FROM OUT OF THE BLUE the Whitsundays has rebranded to include the region’s 74 islands in its new tagline – ‘74 islands out of the blue’.
A new logo and branding for the Whitsundays is being launched across Australia in March. The fresh marketing approach includes a new slogan which incorporates part of the old catchline ‘Out of the Blue’. From March it will read ‘74 islands out of the blue’. Tourism Whitsundays business tourism manager Michelle Armour says the new branding being launched in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney this month, aims to revitalize the destination’s appeal.
“The strategy behind the rebranding is that Out of the Blue had been there for eight years. It was popular and people liked it, but it needed a bit of reinvention. We looked at how we needed to capture the market again.” Instead of dropping the catchy phrase altogether, the advertising company which won the contract for the rebranding decided to add to it instead.
“They’ve kept the Out of the Blue for now but they couldn’t get away from the fact there are 74 islands in the Whitsundays.” Ms Armour said Tourism Whitsundays will look at launching the new branding in New Zealand soon. She said New Zealand is a key market to the destination and is providing good amounts of business in 2006. “We’re already starting to see results coming through from the New Zealand market.”
In November Tourism Whitsundays together with Virgin Blue hosted a group of 10 key New Zealand professional conference organisers to the region for three nights. The conference planners spent one night on Hamilton Island, one on Hayman and one on Daydream Island. Ms Armour said one of the planners has already booked about 500 delegates over several groups to the Whitsundays throughout the year. She said the increased accessibility of the Whitsundays due to Virgin Blue’s move to fly there has resulted in more business.
“It’s just taken the change in flights to bring it to us. It’s definitely made a big difference.” She said November’s familiarisation visit would not have been possible without Virgin Blue’s support. “That was very significant for us so we’re stoked.” Twice-yearly, in May and October the tourism bureau visits the three New Zealand centres of Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch to keep up the Whitsunday’s profile.
The wellreceived bi-annual roadshow includes Tourism Whitsundays and about four operators from the destination. “It’s a great opportunity for us to be face-to-face with the market direct.” Ms Armour said while New Zealanders know of the Whitsundays, until November it was rarely experienced first-hand. “The participants really enjoyed it. It was our first New Zealand famil and until then there hadn’t been first-hand knowledge. “The message that we’ve been trying to get out there is that there is so much to see and do in the Whitsundays.”
MEET, EAT AND SLEEP
Coral Sea Resort
Very few conference locations in Australia can compete with the stunning position of the Nautilus Room at the Coral Sea Resort at Airlie Beach, the gateway to the Whitsundays. The award-winning Coral Sea Resort has completed a makeover of its conference facilities. The 220sqm Nautilus Room has had an operable wall added to divide the space into two rooms for breakouts and smaller meetings. The complete new look remains in keeping with the resort’s nautical theme and includes new carpet and faux suede walls. The absolute ocean front position is ideal for conference groups of up to 80. Dining or cocktails on the picturesque ocean front lawns are complemented by the award-winning Clipper Restaurant. For a really special dining experience the resort also boasts a unique private jetty with all weather cover. Team-building and incentive activities include maxi ocean racing, ocean rafting, jetski time trials, quad biking, sea-kayaks, parasailing, and diving the Great Barrier Reef. For more information visit www.coralsearesort.com
Hamilton Island
Hamilton Island, in the heart of the Whitsundays, is the ultimate Great Barrier Reef conference and incentive destination. Of all the tropical islands located in the Whitsunday group, Hamilton Island is the only one with a variety of hotels and apartments to suit all tastes and budgets, as well as an endless array of activities. Surrounded by idyllic coral fringed beaches, Hamilton provides the perfect backdrop for the ultimate tropical experience. With a custom built convention centre incorporating an auditorium and five meeting rooms, plus an additional four meeting rooms located throughout the island, Hamilton is a perfect destination for both small and large conferences. A permanent beach-side marquee provides a picturesque place for conference lunches, welcome drinks and theme parties. Incentive activities on offer include Great Barrier Reef trips, sailing regattas, beach Olympics, helicopter rides, twilight sailing, SCUBA diving, gokart racing, fishing, snorkelling, waterskiing and windsurfing, to name a few. For details email sales@hamiltonisland.com.au or visit www.hamiltonisland.com.au
Hayman
One of the world’s leading resorts, Hayman provides the ultimate setting for any meeting or event in a safe and rewarding destination. The resort offers magnificent accommodation in 244 rooms, suites, penthouses and a villa, all beautifully appointed with services and facilities befitting an internationally acclaimed destination. Private terraces or balconies boast breathtaking views overlooking the pools, ponds, gardens, beach and Whitsunday Passage. Following a $30 million enhancement of the resort, Hayman is totally committed to delivering unique, five-star services and facilities. Hayman’s meeting facilities are ideal for small groups of up to 12 or conferencing for up to 300, with a diversity of indoor and outdoor breakout and meeting locations. Theme nights and dinner cruises or team-building events on board Hayman’s magnificent fleet of vessels are another highlight. The island can also be booked for exclusive use. For more information visit www.hayman.com.au
MUST SEE AND DO
 Golf
Golf is the universal sport renowned for successful team-building and delegate networking and at Turtle Point Golf Course at Laguna Whitsundays, you can bring out your delegates’ competitive spirit with their own private tournament on this award-winning 18-hole course. A tailored golf programme will be developed to suit the delegates and objectives of your conference. Services include tournament organisation and implementation as well as ancillary services such as individual and group tuition with Laguna Whitsunday’s PGA professionals. For more information contact Laguna Whitsundays on (+617) 4947 7777.
