Galaxy 1 Set for Cruise Control
March 2008
Galaxy 1, a luxury 26 meter superyacht based at Marina Mirage in Port Douglas, has recently undergone a significant overhaul of all of their marketing activities in line with their decision to base their operations in Tropical North Queensland.
This superbly appointed vessel was previously located in Sydney, but with the growth and demand for luxury charter vessels on the Great Barrier Reef, the owner of Galaxy 1, Sydney based businessman Ian Holmes, a long time visitor to the region, decided to reposition the vessel to cater to this market.
In line with her relocation, Galaxy 1 has recently released a new brochure and a new website www.galaxycharters.com, both resources aimed at highlighting not only Galaxy 1, but also the spectacular area of Tropical North Queensland.
Captain of Galaxy 1 Nick Atkinson said "We have attempted to showcase some of the very special areas of this region with some sample itineraries that have been developed with the discerning travellers interests in mind. "Some of these itineraries capture the World Heritage Rainforests of the Daintree, as well as the frontier town of Cooktown and the island retreat of Lizard Island". Mr Atkinson went on to say "The wonderful thing about Galaxy 1, is that it is so flexible with where it can go and what our passengers can experience."
Galaxy 1 is one of the few luxury superyachts in the area that can offer Scuba diving as an optional activity, while the onboard wave runner, sea kayaks and snorkelling equipment offer water based activities to suit most passenger's experience.
Etch Tourism Marketing has been charged with offering Galaxy 1 to the international and domestic tourism market. "Galaxy 1 has been readily accepted by the tourism industry, particularly those operators specialising in the luxury market" Michael Nelson Managing Director of Etch Tourism Marketing said. "The Great Barrier Reef continues to be a must see attraction for any visitor to Australia and Galaxy 1 offers an unrivalled luxury experience to this extraordinary part of our region.
Galaxy 1 offers day charters to the Great Barrier Reef from Port Douglas for a maximum of 12 passengers. Alternatively, overnight charters can also be offered from Port Douglas, Cairns or even the Whitsundays for up to 6 passengers in total luxury complete with onboard chef and fully experienced crew.
Rose Gums Wilderness Retreat - Cairns Highlands Most Unique Accommodation
March 2008
Rose Gums Wilderness Retreat are again staking their claim as one of the leading boutique accommodation houses on the Cairns Highlands with the opening of their newest development, a new reception facility.
The reception facility was a natural expansion to the property after Rose Gums added an additional 4 timber pole tree houses to make Rose Gums the largest boutique accommodation provider on the Cairns Highlands last year. In addition to this most recent development, Rose Gums has also opened their restaurant "Mr Lee's Kitchen" to seven nights a week and also introduced a carbon credits program in conjunction with their ongoing reforestation program.
The results of this expansion are apparent with the retreat doubling their international business in the last 12 months. Owner of Rose Gums Peta Nott said "We are seeing a very visible increase in our guests from both the UK and Europe" Mrs Nott went on to say that "We are constantly hearing from visitors that Rose Gums and the Cairns Highlands have been a highlight of their itinerary, which shows that this area certainly meets the expectations of international visitors.
This ongoing feedback has strengthened the decision by Rose Gums to target the Western Hemisphere tourism markets over the last 12 months by appointing Etch Tourism Marketing to introduce the retreat to these key areas. Managing Director of Etch Tourism Michael Nelson said "We are constantly told that visitors to Australia are seeking real experiences and real engagements with Australia and with Australians. This is exactly what Rose Gums offers, and is why they are having the success they are.
Rose Gums Wilderness Retreat is located on the Cairns Highlands just over an hours drive from Cairns. The retreat offers nine timber pole tree houses set in rainforest adjoining the World Heritage Woorooonooran National Park. Most recently Rose Gums took out the "Best Unique Accommodation" category at the Tourism Tropical North Queensland Awards for the third time which now places them into the Tourism Hall of Fame. They were also finalists at the Queensland Tourism Awards for the same category.
