Virgin Australia

Virgin Australia has launched a major national advertising campaign designed to help reposition the airline (formerly known as Virgin Blue) by encapsulating the new brand identity and experiences for its domestic operations.

The new image, product and service offering will help to transform the airline into a contemporary dynamic airline with a product to compete with the best worldwide.

The carrier’s Boeing 737-800 will feature larger overhead lockers, mood lighting and sculpted sidewalls. The airline is also working to upgrade its lounges and re-launch its frequent flyer program.

Further information: http://www.virginaustralia.com/Personal/nowyouareflying/index.htm

The US Travel Association is launching a national campaign advocating for implementation of a trusted traveller program. The program aims to provide alternative screening measures at airports for American citizens who submit to background checks and meet other criteria, which reflects the low-risk nature of the traveller.

The campaign will include advertisements in newspapers, social media, events at airports, website with an online petition and toll-free number to connect travellers directly with members of Congress.

Further information: http://www.betrustednow.org/

Schiphol airport in Amsterdam has launched the world’s first airport park consisting of a large interior space as well as an outdoor terrace. The indoor area of the park is designed to replicate the feeling of an outdoor space, with butterflies projected on to the walls and floors, and sounds such as bicycle bells, animals and playing children. The outdoor park features a number of loungers and chairs, café and power points for travellers to charge electronic devices by pedalling one of the energy generating bicycles.

Further information: http://www.schiphol.nl/Reizigers/OpSchiphol/SchipholAirportPark.htm

According to Travel Insurance Direct lost, damaged and stolen luggage represents the single biggest category of travel insurance claims lodged with online travel insurers.

Despite advances in baggage handling technology luggage loss in the world’s airports has increased in the last three years due partly to the extensive flight disruptions caused by natural disasters.

In 2010, almost 30 million bags were mishandled in airports worldwide, an increase of more than 17 per cent on the previous year.

Further information: http://www.travelinsurancedirect.com.au/easyguide/
easyguide.php?i=1077

Government figures and company leaders were present as winners and finalists were honoured for their pioneering achievements in advancing sustainability to a higher level in the Travel & Tourism industry, including protecting the environment, support for culture heritage preservation, and helping to generate future employment.

Singita Pamushana in Zimbabwe won the Conservation Award for its successful partnership with the local Malilangwe Trust in helping rehabilitate and protect 122,789 acres of degraded wildlife habitat that had suffered from years of poaching.

Guludo Beach Lodge in Mozambique won the Community Benefit Award for having demonstrated direct and tangible benefits to local people, a strong contribution to community development and enhancement of cultural heritage in the area.

Alpine Pearls, a non-profit organisation headquartered in Austria won the Destination Stewardship Award, having successfully demonstrated sustainable tourism management at a regional destination level.

Intrepid Travel in Australia won the Global Tourism Business Award for having demonstrated best practices in sustainable tourism at a large company level.

As one of Australia's leading macroeconomists, Chris Richardson will tackle these questions at the upcoming Tourism & Events Excellence Conference in Melbourne, 5-7 September 2011. 

Chris's lively, insightful and highly relevant presentations are renowned for taking remarkably complex matters and presenting them as concise, simple concepts with lasting messages.

Chris is one of a select group of global experts addressing national and asia-pacific trends impacting on the tourism industry at the upcoming Melbourne conference.  Join us at the conference to keep on top of current issues. Visit the website for the full program http://teeconference.com

Registration for Ecotourism Australia's nineteenth annual conference the Global Eco Asia-Pacific Tourism Conference has now opened.

This is your chance to register before the end of financial year!

The 2011 program features a cutting-edge lineup of international and national keynote speakers; in-depth forums addressing current issues; indigenous, ASEAN and OCEANIA forums; valuable networking opportunities; and so much more.

Themed ‘Seize the Potential!’ the Global Eco 2011 will be held from 7-10 November 2011 in Sydney.

Register now or find out more at http://globaleco.com.au/

Regional Australia has recently enjoyed an increased political profile. However terms such as regions, regionalism, and regionalisation remain largely undefined and fluid. It is important that as practitioners in regional Australia we consider what the underlying values and assumptions underpin this language and exactly what place regional Australia has or should have in this broader public agenda. The established policy frameworks need to be elucidated and emerging positions proactively shaped. SEGRA 2011 will be actively pursuing strategies to progress regional Australia at community, economic, environmental and government levels.

Cutting edge papers are now being sought from practitioners, researchers, business and government that highlight key initiatives and actions to advance regions and regional Australia.

For more information visit http://www.segra.com.au/ or download the Call for Papers Form.

Papers must be submitted with the required documentation by 30 June 2011.

The 2011 World Youth and Student Travel Conference will be held from 20 to 23 September 2011 in Barcelona, Spain. This global youth travel industry event provides networking opportunities and a greater focus on travel technology trends as well as market projections for 2012.

