Tourism Australia (AS1300)
Travel agents will have the chance to win tickets to a sneak preview screening of Baz Luhrmann’s upcoming blockbuster Australia by visiting the Tourism Australia stand.
Starring Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman the movie, released on December 26, is expected to boost tourism to Australia.
The stand will feature images from the film, and will also incorporate the new Tourism Australia adverts, also directed by Luhrmann. Agents can also join the Aussie Specialist Programme.
Airlift to Australia looks healthy despite the difficult economic climate. Etihad Airways already flies to Sydney and Brisbane but will launch daily non-stop Airbus A340 services to Melbourne from Abu Dhabi in March.
Passengers will connect from Etihad flights from London, Manchester and Dublin. Tourism Australia general manager UK/Europe Rodney Harrex said: “Singapore Airlines is already flying A380s and we’re delighted Qantas and Emirates will be using them next year.
“The increased capacity will keep the route competitive and this can only mean good news for the consumer. With fuel prices coming down, we’re already seeing fares decreasing.”
A whopping £40 million is being spent developing the new Wolgan Valley Resort and Spa, due to open in September next year. Located on Australia’s Great Dividing Range within the heart of the Blue Mountains, the resort is set in its own private nature reserve. As well as providing guests with an luxurious stay, the resort is designed to be environmentally friendly and is being built to stringent standards to preserve the fragile area.
After 15 years in the planning, Queensland’s new Mamu Rainforest Canopy Walkway opened in August in the rainforests of Wooroonooran National Park. Visitors will enjoy sweeping vistas over the North Johnstone River gorge, and beyond to rainforest-clad mountains, from a 40-metre-long cantilever and a 30-metre-high observation tower.
A £17 million redevelopment of the Grand Hyatt in Melbourne is now complete. Behind a shiny new façade, visitors can eat organic local produce in the new Collins Kitchen restaurant, and sip a classic cocktail in the exclusive RU-CO bar.
