TEMPTING AUSTRALIAN TRAVELLERS TO WELLINGTON – THE CAPITAL OF COOL

www.hovedsteder.blogg.no is a Norway-based blog about the capitals of the world, with a focus on tourism and travel, the environment, diplomatic affairs, lifestyle, culture and entertainment, food and drink. See also our travel blog at www.minbestereise.blogg.no – Contact us at [email protected]

The Sweet As gelato features smoked peanut butter gelato made using Fix and Fogg and passion fruit and gewürztraminer gel made with wine from Poppies Martinborough. Photo: James Morgan

New Zealand: Australians are set to get a taste of Wellington as part of a new tourism campaign to lure them to the capital, stuff.co.nz reported.

Tourism New Zealand Australian general manager Tony Saunders, left,with Messina founder Nick Palumbo, who has created a limited edition flavour inspired by Wellington and Wairarapa. Photo: James Morgan

Australian company Gelato Messina founder Nick Palumbo, creates his limited edition Sweet As flavour as part of a Wellington tourism campaign to tempt Australians to visit the capital. Photo: James Morgan

Positively Wellington Tourism, Destination Marlborough and Tourism New Zealand have joined forces to to tempt travellers from across the ditch to the capital of cool, With gelato.

The digital campaign targeting 25 to 49-year-olds in Melbourne and Sydney was designed to highlight Wellington’s creative and culinary experiences, along with its neighbouring wine regions.

The agencies are collaborating with three Australians in the culinary, music and design sectors, who have each developed a product inspired by a visit to the Wellington region.

Australian dessert brand, Gelato Messina, was first off the rank, developing a limited edition Sweet As flavour, which will be sold in its 11 Australian stores from today, for one week.

The Sweet As gelato features smoked peanut butter gelato made using Fix and Fogg and passion fruit and gewürztraminer gel made with wine from Poppies Martinborough.

Wellington Regional Economic Development Agency chief executive Chris Whelan said as Wellington’s largest source of international visitors, Australia was a priority market that held significant potential.

The number of Australians staying overnight in Wellington increased by 8 per cent to more 220,000 in the last year, while transaction volumes had increased by 20 per cent  in the city and 22 per cent in Wairarapa.

“The growth trajectory is incredibly positive, but there is still significant further potential to grow the market.”

The campaign was a huge opportunity for Wellington to keep finding ways to grow awareness of its distinctive qualities as a short break destination, he said.

Tourism New Zealand research showed more than two million Australians were actively considering visiting New Zealand, but they did not have a plan for what exactly that trip might entail, he said.

Positively Wellington Tourism chief executive David Perks said: “Partnering with influencers in the culinary, music and design industries enables us to connect with audiences for whom Wellington is a perfect fit. The talent we’ve worked with have a cumulative social audience of almost half a million.”

Tourism New Zealand Australian general manager Tony Saunders said the three-part series would promote Wellington, Wairarapa and Marlborough in a new and engaging way, he said.

Source: www.stuff.co.nz

Read more at www.stuff.co.nz/business/73856749/Tempting-Australian-travellers-to-Wellington-the-capital-of-cool

#Australia #By #Ferie #Gelato #Hovedstad #Is #Iskrem #Marlborough #Mat #Melbourne #NewSouthWales #NewZealand #Reise #Sydney #Turisme #Victoria #Vin #Wellington

#Capital #City #Food #Holiday #IceCream #Tourism #Travel #Wine

BUSINESS BOOMING FOR NAURU AIRLINES

www.hovedsteder.blogg.no is a Norway-based blog about the capitals of the world, With a focus on tourism and travel, the environment, diplomatic affairs, lifestyle, culture and entertainment, food and drink. See also our travel blog at www.minbestereise.blogg.no – Contact us at [email protected]

Nauru International Airport at Yaren District, the seat of government of the Republic of Nauru, which does not have an official capital.

Nauru Airlines is to extend services into the Federated States of Micronesia and this has prompted it to buy a fifth plane, Radio New Zealand International – www.radionz.co.nz

Less than two years ago Nauru Airlines was operating just one jet, but on the back of the activity brought by the Australian run detention camps on Nauru, it can now support four Boeing 737 passenger jets and a freighter.

