INTERNATIONAL ARRIVALS BOUNCE BACK ONE YEAR AFTER BORDER REOPENING

Last week marked the one-year anniversary of welcoming international visitors back to NSW for the first time in 704 days.

The visitor economy continues to race forward on the road to recovery. A total of 3,120,000 passengers passed through Sydney Airport in January 2023, representing a 78.8 per cent recovery compared to pre-COVID-19 January 2019.

Domestic passenger traffic totalled 1,887,000 in January 2023 - an 82.4 per cent recovery compared to January 2019 - while there were 1,233,000 international passengers who passed through the airport in January 2023, representing a 73.9 per cent recovery on January 2019 passenger traffic.

International arrival numbers are expected to keep growing as aviation capacity increases, with Tourism Research Australia projecting international visitor expenditure to exceed pre-pandemic levels in 2024 and international visitor arrivals to exceed pre-pandemic levels in 2025.

The visitor economy, including long-stay international students, was Australia’s fourth largest export sector before the COVID-19 pandemic. It was worth $166 billion annually to the economy.

TOP 10 NATIONS PASSING THROUGH
SYDNEY AIRPORT - JANUARY 2023 Australia

1. New Zealand
2. United States
3. United Kingdom
4. India
5. South Korea
6. China
7. Philippines
8. Canada
9. Indonesia

LEARN MORE

*Source: Destination NSW

The Osborne Studio Gallery, London

The Osborne Studio Gallery

The Osborne Studio Gallery, Motcomb Street Belgravia specialise. in travel, wildlife, equestrian and sporting art. 

Celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2023, the gallery’s exhibitions include : 

Lincoln Seligman 16 May to 10 June 2023 

Lincoln Seligman has devoted much of his career to large scale works for contemporary buildings around the world. This May he is returning to the gallery for his fourth one man show with works of his many travels to India and beyond. 

Impressions of the Turf 19 June to 15 July 2023 

To celebrate Royal Ascot this June, the gallery’s Impressions of the Turf has work by Lara Robinson and Jessica Hills who capture the theatre and pulsating atmosphere of the racecourse. 

Christopher Baker – ’Midnight Sun’ 26 September to 14 October 2023 

Baker has exhibited extensively in the UK and Canada, with his early work influenced by Constable, with later works landscapes subjects in the modern impressionist or abstract style. 

Michelle Pearson Cooper 18 October to 11 November 2023 

Michelle’s work is inspired by desert planes and bustling savannahs and all their creatures, on her travels to India, Africa,Oman and the UAE 

Garry Pereira – ‘Wild Seas’ 6 to 22 December 2023 

‘Wild Seas’ will showcase a series of seascapes by Garry Pereira, with a number of the pieces having been painted on fishing boats and trawlers off the Norfolk and Suffolk coast 

Henrietta Abel Smith 15 November to 3 December 2023 

Henrietta studied at Charles H Cecil Studios in Florence, Italy and produces still life paintings, that evoke the compositions of the 17th Century Dutch and Flemish school. 

www.osg.uk.com 

*Source: Theo Woodham-Smith at theo@woodhamsmithpr.com

CALDERA WALK MASTER PLAN

=The National Parks and Wildlife Service has proposed a new walk in the Wollumbin National Park, with a master plan on public exhibition until 27 February. 

The Caldera Rim Walk Draft Master Plan provides overarching concepts for the proposed 8km (return) half-day bushwalk and associated facilities in Wollumbin National Park. 

The draft master plan also suggests possible future options to extend the walk. The Caldera Walk Master Plan is on exhibition until 27 February 2023.

 
LEARN MORE

*Source: Destination NSW

A moment of peace and serenity...

@spirit_of_kenninji on Instagram

Kenninji is thought to be the oldest Zen temple in Kyoto. 

Marvel at the impressive ceiling mural of twin dragons as you enter the Main Hall. 

