Perth Celebrates China Connection with Spectacular Display

Perth has long boasted strong ties with East Asia through trade and a pioneering twinning agreement with Haikou in China’s Hainan province.

The Perthshire Chinese Community Association new year procession through the streets of Perth to mark the start of the Year of the Horse

Perth has long boasted strong ties with East Asia through trade and a pioneering twinning agreement with Haikou in China’s Hainan province.

And on Tuesday staff and pupils from Perth High School immersed themselves in all aspects of Chinese culture when they celebrated Chinese New Year.

Youngsters were joined by Andy Chan, chairman of the Perthshire Chinese Community Association, and Mandarin teacher Yang Jacobsen, for the China Day event which included Chinese cookery, Chopsticks and Paper Cutting, Tai Chi and Chinese Dragon Art workshops.

The Fair City school is widely regarded as a hub for learning about the Chinese language and culture, and is home to what was Scotland’s first Confucious classroom and offers Mandarin as one of its foreign languages.

A spokesperson for the school told the PA: “Perth High School has strong links with the Chinese community and is committed to increasing young people’s knowledge and awareness of Chinese language and culture.”

Meanwhile on Monday Perth and Kinross Provost Liz Grant welcomed in the Chinese New Year with members of the Perthshire Chinese Community Association

The Provost also invited members of the local Chinese community to a civic reception at 2 High Street to mark this Year of the Horse.

Celebrations took take place in Perth city centre starting with a firecracker display at the viewing platform on Tay Street, which lit up the early evening.

This was followed by a spectacular procession which was headed up by two police horses and a Chinese lion dance troop.

The acrobats performed gymnastic poses and tumbles, leading the Provost and community members through Perth High Street, King Edward Street, St John’s Place and St John Street to the Salutation Hotel on South Street to continue the evening’s celebrations.

Also on hand to amaze and entertain was circus-themed entertainment including close-up magical illusions, a stilt walking juggler and a daredevil street show performer who incorporated fire into his act.

'Vibrant Perth' Bid to Draw Tourists

Perth will be rebranded under a campaign to attract interstate visitors, while almost $8 million will be spent on tourism marketing in the regions, the State Government will announce today.

The Tourism WA campaign, to be launched in Sydney and Melbourne next week, will feature a 60-second cinema advertisement and eight shorter versions for digital and social marketing. They focus on Perth's music, arts and cultural scenes, nightlife and beaches. Tourism Minister Kim Hames said the new brand reflected the energy and vibrancy the city now exuded.

The State Government will also announce a new marketing campaign for regional WA, committing $7.9 million over four years through Royalties for Regions.

The funding will go towards a new 1001 Extraordinary Experiences campaign and produce two new commercials to entice interstate and local visitors to the regions.

Tourism Council WA chief executive Evan Hall said this season would be "make-or-break" for many operators.

Mr Hall said interstate tourism contributed $1.4 billion to the WA economy last year.

Jetstar Launches New Link Between WA and China

Jetstar has launched a new four-times weekly connection between Haikou, the capital of the Hainan Province in China, and Perth via a technical stop in Singapore. 

Passengers on these flights will have a short layover of two hours in Singapore each way, and will be re-boarding the same aircraft. Jetstar has operated low fare services between Haikou and Singapore since 2009, and is working with the Hainan Provincial Government to market the one stop service to Perth. 

Hainan is home to more than eight million people, providing WA with an opportunity to gain greater access to the China market.

Perth Airport Expansion In The Works

Perth Airport has announced it has secured Broad Construction Services (WA) Pty Ltd to undertake the first stage of it’s A$300 million expansion works of the international terminal.

The initial construction stage will begin in May 2012, and includes a major expansion of the incoming duty free retail shops, immigration area on the first level and the baggage reclaim hall.

The expansion which is scheduled to be completed in 2014 will help alleviate the congestion in queuing and waiting times for its customers.

Perth Airport chief executive officer, Brad Geatches said the expansion would ensure the airport was able to meet the rapid growth in international passenger numbers.

 “We are very aware that, due to the growth in international passengers to over 3.3 million in 2011, more than 220,000 up on the prior year, the current international arrivals experience is not what it should be,” Mr Geatches said.

“We are committed to ensuring everyone who travels through Perth Airport has a high quality experience, so we are completely changing the arrivals journey and doubling the size of all processing areas.”

Mr Geatches said Broad Construction Services is also currently working on the construction of the new A$120 million Domestic Terminal, which will service regional WA and some interstate routes from early next year.

Additionally, in an effort to reduce congestion to the International Terminal, Perth Airport has just completed a new intersection between Tonkin Highway and Dunreath Drive.

The A$10 million intersection is located to the north of the current Tonkin Highway/Leach Highwayintersection.

The intersection allows passengers to travel between Tonkin Highway and the International Terminal, however, it does not allow access to the Domestic Terminals.

“We are investing more than A$750 million over three years to expand Perth Airport, and the transformation of the current International Terminal represents the first stage towards achieving our vision of having all commercial air services operating from one convenient location by 2020,” Mr Geatches added.

