Europcar strengthens its regional Australian footprint with new and re-opened stations across NSW, NT, VIC and QLD

Europcar has announced the re-opening of three of its Europcar stations including Coffs Harbour Airport in NSW and Brisbane City (within the Sofitel) in QLD as well as brand new stations opening their doors respectively across, Darwin City NT, Newcastle City NSW, Whyalla SA and Pullman St Kilda VIC. 

The business expansion will allow Europcar greater network reach as well as wider fleet choice and accessibility for its customers nation-wide as the local tourism boom continues to bolster car rentals across both domestic and international business and leisure travellers. 

Coffs Harbour Airport, Darwin City and Brisbane City (Sofitel) stations are now back in operation to support the growth in these areas. 

As a region which continues to grow its corporate and business significance, a large facility located in Newcastle City will play an important role to help grow the burgeoning needs of corporate customers in the NSW region. 

Pullman St Kilda station will allow an improved amenity for existing customers in Melbourne as well as provide additional joint benefit for Accor's members and Europcar's Privilege members staying at the Pullman hotel. 

The expansion cements Europcar’s footprint as a leading mobility solutions provider in Australia with the locations delivering greater convenience for customers, allowing them to explore additional regions across NSW, NT, VIC and QLD as well as enhance commercial vehicle opportunities. 

The new openings also offer a local employment boost to regional communities. With tourism set to continue its rebound throughout 2022 and into 2023, Europcar Mobility Group Australia Managing Director Benoit Garel said the new locations were identified and launched to keep up with this demand and stay ahead of the curve. 

“I’m thrilled to welcome back locations into operation and enhance our offering to our customers with upgraded facilities. These stations add to the Europcar network located across the breadth of Australia meaning greater choice for our customers,” said Garel. 

“Car hire is dramatically changing and will continue to do so here in Australia as the market continues to rebound and as the leading mobility provider Europcar are constantly evolving to meet our customers’ existing and emerging needs – both through expanding our network as well as introducing new innovations,” he added. 

As Europcar strengthens its presence in Australia, the mobility provider has also announced a slew of international innovations set to roll out locally including subscription-based car hire that enables people to hire for flexible terms from a month plus, the digitisation of the vehicle hire customer journey and a car sharing pilot program are amongst the new transformations being rolled out by the leading mobility provider.

The Lowest Route in the World

Dead Sea 

The Lowest Route in the World is a new tourism initiative launched in the Dead Sea region. 

The Dead Sea is a salt lake in the Jordan Rift Valley, and with the Jordan River its main tributary. 

The lake's surface is 430.5 metres below sea level, making its shores the lowest land-based elevation on earth. 

The Lowest Route in the World is a collaboration between the three regional councils in the area and is geared to making the Dead Sea Land more accessible for visitors and tourists. 

It will provide visitors with the chance to plan and map an independent route to various attractions and sites, based on their interests. 

It is hoped that the development of the Lowest Route in the World, will be able to establish the area as a tourist route in the way as the Camino de Santiago Cross-Israel Trail. 

www.deadsea.co.il 

Sophie Horstead at sophiehorstead@welcometofrank.com

Ha Noi, Vietnam stands among top 25 World's Destinations for Food Lovers and Asia's Overall Experiences

Ha Noi Old Quarter (Photo: Internet)

TripAdvisor recently published the lists of Travellers’ Choice Awards 2022, Ha Noi is named among the lists.

Accordingly, Ha Noi ranks 22nd out of 25th World’s Destinations for Food Lovers. TripAdvisor stated that Ha Noi is a charming capital of Vietnam which well preserves the Old Quarter, monuments and colonial architecture. While making room for modern development, the city never forgets its past since many historical relic sites are standing alongside such as Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum, Hoa Lo Prison attest, Temple of Literature and Quoc Tu Giam, Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, etc. Not only famous for its relic sites, Ha Noi is also a well-known place for street food, with a wide range of dishes such as Pho, Bun cha, egg coffee, Banh mi, etc.

Ha Noi also ranks 15th for the top 25 Asia’s Overall Experiences with the motorbike tour, a combination of food, culture and sightseeing experience. According to TripAdvisory, travelling to Ha Noi, will be more perfect with a self-driving on a 2 wheeled motorbike. By taking the tour, visitors can have a good introduction to Ha Noi life, immersing into the traffic, visit historical sites such as Hai Ba Trung Temple, Ba Dinh Square, French-architecture Quarter, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Presidential Palace, Train Street, Tran Quoc temple, Hoan Kiem Lake, West Lake, B52 Lake, Long Bien Bridge, Opera House; sample some of the city’s finest streetfood and soak up the atmosphere in country villages.

