Two leading travel experts share their recommendations based on their experiences of Cultural Attractions of Australia.
Cultural Attractions of Australia has recently celebrated its 3rd Anniversary and this industry-led collective offers an inspiring selection of VIP, bespoke and behind-the-scenes experiences of iconic Australian arts, cultural, historic and sporting venues. Each attraction has curated pre-bookable, premium experiences, ensuring unrivalled access for guests. CAOA is part of Tourism Australia’s Signature Experiences of Australia programme.
Annabel Sullivan, Executive Officer, is delighted to share personal recommendations from two leading travel experts, based on their experiences of the collective.
Annabel met with Kate Kneipp, Travel Advisor and Manager, Travel Associates at a trade event earlier this year and had the opportunity to introduce her to the exciting selection of VIP curated experiences offered by the collective. When Kate had the opportunity to prepare an itinerary for clients travelling to Canberra, she thought they would enjoy More Than Politics, a behind-the-scenes tour of the art and furniture collection at Australian Parliament House with a High Tea. As with all CAOA experiences, they are commissionable, easy to book, and provide clients with a memorable experience of our own cultural icons here in Australia.
Kate sent through the following comments as a follow on to her client’s CAOA experience.
“My clients loved their More Than Politics experience at Parliament House. They were impressed with the guides, and the effort they made to make the information relevant and interesting to each member of the family. They raved about the High Tea – one of the children had just turned 18 and they made a birthday cake for her. As an agent, I was extremely impressed with the level of service provided, and their communication with me during the booking process. It is fantastic to have discovered such amazing experiences here in Australia, which enhance and add value to our clients’ travel experiences and take them to a whole other level. Thank you so much for your assistance. I will be sure to remember you and the other opportunities CAOA offers.”
CAOA has also hosted top travel professionals for famil visits in recent months including an inspiring Culture and Wine Experience of Tasmania, as one of eight exciting famils created by Tourism Australia and Signature Experiences of Australia, as a part of ATE 21. Annabel Sullivan, led the group of four travel industry guests including Aaron Spriggs, Orbit World Travel; Margaret Rae, MTA Travel; Victoria Woolnough, Travel Beyond Group and Evan Petrelis, Renaissance Tours. The 5-day trip encompassed experiences created especially by CAOA by two of its members – cultural and dining experiences at MONA, the Museum of Old and New Art, Hobart, and the Wheel of Fate tour of Port Arthur Historic Site.
Aaron Spriggs, highlights he would definitely include these behind-the-scenes experiences in his client’s itineraries. He notes that he is seeing Australian travellers are looking for different experiences at present and touring as part of a small group appeals.
“I’d been to Port Arthur previously and joined a standard group tour which was informative and enjoyable. However, to experience Port Arthur with a small group of friends and our own fantastic story teller guide was an amazing experience. On CAOA’s Wheel of Fate Tour we had the opportunity to talk to our guide and ask questions, and as a result, felt we learned more about the human story of the site. A glass of bubbles in the Commanders cottage with morning tea provided an insight into how the “other half” lived with pleasant surroundings, a view and plumbing, as opposed to the convicts. The tour concluded with a beautiful lunch highlighting Tasmanian wines and produce from local suppliers in the Visiting Magistrate’s House. This was superbly presented by the chef’s from the onsite restaurant which dates from 1830.”
