October Hot List released

The October edition of Tourism Australia’s Hot List has been released. This month’s collection of the latest and greatest Down Under includes:

• The launch of Stormie Mills' 'Once Upon a Sometimes' exhibition at the FORM Gallery in Perth / Boorloo which is set to captivate visitors;
• Melbourne / Narrm's freshest wine-centric dining experience, Circl Wine House; The reopening of Moonlight Bay Suites in Broome / Rubibi following a complete refurbishment;
• The announcement of three new luxury off-grid retreats in McLaren Vale, Rare Earth Retreats set to open in November.

Check it out here.

Seller Applications open for ATE25

The 45th edition of the Australian Tourism Exchange (ATE25), will be held in Brisbane / Meanjin from Sunday 27 April until Thursday 1 May 2025 in partnership with Tourism and Events Queensland, with support from Brisbane Economic Development Agency. The event is expected to bring together 1,500 Australian seller delegates with 700 global distribution partners from over 30 countries, to conduct scheduled business appointments and participate in key networking events. Visit the event website to apply before 1 November 2024. 

PATA Digital Activation Award 2024 in France

Tourism Australia has won the award for the best ‘Digital Activation’ in 2024 for the Working Holiday campaign at the annual PATA (Pacific Asia Travel Association) Awards in Paris. This event brought together professionals from the tourism sector around the values of innovation, sustainability and international cooperation. Tourism Australia in France presented the campaign along with the results to a panel of judges, consisting of trade media, sustainability association, production company and airline representatives. The panel applauded the creativity and innovation elements of the campaign. Tourism Australia won the award competing with eight other candidates from the tourism and airline industry. 

Tourism Australia Americas hosts media event with PRIOR World

Tourism Australia, in partnership with luxury travel brand PRIOR World and ‘Friend of Australia’ David Prior, hosted an intimate dinner for top tier media and tastemakers this month in New York City. The evening featured stunning artwork on loan from D’Lan Contemporary, showcasing First Nations artists including Emily Kngwarreye, alongside food from Australian-born ARLO communal and a selection of Australian wines. This celebration of culture fostered meaningful conversations among top editors from travel, design, and art publications, as well as influential art figures. The event provided a unique opportunity for Tourism Australia to foster connections with storytellers and inspired talks of unique collaboration to engage with high-yield travelers in authentic ways.

Australia recognised in annual Reader's Choice Awards from Condé Nast Traveler 

Last week the coveted United States’ 37th Condé Nast Traveler Reader’s Choice Awards celebrated the best in luxury travel, with Australia included across multiple categories. Sydney claimed third spot among the world’s best big cities, the Ritz-Carlton in Melbourne ranked 41 for hotels, Southern Ocean Lodge on Kangaroo Island was honored number 29 for resorts, the Ghan train trip took number 19 in best train journeys, and Whitsunday Islands ranked as a top island in Australia and the South Pacific. As a tier one media outlet in the United States, recognition in these categories in the annual list further cements Australia as a top destination for North American travellers. Read more here.  

Register for Tourism Australia’s Industry Briefing

Industry are invited to register for Tourism Australia’s upcoming Industry Briefings. The free of charge briefings include an update from Tourism Australia, followed by a networking event.
The briefings will be held in the following locations:
23 October – Perth / Boorloo
1 November – Melbourne / Narrm
6 November – Sydney / Warrane
13 November – Adelaide / Tarntanya
14 November – Hobart / nipaluna
Register to attend here. 

Welcome to Wonnarua Experience at Tulloch Wines

Make your way to the stunning Hunter Valley wine region and dive into the ancient culture of the Wonnarua Nation with the exclusive Wonnarua Wine Tasting Experience at Tulloch Wines. Partnering with local Elder Uncle Warren, this experience pays homage to the land and community, with a portion of each booking supporting the preservation of significant Wonnarua sites. The journey begins with a virtual Welcome to Country Smoking Ceremony led by Uncle Warren, who shares the rich history and traditions of the Wonnarua people. Following this cultural immersion, visitors explore the storied legacy of Tulloch Wines and celebrate four generations of winemaking excellence. The experience includes a curated Wine Tasting featuring fine sparkling selections, complemented by a delicious brunch board that highlights Indigenous Australian bush foods.

The relaunch of a Great Barrier Reef ecotourism product

The Quicksilver Group has relaunched an exciting adventure ecotourism product, targeted at small groups of experienced divers and snorkellers offering access to exclusive Great Barrier Reef sites, expert marine interpretation and citizen science. Fresh from a $1.1 million refit, the 24-metre dive and snorkel catamaran Poseidon has undergone a mechanical refit with two new generation sustainable fuel compliant engines and a generator to further reduce emissions. Operating from Port Douglas, the day trip visits three different reef sites from its exclusive, remote group of Agincourt ribbon reef sites at the edge of Australia’s Continental Shelf. The clear outer reef waters, remarkable coral and marine life diversity offer some of the best possible day boat diving and snorkelling experiences. 

Bar Morris welcomes new head chef

Bar Morris, housed within Hotel Morris - Handwritten Collection, has announced the appointment of Kezia Kristel as the new Head Chef of the intimate Sydney / Warrane CBD wine bar. Bringing with her a deep knowledge of quality produce and cooking from former roles at top Sydney dining institutions Shell House, Icebergs Dining Room & Bar and Bennelong; Kristel has unveiled a fresh menu that brings the vibrant essence of Italian flavours in honest yet punchy dishes. Menu highlights include Sydney rock oysters with vermouth mignonette, Kingfish Tartare, Rigatoni with pumpkin, fried sage and parmesan and Malfadine with pork shoulder ragu and pecorino. Make a booking online and indulge in the day-to-night menu set against the backdrop of a curated soundtrack of funk and soul music. 

Salter Brothers unveil new global brand with South Australian landmark

Salter Brothers has announced the settlement of its acquisition of the historic Kingsford Barossa in South Australia which will be the first destination for its new global brand Ardour Hotels & Estates. Ardour was born from the ambition of growing a portfolio of curated hotels and estates to offer luxurious hospitality experiences within the most stunning settings to create memories with friends, families and friends. Ardour’s brand story of "Celebrated Luxury" strongly aligns with the Kingsford property which has all the essential features to create rewarding, shared experiences amidst the natural beauty of the Barossa Region. Read more about Salter Brothers and the new Ardour banner here.