Discover Australia’s World Heritage on Japan’s travel show Tabi Salad 

Japan's most popular travel show Tabi Salad has returned with a special series showcasing Australia's stunning World Heritage sites as well-known actor and World Heritage Master, Keisuke Minami, explores iconic tourist destinations such as Cairns, Gold Coast, and Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. Viewers are treated to breathtaking landscapes, wildlife encounters, laid-back and rich cultural experiences, including food and drink, friendly locals, and Indigenous cultures. The weekly show first aired in early January and will continue for five episodes. The trip was hosted by Tourism Australia's International Media Hosting Program in partnership with Qantas Airways, Tourism & Events Queensland, and Tourism NT. The show is expected to reach over 8 million viewers per episode nationwide in Japan. To coincide with the broadcast, Tourism Australia is running its World Heritage campaign to further promote Australia's diverse and extraordinary UNESCO-listed sites and experiences.

Singapore Airlines campaign live in Germany, France and Italy 

Tourism Australia and Singapore Airlines have once again collaborated to entice travellers from Continental Europe to plan and book a holiday to Australia. These campaigns launched simultaneously across three European markets in the most important booking period in January. French, Italian, and German travellers now have the opportunity to fulfill their dream of visiting Down Under at special fares. Featuring fresh and attention-grabbing videos and banner ads with stunning imagery, the campaigns are live on various market-related channels, including social media placements. In Germany, Ruby will be inviting potential travellers until the end of January, while in France and Italy, the campaign will extend until the end of February.

2025 Tourism Australia Media Kit

Tourism Australia’s 2025 Australia Media Kit is now available to download here and also on the Media Resources page on the Tourism Australia corporate website. Full of travel inspiration, this 30-page mobile friendly, digital asset is packed with new PR content including overviews of each state and territory, what’s new and happening in the year to come and beyond, travel trends, and story ideas for international media.

40th anniversary of Air China Services to Australia

Last month, Tourism Australia and Air China jointly hosted an event in Beijing to celebrate the 40th anniversary of its Australia services. The event was attended by the Australian Ambassador to China, H E Mr Scott Dewar as well as Tourism Australia’s Regional General Manager, Greater China Nick Henderson and Mr. Shuang Liang Commercial Committee Chairman, Air China. The event generated articles in Beijing Business Today, 21st Century Business Herald and Jiemian where strong confidence in the Chinese tourism market was highlightedalong with Australia's unique off-season experiences and special Lunar New Year celebrations, encouraging Chinese travellers to explore the country in new and exciting ways.

Summer of Cricket activity continues

Our recent ‘Summer of Cricket’ activity in India around the Border-Gavaskar Trophy test series has provided the perfect opportunity to inspire Indian travellers to plan and book an Australian holiday whilst tuning into all the action on the pitch. The early results to date have been encouraging with our David Warner social series being viewed almost 42 million times and rising whilst assets as part of the Howzat for a holiday? campaign, featuring Pat Cummins, have been seen in India 54 million times so far. Alongside this, the Indian TV and film industry stars we invited down as part of a ‘mega-famil’ have also been promoting Australia on their own channels, making almost 700 social media posts and stories showcasing the wonderful time they had exploring Australia.

Register to attend Destination Australia 2025

Tourism Australia will host the annual Destination Australia conference on Wednesday 19 March 2025 at the International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney). This year, with a theme of ‘We are the Australian tourism industry’ the future evolution and growth of our sector, will be the focus of the day. At the event, industry leaders will share insights and updates, we will explore how we can continue to evolve the depth and breadth of our tourism offerings, and we will look again to how we collaborate to ensure the sustainable growth of our sector. As always, a range of topics will be covered from aviation to marketing trends, the future distribution landscape to agritourism, and so much more! Find out more and register here.

Localing Partners with Carbon Positive Australia

Localing has teamed up with Carbon Positive Australia to plant native trees for every tour booked, supporting ecosystem restoration and biodiversity. Since July 2024, Localing has planted 400 trees, reflecting its commitment to preserving Australia’s natural landscapes. Carbon Positive Australia’s projects focus on meaningful restoration, reducing carbon footprints, and empowering communities. Guests can further contribute by donating to plant additional trees. This partnership highlights Localing’s mission to create transformative travel experiences while safeguarding Australia’s beauty for future generations. Learn more about the initiative at Localing Sustainability.