TITC
Tags: #Vietnam tourism, #Tripadvisor, #Travelers choice awards, #Ha Noi,

The Holiday and Travel Magazine
https://theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com.au

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

Whale watching season in South Africa

July to November is the annual whale migration season in South, with the whales arriving from the cold waters of Antarctica to the warmer waters around Cape Town. 

Southern Right Whales arrive to find a mate and calve in the region’s warmer waters, while the humpback carries on to Mozambique and Madagascar to care for their young. 

The resident Bryde Whale is found here all year round. 

The Southern Right and Humpback whales are naturally curious, making for exceptional viewing. 

They are particularly surface active and often display their natural exuberance by lob tailing, sailing and breaching. 

This is also where large mating pods and mothers choose to teach their calves to swim in the protected shallows. 

www.capetown.travel/whalewatching-in-cape-town-all-youneed-to-know

Where to stay for the whale watching 

Bungalow St James 

Located at the foot of the Muzeinberg mountain, St. James Bungalow from Perfect Hideaways, enjoys uninterrupted views of False Bay and the Atlantic Ocean beyond.

www.perfecthideaways.co.za/selfcatering/bungalow-st-james 

Tintswalo Atlantic 

Tintswalo Atlantic is located on a pebbled beach overlooking the Hout Bay harbour,at the foot of Chapman’s Peak. 

www.tintswalo.com/atlantic 

The Blue Anchor, Hermanus 

The Blue Anchor is a private home offers views of the ocean and the whales. www.perfecthideaways.co.za/selfcatering/the-blue-anchor 

Morukuru Beach Lodge, De Hoop 

Nature Reserve The lodge has ocean-facing suites from which to watch the whales’ spouting, breaching, tail-flapping, and calving. 

www.perfecthideaways.co.za/selfcatering/morukuru-beach-lodge 

Stone House Hermanus 

The Stone House offers views of the bay on its doorstep and within earshot of the horn that sounds in the town when whales are spotted along the coast. 

www.perfecthideaways.co.za/selfcatering/stone-house-hermanus 

Baxter House, Simon’s Town 

Baxter House has expansive views across the bay to Fish Hoek. www.perfecthideaways.co.za/selfcatering/baxter-house 

Alana Fogarty at alana@farcommunications.co.uk

Focused time on miniature Japanese garden making and a moonlit rickshaw ride

HOSHINOYA Tokyo

HOSHINOYA Tokyo, a tower of Ryokan located in Otemachi, Tokyo, is hosting this program from 1 September to 30 November 2022. 

A two-day, one-night stay where guests can enjoy activities inspired by the autumn life of people in the Edo period who loved nature and a special breakfast that uses a lot of autumn flavors such as five grains, seafood and vegetables. 

Highlights of this program include miniature Japanese garden making in which guests create a garden while imagining mountain scenery colored in red and yellow, and the moonlight rickshaw ride in which the elegant autumn night can be fully enjoyed. 

Experience a peaceful and elegant time in autumn of Japan whilst in the city center.

Click here for more information

Dancing Queen Dining Experience Is Selling Out Fast!

Ever been raging with jealousy whilst watching Donna and the gang sing and dance whilst on a heavenly Greek island? Well, rage no more. Grab your dancing queens, and honey honey’s because a Mamma Mia inspired Restaurant is landing in Brisbane in 2022!

Voyage to the island of Skopelos where an evening of dancing, dining and jiving awaits. Whilst being served a mouth-watering dinner in Niko’s Tavern, you will be serenaded by performers and immersed in a love story so real, you will be begging for a man after midnight!

The theatrical dining experience costs $99 per person and includes a theatrical performance, a two-course Mediterranean dinner, a drink and a disco that will have you sending out an S.O.S for some more appropriate dancing shoes.

So take a chance on us and book now to secure a ticket to Skopelos!

New dates have been announced and are selling fast! Don't miss your chance to experience this amazing ABBA extravaganza!

