Melanie Schinkel, Tourism Australia give us an update about the vibrant and diverse Australian experiences. From Sydney and Melbourne to the wild Kimberley and Kakadu National Park, adventure awaits. Embrace sustainable tourism and learn from indigenous Australians for a deeper cultural connection. Enjoy encounters with wildlife like koalas and kangaroos on Kangaroo Island, Tasmania, and the mainland. Australia's year-round festivals, outdoor arts, music events, and world-class sports keep the excitement alive. Savor culinary delights from fresh seafood to wine, craft beer, and coffee. Travel advisors can become Aussie Specialists for exclusive guides, rewards, and the Mega fam G Australia event (applications end on May 26th https://www.aussiespecialist.com/en-u...)  

A wave of new art installations is sweeping across the Australian outback with the region shining bright throughout 2023. Visitors can enjoy a vibrant calendar of art and cultural festivals. "The Red Centre is home to some of our most significant Aboriginal art movements,” said Scott Lovett, CEO Tourism Northern Territory. “This year further cements the Territory's position as a world-class cultural destination." New Northern Territory attractions include:   Interactive Arts The Wintjiri Wiṟu Experience, Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park - From May 2023 The newest experience, launched by Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia, sees iconic Uluru in a new light. The Wintjiri Wiṟu Experience is a twice nightly state-of-the-art, drone and laser light show that will illuminate the desert sky. It features over 1,000 drones weaving a kaleidoscope of colour. Created in consultation with traditional land owners, the show tells the Mala story, of great importance to the Aṉangu people. Book the signature Sunset Dinner to enjoy welcome cocktails and canapes on the sunset amphitheatre platform overlooking Uluru.   Bruce Munro's 'Light Towers' Renowned British light artist Bruce Munro returns with his new illuminating extravaganza, 'Light Towers'. This follows the success of Munro's Uluru-based 'Field of Light', which has received international acclaim. Munro's 'Light Towers' is a display of 69 towers, each made up of approximately 220 bottles filled with fibre optic cables. It forms a new multi-million-dollar partnership with the Kings Canyon resort. Enjoy both Munro's illuminating art installations as part of a Red Centre adventure, accessible by road along the Red Centre Way.   Other unique arts events include: Darwin Festival, Australia's hottest winter arts festival from 10 – 27 August Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair, one of Australia's most significant internationally recognised arts events, 11 – 13 August   New galleries and museums Hermannsburg Historic Precinct Following a multi-million dollar refurbishment, the newly appointed Hermansburg site is a completely new visitor experience. The Aboriginal settlement of Hermannsburg is famous as the home of Aboriginal landscape watercolour artist, Albert Namatjira. It's also one of five National Trust-listed historic precincts in Australia.   Ayeye Atyenhe Art Join an aboriginal art workshop in Alice Springs and immerse in Arrernte culture with renowned Aboriginal artists, Marie Ryder and Kevin Bird. Ayeye Atyenhe Art celebrates and supports the work of talented Indigenous artists from around the Northern Territory, Central Australia and North-East Arnhem Land   GOCA (Gallery of Central Australia) GOCA is a commercial gallery where everything's for sale. The gallery at Ayers Rock Resort boasts a remarkable collection of works from art centres across the Central and Western Deserts. Remarkable because the art represents almost 20 communities in the Northern Territory, South Australia and Western Australia.   Luxury Accommodation & Camping There are several new accommodation openings in the Red Centre including Drover's Dream at Kings Creek Station, with 10 new eco premium tents with views of George Gill Range from private decks. BBQ dinner hampers, fire pits and a Bushman's breakfast are included. For self-drive travellers there is a choice of new campsites including Kings Canyon Resort and Glen Helen Lodge and Ntaria Campground and Outback Store at the newly renovated Hermannsburg precinct.   Outdoor Dining The 'Under a Desert Moon' dining experience, which comprises a 5-course wine-paired dinner has a refreshed menu with a focus on bush ingredients and native flavours. This year also celebrates 10 years of the Tali Wiru dining experience at Ayers Rock Resort. Tali Wiru, meaning 'beautiful dune', encapsulating fine dining under the Southern Desert sky. This open-air restaurant boasts magnificent views of Uluru and the distant domes of Kata Tjuta.   Stargazing Sleepover Earth Sanctuary's Sunset to Sunrise tour  is a new premium program and astronomical camping experience! Enjoy an award winning astronomy tour with canape dinner, drinks and campfire nibbles. The tour includes access to Earth Sanctuary's Space Observatory with an experienced astronomer. You may witness zodiac constellations, meteor showers and other cool astro events. Wake up at sunrise to breakfast before a guided morning walk. This is a unique outback camping experience, perfect for couples. More information and travel inspiration at www.northernterritory.com

 

'Come and Say G'day' Register here for your chance to visit Australia!

