LATEST PRODUCT NEWS FOR THE MARINE TOURISM INDUSTRY AND ADVENTURE TRAVEL AGENTS
MarineTravelTRADE May 2011. Marine Travel Trade.
A Pacific Marinelife Institute Publication. Explore and Protect.
Seastar Rating Logo Updated out a revised Standards and audit system for the program, that aimed to retain the high quality of product in the program, but make it easier for the Member Operators to comply with the audit and minimum standard requirements.
Pacific Marinelife Institute launched a new design for its Seastar Marine Tourism Rating in April 2011. The new simplified rating‟s logo retains the marine theme with the recognisable seastar and is designed to be more easily interpreted by the travelling public, as well as still strongly associate the marine adventure certification program with the Institute. Available exclusively to members of the Institute‟s Adventure Network, Seastar Marine Tourism Ratings allow travellers and agents to easily recognise the quality of a marine tourism adventure, as well as be confident that operators who display the Seastar are actively involved in conservation programs and offsetting their eco footprint. At the same time as launching the new Seastar Rating brand, the Institute rolled
“We listened to the concerns of many operators that the time taken to meet the compliance requirements of the many certification programs was becoming harder to justify”, Institute Director David Joyce said when launching the revised program. “Our aim has always been to make it easy for the travelling public to identify the quality of different marine tourism products, improve the standards within the industry and encourage tour operators to play an active role in marine conservation and research”. Seastar Rated businesses are required to comply with 7 Essential Standards, play an active role in Pacific Marinelife Institute research and conservation programs, offset a percentage of their eco footprint and allow travellers to be part of marine ecosystem protection. Seastar Marine Tourism Rating is awarded in 18 different categories that include Sport Fishing Adventure, Whale Adventure and Dive Expedition.
Adventures on show at Sanctuary Cove The 23rd Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show is on this month from the 19th - 22nd. Not only is it a showcase of boats and marine equipment, many marine adventures display during the show. Read more on page 3.
Medallions for marine adventure crew Marine adventure crews around the Pacific, including Australia can now apply for a Pacific Marinelife Institute Marine Crew Medallion. The crew medallions are designed to recognise the experience of each crew member and when be used in the marketing materials of the operator, make it easier for agents to determine the quality of crew. Read more on page 4.
2011 O2G Challenge Oceans 2 Green Program will launch its 2011 O2G Challenge in May. Marine adventure operators, travel agents and service providers can take up the O2G challenge to offset 20 percent of their eco footprint in 2011. Oceans 2 Green allows businesses to offset their carbon emissions, as well as diving, fishing and vessel impacts; through a series of rehabilitation programs. More on page 5.
Finance solutions for your new location. Finance solutions for Business I Equipment I Marine I Motor Vehicle I Home Phone Dale Joyce on 0407 738 644. ASIC Lic. 385211
The Challenge is coming. June 2011. Making fishing adventures even more rewarding.
Oceania Sportfish Trophy A Pacific Marinelife Institute Event
EDITOR‟S VIEW + NEWS
New voices for marine tourism adventures Our Pacific Region has certainly taken hits during an eventful first four months of 2011. Many favourite tourism destinations and tour operators are struggling. So we thought it timely to launch Marine Travel Trade News. Marine Travel Trade will focus on the latest news, product developments and specials from the marine tourism industry and help improve knowledge within domestic and international travel agents about this diverse and sometimes specialised adventure industry . Marine Travel Trade will also keep agents up to date with the latest news from the Institute‟s very own expedition products, volunteer programs and certification schemes. And while trade is the focus of this monthly publication, Pacific Marinelife Institute is also launching in June a new digital magazine targeting consumers called - Marinelife Traveller. Right along Australia‟s East Coast and east into the Pacific, tourism is trying to recover. We hope these new voices for an industry that is vital to each and every economy and environment, go someway to helping promote that we are open for business and ready to welcome. David Joyce Publishing Editor Pacific Marinelife Institute david.joyce@pacificmarinelife.com
Adventures on show at Sanctuary Cove International Boast Show Sanctuary Cove on Queensland‟s Gold Coast is home to one of the best marine lifestyle showcases in the southern hemisphere from May 19 – 22, 2011. Amongst the millions of dollars of small and luxury boats, it is also the prefect place to showcase some of the region‟s marine adventures. For travel agents and businesses who operator away from the „agency hubs‟ of the capital cities or in remote locations, it is also the prefect place to do business.
