Dear Senior Industry Leaders, Global Global death toll from coronavirus surpasses SARS deaths There are now over 44,000 confirmed cases of the coronavirus across 25 countries. While the death toll now stands at over 1000 people (exceeding the 774 deaths from the SARS epidemic in 2003), almost 5000 people have recovered from the virus. The number of countries reporting confirmed…
Letter from the Department of Health – Chief Medical Officer Following previous correspondence, I am writing to provide further advice regarding the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19). The situation in mainland China has not changed significantly over the last two weeks. Cases and mortality rates continue to rise in Hubei province, which remains locked down by Chinese authorities. There continues to…
THE Professional Conference Organisers Association is on another high after again securing Virgin Australia as a business partner for 2020. Virgin Australia joins conference and events businesses from around Australia, New Zealand, and the Asia Pacific on the PCO business-partnership program. Two years ago, Virgin Australia became the first airline to align itself with the PCO Association business partner program…
Still no WHO recommendation to restrict international travel. The WHO continues to advise against any restrictions on international travel or trade. Global cases of coronavirus continue to rise – virus reaches Belgium There are now over 24,500 confirmed cases of the coronavirus across countries. Belgium has reported its first confirmed case. The global death toll has risen to close to…
The South Australian Tourism Commission has today launched a recovery campaign for the regions devastated by bushfires in South Australia. The campaign coincides with the arrival of the first large cruise ship to Kangaroo Island since the fires that ravaged the island. The campaign, “Help them out, #BookThemOut”, focuses on encouraging tourists to visit both the Adelaide Hills and Kangaroo…
Following the Chief Medical Officer’s advice yesterday, the Department has now developed two fact sheets with more specific advice regarding the novel coronavirus infection (2019-nCoV). Please find one factsheet for hotel management and staff and the other for hotel guests at Hotels and Hotel Staff. Staff: https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-information-for-hotels-and-hotel-staff Hotel Guests https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-information-for-hotel-guests They include more information about preventive action staff and guests…
Hotel and tourism operators, As you will be aware, we have updated medical advice regarding the novel coronavirus infection (2019-nCoV). I am sure that this has caused some concern amongst your industry and I am writing to provide some early advice and guidance. It is most important to note that the experts still believe this virus is, in the great…
Local businesses and event planners are being urged to hold major conferences and events in Australia this year, under a new push by the Morrison Government to support Australia’s tourism industry. Federal Tourism Minister Simon Birmingham said Tourism Australia’s Event Here This Year campaign was aimed at encouraging organisations to provide a much-needed boost to the local tourism industry…
ICC Sydney launched its 2020 Menu Collection at PCOA 2019 this past December. Carefully curated by Executive Chef Tony Panetta, Director of Culinary Services, Lynell Peck and Beverage Operations & Cellar Manager, William Wilson, both beverage and food collections first featured on ICC Sydney’s stand as well as throughout the event’s catering to more than 400 attendees. ICC Sydney’s culinary…
AUSTRALIANS are being encouraged to throw their support behind Australia’s tourism industry in the wake of the devastating bushfires by holidaying in their own backyard. Tourism Australia’s Holiday Here This Year campaign launched today taps into the overwhelming goodwill and support for local communities impacted by the recent bushfires, by urging Australians to plan, book and take a domestic holiday…