Australia launches new international tourism campaign

Tourism Australia has launched its latest campaign, which is focused on highlighting the country's world-class aquatic and coastal experiences, in a bid to lure more international visitors to Australia.

The new creative, the latest instalment in Tourism Australia's global There's Nothing like Australia campaign, was officially unveiled at an event in New York on Australia Day eve attended by Australia's Minister for Foreign Affairs the Hon. Julie Bishop.

Guests at the event were treated to immersive 'virtual reality' displays and aquatic-themed images being projected onto the ice rink at the iconic Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park alongside the reveal of a new broadcast ad, featuring a voiceover by Australian actor and new Tourism Australia global ambassador Chris Hemsworth. The event was hosted by Australian chef Curtis Stone and guests enjoyed a specially designed Australian menu by Luke Mangan.

Tourism Australia Managing Director, John O'Sullivan, said the new campaign would focus upon one of Australia's key competitive advantages.

“Already 70 per cent of our international visitors enjoy an aquatic or coastal experience as part of their trip to Australia, so this is a campaign we know will resonate strongly across all our key markets.

“While Australia is known for its natural beauty, the world still doesn't have a full appreciation of the breadth, depth and quality of our aquatic and coastal experiences. They've always been an important part of our destination story but they've never before taken centre stage,” he said.

Mr O'Sullivan said that Chris Hemsworth's voiceover for the new broadcast ad would provide an authentic and influential voice to help tell the country's story and demonstrate to the world that Australia is 'a place you feel'.

“I have always been so proud to be Australian and it's a pretty special feeling knowing that I will have a role in promoting my country to the world and encouraging more people to come down under and experience our amazing beaches and landscapes for themselves,” said Chris Hemsworth.

The campaign will sit alongside and complement existing Tourism Australia marketing activities, including its current promotion of food and wine and Indigenous experiences, providing an additional proof point to demonstrate why There's Nothing like Australia.

“Our long term campaign, There's Nothing like Australia, was always designed to provide a platform from which we could evolve our tourism message. We did this most recently with Restaurant Australia and now with a dedicated focus on Australia's distinctive and high quality aquatic and coastal experiences," Mr O'Sullivan said.

The newly filmed campaign features over a dozen distinct experiences representing every Australian state and territory. These include: a helicopter ride over the 12 Apostles; swimming in Sydney Harbour; snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef; kayaking through Katherine Gorge; driving on the beach in South Australia; cycling around Lake Burley Griffin; sailing through the sparkling blue waters of Rottnest Island; and walking the recently launched Three Capes Track in Tasmania.

Tourism Australia Chief Marketing Officer, Lisa Ronson, said the campaign would be brought to life using ground-breaking virtual reality (VR) technology and compelling user generated content (UCG) on a size and scale never before seen in destination marketing.

“The world of destination marketing is increasingly competitive. We have to constantly push ourselves to find new ways to gain a competitive edge in the global travel market.

“Australia has always had the advantage of being a highly desirable destination. The challenge is how to create a sense of urgency to visit that counters those perceived barriers such as time, distance and cost.

“This campaign has been designed to be incredibly immersive and capture what it feels like to be in Australia and to experience for yourself being on, in or near the water.

"By using VR and 360 technology we hope to inspire prospective travellers considering Australia for their next holiday and get them to take that crucial next step towards making a booking," Ms Ronson said.

Tourism Australia will spend A$40 million over the next six months rolling out the new campaign - starting in the US with a joint campaign with Virgin Australia and then across other key international markets, including the UK, China, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Indonesia, India, Malaysia and New Zealand.

More details of the campaign are available on Tourism Australia's Aquatic and Coastal page.

Shanghai Airport Building World’s Largest Terminals

Construction of the world’s largest passenger terminals has begun at Shanghai Pudong International Airport, with completion set for 2019. 

The new facilities represent a milestone in Shanghai’s quest to become a world-class air transportation hub. 

The two new passenger terminals will boost airport capacity to 80 million passengers annually, up from 60 million in 2015.

