Discover Aboriginal Experiences collective welcomes 5 new members

With summer around the corner, the Discover Aboriginal Experiences portfolio is heating up. This time of year brings with it a wealth of opportunities to get outdoors and appreciate this vast continent. Even more so with the immersive seasonal offerings that you can dive into across the DAE collective… there are now more than 200 experiences to try, delivered by 49 members.

We're delighted that the collective has become ever-more strong and diverse in recent months, with the addition of five new members spanning the continent.

Mabu Buru Tours and Kimberley Cultural Adventures, both in Western Australia; Budj Bim Cultural Landscape Tourism in Victoria; Southern Cultural Immersion in South Australia; and Jarramali Rock Art Tours in Queensland have joined Discover Aboriginal Experiences – a collective of quality, authentic, Aboriginal-guided tourism offerings.

Mabu Buru Tours hosts a number of immersive experiences around Broome/Rubibi, including a traditional Aboriginal dance performance, a cultural talk on Cable Beach and a special four-night journey staying in comfortable hotel accommodation. See Broome/Rubibi through the eyes of a born-and-bred local on Kimberley Cultural Adventures' three-hour cultural tour, with a side of bush tucker and a didgeridoo performance; the same business also offers an experience on the Dampier Peninsula.

Based in southwest Victoria, Budj Bim Cultural Landscape Tourism is a World Heritage-listed site that contains one of the world's most extensive and oldest aquaculture systems. There are a range of eye-opening experiences on offer, lasting from a few hours to a full day.

In Adelaide/Tarntanya, Southern Cultural Immersion is based at Living Kaurna Cultural Centre, from where you can partake in experiences led by an Aboriginal guide to explore native flora and bush tucker, and visit important cultural sites.

Finally, Jarramali Rock Art Tours returns to the Discover Aboriginal Experiences portfolio, the day or overnight trip from Laura in northern Queensland exploring jaw-dropping Quinkan art galleries, which UNESCO recognises as one of the 10 most significant rock-art sites in the world.

“We are delighted to welcome the new members to the Discover Aboriginal Experiences portfolio,” says Nicole Mitchell, Executive Officer Discover Aboriginal Experiences. “The continued growth of the collective is evidence of the ongoing consumer demand for quality, immersive, Aboriginal-guided experiences that reveal 65,000 years of culture. It's also evidence of the innovation and foresight of businesses offering Aboriginal guided experiences across the country.”

The Discover Aboriginal Experiences collective is part of Tourism Australia's Signature Experiences of Australia program that promotes outstanding tourism experiences within a variety of special categories. This collection showcases a diversity of experiences delivered by the world's oldest living cultures, creating memorable trips for adventure seekers, culture enthusiasts, foodies and nature lovers, ranging from exploring hidden rock art galleries to foraging for native delicacies, stand-up paddleboarding on culturally significant waterways to bedding down at wilderness lodges in serene natural settings.

These five new additions to the collective bring the membership to 49 businesses offering more than 200 Aboriginal-guided experiences. Aboriginal guides don't just afford a unique means of bringing Australia's landscapes to life. As the owners of the stories they share with you, they provide a way to connect with Australian places and cultures quite unlike any other medium.

Each member of this collection is considered a world-class leader in Aboriginal tourism, representing local Aboriginal cultures with integrity and authenticity. Please see the following pages for further details on the five new additions to the collective.

Find out more about the Discover Aboriginal Experiences collective via our website. From the website you can access a dedicated trade and media portal, replete with a media kit packed with story ideas, interviews, Discover Aboriginal Experiences resources and more.

A collection of royalty-free Aboriginal tourism images are available here, and videos are available here. Please see the dropdown menu for Discover Aboriginal Experiences.

Find out more about the Signature Experiences of Australia program here.

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Tags: #Indigenous, #Aboriginal, #australia, #discoveraboriginalexperiences, #culture, #firstnations

* Discover Aboriginal Experiences discoveraboriginalexperiences.com
* Nicole Mitchell – Tourism Australia at nmitchell@tourism.australia.com

Torrens University and TFE Hotels Nurture Future Hotel Leaders

Darryn Melrose

In an alliance designed to retain and nurture top talent in hospitality, Torrens University Australia, and long-time partner, TFE Hotels, have launched a custom short-course portal, giving TFE team members the ability to earn micro-qualifications as they complete their university coursework. In turn, Torrens University hospitality students will have access to real-world internships across TFE’s 48-strong Australian hotel network, which includes the only Australian entry in the World’s 50 Best Hotels for 2023.

