable rooftop cafe. It’s a recipe for a great night!

3 - ERTH’S DINOSAUR ZOO SHOW
In this widely acclaimed show you can observe, meet and interact with awesome prehistoric creatures; from cute baby dinos to some of the largest carnivores and herbivores that have ever walked the planet. The dinosaurs are incredibly life-like, mostly friendly and Jurassic sized fun for everyone.

4 - PEACOCK SPIDER
You’ve probably never heard of a Peacock Spider, let alone seen one in real life. These guys are so small, they tend to fly under the radar - but not anymore! Now you can get up close to the tiny, colourful and quirky inhabitant of the local region with this giant installation that illuminates after dark.

5 - SILENT DISCO DOME
This is your chance to dance. Grab a set of headphones and hit the dance floor in this illuminated Silent Disco Dome where a DJ spins tunes and you control all the moves. You can dance like no one is watching, but just know that everyone will probably be watching. But who cares right?!

6 - CHORES - KIDS SHOW
An action-packed comedy circus show by Hoopla Clique about two boys who don’t want to clean their room. It’s a storyline that all kids (and parents!) can definitely relate to and that’s half the fun. Full of surprises, and plenty of side-splitting laughs, this is a must- see for kids and kids at heart.

7 - TRAPEZE SCHOOL

Trapeze School

This is where kids (6yrs and over) can learn how to fly through the air and feel like a circus star. Yes, dreams really do come true at Real Festival! At 10-metres off the ground, mastering the art of trapeze is no small feat but kids will definitely have a fun time trying. And we’ll all have fun watching.

8 - MARKETS
Strolling through market stalls is one of life’s simple pleasures and with nearly 50 market stalls at Real Festival it’s definitely time to indulge. Pick up something for yourself (go on, you deserve it) or purchase a unique gift that’s been made, grown, sewn, picked, crafted and harvested in the region.

9 - GLOW BALL PIT
Kids and ball pits are a perfect pairing because they provide kids with hours of active fun, and give parents a much-needed break. This one has glow-in-the-dark balls which takes the fun and excitement to the next level. Parents can let the kids loose then sit back, relax and watch them have a ball.

10 - ENVIRO WORLD
This is where little (and big) green thumbs get to hang out with Australia’s favourite gardener, Costa Georgiadis; use this opportunity to ask him all the hard questions and find out how to get your garden to grow. You can also learn how to be more sustainable, and be creative with fun garden and environmental art activities.

https://www.realfestival.com.au/

NEW CAMPAIGN TO BRING FAMILIES TO DUBBO

Taronga Western Plains Zoo

The NSW Government’s tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW, has partnered with Dubbo Regional Council to deliver a $250,000 marketing campaign, The Great Big Adventures, focused on bringing families to the region during the upcoming school holidays.

Member for Dubbo Troy Grant said, “Dubbo has been on the world-stage following the visit by Their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, therefore this campaign comes at a perfect time to continue marketing our great region.

“From places such as Sydney, Newcastle, Tamworth, Wagga Wagga, Bathurst and Armidale, the drive to Dubbo is easy and awaiting you is a vibrant regional city with a rich pastoral history, delicious food and wine, fascinating museums and galleries, and the award-winning Taronga Western Plains Zoo.”

The Dubbo region has enjoyed steady growth with 1.3 million domestic overnight and day trip visitors (up 21 per cent) who stayed 1.6 million nights (up 24 per cent) and spent $390 million (up 22 per cent) in the year ending March 2018.

The campaign, which was launched this week, targets visitors living within a five-hour drive of Dubbo and features advertising on catch-up TV and social media, and extensive public relations activity.

For more information on Dubbo and Great Western Plains, click here.

E-visa scheme to be extended by two years

The Vietnamese government has approved a two-year extension of the pilot e-visa issuance programme for foreigners visiting the country.

Visitors to Củ Chi Underground Tunnels in HCM City’s Củ Chi District. — Photo courtersy of Zing.vn

The policy, launched on February 1 last year, benefitting travellers from 40 countries, including China, Japan, South Korea, India, the US, Germany, and Sweden, was scheduled to expire next February.

