NOMINATIONS OPEN FOR NSW’S 2021 TOP TOURISM TOWN AWARDS

NSW Tourism Industry Council is on the search to find New South Wales’ Top Tourism Town and New South Wales’ Small Tourism Town of the year.

The Top Tourism Town Awards will showcase the value of tourism to the towns and communities across NSW and celebrate their commitment to encouraging tourism and increasing visitation to their destination.

Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the Top Tourism Town Awards will shine a light on the towns, people, attractions and experiences that make NSW a ‘must visit’ destination.

“NSW is open for business and welcoming visitors, which is great news for regional towns and communities that rely on the visitor economy to support local businesses.

“As we’ve identified in the Visitor Economy Strategy 2030, regional towns play an important role in attracting visitation and visitor spend to NSW, and I encourage all tourism towns to enter the Awards,” Mr Ayres said.

NSW Tourism Industry Council executive manager Greg Binskin said community collaboration would be celebrated.

“The Top Tourism Town Awards will provide the opportunity for groups such as Local Chambers of Commerce, Visitor Information Centres, Local Tourism Associations and Councils or motivated groups of local operators to collaborate and showcase their town as a great visitor destination, and be recognised as a community that collaborates to make their town the best destination it can be,” he said.

The two categories are:
Top Tourism Town - suited to established tourism towns where a range of attractions, accommodation and visitor experiences already exist, particularly those with a population over 5,000 people
Small Tourism Town – suited to towns which are in the process of establishing a tourism strategy and developing visitor experiences, particularly those with a population below 5,000 people.

Nominations open today and close on Monday 22 March, with full submissions due Monday 26 April. Winners in each category will be announced in partnership with Local Government NSW at the LGNSW Destination & Visitor Economy Conference in Port Macquarie from 26-28 May. For information and to nominate, go to the NSW Tourism Awards website.

Website: www.theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com.au

Destination NSW
https://www.destinationnsw.com.au/

Ultimate Winery Experiences Australia Welcomes Printhie to the Fold

Ultimate Winery Experiences Australia is thrilled to announce the addition of family-owned Printhie Wines to its collective, the first from the Orange region of New South Wales.

“We're delighted to welcome Printhie as our 26th winery member,” says Kate Shilling, Executive Officer, Ultimate Winery Experiences Australia. “They bring new and exciting winery experiences to our offering, as well as superb cool climate craftmanship found in their wines and sparkling range.”

Rated 5 stars by Halliday for 11 years, Printhie Wines was established in 1996 when the first vines were planted on the Swift family's property by Jim and Ruth Swift. The winery was added in 2004, changing the dynamic of the business from grape growing to wine production.

Their sons, Ed and Dave, returned home in the early 2000s to manage the winery and vineyard operations. They've now forged a reputation for world class wines that truly capture the defining element of the Orange wine region: Elevation. Each of their four vineyards were chosen with site, aspect and elevation in mind and includes the highest vineyard in Orange at 1070 metres.

Printhie Wines lays claim to the méthode traditionnelle Swift Sparkling range, considered to be one of Australia's finest, awarded Best Sparkling at the NSW Wine awards for the last three years.

“It's very much a family affair that focuses on the quality of our cool climate wines above all else,” says Dave.

The Printhie Sparkling Masterclass offers guests a guided walking tour of the vineyard, providing a rare insight into the process of creating sparkling, hosted by one of the estate's Sparkling Specialists, including a private tasting of the Swift Sparkling range.

Guests can explore the estate during an intimate Printhie Picnic, which includes a guided tasting and a picnic hamper filled with delicious sweet and savoury treats. Using a map of the property, guests can select a private place to relax among the vineyards or the heritage apple orchard.

The region of Orange is renowned for producing impeccable wines, with vineyards like Printhie taking advantage of the unique viticulture offered by the high elevation created by the extinct volcano, Mt Canobolas.

“This results in consistently high quality, distinctive wines,” says Dave.

Discover more at www.ultimatewineryexperiences.com.au

Website: www.theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com.au

FULL PROGRAM ANNOUNCED: Parrtjima - a Festival in Light, 9-18 April 2021

The full 2021 program for Parrtjima – A Festival in Light is out and features an impressive host of high-calibre acts to perform at the iconic free event in Alice Springs next month.

