Vietjet awarded Best Low-Cost Airline Onboard Hospitality in 2023

Vietjet has been named for the first time as ‘Best Low-Cost Airline Onboard Hospitality for 2023’ and as ‘Best Ultra Low-Cost Airline 2023’ for the 5th year in a row. The double international awards were given by AirlineRatings, a world-renowned airline safety and product rating website.

Vietjet flies from Ho Chi Minh City to major cities in Australia, including Sydney and Melbourne, with Brisbane routes commencing this month.

Vietjet was recognised for its newly launched SkyBoss Business class, which has all the comforts and premium offerings of a wide-body aircraft, including comfy leather flatbeds and an incredible in-flight dining experience.

“Vietjet has been recognised for its constant efforts on diversifying new and quality aviation products. The airline has put the A330 wide-body aircraft into operation, offering the premium class of SkyBoss Business, which enhances the seamless pre-flight, in-flight, and post-flight experience of flyers. Those services are pioneering and revolutionary for a low-cost airline,” said AirlineRatings Editor-in-Chief Geoffrey Thomas.

AirlineRatings gave a seven-star rating to Vietjet, the highest ranking for aviation safety in the world and considers it one of the world’s Top 10 safest and best low-cost airlines. This is in addition to being voted as the ‘Value Airline of the Year’ last year by the renowned airline safety website.

These major awards inspire Vietjet to keep innovating its products and services across its flight network. The recognition is a testament to Vietjet's promise to bring delightful travel experiences to passengers and its commitment to provide excellent in-flight hospitality through its dedicated and professional cabin crew.

The AirlineRatings “Airline Excellence Awards” have been held since 2013 to honour the world’s best airlines. This year’s awards were judged by five editors with decades of industry experience, combined with major safety and government audits, and key criteria that include: fleet age, passenger reviews, profitability, investment rating, and product offerings among others. The world’s best airline 2023 list also includes Air New Zealand, Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways, and Singapore Airlines.

About Vietjet

The new-age carrier Vietjet has not only revolutionized the aviation industry in Vietnam but also been a pioneering airline across the region and around the world. With a focus on cost management ability, effective operations, and performance, applying the latest technology to all activities and leading the trend, Vietjet offers flying opportunities with cost-saving and flexible fares as well as diversified services to meet customers’ demands.

Vietjet is a fully-fledged member of International Air Transport Association (IATA) with the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) certificate. As Vietnam’s largest private carrier, the airline has been awarded the highest ranking for safety with 7 stars by the world’s only safety and product rating website airlineratings.com and listed as one of the world's 50 best airlines for healthy financing and operations by Airfinance Journal in many consecutive years. The airline has also been named as Best Low-Cost Carrier by renowned organizations such as Skytrax, CAPA, Airline Ratings, and many others.

Further information at www.vietjetair.com

*Source: Joshua Wise Email: joshua@primarycommsgroup.com.au

PLATYPUS RETURNS TO ROYAL NATIONAL PARK

Platypus have returned to Royal National Park, after being locally extinct for 50 years.

A collaboration between NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, Taronga Conservation Society Australia, UNSW Sydney and WWF-Australia has returned platypus to Royal National Park for the first time in 50 years.

It is the first NSW translocation program for platypus.

This is the first ever translocation program for platypus in NSW and will re-establish a self-sustaining and genetically diverse platypus population.

The project is a collaboration between the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), Taronga Conservation Society Australia, UNSW Sydney and WWF-Australia.

Five female platypus were released into the park this week and will be followed by 4 males in the coming week once the females have successfully established their territory.

The platypus were collected from southern NSW to ensure genetic diversity and brought to Taronga Zoo’s purpose-built platypus refuge.

They received veterinary health checks, were assessed for release, and fitted with transmitters.

Ongoing monitoring and tracking by UNSW and WWF-Australia will determine the success of the re-introduction to the park.

Platypus are under threat from habitat destruction and fragmentation.

These factors are increasing extinction risk to platypus populations and their resilience to endure extreme climate events.

Quotes attributable to NSW Environment Minister Penny Sharpe:

“The iconic platypus is under immense pressure. The work that has gone into this project to get to the point of releasing these platypus is essential to assure the security of these species into the future.”

“Royal National Park is Australia’s oldest national park and I am pleased this historic reintroduction will help re-establish a sanctuary for this iconic species.”