Darryn Melrose, CMO and Head of Industry Partnerships at Torrens University, said their focus was on nurturing talent and future leaders in the hospitality sector.

“This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to fostering excellence within the hospitality sector and promoting continuous learning and development,” he said.

"We're proud of our long-standing relationship with TFE Hotels and it's great that we can now support their commitment to upskilling their team members, while at the same time continuing to offer our students the opportunity to gain invaluable real-world experiences through internships.”

TFE Hotels’ Learning & Organisational Development Manager, Matthew Peade, said a skilled and knowledgeable workforce was critical in delivering exceptional guest experiences.

“The hospitality industry is changing rapidly, and our team members need to stay ahead of those trends to deliver memorable hospitality experiences. Torrens University’s Smart Skill micro qualifications cover a range of topics from digital marketing essentials to championing organisational change and creative and critical thinking, allowing graduates to enter the real world with transferable skills across a wide range of topics,” said Matthew.

“In addition, we are excited to offer TFE team members increased access to the wide diverse range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses at Torrens University. With flexible learning options available, it means our staff can advance their education whilst still pursuing their careers within the hospitality industry.”

Over the past five years, TFE Hotels has assisted Torrens University with around six student placements per semester, with more than a quarter of these progressing into full or part-time work within TFE’s Australia/New Zealand network. Blue Mountains International Hotel Management School at Torrens University alumnus Aalap Rammurthy (click for full case study) undertook a semester’s practical internship at TFE’s Adina Apartment Hotel Surry Hills, and now works for TFE full time.

“The GM at the time, Kristin Alderman, called me in for an interview and I was hired on the spot,” he said.

“In fact, they offered me a full-time position and for the rest of my course, I juggled work, play and study. When I graduated, I stayed on because I liked working for TFE and I really liked the people. They’ve become like a second family.”

Regional General Manager, Emma Soutter, said TFE Hotels was growing its story as Australia’s International Hotel Group – with a hotel in the World’s 50 Best, hatted restaurants and world-class venues including a bar rated #134 in the world’s top #500 – and, as one of the few Australian-based hotel operators, continued to offer great opportunities across a growing global network both here and abroad.

“At TFE, we’re headquartered in Sydney, and we seek out local partners like Torrens University, so that together we can provide strong foundations for future hotel leaders - like Aalap - as they forge their careers in hospitality.”

*  TFE Hotels https://www.tfehotels.com/
* Jodi Clark at jclark@tfehotels.com

LET'S EXPERIENCE TRADITIONAL CRAFTS!

Hakota Doll Studio

Hakota Ningyo (Hakota Dolls), a cherished tradition of Kurayoshi City since the Edo period, comprises papiermâché dolls representing women in kimonos. 

Legend has it that these dolls were inspired when Edo-era merchants visited the city and were enchanted by a young girl's presence, prompting them to craft a doll in her likeness. 

Crafting papier-mâché involves layering paper on a mold, drying it, removing the mold, and hand-painting the doll. 

These dolls were originally created as children's toys with a heartfelt wish for their safety and well-being. 

The Hakota Ningyo Workshop allows you to personally select and purchase these dolls. 

Furthermore, you can participate in painting the faces of Hakota dolls and "Kurayoshi Hariko" animal-shaped dolls, taking your finished creations home on the same day.

Hakota Doll Studio 

Address: 2529 Uomachi, Kurayoshi City 

Access: Approximately 15 minutes by bus from Kurayoshi Station 

URL: https://www.tottori-tour.jp/en/sightseeing/1701/
https://maps.app.goo.gl/jhb95zJ4gZaUzSDa7
* Tottori Prefectural Government, International Tourism and World Expo Division,
Tourism and Exchange Bureau at fujisaway@pref.tottori.lg.jp

2023 DESTINATION MEKONG SUMMIT: EMBARK ON A JOURNEY OF EMPOWERMENT AND ENGAGEMENT

Destination Mekong invites the tourism industry to their 4th edition of the Destination Mekong Summit on 6 and 7 December in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, under the theme "Mekong in Motion, Mekong Emotion(s)".