The airline’s Brisbane based chief executive, Geoff Bowmaker, says it hopes to soon start freighting fresh tuna from Kiribati and will expand the current weekly passenger service into the Marshall Islands.

“From the 12th of June we will be extending that service right across to the Federated States of Micronesia. Initially Kosrae and Pohnpei – those two ports of the FSM. So that is a fair additional amount of flying that we will be undertaking.”

#Australia #Brisbane #By #Ferie #Flyplass #Flyselskap #Hovedstad #Kiribati #Marshalløyene #Micronesia #Nauru #Oseania #Queensland #Reise #Stillehavet #Turisme #Yaren

#Airline #Airport #Capital #City #Holiday #MarshallIslands #Oceania #Pacific #Tourism #Travel

150 CAPITAL YEARS FOR WELLINGTON

www.hovedsteder.blogg.no is a Norway-based blog about the capitals of the world, with a focus on tourism and travel, the environment, diplomatic affairs, lifestyle, culture and entertainment, food and drink. See also our travel blog at www.minbestereise.blogg.no – Contact us at [email protected]

The grey marble facade of Parliament is having a makeover this weekend in celebration of Wellington’s 150th year as the capital city, reports Radio New Zealand International – www.radionz.co.nz

The reins of parliament were handed over in 1865, much to the despair of the then-capital Auckland, where it was felt that the city’s political and commercial advantages more readily lent it to being the capital than windy Wellington.

But the change went ahead, and a ship packed with all of the Government’s papers set sail south.

By July of that year, Parliament had settled in to its new Wellington home, based out of the now long-gone council chambers.

Wellington City Council is putting on a party to mark the milestone, with a light and sound show at Parliament on Saturday evening, projected onto the facade of the building, alongside performances from Dave Dobbyn and Wellington’s Orpheus Choir.

Event director Grant Stevenson said there was room for about 15,000 people to watch the show, and if more turn up, it would be re-run on following days.

For him, Wellington’s capital status goes beyond politics.

“We have the headquarters of our cultural infrastructure here, the National Library, the National Archives, Government House, Premier House – this is where the artefacts, the exhibitions, the stories of the nation are lodged, so it’s about identity.”

The council is also offering free buses for people to visit some of the city’s landmarks and historic places, including some that are not always open to the public, such as Premier House.

Wellington historian Redmer Yska, who wrote a biography of the city in 2006, said the city owed a lot to the decision to move the capital there.

In the 1800s, there was little going for economically but whaling and flax weaving and becoming home to government radically changed its economy, he said.

“It was described by one newspaper as ‘the tithe that leads to fortune’ – this was going to be the motherlode, this was going to be what made a difference for the city.”

“The seat of government is so important to Wellington’s economy – I think it’s the lifeblood of the city, and as far as Wellington is concerned, thank God it’s here.”

And while occasionally talk of moving the capital back to Auckland surfaces from time to time, in 1865, the city’s harbour, land and defence opportunities made Wellington the unambiguous first choice.

#Auckland #By #Ferie #Hovedstad #NewZealand #Oseania #Parlament #Radio #Reise #Stillehavet #Turisme #Wellington

#Capital #City #Holiday #Oceania #Pacific #Tourism #Travel

GLOBAL CLIMATE ACTION TOO LATE FOR KIRIBATI

www.hovedsteder.blogg.no is a Norway-based blog about the capitals of the world, with a focus on tourism and travel, the environment, diplomatic affairs, lifestyle, culture and entertainment, food and drink. See also our travel blog at www.minbestereise.blogg.no – Contact us at [email protected]

South Tarawa, capital of Kiribati

The President of Kiribati Anote Tong says whatever action the world decides to take at climate change talks in Paris, it comes too late for low-lying island nations like his own, reports Radio New Zealand International – www.radionz.co.nz

Anote Tong was a keynote speaker at the UN General Assembly on Monday where he called for technical know how and resources to help low lying atoll states adapt to the immediate effects of climate change.

