Cricketer David Warner invites Indian’s to visit Australia

As part of the India mission which takes place just weeks before the first cricket Test between Australia and India begins in Perth / Boorloo Tourism Australia has launched a four-part social content series starring recently retired Australian cricket player David Warner, who remains incredibly popular in India. The series, amplified from Tourism Australia's Instagram @australia, will play a role in helping to attract travellers from India to Australia. In the video series, David Warner issues a warm welcome to Indian travellers and highlights some of his personal favourite Australian holiday destinations including Sydney, Melbourne and the Gold Coast. View on Australia.com. 

Future of Distribution report released

In 2024, Tourism Australia and Deloitte undertook a research project to unpack the post-pandemic complexities of tourism distribution. Outlined in this ‘Future of Distribution’ report are high level insights to support tourism operators and the Australian tourism industry in responding to the rapidly evolving consumer dynamics and the global travel distribution landscape. Reflecting our focus on 15 priority markets, which historically have delivered 80 per cent of visitors to Australia, this report also includes additional insights specific to these markets. Click here to explore this research. 

Industry Initiative: We are the Australian tourism industry

This week we launched We are the Australian tourism industry, a Tourism Australia led initiative, where the industry come together to highlight the importance of tourism to Australia’s economy and communities across the country. With tourism approaching a critical period in its ongoing recovery, those on the frontline of the industry have issued a reminder about the value of tourism. Our industry is already worth $170 billion a year, is expected to be worth $220 billion by 2028, and supports more than 650,000 Australian jobs. Read the media release and watch the video here. Share the message on LinkedIn. 

Register for Tourism Australia’s Destination Australia Conference 2025 

Tourism Australia will host the annual Destination Australia conference on Wednesday 19 March 2025 at the International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney / Warrane). This year, with a theme "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. Find out more and register here. 

Exhibitor Applications for the ATE25 Media Program close this Friday

Exhibitor applications close this Friday for the Australian Tourism Exchange 2025 (ATE25) Media Program to be held in Brisbane / Meanjin from Friday 25 April to Monday 28 April 2025, in partnership with Tourism & Events Queensland, with support from Brisbane Economic Development Agency. Run in conjunction with ATE25, the ATE25 Media Program is an opportunity for media delegates to meet one-on-one with Australian tourism businesses, special interest operators, attractions and accommodation providers. Visit the event website to apply before 15 November 2024, noting that separate applications are required to attend both ATE25 and the ATE25 Media Program.

Japanese media visit to promote Australia

Last month, Tourism Australia, partnering with Tourism and Events Queensland, inviting five media representatives and influencers from Japan for a press tour across Brisbane / Meanjin, the Gold Coast, and Sydney / Warrane under the International Media Hosting Program (IMHP). The participants had the opportunity to experience Australia’s natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culinary scene, with a focus on experiences that particularly resonate with the Japanese market. The content produced from this media trip will be featured across digital media outlets and social media channels, targeting the High Yield Travellers (HYT) audience, and aims to further promote Australia’s key tourist destinations and unique experiences.

ABS Short Term Arrivals September 2024

The Australian Bureau of Statistics latest short term arrivals numbers show that in the 12 months to September 2024 international visitation to Australia was at 86%, compared to the same period in 2019. This is up slightly on 85% the month before. South Korea and India remain the markets outperforming pre-pandemic levels. South Korea is at 132%, compared to 2019, while India is at 107%. These markets have been helped by an increase in aviation capacity to Australia. In terms of the largest markets overall New Zealand has consistently been the largest visitation market. China, which is a year behind in its recovery and only back to 60% of 2019 levels, remains the second largest inbound market. 

November Hot List released

Tourism Australia’s November Hot List has been released. This month's collection of all things fresh around Australia includes:

• Tasmanian Walking Company's announcement of its Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa Signature Walk;
  
• Sydney / Warrane's newest fine-dining establishment The International;
  
• The opening of the lush Peninsula Hot Springs Eco Lodges located on the Mornington Peninsula;
  
• The announcement of The Calilie Noosa, a five-star development set to elevate Noosa's accommodation offering from 2026.
  

Check it out here.

Localing expands into Sydney / Warrane with acquisition of Local Eyes 

Localing, the Australian leader in luxury, bespoke travel has announced its acquisition of Sydney / Warrane based operator Local Eyes. Founded in 2013 by lifelong friends Dingo and Dan, Localing has built a reputation for curating immersive, tailor-made experiences that showcase the very best of each destination. Local Eyes, with its decade of experience and luxurious offerings – including the luxury boat Iluka and a fleet of premium vehicles is the ideal partner to join the Localing family. The acquisition allows Localing to offer guests seamless land and sea day tours, featuring everything from gourmet food and wine experiences on the Harbour to exclusive regional adventures to the Blue Mountains, Southern Highlands, and beyond. For more information, visit Localing’s website. 

A new way to experience the Great Barrier Reef

Sunlover Reef Cruises have joined forces with Zoom Helicopters to give travellers the ultimate Great Barrier Reef experience departing from Cairns / Gimuy. From 18 November, its ‘Reef & Island In A Day’ tour offerings will be elevated along with the launch of all-new ‘Reef Zoom Half Day Tours’ where travellers can expect an unforgettable blend of flight and reef experiences. This exciting collaboration allows for more reef to be covered in a shorter amount of time along with the flexibility of half-day and scenic helicopter options. 

Icebergs Dining Room & Bar’s Takeover

Maurice Terzini and his Icebergs Dining Room & Bar team will be hosting new accommodation, Sea Sea Hotel’s first restaurant takeover on Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 November. Located in the beautiful Mid-North NSW coastal town of Crescent Head, guests can expect a seamless blend of sunset drinks, good music, great atmosphere and sensational food. Menu highlights include Yellowfin Tuna Crostini, Spaghetti Vongole with Ballina Pipis and Pilu Bottarga, Koshihikari Risotto, Iceburger Westholme Wagyu Fillet & Charcoal Roasted Ruby Snapper. The Icebergs Bar x Sea Sea Hotel is part of an ongoing takeover series which is set to continue into 2025 with local and national venues set to take over Sea Sea’s restaurant and bar. Accommodation and restaurant bookings are now available online now.

'Camera eats first' in all new Foodtography Tours 

This November, FUJIFILM Australia has collaborated with food touring experts and foodie creators to launch first-of-a-kind ‘Foodtography Tours’ in Sydney / Warrane and Melbourne / Narrm. The experts at Local Sauce Tours and Foodie Trails will guide guests on a culinary expedition across iconic and hidden dining spots where delicious bites will be enjoyed along the way. FUJIFILM photography professionals will also be in attendance with the new Fujifilm X-M5 to provide hands-on guidance on how to capture the best snap possible. Foodies and photography fans can sink their teeth into the Foodtography Tours this November, with more information about the experience in Sydney here and Melbourne here.