Explore the expansive temple grounds and take a peaceful moment in the tranquil Zen garden.

Take a bus or train from Kyoto Station to Gion-Shijo Station.

Walk eastwards along Shijo Street until you reach Hanamikoji Street where Kenninji is located.

 

 #Tradition

Japan National Tourism Organization
Instagram: visitjapansg

Website: japanbyjapan.com
Website: https://www.japan.travel/en/au/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VisitJapanAU

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

THE ACADEMY MUSEUM OF MOTION PICTURES: 5 THINGS YOU CAN'T MISS

Photo by Joshua White,

Courtesy of the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures

As America’s largest institution devoted to the art and science of moviemaking, there’s always something to see at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. Its enthralling exhibitions and experiences turn the dream factory inside out, delving deep beyond the screen to reveal the diverse stories of the creative people and processes behind the films we love.

With the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences’ collection of more than 13 million objects to draw upon, plus temporary exhibitions, two state-of-the-art theaters, special events, and an ever-changing calendar of programs and screenings, the 300,000-square-foot museum merits regular repeat visits.

We looked at 5 things not to miss on your first time.

1. ARCHITECTURE

The architecture of the Academy Museum alone justifies a visit. Its striking exterior by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Renzo Piano suggests something extremely special within. The museum occupies the 250,000-square-foot former May Company department store, a historic Streamline Moderne structure at the intersection of Wilshire Blvd. and Fairfax Ave. Dedicated as the Saban Building following a $50 million donation from philanthropists Cheryl and Haim Saban, its restoration included one third of the 350,000 gold-leaf mosaic tiles on its distinctive gold cylinder being meticulously replaced by their original Italian manufacturer. Piano also added the otherworldly Sphere. Overlaid with 1,500 multi-shaped glass shingles, this soaring structure houses the David Geffen Theater and the glass-domed Dolby Family Terrace, with views from the Hollywood Sign to the Getty Center.

2. REGENERATION: BLACK CINEMA 1898-1971

The first of its kind, Regeneration: Black Cinema 1898-1971 is an in-depth, research-driven exploration of Black participation in American filmmaking. Now through April 9, 2023, this feature exhibit reveals the important yet all too often unsung history of African American filmmakers in the development of this country’s cinema, from its early days to just after the civil rights movement. Regeneration highlights the work of independent African American filmmakers, with the goal of redefining US film history by elevating this underrepresented aspect of artistic production and presenting a more inclusive story.

3. COLLECTION HIGHLIGHTS

Photo by Joshua White,
 Courtesy of the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures

The Academy Museum draws upon not only its own incredible collection of film-related objects and technology, but also the unparalleled accumulation of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences, including literally millions of costumes, film reels, posters, props, production design drawing, screenplays and more. Get up close with evocative pieces of movie history like the menacing extraterrestrial headpiece worn in 1979’s “Alien”; Dorothy’s ruby slippers from “The Wizard of Oz”; the last surviving full-scale shark model from “Jaws”; an annotated page from Gregory Peck’s script for controversial 1962 classic “To Kill a Mockingbird”; and the typewriter used by screenwriter Joseph Stefano for Alfred Hitchcock’s genre-shaping horror thriller “Psycho.”

Photo by Joshua White,

Courtesy of the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures

4. STORIES OF CINEMA EXHIBITION

The multi-floor “Stories of Cinema” is the Academy Museum’s ever-evolving core exhibition exploring narrative movies, documentaries, animation, and the arts and sciences behind them. It begins in the Grand Lobby of the Saban Building, where a towering glass-walled gallery and multiscreen experience serve as a free introduction. The second floor currently showcases "Significant Movies & Moviemakers" featuring "Casablanca" and "Boyz N the Hood"; "The Art of Moviemaking: The Godfather"; the history of the Academy Awards; and "Director's Inspiration: Agnès Varda." On the third floor, familiar faces like R2-D2, Bugs Bunny, and Okoye from “Black Panther” are on view in the multi-room "Inventing Worlds & Characters" experience, alongside special installations by director Pedro Almodóvar and composer Hildur Guðnadóttir.

