AAT Kings Launches Bushfire Relief consumer bus trips including #emptyesky

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[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image media=”67992″ media_width_percent=”100″ alignment=”center” img_size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Designed to help provide immediate support directly to tourism communities that have been affected by this season’s devastating bushfires.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image media=”67991″ media_width_percent=”100″ alignment=”center” img_size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Experiences have been developed respectfully and in conjunction with local communities, and while onboard AAT Kings will transport you and your empty esky, to visit local markets, cafes and stores, where you’ll have free time to wander through the town, spend with the local shopkeepers and fill your esky or reusable bag with locally made products.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image media=”67987″ media_width_percent=”100″ alignment=”center” img_size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]To enrich the experience, guests will also meet some of the locals who will tell stories of recovery and share firsthand how best to help these destinations.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image media=”67986″ media_width_percent=”100″ alignment=”center” img_size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Matthew Cameron-Smith, Managing Director for AAT Kings, stated: “Having worked with Australian tourism operators for over 100 years, AAT Kings live and breathe these communities, and they need us now more than ever. We’ve worked with local businesses to bring much-needed benefit through the tourism economy directly back to restaurants, cafes, farmers markets and local stores, to help start providing immediate support to the regions that need it the most.”

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image media=”67988″ media_width_percent=”100″ alignment=”center” img_size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Erin Boutros, Co-founder of Empty Esky, commented: “We are so excited to be partnering with AAT Kings to offer our community the opportunity to put their pledges into action and visit fire affected towns. Since the Empty Esky campaign launched, we have witnessed first-hand how powerful the Australian spirit is. The ‘Empty Esky’ trips will lead the way in effectively supporting bushfire affected towns as they recover.”[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image media=”67983″ media_width_percent=”100″ alignment=”center” img_size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]All Bushfire Recovery Giveback trips are 100% not-for-profit for AAT Kings, and have been designed in collaboration with the local community to inject funds into small businesses and support farmers.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image media=”67982″ media_width_percent=”100″ alignment=”center” img_size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Cameron-Smith concludes, “Our nation and the world have been deeply affected as we watched parts of our country and wildlife ravaged by the fires, we are so privileged to be able to take advantage of our experience and network, to facilitate bringing as many visitors as we can back to our most affected townships. Working in partnership is the best way that we know how to help, and we invite the industry to join us in supporting our fellow Australians to get back on their feet for the long-term.”[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image media=”67984″ media_width_percent=”100″ alignment=”center” img_size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Bushfire Recovery Giveback Experience: #EmptyEsky to Shoalhaven Ex-Sydney ($110, $56 child)
Journey to Kangaroo Valley and take in morning tea at a local café, before heading to Nowra Farmers Market. The market is jam packed with local farmers produce for you to taste and buy and fill up your #emptyesky, knowing every cent goes directly to the growers. You’ll then have the opportunity to meet up with some of the community who have been affected by the bushfires, as they share stories of recovery over a sumptuous, locally sourced lunch sharing stories with locals at Bangalay Dining.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image media=”67985″ media_width_percent=”100″ alignment=”center” img_size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Bushfire Recovery Giveback Trip: #EmptyEsky 4 day Short Break, NSW South Coast (prices start at $700; $420 child) Head to the south coast region of NSW, an area which has been one of the country’s most bushfire affected – support local communities by visiting charming riverside towns and beachside gems, wander through local markets and cafes to fill your #emptyesky with local produce.

On this trip you’ll head to Cobargo and meet local farmers, hear their stories and have the opportunity to volunteer and rebuild fences for their farms. You’ll be shown the best way to help, and work with a local to make this happen. After a rewarding and hard-working day, relax in Cobargo Pub and enjoy a quiet drink, with dinner included, also includes the coastal town of Batemans Bay, before returning to Sydney.

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