Destination Mekong (DM), the private regional tourism organization of the Mekong region, is thrilled to announce the highly anticipated Destination Mekong Summit 2023 (DMS23) set to take place in the vibrant city of Phnom Penh, Cambodia, and simultaneously online on December 6th and 7th, 2023.

Hosted annually, the premier event of the tourism industry in the Mekong region provides a unique and dynamic platform for all industry stakeholders - policymakers, practitioners, thinkers, changemakers, and investors to come together, exchange ideas and insights, and contribute to sustainable tourism growth in the region.

Fostering Tourism Innovation and Sustainability in the region

With a focus on innovation and sustainable tourism practices, DMS23 aims to foster collaboration, provide a platform to exchange ideas and devise strategies to propel the tourism industry forward responsibly and harmoniously.

Hosted at the Sales Center of its key partner and Destination Mekong executive board member OCIC Cambodia, the Summit will offer a blend of in-person and virtual engagement, ensuring accessibility and inclusivity for a global audience.

Insights and Dialogues Driving Change

Attendees can anticipate a dynamic agenda featuring inspiring stories by key players, dynamic panel discussions, and interactive workshops covering a diverse range of topics critical to the region's tourism landscape.

Over two days, the afternoon plenary panel sessions include:

• The Future of Travel in the Mekong Region: What to Watch in 2024 and Beyond;
• Empowering Tourism Players with Essential Skills and Standards;
• Nearing a Zero-Waste Tourism Future through Innovation and Collaboration;
• Sowing the Seeds of Change through Food, Farm and Agri-Tourism;
• Advancing a dynamic model of adventure and community-based eco-tourism for the region;
• Championing the Region as a Creative and Transformative Tourism Hub.

For the first time, the event will also feature personal "Mekong Stories" of individuals working in the tourism industry, including Dr Jens Thraenhart, Founding Partner of UNWTO Affiliate Member Chameleon Strategies, François Schnoebelen, Director of EHT Paul Dubrule, Melita Koulmandas, Founder & CEO of Songsaa Collective, and Sokleap Ngon, CEO and Co-Founder of Smiling Gecko Cambodia.


"Looking at the agenda for this year's DMS, I am struck by the amazing talent within the Mekong region and the really positive future for both the Mekong Region and Destination Mekong as an organization. Mekong is in motion and there is only one direction - forwards!", praised Mark Bibby Jackson, Chair of the DMM Executive Board. A full program and speaker list can be found on the event website at www.destinationmekong.com/dms23

"The 4th Destination Mekong Summit is an important milestone since the launch of this important private-sector-led regional destination marketing organization for the Greater Mekong Subregion as part of an innovative public-private sector framework alongside the public-sector owned Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office. I look forward to attending the event in Phnom Penh to join other industry professionals and debate how to make tourism a force for good to drive balanced tourism growth and inclusivity and build back better after the pandemic to create jobs and strengthen communities. This is a critical event for busy tourism professionals to carve out some time to focus on collaboration and cooperation in the industry," said Jens Thraenhart, Founder of Destination Mekong.

Mekong in Motion, Mekong Emotion(s)

The DMS23 offers ample opportunities for networking and business development among tourism stakeholders from various backgrounds, fostering connections and partnerships that can drive positive change in the Mekong tourism sector.

In particular, The Summit's first day will conclude with a networking reception at the DIB Club at Aquation Park, featuring an exciting Mekong cocktail competition and offering attendees a relaxed atmosphere by the poolside, just a 3-minute walk from the main venue.

The Summit will also feature a marketplace designed as a journey towards exploring a variety of key players of the travel, tourism, and hospitality industries in the Mekong region.

The second day of the DMS23 will start with an industry matchmaking breakfast and two concurrent series of workshops. Participants will have the opportunity to enhance their skills and knowledge through hands-on workshops and training sessions.