5. THE PATH TO CINEMA: HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE RICHARD BALZER COLLECTION

Photo by Joshua White,

Courtesy of the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures

The late Richard Balzer was a collector and author fascinated by anything related to visual entertainment. His 9,000-piece collection, gathered and meticulously preserved over more than 40 years, includes pre-cinema curiosities from Europe, Asia and America dating as far back as the 17th century. Built around Balzer’s vast labor of love, this (sometimes literally) illuminating exhibition explores the evolution of today’s cinematic experience through a long tradition of optical amusements including peepshows, flip books, zoetropes, and kaleidoscopes, and featuring a magic lantern show created specifically for this exhibition. While quaint today, for generations before the advent of projected movies these were devices of transporting, almost magical wonder.

* By Paul Rogers, Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board
633 West 5th Street, Suite 1800, Los Angeles, CA 90071, USA

DESTINATION NSW BOOSTS ITS FOCUS ON INDIA

Destination NSW hosted a Focus On India trade event from 12-17 February 2022 that gave 32 NSW tourism suppliers the opportunity to meet with 38 key agents from India.

India holds huge promise as a visitor market for NSW. Not only is projected to become the world's most populous country in April 2023, with over 1.4 billion people, but Indians are the most adventurous travellers in the Asia Pacific region.

Research released last year by online travel company Booking.com via its APAC Travel Confidence Index revealed that India is the most confident country when it comes to travel, with 86 per cent of those surveyed intending to travel in the next 12 months.

That confidence is reflected in international travel data for 2022 released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). It revealed India was the fourth biggest market for visitors to Australia in 2022, with the arrivals from India (303,000) having the strongest recovery, reaching 76 per cent of its pre-pandemic level from 2019.

India is a priority market for Destination NSW. Prior to the pandemic, it was the fastest growing segment to NSW, with Indian travellers spending an estimated $444 million in the year ending December 2019.

The agents who attended the Destination NSW Focus On India event attended one-on-one appointments with sellers and participated in familiarisation programs in Sydney and regional NSW.

Activities in Sydney included BridgeClimb, visits to Australian National Maritime Museum and SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, a tour of Sydney Opera House, a scenic flight with Sydney Seaplanes, Oz Jet Boating rides, a Clearview Glassboat Sydney Harbour dinner cruise and a Taronga Zoo tour.

The post-familiarisation groups enjoyed a variety of visitor experiences in the Blue Mountains, Hunter Valley, Port Stephens, Southern Highlands, Jervis Bay, Shoalhaven and Kangaroo Valley.

Click here to watch video highlights from Focus On India.

Port Stephen Koala Sanctuary Business Development and Marketing Manager James Cook said: "This is the first time that Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary has had the opportunity to come to such a wonderful trade event. It’s been a fantastic experience for us to meet up to 40 agents from the Indian market. For a new product like ours it is just sensational."

Crown Towers Director of Sales Michael Fletcher said: “It has been great for us to meet the Indian market in person at this trade event. To see the agents' excitement about our new product and reengage with them has been fantastic.”

Beacon Holidays Director Heena Munshaw said: “Sydney has the best harbour in the world and there are so many activities and beautiful things to do. The experience of this harbour in the middle of the city is magnetic. Post pandemic, the Indian traveller mindset is changing, it’s getting far more experiential. Our customers need to discover more NSW regions."

Kesari Tours Director Zelam Chaubal said: “There are so many things to do in and around Sydney. Our clients just love NSW and they want to spend more time here enjoying the experiences on offer.”

Destination NSW CEO Steve Cox welcomed the Indian agents and NSW operators during a networking event at Terrance on the Domain.

