Tourism Victoria Says Melbourne NOW!

Australia's Tourism Victoria has launched a campaign called Melbourne NOW! to encourage tourism to its capital city. The campaign highlights the sophistication of the city, its major hallmark events, the nature and wildlife experiences, and food and wine superiority.
The objectives of Melbourne NOW! are to revitalise and increase the Victorian experiences offered by industry to the travelling consumers; to strengthen the profile and desirability of the destination with the target markets; and to stimulate immediate bookings to Melbourne with increased length of stay and visitor spend.

As part of the online arm of the campaign, Indian travel industry will be challenged to create new travel packages to Melbourne and regional Victoria including only-in-Melbourne experiences. Participating travel agents will create new, innovative and sellable travel itineraries to Melbourne/Victoria and the most innovative itineraries and those that receive the most number of votes by the customers via the social media consumer interface will be awarded. Tourism Victoria will partner with the winning entrant to develop unique cooperative marketing campaigns.
The travelers also stand to win one a once-in-a-lifetime trip which will be based entirely on their preferred itinerary. 

In order to promote the campaign to the trade partners and the audiences, Tourism Vicoria has developed a dedicated website with online media advertising, PR, Electronic Direct Mail (EDMs) and social media platforms.

Tourism Victoria regional manager South and South East Asia Celia Ho said, "The Melbourne NOW! campaign is being introduced at a time where inbound tourism from India to Australia has been on a steady rise and is forecast to increase by an average of eight per cent per annum between 2010 and 2020. If realized this will mean approximately 126,100 visitors from India and associated expenditure of almost $500 million to Victoria. As Australia's most romantic and stylish city, host to major sporting and cultural events such as the Australian Open and Formula 1 Grand Prix, and easy access to unique regional experiences - Melbourne is in prime position to capitalise on this growth."

OVO CIRQUE DU SOLEIL SHOWING IN AUSTRALIA

About The Show - OVO CIRQUE DU SOLEIL



Cirque du Soleil returns to Australia with a spectacular new production for the whole family, presented under the blue-and-yellow Grand Chapiteau (Big Top).

OVO is a headlong rush into a colourful eco-system teeming with life, where insects work, eat, crawl, flutter, play, fight and look for love in a non-stop riot of energy and movement. The insects' home is a world of biodiversity and beauty filled with noisy action and moments of quiet emotion.

When a mysterious egg appears in their midst, the insects are awestruck and intensely curious about this iconic object that represents the enigma and cycles of their lives.

It's love at first sight when a gawky, quirky insect arrives in this bustling community and a fabulous ladybug catches his eye - and the feeling is mutual.

The cast of OVO is comprised of 54 performing artists from 16 countries specializing in many acrobatic acts. One highlight of OVO is the stunning flying trapeze act, in which six flyers soar 40 feet in the air, making this the biggest act of its kind to ever be presented under a big top by Cirque du Soleil. It combines many circus disciplines, including banquine, Russian swing and swinging chair. The finale features 20 artists running, jumping and leaping up a 24-foot vertical wall.

OVO is overflowing with contrasts. The hidden, secret world at our feet is revealed as tender and torrid, noisy and quiet, peaceful and chaotic. And as the sun rises on a bright new day, the vibrant cycle of insect life begins anew.

OVO is written and directed by Deborah Colker.

"Overhead and on-the-ground, OVO is a whimsical infestation. It captivates as a vibrant, magical spectacle."

Chicago Now

"Cirque du Soleil turns bug's world upside-down in spectacular OVO."

Chicago Sun-Times

"Cirque du Soleil 'OVO' delivers the unbelievable. "

Cincinnati Enquirer

"Cirque hatches visual stunner."

Houston Chronicle

"OVO is an astonishing showcase of superhuman feats of strength, balance and contortion."

Houston Press

CITY SHOW DATES:

Brisbane Opens July 14, 2012

Sydney Opens September 13, 2012

Adelaide Opens December 06, 2012

Melbourne Opens January 17, 2013

Perth Opens April 14, 2013

Book at Ticketek

Australasian Worldwide Music Expo a Sounding Board for Music Industry

The Victorian Coalition Government today announced $30,000 funding to support tourism marketing of the 2012 Australasian Worldwide Music Expo (AWME).

Minister for Tourism and Major Events Louise Asher said the Expo contributes to the state's dynamic live music scene by combining both industry-focused initiatives and a diverse public showcase program.

"The AWME is regarded as the southern hemisphere's premier music industry conference and reinforces Victoria's international music credentials," Ms Asher said.

Now in its fifth year, the AWME provides a platform for local, interstate and international artists of indigenous, folk, roots and world music to showcase their talents at a variety of venues across Melbourne.