China's First Dusit Thani Hotel Debuts in Jiangsu Province

The highly anticipated Dusit Thani Dongtai, Jiangsu Hotel announces its official opening, making it the first internationally branded deluxe hotel in the city and the very first Dusit Thani to launch in the People's Republic of China.

Featuring 160 well-appointed guestrooms and suites, the Dusit Thani Dongtai, Jiangsu is situated in the city's newest economic development zone, with easy access to the central business district. It is a 3-hour's drive from Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport, as well as the city centres of Suzhou and Nanjing.

A coastal city in east China, Dongtai is known for its new energy industries, including solar and wind power generation. The city is also known as the “Yellow Sea Pearl” and its pristine wetlands have been recognised by UNESCO.

The opening marks the debut of the Dusit Thani brand in China. The legendary hotel brand first launched in 1970 with the opening of the Dusit Thani Bangkok in the Thai capital's central business district. Since then, the Dusit Thani brand serves as a trusted symbol of Thai values, embodying the very essence of gracious Thai hospitality.

The Dusit Thani Dongtai, Jiangsu offers guests a variety of business and leisure facilities, including three dining outlets. The All Day Dining Restaurant serves a wide array of international fare, including Thai specialities from its signature open kitchen. The Chinese Restaurant offers exquisite Huaiyang and classic Cantonese cuisine which can be enjoyed in any one of its 15 private dining rooms. Overlooking the resort's beautiful serene landscape, the elegant Lobby Lounge offers guests an extensive selection of refreshments and cocktails.

With state-of-the-art audiovisual facilities and free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel, the banquet and meeting rooms at Dusit Thani Dongtai, Jiangsu caters to a variety of business and event needs. A 650-sqm pillarless ballroom can accommodate approximately 380 guests, while 920 square metres of lush, natural landscaping provides the perfect venue to host outdoor cocktails and social events.

“We are proud to launch the Dusit Thani brand in China to deliver the finest service rooted in gracious Thai hospitality,” said Mr. Peter Gan, General Manager of Operations and Hotel Openings – China, Dusit Fudu Hotels and Resorts. “The hotel is set to meet the increasing demand of high-end accommodation for business and leisure travellers to this historical and vibrant city, and we aim to exceed our guests' every expectation.”

To celebrate the opening, the Dusit Thani Dongtai, Jiangsu has launched its limited-time “Grand Opening” package. Priced from RMB 498, the package is inclusive of a stay in a Deluxe Room, buffet breakfast for two, a seasonal fruit basket, welcome drinks and complimentary use of kid's club facilities, valid now through 31 March 2016. Visit http://www.dusit.com/dusitthani/dongtai/specialoffers/grand-opening-special-rmb-498/ for more information.

The Hotel Show Saudi Arabia 2016 announces patronage

dmg events and MICE Arabia, organisers of The Hotel Show Saudi Arabia, announce its 2016 edition will take place 17-19th May at the Jeddah Centre for Forums and Events, Under the Patronage of His Highness Prince Abdullah Bin Saud Bin Mohammed Bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud, Chairman of the Tourism Committee in Jeddah.

Now in its 4th year, The Hotel Show Saudi Arabia 2016 will once again welcome over 100 exhibitors and 4,000 plus senior decision-makers, buyers and budget holders from the Kingdom’s hotel, restaurant, tourism and resort industries.

Christine Davidson, group event director of the dmg events hospitality portfolio said: “We are honored to have the Patronage of His Highness Prince Abdullah Bin Saud Bin Mohammed Bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud, Chairman of the Tourism Committee in Jeddah, for this high-profile and important business event for the hospitality market. It seems almost impossible to ignore the Saudi Arabian market at a time when STR Global is reporting it has the most hotel development underway in the Middle East and Africa with 34,415 rooms in 72 hotels under construction. This is being driven by the record number of inbound tourists forecast over the next 5 years, so the need to upgrade and develop is ongoing. It is exactly because of this that local, regional and international suppliers will keep the Kingdom top of the target list for business development and The Hotel Show will continue to offer a route into a complicated but worthwhile market.”