Displaying at this year‟s Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show is The Great Escape Charter Company that operates a boutique expedition boat in the Kimberley's in Western Australia. Also on show is a number of the charter yacht companies including Whitsunday Escape, Cumberland Yacht Charters, Charter Yachts Australia, Queensland Yacht Charters (Whitsundays) and Whitsunday Rent - A - Yacht. Tourism Tasmania is also showcasing some its marine adventure wonders.
Travel agents living in Brisbane, Gold Coast or Sydney can take advantage of meeting some of the operators and in many cases stepping on board their vessels or ones, very similar to those used by these charter and expedition companies.
Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show is open 9am - 5pm Thursday 19th – Sunday 22nd May. Online ticket prices start at $A22 one day adult; $A40 two-day adult; children 14 years and under have free entry. For details: www.sanctuarycoveboatshow.com.au
Photos: Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show
Publishing Editor: David Joyce, P: 0412761016, E: david.joyce@pacificmarinelife.com. Marine Travel Trade is published monthly by the Pacific Marinelife Institute P/L. ABN 12 009 767. 68/88 Cotlew Street, Southport, Queensland, Australia 4215. All mail to: PO Box 721 Southport QLD 4215. Web: www.marinelifetraveller.blogspot.com. Email: info@pacificmarinelife.com
News. Appointments. Product Updates. It is all in MarineTravelTrade. Do not miss an issue.
Marine Travel Trade I Page 3
NEWS
New Green Island GM The Quicksilver Group has announced the appointment of Sue O‟Donnell as Green Island Resort‟s new General Manager. Green Island Resort is a beautiful 46 room eco-sensitive resort located 45 minutes from Cairns on the Great Barrier Reef.
Blue Lagoon Cruises Fuel Levy Blue Lagoon Cruises in Fiji will introduce a FJ$25 per person per day fuel surcharge. Applicable to all passengers aged 15 years and over, the surcharge applies to all reservations embarking on or after 23rd May. For more information visit: www.bluelagooncruises.com
Marine Crew Medallion Pacific Marinelife Institute has launched a new Marine Crew Medallion to award crew, captains and guides as they reach experience milestones. Medallions will be awarded after 1 year, 5, 10 and 25 years of experience in categories such as Adventure Skipper, Gamefishing Deckhand, Sportfishing Guide, Scuba Dive Instructor and Helmet Dive Guide. Each category, in addition to the years of experience will require minimum number of days or dives, and all crew will be required to meet minimum training standards. As well, all Medallion holders will be required to support Institute research projects and abide by a set of essential standards. Operators can promote the Medallion Status of their crew, and agents as well as travellers will be able to use the
Medallions to identify the experience and environmental commitment of the people guiding their adventure. For more information contact David Joyce at, david.joyce@pacificmarinelife.com.
Passions new dive site available soon Passions of Paradise, the Cairns based sailing adventure operating to the Great Barrier Reef has a new dive site and it was a hit with a group of travel and tour agents when they encountered sharks, turtles, fish and breathtaking coral on a recent trip. Long Bombie has not been dived by many people, yet Passions of Paradise will have the moorings finished soon so the location can be shared with everyone. For more information visit: www.passions.com.au
2011 Dive Fiesta in Fiji to prove popular 2011 Fiji Dive Fiesta will be hosted in Kadavu, Beqa and the Pacific Coast from 21 - 28 May 2011. Sponsored by Tourism Fiji, Air Pacific and FIHTA Dive Committee, the event is expected to attract a large number of international dive specialists, tour consultants and wholesalers. For more information contact Tourism Fiji‟s Senior Marketing Officer Thomas Valentine via email: tvalentine@tourismfiji.com.fj
2011 O2G Challenge Oceans 2 Green Program will launch its 2011 O2G Challenge in late May. Marine adventure operators, travel agents and service providers can take up the O2G challenge to offset 20 percent of their
eco footprint in 2011. Oceans 2 Green allows businesses to offset their carbon emissions, as well as diving, fishing and vessel impacts; through a series of rehabilitation programs. Visit the O2G page on the Institute‟s blog for the latest: www.pacificmarinelife.blogspot.com
Blog Network going live Marinelife Blog Network will be fully live by June 2011. The first of the blogs are already live, and when completed will offer readers easy access to travel, marine conservation, boating, dive, fishing and dolphin news. Part of the network includes blogs for different sectors of the marine industry. Updated weekly, and linked from the weekly or monthly e-newsletters, the blogs offer a great outlet for operators and agents to post news and the latest offers. Visit: www.pacificmarinelife.blogspot.com.
