Karen Doyle of The Fabulous Travel Consultants in South Yarra, Victoria wins a 4 night stay in a Deluxe Ocean Terrace Room including daily breakfast for two at Daydream Island Resort, Whitsundays.

Karen, please contact megan@traveltalkmag.com.au to claim your prize!

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The Boom in Indigenous Tourism

Before the pandemic, Indigenous tourism was the fastest-growing segment within Canada’s tourism industry, with a reported $1.2 billion contribution to the GDP and supporting 32,000 jobs. However, the pandemic brought unprecedented challenges, hitting this sector particularly hard. Despite these setbacks, Indigenous tourism is now rebounding with vigour, fuelled by substantial governmental and organisational support aimed at recovery and growth.

The Government of Canada has been instrumental in this resurgence through initiatives like the Indigenous Tourism Fund (ITF). With a $20 million investment, the ITF aims to restore and expand Indigenous tourism offerings. Notable within this initiative is the Signature Indigenous Tourism Experiences Stream (SITES), which supports significant projects that enhance tourism infrastructure and services in Indigenous communities. This program is designed to make Indigenous tourism sites more accessible and appealing to both domestic and international visitors, thus encouraging longer stays and increased spending.

Wanuskewin, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

The Original Original: A Brand Rooted in Authenticity

One of the most exciting developments in this arena is the emergence of the “Original Original” brand. This brand represents a collective of Indigenous tourism experiences that emphasize authenticity and cultural integrity. Under the guidance of the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC), the Original Original brand aims to highlight genuine Indigenous experiences that are deeply rooted in the cultural traditions and histories of Indigenous peoples across Canada.
ITAC’s efforts are centred on promoting and marketing these authentic experiences to a global audience. The association’s initiatives, such as the RISE program, provide crucial tools and resources to Indigenous tourism operators. RISE, for instance, offers a toolkit for recovery and resilience, helping businesses navigate the post-pandemic landscape and ensuring they are well-equipped to meet increasing demand.

Unforgettable Experiences Across Canada

Travellers seeking authentic Indigenous experiences can find a wealth of options across Canada. In Saskatchewan, the Dakota Dunes Resort on Whitecap Dakota First Nations land offers a luxurious stay infused with Indigenous heritage. The resort features traditional tipi-inspired design and activities such as golfing, hiking, and canoeing, providing a blend of comfort and cultural immersion).

In Manitoba, Wapusk Adventures in Churchill provides thrilling dog carting experiences guided by Metis owner Dave Daley. This ecotourism venture allows visitors to connect with nature while learning about the region’s Indigenous traditions. Similarly, the Feast Cafe Bistro in Winnipeg, led by Peguis First Nation member Christa, offers modern dishes rooted in traditional First Nations foods, creating a culinary experience that honours Indigenous heritage.

Wapusk Adventures, Churchill, Manitoba

A Sustainable Future

The resurgence of Indigenous tourism in Canada is more than an economic boon; it is a pathway to cultural preservation and education. By engaging with these authentic experiences, travellers contribute to the sustainability and growth of Indigenous communities. The Original Original brand stands as a testament to the resilience and richness of Indigenous cultures, offering travellers a chance to connect deeply with the true essence of Canada.

As Indigenous tourism continues to rise, it offers a unique opportunity for cultural exchange and economic growth. The Original Original brand encapsulates this movement, ensuring that the experiences shared are genuine and impactful, fostering a deeper appreciation for Indigenous cultures across the globe.

Indigenous Tourism Canada

Destination Canada

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Since 2022, Qantas has ordered 12 specially modified A350s, equipped with additional fuel tanks to support the 22-hour journeys. These aircraft will feature a configuration of 238 seats, including six in first class, 52 in business class, 40 in premium economy, and 140 in economy. The 140 economy seats will be in a 3-3-3 configuration with a 33-inch pitch instead of the standard 31-inch for long haul. This will provide approximately 5cm of extra legroom.

A notable feature of the new cabin design is the Wellbeing Zone, described as “a dedicated space for movement and premium refreshments, designed to optimise wellbeing throughout the flight,” accessible to all passengers. This innovation aims to mitigate the challenges of a 22-hour flight by providing a place to stretch and move around. However, with the recent issues of severe turbulence, it’s uncertain how effective this will be in practice. It’s one thing to endure a long flight with room to move; it’s another to be confined to your seat for the majority of the journey. We will have to wait and see how Qantas plans to tackle this issue.

