Where Jackie Chan would like you to go on holiday

Jackie Chan wants you to consider Guilin in China for your you next holiday.

The martial artist and movie star is spruiking the nature, heritage and cultural immersion destination as part of his ambassador role with Trip.com.

Guilin, formerly known as Kweilin, is a prefecture-level city in the north-east of China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. It is situated on the west bank of the Li River and borders Hunan to the north.

It is currently a boom vacation location with international flight bookings to Guilin growing 75% year-on-year in Q1 2026, ranking it among the fastest-growing cities in China among global travellers, Trip.com reported. 

The online travel business highlighted the city's growing appeal at its recent "Guilin Night" event, which brought together more than 3,500 international guests from 78 countries and regions, all keen to join actor Chan, the group's global ambassador for China travel.

Guilin is known for its mist-covered karst mountains, winding rivers like the River Li (above) and impressive scenery, as well as being home to diverse ethnic groups.

"Guilin reminds me that travel is not only about seeing famous sights, but about connecting with the culture of a destination," Chan said.

"The mountains, the rivers, the atmosphere, it feels like walking inside a Chinese painting. But what makes it stand out is that it slows you down in the best way.

In cities like Beijing and Shanghai, life can move very fast, but Guilin shows another side of China that allows you to be more present.

"The Li River is the soul of Guilin. You can sit quietly on the boat and just look around you. The scenery changes every minute."

There are river cruises between Guilin and Yangshuo, which are tourist drawcards, along with the Longji Rice Terraces (below).



Trip.com promotes Guilin as a place to "pause and connect with nature".

Find out more at Trip.com or check out https://visitguilin.org/

Sydney Opera House under fire for French wine deal

Sydney Opera House has found itself at the centre of a storm after signing a three-year promotional deal with Champagne House Pommery.

The taxpayer-funded venue has been criticised by a peak wine industry body for choosing to promote Champagne while local grape growers face oversupply crisis.

The NSW Wine industry has condemned the deal, calling it an insult to struggling local winemakers and grape growers at a time when the industry is facing its most challenging period in decades.

"The three-year partnership sees one of Australia's most iconic NSW Government supported venues turn its back on world-class NSW sparkling wine producers in favour of imported French Champagne," NSW Wine said in a media statement.

"The decision comes as NSW grape growers grapple with severe oversupply, with many pulling out vines and struggling to find markets for their fruit," NSW Wine president Mark Bourne said

"The partnership represents a missed opportunity to provide vital market access to local producers who are fighting for survival.

"While NSW grape growers face oversupply and struggle to find markets for their fruit, the Sydney Opera House - funded by NSW taxpayers - has chosen to import French Champagne instead of supporting our world-class local sparkling wine producers.

"This is an insult to the hundreds of families across our wine regions doing it tough, and it's a betrayal of the principle that NSW taxpayer-supported institutions should champion NSW businesses.

"NSW has sparkling wine producers from the Hunter Valley to Orange, the Southern Highlands and Tumbarumba to the Riverina, yet our own state institution has turned its back on them. Our winemakers don't need sympathy - they need customers, and our most iconic venue should be leading the way, not abandoning them when they need support most.

"The partnership creates the bizarre situation where international tourists visiting one of Australia's most recognisable landmarks will be served French Champagne while local producers struggle to survive."

Opera House CEO Louise Herron AM said she was "delighted with the new partnership" - a statement that has been met with anger by a local industry facing unprecedented challenges.

"While Applejack Hospitality's recent takeover of the Opera Bar has been a welcome return to showcasing local wines, this decision by the Sydney Opera House Trust undermines those efforts and demonstrates an outdated view of what taxpayer-supported venues should be doing to support local business," NSW Wine said

The decision follows the Art Gallery of NSW's partnership with Tasmanian producer House of Arras, raising serious questions about whether NSW's premier cultural institutions are committed to supporting the state's wine industry, the statement said.

"As we all strive to build more sustainable businesses, it's staggering that the Sydney Opera House feels proud and compelled to import sparkling wine from the other side of the world when it could be supporting businesses from any of our 16 wine regions," Bourne said.