Cape York Refreshed And Open
March 2008
After a spectacular wet season, Cape York Peninsula is superbly refreshed and open for business with the 2008 tourism season set to commence on 1st May 2008. Australia's last frontier encompasses over 100,000 square kilometres of untouched wilderness and this itself is the Cape's chief attraction.
Leading Cape York operator, Cairns-based Wilderness Challenge, is looking forward to the dry season's blue skies and fresh air.
"There's a wonderful energy about the Cape after the land has been refreshed by the rains," explains spokesperson Russell Boswell.
"For us, it's as if the wet season is a gate or a door to the Cape. It's just opening up now. For first time visitors, Cape York is the real Australia so many of us imagine: connecting with the land and the people there is the visitor's reward.
"For return tavellers, it's about re-tracing steps to familiar ground. Knowing some of the birds or revisiting places you remember is very special. New sites like Jowalbinna Rock Art Safari Camp are providing amazing new experiences in the Cape."
Now the wet is over, this year's visitor season is beginning with the first of Wilderness Challenge's new 2008 safari dates. Upper Cape York is accessed by 7-14 day camping and accommodated safaris beginning in May, and lower Cape York is explored on 3 day Rock Art, Rainforest and Cooktown safaris.
Big Cat Green Island Reef Cruises Fits Out For The
New Season
March 2008
Leading Cairns based reef operator, Big Cat Green Island Reef Cruises is investing a significant sum on an extensive refit of their entire reef fleet.
The fleet made up of the 330 seat "Big Cat" and the 130 seat "Reef Rocket" will both be taken off line over coming months, as Big Cat Green Island Reef Cruises looks to maintain their place as Cairns's leading operator of cruises to Green Island.
General Manager of Big Cat Green Island Reef Cruises Kim Thomas said "The level of passenger comfort and facilities is one of our biggest considerations. This refit is designed to keep our fleet in line with the most modern infrastructure available.
The refit will entail significant exterior enhancements and an extensive mechanical overhaul for both vessels with "Big Cat" receiving a new lunch buffet and tabletops as well as the installation of new bathrooms. "Reef Rocket" will receive new seats and carpets throughout.
The refit is currently being undertaken with no disruption to passengers and will be completed by the end of May.
Meanwhile, Big Cat Green Island Reef Cruises's sister product Cairns Sunset Cruises has officially extended their operations to five nights per week. Director of Sales and Marketing Sharon Livingston said "The support for this product has been overwhelming, particularly with group operators who are looking to welcome their groups to Cairns in a very unique way. With the increased patronage expected from this extension of operating nights, we feel it will only be a matter of time before this product runs seven nights a week".
Cairns Sunset Cruises departs from the Reef Fleet Terminal at 5:30pm returning at 7:00pm at a cost of $19pp.
Big Cat Green Island Reef Cruises is a multiaward winning reef operator with daily cruises to the stunning coral cay of Green Island. Most recently Big Cat Green Island Reef Cruises won the Tourism Tropical North Queensland Award for Major Tour and Transport operator for the third year in a row putting them into the Tourism Hall of Fame.
Aboriginal Experiences of North Queensland continues
their expansion
March 2008
The dynamic collection of products that make up Aboriginal Experiences of North Queensland is continuing their push into the international tourism market with the ongoing expansion and development of all their individual tours and products.
Walker Family Tours based on the Bloomfield Track at Wujal Wujal, approximately 90 minutes North of Cape Tribulation is set to begin this seasons operation with the arrival of their food services van. The van has been custom built and will significantly improve the morning/afternoon tea and lunch services that were introduced by the family last year.
The last 12 months have been significant for this fledgling business, with a large number of tour operators now including the Walker Family's signature walking tour into their Cape York program. Family spokesperson Francis Walker said "We are now seeing people from all over the world making the trip to Bloomfield Falls to walk with us. We are constantly being told that our tour is the highlight of their trip to Australia and we just love showcasing our traditional land to these visitors". Walker Family Tours offers an interpretive walking tour into the Bloomfield Falls. It is approximately 45 minutes in duration and departs 7 days a week.