So, the big question is: would you take this flight? My personal answer is absolutely if I were flying first or business class (which is – never!), but in economy, I’m not so sure.

Stopovers can provide a relaxing way to start a trip, offering a break between flights and helping with jet lag. They also provide the opportunity to visit new places and experience different cultures. On the other hand, the return journey can seem endless. When you’re on your way home and just want to get there, having to stop along the way is frustrating.

For many, the prospect of eliminating stopovers on such a long journey is appealing. However, the trade-off between convenience and comfort remains a crucial factor. Project Sunrise may herald a new era of non-stop flights, but whether it spells the end for stopovers is still up in the air. The ultimate decision will rest with the passengers: the frequent flyers who crave efficiency and the leisure travellers who cherish the journey as much as the destination.

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The Outpost Hotel Sentosa

I had the pleasure of staying at the Outpost Hotel Sentosa. This trendy and upscale hotel provides a chic and contemporary urban getaway, with a strong emphasis on personalized experiences.

One of the hotel’s standout features is its design. The contemporary aesthetics, with bold black and white elements, create a crisp, modern ambiance. The 193 rooms are meticulously designed with clean lines and monochromatic palettes. Each room offers expansive views of the South China Sea through floor-to-ceiling windows.

My cosy Deluxe Sea View room made the most of every available space. It featured a king bed, a two-person sofa, a table, a coffee machine, and all the usual modern conveniences.

A welcome drink and a customized complimentary minibar were delightful additions, as was the toiletries kit by Australian beauty brand Appelles Apothecary & Lab.

Deluxe Sea View Room

What makes the Outpost Hotel Sentosa really stand out is its rooftop retreat. This adults-only (16+) space features an al fresco pool deck with relaxed seating and all-day casual dining. The restaurant Sol & Ora, which opens onto the rooftop, offers a range of Mediterranean cuisine.

At night, the vibe transforms into a lively party atmosphere with a rooftop cocktail bar, views of the Sentosa daily fireworks, and it’s the only night-time spot on Sentosa open until 2 am on Fridays and Saturdays.

Guests at the Outpost also have access to the facilities at the neighbouring Village Hotel Sentosa, including a fitness room and four family-friendly pools. For more details on the Village Hotel, you can read our review.

The Oasia Hotel Sentosa

Just a short walk from the Outpost, the Oasia Hotel focuses on health and wellness. The Oasia spa offers a range of treatments and spa journeys, while complimentary activities such as aqua zumba, yoga and aqua boxing are open to guests at any of the Far East hotels on Sentosa. The recently opened pet-friendly Courtyard Premier rooms feature private courtyards with retractable roofs, adding a unique touch to the wellness experience.

The Barracks Hotel Sentosa

The most luxurious of the Far East Hospitality resorts is the Barracks Hotel Sentosa. Once a British artillery outpost, the hotel retains much of its original features.

With just 40 rooms, this property is one of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World and received a Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best Award in 2024.

The Barracks Hotel Sentosa

Whether you’re traveling with your partner, family, pets, or friends, Far East Hospitality offers a hotel to suit your needs on Sentosa.

Traveltalk stayed at the Outpost Hotel Sentosa as a guest of Far East Hospitality in March 2024.

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Here are the highlights of Kuala Lumpur from my teens’ perspective:

Petaling Street Market and Chinatown

Who doesn’t love a good bargain? Wandering the markets at Petaling Street was a huge win. My son had a blast haggling with the street vendors and learned the art of walking away!

Petaling Street is in the lively Chinatown district. We took a stroll to Kwai Chai Hong, or ‘Little Demon Lane.’ This back alley, along with its heritage buildings, has been beautifully restored and now features stunning street art by local artists, depicting life in 1960s Chinatown.

A few more minutes’ walk brought us to the Four Points Hotel by Sheraton. It has a rooftop bar that overlooks the local streets, with the towering Merdeka 118 in the background. At 679 metres, it’s the world’s second tallest building and it definitely looks impressive from the rooftop. The kids were in awe!

