AIME post tours announced to nine Australian destinations

Hosted Buyers attending AIME 2009, 17th Asia Pacific Incentives & Meetings Expo in Melbourne from 17 & 18 February, will have the opportunity to visit one of nine exotic Australian locations as part of AIME’s Post Touring Program.

Post tours are available to Canberra, Sydney, Perth, Darwin, Alice Springs and Uluru in the Northern Territory, and to Queensland’s Brisbane, Gold Coast, Cairns, and The Whitsunday islands in the Great Barrier Reef. Post tours run for 3 – 4 days and are organised by the relevant Australian Convention/Tourism Bureau.

“The post AIME tours are an important part of the overall AIME program, allowing buyers to experience other destinations and to add value and return on investment to their trip ‘Down Under,” said Elizabeth Sarian, Acting Event Director.

To apply to be hosted to AIME 2009 and to view pre and post touring options, visit the AIME website: www.aime.com.au and click on the Hosted Buyer button.

AIME 09 Post Touring Program

Alice Springs & Uluru

Discover the heart of Australia on this fabulous tour. The first night’s stay is at Uluru (formerly known as Ayres Rock) where you will spend an evening dining under the stars. Rise early for a camel ride to the awe inspiring Uluru. Then it’s on to Alice Springs Convention Centre, the Alice Springs Desert Park and the Mbantua Art Gallery and Museum for an insight into Indigenous society and the art community of Utopia. You’ll also visit the Telegraph Station built in 1872, and enjoy dinner at the famous Ooraminna Homestead.

Brisbane

The most spectacular way to experience Brisbane is from the Story Bridge Adventure Climb, followed by a relaxing Australian pub style lunch at the Story Bridge Hotel. You’ll then visit the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre, take a river cruise, explore the city’s shopping malls, and participate in abseiling, rock climbing, canoeing or kayaking at Riverlife Adventure Centre. There’s also a visit to Tangalooma Island Resort, a guided dessert safari 4WD tour and the chance to try sand tobogganing.

Cairns/Palm Cove/Port Douglas

Commencing from Palm Cove, Australia’s spa capital, the tour includes a trip on the Kuranda Scenic Railway’s Gold Class through World Heritage Listed rainforests, meeting Australian native wildlife and learning traditional Aboriginal culture. You’ll also visit the Great Barrier Reef and Port Douglas, a seaside village with a range of international resorts and outdoor venues. Final day breakfast is at Hartley’s Crocodile Adventure, an award-winning eco-adventure.

Canberra

Canberra is Australia’s capital and the seat of the Australian Government. The tour includes a behind-the-scenes tour of Parliament House, a visit to the spectacular National Gallery and a chance to test your fitness at the Australian Institute of Sport, where many of Australia’s elite and Olympic athletes train. Other highlights include visits to the Australian War Memorial, Canberra’s National Zoo and Aquarium, the National Museum of Australia and lunch at the Boathouse by the Lake.

Darwin

Your visit to Darwin will allow you to experience some of the Top End’s diverse natural features and landscapes including wildlife in their natural habitats, the city’s newest hotels, the new Darwin Convention Centre, the Darwin Entertainment Centre and learn more about Northern Territory indigenous art. There’s also a cruise on Darwin Harbour, a visit to Skycity Darwin and the Museum and Art Gallery of Northern Territory.

Gold Coast

The Gold Coast tour includes Harley Davidson rides through Surfers Paradise, pre dinner drinks at the World’s Tallest Residential Building and dinner at the exclusive Palazzo Versace. Breakfast with the dolphins at Seaworld, see the Gold Coast by helicopter, lunch at Couran Cover Island Resort, and enjoy an evening at Warner Brothers Movie World. Breakfast is on Dreamworld’s Tiger Island, where you can see rare Sumatran and Bengal tigers and meet local icons such as koalas and crocodiles.

Perth

The beautiful city of Perth is located in Western Australia and this tour offers a fabulous mix of activities. Cuddle a wombat, feed a kangaroo and be photographed with a koala. Enjoy an Aboriginal cultural experience while visiting some unique venues. Board a tram to visit The Perth Mint, experience sailing at its best at the Royal Perth Yacht Club, and take breakfast at The Bell Tower, a towering glass spire and one of the largest musical instruments on earth. Try some Aussie fish and chips at Fremantle’s Fishing Boat Harbour and explore the Fremantle Prison, now a unique venue.

Sydney

This is your chance to visit one of the most beautiful cities in the world. See the spectacular Sydney Harbour, the magnificent Sydney Harbour Bridge and visit the historic Rocks area where you can indulge in some shopping and a visit to an Aussie pub. You’ll also experience some of Sydney’s best dining, cruise on the Sydney Harbour, learn more about Australian Surf Lifesavers and for a real thrill experience the Sydney Harbour Bridgeclimb.

The Whitsundays

The Whitsunday Coastal region boasts 74 islands with resort and conference facilities to cater for groups of 10 to 1000 delegates. A cruise aboard Fantasia’s newest boutique cruise ship, MV Ammari, will give you a great overview of the region and take you to some of the must see destinations of the spectacular Whitsunday Islands. In addition you’ll also visit Hamilton Island, the Great Barrier Reef, and Hayman Island, one of The Leading Hotels of the World.

A Report by The Mole