BRISBANE hosted over 1,500 delegates from Nu Skin China as part of the cosmetic company’s annual incentive trip for its top sales performers.
Brisbane Economic Development Agency partnered with Tourism Australia and Tourism and Events Queensland to secure the incentive, which has been awarded to destinations such as Hawaii, Toronto and Bali in previous years. The event was supported by Tourism Australia’s Business Events Bid Fund Program.
The delegates arrived in two waves with both groups staying in Brisbane for five days each in March with the city rolling out the red carpet with welcome activations at the airport. Itineraries included popular attractions, natural wonders and an exclusive Brisbane City Hall reception.
Christine Kong, Nu Skin China’s Vice President, Executive Partnership, said the company has traditionally been “very selective” in choosing its destinations.
“We always hope to create a wonderful experience for our delegates with these incentive trips, so they come back with some unforgettable memories and a desire to achieve even more next year,” Kong said.
Delegates stayed at Sofitel Brisbane Central, Hilton Brisbane, Hyatt Regency Brisbane, Brisbane Marriott Hotel, and The Westin Brisbane.
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“All of our hotels were within walking distance of the CBD,” Kong said, “and it was very pleasant to walk around and admire Brisbane’s historic buildings”.
Welcoming signage and activations were placed across King George Square and the Queen Street Mall in Brisbane’s CBD, and the group was also honoured with a Welcome to Country greeting from local Indigenous elders.
ECONOMIC IMPACT
The Nu Skin China incentive is estimated to have generated an economic impact of AUD$7.5 million, Brisbane Economic Development Agency reports, with the overall Chinese travel market worth more than AUD$1.6 billion to the state of Queensland.An increased number of direct flights from China Eastern and China Southern Airlines serving Brisbane are also helping to fuel a growth in visitor numbers.
“Heritage is very important to us at Nu Skin,” Kong said. “So it meant a lot to our delegates to hear about the local history and culture directly from the First Nations Elders. It made this a unique and memorable trip for them.”
More than 60 bus drivers and 60 tour guides were employed to show the group around Brisbane, and over the course of their stay.
As well as exploring the city’s vibrant shopping and dining precincts, delegates experienced unique views of Brisbane with the Story Bridge Adventure Climb; tasted some of the region’s finest wines at the award-winning Sirromet; came face-to-face with the stars at Movie World, one of Australia’s most popular theme parks; and encountered iconic Australian wildlife at Lone Pine, the world’s first and largest koala sanctuary.
For many delegates, the highlight of the trip was a day tour to Tangalooma Island Resort on Moreton Island/Mulgumpin. Easily accessible from the city, the resort gave delegates a chance to hand-feed wild dolphins that visit the shores at sunset.
It was a full resort takeover, with Nu Skin branding – on everything from flags and banners to coconuts filled with refreshing coconut water – displayed throughout the resort. Making their day even more memorable, delegates experienced a scenic helicopter flight over the beautiful waters, giving them a glimpse of the area’s incredible marine wildlife from above, and ended the night with a spectacular fireworks display.
Finally, delegates were treated to a Gala Dinner at the heritage-listed Brisbane City Hall, with local government representatives in attendance.
Kiro Yin, Key Account Director with Mandarin OZ International Travel Services, said: “In five days, these delegates experienced dolphins, koalas, beaches, wineries, theme parks, and world-class shopping and dining,
“They got all the flavour you want from a trip to Australia, and it’s all within a short drive of Brisbane. It’s really the one-stop Australian travel experience.”
