This Destination Wrap features three of our favourite things: good vibes, green shoots and some great support initiatives for Aussies.

Bliss n Eso launch new single atop Sydney Tower Eye

Australian hip-hop trio Bliss n Eso (pictured above) launched their latest single ‘Lighthouse (feat. Jake Isaac)’ in a performance on top of the Sydney Tower Eye’s ‘SKYWALK’.

Recorded for the ABC’s music program The Sound, produced by Mushroom Vision, the brand-new track marks the first time a music video has been filmed on top of the Sydney Tower.

To watch Bliss n Eso’s performance at Sydney Tower Eye, click here.

The Maldives releases new guidelines for tourists

The Maldives’ official tourism organisation, Visit Maldives, has created guidelines for tourists travelling to the Maldives during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Currently, Qatar Airways, Emirates, Etihad, Gulf Air, Hong Kong Airlines, Silk Air, IndiGo, Singapore Airlines, and SriLankan Airlines are transporting tourists to the Maldives, with more airlines planning to announce additional flights in the coming months, according to Visit Maldives.

To view the guidelines, click here.

Queensland launches $46.5m mental health campaign

An extra $46.5 million has been committed to support Queenslanders’ mental health and wellbeing through programs across the state, as part of a campaign targeting Queenslanders who have had their lives impacted by COVID-19.

Deputy Premier and Health Minister Steven Miles said the second phase of the ‘Dear Mind’ campaign was focused on helping people build their resilience by focusing on the six building blocks of mental wellbeing.

“People can visit the Dear Mind website, which provides ideas and inspiration for incorporating mental wellbeing activities into their everyday lives, as well as links to wellbeing resources and support services,” he said in a statement.

The news comes after Victoria announced a nearly $60 million boost to its mental health system following troubling reports of an increase in young people – and a 10 per cent increase in all people – presenting to emergency departments for intentional self-harm.

South African Tourism launches #ShareSouthAfrica campaign

South African Tourism is launching story-sharing social media campaign #ShareSouthAfrica in September – or what they’re dubbing “Remember September” – in a bid to reminisce on travels past and reignite dreams of travel in the future, as we await the reopening of international borders.

In addition, South African Tourism is sharing a compilation videos of real social media posts by Australasian visitors to the country, showcasing their stories of South Africa’s diverse experiences from food and wine and culture to family-friendly experiences and local hospitality.

You can follow and contribute to the #ShareSouthAfrica campaign on South African Tourism’s Facebook AU, Facebook NZ, Instagram or Twitter page from 1 September 2020.

‘Ear-resistible’ opportunity to win a Tourism Solomons ‘Ear Saver’

Making mask wearing a little more ‘b-ear-able’, Tourism Solomons is offering 50 travel agents the opportunity to win what is fast becoming an absolute must-haver accessory for any self-conscious mask wearer– a Tourism Solomons-branded ear saver.

Offering extra comfort, easy to adjust and guaranteed to fit anyone’s face, winning one of the ear savers is a cinch.

All consultants have to do is email Tourism Solomons’ marketing representative, Richard Skewes at info@ptm.net.au stating their name, agency, postal address and the answer to one very important question in the subject line: how many islands make up the Solomon Islands archipelago?

Entries must be received by COB on 4 September 2020, when they will be placed into a draw (only one entry per person) with the first 50 correct entries to receive their ear savers in the post the following week.

Scotland’s iconic Highland Games go virtual for first time

In 2020, for the first time ever, spectators were given a front row seat to enjoy the very best of Scottish culture and competition from the comfort of home as some of Scotland’s most renowned Highland Games went virtual.

The Highland Games, which this year occurred on 27 to 29 August, are a traditional feature of summer across Scotland, particularly in rural areas.

Dating back over 1000 years, Highland Games are a celebration of Scottish and Celtic culture, centred around a variety of competitions such as heavy athletics, piping, drumming and Highland dancing.

Whether spectators want to keep an eye on the action, have a go themselves or find out more about the history behind the games, there are plenty of options to ensure the 2020 celebrations continue, albeit in a physically distanced and virtual way.

For more ways to experience Scotland and Scottish culture at home, click here.