“We are reconciled to the reality that whatever measures we take to remain above the rising seas and more severe weather conditions our islands will never be able to accomodate the current level of population and we do not have the scale of resources required to do this on our own.”

Anote Tong wants them to be included as an outcome of COP 21 and he called for solidarity in facing what he described as an almost impossible challenge.

#By #Ferie #FN #Frankrike #Hovedstad #Kiribati #Klima #Miljø #NewZealand #Oseania #Paris #President #Radio #Reise #SouthTarawa #Stillehavet #Tarawa #Turisme

#Capital #City #Climate #Environment #France #Holiday #Oceania #Pacific #Tourism #Travel #UnitedNations #UN

TYPHOON ALERT LIFTED, BUT THE CAPITAL MAJURO STILL BATTERED

www.hovedsteder.blogg.no is a Norway-based blog about the capitals of the world, with a focus on tourism and travel, the environment, diplomatic affairs, lifestyle, culture and entertainment, food and drink. See also our travel blog at www.minbestereise.blogg.no – Contact us at [email protected]

A Marshall Islands business is buffeted by high waves. Photo: Radio New Zealand International / Giff Johnson

A typhoon formation alert has been lifted for the Republic of Marshall Islands, but the country’s main atoll of Majuro, the nation’s capital, is still counting the cost of damage done by rough seas and high winds, Radio New Zealand International – www.radionaz.co.nz, reports.

A tropical depression kicked up high Winds recently and surf battered shores around the atoll, with fishing vessels and yachts breaking off moorings and slamming into shore.

On land, winds blew off roofs, knocked down trees and caused power outages.

The storm in Majuro has blown yachts moored in the usually placid lagoon onto the shore. Photo: Radio New Zealand International / Giff Johnson 

Radio New Zealand International’s correspondent on the Marshall Islands, Giff Johnson, says there is an extensive and expensive cleanup ahead.

“People who fish and run boats here are saying it’s the worst westerly that they’ve seen ever to hit the lagoon. It was just a cauldron of high winds and waves, and lots of boats broke loose from their moorings and up on the beach or on to reefs, and heavy damage along the shoreline from waves. The thing about it is this was a very unseasonal storm to hit.”

Giff Johnson says the out-of-season storm was incredibly ferocious for the time year.

#By #Ferie #Hovedstad #Majuro #MarshallIslands #NewZealand #Oseania #Radio #Reise #Stillehavet #Turisme #Tyfon #Yacht

#Capital #City #Holiday #Pacific #Tourism #Travel #Typhoon

HEYERDAHL-CRUISE I POLYNESIA

www.hovedsteder.blogg.no is a Norway-based blog about the capitals of the world, with a focus on tourism and travel, the environment, diplomatic affairs, lifestyle, culture and entertainment, food and drink. See also our travel blog at www.minbestereise.blogg.no – Contact us at [email protected]

“Aranui 5”

Lasteskipet “Aranaui 5” er siste nyvinning hos Polynesias svar på Hurtigruten – nyhet hos Fijireiser kommende vinter, skriver VG. Kombi-skipet for passasjerer og last minner ikke rent lite om det gamle Hurtigrute-skipet MS “Narvik”. 

Skipet seiler mellom øyene, og gjør 14 stopp på rundturen fra Papeete på Tahiti, hovedstaden i Fransk Polynesia. Flere av øyene har nesten ikke biler eller veier.

Og akkurat som på Hurtigruten kan passasjerene ta en tur i land mens skipet lastes og losses.

Om bord er stilen uformell og avslappet, og man rusler gjerne omkring i shorts,

Aranui-turen går blant annet innom øya Fathu Hiva hvor Thor Heyerdahl og hans kone Liv var på bryllupsreise – og til øya Hiva Oa, der den franske kunstneren Paul Gaugin malte noen av sine mesterverk.

Den polynesiske “hurtigruten” er for øvrig kåret til “The worlds best adventure cruise” av Men’s Journal.

