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FOMO you missed the Qantas & Jetstar Best of Asia Day? We’ve got the recap

If you were at Qantas and Jetstar’s recent Best of Asia Day, you don’t need us to tell you it was a roaring success (and not just roars from the lion dancers). But what if you missed out (FOMO much)? Not to worry, we’ve got all the deets, pics, and news from this epic event in partnership with Hong Kong Tourism Board and Accor.

If you were at Qantas and Jetstar’s recent Best of Asia Day, you don’t need us to tell you it was a roaring success (and not just roars from the lion dancers). But what if you missed out (FOMO much)? Not to worry, we’ve got all the deets, pics, and news from this epic event in partnership with Hong Kong Tourism Board and Accor.

What better way to celebrate all things Asia than with a traditional lion dance! The beat of the drum, dramatic moves, and catchy rhythm of the Australian Yau Kung Mun Chinese Martial Arts Association group opened the event with flair.

A hard act to follow, perhaps, but Qantas International CEO Cam Wallace and Jetstar CEO Steph Tully pulled through. Each offering a rousing welcome speech, they enthusiastically shared their gratitude for their travel industry partnerships and optimism for the journeys ahead.

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As they shared the Qantas Group strategy for Asia, agents were treated to personal anecdotes from both CEOs about their favourite Asian destinations and favourite snacks and tips.

A ripple of excitement passed through the crowd when pressure was applied to Steph from a passionate agent, about if and when Jetstar will start flying to the Philippines (oooh!).

Gold sponsors Hong Kong Tourism Board and Accor took to the podium, each with brand updates and fun activities with freebies galore.

HKTB delighted the audience with their news that Hong Kong Disneyland’s new World of Frozen is open now and a must-see, and that Hong Kong received a whopping 78 Michelin starred restaurant awards in 2023!

Karen Macmillan, HKTB’s Director for Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific was thrilled to be invited by Qantas and Jetstar. She shared, “Participating in Best of Asia Day was an invaluable opportunity for Hong Kong Tourism Board to connect deeper with a great network of travel agents and showcase Hong Kong’s newest experiences. Collaborations with strong trade partners help us elevate awareness and foster genuine industry connections.”

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Accor shared that travellers can link their Accor Live Limitless and Qantas Frequent Flyer loyalty programmes to get rewards for flying and staying in Asia Pacific. That’s in addition to the usual rewards!

With 101,531 rooms across 455 properties and 18 brands, that’s a whole lot of ways to speed up reward wins. And check out the hotels in the pipeline, listed above – there’s so much more to come.

Flavours of Asia 

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As if the upcoming plans for Asia travel weren’t exciting enough, a cooking demonstration followed from long-time Qantas partner Neil Perry.

When we say long, we mean it! For 27 years, Perry has added his culinary flair to the Qantas premium cabin menus. On the Best of Asia Day, attendees saw his gastronomic prowess in action while Perry revealed how he developed those tasty inflight and Qantas lounge menus, frying up his legendary Hunan-style egg noodles with smoked bacon, cashews, chilli, and sesame. Yum.

Of course, a cooking demonstration only set the tastebuds salivating, so it was fortunate Qantas returned with their famed Lunch on the Street. And it included the Hunan-style entrée from Perry himself!

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Agents also enjoyed barramundi with coconut and roasted pineapple curry, chicken with pepperberry and tangy lemon sauce, and sauté school prawn, green mango and papaya salad, to name a few. Double yum.

The lunch sponsor, Philippines Department of Tourism, really knew how to throw a party, drumming up excitement with a raffle and exclusive details about their fabulous country to keep attendees entertained.

Afternoon delights

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Post lunch, silver sponsors, South Korea Tourism and Indonesia Department of Tourism presented on their destinations, giving agents helpful tips on selling beyond Seoul and Bali.

The Qantas Agency Support team wrapped up the presentations by educating agents on the support functions available from both Qantas and Jetstar and reminding them that they are there to help.

With over 100 attendees, vibes were high as everyone mixed, mingled, and met the dynamite tourism reps hosting activations on the Best of Asia Day.

Yes, you missed out on product, service and tourism updates from partners like Globus Family, plus Qantas onboard product suppliers including Yaru Water, Maggie Beer, Dreamtime Tuka, Bengaluru Airport, who sponsored a delicious afternoon tea, and Do Good Lab. Freebies were flying off the table, with agents feeling very spoilt.

That’s not all. A chance to get comfy in Qantas’ forthcoming A350 seats and check out Jetstar’s onboard products made it feel like attendees were (almost) about to take off.

Jetting off soon

Well, some did take off. Or will soon, anyway. Four very lucky agents scored flights to Asia, thanks to Qantas and Jetstar; congratulations to Tina Johnson from MTA Travel, Kreative Travel’s Pauline Peralta, Nicolle Poole from Your Travel & Cruise and House of Travel New Zealand’s Shweta Yadva! We also here there were other goodies handed out throughout the day too!

A lively Indian dance from the Bollywood Dance Company rounded out the Best of the Day with the perfect amount of energy, smiles, and pizzaz. A good time was had by all.

Watch this space as we’ll be first with news about future ‘Best of’ days and destinations!

Will you be shouting yeehar, blimey or something equally charming at the next one? You’ll have to wait to find out!

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