"Taxpayer supported institutions have a responsibility to lead by example. This decision sends a terrible message not just to our industry, but to every NSW business that expects state venues to support local enterprise when it matters most.

"NSW Wine is calling on the Sydney Opera House Trust to reconsider its decision and demonstrate genuine commitment to supporting local producers during this challenging time for the industry."

* NSW Wine represents wine producers across the state's 16 wine regions, advocating for the industry and promoting NSW wines domestically and internationally.

Get ready for a summer fiano festa

 

Are you ready for a fiano frenzy?

Fiano is a white Italian wine grape that is grown primarily in the Campania region of southern Italy and on the island of Sicily.

It is a variety that is enjoying a serious moment in Australia - particularly during summer - and has been championed by Corrina Wright at Oliver's Taranga in McLaren Vale.

In the 2025 vintage, the fiano crush in Australia was worth over $3.7 million. And predictions are that the fiano boom will continue.

"Here at Oliver’s Taranga, we’ve been growing fiano since 2004, following our friends at Chalmers who brought this Italian varietal into Australia," Wright says,

"It’s now one of our most sought-after wines."

Wright is affectionately known as the Queen of Fiano for her love of the variety.

"Of course, as with all ‘emerging’ grape varieties, we have some work to do in introducing the broader wine consumer to fiano and helping them understand the versatility of the style," Wright says.

"So, this year we’re launching Fiano Festa – a summer-long celebration of this exceptionally delicious variety that’s perfect for the Australian spring and summer.

"Fiano has moved from fringe to fashionable,” the sixth-generation vigneron adds. “It’s perfectly suited to our climate, delicious, and versatile - both for drinkers and in the vineyard.” 

Fiano (the one above is particularly delicious) saw an 86% growth in tonnes crushed (2025 vs 2024) and there are now over 70 Australian wineries making fiano.

Look out for Fiano Fridays events around Australia so you can try the refreshing, food-friendly and textural variety.

The inaugural Fiano Day will be Friday, October 17.

More info here: https://www.oliverstaranga.com/what-is-fiano/

Loire reds offer a different taste of France

Australians drink a lot of Champagne. Wines from Burgundy and Bordeaux are popular with aficionados, while the Rhone also has its fans and wines from the Languedoc sell well through major chains.

The Loire Valley, however, is often overlooked. 

The Loire wine region stretches across western France from the Muscadet vineyards near the city of Nantes on the Atlantic coast to the Sancerre and Pouilly Fumé vines that lay just south-east of the city of Orleans in central France.

Among the leading wine producing regions are Anjou, Saumur, Bourgueil, Chinin and Vouvray with grape varieties ranging from whites made from chenin blanc, sauvignon blanc and melon de Bourgogne to reds crafted from cabernet franc, pinot noir and gamay.

These are generally stylish, lighter-bodied and layered wines that are very food friendly.

With Crémant-style production throughout the Loire, it is the second-largest sparkling wine producer in France.

The Loire has a long history of winemaking dating all the way back to the 1st century.

The region is currently promoting its wares in Australia, with a focus on reds showcasing cabernet franc, pinot noir, and gamay).

The Val de Loire PGI spans 14 departments with 30 grape varieties with 50% of all cabernet franc in France grown in the Loire.

Pinot noir and gamay are often enjoyed lightly chilled. They are found largely in Touraine and Saumur.

There is a focus on sustainability in the region with 85% of vineyard areas either organic or certified under environmental programs.

Among the red Loire offerings available in Australia are: 

• ‘Les Rouillères’, Saint Nicolas de Bourgueil, Cabernet Franc, Frédéric

Mabileau $37.10

• ‘Confidences’, Chinon, Cabernet Franc, Famille Bougrier $19.99

• ‘Les Terres Rouges’, Saumur-Champigny, 2021, Arnaud Lambert $44.99

• ‘La Chapelle’, Anjou, Cabernet Franc, Château de Fesles $52

• 'Cote 50', Bourgueil, Cabernet Franc, Yannick Amirault $39.99

• Touraine, Gamay, Thierry Delaunay $21.99  

For more details see https://www.vinsdeloire.fr/en

Wine Australia launches new marketing campaign

Wine Australia has launched a new marketing campaign aiming to highlight the versatility of wine styles from around the country.