Local Foods

The kids loved trying the local foods, especially at a banana leaf curry house. Their favourites were roti prata, dosa, fish head curry and of course, teh tarik.

Matt liked teh tarik so much that we had to bring some back to Australia! He quickly discovered it’s not quite the same at home.

The Petronas Towers and KLCC Mall

First-timers in Kuala Lumpur must visit the Petronas Towers. You can walk on the skybridge between the towers at 170 metres above ground. The skybridge is partially attached to the main buildings to allow for movement during high winds and storms, preventing it from breaking away.

Going up to the observation deck on level 86 provides 360-degree views of the city and distant hills.

At the base of the towers is the KLCC Mall, a huge shopping mall selling many high end brands. I’m afraid the teens were more interested in the mall than the towers, enjoying comparing the brands and prices with those in Australia. Unfortunately we missed out on the Malaysia Mega Sale which will run from June 15 to July 31 2024.

Batu Caves

Batu Caves have quite the reputation on social media, so both kids were keen to visit.

Guarded by the 43-metre statue of Hindu deity Lord Murugan, Batu Caves are a series of caves set in a limestone hill.

To reach the main Temple Cave, you must climb 272 colourful steps. The caves are large with high ceilings, some open to the sky, with limestone stalactites dripping from the walls.

Roosters strut around the temple, which is over a century old and still in use, making it free to enter.

The resident monkeys roamed the steps looking for food scraps. Despite their cute appearance, they could get aggressive if anyone got too close!

Discovering Shangri-La

The final highlight of our stay in Kuala Lumpur was the hotel and staying in a five-star property certainly enhanced the kids’ experience.

We stayed at the Shangri-La, which provided great food, a world-class gym (essential for the teen male) and a fantastic pool and spa area.

www.traveltalkmag.com.au/affordable-luxury-in-the-heart-of-the-city

The Verdict?

Kuala Lumpur turned out to be a fantastic destination for teens, offering a mix of adventure, culture and relaxation. Everyone had a blast, came home happy and with great memories. The trip was a hit – well done, mum!

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“In a world of isolation, tourism is about connection,” said The Honorable Soraya Martinez Ferrada, Federal Minister of Tourism in speaking about the new tourism strategy. “We’re investing in tourism growth by supporting small and medium businesses across the country.”

Marsha Walden, CEO of Destination Canada, stated that Canada has been slipping in global competitiveness since 2009. Despite forecasts showing Canadian tourism outperforming the Canadian economy, it is falling behind the global tourism economy. Tourism is vital to the Canadian economy, supporting more than 234,000 businesses and employing 1 in 10 people. In 2021, Canada was the 13th global tourism destination. To push it into the top seven, Canada needs to be seen as a year-round destination and a ‘must-see’ rather than a ‘someday’ destination​​.

Marsha Walden speaking at RVC 2024

The strategy will use five guiding principles: Collaboration, Prosperity, Public Support, Regeneration, and Reconciliation, underscoring four key pillars designed to foster transformative growth in the tourism sector:

1. Sector Advancement | A Competitive Canada: Enhancing competitiveness by leveraging seven strategic levers identified through industry consultations.
2. Brand Leadership | Driving the Brand: Developing a sustainable and balanced tourism landscape by targeting specific demographics and dispersing tourists geographically to enhance seasonality and local opportunities.
3. Destination Development | Propelling Investment and Supply: Collaborating with communities to create long-term development plans, improve infrastructure, and meet both guest expectations and local needs.
4. Collective Intelligence | Leading with Data: Expanding access to data and insights to empower businesses to compete globally​ (Destination Canada)​​ (Newswire)​​ (Destination Canada)​.

Meanwhile, what does this mean for Australia?

• Australia is one of Canada’s key international markets (along with the USA, Mexico, Germany, France, UK, China, Korea, and Japan).
• Many Australians travel in the Northern Hemisphere winter – Canada’s low season – making Australians a more attractive market during this period.
• Many Canadian operators are looking for ways to raise awareness with and attract Australians to their locations and away from the more visited destinations in British Columbia, Alberta and Quebec.

This strategy reflects Canada’s commitment to reinvigorating its tourism sector by 2030, emphasizing collaboration, sustainable growth, and data-driven decision-making to position itself as a top global destination.