Further information: http://www.wystc.org/

The research project undertaken by 360° Digital Influence found that sites including Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter were used by MICE planners and travellers to maximize their time spent away from the office. The most popular discussions undertaken using social media were receiving advice after attending the event, seeking insight on currency exchange, visas and logistics as well as engaging in conversations after the conference.

Further information: http://www.businessevents.australia.com/whats-new.aspx

Each International Earth Day the 145,000 employees of Accor hotels organise actions and events for sustainable development. In 2011, employees from 71 countries participated in various actions around the eight priorities of the Earth Guest program including local development, child protection, fight against epidemics and balanced food, controlling consumption of energy and water, waste management and preserving biodiversity.

Launched in 2006, the Earth Guest program enables Accor to mobilise its employees, customers, suppliers and partners to protect the planet and the well being of its inhabitants.

Further information: http://www.accor.com/en/sustainable-development.html

Conservation Volunteers Australia has partnered with Parks Victoria and Go for your Life as part of the Active in Parks Partnership encouraging and supporting the connection between a healthy environment and a healthy society.

Projects include tree planting, rubbish clean ups, weeding, track building and maintenance, flora and fauna surveys. The Green Gym concept was developed in the UK by the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers and is now operating in Victoria based in Melbourne, Ballarat and Geelong.

Australia’s National Landscapes

A new report has been released on the outcomes of Australia’s National Landscapes program, a long-term partnership between Tourism Australia and Parks Australia to differentiate Australia’s iconic natural and cultural destinations and improve visitor experiences throughout protected areas.

The report includes an update on the key challenges in the program’s implementation to date and outlines future actions.

Further information: http://www.tourism.australia.com/en-au/documents/Corporate%20-
%20Marketing/National_Landscapes_Outcome_Report.PDF

A new survey from GetThere, an online corporate booking tool used by companies around the world has found that companies are prepared to spend more to send people on the road for business. The survey of corporate travel managers at top businesses and organizations around the globe at the end of last year received responses from more than 60 companies and organisations, most of them based in North America.

Further information: http://www.getthere.com/

Intelligent Spas has published the first Spa Industry Report for Asia Pacific containing data on 42 countries across the region.

The research covers total industry revenue and employment numbers by country, plus which spa markets are supported by industry associations and government departments, enforce legal requirements and training standards, and practice traditional spa therapies.

The report aims to assist stakeholders recognise changes in the marketplace, adapt business strategies and identify new business opportunities.

Further information: http://www.intelligentspas.com/MediaReleases
/News_Release_Regional_Spa_Industry_Report_Asia_Pacific_Apr_2011.asp

One of the world’s leading websites for hotel bookings has launched two new smart phone applications for iPhone and Android phones.

The new applications are available in over 30 languages allowing travellers to search and book more than 20,000 accommodation deals from over 135,000 hotels around the world.

The apps act as an extension of their website allowing travellers to begin researching accommodation options, browse user reviews, access hotel deals and manage accommodation choices.

Further information: http://www.hotels.com/

The United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) Sustainable Development of Tourism Program aims to promote the sustainable development of tourism globally. The program supports and ensures UNWTO participation in global processes relating to sustainable tourism, undertakes research on related aspects such as poverty alleviation, heritage and biodiversity and provides tools, guidance and capacity building to members on sustainability matters.

Further information: http://www.unwto.org/sdt/

Colorado Ski Country in the USA encompassing 22 member resorts, 28,791 skiable acres and 1,749 trails offers a wide variety of terrain by utilising the natural landscape of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains. The organisation is highlighting resort environmental efforts by implementing new means of generating and conserving energy, sourcing more sustainable ways of construction and snowmaking, and making it a priority to give back to their communities.

Further information: http://www.coloradoski.com/page/cscusa-history-contact

The iconic Great Ocean Road including the Twelve Apostles and world-famous Bells Beach has been placed on Australia's National Heritage List.

It becomes the 92nd place on a list of Australia's most valued natural, Indigenous and historic heritage sites. Places listed in the National Heritage List are protected under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.

Further information: http://www.environment.gov.au/minister/burke /2011/mr20110407.html

The National Tourism Planning Guide was recently launched at the 56th meeting of the Tourism Ministers' Council as part of implementing the National Long-Term Tourism Strategy and will assist planners identify and reduce barriers to tourism investment.

The guide provides a tool for local and state government planners, the Guide will assist with decision making regarding approvals for new tourism developments such as hotels, cellar doors, restaurants, tourism attractions or resorts.

Further information: http://www.ret.gov.au/tourism/Documents/tmc/
NationalTourismPlanningGuide_a_best_practice_approach.pdf

The Irish Government has lowered the value added tax (VAT) rate to 9 percent from the current 13.5 percent and aims to reduce the air travel tax to zero subject to an agreement being reached with the airlines.

The new rate will apply to restaurant and catering services, hotel accommodation, various entertainment services, hairdressing, brochures, maps and newspapers will also be charged at the new rate. The purpose of this targeted tax relief is to boost tourism and stimulate employment in the sector.

Further information: http://www.revenue.ie/en/tax/vat/rates/rate-changes-jobs-initiative.html