  Australia's borders are now OPEN to ALL travelers! From the stunning world-class natural beauty of the landscapes and wildlife to vibrant modern cities and the deliciously diverse culinary delights that only Australia has to offer. Let’s not forget our warm and friendly people, who are excited to welcome back the world for their next vacation.   ‘Come and Say G’day’ is an invitation to spend time with us, get to know us, eat with us, drink with us, tell stories, share adventures with us, and above all – embrace the experience that is Australia with us! Become an Aussie Specialist today so you can inspire your clients to ‘Come and Say G’day’ Down Under. Plus, you’ll be in the running to win:  

• 1 spot on a Spring 2023 fam trip to Australia

  All you need to do is complete the following by November 30, 2022:  

• Register at www.aussiespecialist.com
• Complete the ‘Introduction to Australia’ curriculum (max. 90mins)
• Complete the ‘Come and Say G’day’ training course (max. 60mins)
• Watch the short film ‘G’day’ (max. 9mins)
• Complete the ‘Come and Say G’day’ quiz (max. 10mins)

  Plus, you will love the ongoing benefits of becoming an Aussie Specialist which include exclusive invites to webinars, competitions, quizzes, special events and fam trips to Australia!   Get started today, just click on the image of Ruby the souvenir kangaroo and Louie the toy unicorn to watch the 9-minute short film 'G'day'  

Australia will this week remove final Covd-19 border restrictions. Health Minister Mark Butler said proof of vaccine will no longer be required for international travellers from July 6. “The Chief Medical Officer has advised it is no longer necessary for travellers to declare their vaccine status,” Butler said. “Unvaccinated Australians, as well as certain groups of visa holders, have been able to travel to Australia for some time. “We will continue to act on the medical advice as needed.” Inbound travellers are still be required to wear masks on Australia-bound flights and follow any state rules requiring masks on domestic flights. The requirement for all travellers to complete a passenger declaration form will also end. “Removing these requirements will not only reduce delays in our airports but will encourage more visitors and skilled workers,” Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil said.

Qantas confirmed it has placed an order for Airbus A350-1000 jets, opening up non-stop flights from Sydney to London and New York. The airline announced it plans operating non-stop flights from Sydney to London and New York in 2025. The first Sydney-London flights are slated to start in late 2025 taking nearly 20 hours It would the world's longest scheduled passenger flights. "The A350 and 'Project Sunrise' will make any city just one flight away from Australia," said Qantas chief Alan Joyce in a statement. "It's the last frontier and the final fix for the tyranny of distance." 'Project Sunrise' has been a key focus for Qantas for about five years but was put on the backburner due to the pandemic. In 2018 it began offering direct 17-hour direct flights between London and Perth in Western Australia, and in 2019 it conducted a series of test flights from the east coast to the UK and New York. The new fleet of 12 planes will begin arriving in 2025, with the order to be completed by 2028. Each plane will be able to carry 238 passengers and seats will be roomier than usual, Qantas says. Travellers will also be able to access a "wellbeing zone" in the centre of the plane - with a self-service snack bar and space for stretching and movement - to combat the effects of spending 20 hours in the air.

Qantas ’project sunrise plan is edging a step closer to reality. It is set to announce a milestone order for Airbus A350-1000 jets. With the A350 jets, Qantas would have the planes needed for non-stop Sydney-London flights. The planes would allow non-stop near-20 hour flights on the flagship kangaroo route, possibly by 2025. It has been a key focus for Qantas but was put on the backburner due to the pandemic. The current one-stop route takes nearly 24 hours, although the shorter route from Perth, in Western Australia is non-stop. Qantas said it would be making a major announcement on Monday. The West Australian newspaper reported the multibillion-dollar Qantas order would include 12 A350s, as well as A321XLRs and A220s. Qantas called non-stop Sydney-London flights the ‘final frontier’ in global aviation.

