Widgets, Devils, Ticks & Ayers Rock

TripAdvisor Promotes The Tick

Under a new initiative spearheaded by Tourism Australia, a TripAdvisor micro site will feature Australian tourism products bearing the T-QUAL Tick, the national symbol of accreditation. It is hoped that this initiative with TripAdvisor will help increase awareness of Australia’s quality tourism products. The T-QUAL Tick will also be promoted on a “T-QUAL Tick Tour” in early 2012. Hosted by renowned Australian chef and Friend of Australia, Matt Moran, who will travel around the country and sample T-QUAL accredited tourism products and share his experiences. Details at: www.tripadvisor.com.au/TQUAL

The Devil Close Up

Visitors can now view endangered Tasmanian Devils via a walk-through enclosure at Tasmania’s Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary. The sanctuary, dedicated to the conservation and breeding of the Tasmanian Devil, allows about 20 “retired devils” to live out their days in luxury after playing their part in breeding for an insurance population. The new enclosure comes with a large viewing deck with seats. Visitors can also get an insight into these marsupials by joining a new, twice daily tour, The Devil In Detail, and get an opportunity to feed the creatures.

Interactive App Sells Australia

Under Tourism Australia’s There’s Nothing Like Australia campaign, a new marketing tool, the free Australia Content Widget helps agents to further promote the destination to their customers. The interactive widget can be customized to include a company’s offers and deals, and also provide a direct link to the company’s booking site. The widget contains amazing footage of Australia, appealing images and inspirational content. Available in five languages, the English version of the widget can be accessed at: www.tourism.australia.com/widget/home-english.html.

Accor Expands Into Ayers Rock

Ayers Rock Resort, the largest integrated resort complex in Australia (comprising five hotels – Sails in the Desert, Desert Gardens Hotel, Outback Pioneer & Lodge, Emu Walk Apartments, and Lost Camel Hotel) will now be managed by the Accor group. The properties will retain their respective names but will be aligned to corresponding brands in Accor’s portfolio. Accor is tasked to open up new markets for the Resort, reinvigorate domestic and conference demand, and increase career opportunities for Indigenous Australians. Projects in the pipeline include the opening of a new conference and exhibition centre in August 2012 and extensive refurbishment of the hotels.