Hot GALTA News
- Fair Day Report
- Horizons at Peregian - Recovery Party
- Fair Day - Upcoming Event
- MidSumma Report
- SPECIAL DEALS FOR MARDI GRAS
- MidSumma
- FEAST Festival
- FEAST FESTIVAL
- GALTA 2007 AGM
- FUTURE EVENTS - AUSTRALIA & OVERSEAS
- GALTA at BRISBANE PRIDE FAIR DAY - JUNE 2007
- FEAST Festival
- NEW GALTA MEMBERS
- Business Members PHOTO or LOGO
- GALTA at ATE. - BRISBANE - May 2007
- GALTA at DARWIN PRIDE - MAY 2007
- WONDERLAND IS WUNDERBAR!! - MAY 2007
- GALTA in SYDNEY - FEBRUARY 2007
- GALTA in MELBOURNE - FEBRUARY 2007
- GALTA in ADELAIDE - NOVEMBER 2006
- GALTA in TASMANIA - AGM - SEPTEMBER 2006
- GALTA WEBSITE - Banner adverts & Statistics update
Fair Day Report
GALTA AT MARDI GRAS FESTIVAL SYDNEYFriday 15th - Sunday 17th February, 2008
Sydney turned on a very warm welcome to those of us from interstate that were able to be there for a networking function, Board Meeting and attendance at the Fair Day mid February.
Our first order of business was a networking function held at the fabulous Hughenden Boutique Hotel (member # 33) in vivacious Woollahra. We were joined by the very talented Kevin Somerville (www.pianobarsuperstar.com) who entertained us with his great variety of music in the open lounge area. John & his partner from Beatrice Park in Bowral (member # 325) were able to come along to meet some of the team. Rohan (Adelaide), Paul (Hobart), Wally (Brisbane), Jeff (Airlie Beach) and Phil (Alice Springs) were all on hand to chat and network around the evening. Our sincere thanks to Mark, Elizabeth and Jan from the Hughenden who provided great food, refreshments & service with a smile.
Saturday saw the Board meet at the Altamont Hotel on Darlinghurst Rd, Kings Cross. There was much discussion around marketing initiatives and directions forward for the organisation. In attendance were Jeff, Rod, Paul, Wally & Phil. It's sure going to be a busy year ahead for us all. A very full agenda kept us going throughout the morning and afternoon.
Sunday was Fair Day in Victoria Park adjacent to Sydney University. Following an early bump-in at 8.15am, the weather was perfect as were the multitudes that visited during the day. Tourism NT (# 138) took over half of the extra stand and Tim from Galstays(#247) and the Park Regis (#343) shared the other half. It was Tourism NT's first presence at a national Fair Day event and the team consisting of Shannon (Darwin), Ashlee & Michael (Sydney retail office) did a sterling job promoting what's all so tremendous about the Northern Territory. The GALTA stall was staffed by Rohan, Tim, Phil & Jeff throughout the day.
The highlight of the promotion was the launch of the first ever gay & lesbian guide to the NT produced by Tourism NT. This 32 page guide through the 6 NT regions (Darwin, Kakadu, Katherine, Tennant Creek, Alice Springs and Uluru) highlighted on the www.travelnt.com web-site. There were even some promotional T-shirts that display the front cover of the guide given away on the day. All NT GALTA members are listed as part of the guide on the double back page so your membership has earned you a place. How good is that!!! Sincere thanks to the Tourism NT and Territory Discoveries teams that have worked so hard to bring this concept into reality. 25,000 copies of the guide were also attached to the back page of the fg (festival guide) magazine published by Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras and copies are also destined for Lesbians On The Loose (LOTL) and the national gay glossy boy magazine, DNA. Such sensational support is certainly the envy of some of my interstate cohorts!! While handing out copies to people, I was so impressed when so many of them would say 'Oh, I already have one of those – it was on the back of the fg'. Great marketing, Tourism NT!!
As predicted in the previous news item, the throngs at Fair Day were tremendous. Fair Day first happened 29 years ago in Hyde Park, Sydney where political groups and commercial business operators had a small number of tiny stalls displaying various wares. It sure has come a long way since then – and can only grow forward. This 30th year celebration of our lifesyle is sure growing into something that people will long remember. With in excess of ½ million people expected to view the parade from various vantage points next Saturday night (1st March), it will certainly be a night to reflect upon over the years to come.
GALTA distributed over 900 copies of the TSD (with tote bags very generously supplied by Tourism Australia) and other member collateral while Tourism NT distributed well in excess of 1,000 travel packs to those interested in travelling to the Territory. Tourism NT also had some great dried mango flown in from Darwin the day before for people to get a 'taste of the Territory' and there were a couple of terrific young masseurs who gave the weary public a neck & shoulder massage while they completed a small survey.
All in all, a tremendously successful weekend. Your GALTA team continues to work hard on your behalf and your continuing support is applauded & much appreciated. GALTA's next promotion will be in Brisbane (13th - 15th June).
Phil Walcott
NT Regional Director
24th February, 2008.
Horizons at Peregian - Recovery Party
‘paradise on the beach’
Book now for Noosa Mardi Gras Recovery week March 2-9, 2008
• 15 superb self-contained holiday apartments and penthouses.
• Heated salt-water pool and hydro-spa.
• Tour office, car and bike hire.
• Computer connection in all rooms.
• Secure underground parking.
• Adjoins the popular Noosa Environmental beach.
• 15 minutes to Sunshine Coast airport, 80 mins to Brisbane.
