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Australia Tourist Commission organises ‘fam tour’ for agents
MUMBAI: Good news for TV production executives who are looking for great locales down under. More than 100 leading travel agents from Asia will be heading to Australia this week as part of the recovery campaign to rebuild travel to Australia from the Asia region.
The Aussie Specialist Programme has been designed by the Australian Tourist Commission to provide retail travel agents with the knowledge and expertise to sell Australia.
These new Aussie Specialists will participate in the Australia familiarisation from 27 July to 2 August.
Australian Tourist Commission (ATC) Managing Director Ken Boundy has been quoted as saying that travel agents play an important role in selling a holiday destination. A release says that Aussie Specialist travel agents from India, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand will expand their knowledge of the Australian tourism experience.
“Over the next week, the agents will travel to six states and nine cities and regional centres to experience first-hand the diverse range of travel experiences Australia has to offer,” Boundy said while adding that “the tourist dollar is currently fierce and such familiarisations will help to strengthen Australia’s position in the global travel market.”
A press release says that travel agents will spend seven days in Australia visiting a combination of two destinations including Adelaide, Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, Cairns, Gold Coast, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney and Tasmania.
Boundy says that while many of Australia’s key tourist markets in Asia have experienced a severe drop in business in recent months, over the past couple of weeks business has begun to pick-up with consumer confidence improving.
“Singapore, India, Malaysia and Thailand deliver more than half a million visitors to Australia each year,” Boundy said. “In the five months to May arrivals from most markets in Asia have fallen, including India (down by 18 per cent), Malaysia (down 23 per cent), Singapore (down 22 per cent) and Thailand (down 19 per cent).
“Singapore is a mature market for Australia with high repeat visitation – up to 70 per cent – and we need to give visitors in this market new reasons to visit Australia. At the same time markets such as India and Malaysia have seen steady increases over the past decade and we need to ensure this upward trend continues,” Boundy says while talking about India as a market.
Boundy also states: “Activities such as our current recovery campaigns, which total $33.2 million and span more than 10 countries, including a number of countries across the Asia region, and familiarisations for the trade will assist us in reversing declines in tourist numbers.”
All participants on the fam trip should have completed the Aussie Specialist agents training programme. The three-part programme includes general destination information on Australia as well as specific information on the states and territories; product experiences relevant to various segments, and itinerary planning.
Agents who complete all three components of the Aussie Specialist training are listed on the ATC’s consumer website www.australia.com and act as point of referral for enquiries on holidays to Australia in their respective countries.
As homes evolve to reflect a growing focus on wellness, hygiene, and long-term durability, the materials we choose are coming under sharper scrutiny. It’s no longer just about how a space looks, but also about how it performs under daily use. From accidental spills in the kitchen to everyday wear in living spaces, the right materials can make the difference between a home that simply appears clean and one that actively supports healthier living.
Across categories like paints, surfaces, and furniture, there is a clear shift towards solutions that minimise toxins, resist stains, and are easier to maintain. Here’s how thoughtful material choices can help create a home that is both beautiful and better for everyday life.
Cleaner Walls: The Shift to Low-VOC Paints
Walls cover the largest surface area in any home, making them a critical factor in indoor air quality. Traditional paints often contain high levels of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), or chemicals that can release harmful fumes long after application. These emissions are known to contribute to headaches, respiratory irritation, and long-term health concerns, particularly in enclosed spaces.
This has led to a growing preference for eco-friendly paints, which are formulated using natural, non-toxic, and sustainable materials. With low to zero VOC content, these paints significantly reduce indoor air pollution and create a safer environment for families, especially children and the elderly. Water-based formulations are another key advancement, as they limit the use of hazardous solvents without compromising on finish or durability. Brands like Nippon Paint have introduced eco-friendly, child-safe paint ranges that align with this shift towards healthier interiors.
Beyond composition, finish also plays a role in maintenance. Satin, eggshell, and semi-gloss emulsions are increasingly preferred for interiors, as they are less absorbent and more resistant to stains, making walls easier to clean and maintain over time.
Hygienic Surfaces: Where Performance Meets Everyday Living
If walls influence air quality, surfaces, especially in kitchens and children’s bedrooms or play areas, directly impact hygiene. Interestingly, studies have shown that kitchen surfaces can sometimes harbour more bacteria than bathrooms, largely due to frequent exposure to food, moisture, and spills.
This makes the choice of countertop and surface material particularly important. Porous materials can absorb liquids, leading to staining and potential bacterial growth over time. In contrast, non-porous surfaces offer a more hygienic alternative, as they prevent absorption and are easier to clean.
Engineered quartz surfaces have emerged as a strong solution in this space. For instance, offerings from Specta Quartz Surfaces are designed to address both hygiene and durability concerns. Being non-porous and impenetrable, these surfaces do not absorb liquids, making them resistant to common household stains such as tea, coffee, turmeric, or juice. They also offer ease of maintenance, as most spills can be cleaned with a damp cloth, and occasional use of mild soap is enough to restore the surface.
Additionally, they are NSF and GreenGuard certified, proving that these surfaces are safe for direct food contact and do not support the growth of bacteria, mould, or mildew. This is particularly relevant in Indian kitchens, where cooking often involves heavy use of spices, oils, and frequent cleaning.
Smart Furniture Choices
Furniture is another area where material choice plays a crucial role in maintaining a clean and healthy home. Sofas, chairs, and wardrobes are constantly exposed to dust, spills, and daily wear, making durability and stain resistance key considerations. Fabrics like microfiber, leather, and synthetic blends like polyester or olefin are becoming popular for upholstered furniture. These materials are designed to repel liquids, resist scratches, and withstand regular use, making them ideal for households with children or pets.
Brands like Orange Tree offer furniture that combines aesthetic appeal with practical material choices. Laminates from companies like Century Ply are now designed to be stain-resistant and durable, making them suitable for wardrobes, cabinets, and seating. These finishes not only enhance longevity but also reduce the effort required for daily upkeep.
Designing for Long-Term Well-Being
What ties these material choices together is a broader shift in how we think about our homes. Cleanliness is no longer just about routine maintenance, it begins with selecting materials that are inherently easier to maintain, safer to use, and more resistant to wear.
Low-VOC paints contribute to better air quality, non-porous surfaces improve hygiene, and performance-driven furniture materials reduce the stress of everyday living. Together, they create an environment that supports both physical health and peace of mind.
As modern lifestyles become more fast-paced, the demand for homes that are low-maintenance yet high-performing will only continue to grow. By choosing materials that can handle spills, resist stains, and stand the test of time, homeowners can create spaces that are not just visually appealing, but also fundamentally healthier to live in.