Meanwhile on the Western coast of Cape York, Encounter Cape York, one of the most experiential tourism products to be released into the market last year, has confirmed their departure dates for 2008. Encounter Cape York includes 3 nights with Cape York Turtle Rescue, 3 nights on Aurukun Wetland Charters with private air charters making the connection between the different experiences. The first departure for Encounter Cape York will depart on Saturday 28th June and already bookings are being taken. Travellers experiencing Encounter Cape York will be rewarded with an surpassed experience into an area widely regarded as one of the last frontiers of Australia.
All of the products included in Aboriginal Experiences of North Queensland are being mentored by Don and Judy Freeman of Freeman Productions under the Federal Governments Indigenous Business Ready Scheme. Etch Tourism Marketing was appointed by Freeman Productions in October of 2006 to represent these products in the wider tourism market.
Luxury Encounters With Galaxy One - New Product
December 2007
Launched in 1996 and extensively refitted in 2006, MY Galaxy 1 is a 26 metre luxury super yacht based in the stunningly beautiful area that is Tropical North Queensland. Sleek, sophisticated and superbly appointed, Galaxy 1 is designed for indulgence and will satisfy the most discerning traveler.
Permanently berthed in Port Douglas, Galaxy One is available for a maximum of 12 people for day charters to the Great Barrier Reef. Alternatively, sleeping 6 passengers comfortably, Galaxy One is perfectly designed for extended multi day cruise itineraries aimed at exploring and experiencing one of the natural wonders of the world.
Designed over three decks, Galaxy embraces all that is unique about the Tropical North. Al fresco dining, prepared by Galaxy's on board chef, canapés and sunset drinks on the forward deck, or relaxing on the sunset deck, Galaxy will be a highlight of any itinerary. Interior appointments of Galaxy include an air-conditioned saloon deck and formal dining area as well as three staterooms all with their own ensuite.
In preparation of it's introduction to the wider tourism industry, Galaxy has designed a number of specialized itineraries that are intended to offer a very special encounter with Tropical North Queensland. All of these itineraries are contained in Galaxy's new brochure which can be downloaded here.
More departures, more nights and more awards
December 2007
Big Cat Green Island Reef Cruises continues to be one of Cairns's leading reef cruise operators winning more awards, adding more departures and continuing to create more products for visitors to experience the Great Barrier Reef.
Earlier in 2007, Big Cat launched it's newest reef product, a full day reef experience departing Cairns at 11am. "Since starting this departure, the take up has been incredible" says General Manager Kim Thomas. "We are seeing more and more operators, particularly group operators interested in this product, as it offers their travelers a more leisurely encounter with the reef. Group itineraries tend to be very busy and this product still offers 4 hours on Green Island while offering a more relaxing start to the day than conventional reef tours.
Big Cat Green Island Reef Cruises sister product Cairns Habitat Cruises has also announced an increase in the number of operating nights for Cairns Sunset Cruises from 3 to 5 nights per week. Originally conceived to offer Cairns locals a "Friday night after work drink option" Cairns Sunset Cruises has had enormous appeal, again for group operators, looking for an economical option to introduce their group to Cairns. Departing from the Reef Fleet Terminal, Cairns Sunset Cruises, takes in the lights and sights of Cairns while cruising Trinity Inlet. Arriving back to the Terminal at 7pm, guests are then invited to enjoy one of the many restaurants along the Cairns Marina.
Big Cat Green Island Reef Cruises has capped off a wonderful year, by taking out the category for Major Tour and Transport Operator at the recent Tourism Tropical North Queensland Awards for the third year in a row. Big Cat General Manager Kim Thomas "This is an extraordinary achievement given the quality and number of reef operators in Cairns. To win this award three years in a row is true testament to the excellence that all at Big Cat strive for and to how well Green Island rates as a destination for our passengers. This win now places Big Cat Green Island Reef Cruises into the Hall of Fame.
