CELEBRATE BAY AREA TASTEMAKERS WITH EAT DRINK SF

The Golden Gate Restaurant Association's annual Eat Drink SF celebration returns on August 24 - 27, 2017. The premier annual food, wine, and spirits festival for the city was founded in 2009 to celebrate the Bay Area's world-class restaurant community. Held over four days, tastings, demonstrations, and signature events such as Taco Knockdown and Grand Tasting sessions allow chefs to connect directly with more than 8,500 food lovers and culinary aficionados. Sommeliers, brewers, and top mixologists are on-hand as well to complement delicious dishes and satisfy taste buds.

Taco Knockdown at The Pearl
Thu. August 24 at 6:30 - 9:30 p.m.
This fun and irreverent competition kicks off the festival, with more than 15 restaurants competing with their interpretation of "fold-able food that pays homage to the legacy of the taco" rules. Guests get to try every taco and vote for the People's Choice Winner, with a panel of experts selecting their own.

Grand Tasting Sessions at Fort Mason's Festival PavilionThe Golden Gate Restaurant Association's annual Eat Drink SF celebration returns on August 24 - 27, 2017. The premier annual food, wine, and spirits festival for the city was founded in 2009 to celebrate the Bay Area's world-class restaurant community. Held over four days, tastings, demonstrations, and signature events such as Taco Knockdown and Grand Tasting sessions allow chefs to connect directly with more than 8,500 food lovers and culinary aficionados. Sommeliers, brewers, and top mixologists are on-hand as well to complement delicious dishes and satisfy taste buds.

Taco Knockdown at The Pearl
Thu. August 24 at 6:30 - 9:30 p.m.
This fun and irreverent competition kicks off the festival, with more than 15 restaurants competing with their interpretation of "fold-able food that pays homage to the legacy of the taco" rules. Guests get to try every taco and vote for the People's Choice Winner, with a panel of experts selecting their own.

Grand Tasting Sessions at Fort Mason's Festival Pavilion
Fri. Aug. 25 at 7:15 - 10 p.m.
Sat. Aug. 26 at 12:45 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. and 7:45 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.
Sun Aug. 27 at 12:45 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
The signature event of Eat Drink SF, each Grand Tasting features more than 30 different top Bay Area restaurants that rotate at every session. More than 70 bars, distilleries, breweries, and wineries are highlighted, pouring tastes and batch cocktails. Guests can watch culinary demonstrations and presentations on the main stage and attend a drink-focused program in the beverage classroom presented by the San Francisco Wine School. Games in the Backyard Bites zone, a resident DJ, and interactive presentations are also offered to explore. Note: VIP ticket purchases allows for an earlier entry than general admission.

Eat Drink SF is a quintessential San Francisco experience for food enthusiasts and a chance to eat one's way through the best that the city has to offer. For more information, including ticket prices, this year's schedule, and galleries from past years, please visit Eat Drink SF's website. Tickets are on-sale online starting May 23.

Fri. Aug. 25 at 7:15 - 10 p.m.
Sat. Aug. 26 at 12:45 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. and 7:45 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.
Sun Aug. 27 at 12:45 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

The signature event of Eat Drink SF, each Grand Tasting features more than 30 different top Bay Area restaurants that rotate at every session. More than 70 bars, distilleries, breweries, and wineries are highlighted, pouring tastes and batch cocktails. Guests can watch culinary demonstrations and presentations on the main stage and attend a drink-focused program in the beverage classroom presented by the San Francisco Wine School. Games in the Backyard Bites zone, a resident DJ, and interactive presentations are also offered to explore. Note: VIP ticket purchases allows for an earlier entry than general admission.

Eat Drink SF is a quintessential San Francisco experience for food enthusiasts and a chance to eat one's way through the best that the city has to offer. For more information, including ticket prices, this year's schedule, and galleries from past years, please visit Eat Drink SF's website. Tickets are on-sale online starting May 23.

SYDNEY INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOW CELEBRATES 50TH AT DARLING HARBOUR

Sydney International Boat Show

Darling Harbour will be transformed into a dazzling spectacle for boating enthusiasts, both on the water and in the exhibition halls, with the Sydney International Boat Show set to celebrate its 50thyear. The Boat Show has a great history, and its reputation as one of Australia’s premier events keeps bringing the public back year after year.