Horizons at Peregian, 45 Lorikeet Drive, Peregian Beach QLD, 4573 Australia
P 07 5448 3444 E admin@horizons-peregian.com
Fair Day - Upcoming Event
GALTA is finalising our attendance at Mardi Gras in Sydney. Please mark in your diary the following dates:Friday 15th February – Networking Evening
5:30pm until 7:30pm
Location: The Hughenden Hotel
14 Queen Street
Woollahra
Saturday 16th February – Board Meeting
10am until 2pm
Location: Hotel Altamont
207 Darlinghurst Road
Darlinghurst
Sunday 17th February – Fair Day
10am until 7:30pm
Location: Victoria Park,
City Road & Great Western Highway (Parramatta Road)
Camperdown
Fair day is one of the biggest gay & lesbian picnics in the park events with over 20,000 attending last years Fair Day. GALTA will occupy two stalls one devoted to distribution of the GALTA 2007/2008 Tourism Service Directory, the other available to a maximum of four GALTA members at a cost of $50.00 per member.
HOW CAN YOUR BUSINESS GET INVOLVED
- Allow GALTA to represent you and distributed your brochure to an estimated 20,000 visiting Mardi Gras fair day, send 50 brochures to
C/- Diamant Hotel
14 Kings Cross Road
Potts Point NSW 2011
Sincerely
Membership Co-Ordinator
www.galta.com.au
PO Box 757
AIRLIE BEACH QLD 4802
Ph: 0433 241 078
MidSumma Report
GALTA AT MELBOURNE MIDSUMMASaturday 19th January, 2008
A group of the GALTA team represented us at the 20th Annual Melbourne Midsumma Carnival Fair Day held on a wet but warm Saturday 19th January, 2008 in the beautiful Alexandra Gardens along the banks of the Yarra River in South Yarra.
Rod & Rohan from Horizons at Peregian (Noosa), Tim from Galstays (Daylesford) and Phil (Alice Springs) spent the day distributing a load of member collateral, answering questions from would-be travellers (and on a few occasions previous guests!!!) while not being too daunted by the sultry wet weather that was around for most of the event. Certainly, the weather did not impact too much on the lively spirits of the many Melbourn-ites that turned out for the fun!!
This year's Fair Day was held at the beginning of the Midsumma Carnival rather than at the end so the first Asia-Pacific Outgames could be accommodated from the end of January until early February. It is hoped that this first-time event in Australia will prove to be very popular and successful at many levels thus providing us all with another opportunity to promote GALTA. We have provided 1300 copies of the TSD to be placed in the registration packs so that all Outgames participants will have a 'take home' copy for them to plan some adventures around the country while they're visiting Australia. Some excellent marketing opportunities here, particularly into the Asian markets.
Fair Days are a fantastic opportunity to network with other operators, see a variety of new products available, be able to 'talk up' our relative jurisdictions and answer questions many people have. Being a strong & visible presence is much of how GALTA operates in this milieu and people are always keen to be informed about how the gay & lesbian tourism industry is continuing to thrive.
Our next Fair Day presence will be at the Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras Fair Day next month (17th February following a Board Meeting on Saturday 16th ) in the park attached to Sydney University. Huge numbers are expected given that this will be the 30th annivesary (on Saturday 1st March) of this globally recognised event. Mardi Gras organisers envisage a record number of visitors to the stunningly beautiful harbour city from interstate as well as overseas. Those who travel 'downunder' from international destinations around this time tend to stay for between 2-3 weeks (often more) so the chances of them visiting places other than Sydney are huge. As such, there is a better chance that they will be making their way into many other areas of the country. If they have a copy of the TSD on hand, there is even more chance they'll opt for a GALTA member product.
2008 is fast shaping up to be yet another successful year for GALTA and it's members. With a physical presence at a number of fair days, solid distribution of the TSDs nationally and internationally, effective marketing and promotion of the GALTA branding around the planet along with continuing opportunities to network and build the organisation, the GALTA team is constantly striving to promote member products through a variety of meduims.
Phil Walcott
NT Regional Director
SPECIAL DEALS FOR MARDI GRAS
SPECIAL DEAL JUST FOR GALTA MEMBERS!!!!!
Park Regis Hotel Situated in the heart of the city, 5 minute walk from Oxford Street, the Park Regis Offers 3 types of rooms (Standard, Premier and King Suites) for all tastes and budgets. 122 rooms centrally located to all that this city has to offer including great city views from our Rooftop viewing deck. Has a special offer for GALTA Members during Mardi Gras. When booking thru their website www.parkregishotel.com.au quote MARD on the booking for a special deals. They are as follows:
$180 for a 2person Twin room (Normally $220)
$220 for a 2person Premier room (Normally $250)
$280 for a King Suite (which has a King Bedroom, Separate Lounge with Double Fold out) (Normally $320)
These rates are only valid on Friday 29th February and Saturday 1st March 2008
If wanting to stay longer they have extended the discount further:
$135 for a 2person Twin room (Normally $220)
$160 for a 2person Premier room (Normally $250)
$190 for a King Suite (Comprising of King Bedroom, Separate Lounge with Double Fold out) (Normally $320)These rates are only valid from Sunday 2nd March to Thursday 6th March 2008.
Just remember to quote MARD when booking online thru their website www.parkregishotel.com.au or contact Reservations on (02) 9267 6511 and quote MARD when booking.