#By #Båt #Cruise #Ferie #Fiji #Frankrike #FranskPolynesia #Gaugin #Heyerdahl #Hovedstad #Hurtigruten #Kunst #Narvik #Oseania #Papeete #Polynesia #Reise #Skip #Stillehavet #Tahiti #ThorHeyerdahl #Turisme #VG

PORT MORESBY 2015 OFFICIALLY OPEN CARITAS HALL VENUE AS POM RACQUETS CLUB GETS TEMPORARY REBRANDING

www.hovedsteder.blogg.no is a Norway-based blog about the capitals of the world, with a focus on tourism and travel, the environment, diplomatic affairs, lifestyle, culture and entertainment, food and drink. See also our travel blog at www.minbestereise.blogg.no – Contact us at [email protected]

The Taurama Aquatic Centre is one of four to be renamed for the Games and the latest addition to the list is the POM Racquets Club, www.insidethegames.biz reports.

Port Moresby 2015 have announced the Caritas Hall venue is officially open, while Steamships will be the title sponsor of the POM Racquets Club as preparations continue ahead of the Pacific Games, due to begin on July 4.

The multi-purpose hall, which will host bodybuilding, table tennis and boxing during the Games, was handed over to Port Moresby 2015 earlier this month and is expected to be one of the centrepieces of the event.

It has seating for 11,000 and Port Moresby 2015 claim it will be full to capacity for the boxing competitions, which are close to selling out.

“One of the symbolic thing is how we partner with the local communities to deliver the Games,” Port Moresby 2015 chairwoman Emma Waiwai said.

“Caritas is one of the last venues that we had on Our list and I am very impressed with it and I know that every athlete that takes part in the three sports will be very happy with the venue.”

Port Moresby 2015 have also confirmed that the POM Racquets Club will be renamed the Steamships Racquets Club for the duration of the event, widely-expected to be the biggest ever held in the Papua New Guinea.

The venue becomes the fourth at the Games to take on a temporary name in an attempt to reflect the gratitude Port Moresby 2015 have for their vast array of sponsors.

Port Moresby, capital of Papua New Guinea.

The Sir John Guise Stadium, which will host the Opening Ceremony attended by Prince Andrew, will be known as the Bank South Pacific Stadium throughout the two-week long event.

The company are the principal sponsor of the Games and they have also attached their name to the Taurama Aquatic Center, which will temporarily be called the BSP Arena.

Meanwhile, the Sir John Guise Indoor Stadium becomes the PNG Power Dome for the event.

“We are proud to have Steamships and all our other sponsors together with the Government supporting the Games,” Port Moresby 2015 chief executive Peter Stewart said.

“The support they bring is paramount to the success of the country hosting the XV Pacific Games.”

Around 3,000 athletes from 23 nations are due to compete across 28 different sports at the Pacific Games, scheduled to take place until July 18.

#By #Ferie #Hovedstad #Idrett #Oseania #PapuaNyGuinea #PortMoresby #Prins #Reise #Sport #Stadion #Stillehavet #Turisme

#Capital #City #Holiday #Oceania #Pacific #PapuaNewGuinea #Prince #Tourism #Travel 

 

GUAM TOURISM BOOST

www.hovedsteder.blogg.no is a Norway-based blog about the capitals of the world, with a focus on tourism and travel, the environment, diplomatic affairs, lifestyle, culture and entertainment, food and drink. See also our travel blog at www.minbestereise.blogg.no – Contact us at [email protected]

Hagatna, capital of Guam

Guam Visitors Bureau (GVB) Research Department confirmed that May 2015 has closed out to be the 6th best May In the history of tourism.  GVB reported that nearly 100,000 visitors came to Guam, www.pacificnewscenter.com reports.

The number of visitors from Japan, Korea, Vietnam, Canada, and the U.S. mainland have all increased.

Japan is the island’s largest market for tourism and 50 percent of the Japanese Tourists came from Tokyo.  Korea is Guam’s second largest market and reflected a 26 percent boost.

Recently the cruise ship, Sun Princess, arrived on the last day of May, bringing nearly 2,000 visitors to Guam.  GVB states that this is a benefit for Guam in the long run as it will provide more opportunities for the economy in regards to jobs for locals.  