The 50th celebrations will coincide with a return fully to Darling Harbour, with the Show taking up the whole of the newly built International Conference Centre Sydney (ICC), and the nearby marina at Cockle Bay. Many people have a fond association with the Sydney International Boat Show and Darling Harbour, with the area being the spiritual home of the Show since 1989.

The ICC is the perfect venue for the Boat Show and will be the biggest consumer display at the venue, with twice the space for exhibitors as previous facilities. The ICC has two levels of exhibition space, including a 5000-square metre outdoor event deck.

BIA CEO Howard Glenn expects this year’s Show to be the best yet. “The Sydney International Boat Show is a tremendous opportunity to display all that recreational boating has to offer. The 50thanniversary is a testament to the popularity of the boating lifestyle. We welcome people from all walks of life that are passionate about spending time on the water”.

Excitement is building for the Show, which will run from 3 to 7 August, with 60,000 visitors expected to explore the halls and the adjoining marina, which will showcase some mammoth luxury boats and cruising yachts. The aim of this expansive event is all about inspiring visitors with dreams of luxury and escapism, displaying some magnificent boats, as well as gear and gadgets for the perfect boating getaway.

The Show also encourages a safe boating lifestyle, and there is access to information and education regarding buying your first boat and proper boating safety. Show partners Transport for NSW hosts the Boating Safety Zone. This is a must for visitors wanting the latest information on how to make your time on the water with family and friends better.

Anyone who is interested in experiencing a world class event, in a world class location should not miss this remarkable display.

Halls will open from 10am to 8pm, while the marina will open from 10am to 7pm. Tickets can be purchased online now, if you buy online you will be entered into a draw to win a Hobie 12’ Pedalboard. Visitors wanting more information or to buy tickets should visit the website www.sydneyboatshow.com.au   

Blue Waters Kayaking offering rentals at Lake Sonoma’s Yorty Creek

Folks who want to paddle or float away from it all can now rent a kayak, canoe, standup paddleboard, or inner tube from Blue Waters Kayaking on weekends at Lake Sonoma’s Yorty Creek Recreation Area in northern Sonoma County.

Lake Sonoma offers more than 50 miles of coastline and 40 miles of trails. The Yorty Creek Recreation Area public launch site (car-top boats only) provides a slightly quieter feeling than other parts of this large lake, because it is in a no-wake zone.

From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends, Blue Waters Kayaking rents single and double kayaks, canoes, stand up paddleboards, and inner tubes right next to Yorty Creek’s boat launch. Private tours from Yorty Creek are available on any day of the week with advance reservations.

Blue Waters also offers Lake Sonoma Full Moon Camping Tours. Their lakeside campsite is easily reached by a scenic paddle, and is equipped with camp chairs, a camp stove, grill, firewood for one fire, and fresh water. It’s also staffed by one of Blue waters’ capable and friendly kayak guides. The Full Moon tour includes a guided night paddle from camp.

Blue Waters Kayaking
At Yorty Creek Recreation Area (Lake Sonoma)
2651 Hot Springs Road
Cloverdale CA 95425
415-669-2600
www.bluewaterskayaking.com/lakesonoma

MT STIRLING HUB TO BE POWERED BY MICRO-HYDRO SYSTEM

Mount Stirling TBJ Hub Opening

The Telephone Box Junction hub located on Mt Stirling in Victoria's high country will be powered by a newly completed hydro system after receiving a $210,000 grant from the Victorian Government. 

The hub was officially opened by Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Victoria Danielle Green this week, joined by representatives of local businesses and Mt Buller Mt Stirling Resort Management Board members.

The original hydro system, built by Mt Stirling business operators in the late 1990’s was destroyed in fires that swept through the resort in the summer of 2006-2007. Mt Buller Mt Stirling Resort Management embarked on a journey to plan and fund the replacement of the diesel generator that had since been powering facilities at Telephone Box Junction. 

Extensive research was conducted to find the best, most cost-effective and sustainable solution. The micro-hydroelectricity system, working on water pressure generated from a turbine and nearby stream and weir was identified as the most appropriate option to power the hub with minimal impact on the surrounding environment. 