(Source: http://www.etravelblackboard.com/article/131126 )

Six Perth Must-Do Activities

PERTH, AUSTRALIA—It’s a city with beautiful scenery, nestled on the shores of the Indian Ocean. And it combines the boomtown energy of Calgary with the sybaritic charm of San Diego. And it’s easier to get to you than you think.

Here’s a half dozen reasons to make Perth part of your Australian vacation.

1. RESIDE AT THE RICHARDSON

There are a lot of great hotels in downtown Perth, but it can get a bit clamorous down there, especially on the weekend. (Think Toronto’s Entertainment District.) That’s why you’d be well advised to try out The Richardson Hotel on the city’s north side. This boutique hotel is constantly rated #1 in Perth and there’s lots of reasons why, like the spacious, beautifully equipped rooms, the wondrous hands-on service, a great spa on site and a super restaurant, Opus, where the chef, Todd Cheavins, is from Yorkton, Saskatchewan! 32 Richardson St.. 618-9217-8888. www.therichardson.com.

2. PARK LIKE A KING

The King’s Park and Botanic Gardens are not only an impressive horticultural exhibit in their own right, but they provide you with some of the most dazzling views of downtown Perth and the scenic Swan River imaginable. Beautifully laid out, carefully tended and with a real user-friendly mentality throughout, this is the kind of place that even herbaphobes will love to visit. Fraser Ave., West Perth. 618-9480- 3600. www.bgpa.wa.gov.au/kings-park.

3. GET FREE IN FREO

Fremantle is every Perth resident’s idea of party central and rightly so. This Victorian harbour town is only 30 minutes from central Perth on the fun and fast “live trains” (as they’re called) that run frequently. It’s a crazy mixture of beautifully preserved Victoria architecture, funky little shops, countless coffee bars and a whole mess of pubs. Any one of them is bound to be friendly, but you’re going to want to save yourself for the main attraction, just below. www. visitfremantle.com.au.

4. EMBRACE YOUR INNER CREATURE

If you want to make direct contact with the Western Australian vibe, then run, don’t walk to Little Creatures. It began as a micro-brewery, grew into a beer hall and then expanded into a dining/drinking/dancing hangout where the crowds never stop, the party lasts till closing time and everybody becomes your new best friend. BTW, the food and brew are first rate as well. 40 Mews Rd., Fremantle. 618-9430-5555. www.littlecreatures.com.

5. ROTTNEST TO THE CORE

Next to being in a pub, Aussies are happiest in the great outdoors and it doesn’t get much greater than Rottnest Island. A Dutch sailor thought the adorable quokkasn only found on the island were giant rats and named its “Rats’ Nest” (or “Rottnest”). First a military post, then an aboriginal prison, it has been a nature resort and tourist destination for over 100 years. People book cabins through an on-line lottery or stay at the less rough and rugged hotels. No cars allowed. Take a shuttle bus that leaves you at any one of two dozen secluded beaches, some for sunning, some for surfing, some for swimming. It’s paradise. You can take a ferry from Perth or Fremantle for a day trip, but I think you’ll want to stay the night. 618-9372-9730. www.rottnestisland.com.

6. DIVE WITH THE DOLPHINS

I know there are lots of places around the world that let you frolic with the dolphins, but not in the Indian Ocean and not in 100% natural conditions. The people at Rockingham Wild Encounters are both people-friendly and eco-friendly as well, so your visits into the water (and yes, you do swim with the dolphins!) don’t hurt the creatures involved. Put on your wet suit, snorkel up, grab the belt of the bloke in front of you and dive in. You’ll never forget it, but I feel that way about all of Perth. P.O. Box 5321, Rockingham Beach. 618-9591-1333. www.dolphins.com.au

By Richard Ouzounian

'Flawed' Waterfront Lacks Community Touch - Perth Development

THE community was left out of Perth waterfront redevelopment planning, resulting in it being "fundamentally flawed", a lobby of prominent architects and urban planners claims.

In a last-minute intervention, architect Linley Lutton, who heads up the newly-founded City Gatekeepers group, has spoken out about the flaws in the $440 million project, which he says the community does not support.

Major works for the waterfront project are due to start in April, with the State Government planning to transform 10 hectares of the foreshore into a new precinct linking the CBD to the Swan River.

An island will also be created within the inlet and connected to the waterfront by a pedestrian and cycle bridge.

Dr Lutton, director of Urbanix Design and Australian Institute of Urban Studies WA vice chair, told PerthNow it was not too late to put pressure on the State Government to alter the proposed redevelopment.

Princely Treasures Dazzling and Delighting Perth Audiences

The Princely Treasures European Masterpieces 1600 - 1800 from the Victoria and Albert Museum has opened at the Art Gallery of WA. This stunning collection from one of the world's greatest museums runs until January 9, 2012.

Get your tickets now from Ticketek or at the Art Gallery of WA. The cost of tickets is adults $20, concession $16, children (5-16 years) $12, family ticket $50. For more information on the exhibition visit the website.

