By Rama Gaind.
The Grand Hyatt Melbourne is an icon of luxury in the heart of the city.
No international, but domestic travel is the only item on the menu for Australians this summer. It’s true when they say ‘there’s never been a better time to be innovative in our own backyard’ than right now.
‘Freedom Day’ has already been declared as a raft of Coronavirus rules are eased in time for Christmas. After all that’s happened this year, Aussies deserve a holiday, and a happy one at that. Even if you can’t get out and see the country right now, it’s a great time to start planning all the things you could do when the world gets a bit more normal.
Australia is still the safe and unforgettable destination it always has been. When the time is right, make your dream trip Down Under a reality. The latest iteration of Tourism Australia’s Holiday ‘Here This Year’ campaign aims to get Australians travelling safely across the country to provide a much-needed boost to tourism businesses and operators.
Two of Australia’s homegrown personalities, Hamish Blake and Zoe Foster-Blake, were excited about helping the country bounce back after a tough year by inspiring Australians to get travelling. They’ve inspired people to get on planes and spend in our cities or tourism regions.
Hamish and Zoe have found it does feel special to be able to help promote “our country because we love travelling, we love adventure, and we love Australia. So we can’t really think of anything that’s a better fit”.
The Bay of Fires is known the world over for its extraordinary clear blue seas, brilliant white beaches and striking orange lichen-cloaked boulders. It’s one of the most idyllic holiday destinations imaginable. This deal expires on 18 December 2020.
“We know everybody feels like a holiday right now so it’s not exactly a tough sell, but hopefully we can help to convince those people who were putting one off or had planned something overseas, to book a holiday here. Not only will they create incredible memories, they’ll be helping the tourism sector right across the country to bounce back.”
Special packages
There is going to be a lot of decision-making on the cards as you check out the many accommodation specials on offer. These include Qantas luxury options. Stay two nights at the Grand Hyatt Melbourne for two adults from $660. Book by 31 December 2020, for travel until 30 June 2021.
Find out about packages at the Four Seasons Hotel Sydney, InterContinental Sydney and Pier One Sydney Harbour, Autograph Collection.
Learn more about the red centre holiday deals from the Flight Centre. From the pink salt lakes of Lake Bumbunga, the fiery shores of Bay of Fires, the trail of discovery that leaves Adelaide and the Perth Luxe & Margaret River Reds.
Tourism, which is the backbone of so many businesses across Australia, employs one-in-13 Australians, but the industry has been hard hit by the COVID-19 crisis.
In the heart of Australia’s Red Centre, Voyages Sails in the Desert hotel is a beautiful contrast to Uluru’s raw natural beauty. This deal expires on 10 January 2021.
The Federal Tourism Minister, Simon Birmingham, said with interstate travel now possible to many parts of Australia, there isn’t a better opportunity than right now for Aussies to book a plane ticket, head to an interstate destination and help save a tourism business or the job of a fellow Australian.
“We are urging Australians to support our airlines and airports, tour operators, hire car companies and accommodation providers, while also giving people the chance to enjoy some of the incredible experiences our country has to offer.”
Great opportunities
“With our international borders expected to remain closed for the foreseeable future and the summer holidays only a couple of weeks away, this is a shout out to all Australians who are in a position to do so, to try something new and consider booking a holiday to a destination within Australia they have never been to before.”
“Whether it be a surf lesson in Byron Bay, a wine tasting experience in the Adelaide Hills, a boat trip out to the Great Barrier Reef or a guided walking tour in the Top End, Australia has so many unique and wonderful tourism experiences,” Mr Birmingham said.
Tourism Australia Managing Director Phillipa Harrison said with domestic restrictions lifting and consumer confidence improving, now was the perfect time to inspire those Australians who are able to, to plan and book their next holiday.
Perth Luxe & Margaret River Retreat Getaway in Western Australia is for six days. This deal expires on 31 December 2020.
“Our ‘Holiday Here This Year’ campaign is all about galvanizing Australians to support their fellow Australians by booking a holiday wherever they can around the country,” Ms Harrison said.
“With the peak summer travel period just around the corner, it is crucial that we continue to remind people of all the incredible destinations and tourism experiences that are right on their doorstep waiting to be explored.”
“Our goal is to try and get Australians travelling differently by using this campaign platform to urge them to start ticking off their holiday bucket list or heading interstate for a trip of a lifetime, and in turn provide a much needed boost especially to those areas most affected by the bushfires and COVID-19.”
DETAILS BOX
Flight Centre
T: 13 31 33
W: www.flightcentre.com.au
Qantas Holidays
T: 13 70 66
W: www.qantas.com/holidays
