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AUSTRALIA


UK will remain a key market for TA From the show floor Tourism Australia is to continue


investing in the UK for the long haul, despite it being one of its poorest- performing markets right now. Traveller numbers out of the UK were


down by around six per cent last year, compared to growth out of China (19.4%), Indonesia (13.2%) and India (6.8%). Of Australia’s established markets only Japan (down 16.4%) saw a steeper decline than the UK. However, a significant 600,000 UK


travellers still journeyed to Oz in 2011 a result that UK manager Rodney Harrex described as “holding our market share in a dwindling pool of UK travellers”. Tourism Australia’s UK office is its second-oldest, after New Zealand, and remained an important cog in TA’s network, said the organisation’s Managing Director Andrew McEvoy. “We have had a 40-year relationship with the UK and Ireland and we are not


Indigenous hits Free indigenous guest experiences at


Ayers Rock Resort are proving a big hit with visitors. "We've been taken aback by the


number of guests wanting to take participate in activities like bush stories, didgeridoo playing, cultural dancing and art classes for kids," said Koos Klein, the resort's Managing Director. The property, currently undergoing a


$38 million refurbishment to its premium hotel Sails in the Desert, has also introduced a new dining under the stars experience, called Tail Wire. www.voyages.com.au


IN BRIEF


Murray River in the frame Western Australia’s Murray River, a


region three hours south of Perth with beaches, coastline, forests and wineries, is the backdrop in a new movie that has a summer UK release. Drift, starring Sam Worthington, tells the story of two brothers who develop a successful surfing brand. www.westernaustralia. com/Margaret_River


Sydney gets ATE 2013 ATE will return to Sydney in 2013,


from April 26-May 2. "We are delighted to be hosting the event in Sydney for the second time in three years and look forward to showing the travel trade and media the many developments taking place in the city,” said Destination NSW Chief Executive Officer, Sandra Chipchase www.tourism.australia.com


Indian Pacific is pure gold The Indian Pacific, which runs between


Perth and Sydney, now features Gold Twin cabins with new en-suite bathrooms. The cabins are also fitted with a new in-cabin audio system. The train’s Outback Explorer Lounge and the Queen Adelaide Restaurant carriages have also both been recently upgraded. www.greatsouthernrail.com


going to desert either just because times are tough at the moment. British and Irish visitors are important for reasons beyond pure numbers – they spend more and travel more often into Australia’s outlying areas. We are in the UK for the long haul and are still investing heavily – to the tune of A$10 million on our There’s Nothing Like


Australia campaign,” added McEvoy. TA’s UK boss Rodney Harrex said up


to 300 Aussie Specialist agents would be invited to the Corroborree workshop, which will be held in ‘regional Australia’ next May. “It will inspire all those who participate


and help them get connected to Australia beyond its cities,” he said.


WA planning Gourmet Escape Western Australia will host a new food


and wine festival this November that it hopes will prove a major annual draw for international visitors. UK celebrity chef Heston Blumenthal


will be the headline act at the Margaret River Gourmet Escape (22-25), that will feature more than 40 events. “Visitors will be able to mix with chefs, winemakers, vegetable growers, cheese producers and enjoy cooking displays, master chef classes and tastings at venues that will include our vineyards, beaches, forests and caves,” said Gwynn Dauhpin of Events Corp Western Australia.


Selling Long Haul caught up with the


following Aussie Specialists at ATE. Here’s what they told us… JEREMY DE VOSS Bridge and Wickers “My first ATE has been really worthwhile. There


have been attractions and hotels I’ve spoken to that I definitely want to feature in the future. “The mood has been very positive


and everyone from the suppliers to the tourism board are trying to figure out ways to get business moving again because it’s pretty slow right now. “Little things would help – like free


Wi-Fi in the better hotels because in most places you have to pay for this and it is very expensive.” “I went up to Ningaloo Reef for an amazing coral bay swim with whale sharks. Tourism Australia should have featured this in its new There’s Nothing Like Australia video.”


GORDON LAWRENCE Gazelle Travel “Most suppliers I spoke to were very positive


Key events will take place at the Leuwin


Wine Estate. Margaret River accounts for around 3% of Australia’s wine production but 20% of its premium wines. www.gourmetescape.com.au


despite the current challenges and the strong Australian dollar pushing prices sky-high prices for visitors. “I will try to sell more of Western Australia, such as Ningaloo Reef, where we swam with whale sharks and saw manta rays and humpback whales, and Coral Bay, where we enjoyed a glass- bottom boat ride.”


JOHN BENNETT Colchester Travel “The penny has dropped that Australia is


a very expensive place to visit. It’s been going that way for a couple of years and prices are getting right up there. “I’ve seen some lovely boutique


properties, but they are very expensive – up to $4000 for three nights. Given that our clients are coming out here for three weeks or more, that provides a challenge for most. However, Australia has an enduring appeal and will never go away as a holiday destination. It still has to be 'done'."


www.sellinglonghaul.com • July/August 2012 17


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