Davidson continued: “To meet the needs of a growing audience we have increased the size of the show with more exhibitors and products on offer. We saw a significant increase in the number of buyers attending the show in 2015 and so to make it easier and more time efficient for them we have introduced sectors onto the exhibition floor – very like the approach we take at sister event – The Hotel Show Dubai. For the first time visitors will be able to source and visit exhibitors by product sector including technology and security; interiors and operating equipment; F&B, kitchens and bathrooms; and leisure and outdoor.”

Attending the 2015 event alongside thousands of other purchasers, Junaid Ganai, Purchasing Manager, M. A. Al-Mutlaq Sons Co. said: “We have a new executive lounge hotel set to open 3 months from now in the city of Dammam, KSA. The Hotel Show Saudi Arabia was the perfect platform to find most of the suppliers we needed all under one roof. I will be back next year with our restaurant manager to source products for the various restaurants we have planned.”

Meanwhile, Khalid Aljack, Purchasing Manager at Millennium Al Aqeeq Hotels said: “Millennium has plans to open 20 new hotels in the Kingdom and we were able to connect with new suppliers at the event.”

The Vision Conference introduced last year will return to Saudi Arabia in 2016 featuring expert high profile speakers and sessions on latest trends, insight and developments together with Halal tourism.

International exhibitors from Turkey, UAE, Italy, China, Pakistan, France, USA, India and the UK have confirmed 2016 participation and major names include: LG Electronics; STYLIS; Silent Night; Soft Dreams; CMT Technologies; Insignia Linen; Al Tabbaa Furniture; World Trading Services; Artasa and more.

SHARE THE LOVE THIS VALENTINE’S DAY IN NEW YORK CITY

— From a date night under the stars of the Hayden Planetarium to romantic nature walks and chocolate tastings at Wave Hill in the Bronx —

Throughout Valentine’s Day weekend, New York City’s five boroughs will be filled with activities and events where you may find true love or cherish time with loved ones.

At the crossroads of the world in Times Square, celebrate Valentine’s Day at the Heart of Hearts public art installation. The display features 12 golden mirrored hearts that create a kaleidoscopic effect, reflecting the fast pace action of Times Square. Those looking for the perfect spot to renew their vows can join hundreds of locals and visitors at Duffy Square for a vow renewal ceremony. When the sun goes down, a special midnight moment by artists Peter Fischli and David Weiss will span across Times Square’s billboards for three minutes before midnight every night in February, presented in partnership with the Guggenheim Museum. Visit timessquarenyc.org for more information.

Theatregoers who are in town during Valentine’s Day weekend can take advantage of 2-for-1 tickets to some of New York City’s best shows during Off-Broadway Week. Featuring more than 30 productions, Off-Broadway Week makes seeing a production more accessible and affordable. To purchase tickets, visit nycgo.com/offbroadwayweek

Other Valentine’s Day events and activities taking place throughout the City include:

American Museum of Natural History: 

The stars of the Hayden Planetarium will illuminate on Valentine’s Day evening with a specialRomance Under the Stars event. The museum invites couples for this unique date night, complete with an open bar cocktail hour, champagne, chocolates, hors d’oeuvres and music by the Josh Rutner Quartet, followed by romance storytelling under the stars of the Planetarium. To purchase tickets, visit amnh.org.

The Bronx Museum of the Arts: 

Kids can create their own special valentine with arts and crafts on Saturday, February 13. There will be activities throughout the afternoon and plenty of fun for the entire family. Visit bronxmuseum.org for more info.

Brooklyn Museum: 

In celebration of Valentine’s Day, take the free Love and Lust in American Art tour, which includes a stop at the American Identities installation and the exciting Coney Island: Visions of an American Dreamland exhibition. Visit brooklynmuseum.org for more info.

