34 REGION OCEANIA
34 REGION OCEANIA Monitored arrivals throughout the year have indicated significant increases in visitation to the Cook Islands, French Polynesia, Samoa, Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu. However, as Chris Flynn, Regional Director, Pacific for PATA (Pacific Asia Travel Association), explains, Fiji remains the most popular destination representing more than 50% of all arrivals to the Pacific region. Australia and New Zealand remain the dominant source markets for all Pacific Islands tourism arrivals, but indications suggest we will see strong growth from both the US and EU markets in 2017. We also expect a noticeable increase in Chinese arrivals, although this is from a relatively low base. A key driver of growth has been increased air access to the region as airlines expand their route networks to capitalise on new emerging markets. In particular we see that Air Nuguini’s continued expansion into Asia coupled with increased capacity within the Pacific. This will Chris Flynn Regional Director, Pacific for PATA (Pacific Asia Travel Association) Tourism Continues to Flourish in The Oceania Region 2017 final results for the Oceania region show continued growth of tourist arrivals for the majority of Pacific Island Nations ensure passengers have the ability to use Port Moresby as a key gateway to the region. Likewise, the recent announcement by Air Calin to completely revamp their entire jet fleet guarantees they will be in good shape to capitalise on international and regional growth opportunities. Other carriers such as Air Vanuatu and Fiji Airways have also increased regional capacity with new and improved A KEY DRIVER OF GROWTH HAS BEEN INCREASED AIR ACCESS TO THE REGION AS AIRLINES EXPAND THEIR ROUTE NETWORKS TO CAPITALISE ON NEW EMERGING MARKETS. services expected to be rolled out in 2018 and beyond. The re-establishment of Samoa Airways, formerly Polynesian Airlines, as the national carrier of the country was an exciting development in 2017. Operating to Samoa’s key sources markets of Australia and New Zealand, the new Samoa Airlines builds upon a long well-established history. Working in conjunction with the Samoa Tourism Authority we can expect a vibrant partnership to emerge, designed to increased market share though tactical marketing initiatives and increased distribution. One of the most noticeable drivers of increased visitation to the region has been the rapid rise of the cruise sector. Being extremely attractive cruise destinations in their own right, Australia and New Zealand produce the majority of Pacific island cruise visitors with approximately 66% of all Australian departures having a Pacific component to their itineraries. Similarly, around 52% of all New Zealand cruise passenger visit the Pacific region. I believe the positive developments we have witnessed during the previous two years have created a much stronger platform for growth. I am confident therefore that, barring any major regional upsets, 2018 should be another positive year for tourism arrivals for the Oceanic region NEW TOURING MAP RELEASED FOR CHINESE VISITORS TO NEW ZEALAND The i-SITE network has released a Chinese version of their popular New Zealand touring map for the first time. The map is designed to support the more than 400,000 visitor arrivals from China each year, providing key targeted driver safety information. The touring map will equip Chinese visitors with detailed information about driving on the left side of the road, driving to the conditions, wearing seatbelts, giving way, overtaking and potential hazards. “First and foremost, we want all visitors to be safe when travelling in New Zealand,” says i-SITE Executive Manager, Paul Yeo. “Language is often a barrier for our Chinese visitors, so the touring map has been designed to simply and clearly explain driving hazards and rules for these visiting drivers to make for a safer, more enjoyable New Zealand visitor experience.” MILLENNIAL TRAVELLERS DRAWN TO AUTHENTIC CULTURAL CONNECTION Tourism New Zealand and Contiki have joined forces to promote New Zealand as a place with unique and authentic cultural connections. The origins, meaning and importance of the haka are powerfully told in the partnership’s main piece of content - a moving video showcasing the haka but also the warm manaakitanga (welcome and hospitality) for which New Zealand is known. The video launched on 19 January and racked up over 194k views along with an impressive 2,000 shares within three days Hall 5.2a/ Stand 120 ITB BERLIN NEWS • Thursday 1 st March 2018 www.itb-berlin-news.com