________________________________________________
MidSumma
GALTA would like to advise the following details in regards to our visit to Melbourne for MidSumma. Details as follows:
Saturday 19th January – Carnival Day
11am to 6pmAlexandra Gardens
Alexandra Avenue (St Kilda Road)
Melbourne VIC 3000Midsumma this year is delighted to be opening the 2008 Festival with the ever increasingly popular Carnival Day. The change was to make way for the Outgames events being held during the festival. GALTA will occupy two stalls one devoted to distribution of the GALTA 2007/2008 Tourism Service Directory, the other available to a maximum of four GALTA members at a cost of $50.00 per member. Please advise at your earliest convenience if you would like to participate in the shared GALTA stall. If you would your brochure distributed at the Carnival Day, please forward 20 brochures to
Tim Grandfield
GALTA
PO Box 563
Daylesford VIC 3460FEAST Festival
FEAST FESTIVAL
FEAST FESTIVAL
ADELAIDE SA 5000
GALTA would like to advise the following details in regards to our visit to Adelaide for the Feast Festival. Details as follows:
Friday 23rd November – Networking Evening
5:30pm until 7pm
Chifley on South Terrace
226 South Terrace
Adelaide SA 5000
Saturday 24th November – Board Meeting
From 10am
Chifley on South Terrace226 South Terrace
Adelaide SA 5000
Sunday 25th November – Picnic in the Park
12 noon until 5pm
Veale Gardens – South Terrace
Adelaide SA 5000
Picnic in the Park will be held in a new location for 2007, Veale Gardens in Adelaide’s south parklands precinct. Picnic in the Park continues to shine with the 2006 event attracting 8,000 attendees. GALTA will occupy two stalls one devoted to distribution of the GALTA 2007/2008 Tourism Service Directory, the other available to a maximum of four GALTA members at a cost of $50.00 per member. Please advise at your earliest convenience if you would like to participate in the shared GALTA stall. If you would your brochure distributed at the Feast Festival, please forward 50 brochures to:
Rohan Shearn
GALTA
PO BOX 8130
Station Arcade SA 5000
For more information please contact Darren Thompson (Membership Services) on membership@galta.com.au or 0433 241 078
GALTA 2007 AGM
GALTA IN CAIRNS – 14-16TH SEPTEMBER, 2007With Glenn & Phil arriving on Friday 14th to a superbly warm and tropical Friday evening, this year's events began with a friendly networking function at Skinny Dips Resort & Spa (GALTA member # 232). Olli had flown in from Darwin earlier in the day and was soon joined by Rod who had flown up from the Sunshine Coast. TNQ's local represenatative, Jason, ensured that things were organised for our function. Darren flew in from Airlie Beach bringing our newly refreshed GALTA banners with him and all was set up by 5pm. We were joined by local Kevin (retired GALTA Board member), Wally up from Brisbane, Rohan up from Adelaide along with Jason, Josh and friends from the Pink Guide. Sincere thanks to our gracious hosts, Wayne & David from Skinny Dips who ensured that we were well fed and a few drinks flowed for the couple of hours. A group of us stayed on for a delightful dinner and networked well into the evening.
After a tremendous night's accommodation and scrumptuous breakfast at The Hotel Cairns (GALTA member # 321), three car loads of us drove 40 minutes north of Cairns to arrive at the fabulous Turtle Cove Resort & Spa. Kent and his team did a great job in accommodating us throughout the day – even providing 'room service' with a great working lunch during our AGM!! The Out-going Board Meeting was held, lunch ordered, the AGM conducted in a very efficient and timely manner and the In-coming Board Meeting decided dates ahead for the next few months. Jeff Aqulina has already circulated the minutes of the three meetings for the benefit of members.
Saturday evening saw most of us return to downtown Cairns to witness the first ever Tropical Pride street parade along The Esplanade and view the spectacular pyro-technic show over the water. Following this, a group of us adjourned once more to the delightful Hotel Cairns for a goumet dinner with just about 'hot rock everything'.
Sunday saw the GALTA team displaying at The Tank as part of the first ever gay pride fair day. A most stunning setting in tropical surrounds that is arguably the best fair day venue anywhere around the country. TSDs and other collateral were distributed and we were all made to feel very welcome in our tropical north city.
As a final up-date, our new 2007/08 Executive team consists of:
Jeff Aqulina – Managing Director, Financial Director & Whitsundays represenatative
Phil Walcott – NT Regional Director & Company Secretary
Rod Stringer – Director & Sunshine Coast regional represenatative
Jason Pask – Director and Tropical North Queensland represenatative
Wally Cowin – Director, Brisbane/Northern NSW represenatative & Media Relations
and the Executive is ably supported by:
Olli Berst – Top End NT represenatative
Rohan Shearn – South Australian represenatative
Paul Dimmick – Tasmanian represenatative
Hallie & Corrine Fernandez-Markov–Sapphire Coast -Bega Valley NSW
Darren Thompson – Membership Services Co-ordinator
We are still actively seeking members that would like to represent Sydney and broader NSW, Melbourne & broader Victoria and Perth / Broome & broader Western Australia, so if you are interested in furthering the aims of the organisation & growing it forward, please let Jeff Aquilina know through md@galta.com.au
With a solid team of 10, we are well positioned to building GALTA very strongly into the future. Our international marketing strategies as well as those in the domestic markets (including the 'bundling' of GALTA member product in co-operative advertising ventures with your respective RTA's and STO's) aim to furher grow the GALTA branding across all markets. Of course, your comments, suggestions and ideas are always welcome – we need your constructive suggestions to more adequately reflect the requirements of the membership.
Phil Walcott
NT Regional Director
25th September, 2007
FUTURE EVENTS - AUSTRALIA & OVERSEAS
QUEENSLAND - Cairns:
14th. - 16th. September 2007.