Joining previously announced acts Electric Fields and Casey Donovan on the music program this year is an all-star line up of Australian artists including Miiesha, MusicNT’s Divas, Jimblah, Bow and Arrow, Dobby, OKA, Ziggy Ramo and Shellie Morris.

Shaping up to be bigger and better than ever, Parrtjima 2021 will see an exciting new show for the MacDonnell Ranges, large-scale light installations, artworks, performances, interactive workshops, music, films and talks woven into the program as part of the 2021 theme ‘Future Kultcha’.

2021 Parrtjima Curator Rhoda Roberts AO said this year’s theme ‘Future Kultcha’ is all about ensuring forward thinking of the philosophers, the artists and the dreamers.

“Enabling young guest curators such as Electric Fields and Rhyan Clapham, aka Dobby, to play a part in this year’s program gives a distinct voice of the next generation and their connection to the ancient footprints of their ancestors,” she said.

“When you combine the masters with the emerging, you see a sense of a holistic culture and knowledge that is relevant to everyone in the 21st century.”

Event attendees can also hear from a range of critically-acclaimed speakers as part of the talks program. They include award-winning writer Bruce Pascoe, artists Jungala Kriss and Raymond Walters Japanangka, and Professor Marcia Langton AM to name a few.

Northern Territory Major Events Company CEO Tim Watsford said this year’s five-star program was guaranteed to attract crowds from all over Australia.

“The 2021 program signifies a coming-of-age for the event as it enters its sixth year,” he said.

“We are thrilled with the program’s offerings, including everything from impressive new large-scale light installations and musical performances to workshops, talks, films, and of course, our unmissable light show against the MacDonnell Ranges at Alice Springs Desert Park.

“Parrtjima is a must-do for any traveller’s bucket list and I look forward to welcoming thousands of visitors to the heart of Australia for this iconic festival in light.”

Other 2021 program highlights include a fabric and textiles workshop hosted by National Indigenous Fashion Awards Director Nina Fitzgerald, bushfood tastings, a wooden carvings masterclass, painting workshops, metal sculpture workshops and more.

Parrtjima has expanded over three event precincts this year, with the Araluen Arts Centre hosting parts of the 2021 program along with Alice Springs Desert Park and Todd Mall.

Children’s activities and live music provided by local DJs will feature on the nightly program, and the Araluen Arts Centre will host a film program and Araluen curator tours. Films include 1950s classic Jedda, coming-of-age comedy Bran Nue Dae featuring Jessica Mauboy and Aboriginal Rules, a documentary on the role Aussie Rules plays in a remote Territory community.

Parrtjima is the only authentic light Aboriginal festival of its kind, showcasing the oldest continuous culture on earth through the newest technology. The packed program runs alongside nightly light shows on the 300-million-year-old natural canvas of the MacDonnell Ranges.

Parrtjima is delivered by the Northern Territory Government through Northern Territory Major Events Company (NTMEC) and produced by creative directors AGB Events.

Parrtjima takes place from 9-18 April 2021 in the cultural heart of Australia, Alice Springs.

To find out more or register for the Desert Park festival site and Araluen Arts Centre program elements, go to www.parrtjima.com.au.

Website: www.theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com.au

THAILAND MULLS WAIVING QUARANTINE RULE FOR VACCINATED TOURISTS

Thailand may scrap mandatory quarantine for foreign visitors vaccinated against Covid-19 as it may help the nation revive its tourism industry, according to Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-Ocha.

Foreigners visiting Thailand may be allowed to skip the two-week isolation if they furnish vaccination certificates but authorities will continue to track them, Prayuth said after a cabinet meeting in Bangkok Tuesday. The government will carefully consider all aspects of such a move before implementing them, the prime minister said.

The Southeast Asian nation has already cleared vaccines made by Sinovac Biotech Ltd. and AstraZeneca Plc for emergency local use and ordered a total of 63 million doses from the two producers. The country is set to receive the first batch of 2 million doses of Sinovac vaccine on Wednesday that will allow it start a national inoculation program as early as next week.

Thailand will eventually allow registration and imports of several brands of Covid-19 vaccines as long as they meet local rules, and private hospitals will be permitted to administer the shots, Prayuth said. The government will control the distribution of vaccines only in the early stages, he said.