New Adventure Guides New marine adventure guides will target adventure travellers, divers and anglers. Published by Marinelife Media, a division of the Pacific Marinelife Institute, each annual guide will be updated quarterly and available on Issuu and linked from the Institute‟s e-newsletters. Special edition guides such as „Island Stays in the Pacific‟ or „OnH2O Destinations‟ will also be published each year. Institute Project Partners receive free listings, while Adventure Network members receive a premium listing. Resorts and other service providers in each region can advertise in the guides. For more information on being part of the guides, contact David Joyce on 0412 761 016 or david.joyce@pacificmarinelife.com.
No matter if it is computers or desks Finance solutions for Business I Equipment I Marine I Motor Vehicle I Home Phone Dale Joyce on 0407 738 644. ASIC Lic. 385211 Page 4 I Marine Travel Trade
PROFILE
Kekoa Sportfishing Adventures Sport and game fishing is simply what Capt Luke Fallon and his wife Kelly live and breathe. With the beautiful 56ft custom Sportfisher, Kekoa as their base, they offer liveaboard barra and gamefishing adventures off Queensland‟s Cape York and on the Great Barrier Reef.
Askari is a beautiful 56ft Assegai custom Sportfisher, built for one purpose, to put Hardcore clients in the middle of giant black marlin action off Cairns. In only a short number of seasons, Askari with experienced Captain Corey Hard at the helm has achieved an impressive tally of tag and releases.
Between April and June Kekoa is based along the Cape York's western coastline south of Weipa. From customised tenders anglers fish the rivers for Barramundi, Mangrove Jack, Salmon, Tarpon, Fingermark and Estuary Cod.
Available for charter off Cairns from September to November for the Great Barrier Reef‟s heavy tackle season, and Port Stephens from February to March or Gold Coast from May to June for some light tackle gamefishing; Askari and the Hardcore Team will impress any angler.
Kekoa is the prefect sportfishing base, offering a personalised experience for up to four anglers. Specifically designed for its dual sportfish and game fishing role, Kekoa has a plush airconditioned saloon with deep leather lounges, inlaid coffee and dinning table and the latest entertainment systems. Forward are comfortable four-berth and double cabins, with access to well appointment ensuites. From September, Luke moves Kekoa to the reefs around the famous Lizard Island to chase and release the giant black marlin the region is renowned for. The northern Great Barrier Reef also offers the opportunity for some spectacular snorkelling, diving and spear fishing. The thrills and excitement all captured on camera by Kelly and the memories posted on her well respected Black Marlin Blog.
Photos: Kelly Fallon, Kekoa Sportfishing, Askari Charters, Bill Billson
Askari - Hardcore Gamefishing
For more information: Kekoa Sportfishing Adventures 5 Seastar Rated Gamefishing and Sportfishing Expedition Phone: 0428 789 840 Web: www.kekoa.com.au
Step aboard Askari and you are in gamefishing heaven. The vessel is the best of Australian craftsmanship. Inside the saloon is a welcoming place after a day‟s fishing off the edge of the reef or to watch the action during the day through the large motorised windows, that when opened, means you are still part of the action happening outside in the cockpit. The food created by the team is impressive, as is the day‟s fishing action captured from one of the many onboard cameras and replayed on the large LCD TV during the evening. Well appointed accommodation will suit both a family or group of friends. The latest in communications will keep you in touch with world and Askari‟s range and comforts means it can fish out into the yet to be explored Coral Sea. For more information: Hardcore Gamefishing - Askari 5 Seastar Rated Gamefishing Expedition Phone: 0433 747 413 Web: www.hardcoregamefishing.com.au
cars, boats or buses. Talk to PMIFBS. Finance solutions for Business I Equipment I Marine I Motor Vehicle I Home Phone Dale Joyce on 0407 738 644. ASIC Lic. 385211 Marine Travel Trade I Page 5
PROFILE
Australian whale watching pioneers Brian and Jill Perry were the first to offer adventures to watch the gentle giants in the Bay in 1987. Since then, their Hervey Bay Whale Watch, and themselves, have collected a combined 30 awards. Hervey Bay Whale Watch‟s Quick Cat II is an eco friendly catamaran that has three viewing decks, with disable access to the main and foredeck. The large foredeck is accessed by ramps and has a tiered viewing area. Both the lower and upper rear decks have curved rails to make it easier to view the whales, and two large bow spits give passengers the chance to watch the dolphins bow riding when conditions are favourable. Other innovations on board include a hydrophone so that passengers can hear the whale‟s songs, and underwater cameras that beam vision of the whales to screens around the vessel. Passengers can purchase some of the day‟s footage after each trip as a great memento of their Hervey Bay whale watch adventure.