“Translocation is just one conservation measure that can help ensure the survival of NSW species such as platypus against climate change.”

Quotes attributable to Cameron Kerr, Taronga Conservation Society Australia:

“Shy and enigmatic, platypus are the silent victims of climate change. While their elusive behaviour keeps them from view, under the surface they are particularly susceptible to drought and environmental change.”

“This translocation not only re-establishes a population in part of their former range but allows us to refine the skills and expertise that will inevitably be required to counter the impacts of increasingly frequent and more severe climate events.”

“The platypus is Taronga’s emblem, and we are committed to ensuring it not only survives but thrives for years to come.”

Quotes attributable to Dr Gilad Bino, UNSW’s Centre for Ecosytem Science:

“The reintroduction of platypus to the Royal National Park is more than just about returning an iconic species to its home; it's about restoring balance to the ecosystem and reinforcing our commitment to conservation.”

"We hope that people will be inspired by the incredible platypus and its successful reintroduction, as it serves as a testament to what can be achieved through conservation and dedicated efforts."

Quotes attributable to Rob Brewster WWF-Australia’s Rewilding Program Manager:

“Platypus are the face of our creeks and rivers, but we risk losing them forever if we don’t take bold actions to reverse their decline.”

“The last century saw the destruction of so much of Australia’s wildlife and wild places. The return of platypus to the Royal National Park shows that we can move beyond just protecting what remains, and actually restore what we’ve lost.”

LEARN MORE

FOLLOW DESTINATION NSW ON LINKEDIN: Stay up to date with all the latest Destination NSW initiatives by following us on LinkedIn. Click here   

*Source: Destination NSW

Vivid Sydney’s best

Written in the Stars

Pick a spot along Sydney Harbour to witness the biggest drone show south of the equator. One thousand drones will take to the city's skyline to create a dramatic light show that takes you on a journey through the natural world.
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Vivid Fire Kitchen

Fifteen legendary pitmasters gather at Barangaroo’s Cutaway to create a feast of epic proportions, including Firedoor's Lennox Hastie (featured in Netflix’s Chefs Table), World Barbecue Champion Sterling Smith, and more.
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Tumbalong Nights

Over 12 nights Darling Harbour’s Tumbalong Park will be transformed into a free music festival as global and local artists such as Yothu Yindi, Cornelius, Ziggy Ramo and Dan Sultan light up the stage and dancefloor.
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Life and Mars: The Future of Human

Join acclaimed British author Jeanette Winterson for a wide-ranging, witty and honest talk on the future of humanity followed by an interview by Richard Fidler that covers identity, sexuality, religion and what's next for us.
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*Source: Destination NSW

SOUTH DAKOTA: Get To Know Hugh Glass, South Dakota’s "Revenant"

Grand River Museum CREDIT Travel South Dakota

Get To Know Hugh Glass, South Dakota’s "Revenant"

An epic tale of survival and revenge, the early 2016 film “The Revenant” tells the story of frontiersman Hugh Glass (played by Leonardo DiCaprio). Glass was a trapper in South Dakota, where he was mauled by a grizzly bear and left for dead by his companions. Fueled by revenge and the will to survive, he crawled for six weeks to the nearest settlement, Fort Kiowa, near present-day Chamberlain.

Today, you can follow the route Glass took through the South Dakota wilderness and be amazed just how he lived to tell the tale. Start your journey in the northern South Dakota town of Lemmon. You can almost hear the roar while looking at renowned artist John Lopez's sculpture in the Grand River Museum. Lopez used scrap metal to recreate the battle between Hugh Glass and a grizzly bear. Want to know more? Just head to Lopez's studio in downtown Lemmon. Not only can you see more of Lopez's work, you're also likely to catch the sculptor himself at work.

For other famous South Dakota Films such as “Into the Wild,” “National Treasure: Book of Secrets,” “Dances With Wolves,” “Armageddon” and “Hidalgo,” visit https://www.travelsouthdakota.com/shows-films-shot-south-dakota.

For more information on South Dakota, visit TravelSouthDakota.com.

Take a Tour of “Dances With Wolves” Set in Rapid City

Discover the great Western town experience of Fort Hays Town Square in Rapid City, South Dakota, made famous by a free tour of an iconic film set. “Dances with Wolves” is an American epic Western film first released in 1990 starring recognizable names like Kevin Costner and Graham Greene. Visitors to Fort Hays can see the original buildings used in the movie inside the South Dakota Movie Museum, which includes remnants of more than 50 other movies filmed in South Dakota.