View the entire strategy here.

The post While The Rebound Continues, Canada Looks Ahead appeared first on TravelTalk.

“We’re so grateful to host this is because of the economic value to Edmonton. It brings in about $5.3m ($5.8m AUD) of economic impact to the city.” Tannis Gaffney, Chief Marketing Office of Travel Alberta told Traveltalk.

“We also organised the biggest pre familiarization tour prior to the trade show that a province and a city have been able to put together. That was over 22 tours, over 250 buyers from 17 countries. The ability to host the travel trade and media from around the globe before the convention is actually priceless, because now that you’ve experienced the destination, you’ve experienced the personality of the place, which is another thing that we really love to talk about.”

We asked Tannis why Australian travellers should visit Alberta over another state or territory in Canada.

“Australians are already visiting Alberta in the winter. There’s a lot of Australians that are working at the ski hills which we welcome from a labour perspective. They already know the hidden gem that this place is. Winter is a really great time to come, it’s our low season.

We love about that Australian visitors tend to stay longer. I think that out of all our international markets, they stay the longest.

Alberta is one of the best places in Canada to come for winter because of the diversity of the products and experiences that we have. We call it winter warm. You can stay in castles in the Rockies, you can experience the warmth of hot springs and outdoor tubs.

We want to share the magic of winter with all our international visitors, it’s kind of the secret season here.”

RVC is being held in Edmonton, the capital of Alberta. Edmonton is known as the festival city and hosts festivals all year round including the ice carving competition, the byzantine winter festival and the Flying Canoë Volant all held in January. Edmonton is also home to an extensive park system along the Edmonton River valley, West Edmonton mall; the largest mall in the world and Fort Edmonton Park, a living history museum which takes visitors back in time to experience life in Edmonton during different historical periods, from the fur trading era to the 1920s.

More than 400 buyers and media from Destination Canada’s key markets are here to meet with over 900 tourism industry delegates from more than 482 Canadian organizations. There are delegates from 16 of Australia’s travel companies. Over the three-day conference more than 55,000 one-on-one appointments will be held as well as exclusive breakfasts and networking opportunities enjoyed by attendees.

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Win a trip to NZ with Air NZ and Avani

Prize:  Two economy return tickets to Auckland with Air New Zealand and a three-night stay in a one-bedroom suite at the Avani Auckland Metropolis Residences.

and the winner is….Clinton Griffiths from Globus in Sydney

Win a short break with AAT Kings

• First Prize: AAT Kings – Kings Canyon, Uluru and Kata Tjuta 4-day / 3-night Short Break for yourself and 50% off for a travel companion of your choice.

Winner: Kimba Daley from Travel FNQ in Atherton, QLD

• Second Prize: AAT Kings – Kings Canyon and Uluru 3-day / 2-night Short Break for yourself and 50% off for a travel companion of your choice.

Winner: Jade Garlick from Roast and Roam in Illawong, NSW

If you are a winner, please email megan@traveltalkmag.com.au to claim your prize.

The post Competition Update appeared first on TravelTalk.

The train’s route, known for its stunning scenery, winds through lush forests, alongside glistening rivers, and beneath the imposing peaks of towering mountains. Travellers were treated to spectacular sights, including a glimpse of a bear, as they journeyed towards the heart of the Rocky Mountains. The journey included an overnight stay in Kamloops, followed by passage to the iconic Lake Louise, culminating in arrival at the awe-inspiring Banff—just in time to witness the ethereal northern lights.

Northern Lights at the Fairmont Banff Springs

The experience was further enriched by luxurious accommodations at the majestic Fairmont Banff Springs. With a range of activities to choose from, the group enjoyed a tour on electric bikes to Johnston Canyon and afternoon tea at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise before a final wrap up event with the Fairmont team.

Vermillion Lakes, Banff

For an in-depth look at this unforgettable Canadian experience and more insights into travelling aboard the Rocky Mountaineer, be sure to check out our upcoming June issue.

Tony Soden, Senior Sales Manager, Aust & NZ for Rocky Mountaineer (right) & Grahame Gorie, My Canada Trips.

Rebecca Sandalls, Flight Centre (left)

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