TRAVEL

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A new reason to go to Hawai’i

04/07/2024

The Hawai‘i Tourism Authority has announced Qurator, a revolutionary certification for Hawai‘i-based businesses that underscores responsible tourism practices. This initiative strategically guides visitors to products and experiences that not only delight but also positively impact the environment, community, and local economy. “Qurator isn’t just a stamp of approval,” said Mufi Hannemann, HTA board chair. “It speaks to a set of brand values for the Hawaiian Islands, showing our deep commitment to our land, our people, our culture, and our guests. It’s a recognition of the interdependent relationship between businesses, visitors, and our broader local community.” The evaluation process for Qurator certification is meticulous, assessing businesses on six key criteria: Environment, Cultural Support, Equity, Safety, Community, and Guest Experience. Thirteen businesses, including renowned airlines like Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines, were certified during a pilot program that commenced in May. HTA’s interim president, Daniel N?ho‘opi‘i, remarked that Qurator is instrumental in helping travellers identify businesses that uphold responsible tourism values. Each business undergoes a rigorous survey comprising between 150-225 questions, which are then independently scored and audited. Businesses achieving this certification are recognised in ascending order of accomplishment: “Qurator Certified,” “Qurator Honored,” and “Qurator Elite.” Developed in collaboration with the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement (CNHA), Qurator sets unprecedented standards across diverse tourism sectors, ranging from airlines to surf schools. The program’s development involved extensive input from over 100 groups, including industry and advocacy organisations, alongside a 24-member advisory committee. Emphasising its comprehensiveness, Qurator emerges as the most all-encompassing quality mark in the visitor industry, welcoming… Read More

Exploring the charms of France during the Paris Olympics 2024

02/07/2024

By James Banham

As Paris readies itself to welcome hordes of sports enthusiasts for the much-anticipated 33rd Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games, the latest data from Booking.com unveils a fascinating trend among Aussie travelers. Not only are they gearing up to witness athletic prowess, but they also have their sights set on savoring the essence of French culture beyond Paris. Unveiling Wanderlust Trends Amidst the allure of Paris, Australian tourists are venturing towards lesser-known French gems, as indicated by recent search data. The figures paint a vivid picture of wanderlust preferences, steering travelers away from the conventional tourist paths. Strasbourg: A Gothic Wonderland The data showcases a remarkable 210% surge in Australians searching for accommodations in Strasbourg compared to the previous year. For those with an eye for architecture, the gothic marvels of Notre-Dame beckon, promising a journey through history and craftsmanship. Marseille: Sun, Sand, and Serenity Aussie sun-seekers are turning their gaze towards Marseille, a picturesque coastal town nestled in the enchanting Provence region. Booking.com notes a notable 70% uptick in searches for this Mediterranean haven, catering to those craving a perfect blend of beach bliss and cultural charm. Insights from Booking.com Todd Lacey, the Regional Manager for Oceania at Booking.com, stands ready to delve deeper into these travel trends. His insights offer valuable commentary and interview opportunities, shedding light on the evolving preferences of Australian travelers exploring France during the European summer. Australia to France Search Data Snapshot (European Summer 2024) Methodology: Data searches conducted between 26 May, 2024, and 2 June, 2024, for check-in dates… Read More

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Hot to go to Italy… without going to Italy

02/07/2024

By James Banham

Perfect for Aussies wanting to embrace the Italian vibes, from home shores.

Why Greece is always the right choice for a trip

02/07/2024

By James Banham

The countdown to summer has kicked off! If you’re dreaming of your next warm weather getaway, then cast your gaze no further than Greece.

The Seville Fair: A Celebration of Culture and Tradition

30/06/2024

By James Banham

The Seville Fair, known in Spanish as “Feria de Abril de Sevilla,” is one of the most vibrant and celebrated events in the Spanish calendar.

Tag: FODI

Festival of Dangerous Ideas is back in Sydney this August

by James Banham

Updated: 01/07/2024

Australia’s original disruptive ideas festival returns this August to provide a sanctuary for curious minds with a taste for danger.

Category: LIFESTYLE, ARTS & CULTURE, CITIES, FEATURES, SYDNEY

Tags: Dangerous Ideas, Festival Dangerous Ideas, FODI, sydney festival

ARTS & CULTURE

Generation Clay: reimagining Asian heritage

04/07/2024

By James Banham

Generation Clay: Reimagining Asian Heritage is an exhibition that celebrates the vibrant versatility of clay, curated by the award-winning contemporary artist Vipoo Srivilasa.

