Victoria makes bid for more Chinese tourists

The Victorian Government is launching an $8 million campaign to market Melbourne and regional Victoria to China.

Tourism Victoria will lead the scheme, in a bid to make China the state's largest international visitor market by 2014.

The Tourism Forecasting Committee predicts more tourists will come from China in four years time than from the traditional markets of New Zealand and the United Kingdom.

The campaign will begin next year and promote Victoria's sights, wildlife and history.

Appeal for big Vic tourism investment (Tourism Victoria)

Business chiefs have called for a big state government investment in tourism along the Victorian coast, saying it would lure more visitors to the state, encourage them to stay longer and boost regional economies.

Victorian Employers Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief executive Wayne Kayler-Thomson urged the government to make tourism infrastructure a priority in its regional blueprint, to be released next month.

VECCI is calling for maritime projects, including a car ferry service from Phillip Island to Stony Point, on the Mornington Peninsula. Mr Kayler-Thomson said the service had been identified as a top-priority tourism project in Victoria, and would complete a coastal link for tourists driving from Sydney to as far as South Australia.

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Soccer: History suggests All Whites are in with a shout

MELBOURNE - Soccer's world ratings and bookmakers confirm New Zealand's status as rank outsiders for tonight's pre-World Cup friendly against Australia at the MCG - but a virtual cricket score is no formality for the Socceroos.

Australia do not expect the All Whites to spoil their send off for South Africa but history suggests New Zealand - ranked a lowly 78 and $11 outsiders - are prone to embarrassing their better-credentialed neighbours at the most opportune moments.

New Zealand has twice prevented Australia - currently ranked 20th by FIFA - qualifying for the sport's global showpiece. They also surprisingly sabotaged two lucrative Confederations Cup campaigns the Socceroos figured were a formality.

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Metro Apartments Melbourne defy tourism slump - A Melbourne Servced Apartment

Located in a unique 100-year old Victorian building complete with rough hewn bluestone façade, Metro Apartments on Bank Place in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD, sets a new benchmark for stylish yet affordable inner city accommodation.

According to George Bedwani, Chief Operating Officer of Metro Hospitality Group, this particular property continues to defy the economic climate, maintaining strong occupancy despite a downturn in leisure and corporate travel to Melbourne during the last financial year.

“The Apartments are very popular and enjoy significant repeat business, largely due to their central location, personalised service only a boutique hotel of this size can offer, and their competitive rates.

“Guests have the luxury of staying in a fully serviced studio or one bedroom boutique apartment in one of the city’s central and most exclusive locations, with rates starting from $125 per night for a studio room and $135 for a one bedroom apartment,” Mr Bedwani said.

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Russell Brand returns to perform for the first time at Melbourne’s Rod Laver Arena

Russell Brand, England’s most scandalous comedian, brings his infamously hilarious, quick-witted and charismatic dandy charm to Australia this June.

Following a sold-out March 2009 tour, Brand returns to perform for the first time at Melbourne’s Rod Laver Arena.

Brand will also be appearing at the Sydney premiere of his latest movie Get Him To The Greek on 11 June.

The film, which opens nationally on June 17 (distributed by Universal Pictures), stars Brand, reprising his stand out roll of dissolute rock star Aldous Snow, his character from the 2008 box office hit Forgetting Sarah Marshall, teaming up again with director Nicholas Stoller and writer Jason Segel.

Of life experiences Brand’s had a tad more than most 34-year olds.

An unhappy childhood in Essex, stints in rehab, infamous run-ins with MTV and the BBC have fueled his comedy, ultimately resulting in colossal achievement and a notorious celebrity.

Brand’s resume now boasts a number of feature films, with more on the horizon including remakes of Arthur and Drop Dead Fred, a best selling autobiography, TV series, radio show, newspaper column, countless TV appearances including hosting the NME, Brit and MTV Awards, and numerous stand-up tours selling-out shows across the UK and US.

TOUR DATE*:
Wed 9 Jun - Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne
*Ticketek is selling for the above venue only.

Need Melbourne Accommodation for the above event, Metro Apartments on Bank Place is an excellent serviced apartment accommodation provider in Melbourne's CBD.

100th anniversary of 1st Aussie flight! (Melbourne Museum)

The 100th anniversary of powered flight in Australia fell yesterday, but until now very few people could have named Australia’s first aviator. It was Harry Houdini, American master magician and escapologist.
Houdini specialised in astounding feats such as: escaping from a sealed milk can filled with water; getting out of a straitjacket while suspended upside down from a crane atop a high building; being buried alive and digging his way out; escaping from a packing crate after being lowered into New York’s East River. He was also a pioneer aviator.



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