Bronx Zoo: 

On Valentine’s Day, the Bronx Zoo’s Name a Roach event will crawl back to life. Visitors can keep an eye out for more information about this year’s event at bronxzoo.com.

Brookfield Place: 

Purchase gifts for a special someone at Dry Bar, Cos Bar and many other fine shops at the new Brookfield Place in Lower Manhattan. When done shopping, take a romantic walk beneath the 650 color-changing lanterns in the Winter Garden atrium as part of the Luminaries lighting display, which has been extended through Monday, February 29. Visit artsbrookfield.com for more information.

Carnegie Hall: 

Mitsuko Uchida will conduct The Cleveland Orchestra from the piano as they charm the audience with beautiful melodies of Mozart this Valentine’s Day. The blend of the heroic and humane makes Piano Concerto No. 25 one of Mozart’s most popular, and the andante movement’s tenderness will fill your heart with love. To purchase tickets, visit carnegiehall.org.

Central Park Conservancy Ice Festival: 

This Valentine’s Day, celebrate at Central Park Conservancy’s Fifth Annual Ice Festival in Naumburg Bandshell. The event includes ice carving, a photo booth, a Central Park trivia contest, sweet treats and, as night falls, a 1980s-themed silent disco with DJs and more. For information on this free event, visit centralparknyc.org.

Cupid’s Chase 5K New York: 

Community Options, Inc., will hold its Annual Cupid’s Chase 5K Run on Saturday, February 13, kicking off at 10am in the West Village. The race will take place at Hudson River Park’s Charles Street Pier (enter at Christopher Street). To register, go tocomop.org.

Empire State Building: 

The world famous Empire State Building will host 14 lucky pre-selected couples on Valentine’s Day as they say “I Do” on the 86th floor observation deck. At night, the spectacular heartbeat light show illuminates the building with shades of red, pink and white. Visit esbnyc.com for more information.

Gotham Archery: 

Learn how to shoot a bow and arrow like Cupid at Brooklyn’s Gotham Archery during Valentine’s Day weekend. After a brief intro class, archers can test their skills on one of the 30 shooting lanes and enjoy some friendly competition. To book a class, visit got-archery.com.

Historic Richmond Town: 

Take a step back in time, tour village homes from the 1690s to 1860s and see images of valentines from the General Store’s collection at Staten Island’s Historic Richmond Town on Saturday, February 6. Participate in the Victorian Valentine Workshop, where guests will learn about Victorian scraps, paper lace and decoupage to create their own valentine. For more information, go to historicrichmondtown.org.

Hornblower New York Cruises: 

This Valentine’s Day, sail aboard a love boat with one of several Hornblower New York cruises. From a Valentine’s Day Dinner Cruise to a two-hour happy hour mixer aboard the Aboard Alive After Five cruise, a cruise around the City’s skyline makes for an unforgettable evening. To book, visit hornblowernewyork.com.

Jazz at Lincoln Center: 

The sound of jazz will fill the air as Jazz at Lincoln Center offers three musical jazz performances through Valentine’s Day weekend. A regular at Jazz at Lincoln Center, singer Cécile McLorin Salvant will put on a Valentine’s Day–inspired performance that will have you feeling the love. Monty Alexander & Friends: Sinatra at 100 will treat you to jazz hits that will satisfy both nostalgic and contemporary tastes. In addition, jazz pianist and singer Freddy Cole will share Songs for Lovers, a great way to end a date night. To purchase tickets, visitjazz.org.

Lincoln Center: 

On Thursday, February 11, Lincoln Center will present Shakespeare, Love and Spring. This free performance is on a first come, first serve basis and features skits and songs of women in love, doomed love and universal love. For more information, visitlincolncenter.org.

Love Sculpture: 

While exploring the sights of Midtown Manhattan, take a photo in front of the Love Sculpture. Originally designed by American artist Robert Indiana as a Christmas card for the Museum of Modern Art, the sculpture sits on the corner of Sixth Avenue and 55th Street and is the perfect backdrop for a Valentine’s Day photo. For those looking for hope in the new year, not too far away is the Hope Sculpture on the corner of Seventh Avenue and 53rd Street.