Fort Hays Chuckwagon CREDIT Visit Rapid City

Fort Hays is also home to Mount Rushmore Tour Company, featuring sightseeing packages to top attractions in the Black Hills like Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse Memorial, Custer State Park and Needles Highway. The Fort Hays season runs mid-May through the beginning of October. Whether you’re a fan of the Old West, scenic tours or even just Kevin Costner himself, there’s lots to love about a visit to Fort Hays.

For more information on Rapid City, visit VisitRapidCity.com.

About The Great American West

The Great American West is the brand for the international marketing efforts of Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming. Collectively, the group markets to both travel trade (tour operators, travel agents, etc.) and consumers through advertising and public relations efforts. Individually, each state office works with their industry partners to raise awareness of their states and the region as a whole through the promotion of products and travel destinations. The Great American West contracts with Rocky Mountain International to help coordinate their united efforts in eight international markets, including The United Kingdom, Germany, Australia, New Zealand, France, Italy, Benelux and Nordics. https://greatamericanwest.co/

*Source: Caroline Davidson - Davidson Communications – Account Manager RMI AUNZ, CONTACT FOR THE GREAT AMERICAN WEST: AUSTRALIA / NEW ZEALAND caroline@davcomm.com.au

Western Australia - Walkiog on a Dream

The WA tourism industry built this new brand. The journey to Walking On A Dream has been many years in the making. More than two years ago, Tourism WA began working on a new tourism brand for Western Australia that would set our unique State apart from competitor destinations across the country, and around the world. After undertaking the most extensive consultation in the Agency’s history — which included consultation with more than 500 tourism industry business owners and leaders from across all regions of the State, and testing with more than 110 local, national and international consumers — the Our Story: The Spirit of Adventure narrative was born.

Our Story: The Spirit of Adventure is a narrative framework that outlines what makes Western Australia so special. It does this through five key pillars designed to provoke the spirit of adventure in every traveller, with these pillars the foundation for all Tourism WA’s subsequent marketing and creative activities, including the domestic Wander Out Yonder campaigns and the Adventure Awaits international platform.

These five story pillars outline what Western Australia is, at its core. Western Australia is: Ancient Tracks, New Journeys™; barefoot luxury; otherworldly phenomena; majestic landscapes and big skies; and full of characters. Walking On A Dream is inspired by the Our Story: The Spirit of Adventure narrative.

Walking On A Dream uses the same founding principles to underpin a new creative approach for a bold new brand, to make WA shine as a world-leading destination of choice in a competitive global marketplace.

While the Our Story pillars still represent what makes WA unique and differentiates us from other destinations, we have added the themes of Time, Space, Connection and Freedom into our narrative.

These thematic pillars represent key attributes that global travellers are seeking from a destination in a postpandemic world, and through the Our Story pillars, we can show the world how Western Australia delivers on these critical themes.

• TIME

Western Australia is 60,000 years of stories, shared by the oldest living culture on Earth. Stories that bring otherworldly landscapes to life. Traditions that have been handed down across generations, and enriching experiences across the State and the seasons.

• SPACE

Western Australia is otherworldly phenomena, majestic landscapes and big sky country. Supernatural contrasts of colour, sheer scale and spaciousness. Quiet, powerful, soulful. CONNECTION Western Australia is full of characters and rich with culture. A special place, where connecting with the land helps you reconnect with yourself. Locals with a warm, welcoming and a generous spirit, who share our culture, lands, and our way of life.

• FREEDOM

Western Australia is brimming with special and rare experiences, for those seeking the freedom to embark on new adventures. Luxury, but not as you know it. One-of-a-kind experiences, set on nature’s doorstep. Relaxed and down to earth. The freedom to embark on every kind of unforgettable adventure.

Perth

These pillars and the Walking On A Dream creative concept will give Tourism WA’s marketing and communications the uniqueness needed to make Western Australia shine as an aspirational, memorable and desirable destination for leisure and business travel, from now and into the future.