"The AWME delivers economic benefits with industry delegates and music lovers staying in our hotels during a time of year when traditionally hotel room occupancy is not at full capacity," Ms Asher said.

The 2012 AWME will be held in Melbourne at a variety of venues including the Arts Centre Melbourne, the HiFi and The Toff in Town from 15 to 18 November 2012.

Australasian Worldwide Music Expo a Sounding Board for Music Industry

The Victorian Coalition Government today announced $30,000 funding to support tourism marketing of the 2012 Australasian Worldwide Music Expo (AWME).

Minister for Tourism and Major Events Louise Asher said the Expo contributes to the state's dynamic live music scene by combining both industry-focused initiatives and a diverse public showcase program.

"The AWME is regarded as the southern hemisphere's premier music industry conference and reinforces Victoria's international music credentials," Ms Asher said.

Now in its fifth year, the AWME provides a platform for local, interstate and international artists of indigenous, folk, roots and world music to showcase their talents at a variety of venues across Melbourne.

"The AWME delivers economic benefits with industry delegates and music lovers staying in our hotels during a time of year when traditionally hotel room occupancy is not at full capacity," Ms Asher said.

The 2012 AWME will be held in Melbourne at a variety of venues including the Arts Centre Melbourne, the HiFi and The Toff in Town from 15 to 18 November 2012.

Melbourne Festival Receives Tourism Funding Boost

The Victorian Government announced $75,000 in tourism marketing funding for this year's Melbourne Festival.

Minister for Tourism and Major Events Louise Asher said the funding was provided through the Tourism Victoria Events Program following last year's record attendance at the Melbourne Festival.

"The Melbourne Festival successfully showcases Melbourne's broad arts and cultural tourism appeal. It also closely aligns with the Government's highly successful Play Melbourne tourism campaign which encourages people to awaken their curiosity and explore ever-changing Melbourne on a whim," Ms Asher said.

Member for Caulfield David Southwick said the Melbourne Festival was one of the country's flagship arts festivals, strengthening Melbourne's position as the cultural capital of Australia.

The 2012 Festival has also received more than $6.4 million in funding from Arts Victoria as part of a triennial agreement. The 2012 Melbourne International Festival will be held from 11 to 27 October at various venues throughout Melbourne. The program will be announced later this year.

One Year To Go Until The Next Epic British & Irish Lions Versus Australia Clash

Melbourne will be awash with red when the British & Irish Lions rugby fans come to town in exactly 12 months as part of the Lions’s 2013 Australian tour. The Lions are drawn from the best players in England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales and tour Australia just once every 12 years.

To date more than 15,000 British & Irish Lions supporters have subscribed to travelling to Australia for next year’s tour, and Minister for Tourism and Major Events Louise Asher said that would represent a great tourism outcome for Victoria.

“The tour is part of the Victorian Government’s rugby union events package with Australian Rugby Union and will provide a good economic benefit to Victoria,” Ms Asher said.

The tour kicks off with the Melbourne Rebels vs British & Irish Lions tour match at AAMI Park on 25 June 2013. This is followed by the Qantas Wallabies vs British & Irish Lions Test Match on Saturday 29 June 2013 at Etihad Stadium. The test match is the second of a three-match series. Australian Rugby Union will announce details of ticket sales for the matches in coming weeks.

The 2013 matches will provide excitement for local rugby fans, contributing to Melbourne’s most-liveable lifestyle, and provide significant branding opportunities with a world-wide audience. The city is expected to be inundated with fans from across Australia.

If you are a big Rugby fan and will be in Melbourne for these two great matches why not book your accommodation at Metro Apartments on Bank Place Melbourne www.metrohotels.com.au

Top Five Golden Rules for Female Travellers

Top five Golden rules for female travellers

With 45 percent of woman making up the corporate travel market, International SOS has identified five golden rules to help woman keep safe when travelling for business.

Rule number one: Know Yourself 

Understanding your profile and how that profile may be perceived when you travel is vital. Key areas to consider include your physical appearance, travel experience, personality type and budget.

Rule number two: Do your research

Don’t assume, do your research before you travel and know the geography of the city you are visiting, plus be aware of any cultural differences.

Rule number three: Don’t be an easy target

Plan your flights so you arrive in the daytime especially if you are planning to catch a taxi and always use official taxis.

Rule number four: Be assertive

Be confident as appearing unfamiliar can make you a potential target.  Trust your instincts, if something doesn’t feel right it probably isn’t.

Rule number five: Stay calm in a crisis

Statistics have proven that woman are more prone to harassment, assault and hand bag theft therefore it important to know how to respond in a crisis.  Being prepared is key to reducing risk while on business travel