OCEANIA REGION 35 Stone the Crows, Mate! Tourism Australia invites Americans down under with a new Crocodile Dundee inspired tourism campaign Tourism Australia created the “buzz” in the first quarter of this year with the creation of a new advertisement campaign targeting the US market. Starring Danny McBride and Chris Hemsworth, with a cameo from Paul “Crocodile Dundee” Hogan himself, a 60-second commercial begins as a typical movie trailer, but slowly and comically unravels, becoming a flagrant excuse to highlight Australia’s dazzling locations and fine array of food and wine. Presented as a buddy comedy, the movie features Danny McBride as Brian Dundee, the longlost son of Mick Dundee and Chris Hemsworth as his sidekick, Wally Jr. The all-Australian supporting cast has an impressive roll call of Hollywood heavyweights and homegrown talent, including Hugh Jackman, Margot Robbie, Russell Crowe, Ruby Rose, Liam Hemsworth, Isla Fisher, Luke Bracey and Jessica Mauboy. The teasers led viewers to believe that Mick “Crocodile” Dundee was lost in the outback, and only the American son no one knew he had would be able to find him. Cue Brian Dundee returning to the Australian outback to find his father. The teaser films and promotional campaign encouraged fans to tune in to see the “official movie trailer” during the Big Game, where the Tourism Australia campaign was ultimately revealed. Tourism Australia Managing Director John O’Sullivan said the US was a critical market for Australia, with American visitors spending .7bn over the past 12 months. “Despite rating highly in terms of aspiration and intention, we still have more work to do when it comes to converting American interest in Australia into actual visits. That’s the challenge that this new campaign is seeking to address Hall 5.2a/ Stand 119 INTERCONTENTAL OPENS IN PERTH CITY CENTRE InterContinental Hotels Group has opened its latest property - InterContinental Perth City Centre – in October 2017. “The King Street Precinct” sets a charming scene for the 16-storey hotel which offers 240 guest rooms, studios and suites as well as a sophisticated Club InterContinental, a collection of new dining and bar options plus a meeting suite concept. Designed by Woods Bagot, particular attention has been paid to curating an extensive art collection, with many works commissioned especially for the new hotel from leading West Australian painters, ceramicists, glassblowers and sculptors. Works will be displayed throughout the hotel’s public spaces as well as in each guest room. Australia’s Signature Experiences Tourism Australia has partnered with industry to develop Signature Experiences of Australia - a program which packages and promotes Australia’s outstanding tourism experiences within a variety of niche areas and special interest categories. With world class natural beauty and nature being one of the key drivers for longhaul travellers from Germany, France and Italy, the Australian signature experiences offer the best experiences across Australia. Australian Wildlife journeys, Aboriginal Experiences as well as Great Walks and Luxury Lodges set in breath taking landscapes lead the way when it comes to a perfect stay in Australia. Recent new entries are: Australian Wildlife Journeys: FNQ Nature Tours, a Cairns based tour company. The region is one of the world’s most important areas for biodiversity, with 2800 plant species, 663 vertebrate animal species, including 65 percent of Australia’s fern species, 30 percent of Australia’s orchid species and 35 per cent of Australia’s mammals, including two species of tree kangaroo. Great Walks of Australia: the spectacular Three Capes Track as the latest addition to the collective – Three Capes Lodge Walk. In total, there are now 13 walks in the group, 5 of which are based in Tasmania. This walk is operated by Tasmanian Walking Company who also operate the Cradle Mountain Huts Walk and Bay of Fires Lodges Walk. The new, fully-guided walk experience along Tasmania’s dramatic Tasman Peninsula includes incredible views of dolerite spires, marine and birdlife in an environment with 37,000 years of history and exclusive use of the brand new luxurious and sustainable eco lodges, the only private accommodation allowed within the Tasman National Park. The first departure is 1 September 2018 ITB BERLIN NEWS • Thursday 1 st March 2018
