Membership of the IFWTWA has experienced a sudden growth surge in Australia. New members are now located across the width of the continent and have joined the association, looking for the strength and support the international profile provides.

Recent discussion at board level in California has ratified the establishment of the newly-formed group and agreed on a special division to be known as IFWTWA – Australasia.

Kevin Moloney, the chair of the new Australasian group, believes membership will swell to significant levels over the coming months and years. “The Association provides so much more than what has been professionally available to writers in Australia. Travel writers will now have the opportunity to interact with food and wine writers in the same association, giving us all greater scope and professional leverage” he said. “I’m sure when assessing the value of membership, new members will be impressed with the level of support and development they receive from the IFWTWA. We’re expecting to do great things in our region while being a part of an international association” he added.

Plans for the development of the Australasian group include the establishment of particular interest groups which focus on specialist writer market segments such as Business Events. The new group will provide a forum for business events/travel writers to exchange issues. As a special interest group it will be the model for establishing additional sub groups in the Australasian space.

Australian and New Zealand writers who are interested in joining the Association are welcome to contact either Kevin Moloney or Graeme Kemlo who are more than willing to talk about the benefits of membership and the plans to develop the presence in the region.

Further details – Kevin Moloney or Graeme Kemlo

kevinmoloney@iinet.net.au

gkemlo@gmail.com

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November 14 through 18, 2010

Applications must be in by September 25, 2010—Register early as there is limited space.

Soak in the authentic Southern flavor of a charming beach destination on the Alabama Gulf Coast. Trip participants will savor a range of restaurants and dining experiences from beachside dives to white-linen establishments in addition to a few special treats for taste buds (and readers).

The coastal communities of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach showcase a diverse selection of family-orientated attractions and activities, including several eco-tourism opportunities, and most importantly for this trip, an appetizing palate of dining options.

Plans also include visiting the local cultural, historical and nature attractions. To learn more about this 32-mile island that traditionally hosts millions of families year around, go to www.gulfshores.com.

Trip organizers would like specifically to address the gulf oil spill, which has had an effect on this vacation destination. Harmed more by perception than actual oil impact, our destination is facing a challenging year and an uphill public relations battle. Gather vital on-the-ground interviews and factual information during this press trip to our still beautiful destination.

The host will accept approximately 8 journalists for this trip. Journalists participating have to list on the application where they plan to publish and circulation. Your online profile MUST be up to date with clips.

Participants are expected to uphold the IFWTWA Code of Conduct and attend all sponsored events.

The Beenders Walker Group, on behalf of Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism, will make all airline reservations for participants.  Reservations will be made for arrival on Sunday, November 14 (in time to join the group for dinner) and departure on Thursday, November 18. Airfare is covered. Gratuities are not.

We will be staying in 2 and 3 bedroom condos with each bedroom having a private bathroom.

A detailed itinerary will be forthcoming after applications are approved. The host determines who is accepted on this trip.

This is a short notice, members only, trip based on urgency of press perception being different than reality.  The world needs to know they are open, have been open, and are ready for business.

Registration form

Applications must be in by September 25, 2010.

Maralyn D. Hill and Michelle M. Winner

A travel show for the connoisseur of all things beautiful and tasty, Spirit Chasers features Australian travel writer and adventurer, Kevin Moloney. In this episode, Kevin visits Château de BRIAT in southwestern France.

Member, Kevin Moloney from Australia is doing some new TV production. Here is a clip from his new show, on Armagnac in France. It’s quite short and enjoyable. I encourage you to watch it and see what another IFWTWA member is doing.

If the video above does not show or play, you can watch it directly on YouTube here:
Kevin visits Château de BRIAT in southwestern France.

Congratulations Kevin–nice job and thanks for sharing.

Maralyn D. Hill, President
International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association