Celebrating their first return to Australia since February 2020, the Visit Anaheim team was joined by a delegation of 10 Anaheim based accommodation, attraction, transportation and experience operators, the local Disneyland Resort in California team, and a selection of key trade and media partners, for two extra special daytrips in Australia last week.
Local Visit Anaheim representative, Michael Cassis, took the delegation consisting of partners from Karmel Shuttle, Desert Palms Hotel & Suites, the Best Western Stovall’s properties of Anaheim, The Westin Anaheim, Great Wolf Lodge, Citadel Outlets and Disneyland Resort in California on a luxury private daytrip conducted by Kiff & Culture Tours into the heart of Southeast Queensland’s stunning Gold Coast region.
The group were joined by key Brisbane, Gold Coast and even Hervey Bay based trade and media partners on the action-packed adventure which took in a private charter Broadwater cruise, a beach-side lunch at Burleigh Pavilion’s iconic The Tropic, and some Gin and Whiskey tasting at Tweed’s famous Husk Distillery.
Less than a week later, the team were at it again – this time joined by representatives from the Howard Johnson Anaheim Hotel and Water Playground, the Sheraton Park Hotel at the Anaheim Resort, and South Coast Plaza, as they took in the sights and sounds of Australia’s most famous city, Sydney, from the upper deck of a private Big Bus Tour.
The elevated position provided epic views of the city skyline as the group traversed the Sydney Harbour Bridge, passed the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge, and took in the salt air from Sydney’s famous Bondi Beach before stopping for a long brunch at the peaceful Three Blue Ducks in Rosebery.
Along both journey’s the Anaheim team regaled the group with stories from the ever-evolving Anaheim Resort. From the landmark celebrations currently underway to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the Walt Disney Company at the original Disney Destination, the Disneyland Resort in California – to the resorts expanding beverage and culinary scene including 4 rooftop bars, 2 speakeasy’s, 22 craft breweries and the ever-expanding Anaheim Packing House food hall.
“Throughout the pandemic, Anaheim continued to evolve and grow,” advised Visit Anaheim International Manager, Michael Young during his visit.
“Our value properties continue to re-invent themselves with new retro-chic motifs, whilst the launch of 3 new luxury offerings including The Westin Anaheim, who have joined us on this mission, have helped new travellers discover the Destination. Coupled with 2 major sporting teams just a few short minutes from the Disneyland Resort, as well as shopping, iconic Theme Parks, and the perfect location to access greater LA, San Diego, and the stunning Catalina Island, it’s no wonder that Australian guests continue to flock to Anaheim year after year. Which is why we, and our partners, wanted to do something special to thank our key Australian trade and media partners for their ongoing support. And we can’t wait to do it all again sometime soon.”
In the meantime, agents who want to learn more about all the changes to the region can join the Anaheim Specialist Program at https://www.visitanaheim.org/travel-trade/specialist-program/ , or visit the new local Australian site http://www.visitanaheim.org/au-resources where they can subscribe to the trade eDM.