Ms Green is passionate about Victoria's Alpine areas and said of the Telephone Box Junction hub investment, "Visitors and locals alike are set to benefit from this innovative development that supports the growing Alpine tourism industry while also protecting the environment”.

The funding for the project not only went towards the hydro system but also to providing better facilities for visitors to Mt Stirling.  This included an all-weather access track from King Saddle to the Machinery Shed, a new public toilet at the Machinery Shed, new shelters, and a community information board at Howqua Gap.

Environmental Services Manager for Mt Buller Mt Stirling Resort Management, Lou Perrin, said of the project "We are so excited to have the hydro system up and running. I've worked closely on the project from beginning to end and it has been worth every challenge. The improvements to the amenity and facilities will provide long-term benefits to the mountain and visitors alike.

"Funding from the Victorian Government has allowed us to create a truly environmentally sustainable hub here at Mt Stirling".

The hub was jointly funded from the Victorian Government’s $500 million dollar Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund and Mt Buller Mt Stirling Resort Management.

New Zealand’s 7th year participating at AFNC 2017 hailed a success

A team of 6 partners from New Zealand met with over 500 delegates at the 12th Associations Forum National Conference last week at Sydney ICC.

Conventions and Incentives New Zealand (CINZ) Australia Manager Sharon Auld said delegates at the conference kept coming back to the 100% Pure New Zealand stand over the two days. “With true Kiwi Manaakitanga (hospitality), we had a constant flow of Antipodes New Zealand Artesian water available to refresh delegates throughout the conference, as well as a special Cloudy Bay wine event on day two.” Sharon said Delegates also had the opportunity to help colour in a large scale Maori design in traditional Maori colours red, black and white, which increased engagement on the stand.

The NZ team were on hand to explain the support available to Associations for their business events, regardless of how big or small. Of particular interest was the marketing support which can be applied for through Tourism New Zealand’s Conference Assistance Programme.

The team ran a prize draw and the lucky prize winner, Sue McGrath of Australian Veterinary Association won a case of Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc delivered to her door.

The New Zealand representatives at the 12th AFNC in Sydney on 17 and 18 July were :

• Auckland Museum - Tamaki Paenga Hira
• Christchurch & Canterbury Convention Bureau
• Conventions and Incentives New Zealand (CINZ)
• Destination Rotorua Business Events
• Hobbiton™ Movie Set
• The Langham Auckland
• Skyline Queenstown
• Tourism New Zealand

SYDNEY AIRPORT WELCOMES NEW MANTRA HOTEL

SYDNEY AIRPORT MANTRA HOTEL

The new Mantra Hotel at Sydney Airport was officially opened last week by the NSW Minister for Tourism and Major Events, Adam Marshall.

The new development features 136 modern studio rooms and caters to business travellers looking for conveniently located accommodation close to the airport and terminals.

Minister Marshall congratulated the Mantra Group on the hotel opening.

“With record numbers flying into Sydney, new hotel openings such as the Mantra Hotel provide visitors to NSW with greater choices in accommodation location, style and price point. New hotels in key precincts play a critical role in promoting a vibrant visitor economy while meeting the needs of growing visitor numbers to Sydney, attracting first-time and returning domestic and international travellers."

Visit MantraHotels.com for bookings and further information.

Opening the 46th Meeting of ASEAN National Tourism Organisations

46th Meeting of ASEAN National Tourism Organisations

On 24 July 2017, the 46th Meeting of ASEAN National Tourism Organisations was officially launched in Flamingo Dai Lai Resort, Vinh Phuc Province, Viet Nam in the context of celebrating the 50th Anniversary of ASEAN (8 August 1967-2017).

The meeting had the participation of more than 100 delegates from ASEAN National Tourism Organisations (NTOs), ASEAN Secretariat, ASEAN Tourism Association and media agencies.

On his opening speech, Chairman of Viet Nam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT), Mr. Nguyen Van Tuan stressed that ASEAN region is endowed with great potentials for tourism development and has achieved encouraging achievements in recent years. In 2016, the region recorded more than 113 million visitor arrivals, increasing by 7% compared to 2015. In particular, Viet Nam received over 10 million international arrivals in 2016, seeing an increase of 26% over the previous year. In the 6 first months of 2017, there were 6.2 million international arrivals to Viet Nam, reaching a remarkable rise of 30%.