Museum Hack: 

Couples can join Museum Hack for a private tour of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, where a guide will reveal stories of love, relationships, fertility and ancient longing. To book a tour, visit museumhack.com.

Museum of the Moving Image: 

The Museum of the Moving Image in Queens will be screening several films throughout the day includingInside Out and Burden of Dreams. Families can also check out the family workshop and learn what goes into designing their favorite characters. For screening schedules, visit movingimage.us.

National Lighthouse Museum: 

All lighthouse lovers are invited to Staten Island on Saturday, February 6, for a beautiful evening of Valentine cabaret. Special signature drinks, hors d’oeuvres and entertainment are all part of a night to remember. To register, visitlighthousemuseum.org.

New York Botanical Garden: 

Between chocolate tastings and exploring the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, visitors to the Bronx are in for an immersive treat on Valentine’s Day. Walk through beautiful tropical rain forests of the conservatory, have a special love poem written and listen to music under the palm dome. Champagne, beer and wine will also be available for purchase. More information can be found online atnybg.org.

NYC Candy Stores: 

Sweeten your visit to New York with gifts from around the City. At M&M’s World Times Square, create customized M&M’s candies with your own image and personal message for special someone. Also stock up on jelly beans, gummies, chocolates and apparel at Dylan’s Candy Bar in Manhattan. Voilà Chocolat invites chocolate lovers to dip their own chocolate-covered strawberries, top off their own artisanal truffles and create personalized chocolate bars with love messages on Valentine’s Day weekend.

On Location Tours’ Romantic Movie Moments Tour: 

On the Romantic Movie Moments Tour, a local New York City actor will bring to life some of the most alluring movie locations featured on the big screen, including the bookstore where Harry and Sally met in When Harry Met Sally. To book a tour, go to onlocationtours.com.

One World Observatory: 

With breathtaking 360-degree views, One World Observatory, the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere, can be the perfect place for a memorable night. The Date Night package includes admission for two, two glasses of prosecco and chocolate truffles. To purchase tickets, visit oneworldobservatory.com or call 800-416-7192.

Queens Botanical Garden: 

For an unusual yet fun Valentine’s Day weekend event, the Queens Botanical Garden invites bird lovers to their 19th Annual Bird Counting Event. The event will include a nature walk, scavenger hunt and bird spotting along the way. To register for this free event, visit queensbotanical.org.

Rainbow Room: 

Atop Rockefeller Center, the beautiful Rainbow Room will be open for brunch and dinner, with live music from Vince Giorando & The Nighthawks and Nightingale Jazz Band, throughout Valentine’s Day weekend. Gigacup oysters, truffled boulangere potatoes and roasted salsify are just some of the delicious offerings to be found. To book a table, visit rainbowroom.com.

Staten Island Museum: 

Painter Sarah Yuster will share insights into her dreamy and romantic works of art depicting the lush landscapes and streets of Staten Island at the Staten Island Museum at Snug Harbor on Saturday, February 13; wine will be served. To register, visitstatenislandmuseum.org.

St. George Theatre: 

On Saturday, February 13, the St. George Theatre in Staten Island will host its exclusive Murder Mystery Dinner Show:Crime and Pun-ishment. Couples are invited to wear their best pin-striped suits and flapper dresses as a pair of undercover feds and jilted lovers make an appearance at this fun speakeasy. To book a table, visit stgeorgetheatre.com.

The Rink at Rockefeller Center: 

For those ready to pop the question, The Rink at Rockefeller Center is offering three VIP packages as part of its Engagement on Ice program. All packages include exclusive ice time and a celebratory romantic glide as the crowd cheers. Couples can also choose their favorite song to play and enjoy a celebratory champagne toast for an unforgettable proposal. For more information, visit therinkatrockcenter.com.