Applicants can get a 30-day, single-entry e-visa for a tourist or business trip by paying a US$25 application fee online.

Applicants are required to complete a form available on two separate websites (one in Vietnamese and the other in English) run by the Ministry of Public Security. They will receive an application code and be asked to pay a non-refundable fee online.

Visitors with e-visas can enter the country at any of Việt Nam’s eight international airports, including in HCM City, Hà Nội and Đà Nẵng. They can also arrive by land at 13 international border gates and by sea at seven ports around the country.

In the first eight months of this year more than 241,000 foreign tourists entered the country with e-visas, according to the Việt Nam National Administration of Tourism. The country received 12.9 million foreign arrivals last year. — VNS

VRC Oaks event to be celebrated by participants at Queenscliff’s 360Q

Queenscliff’s 360Q

One of the Melbourne’s Spring Carnival feature races the VRC Oaks will be celebrated by participants at Queenscliff’s 360Q event on Thursday 8 November

A huge 50 inch TV will be installed to ensure guests can witness the outcome of this 2,500 metre race at Flemington racecourse. The VRC Oaks, one of the four-day Melbourne Cup carnival races, has a million dollar prize pool and it is known as 'Ladie's Day' where there’s almost as much action off the track as there is on it.

Other elements of Queenscliff’s 360Q VRC Oaks trifecta is 'free flowing bubbles, wine and beer all afternoon' to compliment a delicious three-course lunch (prepared by Chef Mathew Hallam) and live entertainment by a local 'singer, song writer, acoustic guitarist’ and local Peninsula boy Ken Vis.

The ‘icing on the cake’ is the vistas guests are offered from its Harbour View Room where they will spend the afternoon celebrating one of Australia’s most important race days.

$20 per person, from the $120 per person all-inclusive Oaks Day luncheon, will be donated to Ocean Grove Evening View Club to help disadvantaged children via The Smith Family.

Try booking link:
https://www.trybooking.com/book/event?eid=413562

Anna Hayward receives CINZ Outstanding Contributor Award 2018

Anna Hayward

Anna Hayward, Auckland’s Convention Bureau Manager has received the 2018 Conventions and Incentives New Zealand (CINZ) Outstanding Contributor Award.
 
CINZ Chief Executive Sue Sullivan presented Anna with the award at the business events industry’s 42nd annual conference today.
 
Anna has been managing the Auckland Convention Bureau (ACB), part of the Destination division of Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development (ATEED) for the past 11 years and played a key role in establishing the convention bureau activities for Auckland.
 
“Anna is passionate about ensuring Auckland is positioned as a truly international city when conference organisers are considering their options. Her wealth of experience has ensured that business event planners create unforgettable legacy events in Auckland. She has made a major contribution to putting New Zealand on the world map as a serious business events destination,” Sue Sullivan says.
 
Anna has also been a significant contributor to the industry through her activities as a Board member of the New Zealand Chapter of the Society for Incentive Travel Excellence (SITE), and Chair of the New Zealand Convention Bureaux (NZCB). 
 
Over the years, Anna has driven a substantial increase in growth and market share for Auckland. Since managing the bureau, she has led the team in conjunction with ACB members and industry partners to secure in excess of $200m worth of business events into Auckland, launched the Auckland Advocate Alliance programme (the first Business Events Ambassador Programme of its kind in New Zealand) and formed the Auckland International Business Events Advisory Group (AIBEAG), a group of world-leading experts to support ACB in providing strategic guidance and leadership.
 
The annual CINZ Outstanding Achievement Award honours an industry person who has shown real commitment over many years to the sector, both domestically and internationally. The recipient is recognised for working collaboratively, having a strong voice, taking a holistic approach and most importantly, delivering results.
 
The CINZ Outstanding Contributor Award is sponsored by industry mentor, David Hall and Jane Hunter of Hunter’s Wines, who gifts a case of award-winning wine to the recipient.

Save up to 40% - Take a holiday without breaking the bank

Hi Everyone.

Can you believe we are already in November? No doubt you are thinking about plans for your Christmas vacation, but right now November is a great time to visit, school holidays are over, so the coast is quieter and you can take advantage of lower season rates to recharge your batteries for a few days away.

