Spring Racing Takes Off At Virgin Australia Terminals
across the Country
SYDNEY, 27 October 2011: Research released today by Virgin
Australia1 shows that over the next few days, baggage
carousels will be filled with up to 40 000 hats and over 55
000 lip glosses, which will be flown especially to
Melbourne for The Cup and the Victorian Spring Racing
Carnival.
With most believing that the Spring Racing Carnival is more
about the social occasion, champagne and fashion (74%) than
the racing (22%), it's no wonder that getting their luggage
there on time and intact is a top priority. Virgin
Australia's research revealed that the baggage carousels
may be filled with an estimated $40 million worth of
luggage this racing season.
Virgin Australia Group Executive Corporate Communications,
Danielle Keighery said the Victorian Spring Racing Carnival
is a positive boost for the Australian economy and the
tourism industry in general.
"The Victorian Spring Racing Carnival has developed a
reputation as one of the most important events on the
sporting calendar, attracting domestic and international
visitors alike. Last year, the carnival generated $728
million2 for the Australian economy, with a similar
contribution expected this year".
"We are committed to supporting the Australian tourism
industry and will be putting on 36 additional flights into
and out of Melbourne over the key racing period3. Virgin
Australia is well-prepared to transport Australia's latest
fashion trends as 40 000 hats, 110 000 dresses and pairs of
heels make their way through carousels across the country",
Ms Keighery said.
Virgin Australia's top tips for packing for the Spring
Racing Carnival:
-
Check the dimensions of your hat box. If it exceeds the
carry-on allowance, check it-in at least 30 minutes
before your flight.
-
Pack an extra pair of shoes. A day at the races carries
the high risk of broken high heels, mud and sore feet.
-
Prepare for all weather conditions. With the
unpredictability of the Spring season, you never know
when you might need a warm jacket or an umbrella.
Other findings from the survey included:
-
For most women Melbourne Cup is an excuse to splash out
on new clothes and accessories with 80% of women willing
to purchase a new dress for the race
-
The average amount Australian women are prepared to spend
on new items to look their best at Melbourne Cup is $370
- and that's even before they have placed a bet
-
Dirty shoes (48%), broken heels (42%) and fashion faux
pas (23%) at the top of peoples 'stress list' when it
comes to attending the races, explaining the sheer volume
of luggage that travels to Melbourne
-
The must-have beauty items for the race include lip-gloss
(51%) and concealer (36%)
Virgin Australia group of airlines announced yesterday that
it would add a further 64 domestic services over the next
two weeks to meet market requirements. This will see 9000
extra seats offered on Virgin Australia flights between
Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide for travel between October
31 and November 13, 2011.
1 Galaxy Research conducted 6/10/11, with a sample of 1510
respondents aged 18-64 across Australia.
3
Refers to 29 October to 5 November 2011.
2
Figures provided by Victorian Racing Club and based on
National Gross Economic Benefit - the total amount generated
by the MCC in Australia by all Australians and international
visitors.