Top of the Rock: 

As part of the 2016 Winter Starlight Music Series, Top of the Rock Observation Deck will host a special Valentine’s Day concert with a live performance from Joelle and the Pinehurst Trio. Guests will be immersed in 360-degree views of the City as they enjoy food and beverage available for purchase from The Sea Grill. To purchase tickets, visit topoftherocknyc.com; concert is free with price of admission.

Wave Hill: 

The intimate winter gardens of Wave Hill in the Bronx are a perfect backdrop for spending time with someone you love on Valentine’s Day. Adults can enjoy a decadent chocolate and wine tasting, where they can learn about how the chocolates were made from a premier chocolate maker. Families can enjoy a nature walk through the gardens, spot heart-shaped leaves and create a special keepsake to take home. Visit wavehill.org for more info.

Your Love, Our Musical: 

Located in Brooklyn’s Gowanus neighborhood, the Littlefield venue will host Your Love, Our Musical on Valentine’s Day, where comedians Rebecca Vigil and Evan Kaufman will interview a real couple and create an improvised musical about the couple’s love story. Tickets to this fun celebration of love can be purchased online at littlefieldnyc.com.

“New York City is the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable and romantic Valentine’s Day getaway,” said Fred Dixon, president and CEO of NYC & Company. “From a date night under the stars of the Hayden Planetarium to romantic nature walks and chocolate tastings at Wave Hill in the Bronx, the heart of the five boroughs can be felt throughout the City.”

For other great Valentine’s Day weekend events, visit nycgo.com/valentinesday.

An Australian Legacy - 400 Year Celebration in 2016

January 23 marked 400 years to the day since Dutch explorer Dirk Hartog left the Netherlands on his epic journey during which he famously stumbled on the island, now known as Dirk Hartog Island, off the coast of Shark Bay in Western Australia on 25 October 1616.

Long before Captain James Cook landed on the east coast of Australia in 1770, Hartog had left a pewter plate as a mark of his discovery in Western Australia. Hartog's journey would see him play a major part in the world's cartography as the first recorded European to leave evidence of contact with Australian soil. As a by-product of spice and commodity trade in the Indonesian islands lying above Australia, a chief cartographer was put in place by Dutch East Indian Trading to have a secret atlas of maps which included Australia or “New Holland” as it was known for 150 years. Although Australia wasn't seen as a trading opportunity, the Dutch mapped two-thirds of the mysterious continent known as “Terra Australis Incognita”, later renamed Australia by the British.

Today the area is known as the Shark Bay World Heritage Area – a wonderland of world-class natural marine and land-based attractions married with a rich indigenous culture. Land forms include the 100km Shell Beach, the extraordinary Stromatolites (found only in three places globally) and the Zuytdorp Cliffs stretching from Kalbarri to Shark Bay. Marine encounters include the Monkey Mia dolphins, the second largest population of dugongs in the world, migrating humpback whale, rare loggerhead turtles and the occasional whale shark.

Dirk Hartog Island is Western Australia's largest island and offers a peaceful retreat of beautiful scenery, ideal for four-wheel driving with its white sandy beaches perfect for snorkelling or fishing. The Island has significant biodiversity conservation values with more than 250 native plant species, 81 species of birds and 27 species of reptiles, many of which were on the brink of extinction. It is also a major nesting area for loggerhead turtles with about 400 breeding annually with hatchlings expected in March.

To celebrate the 400 year anniversary of the landing on the island, a four-day festival – the Dirk Hartog Voyage of Discovery: Shark Bay 1616, will held in Shark Bay from Friday October 21 to Tuesday October 25, 2016. The 1606 replica Dutch ship, the Duyfken, will depart Western Australia's Fremantle Harbour on August 28, 2016 and visit the Coral Coast towns of Jurien Bay, Dongara and Geraldton along the way to Denham, and will be available for public tours at each port of call. Additionally, history and sailing enthusiasts can cruise to the festivities on board the tall-ship Leeuwin IIdeparting Fremantle on Friday 14 October, arriving in Shark Bay Friday October 21, 2016.