Workshops on the morning of 7 December cover the topics of:

• Protecting children and vulnerable communities
• Digital Transformation for the tourism and hospitality sector
• Simplifying sustainability: 4 key ingredients to authentic action that makes an impact and doesn’t cost the earth.
• Promoting Cambodia as a Wellness Destination
• Re-enchanting Mekong Destinations: The Case of Phnom-Penh

"We invite everyone working in the tourism sector in the region to the Destination Mekong Summit. It is not just an event; it is a movement calling for action and connection, a catalyst for innovation through collaboration, and an inclusive community inviting all its members to engage in the positive transformation of the Mekong region," stressed Catherine-Germier-Hamel, CEO of Destination Mekong.

Join the Conversation

Registration for the summit is currently open. Interested participants can visit the official DMS23 website at www.destinationmekong.com/dms23 for more information, speaker details, registration options, and partnership and sponsorship opportunities.

* Destination Mekong Pte. Ltd., 68 Circular Road, #02-01, Singapore 049422, Singapore
* Gerrit Kruger at gerrit@destinationmekong.com

Luxury hotel brand Sunlife has undertaken a series of enhancements to its resorts in Mauritius

Sugar Beach

These include redesigned restaurants and new rooms at the fivestar Sugar Beach and five-star Long Beach and Sunlife’s adults-only resort Ambre, has also seen redesigned rooms. 

Mauritius is an Indian Ocean island known for its beaches, lagoons and reefs. 

The mountainous interior includes Black River Gorges National Park, with rainforests, waterfalls, hiking trails and wildlife. Capital Port Louis has the Champs de Mars horse track, Eureka plantation house and 18th-century Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Gardens. 

* and www.mauritiusnow.com 

* Lucia Cappiello at lucia.cappiello@finnpartners.com

Tallest Statue in the World - Statue of Unity

Statue of Unity

The Statue of Unity is the world's tallest statue, located in the Indian state of Gujarat. It was inaugurated on October 31, 2018, and stands at a height of 182 meters (597 feet). 

The statue is a tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, a key figure in India's struggle for independence and the country's first Deputy Prime Minister.

Designed by Indian sculptor Ram V. Sutar, the Statue of Unity depicts Sardar Patel, known as the "Iron Man of India," and symbolizes unity and the country's unity in diversity. It attracts numerous visitors due to its monumental stature and offers a viewing gallery at the top, providing panoramic views of the surrounding area. 

The site also includes an exhibition hall, a museum, and various attractions related to Sardar Patel's life and contributions to India.
* Compass Tourism www.compasstourism.com

* Mr Harshil Sheth at gujarat@compasstourism.com

A Food-Lover's Guide to the Central Coast

This small region punches above its weight when it comes to dining out, with a wealth of excellent cafes and restaurants as well as many passionate producers, partly due to the influx in recent years of ex-big city hospitality pros looking for a better work-life balance. Just an hour north of Sydney (or a 30-minute ferry ride from Palm Beach), the Central Coast makes a convenient weekend destination, where you can sip and snack your way through cruisy seaside towns and the buzzy centre of Gosford. From a garden distillery to bright seaside diners, here's where to dine on the Central Coast.

The Box on the Water, Ettalong Beach

For a memorable meal, have lunch at Ettalong Beach's restaurant The Box on the Water – with floor-to-ceiling windows that let the sea breeze in on warm days as you dine, you'll feel relaxed immediately. Have a picnic on the sand with an egg and bacon roll or fish and chips from the beach kiosk or dine at the light-filled restaurant for Sydney rock oysters followed by Goan fish curry or Thai-flavoured black mussels, all while enjoying panoramic views of idyllic Broken Bay. Watch the water turn slowly golden on Fridays to Sundays between 3pm and 5.30pm with happy hour drinks and a box of prawns or a cheese plate.

The Boathouse Patonga Hotel

Catch the ferry from Palm Beach and a sea of white umbrellas beckons you as you approach Patonga Wharf. Overlooking the postcard-worthy sleepy bay, Boathouse Patonga Hotel houses a laidback pub serving classics as well as prawn linguine with lumpfish caviar, tiger prawns and oysters – the perfect place to kill a sunny afternoon. If you're passing through, grab a simple breakfast or takeaway fish and chips from the kiosk, but staying the night is highly recommended. The chic boutique apartments nod to the town's fishing history with tasteful nautical touches and in-room dining.