 Jetski Safari
If you’re looking for a bit of adventure in the surf then look no further than Brampton Island Jetski Safari. This amazing and safe experience is one of the island’s most popular activities. The Jetski Safari gives guests the opportunity to circumnavigate this spectacular island paradise, exploring divine beaches and secluded spots, only accessible by jetski. Available as a team-building activity, any team will come away feeling rejuvenated, invigorated and refreshed. For more information visit www.whitsundaytourism.com
Great Barrier Reef
Said to be the world’s largest living structure, the World Heritage listed Great Barrier Reef stretches more than 2000 kilometres and is home to thousands of species of brilliantly coloured fish, coral and other marine life including dolphins, turtles and whales. This is a divers paradise while snorkelling is also a treat. And to spend a night in a hotel room right on the Great Barrier Reef, catch a catamaran, seaplane, helicopter or boat daily from the coast. For more information visit www.whitsundaytourism.com
Fishing and sailing
The Whitsundays has recently been recognised as having some of the best fishing in Queensland. Charter vessels operate out of Hamilton Island, Airlie Beach and Shute Harbour, offering a variety of trips to the outer Great Barrier Reef. Here you can chase mackerel, tuna and coral trout, or tag and release sailfish and the legendary Black Marlin. Sailing and cruising on the Great Barrier Reef offers magnificent coral reefs, tropical rainforests, pristine beaches and crystal clear waters. Idyllic calm water sailing is practically ensured with safe anchorages and sheltered coves to pull up in. Cruise Whitsundays offers group sailing adventures with the ‘Camira’ Sailing Adventure day. Enjoy swimming, snorkelling, beautiful beaches and bays, a superb barbecue lunch plus the thrill of high speed sailing. Groups of up to 80 can experience this ultimate day sailing in Australia’s favourite maritime playground. For more information visit www.whitsundaytourism.com
Air Whitsunday
Fly in modern de Havilland Beaver seaplanes over the Whitsunday Islands to the Great Barrier Reef where you can not only view the world famous Heart Reef but also land inside. Spend hours snorkelling protected lagoons only accessible by seaplane, stop at Whitehaven Beach, cool off in the aqua waters and enjoy the tranquility of this National Park paradise. Champagne picnics are also available for an extra fee. For more information contact Air Whitsunday on (+617) 4946 9111, email greatbarrierreef@bigpond.com or visit www.airwhitsunday.com.au
Proserpine Museum
At the Proserpine Museum visitors can learn about the interesting history of this sugar cane and cattle town on the mainland. This multi-purpose building which houses the museum collection also offers opportunity for genealogical and extensive local history research. The museum hosts historical and thought-provoking displays, which showcase the most significant achievements of the region during the past century. For details telephone (+617) 4945 3969.
Quad Bike Adventures
If it’s a surge of adrenalin delegates are seeking in the Whitsundays then Bush Adventures has something to take care of that. Experience the adventure of Australian bush, riding your own quad bike through forested mountains, lowland, farmland and gullies. Tracks are designed to suit all level of riders and information on local flora and fauna plus a history of the region is provided at stopping points along the journey. The highlight of the tour is a striking look-out view over the Whitsunday Islands. For more information telephone (+617) 4946 1998, email info@bushadventures.com.au or visit www.bushadventures.com.
 Whitehaven Beach
One of the jewels of the Whitsundays, Whitehaven Beach is not to be missed when visiting the region. This pristine expanse of pure white silica sand stretches more than nine kilometres and is fringed by brilliant blue water on one side and lush tropical island on the other. Recognised as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, Whitehaven offers visitors a chance to experience the unique beauty of the Whitsundays. The beach is serviced by ultra-modern and fast ferries, cruising yachts, seaplanes and helicopters. Day and overnight charters go from both Hamilton and Hayman islands, Shute Harbour and Airlie Beach. Fantasea Cruises will also transport groups to the island for a fun day of Beach Olympics.
Spa Chakra Hayman has been named Favourite Overseas Hotel Spa, Australasia and South Pacific in UK Conde Nast Traveller.
Situated on Hayman, Australia’s premier private island destination in the Great Barrier Reef, Spa Chakra Hayman opened in July 2005 and is part of the luxury global network, Guerlain-Spa Chakra Alliance. The award was presented to Hayman at a glittering ceremony in London on January 30, attended by recipients of the prestigious magazine’s Readers’ Spa Awards for 2006.
Hayman general manager Roger Wright said this latest award was an important accolade for the resort, with the spa now providing guests with a new dimension to their Hayman experience. Spa Chakra Hayman offers guests an exclusive selection of personally-tailored beauty and well-being programmes designed to restore wellness and balance. “Hayman beckons for beautiful spa and health experiences both within the spa facility and in an array of breathtaking outdoor settings taking in the resort’s stunning gardens and beach,” Mr Wright said.
Spa Chakra Alliance chief executive officer Mike Canizales said Spa Chakra Hayman was committed to providing a “transformational experience” for guests. “To win this client-based award is extremely gratifying and a wonderful tribute to our team members,” Mr Canizales said. Also in 2006, Hayman has been named Best Australian Island and Best Australian Resort in Luxury Travel’s Gold List, placed in the top three in US Travel + Leisure’s T + L 500 for Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific and featured in Luxury Link’s World’s Best Awards. Hayman is owned by Mulpha Australia Limited and is a member of the prestigious organisation, The Leading Hotels of the World.
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