“Many companies have shown interest to register but their documents are not completed yet,” Prayuth said. “It is good that we will have more vaccines than the 65 million doses planned by the government now.”
Read the full article at Bloomberg: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-02-23/thailand-mulls-waiving-quarantine-rule-for-vaccinated-tourists

Tags: international arrivals, Thailand, tourism industry, vaccination

Photo: Sirachai Arunrugstichai / Getty images

Website: www.theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com.au

Website: www.DestinationMekong.com

Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office
c/o 3rd Floor, Department of Tourism, Ministry of Tourism and Sports, 154 Rama 1 Road National Stadium, Wangmai, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
Web: www.mekongtourism.org
Tel: +66 2038 5071-1

Hong Kong Disneyland Park is Reopened

Hong Kong Disneyland park is now open and welcoming guests again. In line with the latest regulations and guidance from government and health authorities, the resort will continue to maintain its measured approach with health and safety measures. A range of enhanced new measures will be implemented, including mandatory COVID-19 testing for cast members involved in operation once every 14 days.

“From everyone at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, we wish you good health, happiness and prosperity in the year of the Ox. Every cast member has been putting tremendous effort in preparing our park reopening. I could not be more thrilled to announce that our park will be reopened on February 19, to welcome guests to experience the magic of our 15th anniversary and our new Castle of Magical Dreams. I want to give thanks for the support of our guests and the countless efforts from our cast members during this challenging time,” said Michael Moriarty, Managing Director, Hong Kong Disneyland Resort.

Hong Kong Disneyland Resort will arrange mandatory COVID-19 testing for cast members involved in operation once every 14 days as required by the latest health and safety regulations. The new safety measure represents an additional step to promote the health and safety of all guests and cast members.
Enhanced park visit reservation process with added “LeaveHomeSafe” QR code locations

As required by the latest health and safety regulations, park visitors are required to scan the “LeaveHomeSafe” QR code or register their names, contact numbers, and date and time of visit before entering the premises. All visiting guests will be required to provide their names and contact numbers on the Hong Kong Disneyland Park Reservation website when reserving their visit date with valid tickets or membership cards prior to arrival. Additionally, “LeaveHomeSafe” QR codes will be displayed across the resort, such as the entrance of the park, restaurants and hotel recreation facilities.

Reservations for all guests will begin from 10 a.m. on February 18. Guests are also required to make a health declaration as part of their reservation process.
Health and safety measures remain a priority

The resort will continue with its health and safety measures including temperature screening, the wearing of face masks, social distancing, and increased cleaning and sanitization in accordance with the latest regulations and guidance from the government and health authorities.

Similar to park operations prior to the recent closure, a five-day per week operation will remain in place, with the park closed on Tuesdays and Thursdays (except public holidays and special days designated by the resort from time to time) until further notice. Additionally, the park will control capacity as required by the government regulations.

Park operations and processes for both guests and cast members will continue to be reviewed on an ongoing basis and adjusted as necessary to take into account the latest government regulations.

Website: www.theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com.au

Work starts on FLC Quang Binh Beach and Golf Resort

Work started on a five-star hotel complex and an international convention centre, two key components of the FLC Quang Binh Beach and Golf Resort (FLC Quang Binh), in Quang Ninh commune, the central province of Quang Binh, on January 17.

The 500-room FLC Grand Hotel consists of two buildings, offering first-class facilities, such as an infinity pool, international-standard restaurants, a sky bar and cigar lounge, and an outdoor stage, said Vice Chairwoman of FLC Group Huong Tran Kieu Dung at the ground-breaking ceremony.

The FLC Quang Binh International Convention Centre, meanwhile, is expected to become the province’s leading multifunctional conference centre with a hall providing nearly 1,200 seats.

The 2,000-ha FLC Quang Binh has a total investment of 20 trillion VND (864.1 million USD). It will run the length of the province’s 5-km beach and own a six-star villa resort complex and high-class golf courses.

Quang Binh is dubbed the "Kingdom of caves" with hundreds of caves of various sizes as well as incredible mountain scenery and sprawling beaches.

It is home to Son Doong cave, accredited as the world’s largest and most beautiful natural one by the World Records Union and the World Records Association, as well as the UNESCO World Heritage Site Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park.

The province was also chosen as one of the filming destinations of Hollywood blockbuster movie “Kong: Skull Island”.

As of the beginning of 2020, the province had had about 370 lodging service providers, few of which were rated 4- or 5-star.