Aboriginal Experiences of North Queensland forges ahead
December 2007
Aboriginal Experiences of North Queensland comprises some of the most dynamic Aboriginal experiences in Australia. The collective brand encompasses , Cape York Turtle Rescue, Aurukun Wetland Charters, Walker Family Tours and Encounter Cape York, all of which have recorded substantial growth in the last 12 months.
The next 12 months however, promises to be even more positive, with extensive exposure and support in international programs throughout the Western Hemisphere and Domestic Australia, as well as inclusion in a significant number of extended touring programs with Cape York operators.
Cape York is widely regarded as one of this country's last frontiers and these products offer an interaction with this area and with Aboriginal Australia that truly defines experiential Australia.
Comments from visitors who this year, have experienced these products, have been outstanding and with these comments has come the confirmation of the suitability of these products for the international market.
The successes achieved this year have been on the back of a dedicated marketing effort, including sales trips to the UK, Europe, the US and around Australia, as well as attendance at the Australian Tourism Exchange, where in 2008, all products will again be present.
All of the products included in Aboriginal Experiences of North Queensland are being mentored by Don and Judy Freeman of Freeman Productions under the Federal Governments Indigenous Business Ready Scheme. Etch Tourism Marketing was appointed by Freeman Productions in October of last year to represent these products in the wider tourism market.
Rose Gums's Award Winning Ways
December 2007
Rose Gums Wilderness Retreat has capped off an amazing year with the retreat taking out the Tourism Tropical North Queensland Awards for Best Unique Accommodation.
This is the third year in a row that Rose Gums has won this award, which will now see the retreat inducted into the Tourism Hall of Fame. Following on from the TTNQ awards, Rose Gums was also nominated as a finalist in the Queensland Tourism Awards in the same category.
Rose Gums Wilderness Retreat is the largest boutique accommodation property on the spectacular Cairns Highlands and remains at the forefront of marketing this area to international visitors. With initiatives, this year including an expansion to nine timber pole tree houses, a carbon credit program in conjunction with an already extensive reforestation program, a complete destinational touring module in conjunction with Australian Wild Escapes, as well as developing their own day touring itineraries for their guests, Rose Gums continues to evolve to meet the growing demand of repeat international visitation.
Owner of Rose Gums Peta Nott said "Our visitors are amazed at the diversity of the highlands. Our guests are telling us it is one of their highlights of their trip to Australia and is a complete contrast to anything that they have already seen.
The future looks very bright for this beautiful retreat, with extensive coverage being offered by international wholesalers. Etch Tourism Marketing has been charged with introducing Rose Gums to the international market. Managing Director Michael Nelson said "There has been enormous interest in Rose Gums in the last 12 months and it is simply because the product suits the Western Hemisphere international markets so well. It is truly an example of experiential Australia.
Rose Gums is an advanced eco accredited boutique wilderness retreat located just over an hour from Cairns. The retreat offers accommodation in nine timber pole tree houses in rainforest adjoining the World Heritage Wooroonooran National Park.
Encountering Cape York
September 2007
Etch Tourism Marketing was pleased to play a part in organizing a famil for nine of Australia's top inbound agents, to Western Cape York and the regions best indigenous products.
The famil was one of the largest ever organised to the area and showcased Aurukun Wetland Charters and Cape York Turtle Rescue. Etch Tourism Marketing was thrilled to be awarded the contract, to represent these products, 12 months ago by Don and Judy Freeman of Freeman Productions who are mentoring the product under the Federal Governments Indigenous Business Ready Scheme.
The agents spent two nights at Cape York Turtle Rescue and were rewarded with some extraordinary interaction with the turtles of the Western Cape, before encountering the spectacular Aurukun Wetlands and members of the Aurukun community for two nights aboard the MV Pikkuw, a live aboard charter vessel which is the perfect base for exploring this incredible part of Australia.
The famil follows some extensive exposure of the products in the UK, Europe and the United States, as well as attending ATE and, of course, distributing the products through inbound tour operators and domestic wholesalers within Australia. These products represent some of the most engaging experiences on offer not only with Aboriginal Australia, but also with an area that is widely regarded as the last frontier in Australia.