Pennicott Wilderness Journeys Tasmania‟s southern coastal wilderness is truly breathtaking and one of the best ways to experience its wonders is with one the Pennicott Wilderness Journeys. Robert Pennicott and his wife Michaye Boulter have been operating Bruny Island Charters out of Adventure Bay since October 1999, and started operating Tasman Cruises out of the historic Port Arthur region in 2007. Using a fleet of rigid hull Inflatables, they specialise in offering their clients tours that reveal the splendour and wonders of Southern Tasmania. The company‟s custom built marine „eco cruises‟ are ideal for viewing the spectacular coastline and abundant sea and coastal wildlife. Covered open-aired tiered seating means an excellent all-round view and connection with the environment. The vessels which have unequalled sea-keeping abilities are safe, comfortable and gentle on the environment.
Hervey Bay Whale Watch offers two half day whale watching adventures each day from mid-July to November, departing at 7am and 1pm. Every young passenger receives a guide to Hervey Bay Whale Watching. Morning/Afternoon tea, including their famous home-made muffins is included, as is Courtesy pick-up and a whale sighting guarantee.
Pennicott Wilderness Journeys‟ three hour adventure tours around Bruny Island or from Port Arthur to Eaglehawk Neck will provide your clients with the chance to see Australia‟s high sea cliffs, enter deep sea caves and join in the search for abundant sea and costal wildlife such as seals, dolphins and birds of prey. From September to December and again between April and May, there is the chance to observe humpback and southern right whales on their migration.
For more information: Hervey Bay Whale Watch 5 Seastar Rated Whale Adventure Phone: 07 4128 9611 Web: www.herveybaywhalewatch.com.au
For more information: Bruny Island Charters Tasman Cruises 03 62931465 03 6250 2200 www.brunyislandcruises.com.au www.tasmancruises.com.au Both adventures are 4½ Seastar Rated Marine Adventures
Is it time for a new home. Talk to PMIFBS. Finance solutions for Business I Equipment I Marine I Motor Vehicle I Home Phone Dale Joyce on 0407 738 644. ASIC Lic. 385211 Page 6 I Marine Travel Trade
Photos: Hervey Bay Whale Watch, Tasman Cruises
Hervey Bay Whale Watch
Seawalker @ Green Island. Click to visit - www.seawalker.com.au.
Where’s your next marine adventure.... Seawalker Green Island 5 Seastar Rated Helmet Dive Adventure Green Island Dive Centre Phone: 0407 581 096 www.seawalker.com.au
Calypso Mango Charters Premium Seastar Gamefishing Adventure Marina Mirage, Port Douglas Enquires: Marinelife Expeditions 0412 761 016
Queensland Scuba Dive Company Reefhabitat Project Partner Berth 91 Mariners Cove Marina, Gold Coast Phone: 61 7 5564 0058 www.qldscubadive.com.au
Askari Charters 5 Seastar Rated Gamefishing Expedition Cairns Marlin Marina, Cairns Phone: 0433 747 413 www.hardcoregamefishing.com.au
Hervey Bay Whale Watching 5 Seastar Rated Whale Adventure Urangan Harbour, Hervey Bay Phone: 61 7 4128 9611 www.herveybaywhalewatch.com.au
Sea Probe Fishing Charters 5 Seastar Rated Reef Fishing Adventure Southport Broadwater, Gold Coast Phone: 0400 312 330 www.seaprobecharters.com
That’s Awesome 4½ Seastar Rated Whale Adventure Urangan Harbour, Hervey Bay Phone: 1800 653 775 www.awesomeadventure.com.au
Coral Sea Charter Company 5 Seastar Rated Reef Fishing Expedition Mackay Marina, Mackay Phone: 61 7 4955 5032 www.coralseacharter.com.au
Bruny Island Charters 4½ Seastar Rated Marine Adventure Adventure Bay, Tasmania Phone: 61 3 6293 1465 www.brunyislandcruises.com.au
Kekoa Sport and Gamefishing 5 Seastar Rated Sportfishing Expedition 5 Seastar Rated Gamefishing Expedition Cairns Marlin Marina, Cairns Phone: 0428 789 840 www.kekoa.com.au
Tasman Cruises 4½ Seastar Rated Marine Adventure Port Arthur, Tasmania Phone 61 3 6250 2200 www.tasmancruises.com.au
For more information contact: Pacific Marinelife Institute www.marinelifetraveller.blogspot.com Photo courtesy of: Seawalker @ Green Island
Offsets that make a real difference to our oceans and coastal ecosystems.