The GALTA AGM is fast approaching.
The AGM is being held this year in Cairns, QLD. In order to take advantage of discounted airfares well in advance, please note the following outline of events being held over the AGM weekend.
Friday 14/09/07 - GALTA networking function from 5:30pm
Saturday 15/09/07 - AGM 1pm
Sunday 16/09/07 - Tropical Pride Festival from 12 noon
If you would like local information in regards to Cairns accommodation and touring options please contact Jason Pask - GALTA Far North Qld Representative farnthqld@galta.com.au
Cairns will host its first Pride Day on Sunday 16th September, at the Tanks Art Centre on Collins Ave, from 12 noon till 9 pm. The community has been very hard over recent months to bring the community together and help promote the region.
Local Businesses together with Queensland Heath services, plan of having a day full of entertainment and a wide range of stalls at this years Pride day, with the day coinciding with GALTA AGM, it will give great opportunity for businesses to showcase to the Cairns community (approx 5,000 people) their business and also a great opportunity to network with key members of the Gay and Lesbian Tourism industry.
Over the past weekend (14th -15th. April, Cairns hosted its first Gay Film Festival with large numbers attending, it proved to be a very successful weekend. Cairns will also be hosting Queens Ball on 9th June and a men’s Retreat weekend on 24th - 26th August.
Anyone interested in participating at this years Pride day please contact Jason at farnthqld@galta.com.au
SOUTH AUSTRALIA 2007
Adelaide:
Feast - South Australia's Gay & Lesbian Arts Festival will be held between the 10th & 25th of November. Galta has provided a booth at the renowned Picnic in the Park on the last day. There member's brochures and collateral have been displayed and distributed.
More details later.
NORTHERN TERRITORY 2008
ALICE DESERT FESTIVAL - MARDI GRAS DANCE PARTY!
Saturday 8th March, 2008
The Grand Ballroom Crowne Plaza Hotel, Alice Springs, N.T. Proudly co-sponsored by The Rainbow Connection (GALTA member 61), Alice IS Wonderland and the Alice Desert Festival.
Come and join us for this fabulous 30th celebration of Mardi Gras in Australia!!!
Dance party packs $95 per person (includes dance party, scrumptious 'bush tucker' canapes, 4 drinks of choice (wine, beer, juice), entertainment and much more will be available for you to pick up from the hotel on the night.
For further information, please call Phil on 0407-526-441 or email
pwalcott@ozemail.com.au or
contact GALTA member Alice Springs travel agents, Denis & Guillaume denis.alicesprings@harveyworld.com.au or
guillaume.alicesprings@harveyworld.com.au or
Darwin based member Ollie at info@frangipaniholidays.net to make your accommodation reservations.
Accommodation can be booked at a special rate of $145 per room per night including buffet breakfast. You must mention the code ADF in your reservation request to receive the special rate.
Phil Walcott,
The Rainbow Connection
Alice Springs
www.aliceiswonderland.com/rainbow
2007 - 2008 GALTA TOURISM SERVICES DIRECTORY IS NOW AVAILABLE
The 2007/08 TSD was launched in Brisbane at Pride Fair day 16th June 2007..
Please do not hesitate to email Galta Membership Services ( membership@galta.com.au ) for further information or additional TSD stock. (Please include your name & postal address.)
IF GALTA MEMBERS HAVE AN EVENT THAT COULD BE LISTED HERE - CONTACT info@galta.com.au
(Updated 30th July 2007.)
GALTA at BRISBANE PRIDE FAIR DAY - JUNE 2007
Brisbane Pride Fair Day, Saturday 16th June, was basked in glorious Brisbane sunshine, true to the Queensland slogan, beautiful one day perfect the next?
Unofficial attendance for the day suggests 15,000 people attended Brisbane Pride Fair Day and GALTA was amongst the exhibitors on the day. GALTA provided a double booth with one booth devoted to distribution of the recently produced 2007/2008 84 page Tourism Services Directory (TSD.)
The second booth was shared by GALTA members Turtle Cove Resort and Oaks Hotels and Resorts. GALTA's presence was significant with new look GALTA banners (see picture) and the new 2007/2008 TSD on display. The team managed to distribute just over 1,500 TSDs during the day from 10am until 5pm. The majority of member brochures on hand were also distributed with the demand for QLD properties notably strong. I would like to take this opportunity to thank fellow members who assisted on the day, furthermore I would like to thank Galta members Turtle Cove Resort and Oaks Hotels and Resort for their contribution to the second GALTA booth.
GALTA looks forward to Cairns Pride Day in September which will also coincide with the GALTA Annual General Meeting...stay tuned
Jeff Aquilina
Managing Director
GALTA
FEAST Festival
NEW GALTA MEMBERS
The Galta Board welcomes the following who have joined Galta since 1st January 2007.
To view individual businesses, go to Home page and Search from list of all Galta Members.
M# State Member Name.