Distillery Botanica, Erina

Tucked away in a bushy pocket of Erina, a 10-minute drive from Gosford, Distillery Botanica is the birthplace of Moore's Dry Gin (the first Australian gin to win gold at the London International Wine and Spirit Competition) and Mr Black coffee liqueur, creations of herbalist and distiller Philip Moore. Pop in for a tasting or join a garden and distillery tour that takes you through the unique plants and botanicals grown on site. Stick around for lunch in the onsite cocktail bar, Bar Botanica (there's live jazz on the weekend) and leave room for a Mr Goaty Gelato, which is churned on site, or an affogato using housemade liqueurs.

Six String Brewing Co, Erina

In walking distance from Distillery Botanica, find independent brewery Six String Brewing Co, a culmination of the owners' two loves: beer and rock'n'roll. As well as a core range of six ales, lagers and IPAs, Six String produces seasonal one-offs, as well as hard lemonade. Tours are run every Saturday at 11am (bookings essential) where you can get into the nitty gritty of brewing and sample the beers. Beer needs hearty bar food, and the kitchen delivers: burgers are made with wagyu beef and snacks include a basket of wings or loaded fries.

Lago Cucina, Budgewoi

Located on level one of the Budgewoi Hotel, Lago Cucina is a chic addition to the sleepy lakeside town. With terrazzo counters, rattan chairs and whitewashed walls, this Mediterranean-inspired restaurant is Italian at its best. Try dishes that let produce sing such as handmade burrata with cherry tomatoes, zucchini flowers, truffle and mushroom raviolo, and sample local seafood through dishes including crab linguine and calamari fritti. With a selection of woodfired pizzas, a kid's menu and a bespoke cocktail list, it ticks all the boxes, whether you're meeting up with friends or bringing the whole family.

Burnt Honey Bakery, Copacabana and Long Jetty

First opening in 2019 in Copacabana, Burnt Honey Bakery quickly gained a cult following due to its wide range of sourdough bread, perfect croissants and community-minded approach. That popularity led them to open Burnt Honey Bakers Pantry at Long Jetty, which sells a curated selection of cookbooks, specialised baking ingredients, tools and pantry goods alongside pastries. Try one of their famous brown sugar cinnamon buns with burnt butter glaze and take home a few loaves of sourdough and a jar of sour cherry and almond biscotti. Keep an eye on their website for pastry masterclasses so you can recreate these delectable treats at home.
* Destination NSW https://www.destinationnsw.com.au/
* Amy Nguyen at amy.nguyen@dnsw.com.au

The Rapid Rise of Japan's City Tourism Hotels

OMO5 Tokyo Gotanda

Hoshino Resorts will open the doors to OMO5 Tokyo Gotanda  on April 11th 2024, marking the third OMO hotel in Tokyo and the eighteenth property under the OMO brand that was established in 2018.

What is now a leading hospitality group in Japan began as a forestry business in 1904 in Karuizawa, Nagano Prefecture. Its foray into the hotel industry commenced in 1914 with its first hot spring resort and in 1995, the company was rebranded as Hoshino Resorts by 4th generation family member and CEO Yoshiharu Hoshino.

Today, Hoshino Resorts operates more than 60 hotel properties both in and outside of Japan across five brands: HOSHINOYA, KAI, RISONARE, OMO and BEB.

After noticing the increase of urban tourism in Japan's city centers where travellers were limited to business hotels as accommodation, Hoshino Resorts realised an opportunity to provide more than just the basic comforts traditionally offered by budget to mid-range service hotels.

Arriving at the concept “Get down with the local rhythm” Hoshino Resorts established OMO as a city tourism hotel for guests to live through the lens of a local, launching the first two properties in Asahikawa, Hokkaido and Otsuka, Tokyo in 2018.

OMO hotels feature a unique neighbourhood map that reveal locally loved attractions and culinary delights all within walking distance. The staff have thoroughly explored the area and will guide guests as OMO Rangers through curated tours to have fun in ways they would never expect.

The number in an OMO hotel name represents its capacity of services, from 1 for capsule hotels to 7 for full-service hotels. This allows travellers to find an option that best fits their travel goals and budget.