Source: VNA

Photo: A ground-breaking ceremony is held on January 17 to start the construction of FLC Quang Binh Beach and Golf Resort in the central province of Quang Binh. (Photo: baoquangbinh.vn)

Website: www.theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com.au

Vietnam National Administration of Tourism
https://vietnamtourism.gov.vn/english/

Fairmont Singapore & Swissotel The Stamford

EXCEPTIONAL EVENT EXPERIENCES AT ONE OF SINGAPORE’S LARGEST AND MOST ACCESSIBLE VENUES

Experience the newly refurbished Raffles City Convention Centre, a revitalised option for your next company meeting, event or conference, right in the heart of Singapore.

Contemporary design accents, cutting-edge technology, natural daylight features and panoramic city views are key highlights of the exciting transformation. 

The venue offers 108,000ft² (10,000m²) of prime, flexible function space, including 34 meeting rooms and three magnificent ballrooms located on a single floor with direct access to 2030 guestrooms and suites, 13 food & beverage outlets at Fairmont Singapore and Swissôtel The Stamford.

A successful meeting or event is ensured with the venue’s convenient location in the heart of Singapore’s business district and a team of outstanding concierges.

A successful meeting or event is ensured with the venue’s convenient location in the heart of Singapore’s business district and a team of outstanding concierges.

FAIRMONT SINGAPORE

Luxury and style in the heart of Southeast Asia 

Fairmont Singapore caters to business and conference travelers who appreciate personalised service and an unrivalled experience. The unique culture, traditions and heritage of our extraordinary surroundings have inspired the personality and style of Fairmont Singapore’s 778 luxuriously appointed guestrooms and suites. Every room is a private sanctuary, offering a wealth of amenities carefully chosen to offer you the highest degree of pampering.

Website: Fairmont Singapore

SWISSÔTEL THE STAMFORD, SINGAPORE 

An iconic landmark, providing unparalleled views of Singapore and vibrant service 

Boasting a panoramic height of 73 floors, Swissôtel The Stamford is one of Southeast Asia’s tallest hotels. World-class shopping, entertainment and the Singapore Central Business District are within close proximity while our 1252 contemporary guest rooms feature impressive harbour and cityscape views. Offering the highest standards of quality, reliability and genuine Swiss hospitality, Swissôtel The Stamford is an urban sanctuary in Singapore’s thriving metropolis.

Website: Swissôtel The Stamford, Singapore

Website: www.theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com.au

FUNDING BOOST TO HELP REGIONAL BUSINESS EVENTS BOUNCE BACK

Grants of up to $30,000 are now available for the NSW regional business events sector, thanks to a NSW Government funding boost which aims to turbocharge local economies and create more jobs.

Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the opening of the $500,000 NSW Regional Business Event Development Fund could not have come at a better time, as the return of more face-to-face events ramps up following the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It’s been incredibly tough for our business events sector, but now is the time to turn that around by restoring confidence back into the industry.

“People have a strong desire to build business connections in-person, while still taking advantage of virtual events, and our funding program is designed to support this new hybrid event environment,” Minister Ayres said.

Mr Ayres said whether business events were looking for assistance with venue hire, marketing or developing pre and post touring opportunities to encourage longer stays in NSW, the program would play a critical part in the state’s economic recovery.

“Regional NSW has so many great locations and venues to host events and for the first time since the program’s launch, I’m delighted to announce that the NSW Regional Business Event Development Fund is open to events in Newcastle and Wollongong.

“I encourage new or existing business events to work with Destination NSW to identify ways they can grow and promote their conference or business event in this state.”

Applications for the NSW Regional Business Event Development Fund are now open and close on 30 April. For more information and to apply, go to www.meetinnsw.com.au.

Website: www.theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com.au

Destination NSW
https://www.destinationnsw.com.au/

IHG Hotels & Resorts announces its first opening of 2021 in India

IHG Hotels & Resorts, one of the world's leading hotel companies, opens door to the newest hotel in the tricity – Holiday Inn Chandigarh Zirakpur in association with ABC Sites Pvt Ltd. Featuring 131 keys with scenic city views, the hotel is located on Chandigarh- Ambala highway connecting the city of Chandigarh to all famous landmarks and attractions in the Northern belt. Distanced just 20 minutes away from the Chandigarh International Airport and 25 minutes from the Chandigarh Railway Station, the hotel is an ideal destination for leisure and business travellers alike.

