Golf product development famil for Korean golf enthusiasts

In collaboration with Experience Gold Coast, Tourism Australia’s Korea team hosted a famil, inviting six key executives from major key distribution partners (KDPs) to develop high-yield golf tour products. The experience reinforced Australia’s appeal as a premier golf destination. A particularly memorable moment was when a troop of kangaroos appeared on the course, delighting attendees and adding a uniquely Australian touch to their golf experience. With over six million golf enthusiasts in Korea and an average green fee of A$400, many Korean amateur golfers seek unique and more affordable golfing experiences abroad. Following the famil, participating KDPs have launched new golf tour products, further strengthening Australia’s position in this market. Hana Tour Mode Tour ES Golf

Tourism Australia hosts industry update in Canada

Earlier this month, Tourism Australia, alongside Vox, hosted an industry update at Cirillo’s Academy in downtown Toronto, Canada. Chris Allison, Vice President of Americas and New Zealand, attended the event alongside key industry players, including airlines, tour operators, and distribution partners. Throughout the evening, guests tasted Australian wine and helped make the Aussie-inspired menu through guided cooking stations. Following the cooking session, Tourism Australia provided a Canadian industry update including recovery, aviation, and upcoming market activity.

Aussie Convention 2025 – a unique learning and networking experience in Italy

Tourism Australia recently hosted the ‘Aussie Convention 2025’ in Terme, Italy, bringing together around 100 dedicated Aussie Specialist Program travel agents for three days of intensive training, networking, and team-building activities. Participants engaged in workshops, Q&A sessions, and exclusive trainings with representatives from Australian states and territories and product partners including Qantas, Cathay Pacific, Great Southern Touring Route, Hamilton Island, Journey Beyond, Lizard Island, Dirk Hartog Island, Voyages, THL and Sealink.

One Voice campaign activity with DERTOUR launched in Germany

Tourism Australia along with state and territory partners, South Australian Tourism Commission, Tourism NT, Visit Victoria, Tourism and Events Queensland and Destination New South Wales to launch a campaign with leading German key distribution partner DERTOUR. Over the next three months the campaign aims to attract German travelers to book their trip to Australia. Activities include business to business and business to consumer activities such as digital out-of-home media, training activities and social advertising. 

Australian Indigenous Place Based Guide

Tourism Australia recently launched a destination first with the Australian Indigenous Place Based Guide. This is a destination guide that specifically applies an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander lens to cultural and tourism experiences. The guide provides information about key Australian destinations that showcase Indigenous history, storytelling and experiences.

Vale Richard Beere

It is with great sadness that we acknowledge the passing of our ex-Executive General Manager International (East), Richard Beere. Richard was with Tourism Australia from 1998 to 2011 and oversaw a transformational period of the organisation’s expansion into markets in Asia. Richard’s work, especially in growing tourism to Australia from the region, has held us in good stead to realise the tourism opportunities in Asia particularly the growth of China and India as a result of his foundational work there. Richard was much loved by the Tourism Australia team and his enthusiasm and approach for sharing Australia’s tourism story and growing the Asia market opportunity leaves a lasting legacy to both our organisation and tourism more broadly.

New partnership for excellence in tourism experiences and sustainability

The Australian Tourism Industry Council (ATIC) and Tourism Australia have launched a three-year partnership to drive excellence in visitor experiences and sustainable tourism business practices. Through the partnership, Tourism Australia and ATIC will encourage business participation in the Sustainable Tourism Accreditation, Accessible Tourism, Tourism Emissions Reduction and Australian Tourism Awards programs. 

Celebrating 40 Years: 2024 Qantas Australian Tourism Awards Honour Winners in Adelaide

The 2024 Qantas Australian Tourism Awards celebrated 40 years of excellence and recognised the nation’s best tourism businesses, showcasing the dedication to quality and innovation that defines Australian tourism. Held at the Adelaide Convention Centre in South Australia, this year’s awards not only honoured achievements across 26 categories but also served as a moment of reflection on the vibrant four decades-long history of the Australian Tourism Awards. For more information on the awards visit the website. 

Sensory Tourism offering launched in North America

Sensory Tourism Australia has introduced new accessible tourism experiences for blind and low-vision travellers in North America. At industry events in Los Angeles and New York, the operator showcased its sensory-focused travel products to North American travel advisors. Founded by award-winning operator Cocky Guides, Sensory Tourism Australia offers curated ‘stay and discover’ packages designed for travellers who experience destinations beyond sight. The initiative has been supported through the NSW First Program, run by Destination NSW, helping businesses develop internationally ready products. Sensory Tourism Australia is also exhibiting at the National Federation of the Blind California State Conference. Learn more at sensorytourismaustralia.com.

