News from the world of travel
The AJN takes you around Australia and the world to see what’s new in travel.
Asian food festival on Sunshine Coast
THIS year’s Sunshine Coast Asian Food Festival will be held at Spicers Tamarind Retreat on the weekend of August 3-4.
Set against the backdrop of Maleny’s rainforest in Queensland’s Sunshine Coast hinterland, guests at the festival can enjoy a variety of Asian cuisine, cooking demonstrations and live entertainment.
With the focus on fresh, locally-sourced ingredients and innovative techniques, chefs will showcase the flavours and cultural diversity of Asian cuisine.
Guests are encouraged to bring a picnic blanket and relax on the lawn at Spicers Tamarind Retreat.
The festival runs from 1-6pm on each day. Visitors can purchase general entry tickets that include five delicious Asian dishes and two matching beverages, plus admittance to the cooking demonstrations.
There is a Riesling Masterclass being held which requires a separate ticket to be purchased.
An all-inclusive ticket is also available that includes five food tickets, one entry into the Riesling Masterclass and a four-hour unlimited beverage package. Ticket prices start from $139 per adult and $99 per child.
There are also one-night and two nights luxury accommodation packages available at Spicers Tamarind Retreat during the festival period, as well as return bus transfers from Noosa, Caloundra and Mooloolaba to the festival.
The Sunshine Coast Asian Food Festival is part of The Curated Plate culinary festival and has been supported by Tourism and Events Queensland, the Sunshine Coast Council and Visit Sunshine Coast.
Enquiries: spicersretreats.com/sunshine-coast-asian-food-festival-2024
Cirque du Soleil showtime coming to Hawaii hotel
CIRQUE du Soleil’s signature style of breathtaking acrobatics, dramatic storytelling and flair will be on display in a new show opening at Outrigger Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel in December.
Titled Auana, it will be the entertainment company’s first multi-year resident production in Hawaii.
The showroom at the hotel is being renovated to cater for about 800 people to watch the circus show.
Cirque du Soleil director Neil Dorward said, “Our vision for Auana faithfully connects us all to the islands of Hawaii through innovative and engaging storytelling, using hula dance, music, comedy and incredible acrobatic performances.”
Canadian company Cirque du Soleil was established 40 years ago and embarked on its first international tour in 1987 when We Reinvent the Circus was performed in the US, followed by its first overseas tour to Europe in 1990.
Its unique approach to the circus featuring detailed set design, a stage flanked by seating on all sides and dynamic audience interaction pioneered the template that is part of every new Cirque du Soleil show.
Outrigger Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel is located on Waikiki’s main street, Kalakaua Ave, and a short walk from Waikiki Beach and close to shops, restaurants, cafes and entertainment.
The hotel has a long history of featuring art and photography exhibitions by local artists and nightly shows and live music.
Bookings for Auana performances from December 15, 2024 are available at www.cirquedusoleil.com/hawaii
Honour for cruise expert Deborah Hilton
FBI Travel consultant Deborah Hilton has been recognised as a 2024 Virtuoso Cruise Icon, joining an elite group of 146 travel advisors from around the world who have been recognised by Virtuoso, a leading global travel agency network specialising in luxury and experiential travel, for their sales performance.
Virtuoso’s vice president of cruise, Melissa Araya, said, “Deborah has demonstrated resilience, ingenuity and a steadfast commitment to exceeding client expectations while supporting our cruise partners. Her achievements serve as an inspiration to fellow advisors and a testament to her skill, determination and passion for cruising as a means of delivering unforgettable travel experiences.”
Deborah Hilton said she was honoured to be recognised as a 2024 Virtuoso Cruise Icon Award.
“I am immensely grateful to Virtuoso for acknowledging my commitment and dedication to excellence within the industry. Being named among this select group of 146 advisors worldwide is truly a privilege and a testament to the trust of my discerning clientele and the support of my colleagues at FBI Travel.”
Virtuoso’s cruise icons represent the top one per cent in Virtuoso’s cruise sales, reinforcing their position as leaders within the luxury travel industry.
Virtuoso cruise Icons can offer exclusive benefits to their clients on hundreds of cruises.
comments