Holiday Inn Chandigarh Zirakpur opens to a capacious lobby area and appoints modern rooms, finished with technological additions and boasts of the largest gym in the Chandigarh city, spread across an incredible area of 10,000 sq ft. Coupled with a dedicated team of experts and hospitable staff members, the hotel also offers two distinctive dining options; an All Day Dining Restaurant – Viva that brings together Indian, Italian and Asian cuisine and the Lounge Bar, overlooking the city, serving as the perfect spot for the guests to unwind and relax.

Besides, the new hotel provides an expansive indoor and outdoor space for corporate and social gatherings comprising of an impressive 8340 sq. ft. poolside terrace and 26000 sq. ft. of banqueting space. The incomparable banqueting space with 7200 sq. ft. of pillar-less grand ballroom and 4440 sq. ft. of pre-function area and rooftop pool terrace on the 14th floor that gives a 360-degree view of the city, makes the newly opened hotel a perfect venue for all kind of celebrations and events.

Commenting on the inauguration of the new hotels, Sudeep Jain, Managing Director, IHG, South West Asia adds, “We are delighted to open our second hotel in Chandigarh under our globally renowned brand Holiday Inn, as the tri-City area is increasingly gaining traction, both as a commercial hub and tourist destination. India has been a domestic-focused market for IHG and the addition of Holiday Inn Chandigarh Zirakpur to our brand portfolio will cater to the demand for quality accommodation and MICE requirements in the city.”

Mr. NK Sharma - Director, ABC Sites Pvt Ltd adds, “It has been a pleasure to associate with IHG Hotels & resorts, a reputed and trusted hospitality brand for the opening of Holiday Inn Chandigarh Zirakpaur. We are pleased to inaugurate this new hotel and looking forward to welcoming guests. The brand Holiday Inn holds a strong name in the country and is a great fit for a market like Chandigarh. Benefitting from its strategic location and contemporary design, we are certain the new addition to the portfolio will soon emerge as a popular choice amongst the travellers entering the city.”
Holiday Inn Chandigarh Zirakpaur and IHG Way of Clean

As part of the IHG family, Holiday Inn Chandigarh Zirakpaur will comply with IHG's Way of Clean industry-leading standards, including the new IHG Clean Promise. IHG's global Clean Promise was announced in May as part of an overhaul of IHG Way of Clean to introduce heightened cleanliness standards to protect guests in the wake of COVID. Using new, science-led protocols and service measures, partnering with industry-leading experts Cleveland Clinic, Ecolab and Diversey, and launching a global IHG Clean Promise, these strengthened measures will give guests greater confidence and hotel teams the protection needed.

Holiday Inn Chandigarh Zirakpaur is the latest addition to one of the world's largest hotel companies, where guests can earn and redeem exclusive member benefits at over 5,900 hotels and major airlines globally through the IHG Rewards Club.

Website: www.theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com.au

P&O Cruises Australia Begins Series Celebrating Regional Destinations

P&O Cruises Australia today launched a special video series celebrating regional cruise destinations in Australia beginning with Eden on the Sapphire Coast of NSW.

The cruise line’s flagship Pacific Explorer was the first cruise ship to use Eden’s new wharf extension when it opened two years ago and its ships were regular callers.

P&O destinations director, Michael Mihajlov, said Eden was a natural starting point for the series celebrating regional cruise destinations.

“Our guests love Eden and the community there through organisations such as Cruise Eden has embraced cruising and the opportunities it delivers,” Mr Mihajlov said.

“With their enthusiasm they make each cruise ship visit an event in its own right adding unique local attractions such as the beachside Taste of Eden Festival.”

In the six years since the inaugural call, P&O ships have visited Eden on 25 separate occasions bringing around 50,000 guests to the region.

The Eden video is fronted by Cruise Eden Coordinator Debbie Meers.

More destination videos are planned for other destinations such as Airlie Beach in Queensland’s Whitsundays.

Airlie Beach is renowned among the cruising fraternity for the warm welcome provided by its enthusiastic volunteers.

“We know that regional destinations are very keen to see the restart of cruising and the revival of cruise ship calls as soon as it is possible,” Mr Mihajlov said. “And we can’t wait to return.”

Website: www.theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com.au