339 QLD - Qhotspots (5th. August 2007)
338 QLD - The Palms Bed & Breakfast
337 QLD - Personal member
336 VIC - Balgownie Estate Resort & Spa
335 QLD - Sea Change Beachfront Apartments
334 TAS - Tasmanian Travel & Information Centre
333 QLD - Wicked Campers
332 SA - Application not received
331 VIC - Best Western Crystal Inn - Bendigo
330 SA - Gay Destination
329 NSW - Hawkesbury Race Club Motel
328 NSW - DNA Publications Pty., Ltd.
327 TAS - The Charles Robbins
326 QLD - Airlie Waterfront
325 NSW - Beatrice Park Bowral
324 QLD - Waterfern Gardens Rainforest Retreat
323 NT - Wilderness 4WD Adventures
322 QLD - Marina Shores
321 QLD - The Hotel Cairns
320 QLD - Ocean Spirit Cruises
319 NT - Centre Highlights
318 NT - Kalikamurti Enterprises
317 QLD - Bohemia Resort.
316 TAS - Twin Lakes
289 QLD - Wally Cowin (Upgraded from Personal Membership)
315 NT - Frangipani Holidays
314 NT - Harvey World Travel (Alice Springs)
313 NT - Sacred Earth Safaris
312 NSW - eTravel
311 QLD - Abel Rent A Car
310 NSW - Out Travel
309 QLD - Franklin Villa Bed and Breakfast
308 NSW - Gypsy Falls Couples Retreat
307 QLD - The Retreat Beach Houses
306 NT - Anangu Waai!
305 QLD - Allways Dive Expeditions
304 TAS - Fonthill
303 QLD - Tourism Whitsundays
Business Members PHOTO or LOGO
The Galta Board is extremely pleased to advise that a new exciting feature has been added to the website. One photo or logo can be added to Business member's listing for just $20.00. This is a one-off charge, but future changes will incur an additional $20.00. This feature adds distinction to member's listings and gives them the opportunity to further enhance their visibility.
The new facility also enables us to include one photo with news items or reports. You will not only be able to read about what we do, you will be able to see a little as well.
GALTA at ATE. - BRISBANE - May 2007
ATE (Australian Tourism Exchange) is hosted annually by Tourism Australia. It generally brings over 4,000 international wholesale & inbound travel agents into Australia from all parts of the globe to be up-dated, exposed to & buy tourism product from thousands of Australian suppliers.
Phil (Galta Director,) Denis (Product Manager for Virgin Blue) and Jeff (Galta MD) at gAyTE.
The event is staged in major capital cities around Australia on a shared basis. The event needs to be held in major cities given the logistics of flying people in/out and accommodating them. ATE07 was held in Brisbane and 2008 will be hosted in Perth.
gAyTE (Thursday 31st. May) is a sponsored night of fun entertainment (including a live drag show) and a few drinks for all of those involved in the gay/lesbian travel markets. It brings together many of the international buyers and Australian suppliers that cater to the 'rainbow' markets. A wonderful opportunity for networking and catching up on what is happening in global g/l tourism, this very special evening provides GALTA with an excellent forum to promote their member's products & services. GALTA was a major sponsor this year and the organisation was credited on several occasions throughout the evening. GALTA and Tourism Australia are in the process generating a Memorandum of Understanding as the two organisations build and grow the gay/lesbian markets into Australia. Having Tourism Australia's operational support is significant particularly their contribution to distribution of Galta's collateral (eg, the Galta Tourism Services Directory) to major gay/lesbian trade shows around the world each year. GALTA is delighted that this relationship continues as it will build for our mutual interests. The MOU demonstrates the high regard TA has for GALTA and it's membership and we are very grateful for that continuing support.
GALTA is looking forward to ATE in Perth next year & hopes once more to be a sponsor and can distribute collateral to get our branding 'out there' even more to some of those thousands of international buyers that attend ATE.
And yes.........Jeff and I really enjoyed the party .
Phil Walcott
Galta Director
GALTA at DARWIN PRIDE - MAY 2007
Darwin turned on some fabulous weather and a great gathering of 'rainbow family' at the opening event of the 2007 Pride Festival at the Brown's Mart Theatre on Saturday 26th May.
The festival was launched by the NT's very fabulous Chief Minister, Clare Martin MLA, who is a very strong supporter of our rainbow community and wholeheartedly endorses it's concomitant impact through tourism.
L-R Wally, Margie, Shane, NT Chief Minister Clare Martin,
Danni & Phil at the Galta stand, sharing the afternoon.
It was a great afternoon with representation by NT GALTA members Ollie (GALTA's new Top End rep), Shane and Margie (Frangipani Holidays), Danni (Sacred Earth Safaris), Wally (Travel Writer) along with Phil & Glenn (The Rainbow Connection). Though numbers were less than those in the other capital cities, the energy & enthusiasm easily matched that of the other major g/l events nationally. The 'camp dogs' competition was judged by a panel from the local RSPCA and the ultimate winner announced by Clare Martin.
The after-party held at Throb Niteclub was also a great success with owners Mark & Tim once more hosting a fabulous evening of glitter and glam for all to enjoy.
The overarching highlight of the weekend was our stay at the stunningly beautiful, multi-award winning Moon Shadow Villas in The Gardens. Such superb accommodation is a real testament to the talents of it's owners/mangers Peter (builder) & Moya (interior design).
GALTA will be back in Darwin for Pride again next year - hopefully with a Board Meeting attached so that many more of our extended executive can explore the many joys that Darwin has to offer.
Phil Walcott
NT Regional Director
28/05/07
WONDERLAND IS WUNDERBAR!! - MAY 2007
The GALTA networking function hosted by Phil & Glenn at The Rainbow Connection in Alice Springs on Friday 18th May was a stunning success!!
The 15 German, Swiss & Austrian travel agents in attendance joined with several local GALTA members including Gary Fry (Alice Springs Desert Park), Don Wait (Wayoutback Desert Safaris), Chris Chambers (Centre Highlights), Stephanie Seibert (Discovery EcoTours), Denis Maher (Harvey World Travel Alice Springs), Ollie Berst (Frangipani Holidays Darwin), Kalikamurti Suich (Beyond Breathing Space), Ron Thynne (Aurora Alice Springs) and our very own GALTA GM, Jeff Aquilina.
