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Canberra first, Australia Next for Indonesian Incentive Planners
Canberra welcomed media and incentive group buyers from Indonesia last week to show them the experiences on offer in Australia’s Capital city prior to attending Tourism Australia’s incentive showcase in Cairns, Australia Next. In partnership with Tourism Australia’s dedicated business events unit, Business Events Australia, the Canberra Convention Bureau and its members showed what Canberra can offer for incentive travel. For four days and three nights, the group of seven were shown some of Canberra’s best experiences and venues that would appeal to an Indonesian audience.
With regular direct flights from Denpasar to Canberra with Batik Air, Australia’s national capital is now even more on the radar for incentive groups from Indonesia looking to experience something unique and learn more about Australia. Canberra has minimal traffic issues, free national institutions within walking distance of each other, a surprising number of restaurants, interesting wildlife and access to nature, clean air and a multicultural ethos. Canberra is also perfectly placed for a multi destination itinerary, whether it includes Sydney, a play in the snow or a stroll on a beach – or all three.
The Australia Next Indonesian delegates arrived at Canberra Airport on Thursday morning, 4 days prior to the start of the incentive showcase event. Canberra Guided Tours took them on the 10 mins drive to the CBD to then launch them back out in the world with a drive through the Embassy area – each building is architecturally designed to reflect the diplomatic mission they represent. A stop for a photo of kangaroos with their joeys, was followed by a behind-the-scenes tour of Australia’s Parliament House (only one of two in the world that offers access for private events). Some creative time with glassmaking, followed by star gazing at Mt Stromlo and a paddock to plate dinner at the recently re-opened Pialligo Estate.
Day two was snow play at Corin Forest Mountain Resort, followed by a Walk on Country at the National Arboretum, then a close encounter or two at the National Zoo and Aquarium. Day three was ziplining in the Treetops minutes from the CBD, a truffle hunt at Beltana Farm and a Love boat ride on Lake Burley Griffin. Delegates were fuelled throughout with a variety of cuisines showing the versatility and range of the food offering that comes with having more restaurants per capita than any other city in Australia.
Michael Matthews, Chief Executive Officer, Canberra Convention Bureau stated “Canberra is the ‘ten minute city’ with so many diverse experiences within 10 minutes’ drive. This proximity allows visitors to see and do so much more in one day. As the nation’s capital, Canberra tells the Australian story through its experiences and being surrounded by nature means seeing fascinating Australian wildlife is guaranteed.”