A barbecue "just because" the sun came out. A lazy night in with your favourite person. A camping trip where the fire crackles and the stories get better as the night goes on.

The campaign is billed as a "fresh new message inviting Australians to see wine differently".

It showcases wines not only as suitable for celebrations and more formal occasions, but as something to share alongside smaller, unscripted moments using the slogan "We make a wine for that."

Australian winemakers use over 100 grape varieties grown in 65 wine regions around the country.

From August 4, people across the country are being invited to take a moment to make a moment, and share their Aussie wine experiences with @_australianwine for the chance to win one of 20 "We make a wine for that" prize packs, valued at $240 each.

A national calendar of Australian wine events is now live at www.wemakeawineforthat.com showcasing wine experiences across the country that wine lovers can get involved in.

New promotion campaign for Australian wines

The Australian grape and wine sector is being urged to rally behind a new promotional campaign with the message: "We make a wine for that."

This new marketing invites the entire wine sector to connect with Australian drinkers by celebrating the quality and diversity of Australian wine. 

The messaging aims to remind consumers that whatever the occasion, there is an Australian wine that meets their needs. 

From backyard barbecues to camping trips and dinner parties, the idea is there is an Australian wine for the occasion. 

The plan is developed by Wine Australia as part of the One Grape & Wine Sector Plan. 

Dr Martin Cole, CEO of Wine Australia, says the campaign was developed in collaboration with the sector to elevate Australian wine as the beverage of choice. 

“Experts from the sector Joint Marketing Group (JMG) provided guidance and insight to support the development of the campaign and ensure it meets the needs of our very broad business types," Cole said.

“Highlighting Australian wine’s relevance for more occasions was clearly identified as a strong platform to build the campaign around. We already make world-class wines that belong in those moments, so this is our opportunity to remind people of that and give them confidence in choosing Australian wine.

“The real value here is relevance. Showing Australian wine as a relevant option for the moments that matter, with messaging that makes Australian wine feel familiar, local, and easy to choose. We encourage the sector to get behind this campaign, to amplify the message and impact purchasing behaviours for the benefit of the sector." 

Check out wineaustralia.com/wemakeawineforthat. 

Cheap fares to Vietnam - but only if you are quick

Here’s one of those “blink and you’ll miss it travel offers - perfect if you’ve been thinking of visiting Vietnam.

To celebrateits 200 millionth passenger milestone, Vietjet is offering Australian travellers a premium experience for less, with Business and SkyBoss tickets reduced up to 30% off.

But bere is why you need to move quick.

The offer is applicable to all domestic and international routes, with the booking period from now until August 11 (that’s Sunday) on www.vietjetair.com, the Vietjet Air mobile app, booking offices, and official agents worldwide.

The flight period is from August 19 to November 30.

Vietjet's business class passengers will be served by a dedicated cabin with flatbed seats on modern A330 wide-body aircraft. Passengers can enjoy Vietnamese and international cuisine.

SkyBoss tickets, meanwhile, offer premium services, a flexible all-inclusive package, and 5-in-1 utilities, with a lounge access, up to 50kg of checked baggage, in-flight dining, comfortable seats, and free Sky Care travel insurance.

For budget-conscious travellers, Vietjet is offering a 88% discount on Eco tickets across Australian routes and its entire network.

But this deal is available for one day only, on August 8 (tomorrow). Enter the promotion code VJ88 when booking to enjoy these prices.

The availability of discounted seats for Business, SkyBoss, and Eco varies depending on the route and travel dates.

Vietjet operates seven routes in Australia, including routes between Ho Chi Minh and five key Australian cities: Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney. Additionally, Vietjet offers direct routes between its capital city, Hanoi, and Melbourne and Sydney.

Mass tourism gets thumbs down in Barcelona

Barcelona wants fewer tourists, but more big-spending visitors.