*Source: Tourism Western Australia, info@westernaustralia.com
https://www.tourism.wa.gov.au/

Mong Cai (Quang Ninh): Brilliant border myrtle festival in 2023

Performing folk dance at the festival

With the theme of "Borderline colors", on May 20 and 21, the Border Myrtle Flower Festival 2023 was organized by the People's Committee of Mong Cai city (Quang Ninh) at a number of tourist attractions in the city. such as Hai Son Commune Sports and Culture Center, Po Hen National Historic Site, Landmark 1347, Sim Hill, Stream Waterfall...

The event was held on the occasion of the 133rd birthday of President Ho Chi Minh (May 19, 1890-19/5/2023), towards the 60th anniversary of the founding of Quang Ninh province (October 30, 1963 - October 30, 2023), responding to the National Tourism Year 2023 and simultaneously aiming to stimulate demand, restore and develop the tourism industry of Mong Cai in particular and Quang Ninh province in general.

Within the framework of the festival, many meaningful activities will take place such as: Incense offering ceremony Monument to heroes and martyrs of Po Hen; exhibition of beautiful pictures and paintings of Mong Cai; costume show and culinary festival of local ethnic groups; Po Hen fair, women's football exchanges, folk games such as throwing bamboo, swinging, climbing monkey bridge, spinning, blindfolded catching ducks, climbing banana trees... Visitors can also experience Hai community tourism. Paint, light a campfire, sing Soong palm of the San Chi ethnic group, sing the love song of the Dao ethnic group, immerse in the purple color of myrtle flowers in the blooming season of the border land.

In the framework of the festival, there are many folk games such as throwing bamboo, swinging, climbing monkey bridge...

The land of Hai Son, with its stunning landscape and rustic community, with traditions imbued with national identity and sincere hospitality, is essential to promote community-based tourism. This place has Po Hen historical relic site, a brilliant mural village among the Northeast mountains and forests, with a waterfall of 72 compartments - Trang Vinh lake, Mount Panai, Ma Thau Son, sim hill and many traditional cultural and artistic features. of ethnic minorities, special culinary arts, unique folk games ... suitable for tourists who love to explore, like to experience the

 majestic sacred border region.

Tourists and residents are immersed in
the purple myrtle of the border land

The festival "Border sim flowers in 2023" is an event associated with community tourism development activities in Hai Son commune in order to further concretize and implement programs and plans on tourism development in Hai Son commune. become a spearhead economic sector and develop Tra Co National Tourist Area, Mong Cai City. Through festivals and activities to stimulate tourism, the city. Mong Cai strives to welcome more than 1.5 million tourists in 2023.

Chu Linh


*Source: Quang Ninh Provincial Portal - quangninh.gov.vn - Posted on 20/5/2023
* Key word: Quang Ninh,Mong Cai,Border Myrtle Festival,

Vietjet to boost flight capacity on Australia routes

From September, Vietjet will increase frequency for flights between Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City and Australia’s Melbourne and Sydney from thrice weekly services to four each.

The Ho Chi Minh City-Melbourne service will operate every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday, returning every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday.

The service from Ho Chi Minh City to Sydney will fly every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday, with the return flight taking off every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.

*Source: PATA, Level 26, Gaysorn Tower, 127 Ratchadamri Road, Lumpini, Pathumwan Bangkok 10330 Thailand communications@PATA.org

Boutique NSW Southern Highlands Retreat

Osborn House

• with $100 Dining Credit, Nightly Cocktails & Daily Breakfast

Brand-new and utterly boutique, Osborn House is a five-star Southern Highlands escape surrounded by century-old pines, rambling bushland and the gentle sighing of the Australian breeze. Lovingly restored from the 19th-century heritage-listed original and elevated by award-winning interior design and walls filled with local art, each of the property’s 22 rooms is brimming with country charm and quirky style. The facilities are top-notch, with a dazzling lap pool, tennis court, sauna, fitness centre and the Osborn House Spa, one of the first spas in Australia to offer innovative Akwaterra treatments. Two exceptional onsite restaurants are guaranteed to tantalise – feast upon rustic, locally sourced favourites and cocktails at George’s or savour garden-to-plate haute cuisine at Dinah’s.

Nestled in the heart of the Southern Highlands, only two hours from Sydney, Osborn House offers access to the region's wealth of experiences. Stand among the spectacular red-rock cascades and lush wilderness of neighbouring Morton National Park, sip your way through a host of exceptional vineyards and distilleries, or hunt for antiques in the region’s many historic towns. If you’d rather savour the serenity closer to home, Osborn House hosts traditional, Argentinian-style open-fire feasts every Sunday – a family-style asado journey that should not be missed.