Book Now

EDGE Sydenham 2022 - Fuelling Creativity…bringing arts and community back to our streets and public spaces

Kelly Ann Denton. Christa Hughes will perform
as Annette Kellerman in The Mermaid

Over two weekends (12 – 14 August and 19 – 21 August), arts and community unite for a celebration of Postcode 2044. This incredible program is testament to the uniquely creative, diverse, and forward-thinking neighbourhood and lifestyle for which the Inner West is famous.

 
Home to the highest population of cultural sector workers in Australia, this is the chance to discover where and how art is made, who is making it and why it truly does matter. Be the first to witness brand new works conceived and created across theatre, dance, and visual arts.

On Saturday 13 & Sunday 14 August follow the Creative Trails self-guided map, book a guided tour or workshop to explore an underground world of makers, machines, warehouses buzzing with artist spaces, studios, performers, and producers. Learn how creatives experiment, share stories, invent, and produce new product, bringing ideas and inspiration to our homes, streets, and public spaces.

On Saturday 20 August, bring along friends and family for a free day and night showcase of all that Postcode 2044 has to offer.

Program Highlights

Friday 12, Saturday 13 & Sunday 14 August

The Mermaid – The Story of Annette Kellerman

Written by Hilary Bell with music by Luke Styles. Directed by Sarah Carradine
Starring Christa Hughes as Annette Kellerman
Annette Kellerman Aquatic Centre, Enmore Park
Free all ages performances 7pm and 8pm. Limited capacity. Bookings Essential

An original song cycle that throws light on Annette Kellerman; the world’s first female action hero, champion swimmer, inventor of underwater ballet and the one-piece bathing costume. The local pool transformed to a Ziegfeld Follies spectacular, starring the incredible Christa Hughes as Annette Kellerman, accompanied by Luke Sweeting on accordion. With special appearance by a team of synchronised swimmers to bring you a delightful and magical night.

Saturday 13 & Sunday 14 August

EDGE Creative Trails

Marrickville, Sydenham, St Peters and Tempe
Discover the epicentre of Australia’s most industrious community with EDGE Creative Trails (Midjuburi Precinct). Meet the makers, explore creative spaces, go on a street art tour, join workshops, buy new works, visit pop up galleries, and artist run initiatives open to the public for two days only!

Book a guided tour on a vintage bus, go by foot, or take a self-guided tour
For map and program details visit www.innerwest.nsw.gov.au/CreativeTrails

Saturday 20 August

EDGE Celebrate Postcode 2044

Sydenham Green
From 10am, join the neighbours and Sydney’s most innovative creatives for an incredible celebration of Postcode 2044.

Featuring The Soul Movers, Dorothy the Dinosaur (locally conceived and now an international cultural export), loads of live music, local produce, and delicious food.

Learn physical theatre with Legs On the Wall, to skate or paint your own skateboard. Or, join in creating bold public art installations.

Developed through EDGE artist in residence programs, be first to see new works by Shaun Parker & Company, Sair Solidair, Wendy Yu, Living Room Theatre and more.

From 4pm, explore Tortuga Studios' apocalyptic night playground – GLITCH. With its fractured light, warped sound and large-scale installations, this multimedia event features some of Sydney's leading industrial artists, performers, and live music.

Creative Trails information and images
https://www.innerwest.nsw.gov.au/live/living-arts/creative-trails-and-tours/creative-trails-midjuburi-august-2022

EDGE Sydenham program, workshop and information visit
https://www.innerwest.nsw.gov.au/live/living-arts/edge/edge-sydenham-2022/edge-sydenham-12-to-21-august

#EDGEinnerwest

New Year’s Eve at the Sydney Opera House

The best New Year’s Eve of your life is waiting at the Sydney Opera House.

Relish in opera’s most beautiful music and enjoy drinks or a wonderful meal overlooking Sydney Harbour, as you count down to midnight.

Go on, make this your most glamorous New Year ever. There’s nowhere closer to the action than the Sydney Opera House.
BOOK NOW

Make the most of your special night

We’ve done all the planning for you, so you can relax and enjoy the memories you’re making with these package options:

Pre-performance dinner

Look out over Sydney Harbour as you dine on a three-course menu in the Norther Foyer.
Find out more

Midnight party

Canapés, drinks and live entertainment following the gala, with views of the midnight fireworks from the Northern Foyer.
Find out more

Platinum Package

Pre-performance dinner, Premium seats, a program, drink at interval, and the Midnight Party.
Find out more

Bookings

Opera Australia Box Office
+61 2 9318 8200 | ticketing@opera.org.au | opera.org.au

Magic Millions Festival of British Eventing

The Festival of British Eventing

The Festival of British Eventing takes place at Gatcombe Park, the home of Anne, the Princess Royal and her family. 

