Destination New South Wales Invites Huntington Beach Visitors to 'BE Manly' for the Australian Open of Surfing

LOS ANGELES, July 24, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Destination New South Wales (NSW) is encouraging everyone to 'BE Manly' at the US Open of Surfing (USOS) in Huntington Beach, California this week, with activities to promote the second annual Australia Open of Surfing (AOS). One of the next major ASP Pro Events, the AOS, takes place at Huntington Beach's sister city, Manly Beach, NSW, Australia Feb. 8-16, 2014.

Destination NSW will host a number of interactive events and light-hearted contests including Vegemite eating and Best Manly Mustache contests on Huntington Beach. Destination NSW will also offer a trip for two to Manly Beach to attend the AOS, including return economy airfares with Qantas, 5-nights' accommodation in Manly, and VIP Passes to the AOS*. To participate in the contest, USOS attendees are asked to stop by one of the Vans Off the Wall Pass locations - or the Destination NSW photo booth where they can take a 'BE Manly' shot in front of the iconic Sydney Harbour (donning available mustaches or faux muscles) - and share their photo on social media with designated hashtags. The winner will be selected in a random drawing.

"With everyone enjoying the amazing surfing, skating, music and fashion action at the US Open of Surfing, it's a great time to start preparing for the Australian Open of Surfing at Sydney's Manly Beach in February 2014," said Destination NSW Chief Executive Officer Sandra Chipchase. "Manly Beach is one of the ultimate surfing destinations in the world and a trip to the Australian Open of Surfing is a great way to experience our unique surfing culture and our incredible surf beaches along the coast of New South Wales."

Destination NSW has partnered with Qantas Vacations to offer a special travel package to the AOS including flights and hotel accommodations, which can be booked at www.sydney.com/ausopenofsurf.

"Our goal is make booking a trip to Sydney as simple and cost effective as possible, particularly for young travelers who will love New South Wales' surfing and travel experiences," added Chipchase.

Overseeing the Destination NSW contests to test the USOS visitors' 'Manly-ness' is Andrew Smith, who was recently appointed to the role of Chief Funster with Destination NSW. Andrew will relocate to Sydney for six-months for the role as a social media commentator where he will attend key events in Sydney and across NSW including the AOS sharing his stories and experiences. Smith, an Orange County resident, beat out 124,000 applicants from around the world for the highly coveted role, which was offered as part of Tourism Australia's "Best Job in the World" competition. Follow Andrew's adventures on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

As part of the 'BE Manly' promotions this week at the USOS, Destination NSW is also hosting a media event at Huntington Beach's International Surf Museum July 25 from 2-4 p.m. which will feature traditional food, brews and wine synonymous with Sydney and Australia. Manly Beach Mayor, Jean Hay, Huntington Beach Mayor, Connie Boardman, Australian Surf Hall of Famer Peter "PT" Townend, and additional USOS pro athletes from NSW, like surfer Rebecca Wood, will be on hand to talk about the upcoming AOS and the famous NSW surf culture.

Destination NSW 'BE Manly' Contest Details

Sign-up for both contests at the Destination NSW photo booth.

*All relevant taxes must be paid by the winner. In the event that the chosen winner does not accept the prize, Destination NSW will pick a new winner. All contestants must have a valid passport and visa prior to departure to Australia.

Media Information

For an interview with Sandra Chipchase, CEO of Destination NSW, please contact Nick Valente at Blaze PR at [email protected] or (310) 395-5050.

About Destination New South Wales

Destination New South Wales is the lead New South Wales (NSW) Government agency for the tourism and major events sectors for Sydney and NSW. Our role is to market Sydney and NSW as one of the world's premier tourism and major events destinations; to secure major sporting and cultural events; to work in partnership with Business Events Sydney to win major international conventions and incentive travel reward programs; to develop and deliver initiatives that will drive visitor growth throughout the State; and to achieve the NSW Government's goal of doubling expenditure within the State's visitor economy by 2020.

About Australian Open of Surfing

The Australian Open of Surfing, owned and operated by IMG, is inspired by the US Open of Surfing in Huntington Beach and will run from Feb 8-16, 2014. It will celebrate and showcase the best in surfing, skate, music, fashion and art for nine days at one of Australia's most iconic beaches.

http://www.australianopenofsurfing.com/Twitter: @ausopenofsurf

MEDIA CONTACTS
Erinn Lynch/Nick Valente
BLAZE PR
(310) 395-5050
[email protected] / [email protected]

SOURCE Destination New South Wales