Participating in the famil were Inga Afheldt from ATS Pacific, Graziella Caruso from Goway Travel, Allen Brooker from Pan Pacific Travel, Ulrike Bogle from The AOT Group, Natalie Pickett from Southbound Australia, Karen Holloway from Sunlover Holidays, Ausilia Cristiano from Odyssey Travel, Russell Boswell from Wilderness Challenge and Jo Davies from Conservation Volunteers.
Cairns Twilight Cruises Increases Nights Of Operation
September 2007
Cairns Habitat Cruises has announced an additional night to it's newest product "Cairns Twilight Cruises".
Cairns Twilights Cruises offers a calm water cruise on Trinity Inlet and is a perfect option as a pre dinner drinks venue with a difference.
General Manager of Cairns Habitat Cruises Kim Thomas said" Cairns Twilight Cruises was initially a product that was aimed at the local market. But such as been the popularity of the product from visitors to Cairns, that we have taken the product from operating one night to three nights in just over 8 months.
Cairns Twilight Cruise departs from the Reef Fleet Terminal in Cairns at 5:30pm every Tuesday, Friday and Saturday. For 1 ˝ hours passengers can relax with an included glass of champagne and take in the stunning sunsets and lights of Cairns. Upon arriving back into Cairns, the centrally located Reef Fleet Terminal is within easy walking distance of a range of superb Cairns restaurants.
At just $16pp the product is proving immensely popular with group operators, looking to welcome or farewell their groups from Cairns in a very unique way.
Jowalbinna Makes an Appealing Return
September 2007
One of Cape York's most significant tourist attractions, Jowalbinna Bush Camp, is making a welcome return after significant improvements and a refurbishment were completed by new marketing partners, Cairns-based tour operator Wilderness Challenge.
Situated near Laura in Cape York, Jowalbinna is both destination and gateway to Queensland's most significant Aboriginal rock art sites, the Quinkan galleries, which are rated by UNESCO as one of the top ten rock art areas in the world.
Wilderness Challenge was established 18 years ago and has won numerous state and national tourism awards for operating extended tours to Cape York, The Gulf Savannah and the Kimberley region. Spokesperson Russell Boswell said Jowalbinna is now set to be the highlight of any visitor's Cape York itinerary.
"Jowalbinna is superbly located on route to the Cape and is surrounded by priceless natural attractions. There are guided walking tours to the rock art galleries. The art, engravings and occupational evidence here is astounding to everyone who sees it. It wasn't a difficult decision for us to invest in infrastructure for the project. Now, it has its great bush atmosphere with new creature comforts from hot showers through to a fully functioning café," said Mr Boswell.
Jowalbinna is being relaunched to the wider tourism industry by Etch Tourism Marketing, whose portfolio contains a highly complementary range of products. Etch's Michael Nelson believes the relaunched Jowalbinna experience matches international visitor expectations in every aspect. "International visitors - particularly the US, UK and Europeans - are primed for an experience of this type when they choose Australia. A remote, yet accessible Australian bush camp which has all the expected comforts and is situated in the heartland of high quality rock art such as the Quinkan galleries - it just doesn't get any better. Jowalbinna will consistently match their expectations, which is exactly what we need in a marketable product located in Cape York," said Mr Nelson.
The camp is approximately 350kms north of Cairns, and features twin cabins with share facilities, as well as camping sites. All meals can be catered for by the on site Dingo's Ear Café. Prices begin at just $8 for campsites through to fully accommodated packages including meals and board at $125.00pp twin share. Activities include inspiring guided walks of the Quinkan rock art galleries, creek swimming and art activities.
Rose Gums Wilderness Retreat Leads International Promotion of the Cairns Highlands
July 2007
A new wholesaler tourism package released by Rose Gums Wilderness Retreat will promote a significantly wider dispersal of international visitors into the Cairns Highlands. Owner Peta Nott said the demand from repeat visitors had stimulated the concept of a three day regional itinerary which included all transfers.