However, ASEAN tourism has been facing with difficulties and challenges related to global climate change, policy barriers to tourism development. Therefore, in order to maintain the tourism growth, attract more arrivals, ASEAN NTOs should strengthen closer cooperation in tourism promotion, upgrading tourism service quality, tourism infrastructure investment as well as diversifying tourism products, Chairman Nguyen Van Tuan said. Also, ASEAN NTOs should closely collaborate with relevant agencies to resolve difficulties, facilitate visitors, further strengthen cooperation with dialogue partners including Japan, China, South Korea, Russia, India and other countries, international organisations to take advantages of their technical assistance and investment for rapid and sustainable development of ASEAN tourism.

As scheduled, the meetings of ASEAN and China, Japan, and ROK (ASEAN+3) NTOs; ASEAN-China NTOs; and ASEAN-India Tourism Working Group will take place on 26 July after the 46th Meeting of ASEAN National Tourism Organisations.

The meetings concentrate to issues set out in ASEAN Tourism Strategic Plan (ATSP) 2016-2025 such as ASEAN Tourism Marketing Strategy 2017-2020; establishment of the Regional Secretariat for the implementation of MRA-TP; ASEAN tourism products; ASEAN Joint Declaration on cruise tourism; community and private sector participation.

*Thanh Tam

OUTDOOR EVENT DECK FEATURES AT THE SYDNEY INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOW

Unique features of the new International Convention Centre, which opened to much fanfare only recently, are allowing Sydney International Boat Show organisers to really show off this world class venue.

One such feature is the Event Deck, which adjoins the Upper Level Exhibition Halls. The ICC boasts both upper and lower exhibition floors that will be fully utilised by the Boat Show.

The Event Deck is becoming a talking point for many, with the occupants of the city sky line having a bird’s eye view of activities. On arrival, the immediate impact will come from three oversized pools adorning the area.

Visitors can watch, learn and for those willing to brave the weather, try a kayak or stand up paddleboard (SUP). A host of demonstrations will run non-stop during the daylight hours of the show. Watch a SeaBob in action, learn all about SUP Yoga and fitness or you can even paddle to music. For those with young ones, have them try out a kids’ mini-bumper boat.

The Event Deck will include a huge display of sports racing boats for those with speed in their blood. Those looking for a more relaxed outlook should check out the Prawn & Oyster Bar or have a refreshing drink in the Garden Deck. Kids won’t miss out either, with a fun ice-cream parlour.

Toss in a little music from Bondi Beach Radio and there will be fun to be had by all.

Halls will open from 10am to 8pm, while the Marina will open from 10am up until 7pm. Tickets can be purchased online now, and if you buy online you will be entered into a draw to win a Hobie 10’5 Eclipse valued at $2,890. Visitors wanting more information or to buy tickets should visit the website www.sydneyboatshow.com.au

ART YOU CAN'T MISS AT SAN FRANCISCO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

Did you know San Francisco International Airport is the country's only airport with a museum program accredited by the American Association of Museums?

Next time you’re at SFO, plan a little extra time to relax and enjoy the world class art exhibits; let your imagination take flight. You don’t have to be traveling to enjoy the art. There are plenty of exhibits pre-security to enjoy, making SFO a great rainy day outing. Although it’s fun to take the free AirTrain from terminal to terminal, you'll see the most if you just stroll.

SFO Artwork is Open to the Public and Free of Charge

Although not a museum in the traditional sense, SFO’s permanent Public Art Collection includes more than 100 paintings, sculptures, mosaics and site-specific works in a diversity of styles and media by artists of local, national and international acclaim. In addition to six light artworks featured in Illuminate SF by artists Ned Kahn, Eric Staller, Vito Acconci, James Carpenter, Keith Sonnier and Merge Conceptual Design, SFO exhibits works by top Bay Area artistic talents like Wayne Thiebaud, James Torlakson, Roy De Forest, Hassel Smith and Lee Mullican, all of whom can be found in the collection of the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, as well as works by international art stars like Arnaldo Pomodoro and Seiji Kunishima. All works in the Civic Art Collection sited at SFO are provided by the San Francisco Arts Commission, through the City’s percent-for-art program.

