Thousands gather in Western Australia for ATE19

The 40th annual Australian Tourism Exchange, the country’s largest tourism trade event, is underway in Perth this week with 600 international buyers from over 30 countries in attendance. The event has also drawn 1,400 people representing 546 Australian tourism businesses including 85 Australian tourism companies who are participating for the first time. Approximately 45,000 meetings will take place over the four days of the event and the host destination, Perth, is expected to benefit from an immediate injection of around $9 million to the local economy. Ahead of the ATE trade appointments, 74 international and domestic media gathered for the ATE19 International Media Marketplace to meet with representatives from 74 Australian tourism companies.

Tourism Awards nominations open

Nominations are open for 2019 tourism awards in Tasmania, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia, Northern Territory, Victoria, New South Wales and the Canberra Region . Tourism Australia is a sponsor of the State and Territory Tourism Awards as well as the national Qantas Australian Tourism Awards.

Cultural Attractions of Australia collective launched at ATE19

An industry-led collective of iconic Australian arts and cultural attractions have joined forces to present the best of Australia’s cultural offering to the world. The Cultural Attractions of Australia collective includes 22 premium experiences, most of which are newly created, range in price from $140 to $50,000 per person. It is hoped it will help lure more high value travellers to some of Australia’s most famous arts and cultural attractions by offering premium and ‘behind the scenes’ experiences. Cultural Attractions of Australia is one of Tourism Australia’s Signature Experiences of Australia collectives which package and promote outstanding tourism experiences within a variety of niche and special interest areas.

Malaysian Aussie Specialists ‘UnDiscover’ Australian cuisine

More than 60 Aussie Specialists participated in an UnDiscover Australia gourmet cooking workshop in Kuala Lumpur this month to learn about the diversity of Australian cuisine. With food being an important driver of travel for Malaysians, the theme of the workshop was inspired by the UnDiscover Australia campaign myth that “Australia isn’t a foodie destination”. Participants learnt about the Australian gourmet experiences through presentations and a hands-on cooking activity which they then used during a sales exercise to promote Australia as a destination for foodies. The newly launched Aussie Specialist Ambassador programme was also highlighted during the event.

Rare and Distinguished package redefines luxury in the Barossa, South Australia

Luxury Lodges of Australia founding member The Louise has introduced a new three-night, all-inclusive package experience Rare and Distinguished Barossa in South Australia’s Barossa Valley. In collaboration with Ultimate Winery Experience of Australia partners, Seppeltsfield and St Hugo Wines, The Louise package explores the region’s remarkably rich history and innovative future of culinary travel. Covering all accommodation, meals and tours, highlights of the indulgent package include breakfast with kangaroos, an eight-course degustation at St Hugo restaurant, five course lunch with paired wines at Fino, a natural perfume making experience, in-suite massages and more.

Iconic Tali Wiru dinner opens for its 2019 season, Northern Territory

Voyages Ayers Rock Resort’s exclusive evening dining experience in the desert, Tali Wiru, has opened for its sixth season featuring some of the most innovative uses of local Bush Tucker in Australia. With the magnificent backdrop of Uluru and the stunning surrounds of the desert landscapes guests will enjoy a magical evening of fine dining under the southern night stars. The four-hour gastronomic experience begins with champagne and canapés at sunset and four-course menu matched with premium Australian Wines, followed by tales of Indigenous culture from a local of the land. Tali Wiru will runs daily until 15 October 2019 and can be accessed via hotel transport or by a private helicopter journey for those looking to arrive in style.

Exclusive dinner with Cleopatra on offer at National Gallery of Victoria

The National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) have introduced a private gallery dinner and tour, The Banquet of Cleopatra, which is one of the 22 premium experiences launched by Cultural Attractions of Australia. This indulgent experience provides exclusive access to the NGV for an unforgettable evening of art, music, find dining and wine. Arriving at the iconic waterfall entrance, guests will be escorted on a private tour including some of the NGV’s most acclaimed international collections. Curated performances of live music will set the mood as guests indulge in an intimate degustation dinner amongst NGV’s revered masterpiece, Grammatist Tiepolo’s The Banquet of Cleopatra. Located in the heart of Melbourne, The National Gallery of Victoria is the oldest and most visited gallery in Australia and holds the most significant collection of art in the region.

The Hunter Valley Food and Wine Festival returns to New South Wales

The seventh annual Hunter Valley Food and Wine Festival will return for two mouth-watering months of food, fun and flavour from 1 May to 30 June 2019. The regional festival showcases the epicurean pleasures of the iconic food and wine destination and offers the perfect journey of discovery through Hunter Valley and surrounds. From incredible gourmet dinners to vineyard tours, winemaking masterclasses, hands-on cooking sessions and cosy evenings by an open fire, this festival has something for everyone. The Hunter Valley is a popular wine region in New South Wales, easily accessible from Sydney.

Australia Marketplace India 2019

Applications are open until Monday 29 April for Australia Marketplace India 2019, formerly known as the India Travel Mission. The 17th edition of the mission will be held in Kochi (Kerala) from 8 to 11 August followed by a networking function in Mumbai on 12 August. The event is an opportunity for representatives from Australian tourism industry to establish business relationships with key qualified travel agencies and tour operators from India, including the main cities of Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Pune and Kochi.

2019 North American Australia Marketplace

Applications are open until 17 May for Australian tourism businesses wanting to participate in the 2019 North American Australia Marketplace in Los Angeles from 26 to 29 August. Over 100 North American buyers and 100 Australian representatives of tourism products and experiences will attend the event for three days of one-on-one appointments and networking opportunities. Attendance for North American wholesalers, retail advisors and Premier Aussie Specialists is by invitation only. The event is hosted by Australia's State and Territory tourism organisations in conjunction with Tourism Australia.

Government funding for Rottnest Island and South Australia Zoos

Australia's Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment, Senator the Hon Simon Birmingham, announced funding support two significant tourism ventures this week. Western Australia’s iconic Rottnest Island will receive $17.2 million for infrastructure upgrades to help enhance the visitor experience and ensure the long-term sustainability of the Island. WA Premier Mark McGowan has also announced plans to spend $16.2 million on the island, including the transfer of the barge landing from the main jetty to the army jetty. In addition, the Federal and South Australian State Government announced a major Zoos package for South Australia that will secure a major safari resort as part of a $50 million development at the Monarto Open Range Zoo.

Accommodation Association of Australia Chief Executive Officer Richard Munro has tendered his resignation to join Cronulla Sharks as group CEO.

Submissions are open until Friday 24 May for the 2019 NSW Regional Tourism Awards (previously known as the Inland NSW Tourism Awards).

Tourism Australia has published presentations from the fifth annual Destination Australia Conference held in March in Brisbane and is inviting industry to register their interest for next year’s conference on Thursday 12 March in Adelaide.

Applications are open until Wednesday 17 April for grant funding to develop an innovative solution that captures, aggregates and effectively measures all aspects of the tourism industry as part of the Australian Government’s Business Research and Innovation Initiative.

Registration is open for the 2019 Destination Melbourne LIVE tourism conference on Thursday 30 May at the Arts Centre Melbourne.