"As the largest boutique accommodation provider on the Cairns Highlands, we are finding that our repeat visitors are seeking new experiences and this is tailored to meet those needs. Repeat visitation out of the UK market is now over 60%, and the USA and European visitors will also enjoy the experiences in this program. The itinerary includes transfers by luxury coach, so it really suits people who do not wish to self drive," said Mrs Nott.
The package was developed by Etch Tourism Marketing in conjunction with transport partner Australian Wild Escapes, and received an excellent reception from international wholesalers when it was launched at the Australian Tourism Exchange last month. Michael Nelson of Etch Tourism Marketing said the itinerary was designed to offer wholesalers a tempting Cairns Highlands package featuring easily identifable attractions with which they were already familiar.
"It's been very well received because it features product they know such as Kuranda Scenic Railway's new Gold Class and Skybury's Australian Coffee Centre. Added to this is touring through the Cairns Highlands food trails and the picturesque waterfall circuit so it really covers the best highlights of the region," said Mr Nelson.
Rose Gums Wilderness Retreat Expands to International Markets
February 2007
The Cairns Highland's award winning Rose Gums Wilderness Retreat expects to welcome more visitors from the USA and UK/Europe in the coming season after making a major commitment to international marketing following recent expansion of the property.
Owners of Rose Gums Wilderness Retreat Peta and Jon Nott have announced the appointment of Etch Tourism Marketing to represent the Retreat in the Western Hemisphere international tourism markets.
Rose Gums has recently invested heavily in an expansion program which has entailed the construction of a conference facility and an additional 4 Master Built timber pole tree houses, bringing their total number of tree houses to nine and making Rose Gums the largest boutique property on the Cairns Highlands.
"Etch Tourism Marketing was selected because Rose Gums fitted perfectly within the current product portfolio of Etch Tourism Marketing which has a number of diverse and experiential products" said Rose Gums owner Peta Nott.
Managing Director of Etch Tourism Marketing Michael Nelson said "Rose Gums is a wonderful example of not only what the Cairns Highlands can offer, but it is also exactly what the Western markets are keenly seeking in terms of an experience that is memorable as well as being a true engagement with the Australian culture and environment."
"It's essential to be business ready to court the clientele from these source markets," said Mr Nelson. "It requires a medium - long term commitment and investment to create the right impression with the wholesalers and inbound agents in the international marketplace and Rose Gums Wilderness Retreat have the product and expertise to go the distance."
Rose Gums Wilderness Retreat is a multi award winning boutique retreat, located on 230 acres of rainforest, adjoining the World Heritage Wooroonooran National Park. It recently took out the category of Best Unique Accommodation at the 2006 Tropical North Queensland Tourism Awards before going on to be a state finalist at the Queensland Tourism Awards.
Visit the Rose Gums Wilderness Retreat website at www.rosegums.com.au
Tjapukai Power Team Re-Unites
November 2006
Former Tjapukai marketing manager Michael Nelson has re-united with Don and Judy Freeman of Freeman Productions. The Freemans confirmed the appointment this week, announcing Nelson's new company, Etch Marketing, had won representation rights to several emerging indigenous tourism businesses which they are currently mentoring.
Since the beginning of 2006, when the Freemans were chosen as regional mentors for the federal government's Indigenous Business Ready program, they have been working closely with Cape York Turtle Rescue in Mapoon, Aurukun Wetland Charters, The Weipa Cultural Centre and Walker Family Tours in Wujal Wujal.
The co-founders of Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park said Etch Marketing would be responsible for sales and marketing of the new indigenous businesses to the wider tourism industry.
"The international market is keenly seeking out new indigenous experiences and these Cape York projects fit the profile perfectly," said Judy Freeman. "Michael Nelson has valuable experience, skills and connections developed over the five year period he marketed Tjapukai internationally and his understanding of the special facets of marketing indigenous tourism ventures will be invaluable to our client group."
Etch Marketing will commence representation of the Indigenous Business Ready projects immediately.
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