The Princely Treasures Masterclass Lecture Series will also start tonight at 7pm with Dr Stefano Carboni. Bookings are essential.

WA Showcased in Top Model Shoot

One of China's top supermodels Shu Pei Qin was the star of a celebrity photo shoot in the Pinnacles recently. Tourism WA's Singapore office arranged the itinerary and assisted with the arrangements of the photo shoot.

The shoot was organised by Nuyou, a leading Chinese women's fashion magazine from Singapore, for its bumper anniversary issue in September.

The shoot saw Qin wearing the latest fall/winter collection by Chanel, Celine and other international designers, and was photographed by Singapore celebrity photographer Wee Khim.

Based in New York, Qin has graced the covers of international women's magazines such as Vogue, Elle, Glamour and Harper's Bazaar and sashayed along the catwalks of some of the greatest designers such as Dior, Valentino, Givenchy and Chanel.

100 DAYS UNTIL PERTH 2011- Sailing Championships

Perth 2011 is celebrating a significant milestone with just 100 days to go until the biggest international sailing event of the year.

The World Championships will take place from 3-18 December, with 1200 athletes from 80 nations competing for 10 World Titles in the fresh breezes off Fremantle in Western Australia. The World Championships are also the key qualifier for the sailing competition at the London 2012 Olympic Games, with 75 per cent of places in London being decided in Perth in December.

Perth 2011 Chairman Ian Campbell said that a significant buzz is starting to build around the World Championships.

“Perth and Fremantle provide some of the best conditions for sailing in the world,” Campbell said.

“Combine these naturally favourable conditions for the sport with the hospitality and warmth of Fremantle and Western Australia and the Perth 2011 ISAF Sailing World Championships are poised to be memorable.

“The Worlds Festival programme is shaping up very nicely and North Street Productions are committed to ensuring that there is something for everyone attending the World Championships away from the water as well as on it.

“Perth is set for “grandstand sailing” as the Medal Races for each class will be sailed just metres from the shore on Centre Course, allowing spectators to witness the excitement of the World Championships first hand.

“There’s a great team working very hard at Perth 2011 to ensure that when the world turns to Perth in December, we’ll be ready to provide a wonderful platform for the best young sailors on the planet to realise their World Championships and Olympic Games dreams,” Campbell said.

Running parallel to the sailing competition will be the Worlds Festival, a 16 day cultural programme that will include more than 200 free events. The Worlds Festival will be centred on, but not limited to, the Worlds Village on Esplanade Park in Fremantle, with venues around Perth’s port city hosting theatre, art exhibitions and music performances through the 16 days of the Worlds Festival.

Further details of the Worlds Festival will be released in due course.
The dream begins in Perth!

Etihad could be flying to Perth - Perth Tourism News

Perth is set to reap even more benefits as a result of its booming resource fueled economy.

Etihad Airway’s National Sales Manager, Wayne Borland has indicated the possibility of the airline flying ex Perth is definitely ‘on the radar’.

Speaking at the recent Travelscene NCC conference, Mr Borland highlighted the rapid global expansion of the airline over the past 7 years and with new code share flights from Australia, Perth was ‘still on the list’.

Direct China-to-Perth Flights to Lift Travel, Tourism

CHINA'S biggest airline is on the verge of signing a deal to start direct flights to Perth.
The move is tipped to drive down airfares to Asia and bring thousands more tourists to WA, generating millions for the state's coffers.

China Southern Airlines says it is on the cusp of signing a deal with the State Government for flights between Perth and Guangzhou, southern China's biggest city.

It is understood the airline will start with three flights a week before ramping up to daily flights if the route is a success.

Perth is no stranger to the airline, which has based its China Southern West Australian Flying College, one of the biggest pilot training schools in the southern hemisphere, at Jandakot Airport since 1993. The college turns out more than 100 officers a year.

"It's in the works and it's looking likely," airline spokesman Bill Bryant told The Sunday Times. "There's been some extremely positive dialogue between WA and China Southern Airlines."

Mr Bryant said WA was likely to be added to existing routes including Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne.

The flights from Perth are also tipped to increase competition on airfares to Asia. But the WA economy would be the biggest winner according to tourism authorities.

Tourism Research Australia's latest international visitor survey estimated 12,000 Chinese visitors came to WA in 2010, the fastest growing international market, up 32.1 per cent from 2009.

They spent $80 million in WA in 2010, an increase of 135.3 per cent from $34 million spent in 2009.

Britain and Singapore remain WA's best international markets, with visitors spending $284 million and $226 million last year respectively.

Tourism Minister Kim Hames, who was bullish about China Southern Airlines entering WA when he spoke at a Tourism Council WA function last week, will head to China next month to try to seal the deal.

Tourism WA acting chief executive Stephanie Buckland said the organisation was working in close partnership with Perth airport, while Tourism and Transport Forum national policy director Evan Hall said the value of the deal was incalculable.

But Mr Hall warned work would be required to lift Perth's service levels. Tourism bosses also want changes to migration laws to ensure WA can attract Chinese-speaking workers.