australia going OZ further in I
t is an interesting fact that of all the tourists received each year by Australia, UK travellers are the most valuable. The reason is simple:
Brits stay longer and explore more. That’s clearly good news for agents because it means they are ‘pushing at an open door’ when they recommend clients do and discover more along each step of their journey down under. Tour operators and airlines are all plugging
down under fares right now. British Airways launched a new £799 deal with an evocative ad focused on reuniting friends, while Qantas is bigging up an upgrade of its economy-class, pre-orderable, meal service with a new line- up of dishes, 50% larger portions and faster service. And Greyhound Australia has launched a new UK website full of traveller tips, tours and passes all now priced in sterling. Tourism Australia reports UK business up nearly six per cent and continues to build on its Restaurant Australia foodie promotions. The challenge then is to be sure you know
what’s there and can help clients extend their itineraries beyond the obvious cities and honey- pot sites. Here’s a few ideas that might help.
Victoria
Make selling Australia more rewarding for yourself and your clients by encouraging them to linger longer and explore beyond the obvious attractions, says Julie Baxter
Image: Making a splash at Empress Falls in the Blue Mountains, NSW
Melbourne is a shoo-in as an iconic ‘must see’ but recommend clients venture beyond the city chic. This compact yet diverse state has incredible coasts and world-class wineries, plus up-close wildlife experiences. Favourite itineraries follow the Great Ocean Road, home of the 12 Apostles rocks, but alternatives can take in the Yarra Valley wine region, Phillip Island (for its penguins) and the Mornington Peninsula, with pristine beaches, a green hinterland and some top-notch boutique hotels. Link it with Sydney on a route via historic gold rush towns such as Bendigo, and the Murray River, with its houseboats and paddlesteamers.
What’s new: Tourism Victoria has a new How To Sell Melbourne & Victoria guide detailing itinerary ideas. View it at
sellingtravel.co.uk. • Motorhomes specialist Maui (maui-rentals. com) has fi ve new ‘winery havens’. Clients stay overnight at the vineyards in their motorhome for around £78 a night (commissionable) and also get a gourmet hamper of local delicacies. • Two new ecoboat tours now operate from Phillip Island for whale-watching (June-September) and the chance to see fur seals and penguins. Prices from £45pp (
penguins.org.au).
South Australia Adelaide sometimes gets overlooked in a hectic itinerary but it’s a gentle, pretty city with great restaurants and a relaxed pace. It provides
sellingtravel.co.uk
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