Over 40 guests (including some local 'language speakers') complimented the evening brilliantly with a few of the international 'stayers' remaining until just before midnight!! An excellent evening was had by all with a concerted consumption of some very fine wines (generously supplied courtesy of Voyages Alice Springs Resort and Aurora Alice Springs) and three delicious platters of antipasti (supplied by Aurora Alice Springs). Local restaurateur, Beat Keller, and his amazing young cohort chef Alex Brown (she runs her own business Yum Sushi) prepared a stunning collection of sushi that incorporated emu, kangaroo & camel on one platter and also a whole platter of seafood sushi. Needless to say, the entire contents of both platters were thoroughly enjoyed. Again, very many thanks to our local GALTA member suppliers and Tourism NT for their support of the evening.
Of course, the networking went extremely well and it was cleverly complimented with a PowerPoint presentation prepared by Jeff Wahl from www.communigayte.de in German so our international guests could have access to this great marketing company that works at building the profiles of gay & lesbian businesses globally.
Over the next few weeks, GALTA will be a presence at Darwin Pride Fair Day (next Saturday 26th May) with Phil, Glenn, Ollie, Danni and Wally available to distribute copies of the current TSD and answer questions on gay & lesbian travel. GALTA is also a sponsor at Tourism Australia's gAyTE event in Brisbane on 31st May and we will also be at Brisbane Pride on 15th June.
Phil Walcott
NT Regional Director
21st. May 2007
GALTA in SYDNEY - FEBRUARY 2007
MARDI GRAS FAIR DAY
A beautifully hot sunny day in Sydney this year and from half an hour before the day officially opened we began to give out member brochures. We were still getting a few requests at 6 pm as we were closing up shop
This year GALTA had two stalls side by side. As there were a number of operators all from Qld we split the stall into two and had one for Qld and one for all other States and Territories. This proved highly successful and the Qld people were so inundated with requests for information that they had run out of brochures by about 2pm.
An estimated 1400 people actually took the GALTA publication, the Galta Tourism Services Directory (TSD) or asked for information over the two stalls People are now remembering our presence and actively searching out the stall to get their copy.
Most of the requests this year were more general. Not many people had specific destinations in mind, however planning holidays was big. So the response to Australia wide information was very positive. We also had a number of new groups who came to introduce themselves such as the Mercure Hotel Ulltimo who were very positive about their participation in the Galta publication.
This year we received quite a few requests for information regarding listing a business in the publication and becoming a member. The profile is obviously well established out there and was seen as quite reputable by the people asking questions. Hopefully this will translate into more members.
People were also encouraged to take the TSD when looking for international information. The link to IGLTA was seen as very valuable and positive and there were a high percentage of people seeking information for OS travel.
Tim from Galstays, (Galta member # 287) and I worked together all day. Thankyou Tim for your smiling approach and willingness to be there all day. Galta Director Jeff Aquilina was able to drop in for a while.
The GALTA Tourism Services Directory was also distributed along with the Pink Guide to Qld, and Victoria and Tasmania also had some available on their stand. So we were well represented and people often said ‘already got one’
Something to consider for people sending information is; the smaller and lighter your information is, the more likely people were to take it home. Big heavy glossies proved hard to distribute, so if members want more guarantee of their own product information being taken, they might like to consider succinct information and contact details and spend the time and money on a great web site perhaps.
As a representative of the Territory this time I heard a few good stories about people’s experience of the Territory. Still seen as a little bit scary however much less than three years ago when we started. I actively spoke to about 20 groups or individuals that were planning a trip to the NT in the next two years.
All in all a good day
Kalikamurti Suich
The Rainbow Connection,
Alice Springs.
23rd. February 2007
GALTA in MELBOURNE - FEBRUARY 2007
The GALTA team headed to Melbourne for the Midsumma Carnival over the weekend 9th-12th February for what turned out to be a brilliant success at many levels.
Jeff flew in from Airlie Beach, Peter from Adelaide (quick 'day visit' on Saturday for the Board Meeting), Brenton & Stephen from Adelaide and Phil from Alice Springs.
Some of the team in Melbourne.
Friday evening's networking function held in the lovely back garden area of Ian Johnson's 169 Drummond Street (gALTA MEMBER # 11) was just delightful. Our sincere thanks to Ian (and his little dog Daisy) for sharing their home with us for a few hours. Ian has been a very long time GALTA member and supporter so him being able to host us was just tremendous. A lovely, well maintained and inviting property. 169 Drummond has served the gay & lesbian travelling community well over many years and is a firm 'return stay' experience. The GALTA team were joined by several local members and a few interstate 'fly-ins' including the boys from All Gay Cruises, Vincent & Jane from Pink Pocket Guide and Gary from Tasmania.
Saturday's meeting was agenda-packed and busy. Apart from the usual meeting procedure, we warmly welcomed our New TNQ representative, Jason Pask from G&L Escapes who joins us with a very impressive track record of network building in the region. Queensland boasts by far the largest membership of any jurisdiction in Australia with a huge range of gay & lesbian travel product. Jason will work to build strong links with all those businesses and we welcome his local product knowledge and experience. Jason will also work closely in that networking arena with Josh & Shannon from The Pink Guide. Josh was also able to make the board meeting so we were keen to learn from him as to ways in which we can build the GALTA branding into the region.