Opera Australia bring ‘Breaking the waves’ to Melbourne

04/07/2024

By James Banham

For the first time in Melbourne, Missy Mazzoli and Royce Vavrek’s “Breaking the Waves” will startle audiences, as it has across the world, including acclaimed seasons at Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM), Edinburgh Festival, and Adelaide Festival. Opera Australia will present a Melbourne exclusive, one-night-only semi-staged performance of this contemporary opera on 26 July at Hamer Hall, helmed by Melbourne Theatre Company’s Artistic Director Anne-Louise Sarks and conducted by the award-winning Jessica Cottis. This will be Sarks’ first foray into opera, which she says offers an exciting opportunity to expand her creative output in a new direction. “Opera is an entirely different type of theatre; the sheer drama of the music adds a greater depth and dimension to the storytelling and allows us immediate access to the inner life of these characters. I am looking forward to working with some of Australia’s finest singers and musicians to bring this story to life. Breaking the Waves brings together some brilliant female creatives. Composer Missy Mazzoli, conductor Jessica Cottis, and designer Marg Horwell are world leaders in their fields, and it is so special to collaborate with them on this project,” said Ms. Sarks. Dubbed by Time Out as “Brooklyn’s post-millennial Mozart,” Mazzoli is one of the most exciting composers working anywhere in the world, and her adaptation of von Trier’s film has been acclaimed as one of the 21st century’s best operas. Opera Australia filled Hamer Hall last year with its critically successful “Satyagraha,” and “Breaking the Waves” presents the perfect opportunity for a musically adventurous… Read More

Paris Fitzpatrick Quadrophenia a Mod Ballet Photo Johan Persson

Sadler’s Wells has a new mod ballet for you

01/07/2024

By James Banham

Sadler’s Wells and Universal Music UK today announced Pete Townshend’s Quadrophenia, a Mod Ballet, a major new dance production of Townshend’s iconic album of the same name, which will tour the UK in 2025. Quadrophenia is steeped in the mythology of the 1960s—sharp suits, soul music, Vespas and parkas—but its themes of lost youth, rebellion, the search for belonging, and hunger for social change are just as urgent today. A rich orchestral arrangement of the album by Rachel Fuller and Martin Batchelar provides the backdrop for Quadrophenia, a Mod Ballet. The brand-new production is choreographed by Paul Roberts, directed by Rob Ashford, and features original costumes by renowned British fashion house Paul Smith and Natalie Pryce, projection by Nick Hillel, and lighting design by Fabiana Piccioli. Rising star Paris Fitzpatrick performs the lead role of Jimmy. Quadrophenia, a Mod Ballet, tours to Plymouth Theatre Royal (28 May – 1 June 2025), Edinburgh Festival Theatre (10 – 14 June 2025) and the Mayflower Theatre, Southampton (18 – 21 June 2025) before having its official opening at Sadler’s Wells Theatre, London (24 June – 13 July 2025) and then visiting The Lowry, Salford (15 – 19 July 2025). Pete Townshend said: ‘QUADROPHENIA is the only Who album that I solely composed and produced (1973) and the movie that followed in 1979 launched the careers of some of the finest young actors of the time. In 2016 Rachel Fuller agreed to create an orchestral score of the album. When I first heard a demo of this version, without… Read More

Festival of Dangerous Ideas is back in Sydney this August

01/07/2024

By James Banham

Australia’s original disruptive ideas festival returns this August to provide a sanctuary for curious minds with a taste for danger.

New LGBT romance CHUCK CHUCK BABY coming to London

30/06/2024

By James Banham

CHUCK CHUCK BABY, funded by the BFI and awarding National Lottery funding, alongside BBC Film and Ffilm Cymru Wales and produced by Artemisia Films, will arrive in cinemas this summer just after Pride on 29 June! This highly anticipated film is set to be released in UK and Irish cinemas on 19th July, though the release date remains confidential and will be officially announced soon. Written and directed by Janis Pugh, known for The Befuddled Box of Betty Buttifint and Blue Collars and Buttercups, the film stars an impressive cast including Louise Brealey, Annabel Scholey, Sorcha Cusack, Celyn Jones, and Emily Fairn. The production is helmed by producers Anne Beresford, Adam Partridge, Andrew Gillman, and Peggy Cafferty. CHUCK CHUCK BABY tells a poignant story of love, loss, and music set amongst the falling feathers of a chicken factory in present-day industrial North Wales. The plot centres on Helen, who divides her days between packing chickens and caring for Gwen, her dying mother-figure. Helen’s world is set on a new course with the return of Joanne, a figure from her past with whom she shared unspoken teenage passions twenty years earlier. Encouraged by Helen, Joanne initiates a playful wooing game that re-awakens their old feelings, reigniting Helen’s zest for life. However, Joanne grapples with darker shadows from her past, leading to a series of emotional upheavals. As Gwen passes away, Joanne’s haunting memories cause her to retreat, leaving Helen alone. The film explores the women’s journey as they reflect on their missed chance to break down… Read More