Queensland, Australia Debuts Oceans Away Vacations by Jean-Michel Cousteau

Cousteau, eldest son of Jacques Cousteau, believes that working with Stella Travel Services and promoting the Great Barrier Reef in Queensland as his first Oceans Away Vacation destination will help spread his message.

“This collaborative relationship will inspire tourists to feel empowered to learn all about the natural and cultural beauty of Queensland and through responsible tourism, they will ensue a healthy productive ocean to enjoy now and into the future,” said Cousteau.

From a government standpoint, this tourism marketing campaign will be beneficial in keeping Queensland top of mind amongst North Americans, an important international target market for the state, as well as deliver a real benefit for tourism operators. Minister for Tourism, Major Events, Small Business and the Commonwealth Jann Stuckey commented on the partnership. “The partnership, which includes Tourism and Events Queensland (TEQ), Tourism Tropical North Queensland (TTNQ) and Air New Zealand, will see a series of Jean-Michel Cousteau endorsed Queensland itineraries promoted via Stella Travel Services in the US,” she said.

Rated as both Australia's and one of the world's top scuba-diving destinations and home to the Great Barrier Reef, Queensland was a natural selection as the first featured destination for the Oceans Away Vacations. The Great Barrier Reef, a breathtaking natural wonder of Queensland, is a bucket list destination known for having some of the best dive spots of the world. With over 2,900 reefs, 900 islands, and hundreds of diving locations, there is an endless diversity of marine life including coral, fish, whales, dolphins, sea turtles, stingrays and sharks waiting to be discovered.

“Oceans Away Vacations” are the perfect blend of adventure, exploration, and escape that highlight the best dive spots of the Great Barrier Reef. Travelers can choose between a variety of three, four- or five-night vacation packages exploring different areas of the Reef. All packages include accommodations, diving expeditions, sightseeing, transfers, and can be combined with flights to Cairns on Air New Zealand.

A sampling of the available packages are included below. A full listing of packages can be found at islandsinthesun.com/divingvacations.

• 5-Day Great Barrier Reef Live-aboard Diving (Cairns): Spend two nights at a hotel in Cairns and three-days live-aboard with access to 16 exclusive dive sites on four different outer reef locations with wide variety of coral and marine life. Features 11 dives including two night dives. Rates starting at $1,099.

• 5-Day Rainforest & Reef Adventure (Cairns): Enjoy up to three different dive sites on a day cruise from Cairns, glide over the rainforest and explore the Kuranda village with the Kuranda Scenic Rail and Skyrail Cableway, and tour the Tjipaukai Aboringal Cultural Park with an indigenous guide. Rates starting at $1,099.

• 4-Day Port Douglas, Reef & Rainforest (Port Douglas): Enjoy accommodations at the eco-friendly Thala Beach Lodge, spend a day diving on the Agincourt Ribbon Reefs, explore the amazing landscapes of the Cape Tribulation wilderness area and Daintree Rainforest and experience local aboriginal culture with a unique candlelit dinner in the rainforest. Rates start at $1,799.
• 6-Day Hayman Island & Rainforest Retreat: The iconic private island resort in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef offers the perfect balance between luxury and natural beauty and is within close proximity to some of the most spectacular dive sites. Includes three nights at the new One&Only Hayman Island and a two-night Silly Oaks Rainforest Retreat with accommodations in a luxury eco-lodge. Rates start at $3,299.

A percentage of sales will be donated to the Ocean Futures Society, Cousteau's non-profit organization dedicated to ocean preservation, educating the public and encouraging people to appreciate the astonishing natural beauty of our oceans.

“We have to continue to look for creative ways to join forces with tourism and conservation in turning the tide, making a difference, expanding our efforts, and protecting and improving the quality of life on our blue planet,” said Cousteau.

These packages will be featured on Islands in the Sun, a consumer focused website dedicated to island destinations and Travel2, a trade website directed to travel agents. To learn more about these packages or to book a Jean-Michael Couteau Oceans Away vacation in Queensland, visit islandsinthesun.com/divingvacations.