Six Must-See Light Art Works Featured in Illuminate SF

Hours and availability depend on airport and airline operations. Artwork located beyond security checkpoints can be seen by ticketed passengers in these boarding areas. View the SFO art collection online and download the multi-page PDF with art map to learn more about the artworks, and the artist who made them.

1. Wind Portal by Ned Kahn – 200,000 mirrored stainless steel disks responds to air currents, creating an ever-changing mosaic of light, sculpted by the wind. You’ll find it between the BART Station and AirTrain near the International Terminal escalator.

2. Four Sculptural Light Reflectors by James Carpenter – Inspired by the construction of the Wright brothers’ first airplane, the suspended sculpture's design diffuses direct sunlight from the skylights, which reflects light up onto the opaque surface of the roof. Pre-Security in the International Terminal, Main Hall, Level 3.

3. Light Beams for the Sky of a Transfer Corridor by Vito Acconci – Sculptural beams of light from recessed lighting in the ceiling above transverse the length of the corridor. Pre-Security in International Terminal, A-G, Level 2.

4. Sky by Merge Conceptual Design – Each mirrored sphere's exterior reflects and distorts its surroundings, as subtle shifts in light and color create an optical effect inside each sphere. Post-Security in Terminal 3, Boarding Area E, Level 2. (Restricted Access).

5. Spirogyrate by Eric Staller – An immersive, interactive installation composed of graphic spiral patterns and light respond to people’s movement through space. Post-Security in Terminal 3, Boarding Area E, Level 2. (Restricted Access).

6. Ceiling Flood by Keith Sonnier – Evenly spaced blue and red neon integrate with a line of neutral light, above which a strategically placed line of neon provides a subtle “yellow glow" down the length of the ceiling. Post-Security in International Terminal, Boarding Area G, Level 2. (Restricted Access).

Expanding the Definition of What a Museum Can Be

In addition to its public art collection, SFO hosts more than 20 galleries with art, science, historical and cultural themes, including a dedicated Aviation Museum and Library as well as rotating Exhibits, so you can come today and again in six months to see different works.

Artists are drawn to the vast, diverse audience that the airport attracts; 50 million passengers pass through SFO annually, while San Francisco Museum of Modern Art welcomes an average of about 700,000 visitors a year.

Don’t Miss SFO’s Stunning “Glass Waterfall”

Completed in May 2015, the new SFO Traffic Control Tower ascends 221 feet skyward in a graceful flare. The control tower's west face features an LED-backlit glass waterfall that stretches 147’ in the air – reflecting sunlight during the day and glowing with interior lighting at night, the colors of which can be changed to celebrate important events.

Located between Terminals 1 and 2, the tower can be seen from the freeway and upon driving into the airport. To see it close up, stand in the Pre-Security Public Corridor at the base of the tower. Look straight up through the skylight glass roof to enjoy the LED light waterfall. Designed to achieve LEED Gold status by airport master architecture firm HNTB, with design partner Fentress Architects, and Hensel Phelps on the design-build team.

Learn more at illuminatesf.com.

Sonoma Canopy Tours adds ‘Tree Top Flight’

Zip through the treetops at speeds of up to 35 miles per hour on the new Tree Tops Flight zip line course at Sonoma Canopy Tours in Occidental, in western Sonoma County.

You’ll be fitted with a specially designed harness, and the zip line lets the magic of gravity do all the work. Created as a way to perform scientific research in remote jungles and other previously inaccessible places, zip lines are increasingly popular as a high-adventure way to experience nature from a truly different perspective.

A revamped version of the former Challenger course, the Tree Tops Flight soars high overhead, with faster and longer zip lines. On other elements of the course you can savor breathtaking views of the majestic redwood forest at a leisurely pace.

Sonoma Canopy Tours also offers its Forest Flight (formerly called the Classic Course) for daytime, sunset, or nighttime trips.

Sonoma Canopy Tours

6250 Bohemian Highway
Occidental, CA 95465
888-494-7868
www.sonomacanopytours.com