Rich Russians Head to Great Barrier Reef, etc., in Aust.

From the Courier Mail in Brisbane Sunday morning, they had this headline: "Cape York and the Great Barrier Reef have become the playground for wealthy Russian tourists" with these highlights: "Russian oligarchs and ex-KGB chiefs are turning to Cape York and Great Barrier Reef wilderness as the "new frontier" to hunt boar, fish for black marlin and bask in luxury. Honeymooning couples from the former Soviet Union are part of the new order "glasnost" in tourism as they look to escape a brutal cold for adventure and warmth in the Sunshine State. Latest figures show the Russian bear soared 17 per cent in visitor numbers to Australia in the past year, up the same percentage rate but off a much lower base than the boom Chinese dragon market. But these are no ordinary travellers - many are used to ultra-luxury resorts, private jets, helicopters and superyachts. Exclusive Lizard Island on the Great Barrier Reef, north of Cooktown, voted the world's top resort lodge in 2012, confirmed it had become a popular destination for the Russian market."

Interesting article on the shifting, changing trends in travel, what's growing in popularity, etc. We are planning on doing some time in the Port Douglas/Great Barrier Reef area prior to starting our cruise out of Sydney on Jan. 20, 2014. It's a fourteen day cruise finishing in Auckland. Just one year away!!! But, no private jets and luxury resorts for us on our budget.

Full story at:

http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/cape-york-and-the-great-barrier-reef-have-become-the-playground-for-wealthy-russian-tourists/story-e6freoof-1226557379497

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Did a June 7-19, 2011, Celebrity Solstice cruise from Barcelona that had stops in Villefranche, ports near Pisa and Rome, Naples, Kotor, Venice and Dubrovnik. Enjoyed great weather and a wonderful trip. Dozens of wonderful visuals with key highlights, tips, comments, etc., on these postings. We are now at 115,073 views for this live/blog re-cap on our first sailing with Celebrity and much on wonderful Barcelona. Check these postings and added info at:

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1426474

From the Courier Mail in Brisbane Sunday morning, they had this headline: "Cape York and the Great Barrier Reef have become the playground for wealthy Russian tourists" with these highlights: "Russian oligarchs and ex-KGB chiefs are turning to Cape York and Great Barrier Reef wilderness as the "new frontier" to hunt boar, fish for black marlin and bask in luxury. Honeymooning couples from the former Soviet Union are part of the new order "glasnost" in tourism as they look to escape a brutal cold for adventure and warmth in the Sunshine State. Latest figures show the Russian bear soared 17 per cent in visitor numbers to Australia in the past year, up the same percentage rate but off a much lower base than the boom Chinese dragon market. But these are no ordinary travellers - many are used to ultra-luxury resorts, private jets, helicopters and superyachts. Exclusive Lizard Island on the Great Barrier Reef, north of Cooktown, voted the world's top resort lodge in 2012, confirmed it had become a popular destination for the Russian market."

 

Interesting article on the shifting, changing trends in travel, what's growing in popularity, etc. We are planning on doing some time in the Port Douglas/Great Barrier Reef area prior to starting our cruise out of Sydney on Jan. 20, 2014. It's a fourteen day cruise finishing in Auckland. Just one year away!!! But, no private jets and luxury resorts for us on our budget.

 

Full story at:

http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/cape-york-and-the-great-barrier-reef-have-become-the-playground-for-wealthy-russian-tourists/story-e6freoof-1226557379497

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

Did a June 7-19, 2011, Celebrity Solstice cruise from Barcelona that had stops in Villefranche, ports near Pisa and Rome, Naples, Kotor, Venice and Dubrovnik. Enjoyed great weather and a wonderful trip. Dozens of wonderful visuals with key highlights, tips, comments, etc., on these postings. We are now at 115,073 views for this live/blog re-cap on our first sailing with Celebrity and much on wonderful Barcelona. Check these postings and added info at:

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1426474

You still need a big wallet to visit Australia private jets /luxury yachts or not:)

There's a booming market for them wherever you go. When I was on the Euro trip I was surprised last year how they dominated the tourist market in most cities and hotels we stayed in. It was very surprising!

When I was in Tahiti last year, a super yacht, 'Pacific' was berthed beside us - with 2 helipads and 17 suites - and was owned by a Russian family of 6. They also charter it out but it stays in the South Pacific region.

It left all the yachts you see in Monaco etc looking like small change!

Just goes to show, crime does pay :p

Dominate is the word. On the streets of New York a couple of years ago (during GFC) most people are wearing pretty drab servicable clothing. Not the Russian folk, especially the women who were furs, designer handbags (real ones!) and masses of jewellery. Lots of "nyets" to be heard. It would be good for Australia to welcome them. Just a different type of tourist though, way louder than the Japanese.

Just goes to show, crime does pay :p

Maybe communism is not like it used to be?

You still need a big wallet to visit Australia private jets /luxury yachts or not:)

YES! Have scrubbed out my plans for a private jet and luxury yacht. Appreciate the nice variety of comments and insights.

Especially enjoyed the comments by Bescotti on "in Tahiti last year, a super yacht, 'Pacific' was berthed beside us - with 2 helipads and 17 suites - and was owned by a Russian family of 6. They also charter it out but it stays in the South Pacific region. It left all the yachts you see in Monaco etc looking like small change!" Must have been fascinating to see!!

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Did a June 7-19, 2011, Celebrity Solstice cruise from Barcelona that had stops in Villefranche, ports near Pisa and Rome, Naples, Kotor, Venice and Dubrovnik. Enjoyed great weather and a wonderful trip. Dozens of wonderful visuals with key highlights, tips, comments, etc., on these postings. We are now at 115,253 views for this live/blog re-cap on our first sailing with Celebrity and much on wonderful Barcelona. Check these postings and added info at:

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1426474