Get your frocks out, hats on and head on over to Pier 33 Mooloolaba for the 2018 running of the Melbourne Cup, where the champagne will be flowing and hopefully you'll pick a winner as well.

Apex Camps is holding an event to raise funds for farming communities doing it tough with drought! It's for the whole family, including archery, fencing, ropes, mud pit challenge and more. It will commemorate Remembrance Day as well and help raise money for our aussie farmers November 11 at 171 Nojoor Rd. Twin Waters.

The Ignite Chilli Festival kicks off November 17 with participants eager to compete in the Coast Chilli Eating Championship (the hottest and spiciest chillies) and be here to see the cruise ship Amsterdam as she visits our shores November 25.

Sunshine Coast Wedding Expo
Imagine being able to plan your dream wedding with everything and everyone you'll need right at your fingertips. Brides and Grooms Sunday November 4 is a not to be missed event at the Maroochy RSL Events Centre.

The Sunshine Coast Wedding Expo has access to the best wedding vendors and award winning suppliers of everything you'll need to make your day perfect, all under one roof. You'll meet suppliers face to face, have access to exclusive expo specials and promotions and go in the draw to win $5,000 to spend on your wedding.

There's gowns, photography, venue suppliers, stationery, event hire, honeymoon travel, makeup and hairdressers, celebrants and music, flowers, cakes, catering and much more. There's free stuff, awesome advice and exposure to the latest in wedding planning.

Lift Maintenance Special

- stairs access only - 19 to 30 November 2018 -

Save up to 40%

5th floor – rooftop apartments – save 40% off advertised tariff

4th floor – ocean view and deluxe apartments – save 30% off advertised tariff

3rd floor – deluxe apartments – save 25 % off standard tariff

2nd floor – deluxe apartments – save 20% off standard tariff

Subject to minimum 3 night booking.

(phone bookings only)

Warner and Chris Banks and Bob James,

Management Team
Raffles Mooloolaba
65-69 First Avenue
Mooloolaba, Qld 4557
Phone : 07 5444 0077 Fax : 07 5444 3708
email:info@rafflesmooloolaba.com.au
www.rafflesmooloolaba.com.au

PITCAIRN ISLANDS: NEW SHIPPING SERVICE WILL GREATLY INCREASE ACCESS TO THE HOME OF THE BOUNTY MUTINEERS AND WORLD HERITAGE SITE HENDERSON ISLAND

MV Bravo Supporter

A new era for Pitcairn Islands Tourism is set to begin in March 2019 with the launch of a new shipping service to one of the world’s most remote tourism destinations.

From 2019, Pitcairn Island will see an amazing 75% increase in available capacity via the introduction of a new service being delivered by MV Bravo Supporter, under charter to the Pitcairn Islands Government.

The new schedule will see 21 passenger sailings to the island per annum, up from 12, together with increased opportunities for special interest cruises and charters.

Making the announcement, Pitcairn Travel Coordinator, Heather Menzies said, “The new service brings a modern vessel with 6 twin berth passenger cabins complete with en-suites, meaning that passengers will travel in comfort and style. And the 75% increase in available voyages each year will increase our attractiveness as a destination because tourists will at last be able to choose dates that work for them.”

“MV Bravo Supporter will be based in Pitcairn waters enabling us to facilitate charters and develop new itineraries that include the rest of our beautiful island group. We expect strong interest in itineraries that include World Heritage site Henderson Island as part of a Pitcairn Islands package, and discerning tourists will also welcome the opportunity to explore beautiful Oeno Island and the unique underwater experiences available at Ducie Island.”

“To complement the new service, we are launching a range of new initiatives and these will be announced over the coming weeks” Menzies added.

Located halfway between New Zealand and Peru, Pitcairn has been home to the descendants of the HMAV Bounty mutineers since 1790 and remains one of the most remote and undiscovered tourism destinations in the world. The new shipping service will provide visitors with increased options to visit this fascinating and remote destination.

Access to Pitcairn’s shipping service is via Mangareva in French Polynesia, a 4-hour flight from the capital, Papeete. The services are timed to meet the weekly Tuesday flight at Mangareva.

For more information on the new shipping schedule visit www.visitpitcairn.pn