We also welcomed to the team Tony Filippi, GM of Mecure Hotel in Ultimo, Sydney. Tony has become the regional rep for the Sydney area and will be another great asset to have on board. As with Queensland, we want to build the GATA branding into the very busy and thriving Sydney networks and welcome Tony's support to help us build this.
Much was achieved in the meeting and we look forward to growing ourselves forward over the next several months.
The highlight of the weekend was our attendance at Midsumma Fair Day in the beautiful Treasury Gardens in the East Melbourne area. Following some early morning rain, the day blossomed into a stunningly sunny one. People flocked to the venue to bask in the warmth and investigate all that was on offer. We had something like 3,500 people through our marquee from 11am – 6pm, which was just fantastic!! Member brochures & collateral literally flew off the stand!! Many thanks to Brenton & Stephen who took time out from their busy family visit schedule over the weekend to deliver several boxes of TSDs and other member collateral they'd driven with from Adelaide. They were also able to assist with the set-up, which was very helpful. The larger, more 'fluid friendly' marquee set up allowed lots of people through the space with lots of questions about domestic travel options and some overseas. Jeff & Phil along with the 'boys from Queensland' assisted the visitors and fielded many of their questions. It was a very successful day indeed.
Phil Walcott
NT Regional Director
18/02/07
GALTA in ADELAIDE - NOVEMBER 2006
GALTA AT FEAST – ADELAIDE NOVEMBER 2006
Adelaide hosted its wonderfully successful annual FEAST FESTIVAL again in November.
GALTA provided a networking function on Friday 24th in the Blaze Media’s (Galta member 193) offices with Jeff (MD), directors Phil (NT) and Peter (SA) along with Brenton & Stephen (Membership Services) and other GALTA members including Blaze (Scott & the team), Out Video (Stephen) and Tourism SA. There were about 25 people gathered to share stories and look at ways in which GALTA is supported by industry and in turn supports our growing tourism sector.
We were fortunate enough to also have as a special guest the Hon. Jane Lomax-Smith MLA, South Australia's incumbent Tourism Minister. She is particularly supportive of the gay & lesbian communities within her jurisdiction and across Australia.
It was a great evening with loads of networking taking place over some drinks (kindly sponsored by Tourism SA) and great snacks supplied by Adelaide's own very talented Andrew Kuhl of Kuhl Katering.
The Board extends a very valuable vote of thanks to Blaze Media for hosting this occasion.
Saturday 25th saw the GALTA Board meeting at Franklin Central Apartments with lots of discussion being held over the 4 hour period.
A working lunch was organised to assist with time management issues and all was completed in the allocated time.
Jeff, Peter & Phil attended as Directors, Paul as Tasmanian rep (Huon Bush Retreats) with visits by Vincent (Pink Pocket Guide) and others invited to the discourse in the early part of the meeting.
In line with our new branding and profiling, the Board adopted a refreshed logo that we believe better reflects who we are and what our product is. This is particularly so because often, especially in European and other international markets, the acronym “Galta” doesn’t spell out enough exactly who we are. The Board is happy with the logo subsequently approved and all GALTA members will have the new 'member' logo sent through to them. Members are urged to utilise the logo on their web-sites, fliers and other collateral that clearly identifies the business as being a GALTA approved product.
Sunday 25th and GALTA was a tremendous presence at Feast Picnic Day in Rymill Park.
Jeff, Peter & Phil were in attendance and distributed over 400 copies of the TSD along with member collateral. There were lots of questions from potential travellers as to what things to do and where to stay in various locations. There was a good deal of interest towards destinations in Queensland, Victoria, Tasmania & the Northern Territory.
It's always good to have our reps from various jurisdictions available to answer questions people may have.
Tourism is a great product to market and having people who 'live there' is an added bonus as they can provide good answers to some of the quirkier questions!!
All in all, a very successful weekend. We look forward to returning to Adelaide in November 2007.
Phil Walcott
NT Regional Director
30/1/07
GALTA in TASMANIA - AGM - SEPTEMBER 2006
Tasmanian Galta members really turned it on for the Galta Function, Board meeting and AGM held over the weekend Friday 1st - Saturday 2nd September.
Phil Walcott (Galta Director NT) flew in from Alice Springs via Melbourne where he caught up with Galta MD & Director of Finance QLD, Jeff Aquilina, in the QANTAS Club. Jeff had only that morning flown in from Seattle, Washington following successful OzTalk meetings across the US where Galta members received huge exposure.
Brenton Smith (Galta Membership Services) and his partner Stephen had arrived a day earlier from Adelaide and were staying at the very gracious Elms Of Hobart B&B. They met Phil & Jeff as they arrived at the stunning Edinburgh Gallery B&B in Hobart in time for the Member networking function on the Friday evening.
During the evening, it was tremendous to see how some of the B&B industry works in Tasmania and our gracious hosts, ensured that the evening was a great success. They arranged a delightful array of local foods, some great wines and Tassie beers for us to try.
John Pugsley (Marketing Director for Tourism Tasmania, Galta member 46) was on hand to meet with us and look at ways in which they could help build GALTA and the g/l markets forward in that state.
A few other local operators including members Matthew & Wilmar, (Corinda's Cottages M# 24 www.corindascottages.com.au ) Lee, (Elms of Hobart M# 231 www.theelmsofhobart.com ) Dee, (who flew in from Melbourne - Rainbow Tourism International M# 213 www.rainbowtourism.com ) Lisa (Adventure Tarraleah M# 252 www.tarraleah.com ) and a couple of potential GALTA members joined in the event.
We were all delighted with the outcome, it was a very pleasant, relaxing, comfortable evening.
