Here is an idea from Queensland, Australia that seems a true win-win proposition! Shock horror it has even been put up by the Government.

Australia has a joint/ reciprical agreement with a number of countries around the world that allow 18-30 year olds to work for up to a year using a 12 month holiday visa. The question now being asked is why just that age group, especially when there is a shortage of skilled older workers who can fill the job gap, particularly in the tourism industry.

The change of policy is being aimed right at the Baby Boomers……… I hope the idea becomes a reality. Maybe the US, UK, Japan and other countries could adopt a similar policy. For the full story on Baby Boomer Tourists click here.

We all know Australia is the worlds biggest island.   But what lies off the mainland coast are some of the most remote yet beautiful places in the world to visit.   Whether a Baby Boomer with a taste for adventure, or any traveler with a passion for something different, these remote specs in the ocean are some of the worlds most untouched and beautiful places to visit.

So here is a brief introduction to the islands of Australia;

Christmas Island. Christmas Island is the largest coral atoll in the world with an area of 248 square miles of which 125 square miles is land and the remainder lagoon. It is 2,015 miles from Tarawa, capital of the Republic of Kiribati; 1,335 miles from Honolulu; 4,000 miles from Sydney, Australia and 3,250 miles from San Francisco. It lies between longitude 157 degrees 10′ west and 157 degrees 34′ west and latitudes 1 degree 42′ north and 2 degrees 3′ north. It is 145 miles north of the equator.

Cocos Island. The Cocos (Keeling) Islands are located in the middle of the Indian Ocean some 2750km north-west of Perth, and 900km west south-west of Christmas Island, its closest neighbour. Cocos lies approximately 12° south and 96.5° east, locating the islands in the humid tropical zone. For more info click here or their tourism site.

Lord Howe Island. Lord Howe is widely regarded as the most beautiful island in the Pacific — is the closest island getaway to Sydney. It’s less than two hours flying from either Sydney or Brisbane off Australia’s east coast. It is one of just four island groups to be inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage list for the global significance of its natural beauty and heritage. Click here for more information.

Norfolk Island. Norfolk Island is a volcanic South Pacific Island that lies between Australia, New Zealand and New Caledonia at 29′02º S and 167′56º E. It is approximately 600 miles from Auckland, 1000 miles from Sydney, 900 miles from Brisbane and 500 miles from New Caledonia. Click here for the Government website.

Macquarie Island. Macquarie Island is a sub-antarctic island located in the Southern Ocean, approximately half way between Australia and Antarctica.
Macquarie Island, or “Macca” as it is generally referred to, is a Tasmanian State Reserve managed by the Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service. Australia operates a research station at the northern end of the island from which a wide range of research is carried out. For the Government website click here.

Kangaroo Island. Here is an island seven times the size of Singapore, literally crawling with wildlife. The koalas aren’t being cuddled - they’re relaxing at home in native trees. The seals aren’t performing - they’re lazing beside you on the beach. There are echidnas, platypus, goannas, wallabies and kangaroos. All thriving. For more information click here.

On 21 November 2007, in a new global study that will make all Aussies proud, Australia was once agian voted numero uno as the top country brand in the tourism sector.

There were a few surprises with Croatia, China and the United Arab Emirates being named the ‘Rising Stars’ for Tourist Destinations and likely to become major tourist destinations in their own right within the next 5 years.

The United States ranks second and the United Kingdom third, according to the Country Brand Index (CBI) of 2007.

Other included in the top 10 were Japan, Canada, France and Greece.

The third Country Brand Index, is a comprehensive study of over 2,600 international travelers conducted by FutureBrand, a leading global brand consultancy, in collaboration with public relations firm Weber Shandwick’s Global Travel & Lifestyle Practice.

CBI examines how countries are branded and ranked according to key criteria, including opportunities within the worlds of travel, tourism and country branding.

The topics covered a diversity of topics that are considered relevant to travelers as well as tourism professionals. The topics ranged from the most environmentally oriented country brand (Sweden) to the country brand in which they would most like to do business (the United States).

Here are the 2007 results. Each category has the top five countries listed in the order of rank:

Best country brand ideal to do business in: The United States, China, the United Kingdom, France, Italy.

Best country brand easiest to do business in: The United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Ireland, France.

Best country brand to extend a business trip in: The United States, Australia, Italy, Japan, Thailand.

Best country brand for conferences: The United States, Switzerland, Germany, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates.

Best country brand for art and culture: Italy, France, Egypt, India, the United Kingdom.

Best country brand for authenticity: New Zealand, China, South Africa, Japan, Thailand.

Best country brand for beaches: Maldives, Tahiti, Bahamas, Australia, Dominican Republic.

Best country brand for families: Denmark, Canada, Australia, the United States, Sweden.

Best country brand for history: Egypt, Italy, China, Greece, France.

Best country brand for resort/lodging options: The United Arab Emirates, Maldives, Australia, Tahiti, Canada.

Best country brand for natural beauty: New Zealand, Australia, Maldives, Canada, South Africa.

Best country brand for nightlife: Spain, the United States, Brazil, Thailand, Singapore.

Best country brand for fine dining: France, Italy, Singapore, Japan, the United States.

Best country brand for outdoor sports/physical activities: Australia, New Zealand, Canada, South Africa, the United States.

Best country brand for friendly local people: Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Ireland, Thailand.

Best country brand for rest and relaxation: Maldives, Tahiti, Bahamas, Jamaica, New Zealand.

Best country brand for safety: New Zealand, Canada, Sweden, Denmark, Switzerland.

Best country brand for shopping: The United States, the United Arab Emirates, Singapore, Italy, Japan.

Best country brand for value for the money: Thailand, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Mexico, Vietnam.

Best country brand you would most like to live in other than your own: Canada, New Zealand, Australia, Sweden, Singapore.