New data reveals that the trend is expanding in the UK with more than half (55^[%) of employed 18–30-year-olds stating they are considering quitting their job. Nearly a third (31%) planning to do so in the next year. A study by research company, Censuswide, of over 2,000 employed adults aged 18-30 reveals almost 1 in 5 (18%) of those considering quitting their job in the next 12 months want to travel and/or work abroad The research was commissioned by Tourism Australia to understand the post-pandemic mindset of young working Brits, and to encourage uptake of Australia’s Working Holiday Maker visa. The visa allows them the opportunity to continue their career momentum whilst enjoying an extended stay Down Under for a period of up to three years. With Australia’s borders open, short-term work opportunities in sectors such as hospitality and tourism – typically favoured by young Brits – are readily available once again. When questioned, more than half (57%) of respondents agree they would consider travelling to Australia as a working holidaymaker. Earlier in the year, the Australian government announced changes to the Working Holiday Maker programme to encourage working travellers to head Down Under this year and fill the international labour void left by the pandemic. The update to the visa now allows working holidaymakers to work for the same employer or organisation for more than the previous cap of six months until 31 December 2022. Sally Cope, Regional General Manager for Tourism Australia in the UK & Northern Europe said: “Our study reveals that young Brits are not only seeking a better work/life balance, they’re seeking new and extended adventures.” “Working while travelling in Australia not only means living in some of the most breathtaking destinations on earth, it’s also a chance to add new skills to your CV.”

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Pre-departure testing for international travellers arriving in Australia is set to end within weeks. Health Minister Greg Hunt announced the ’milestone’ for Australia’s recovery from April 17. From that date, no pre-departure tests are required but arrivals must still provide proof of double vaccination. All travellers must continue wearing masks on all domestic and international flights.. At the same international cruise ships will be allowed to operate in Australian waters for the first time in over two years.  

The Australia federal government is funding a multi-million dollar campaign to boost inbound tourism in the hardest-hit areas of the country. Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced a $60 million campaign to lure foreign travellers. Tourism Tropical North Queensland will be given $15 million to promote the region, with the rest going to Tourism Australia to advertise in key source markets. It includes outdoor ads in New York's Times Square and London's Piccadilly Circus, as well as TV, online and social media.

Air Canada is ramping up transpacific services. It is boosting frequencies from Vancouver to Sydney with daily service from May 1. The airline will also reinstate Brisbane flights four times a week starting on July 1. Later in the year it restarts the Auckland route with three flights a week. “We are accelerating the restoration of our Australian and New Zealand routes to respond to pent-up travel as borders reopen," said Mark Galardo, Senior Vice President, Network Planning and Revenue Management at Air Canada. Air Canada’s flights connect to and from Melbourne, Canberra, Perth, Cairns and other cities via code-share agreement with Virgin Australia. Air Canada's Signature Suite at Vancouver is expected to reopen this summer. “We are thrilled with the expansion of the Air Canada network and to welcome our Aussie and Kiwi friends back to British Columbia to experience the hospitality we are known for," said Melanie Mark, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport. "Our tourism operators have been excitedly preparing for the return of more flights from the South Pacific.”

Tourism Minister Dan Tehan has raised hopes of a long overdue cruise restart in Australia. He hinted foreign cruise ships could return to Aussie waters when the existing cruise ban expires on April 17. “I can see no reason why it won’t be lifted and I say to our tourism industry, our travel agents, given what we’ve heard over the last couple of days, I think we can all start planning for that resumption,” Tehan said. It will be ‘a new dawn ’for the cruise industry, CLIA says. “The Australian cruise industry has lost $10 billion over the past two years, and the absence of the ships has disrupted 18,000 jobs, so we are really hopeful now that the government will give us the green light,” said Joel Katz, of the Cruise Lines International Association Australasia. Operators including Carnival Australia and P&O Cruises Australia have welcomed Tehan’s comments. The Federal Government is tipped to confirm the ban will end on April 17, and then a restart schedule for cruise ships will be handed over to state governments to manage.