Once-quiet areas of the country that many Australians have never even visited or even know about, are experiencing an economic boost thanks to becoming “Insta-famous”. Here are some of the hip destinations you’ve never heard of. LAKE TYRRELL, VICTORIA In the right conditions, this isolated salt lake in regional Victoria becomes so still it creates a mirror of the sky and makes for stunning photos. It’s also very shallow in some areas so you can look like you’re walking on water. Chinese tourists in particular have flocked to this isolated attraction in search of the perfect holiday snap, much to the bemusement of locals. FIGURE EIGHT POOLS, NEW SOUTH WALES This became a popular attraction a few years ago when it gained Instagram notoriety and became a ‘bucket list’ destination. The pools in the shape of a figure eight are one hour drive south of Sydney and require a steep hike into the Sydney’s Royal National Park near Burning Palms … [Read more...] about Remote Aussie destinations attracting tourists thanks to social media
Attracting chinese tourists
China’s Mount Huangshan woos global tourists in NYC
Video PlayerClose A visitor tries traditional Chinese costume at a Huangshan tourism promotion event at World Trade Center in New York, the United States, on May 3, 2019. A tourist promotional event featuring China's Mount Huangshan, or the Yellow Mountain, was held at New York City's World Trade Center (WTC) on Friday to demonstrate the charm of this renowned tourist destination. The event was organized by China National Tourist Office in New York and the Huangshan City. (Xinhua/Wang Ying) NEW YORK, May 3 (Xinhua) -- A tourist promotional event featuring China's Mount Huangshan, or the Yellow Mountain, was held at New York City's World Trade Center (WTC) on Friday to demonstrate the charm of this renowned tourist destination. Featuring photo displays, local opera performances and a Chinese tea ceremony show inside the Oculus, a transportation hub and shopping mall of the new WTC, the event made a comprehensive presentation of the scenery and cultural connotations of Mount … [Read more...] about China’s Mount Huangshan woos global tourists in NYC
Chinese ambassador visits injured Chinese national in White Island volcanic eruption
Video PlayerClose WELLINGTON, Dec. 11 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Ambassador to New Zealand Wu Xi visited an injured Chinese national caught by the White Island volcanic eruption in a North Island hospital on Wednesday afternoon. Wu conveyed condolences to the injured on behalf of the Chinese government. She reiterated that the embassy will try its best to handle the emergency response and consulate protection, and to coordinate with the New Zealand authority, so that the Chinese citizens are timely and effectively treated. Wu encouraged the injured to cooperate positively with the local medical staff during the treatment and wished them an early recovery. The injured Chinese visitor expressed gratitude to the motherland and the consular staff for the visiting. The other injured Chinese was hospitalized in another hospital and was also visited by Chinese diplomats in New Zealand. Ashley Bloomfield, director general of the New Zealand Ministry of Health, said at a press conference on … [Read more...] about Chinese ambassador visits injured Chinese national in White Island volcanic eruption
Paradise lost: Half of Queensland’s once desirable luxury island resorts now deserted or derelict
But for many, those days are long gone and almost half of the former tourist hot spots — nestled among the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef — have shut-up shop. They sit deserted, their owners having walked away from expensive disrepair caused by years of neglect or financial ruin. Others were forced to close after being smashed beyond recognition by powerful cyclones. Of the 35 resorts across 29 islands that were once operating in the Sunshine State, 19 are currently open. “I suppose you could say it’s a mixed bag,” Queensland Tourism Industry Council boss Daniel Gschwind told news.com.au. Dunk Island Resort has sat derelict since being smashed by Cyclone Yasi.Source:News Limited Daydream Island Resort a once-glittering destination has sat dormant but is now preparing to reopen.Source:News Regional Media The abandoned resort on Hinchinbrook Island.Source:Supplied “We have some outstanding and flourishing islands resorts, led by Hamilton … [Read more...] about Paradise lost: Half of Queensland’s once desirable luxury island resorts now deserted or derelict
The Culture War Being Fought Over Tomorrow’s Libraries
New York City’s most iconic library is set to receive a $317 million makeover. The Dutch architecture firm Mecanoo and New York and D.C. firm Beyer Blinder Belle will overhaul the landmarked Stephen A. Schwarzman Building–the Beaux Arts masterpiece located on Fifth Avenue and 42nd Street and famous for its sweeping outdoor staircase and lion statues–to add 20% more space for public exhibitions, research, and educational programs. The project, scheduled for completion in 2021, is emblematic of a broader transformation of libraries from bastions of public knowledge into fun houses–for better or worse, depending on who you ask. advertisement advertisement “For over a century, the Schwarzman Building has been a beacon of open access to information and a tireless preservationist of the world’s knowledge,” New York Public Library president Tony Marx said in a news release. “We have a responsibility to preserve its architectural wonder … [Read more...] about The Culture War Being Fought Over Tomorrow’s Libraries