Tasmania named as a top 10 Destination to watch in the United Kingdom

Tasmania has been named in the ABTA top 10 Destinations to Watch report. ABTA, a trade association for tour operators and travel agents in the United Kingdom, released the report in early January, to offer ideas and inspiration to UK agents and tour operators. Joined by destinations all over the world, Tasmania’s beauty, vibrancy, food scene and nature all helped it secure a spot on the list. The destinations are selected by ABTA experts, based on customer sentiment and trends in the market.

Red Cat Adventures champions reef conservation with pioneering environmental initiatives 

This year, Red Cat Adventures continues to take steps in preserving the Great Barrier Reef. Through initiatives like the Boats 4 Coral Project and the Coral Nurture Program, they’re restoring and nurturing coral ecosystems. Their Tourism Reef Protection Initiative empowers guests and staff to monitor reef health and actively engage in conservation efforts. These efforts aim to boost reef resilience and ensure the long-term health of the ecosystem. To learn more about how to actively participate in these conservation activities, visit, redcatadventures.com.au.

November ABS international visitor arrivals released

Last week the Australian Bureau of Statistics released the latest international visitor arrivals data  which saw visitor arrivals reach 679,280 for the month of November 2024 and for the year-end almost 8.2 million, which was 17.6 per cent more than the previous year. Encouragingly key markets such as New Zealand, China, the United States, United Kingdom, and India for the year to date all remained steady and we look forward to sharing the full calendar year results when they are released next month.  

A new range of Private Eco Tours for adventurous travellers 

Regenerative tourism business, Wild Adventures Melbourne (WAM) has launched a new range of Private Eco Tours for travellers seeking unique and sustainable Aussie experiences. Connect with iconic nature and wildlife while prioritising positive environmental and social impact. From stand-up paddleboarding to snorkelling, hiking, and wellness experiences across coastal and natural locations in Victoria, the collection has it all for travellers seeking an adventure. For those wanting exclusive opportunities, WAM’s ‘Extraordinary One-off Experiences Collection’ offers Aboriginal art workshops, behind-the-scenes conservation tours, culinary adventures, and marine life encounters guided by experts.

Song Bird celebrates Year of the Snake with an eight-course menu

In celebration of the Year of the Snake, Neil Perry’s Sydney / Warrane Cantonese restaurant Song Bird is serving an exclusive banquet for Chinese New Year. Available from Monday 27 January to Monday 10 February, the menu incorporates traditional ingredients believed to bring good luck and prosperity for the New Year, all while highlighting Song Bird’s high quality ingredients and unique flavours. Expect dishes like blue swimmer crab and Shanghai noodles with xo, Peking Duck with condiments and Mandarin pancakes and Crisp Lobster and scallop money bag dumplings. Priced at $148 per person, the menu will be available at lunch and dinner, with a special lion dance performance on Wednesday, 29 January. Bookings can be made online here.

The perfect summer pairing

Grain Bar at Four Seasons Hotel Sydney is leaning into its iconic location and local roots and inviting guests to indulge in the quintessential summer pairing: artisanal gin and fresh Sydney Rock Oysters. The ‘Summer of Gin’ runs until Thursday 6 March, highlighting the talented Mixology Maestros of Grain Bar through a curated menu of elevated Gin Martinis and G&Ts, paired with half a dozen premium Sydney Rock Oysters, all for just $34 per person. Available Monday to Thursday, from 5 pm to 7 pm, this is a passport to a true taste of Australian summer. Guests can choose to opt out of the martini and create their own G&T, customising the gin, tonic and garnish. Indulge in the taste of summer by making a booking here.  

Explore Kaurna culture and Adelaide / Tarntanya’s coastal beauty 

Explore the cultural and natural wonders of Adelaide on the  Kauwi Cultural Cruise, a collaborative tour between Temptation Sailing and Southern Cultural immersion. Co-led by a First Nations guide and Marine Biologist, the two-hour tour is an immersive experience that blends ecological education with the rich history of Kaurna Country. Guests will enjoy scenic ocean views whilst hearing local Dreamtime stories, traditional practices and about the vital role oceans and landscapes play in Kaurna culture. Book a cruise online here.