"NSW features visitor experiences like nowhere else. From the outback to the mountains, to the city and the coast, this unmatched offering and its energising impact are a significant drawcard for Indian travellers," Mr Cox said.

"International visitation to NSW continues to increase exponentially, with 946,200 visitors generating $3.6 billion in visitor expenditure during the year to September 2022. NSW continues to lead the nation for international visitor numbers, absolute growth and market share.

"Destination NSW has a laser-sharp focus on ensuring visitation and spend continues to skyrocket."

Destination NSW Director of Product and Industry Development Kylie-Jane Menzies said it was rewarding to provide platforms for buyers and sellers to reconnect, with 38 Indian agents participated in more than 1000 meetings with 32 NSW tourism businesses.

"There was an electrifying buzz in the room during the one-on-one sessions that Destination NSW hosted at Taronga Zoo," she said.

'There is nothing more satisfying than seeing old colleagues and new colleagues connect and do business. The excitement expressed by buyers about NSW visitor experiences was incredibly positive and an encouraging indicator of potential growth for this market."

*Source: Destination NSW

Azerbaijan, a former Soviet republic with Baku, its capital

Azerbaijan

The country offers a range of attractions, including the UNESCOlisted Old City of Baku, where one finds the Palace of the Shirvanshahs, a royal retreat dating to the 15th century, the Caucasus Mountains, the Caspian Sea and the ancient Silk Road. 

Azerbaijan has been investing in its tourism infrastructure in recent years, and aims to become a leading travel destination in the region. 

The focus on the development of local wine industry established Azerbaijan as one of the thriving viticultural centres in the region. 

Sustainable tourism experiences include projects such as Slow Food Travel, which looks to honour and preserve age-old cooking methods and products. 

The project was launched in 2021 in the northwest of Azerbaijan and will be expanded to the south of the country in 2023. 

Tourists can have this authentic experience, getting acquainted with about 60 local partners and their products, merging into gastronomic experience and day-to-day life in Azerbaijan. 

Birdwatching is also a traveller lure with 400 species of birds having been recorded and short distances between birdwatching sites.

www.azerbaijan.travel
*Source: Vafa Safarli at vafa.safarli@tourismboard.az

Naturopathy and Nutrition Takes Centre Stage as Anantara Kihavah Renews its Wellness Retreats

Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas 

Set within the tranquil serenity of the Maldives, Baa Atoll, Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas has recently introduced new tailored healing programmes with a focus on Naturopathy and Nutrition. The new transformative experiences include nutrition and lifestyle consultations, wellness talks, functional testing, and holistic therapies – collectively forming optimised retreats that utilise personalised in-depth sessions, the power of intuition and movement, and other recommended experiences to help guide guests along the path to reconnect to their inherent equilibrium.

With the appointment of the resort’s full time resident Head of Wellness, Kelly Manning – a qualified Nutritional Therapist, Naturopath and Wellness Consultant – the new transformative journeys will provide a more bespoke approach to address every guest’s unique wellness goals and concerns, whether it’s detoxing the mind and body, enhancing sleep quality, balancing weight, or simply improving eating habits.

OPTIMISATION RETREATS

Available in three-, five-, and seven-day programmes, the Optimisation Retreat introduces an awakening process whereby guests become aware of the effects their diet, lifestyle and environment have on their body; receive a personalised roadmap to wellbeing in the form of a tailored report; and feel the positive choices that they make and feel good about their transformational pathway.