Expressions of interest for ATECs ELITE 2025 program now open

Expressions of interest are now open for the ELITE 2025 (Emerging Leaders and Mentors) program. If you're passionate about developing your leadership potential or want to give back as a mentor, now is the time to get involved. ELITE is designed to empower the next generation of tourism leaders, providing participants with invaluable mentoring, guidance, and the opportunity to grow within the industry. Find out more.

Award-winning chef Shane Delia opens Layla in Brisbane / Meanjin

The first Queensland restaurant from acclaimed chef and restaurateur Shane Delia, Layla is officially opening in Brisbane / Meanjin this Friday, 28 March. Layla promises an aromatic feast for the senses, championing local produce and drawing inspiration from an array of exotic subcontinent and Middle Eastern influences. Delia’s passion for delivering exceptional culinary experiences has established his flagship restaurant Maha as a mainstay of Melbourne / Narrm’s dining scene, which extends to his other three beloved Melbourne venues. Leading the kitchen is Head Chef Simon Parker, who is working closely with Shane Deila on a delicious menu. Highlights include Layla’s signature flatbread with a whipped smoked hummus and fragrant sweet eggplants, an 8-hour slow roasted lamb shoulder with smoked eggplant, roast lemon and za’atar sauce and ‘Habibbi butter chicken’, a unique take on a staple. Make a booking on the website. 

Kingfisher Tours announces co-brand with head guide

Discover Aboriginal Experiences member, Kingfisher Tours have announced they have co-branded with their head guide Rebecca (Bec) Sampi’s brand, Garingbaar Bush Botanicals, further enriching the experience with authentic Indigenous knowledge and products. Kingfisher Tours with Garingbaar offers exclusive guided walks in Western Australia’s Kimberley region. Led by Bec and the team of local custodian guides, guests will learn from their profound knowledge of bush tucker, bush medicine, and the incredible history of the UNESCO World Heritage site. Beyond the landscapes, Bec operates Garingbaar Bush Botanicals, a handmade soap company that sources native ingredients from the very land she calls home. Using traditional knowledge, she crafts botanical-infused soaps that bring the healing power of the bush to people across Australia and beyond.  By co-branding their offerings, Kingfisher Tours and Garingbaar Bush Botanicals are creating a sustainable business that not only supports the local economy but also ensures that the cultural knowledge and natural resources of the region are preserved for future generations. For more information, visit the website here.

A taste of Greece takes over Woolloomooloo

Greek chef Ntinos Fotinakis is bringing fresh Mediterranean flavours and the atmosphere of the Anthernian Riveria to Woolloomooloo, Sydney / Warrane as he takes over waterfront restaurant Manta for a limited time only. Until 6 April, guests will experience a menu that stays true to the authenticity of Greek cuisine while incorporating local Australian influences – classic grilling techniques, slow-braised dishes, and citrus-forward flavours – elevated by premium Australian seafood and fresh seasonal produce. Guests can also expect surprise dishes, personalised welcomes and tableside finishes by Fotinakis himself. Fotinakis is currently head chef of renowned Athens restaurant Bungalow 7 and has previously worked with Heston Blumenthal whilst training under Michelin-starred Jacques Le Divellec. A Taste of Greece is available for lunch and dinner until 6 April and can be booked via Manta’s website. 

Australian Walking Holidays celebrates 30-year milestone

Australian Walking Holidays is celebrating its 30th Anniversary of offering unforgettable walking experiences on the Larapinta Trail in the Northern Territory. The Larapinta Trail, which winds through the dramatic landscapes of the West MacDonnell Ranges / Tjoritja, is regarded as one of the world's greatest outback walks and is part of the prestigious Great Walks of Australia collection. Stretching over 223 kilometres, the trail traverses striking rock formations, steep gorges, and tranquil waterholes, offering hikers an experience that connects them with both the natural environment and ancient Indigenous culture. The trail provides an unparalleled opportunity to connect with the land’s rich Aboriginal heritage, guided by local Indigenous leaders, while enjoying high-end amenities such as gourmet meals and eco-friendly camping. Guests on the Larapinta Trail enjoy the luxury of sleeping under uninterrupted star-filled skies at Australian Walking Holidays’ exclusive eco-comfort camps – an experience that continues to define the company's offerings. Travellers can learn more and book their next Larapinta Trek Experience here.