There's Nothing Like Australia

with Caroline Booth

What better way to welcome the new
autumn season than mingling with friendly company on a warm evening at the funky Airship37 event venue in Toronto’s
Distillery District. This was the scene last week when Tourism Australia
invited its travel partners to meet the team and learn about what’s new in the
land down under.

“Cheers to everybody!” said Robert
Keddy, Head of Commercial Partnerships, The Americas Tourism Australia.
Referencing the Canadian market, Keddy was pleased to report that after a
challenging year in 2013-14, 2015 has seen positive growth (up 5.8%) with
142,600 arrivals. More important in terms of numbers,
is the total market spend which is up 12% and the total target customer spend
which is up 16%, all thanks to the combined efforts of its partners. Cheers
indeed!

When questioned about Canada’s
relationship with Australia, Keddy replied that Canadians have an affinity with the country because of the Commonwealth.
Canadians go to Australia because they see it as a value destination that is safe and offers experiences such as food and wine, culture,
beaches and coastal. According to Keddy, Canadians are not deterred by long
haul destinations and usually stay longer than our American counterparts. A
typical trip will average just over 16 days. Canadians are also adventurous and
curious and will venture into areas less travelled by visitors such as the
Western regions, the Red Centre and Norther Territory
in addition to the more popular city destinations. 

To make the journey a little easier Keddy announced that AC will begin
non-stop flights from YVR to BNE 3 times a
week starting June 17
^th operated with a 787 aircraft.

For
the remainder of 2015 and into 2016 Tourism Australia will continue to entice
visitors with campaigns revolving around
Restaurant Australia food and
wine experiences. Campaigns will also highlight culture and Indigenous events,
and 2016 will focus on themes of coastal beaches and aquatic. Those familiar
with the work of broadcaster and naturalist Sir David Attenborough may be
interested to know that he recently visited
the Great Barrier Reef for the 1st time in 60 years and has made a documentary that shows off the Reef in ways never
seen before. Dates for the Canadian release are to be determined and definitely
something to look out for. 

Also present this evening were the friendly folks from
Air New Zealand. Guests were offered an exclusive preview of the airline’s new
Economy Skycouch™ and Premium Economy Spaceseat. But how does one try out seats
on a plane without the plane? By getting on a
bus of course! Parked outside the front door of Airpship37 was a custom
designed and decorated tour bus where guests could get on and get comfy.
Toronto was the 3
^rd stop of NZ’s North
American
Pleased To Seat You Tour that started in YVR and is currently winding its way through the U.S. with HOU as its final destination.

Starting 25OCT
pax will get to try the real thing on the newly refurbished Boeing
777-200 flight from YVR to AKL. NZ has increased capacity by 10% for YVR’s Winter
and Summer itineraries.

The airline is currently in year 2
of a 3
 year partnership with Tourism Australia. Keep an eye
out at the beginning of October for a coop campaign featuring 1 great price to
6 Australian gateways including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Cairns Adelaide and
The Gold Coast. The launch of the campaigns 2
^nd phase will take
place in spring of 2016.

Last but not least for an evening chock full of news and updates was the
announcement that the much anticipated new
Aussie Specialist Programwebsite is now live. The site features responsive design, a new
interactive map, a “my sales tool” feature and new qualifications badges. Be
sure to check it out.