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You can contact us by phone on
+61 2 42 275545
or 1800 240 737
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From the manager's desk... |
Here we are almost in the middle of the calendar year and despite it officially being “winter”, our region is still in demand as the perfect holiday destination with warm days and mild nights.
Tourism Wollongong has enjoyed another busy month, with more activity to come as the cooler weather sets in. Last month we were involved with another successful ATE (Australian Tourism Exchange) and are now looking forward to working closer with agents we met at the event.
We also saw the Novotel Northbeach triumphing at the NSW AHA Awards of Excellence, winning the Best Superior Hotel. The award recognises their high standard of service and guest facilities. Congratulations from Tourism Wollongong on behalf of all our members.
It’s whale season – with the first creatures of the year sighted off the Grand Pacific Drive. Meanwhile, there are some other great events coming up, so watch this space for all the details.
Until next month
Greg Binskin
General Manager
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Novotel Northbeach triumphs at NSW AHA Awards |
Novotel Northbeach took out the top honours at the highly regarded AHA 2007 Awards of Excellence last month, receiving significant industry recognition for its customer service and guest facilities.
The property won the Best Regional Superior Hotel award, delighting General Manager, Walter Immoos, who said "the honour reinforced the confidence in the hotel’s services and facilities and encouraged staff to continue their efforts in maintaining the highest standards of service."
“We are honoured that Novotel Northbeach has been awarded this prestigious award,” he said. “The opinions of our guests and our peers and their continued support are very important to us.”
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It's that time of year again... NSW Tourism Award Seminars |
If you’ve watched with envy as your peers take centre stage at the annual Tourism Awards ceremonies and wondered how to prepare a potentially award-winning submission for your own business, then don’t miss the two seminars being held in Wollongong.
Tourism NSW along with NSW Tourism Industry Council and Illawarra Tourism are hosting two seminars on Thursday 7 June at the WIN Sports and Entertainment Centre at 10:30am and 12:30pm, to assist operators who are planning on entering the State tourism awards, by providing insight into ways to best complete the submissions.
Even if you’re only planning on entering the regional tourism awards, these are great opportunities to pick up some award winning tips.
For more information, please call Shan Lawson, NSW Tourism Awards Coordinator on 0408 153 605 or via email.
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Grand Pacific Drive showcased at ATE |
At the largest gathering of International buyers in Australia from both eastern and western hemispheres, with approximately 600 key overseas buyers looking for product to packages and sell. The NSW Tourism Minister, Matt Brown, dropped by to lend his support in promoting the coastal scenic drive south of Sydney.
Tourism Wollongong representatives Greg Binskin and Kate Dombkins cemented the relationships with North and South East Asian buyers and introduced Grand Pacific Drive to the US, New Zealand, UK and European markets.
The positive feedback and plans to become more active in the Western markets, will see the coastal scenic drive become a popular 'must see and do' in the Sydney itineraries.
Federal Minister for Tourism Fran Bailey, launched Tourism Australia's revamped Australia.com website at ATE, click here for more information.
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Wollongong Conference & Events - Canberra Roadshow |
The region’s attractiveness as a conference and events destination will be highlighted when Tourism Wollongong representatives Vera Cvetkoski, Rachael Lihou and key operators head to Canberra to showcase the Illawarra at the Canberra Roadshow this month.
The event is targeted at Professional Conference Organisers and Government agencies which is set down for June 6-7 at the Rydges Canberra.
Another activity for Wollongong Conference & Events include two famils hosted in May with Professional Conference Organisers, showcasing a sample of the region’s conference and event products for pre and post touring options. For more information, contact Vera or Rachael on 02 4228 0300 or via email.
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Grand Mercure comes to Illawarra |
Kiama Blue will join the prestigious Accor Hotels stable via their Grand Mercure Hotel brand, following the signing of an agreement last month.
Managed by 2T Hotel Services, this is a great boom for the region and especially Grand Pacific Drive. We will now be able to offer potential visitors another internationally recognised hotel brand in the southern section of the drive.
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Grand Pacific Drive continues to impress |
May was another busy month for famils to the region, with a group of Chinese print media journalists visiting the region to experience the variety of products on offer.
We also had the pleasure of hosting a Korean ITO, WIN Tours, highlighting some of the key experiences along the coastal route.
And our visitors don’t get all the fun! Another industry famil has been set down for Tourism Wollongong members to become more acquainted with recreation and eating out products throughout the city. Watch this space for more information. For any enquiries, please contact Greg Soster on 02 4228 0300 or via email.
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The South Coast whaling season has got off to an encouraging start, with 10 humpback sightings in Jervis Bay in the first week.
Clear, still waters and a bright sunny sky made for fantastic, calm viewing conditions when they sighted 10 humpbacks close to the cliffs off Point Perpendicular. Fast becoming known as NSW's best whale watching destination, Dolphin Watch Cruises - Jervis Bay provides some of the best whale watching along the east coast of Australia.
Last year’s season (May to November) was the best ever in terms of whale sightings, however this year is expected to be even better.
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Membership
Well, the time is drawing near to renew your membership with Tourism Wollongong for 2007/08. Please keep an eye on your mailbox for the arrival of renewal information.
If you require further information on renewing your membership, please email or call Greg Soster on 02 4228 0300.
Guides
For those who wish to express interest in advertising in the 2008 Tourism Wollongong Guides, please email or phone Greg Soster on 02 4228 0300.
Images
Please send through any updated images of your property to Greg Soster.
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'Talking Tourism' Diary Date |
Members of Tourism Wollongong will have the opportunity to get together and network at the 'Talking Tourism' Networking function set for Tuesday July 24.
Watch this space for more information on this vital experience for anyone looking to expand their business. Meantime, mark your diary!
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What: Disney on Ice "Finding Nemo"
When: Thursday, 14 June 2007 - Sunday, 17 June 2007
How: You loved the movie and now see NEMO and his friends live on ice!
Where: WIN Entertainment Centre, Cnr Crown and Harbour Street's, Wollongong
For more information: Click here or call 02 4220 2828
What: Race Day @ Kembla Grange
When: Saturday, 16 June 2007
How: Lord Mayor's Cup Race Day
Where: Princes Highway, Kembla Grange
For more information: Click here or call 02 4261 7211.
What: Innovation Week "World Environment Day"
When: Tuesday, 5 June 2007
How: Celebrations of World Environment Day at the Botanic Gardens
Where: Botanic Gardens Murphy's Avenue, North Wollongong
For more information: Click here or call 02 4226 9147
What: NSW Netball - Sydney Swifts vs Darters
When: Friday, 29 June 2007
How: Enjoy a great game of Netball with your family friends.
Where: WIN Entertainment Centre, Cnr Crown and Harbour Street's, Wollongong
For more information: Click here or call 02 4220 2828
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