The Barcelona Tourism Office is dumping its “Visit Barcelona” slogan and replacing it with "This is Barcelona".

The change comes amid growing anti-tourism protests in the Catalan city - which has been a tourism magnet for decades.

But locals have tired of cruise ship visits and visitors on a budget self-catering in rental properties.

“This is Barcelona” is set to launch on August 22, Catalan News reports.

It coincides with a focus on quality tourism rather than the quantity of visitors.

The launch of the new motto will align with the first day of the America’s Cup preliminary regatta.

The new slogan is an attempt to focus on what Barcelona really is, which its leaders say includes being "a city of traditions, sports, gastronomy, museums, and music festivals".

"A real and specific Barcelona, and not just a landscape [is the focus]," said Mateu Hernández, general director of the Barcelona Tourism board.

"We put an end to a global call for them to visit us, and we do a step forward in highlighting us," Hernández said.

In 2023, Barcelona received more than 12 million tourists, and government officials expect the number to increase in 2024. There have been several protests in the city about the impacts of mass tourism. 

earthworks: a wine brand that focuses on grape growers

 

The earthworks brand has been part of the Hill Smith family's wine portfolio for over 20 years, but it has tended to fly under the radar.

Now a new marketing campaign, Dig a Little Deeper, plans to get new sets of eyes on the brand, which retails for around $20 a bottle.

HSFE says it is reintroducing the label, which focuses of the families who grow the grapes across the state of South Australia.

Originally launched in 2003, earthworks Barossa Shiraz has been a consistent on premise and in Coles liquor stores.

"This year, we are proud to launch a new campaign, Dig a Little Deeper, which pays tribute to the family growers who have grown the exceptional fruit that forms the heart and soul of earthworks wines," the company says.

"Over time, the collection has grown to encompass fruit from these Barossa families across their South Australian vineyards.

"The setting of this campaign is James Hage’s vineyard next to his home in the Barossa." See the campaign video here.

The range encompasses earthworks Barossa Shiraz 2022, earthworks Barossa Cabernet Sauvignon 2022, earthworks Tempranillo 2022, earthworks Riesling 2023 and earthworks Rosé 2023.

All five wines offer good-value midweek drinking with the riesling and rosé both zippy and approachable - both are recommended - and the cabernet just edging out the shiraz as the best red. 

It was, however, disappointing that the rosé label gives no indication of the grape varieties involved. I’d also like to see a breakdown of where the fruit comes from in the wines lazily labelled as "South Australia". 

After all, the brand is all about the earth. Let us know what earth.   

Discover the unique rural appeal of Stella the Stargazer

Here is an innovative travel promotion.

In a move aimed at showcasing the natural beauty of Victoria, a unique off-grid accommodation experience is set to travel around the state.

Aimed at inspiring Australians to travel into regional communities during off peak periods, Stella the Stargazer is a custom-built tiny home built by Port Fairy-based design and manufacturing business Ample.

Stella the Stargazer will be located at Delatite Winery in Mansfield from May 3-August 3 so guests can enjoy the Alpine scenery.

The environmentally conscious design features a roll-out sleeping platform for stargazing, an indoor/outdoor shower, wood-fired kitchen, as well as sauna and bathing tubs built into an outdoor deck.

A bespoke artwork by Taungurung woman, Aimee McCartney – founder of Aboriginal art business, Luruk-In – will help connect visitors to the culture, seasons, mountains and waterways of Taungurung Country.

Visitors will be encouraged to taste local food and wines and check out nearby attractions such as Swiftcrest Distillery, the Great Victorian Rail Trail, and local cafes and restaurants.



In 2023, bookings for the tiny home quickly sold out for all locations including in Gippsland, the Great Ocean Road and the Grampians.

After its stay in Mansfield, Stella the Stargazer is set to travel to a second location, to be announced at a later date.

Supported by Visit Victoria, it forms part of the Every bit Different marketing campaign which promotes Victoria to local, interstate and international visitors.

“Stella the Stargazer will showcase the natural beauty of our state to new audiences and help drive national visitation to our regions," says Visit Victoria CEO Brendan McClements

"Just like Visit Victoria's new Every bit Different campaign, this is another way we are promoting the best of regional Victoria to national audiences in a bid to boost tourism here.”