The success of OMO's services has resulted in Hoshino Resorts expanding the brand's portfolio of properties across Japan with hopes to open hotels in more regional cities that have charming appeal for both domestic and overseas visitors.

OMO5 Tokyo Gotanda will open in Tokyo's Shinagawa ward, just a six-minute walk from Gotanda Station. The concept of the hotel is “a paradise of night views and culinary delights” and it's where guests will be able to enjoy glittering city views after a delightful meal from Gotanda's plethora of eateries.

OMO5 Tokyo Gotanda

A signature feature of OMO5 Tokyo Gotanda will be the OMO Base located on the 14th floor, along with a sky garden, an all-day café and a dog garden with direct access to dog friendly guest rooms. The OMO Base serves as a hub for urban stays across all OMO hotels, offering guests a place to plan city walks with a curated map, or relax in the spacious, dynamic spaces.

Inspired by the bustling gourmet scene of Gotanda, the room design incorporates elements reminiscent of the bricks of Western-style restaurants and the tile work found in buildings housing snack bars and izakayas. The retro soft furnishings and lighting resembling the neon signs of eateries creates a vibrant atmosphere, making one's stay truly memorable.

OMO5 Tokyo Gotanda by Hoshino Resorts

Address: Gotanda JP Building, 8-4-13 Nishi-gotanda, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo
Starting room rate: From ¥28,000 per night (per room, tax included, meals not included)
Facilities: Guest rooms, OMO Base (Front desk, OMO Cafe, Neighbourhood Map, open space, lockers, shop, OMO Dog Garden), work room, gym, laundry.
Number of Rooms: 188 rooms (located on floors 14-20)
Directions: Approx. 6-minute walk from Gotanda Station (JR Yamanote Line, Toei Asakusa Line, Tokyu Ikegami Line) or a 1-minute walk from Osakihirokoji Station
Reservations: From January 11th, 2024
Scheduled opening Date: April 11th, 2024

For more information about OMO by Hoshino Resorts, visit: https://hoshinoresorts.com/en/brands/omo/
* Hoshino Resorts (doq Pty Ltd) https://www.hoshinoresorts.com/en/

* Maki Watabe at m.watabe@thedoq.com

Explore this unique temple with a sweet backstory in Hiroshima Prefecture!

Kosanji Temple was constructed in 1936 by a resident in Osaka as a token of gratitude to his late mother. 

The temple was built over a period of more than 30 years.

You can access Kosanji Temple by bus or ferry from Onomichi Station

Tag your mother if you would take her to this special location.

* Tags: #VisitJapanAU #Architecture #History #Tradition #visitJP_gofurther #PrefecturesofJapan #Hiroshima #DiscoverJapan #JapanRevealed #JapanAwaits
* Japan National Tourism Organization https://www.facebook.com/VisitJapanAU/

Mui Ne voted among the world’s most budget tourist destinations for Autumn Vacation

Kitesurfing in Mui Ne

Dutch online travel agency Booking.com has lately chosen Mui Ne as one of the six cheapest destinations in the world for an autumn holiday. The selection is based on reviews of travelers booking rooms at more than 28 million accommodation establishments in 155 countries and territories on Booking.com, with criteria including hotel room, flight and transportation prices, and food.

The other five destinations are Cartagena in Colombia, Valencia in Spain, Pigeon Forge in the U.S., and Blackpool in the U.K.

Mui Ne tourist area situated 12 km from Phan Thiet, the capital of Binh Thuan Province on the south-central coast, offers a hot air balloon ride over sand dunes. "A popular spot with both backpackers and those seeking a luxury vacation on a budget, it's also a highly recommended destination for kitesurfing," the agency wrote.

With ideal wind conditions between October and March and tropical weather all year round, Mui Ne is the place for "a sun-drenched fall adventure break."With the cheaper costs in Vietnam, other affordable beach activities include kayaking, jet skiing, and surfing, Booking said.

The hostel is near the popular Ham Tien Beach and Rang Market. It is worth considering as several hotels in the locality offer a night’s stay which costs quite cheap.
* Source: Binh Thuan News - en.baobinhthuan.com.vn
* Tags: #Mui Ne, #autumn vacation,
* Vietnam National Authority of Tourism https://vietnamtourism.gov.vn/en/