What an Empire State Building experience looks like now

Image source: iStock/Shooter_Sam

Guests visiting New York’s Empire State Building will notice new safety measures, including Guest contactless temperature check (must have a temperature of less than 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit) and the requirement to wear a facial covering throughout their visit.

Certain interactive exhibits that run on automatic and binocular viewers, which require close eye contact by visitors, will be closed.

At the time of reopening, all hosts, cleaning, and security personnel will be trained in additional customer service, use of PPE, new cleaning procedures, tracing, and back-of-house protocols.

In addition to the physical protocols that have been implemented, air quality related components at the Observatory include MERV 13 air filters, AtmosAir air purification, and constant ventilation through the introduction of fresh air to, and the exhaust interior air from, the observatories.

These are the standards in all of ESRT’s new office installations.

Irish artists create birthday present for ‘Van the Man’

Ireland’s Hot Press magazine is presenting a unique musical tribute by 75 exceptional artists to mark the 75^th birthday of the legendary Belfast singer-songwriter, Sir Van Morrison.

‘Rave On, Van Morrison’ is a musical extravaganza that will see 75 of Ireland’s leading and emerging singers and musicians perform Van Morrison songs in a tribute that will be broadcast via YouTube throughout August and into September.

Last call: Banff National Park – Canadian Rockies agent webinar

Travel professionals are invited to hear from Canadian Rockies in-market representative Lizzie Doyle on how the town of Banff and the hamlet of Lake Louise are operating to plan ahead for future travels.

The presentation will cover year-round escapism into nature, explore iconic jewel-toned lakes and awe-inspiring mountain backdrops, plus highlights of the famed Icefields Parkway and a guide to both township’s services and facilities.

All travel agents, including Canada specialists, are invited to join one of two webinar sessions. There are no limits to numbers.

When: Wednesday 2 September 2020

Times in Australia: webinar one – 8.30am (EST), or Webinar two – 10.30am (EST)

Times in New Zealand: webinar one – 10.30am (NZST), or webinar two – 12.30pm (NZST)

To RSVP for webinar one, click here. To RSVP for webinar two, click here.

Tokyo’s Meiji Shrine marks 100 years with a forest festival of art and culture

Image source: Keizo Kioku

Tokyo’s Meiji Shrine is celebrating its centennial with a multi-faceted festival of arts and culture, ‘Meiji Jingu Forest Festival of Art’.

The festival’s theme is ‘Celebrate, Pray, Create’. With the sacred forests as the ideal backdrop, it is hoped that the festival will help visitors to reconsider the relationship between Japanese arts, culture and nature and introduce a uniquely Japanese aesthetic to the world.

For more information about the festival, which runs through to 2021, click here.

Register for Sri Lanka training

The team from The Travel Concierge Sri Lanka are investing resources to provide destination training to Australian travel agents.

In the spirit of ‘personal service’, sessions are 1-on-1 to give agents the very best attention possible. To learn more, contact The Travel Concierge Sri Lanka’s local ANZ representative mark@ttcsrilanka.com.

Here’s how the remote Pitcairn Islands are staying COVID-19 free

Image source: iStock/TheDoe

Lying halfway between New Zealand and Peru, deep in the South Pacific, the Pitcairn Islands group is one of the world’s most remote tourism destinations.

With a permanent population of fewer than 50 people, Pitcairn Island is also the smallest populated territory in the world.

From the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, keeping Pitcairn’s remote population safe has been a priority. The Government of Pitcairn Islands quickly established its COVID-19 management protocols and continues to strictly control its borders.

All passengers’ services, on the ‘Silver Supporter’ freighter, between Mangareva and Pitcairn, are suspended. Pitcairn’s shipping schedule has been revised and the supply ship, will now travel only between Pitcairn & New Zealand. This restriction will remain in place until 31 March 2021.

For Pitcairn to operate at full capacity throughout the coronavirus pandemic, only Pitcairn residents, essential contracted staff, and their partners, are permitted to travel on the Silver Supporter between NZ and Pitcairn. This restriction will remain in place until 31 March 2021.

All cruise ships, tour vessels and yachts are prohibited from landing passengers at Pitcairn Island and the exchange of provisions (unless urgently required) is not permitted. This restriction will also remain in place until 31 March 2021.

To stay up to date on Pitcairn’s COVID-19 measures and travel restrictions, click here.

Featured image source: Mushroom Creative