For more info see www.visitvictoria.com

Your Penfolds Grange now comes with a bandana, and a rug

Penfolds Grange is an iconic Australian red wine with packaging that rarely changes. 

Until now. 

Penfolds today unveiled a new collaboration for its flagship wine: The Grange by NIGO, which celebrates the first-ever design takeover of Grange. 

The press release says it is "a momentous milestone for Penfolds in its 180th anniversary year". 

I would beg to differ. It's a smart publicity device and a nice revenue stream.   

The artist known as NIGO has re-imagined the packaging design of Grange for this one-off series. 

The Grange by NIGO release includes collectable 750ml bottle (1,500 available) and 1.5L (150 bottles  available) gift boxes to house 2019 vintage Grange. 

Each box is individually numbered and includes a bandana and bottle neck tag designed by NIGO, plus an authenticity certificate. 

Every wine needs a bandana, of course. 

The design features a colourful grape graphic and Penfolds logo reimaged through Human Made’s iconic typography.

Together with the Grange by NIGO limited edition pack, NIGO has also designed a silk rug for this series. Seriously! 

NIGO is an artist who is creative director of Human Made and artistic director of Kenzo. 

“I have been a collector of Grange for many years, but it wasn’t until I visit Penfolds Magill Estate [in 2022] that I truly understood the craftmanship and history behind the historic wine. 

"It was an honour to be the first person to collaborate on a design for Grange, especially as the brand celebrates its 180th anniversary.”

The launch of Grange by NIGO follows the global release of One by Penfolds – NIGO’s first Penfolds project.

Details at www.penfolds.com. with Penfolds Grange by NIGO Limited Edition 2019 at $1,350.00;  Penfolds Grange by NIGO Limited Edition 2019 Magnum $3,100.00 and Penfolds Grange by NIGO Limited Edition Silk Rug $10,000. 

No monkey business: Nagano sets its sights on Australian tourists

Nagano is probably not the first region that comes to mind for Australians visiting Japan.

But the Nagano Tourism Oganization plans to change that by appointing its first Australian representative to boost awareness. 

And not just any representative but industry veteran Helen Wong, a legendary figure in the travel business over five decades. 

It is significant move by the regional tourism body that aims to position Nagano - known as the Rooftop of Japan - in the forefront of Australian travellers’ thoughts and plans through strategic marketing and public relations.

The first assignment will take place on Tuesday, February 27 with a 30-minute themed webinar on the  prefecture, which hosted the Winter Olympics and Paralympics in 1998. 

See https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdPgBtF4GSrwa-GHiJlJYYbTgVXGvyXoUs9wFtD3nMbxX10sw/viewform?fbclid=IwAR0n_xHnwevwwsiIsLsnyB8tZXBoH5DI5dfs83dn4Rj8quZlQWUGzx7EvZ4 

Nagano is 225km north-west of Tokyo and one of the major attractions in the alpine region is the Jigokudani Monkey Park (top), where the Japanese macaques, commonly known as snow monkeys, bathe in the hot springs. 

Tokyo and Nagano are connected by the Hokoriku Shinkansen (bullet train) - which takes 80-minutes. 

“It’s an honour to be representing this breath-taking, naturally gifted corner of Japan,” said Wong (right).

“Nagano has so much to offer with a great number of Australians already familiar with the ski fields, national parks, hot springs and, of course, the Jigokudani Monkey Park,” she said.

“There’s a lot more to the region, however, which needs to be highlighted in attracting newcomers and further building on the already impressive figures.”

Wong has 45 years’ of experience in global tourism having represented the Macao Government Tourism Office and the Shanghai Municipal Tourism Commission. She also has her own events and travel business.

See go-nagano.net

Promotion for Hordern at Brokenwood

Stuart Hordern has been promoted from senior winemaker to chief winemaker at Hunter Valley standout Brokenwood, becoming only the second person to hold the post. 

Hordern has been part of the Brokenwood team since 2009, having started as an assistant winemaker. 