Each programme serves a specific optimisation purpose: the comprehensive seven-day Nutrition & Lifestyle programme focuses on maximising overall wellbeing with the help of intensive Immunity and Wellbeing Report Analysis through Epigenetic testing, followed by a nutrition and lifestyle consultation. The programme also adapts the healing potential of movement through the experience of intuitive dance and utilises the therapeutic capabilities of flower essences for emotional wellbeing. Optimised wellness beverages and a supplement protocol are provided throughout the retreat based on the guests’ nutritional reports and each retreat concludes with a programme review on the last day. The five-day Youthful Cells Retreat is designed to assist guests on how to achieve a youthful glow and vitality from the inside out through the help of a functional cell reading analysis. The programme includes a Nutrition & Lifestyle consultation, a synergistic supplement, personalised nutrient beverages crafted according to the cell analysis report, and a retreat review. Finally, the three-day Nutrition Retreat is a programme that allows guests to discover problematic food which may be burdening their body, and the value of key nutrients in providing greater energy and wellbeing through the help of a Nutritional Epigenetic Testing.

Apart from the Optimisation retreats, a la carte consultations, experiences and testing sessions are also available.

Flower Essence Therapy – Designed to help enhance emotional balance, the Flower Essence Therapy begins by exploring the unique patterns of being through conversive exchange and an intriguing flower card reading that will help prescribe guests with their own unique flower essence remedy to take home with them. Using Bach Flower Remedies, these essences are made from wildflowers, trees and bushes that contain calming and mood-enhancing properties. First introduced in the 1930s, Bach Flower Essences are powerful yet gentle healing tools that are able to catalyse the resolution of profound emotional imbalances.

Cell Wellbeing Epigenetic Test and Analysis – An Epigenetic test is a non-intrusive test in which hair root samples are scanned through a bio profiler providing a detailed report about the body’s level of nutrients, vitamins, minerals, essential amino acids, fatty acids, antioxidants, and contaminants. The report also highlights which nutritional and environmental factors are impacting the body’s cells, while also sharing lifestyle and diet recommendations to optimise the guest’s health. Depending on their individual wellness focus, the guests may choose from the following report options: Optimise Immunity & Wellbeing; Vegan Immunity & Wellbeing; Professional Training; Sport & Fitness, Nutrition; Youthful Cells; Hair, Skin & Nails; Baby & Child.

Nutrition and Lifestyle Consultations – Tailored consultations with Kelly enable her to determine the underlying cause of any wellness concerns and develop clear actions that are informed by the guest’s medical history, lifestyle and personal preferences to achieve even more specific outcomes. Following the session, each guest will receive a personalised roadmap to wellbeing in the form of a tailored Nutrition & Lifestyle report, diet plans and, if necessary, a supplement protocol. Sessions can be conducted one-on-one, or with a partner, thereby allowing couples to take a transformational journey together.

Guests can indulge in Optimisation Retreats and select between the three-day programme starting from USD 250, the five-day programme starting from USD 550, and the seven-day programme starting from USD 790, with all prices on a per-person basis. Villas start from USD 1,500 per night. For more information, visit www.anantara.com/kihavah-maldives/spa

MULTI-DAY WALK OPENS ON SOUTH COAST

The newest NSW Great Walk is officially ready to welcome walkers who want to enjoy the beauty of the South Coast’s Murramarang National Park. 

Starting just north of Batemans Bay at Pretty Beach, the 34km, three-day walk has overnight stops at five beachside campgrounds. 

The $3.64 million Murramarang South Coast Walk project was funded through Restart NSW's Regional Growth – Environment and Tourism Fund.

LEARN MORE

*Source: Destination NSW

Go on and take a bow

@yutaka_hoya on Instagram

These stunning red-crowned cranes are an iconic symbol of Hokkaido. Between November and March each year they perform courtship dances as a part of a mating ritual. 

The pairs mate for life and their dances are a mesmerising display of beauty and grace.

 

One of the best places to view them is the Kushiro Marshland in Kushiroshitsugen National Park. 

The red-crowned crane was once thought to have been extinct but through conservation efforts in places like this, this species has made an impressive recovery. 

It is vital to protect these beautiful birds and their environment so that future generations can enjoy their presence in the wild.

 
#Nature

Japan National Tourism Organization
Instagram: visitjapansg

Website: japanbyjapan.com
Website: https://www.japan.travel/en/au/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VisitJapanAU

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