For more information on the event series, travel planning or history of Dirk Hartog Island, visit Australia's Coral Coast.

Da Lat to host 2016 Ladies Golf Championship in March

The 2016 Ladies Golf Championship will take place in Viet Nam for the first time at the Da Lat at 1200 Country Club and Private Estate in the Central Highlands province of Lam Dong from March 25 to 27.

The Da Lat at 1200 Country Club and Private Estate (Photo: www.dalat1200.com)

The event, jointly held by the Korean Ladies Professional Golf Association (KLPGA) and the Republic of Korea (RoK)’s SBS TV, will draw more than 120 female professional golfers, including 60 from the RoK, 20 from Thailand, and the remaining from Australia, Singapore, China, Hong Kong and Taiwan (China).

Viet Nam currently has no female professional golfers, but between four and six golfers will still be allowed to compete at the event.

On the threshold of the event, from March 22 to 23, both male and female professional and amateur golfers will get a chance to compete with others.

SBS TV Director Kim Yoo Serk said that the 2016 Ladies Golf Championship will be broadcast live in five countries and repeated in numerous other countries across the world.

Dàlat at 1200 and SBS TV signed an agreement to organise the championship in the three consecutive years from 2016 to 2018, the director added.

The Da Lat at 1200 - the world’s first Country Club and Private Estate to become an accredited Asian Tour Destination – has an 18-hole golf course that meets international standards.

VOLLEYFEST SECURED FOR MANLY UNTIL 2018

Australia’s biggest beach volleyball competition since the Sydney Olympics has been secured by Destination NSW for Manly Beach for the next three years. Professional beach volleyball players and Olympic gold medallists Kerri Pottharst and Natalie Cook joined NSW Premier Mike Baird at Manly Beach this week to launch the 2016 Volleyfest competition.

“The gold medal performance by Kerri and Natalie at the Sydney Olympics was one of the most memorable sporting achievements of the Games, and this competition will provide a boost for the sport just in time for the Rio Olympics,” Mr Baird said. “Volleyfest will attract some of the world’s best players to Australia’s best beach across nine days of top quality international competition. This competition will provide a boost for the local area and will showcase Australia’s beach culture to the world when it’s held just after the Australian Open of Surfing.”

The competition is expected to attract more than 8,000 domestic and international visitors who are expected to spend an estimated $6.2 million. Now in its second year, Volleyfest will include the Australian Beach Volleyball Tour Finals (March 19-20), the 4 Nations Cup (March 21-22) and the AVC Asian Championships (March 23-28).

Happy Australia Day

Watch the below video for some good snapshot photos of Australia

I love a sunburnt country

The love of field and coppice,

Of green and shaded lanes.

Of ordered woods and gardens

Is running in your veins,

Strong love of grey-blue distance

Brown streams and soft dim skies

I know but cannot share it,

My love is otherwise.

I love a sunburnt country,

A land of sweeping plains,

Of ragged mountain ranges,

Of droughts and flooding rains.

I love her far horizons,

I love her jewel-sea,

Her beauty and her terror -

The wide brown land for me!

A stark white ring-barked forest

All tragic to the moon,

The sapphire-misted mountains,

The hot gold hush of noon.

Green tangle of the brushes,

Where lithe lianas coil,

And orchids deck the tree-tops

And ferns the warm dark soil.

Core of my heart, my country!

Her pitiless blue sky,

When sick at heart, around us,

We see the cattle die -

But then the grey clouds gather,

And we can bless again

The drumming of an army,

The steady, soaking rain.

Core of my heart, my country!

Land of the Rainbow Gold,

For flood and fire and famine,

She pays us back threefold -

Over the thirsty paddocks,

Watch, after many days,

The filmy veil of greenness

That thickens as we gaze.

An opal-hearted country,

A wilful, lavish land -

All you who have not loved her,

You will not understand -

Though earth holds many splendours,

Wherever I may die,

I know to what brown country

My homing thoughts will fly.