Eventing, referred also as horse trials, evolved from the training and selection of cavalry horses. 

Today it comprises the three equestrian disciplines of dressage, show jumping and cross country, with each discipline designed to test the horses ability, with : 

• dressage showing how trainable the horse is and its basic paces in walk, trot and canter  show jumping revealing athleticism, control and accuracy, and 
• the cross country testing stamina, speed, jumping and bravery. 

The sport combines these different disciplines in one competition and is run on a cumulative penalty basis. 

The competitor with the least penalties at the end is the winner. 

In addition to providing a festival of top class eventing, the Magic Millions Festival of British Eventing offers visitors a shopping village, a full programme of arena attractions and the Gatcombe Farmers Market with local food producers. 

Built in the late 18th century, Gatcombe Park itself is a Grade II* listed building located between the villages of Minchinhampton and Avening in Gloucestershire.

Gatcombe Park, Gloucestershire, UK 5 to 7 August 2022

www.festivalofbritisheventing.com 

media@festivalofbritisheventing.com

Live like K-Pop superstars BTS

K-Pop fans rejoice! The expansive property where 21st century pop icons BTS stayed during the filming of HYBE’s original content (reality show), IN THE SOOP BTS ver. Season 2, is now on Airbnb for an overnight stay for the first time ever. Guests will get the chance to find a moment of peace in the lush countryside of PyeongChang, South Korea – just as the seven members did while enjoying everyday life and rest on the original content.

During the second season of IN THE SOOP BTS, the band members experienced leisurely moments and reconnected with nature amidst their busy schedule. Guests will stay at the property, which is a part of a larger estate, and relive their favorite IN THE SOOP BTS moments, such as:

● Reading books in the study like RM or relaxing, Jin-style, on the unicorn-shaped float in the home’s pool

● Finding creative inspiration and strumming guitars like SUGA, snapping selfies with a Polaroid like j-hope or painting on a canvas as V does

● For more high-energy entertainment, weight training like Jimin, flying high on a trampoline like Jung Kook or bouncing a ball in the basketball court like Bam, Jung Kook’s dog

About the stay

The one-night stay* on August 29 for only $7** (AUD$10.13) – a nod to the band’s seven members - will immerse two lucky guests in the various elements the K-pop group personally enjoyed during their time on property only a few months ago, including:

● Some of the same furniture and amenities that appeared on the show so guests can truly channel the lifestyle of BTS

● A karaoke machine, sound system and all of BTS hit tracks and albums, including “Permission to Dance”, “Butter” and their just-released album, Proof

● Specially catered dishes like charcoal grilled Korean beef (which the band referred to as “the best taste in the universe” in the show), and tteokbokki, or simmered rice cakes. Plus egg tarts produced by Bang & Bakers, currently served at HYBE INSIGHT, HYBE’s music museum.

How to book

Guests can request to book this stay on Tuesday, August 2 from 12 PM AEST at airbnb.com/inthesoopbts. Guests are responsible for their own travel to and from PyeongChang, South Korea. Round trip car transportation will be provided for the 20-minute journey from KTX PyeongChang station to the IN THE SOOP BTS property.

While only one overnight stay will be offered, “geok jeong ma” (“don’t worry” in Korean) - there will be an opportunity to check out the IN THE SOOP BTS property while staying at other listings near the property soon.

For those looking to discover similar stays surrounded by nature, Airbnb recently introduced a new way to search and discover homes through Airbnb Categories. With 200,000 countryside homes available around the globe, there are plenty of “in the soop” (English translation → “In the forest”) inspired getaways.

Those hoping to stay in the IN THE SOOP BTS ver. ‘Pyeongchang’ Filming Location should note that this stay’s rules require following applicable local rules and guidelines as well as Airbnb’s COVID-19 Safety Practices, which will include wearing a mask and practicing social distancing when required by local laws or guidelines. Staff will also comply with local rules and guidelines while on-site, and will abide by our five-step enhanced cleaning process.

*This one-night stay is available for one participant and their fellow guest and is not a contest.
**Plus taxes and fees
Airbnb is closely monitoring Korea COVID-19 infection rates and government policies and will offer booking guests a US $1,000 Airbnb travel credit if Airbnb determines it is necessary to cancel the stay.