Following in the footsteps of the legendary Iain Riggs AM, he is the second chief winemaker in the 54-year history of the company.

Riggs stood down on as chief winemaker and general manager at the end of 2000 after filling the role since the mid 1980s. 

"Stuart's dedication to the craft has been evident from the beginning," says Brokenwood CEO Geoff Krieger. 

"He grew up on a family vineyard and has been working with vines since he was old enough to drive a tractor. 

"He also gained invaluable experience working for Tyrrell's and undertaking several vintages in France.

"During his time at Brokenwood, Stuart and his team have significantly contributed to our wines' quality. 

"Our Brokenwood Graveyard Vineyard Shiraz has maintained its position as the highest level of Langton's Classification of collectible Australian wines - 1st Classified, and remains the only red wine in New South Wales to hold this position. 

"Our winery has also been awarded a Halliday 5-star red winery, with our wines receiving numerous gold medals and trophies at various wine shows."

In addition to his winemaking expertise, Hordern spent two years over Covid as the president of the Hunter Valley Wine Tourism Association. 

Star power unleashed to help promote New Zealand tourism

New Zealand is a brilliant place to visit with dramatic scenery and welcoming people,

It also does tourism promotion better than just about anywhere on the planet - as is shown in its new release video: New Zealand No Place Like It On Earth.

It's fun. It showcases New Zealand's natural beauty, and it stars actor/director Taika Waititi.

The plot twist sees Waititi busy filming, so his real-life stunt double, Jade Daniels, who is also a Kiwi, steps in to explore some of the best of New Zealand. Helmed by director Jackie van Beek, the film is hilarious.

See https://youtu.be/XitYCZu1oBc

Waititi is currently filming HBO Max series Our Flag Means Death Season 2 in New Zealand (below).



From whitewater rafting in Rotorua and a scenic flight over Mount Tarawera, to dolphin watching in Kaikōura and wine tasting in Auckland, he and Daniels showcase some of the best of Aotearoa.

"I always tell people you can go surfing in the morning and then drive a couple of hours and be skiing in the evening [in New Zealand] - I don't think there's anywhere else on earth where you can do that.” says Waititi.

“There's nothing like the New Zealand landscape, especially the coastline, the west coast up here in the North Island is very unique. You know, just that sand. I have a house out in Piha and it's one of my favourite places."

René de Monchy, the Tourism New Zealand CEO, says: “Taika Waititi is one of New Zealand's most well-known international talents, and with a bit of Kiwi ingenuity we came up with a creative solution to work within his busy schedule.

"The result sees Taika and Jade discovering some of the most incredible experiences that Taika's home country, Aotearoa New Zealand, has to offer."

To watch the 100% Pure New Zealand production 'No Place Like It On Earth' and discover more filming locations in New Zealand, visit www.newzealand.com/int/campaign/our-flag-means-death/.

San Francisco wants you

The San Francisco Travel Association has launched its largest-ever global campaign.

The Always San Francisco marketing campaign is primarily targeting international tourists to the city, Travel Mole reports.

The multi-million dollar campaign will include TV ads aimed at leisure travellers in key markets.

Always San Francisco features iconic locations including the Golden Gate Bridge and cable cars, as well as highlighting the city's vibrant neighbourhoods.

The marketing also includes cameo appearances by "famous" locals.

These are Lady Camden of RuPaul’s Drag Race fame, artist Sirron Norris and singer/songwriter Mae Powell.

The San Francisco Travel Association collaborated with local and San Francisco-connected musicians to reimagine Judy Garland’s rendition of the classic song San Francisco.

Lynn Bruni-Perkins, CMO of the San Francisco Travel Association said: “The result is a beautiful artistic collaboration true to San Francisco’s spirit.”

Digital campaigns will run in Australia, India, the Asia Pacific region, Europe, Canada, and Mexico.

“This is the largest campaign we have ever launched,” said Joe D’Alessandro, CEO and President, San Francisco Travel Association.

“Tourism is vital to the city’s economic recovery, and Always San Francisco is designed to drive increased visitation.”