Dorothea Mackellar

New York City saw footfall of 58.3 million visitors in 2015

Mayor Bill de Blasio and NYC & Company announced that 2015 was the sixth consecutive year for record-breaking tourism, with the City welcoming an estimated 58.3 million visitors last year, an increase of 1.8 million visitors over a year ago. Visitation for 2015 comprised 46 million domestic and 12.3 million international visitors, both all-time highs. Hotel demand was also strong with a record 33.7 million hotel room-nights sold, and meeting and convention delegates reached new heights, with a total 6.1 million attendees. The announcement was made by NYC & Company President and CEO Fred Dixon and Chairman of the Board of Directors Emily K. Rafferty during NYC & Company’s Executive Committee meeting this morning.

“Through the hard work of NYC & Company, and their support of the City’s various attractions—from restaurants to the performing arts and more—2015 marked a new milestone for NYC tourism. As the safest and most exciting big city in America, we have so many rich offerings that continue to make the five boroughs a global draw,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio.

“We are pleased to see a sixth year of tourism growth in New York City as we welcomed 58.3 million visitors last year. The City continues to evolve, always offering fresh reasons to visit again and again, with more new developments on the horizon. However, with the continuing pressure on the global economy and the strengthening dollar, we will all need to work even harder in 2016 to sustain our competitive edge,” said Fred Dixon.

“Tourism continues to be a crucial component of New York City’s economy, and we’re fortunate to continue to sustain solid visitor growth year after year. The City has unparalleled vibrancy and energy and offers a multitude of options throughout all five boroughs. I want to thank NYC & Company’s more than 2,000 member businesses for their continued support of our City’s travel and tourism industry,” said Emily K. Rafferty.

Even with the nearly 6,000 new rooms added to the City’s hotel inventory last year—bringing the total to nearly 107,000 rooms—the demand for NYC resulted in 4 percent growth with the City selling a record 33.7 total hotel room-nights last year, 1.26 million more hotel room-nights sold compared with 2014. NYC has the most active hotel development pipeline in the US. Overnight visitation—a key component of total visitation—has grown approximately 3.2 percent. (Visitors are defined as anyone who stays in NYC overnight or who travels one way from a distance of 50 miles or more for the day.)

In 2015 a record 6.1 million meetings and conventions delegates visited the City’s five boroughs, contributing to the total 12.3 million business travelers that came to New York City. This is up from last year’s 6 million in attendance.

Of the City’s four largest international markets—UK, Canada, Brazil and China—all demonstrated growth last year, with China showing the largest rate of growth, a 14 percent increase to an estimated 852,000 visitors. Preliminary estimates of 2015 visitation figures from the City’s four largest international markets are: UK (1.192 million); Canada (1.072 million); Brazil (926,000); and China (852,000).

In 2015 the City saw major attraction openings such as the Whitney Museum of American Art, Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration, One World Observatory, Brookfield Place, Kings Theatre, High Bridge and Staten Island Museum at Snug Harbor. Additionally, the 7 subway line was extended to Manhattan’s Far West Side at 34th Street and Eleventh Avenue (the extension was funded by the City of New York), and Queens benefited from being named the number one US destination by Lonely Planet. To commemorate these enhancements, NYC & Company held events around the globe to promote all these new openings under the banner of the “new New York.”

In November NYC & Company also announced its latest tourism campaign, Unlock NYCTM, to promote winter travel to the City’s five boroughs. This winter, NYC & Company is also promoting its winter vibrancy programs, targeting visitors and locals. NYC Restaurant Week, running through February 5, includes $25 three-course lunches and $38 three-course dinners at more than 370 participating restaurants throughout all five boroughs. NYC Broadway WeekSM, offering two-for-one tickets at nearly 30 Broadway shows, runs through February 5, and NYC Off-Broadway WeekSM, also offering two-for-one tickets, runs February 1–14 (tickets went on sale January 19).