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13 June 2012

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Funding boost for NSW tourism

Vietnams Phu Quoc Island to become ecotourism hub

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Sydney Opera House will get a US$134 million upgrade

ew South Wales' tourism industry received a major boost yesterday, with the announcement that it will receive signicant government funding. Tuesday's NSW State Budget included a range of measures to boost infrastructure and regional tourism, including AU$135.3 million (US$134.3 million) to upgrade the Sydney Opera House, AU$159 million for the purchase of new buses and trains, AU$29.3 million to renovate the NSW Art Gallery, and AU$17 million to upgrade ferry wharves. The budget also conrmed that Destination NSW, the state's tourism promotion body, would be funded

to the tune of AU$125 million per annum for the next four years. Andrew Jeeries, General Manager of the Tourism Industry Council NSW welcomed the announcement, saying it delivers real commitment for tourism and major events. We strongly believe that the government is committed to boosting the states infrastructure that supports our tourism and major events industry," Jeries said. "The Treasurer has delivered on election commitments to fund and upgrade the vital pieces of infrastructure that will grow the economy and tourism pie in the long run. Click here for full story.

Vietnam is planning to develop Phu Quoc island into an ecotourism centre. The Vietnam News Agency reported that as part of the 2011-2020 tourism development strategy for the southern province of Kien Giang, the areas of ecological and cultural tourism will be promoted. The ecotourism project forms part of a wider scheme to boost tourism in Phu Quoc Vietnams largest island. Under the development plan, the island expects to welcome up to 1.2 million visitors each year by 2015, earning US$209 million in tourism revenues. This is expected to increase to 2-3 million tourists by 2020, 40% of which are forecast to be international visitors.

Dusit Thani Maldives marks World Oceans Day

New NZ tourism chief arms condence in sector

he in-coming CEO of Tourism Industry Association (TIA) New Zealand, Martin Snedden, has said he is condent that the country can overcome short-term challenges and develop a more prosperous tourism industry. In the last 12 years, tourism export earnings have doubled from NZ$5 billion (US$3.9 billion) to almost NZ$10 billion. In the last four Martin Snedden years, tourism has twice been New Zealands number one export earner, Snedden remarked. This industry is a critical component of New Zealands economy. We face plenty of challenges at present, as do most other sectors, but we have proven in the past that we are strong and robust enough to handle dicult conditions, he added. Snedden, who started work at the TIA this week, previously headed up the last year's Rugby World Cup.

Dusit Thani Maldives has held a series of events and activities to celebrate World Oceans Day 2012. The new resorts sta and guests took part in coral replanting, reef cleaning and beach cleaning sessions. We hope we can inspire a generation of passionate marine conservationists through our initiatives, and it is for this next generation that we must protect the oceans and pass onto them a healthy and thriving marine environment that they can conserve, explained Lauren Arthur, the resorts resident marine biologist. Dusit Thani Maldives has already invested in a range of ecofriendly facilities including solar thermal heating, an onsite water-bottling factory, a steam boiler for laundry, LED lighting and a resort herb and vegetable garden.

Huge solar plant to be built at Fukushima

A Japanese company has unveiled plans to build a massive solar power plant in Fukushima prefecture the area hit by the nuclear disaster following last years earthquake and tsunami. The Japan Times reported that the plant, being developed by Mori Trust Co, will come online in 2013, and will have an annual output of 10 million kwh - enough to power 3,000 households in the Tohoku region. The power station will be built on the site of the 148-hectare Laforet Shirakawa golf course, which suspended operations after the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster.

Emeraude hosts black tie event in Halong Bay caves

meraude Classic Cruises recently hosted a special 'Wine and Dine Cruise' in Halong Bay, including a black tie event in one of the area's limestone caves. The 8th Annual Wine Cruise saw 68 passengers gather at the UNESCO World Heritage site for a three-hour soiree, with food prepared by the Press Clubs Executive Chef Marcel Isaak. Guests were also entertained by Brisbane-based DJ Cache. The 9th Annual Wine and Dine Cruise will be held in Halong Bay on 25 May 2013.

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