Our thanks go to Tourism Tasmania for their generous support ( www.discovertasmania.com.au )
Saturday morning Jeff, Phil, Brenton & Stephen headed down to Huon Bush Retreats (M# 229 www.huonbushretreats.com ) an easy 40-minute drive south of Hobart. What a delightful presentation and fantastic concept created by our members Paul & Michael. Make sure you visit their web-site for a look at what's available and be sure to include them as an option if you, friends or network colleagues are planning a trip to Tassie. We held the meetings in the newly created Wallaby Grassland Cabin and Michael created a delightful roast dinner (beginning with a delicious chicken and chic pea soup and finishing with a spectacular apple & raspberry crumble) for those of us who could stay the night. Much was accomplished throughout the meeting schedules. The Outgoing Board Meeting, the Galta Annual General Meeting and an Incoming Board meeting was held during the day. Many items were discussed concerning the next twelve months and beyond for Galta, we have an exciting year ahead to look forward to.
If you would like a copy of the full Galta Annual Report, please email Brenton at membership@galta.com.au and he gladly will post you a copy.
On Sunday, a few of us drove down along the Huon River and spent a delightful day in the beautiful forests and little villages, no wonder Tasmania is such a popular tourist destination. Sunday evening, Phil joined Brenton & Stephen at the beautiful Elms of Hobart. There they had the opportunity to meet with Lyn & Lee Hurley from The Lodge on Elizabeth, M# 157 who sadly were unable to make the Friday evening event.
Elms of Hobart is a marvellous old mansion in North Hobart. Our host, Lee, was most hospitable, made stunning breakfast, so different from the usual hotel buffet selections. He was gracious and generous with his time and stories and we sincerely thank him for providing our accommodation FOC. (However, Brenton & Stephen did bring over some Sth Australian wine for his cellar.) The Elms is a fantastic option for people staying in Hobart and we highly recommend it. www.theelmsofhobart.com
All in all, a great weekend that saw much achieved with respect to moving GALTA forward into the 2007/08 period. The budget included in Jeff's report will give you some idea of where your membership money is being spent and we look forward to a prosperous period ahead for all of us. Galta Directors attending, Board Meetings, State Fair Days receive no remuneration from Galta. A sincere thanks to our members who provided us with some tremendous accommodation, great meals and interesting insights into the tourism industry in Tasmania.
Phil Walcott
NT Regional Director
9th September, 2006
GALTA WEBSITE - Banner adverts & Statistics update
WEBSITE OPTIONS
BANNER ADVERTISING
Business members of GALTA, not only get a listing, but also have the possibility to advertise their business with a banner on our website - which is visible NO MATTER WHICH STATE OR SECTION THE VISITOR IS LOOKING AT. This upgraded banner service costs as little as $150 a month (or just on $80 per month if you take out a banner for 12 months).
Requirements - Banner Specifications,
120 pixels (wide) x 240 pixels (high)
72 dpi – max size 20kb – RGB
Animated GIF formats are acceptable.
Why not capitalise on the tourism leads visiting the GALTA website, and book a banner advert today.
PHOTO or LOGO
All business members are invited to display one (only) photo of their property or a picture appropriate to their location, or their company or business logo.
PRICE: $20.00 (A one-off charge.)
(Changes will be charged $20.00.)
For more information, email GALTA Membership Services info@galta.com.au
A visit refers to a series of requests from a uniquely identified client. A visit starts with the first request from the client and remains active as long as the period between subsequent requests from the client does not exceed a set "time-out" period ie where more than just the Home Page is looked at.
Total number of visits/month. - Average visits/day
January 9171 295
February 7401 264
March 8016 258
April 7889 263
May 8874 298
June 9710 324
July 9259 298
TOTAL 60,320
Average of 284 visits / day.
(Average visit/day previous 4 month period = 272.)
Updated 13/8/07
Article by Stephen Mattsson, Out Video, Galta M# 26
11th. October 2005
GALTA's new website was established in early June 2005.
All financial members at that time were included. It has been updated until August 2007, almost on a daily basis with alterations made to member contact details, addition of property photos or logos, or loading of banner adverts, or loading of other information or changes as soon as advised. News items including details of new members, Galta events and reports were added immediately. Every week a Galta member was "showcased" on the home page. Only fully paid Galta Business members are listed on the Galta website. The website was maintained by Brenton Smith (Galta member #2, bps@chariot.net.au ) until he resigned from his position of Info' & Membership Services with Galta in August 2007.
The website has proved to have one of the most search engine friendly websites in Australia - and our members are coming up on top of many common searches carried out by domestic travellers and international visitors.
When looking at how to spend your dollars on web marketing, you have to make sure the site you are looking at is getting visitors - and that the site is search engine friendly. You also need to make sure that the site has links back to it from other sites.
The Amazon web ranking database Alexa which ranks over 8 million websites, has the GALTA website nudging at the top 200 000 websites on the planet, compared with 142 000 for Purple Roofs, or the rather lacklustre 2 300 000 for the online travel guide version of Fellow Traveller. Only Gay Australia Guide - currently at 11 000, seems to be out in front of GALTA. The improvement in our performance online is due to the recent change to the format of our website, and to the knowledge of web marketing provided to us by designers Lizard Media. (They also operate GALTA member business The Pink Sofa.)
GALTA is listed not only on most of our member sites, but also on all state Tourism Authority websites, and on the Australian Tourism Commission website as a source of great travel advice for visitors to our country.
For more information, email GALTA Membership Services info@galta.com.au