Your Handpicked Inclusions:

• Daily breakfast at George’s
• Welcome glass of rosé on arrival
• Complimentary non-alcoholic minibar drinks (replenished daily)
• Nightly pre-dinner beer, wine or cocktail per adult at George’s
• $100 dining credit for use at George's or Dinah's

Stay two nights from only $1,099 in a Suite (two guests), valued up to $2,198. For more information phone Luxury Escapes on 1300 88 99 00 or visit luxuryescapes.com. Sale ends 26 June 2023. Valid for travel until 29 Feb 2024. Blackout dates and surcharges apply.

*Source: Samantha Brown, Senior Content Producer & Editor, Luxury Escapes
E: samantha.brown@luxuryescapes.com

Kez’s Kitchen rolls out the red carpet for ‘VIKs’ (very important kids)

• Kids to get the star treatment at special school holiday screenings of Pixar’s Elemental

Kids of Sydney and Melbourne can walk the red carpet and experience the ‘VIK’ treatment at special school holiday screenings of Pixar’s latest release Elemental on Saturday 1 July at Classic Cinemas, Elsternwick and Sunday 2 July at Ritz Cinemas, Randwick.

 

Ahead of the 10:30am and 1pm sessions, the young guests will be invited to dress glam and pose for photographers, with the first 100 arrivals receiving a special sample box of the new Kez’s Kitchen Mini Bites to enjoy while watching the animated blockbuster on the big screen.

 

Elemental is set in a city where fire, water, land, and air residents all live together. It charts the journey of a fiery young woman and a go-with-the-flow guy as they discover something elemental: how much they actually have in common.

 

Kez’s Kitchen has created a lunchbox-friendly snack that proves deliciousness and healthier eating go hand in hand. Bringing together the interests of kids and parents alike, the gluten-free Mini Bites come in a range of delicious flavours including choc chip, choc brownie and caramel white choc, and contain less than 2g sugar per serve, giving them a 3.5 health star rating.

 

Managing Director and Owner of Kez’s Kitchen Michael Carp said, “We know it can be a challenge to find healthy snacks that kids love to eat, so we’re really excited to now offer these perfect bite-size lunchbox staples that are gluten-free and contain less sugar than many similar snacks, but with the great taste people can expect from Kez’s Kitchen.

 

We wanted to give kids an experience to remember, and we’re delighted to create something extra special with these VIK screenings, where kids can have their photo taken on the red carpet and release their inner star!”

 

Kez’s Kitchen Mini Bites are available now in the health food aisle of Woolworths and selected independent supermarkets.

 

Elemental is produced by Walt Disney Pictures and Pixar Animation Studios and distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures.

EVENT DETAILS

 

MELBOURNE

WHERE: Classic Cinemas, 9 Gordon St, Elsternwick VIC

DATE: Saturday 1 July

TIMES: Film sessions at 10:30am and 1pm, arrive early to give your kids the red carpet treatment

TICKETS: https://www.classiccinemas.com.au/events/elemental-very-important-kids-screenings-presented-by-kezs-kitchen

 

SYDNEY

WHERE: Ritz Cinemas, 45 St Pauls St, Randwick NSW
DATE: Sunday 2 July

WHEN: Film sessions at 10:30am and 1pm, arrive early to give your kids the red carpet treatment

TICKETS:   https://www.ritzcinemas.com.au/events/elemental-very-important-kids-screenings-presented-by-kezs-kitchen-1396

*Source: COURTNEY CHAPMAN, PR & CONTENT SENIOR ACCOUNT MANAGER. little BIG,
FOLLOW US IG. FB. LI.  W. littlebig.marketing

ROUTE BOOSTS TO SYDNEY AIRPORT

Qantas recommenced direct services between San Francisco and Sydney on 22 May 2023, using Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners. 

Additionally, Singapore Airlines' twice-daily A380 operations to Sydney have returned for the first time since January 2020.

LEARN MORE

FOLLOW DESTINATION NSW ON LINKEDIN: Stay up to date with all the latest Destination NSW initiatives by following us on LinkedIn. Click here 

*Source: Destination NSW