Read the whole story, see GVB press release and video at:  http://www.pacificnewscenter.com/business-pnc/tourism/item/4212-guam-tourism-boost


(www.lonelyplanet.com)

#By #Canada #Cruise #Ferie #Guam #Hagatna #Hovedstad #Japan #Korea #Oseania #Reise #Stillehavet #Tokyo #Turisme #USA #Vietnam

#Capital #City #Holiday #Pacific #Tourism #Travel

FIJI AIRWAYS WILL COMMENCE DIRECT FLIGHTS BETWEEN SAMOA AND TONGA

www.hovedsteder.blogg.no is a Norway-based blog about the capitals of the world, with a focus on tourism and travel, the environment, diplomatic affairs, lifestyle, culture and entertainment, food and drink. See also our travel blog at www.minbestereise.blogg.no – Contact us at [email protected]

The Tongan Government has indicated that international flights between Nadi and Vava?u, operated by Fiji Airways, are expected to commence in November, the www.fijisun.com.fj website reports.

This has been revealed following a Meeting between the Prime Ministers of both the countries.

Tongan Prime Minister, Akiliki Pohiva, is said to have met Fiji Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama in relation to Fiji Airways and the possible international scheduled flights between Nadi and Vava’u.

Tongan Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, Etuate Lavulavu, Tongan Minister for Public Enterprises, Poasi Tei and Tonga Airport Limited chief executive, Viliami Ma’ake, met with the Fiji Airways officials in Fiji to discuss the proposal.

Mr Lavulavu, in a Tonga Government media release, said the outcome of the negotiation was very satisfying.

Tonga sees the new service will open up international access to Vava’u from Asia and Australasia via Nadi.

Mr Lavulavu further indicated that Fiji Airways would also commence direct flights between Apia, Samoa, and Tongatapu.

#Apia #By #Ferie #Fiji #Flyselskap #Hovedstad #Minister #Reise #Samoa #Statsminister #Stillehavet #Tonga #Turisme

#Airline #Capital #City #Holiday #Pacific #PrimeMinister #Tourism #Travel

63 CRUISE LINERS EXPECTED IN SUVA FOR 2015

www.hovedsteder.blogg.no is a Norway-based blog about the capitals of the world, with a focus on tourism and travel, the environment, diplomatic affairs, lifestyle, culture and entertainment, food and drink. See also our travel blog at www.minbestereise.blogg.no –  Contact us at [email protected]

Pacific Dawn berthed at Kings Wharf, Suva. Photo credit: www.cruisetimetables.com 

The berthing of cruise ships into the port of Suva has given the community new life, and creates opportunities for entrepreneurs, www.fijitimes.com reports.

Suva City Council special administrator, Chandu Umaria, said it also established new services and products.

Mr Umaria said discussions had been progressing with a tourist boat company (Princess Yasawa) that had chosen Suva as one of its tourist destinations.

Mr Umaria added they were discussing with Captain Cook Cruises to bring in tourists from Port Denarau to Suva.

The Suva port is expected to receive 53 cruise liners this year with 10 more later in the year.

Mr Umaria confirmed this. He said last year the port hosted 64 cruise liners.

Suva. Photo: Fiji Times

As tourism is a major revenue generator for Fiji, Mr Umaria said everyone must join hands in seeing to it that tourists arrived to Fiji and left with good memories of the country. He said tourism was one of the country’s major revenue generators and people should expect more cruise liners as this was the only way our economy could be boosted.

With tourism being a very large market for the country, Mr Umaria said cruise ships played a major role in contributing greatly to revenue streams within the country.

“For this, the Suva City Council is doing its best to see the city is clean, crime-free and that fair trading is practised by all retailers, taxi operators and all those involved in the tourism industry,” he said.

More than 23 cruise ships were recorded at the Suva port for the first three months of this year. This is approximately eight cruise ships per month.

October will be the busiest month for cruise liners as the council expects to receive 10 tourist ships.

#By #Cruise #Ferie #Fiji #Hovedstad #Oseania #Reise #Stillehavet #Suva #Turisme

#Capital #City #Holiday #Oceania #Pacific #Tourism #Travel