Budj Bim added to UNESCO World Heritage List

The Budj Bim Cultural Landscape in south west Victoria has become the first Australian site to be recognised on the UNESCO World Heritage List exclusively for its Aboriginal cultural values. The site, which is located along the Great Ocean Road, includes a sophisticated aquaculture system which has been developed for over 6,600 years by the Gunditjmara people that spans nearly 100 square kilometres. The Gunditjmara people have worked closely with the Victorian and Australian Governments over the past five years to secure Budj Bim’s World Heritage listing. The Victorian Government together with the Gunditj Mirring Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation are also implementing the Budj Bim Master Plan, which aims to increase visitation to the destination.

NAIDOC Week 2019

‘Voice. Treaty. Truth. Let's Work Together for a Shared Future.’ is the theme for NAIDOC Week, 7 to 14 July 2019. As we celebrate NAIDOC Week, it is an opportune time to reflect on the important contribution and achievements of our incredible Indigenous tourism operators across the country like the ones featured in the new Discover Aboriginal Experiences video along with 500 new images, which are available for download at Tourism Australia’s image gallery. More information on Australia’s Aboriginal experiences can be found on Tourism Australia’s corporate site.

Explore on foot with the new Great Walks of Australia video collection

Signature Experiences of Australia  collective, Great Walks of Australia, has launched a new collection of videos. From social media teasers, through to a 90 second hero video and a beautiful three-minute narrated guides story; the videos shine a light on the beauty of our landscapes and discovering them on foot. Filmmaker Andy Lloyd worked with Great Walks of Australia to produce this collection, which showcase the 12 multiday guided walks that currently comprise the collective. The videos are available via the Tourism Australia Video Gallery or on the Great Walks of Australia YouTube channel.

Search for Australia’s cutest koala joey

The Tourism Australia social media team is on the hunt for Australia’s cutest koala joey. The team are inviting wildlife parks and photographers to submit up to three photos of their cutest koala joeys taken this year to socialmedia@tourism.australia.com. Entries close on Friday 19 of July. The top entries, as judged by the social team, will be put to a public vote on Tourism Australia’s Facebook page to find the ultimate winner, who will be showcased across all Tourism Australia social channels alongside details of how the public can catch a glimpse of the cute critter.

Sydney’s 60,000-year history bought to life with new Ngarandi app, NSW

Tourists visiting Sydney’s Opera House and Circular Quay can now learn about the region's rich history thanks to a new first of its kind app. The app, Ngarandi, which means to ‘to know’ in the local Indigenous language, uses geolocation, games and augmented reality to bring the city’s past to life. Voiced by former chairman of Indigenous Tourism Australia, Dr. Aden Ridgeway, Ngarandi presents two gamified experiences derived from the stories of the Eora people, the traditional owners of the land. Launched to coincide with NAIDOC week, the team behind Ngarandi hope that the technology is used to capture more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stories from across the country.

Sydney to host Restaurant Orana pop-up for one month only, NSW

Celebrated Adelaide chef Jock Zonfrillo has announced a month-long Restaurant Orana Residency in Sydney from 16 August to 15 September. Taking over a venue in Surry Hills, the exclusive Sydney pop-up will reflect the signature and award-winning cultural dining experience Orana is known for. The carefully curated menu promises guests a culinary journey using over 50 Indigenous ingredients from the land, coast and waters of Australia. Bookings for lunch and dinner are available at $350, with 10% of profits being donated to the not-for-profit Orana Foundation. Pre-bookings are essential and are available now.

The countdown begins for Sunshine Coast’s new foodie festival, QLD

Queensland’s newest culinary festival, The Curated Plate, will make its debut on the Sunshine Coast from 8 – 11 August. Offering an exciting program of events, the region’s vibrant local artisan produce, culture and flavours will take centre stage. From fine dining in a custom-built restaurant on Mooloolaba Beach to alfresco dining in the Hinterland, visitors can expect four delicious days of exceptional food experiences. With over 50 events across the region, The Curated Plate provides the perfect opportunity for visitors to taste the flavours of the Sunshine Coast’s acclaimed producers.

Perth’s Art Series Hotel officially named The Adnate

The newest Art Series Hotel, which is set to open in Perth in October, has officially been named The Adnate. The hotel’s design has been inspired by Australian street artist Matt Adnate, who is well known for his larger than life spray-painted portraits of Aboriginal people. The hotel’s exterior will feature one of the world’s tallest murals - a 27-storey ‘Mega Mural’ which once completed, will represent the cultural history and community of Perth. This is the ninth property from the of the Art Series Hotel Collection in Australia.

Australia Marketplace China 2019

Seller applications are open until Tuesday 16 July for Australia Marketplace China 2019, formerly known as the Greater China Travel Mission. The event will be held in Chengdu from 11 to 15 November and includes pre-scheduled appointments between buyers and sellers, and opportunities to network at the official event functions. Australia Marketplace China is an opportunity for the Australian tourism industry to establish business relationships with key qualified travel agencies and tour operators from China, Hong Kong and Taiwan. AMC19 will be followed by the Australia Premium Showcase China for which applications will be by invitation only.

Adventure Tourism Awards

Nominations are now open for the 2019 Adventure Tourism Awards, which will take place on the Gold Coast on Thursday 14 November 2019. The awards recognise the outstanding achievements of tourism businesses that service the backpacker, youth and adventure travel sector across Australia and New Zealand. Nominations close on Monday 5 August.

Registration is open for Tourism & Events Queensland's Conversations with Industry events in Brisbane on Friday 2 August. Tourism Australia is taking part in the series providing updates on its international marketing activities and consumer insights.

The Queensland Government have announced $4.5 million in funding for four new tourism projects in Tropical North Queensland.

Tourism Noosa have launched a revamped version of ‘Noosa Eco Check' – an initiative that assists and inspires businesses to implement environmentally friendly practices.

Tourism Western Australia and Singapore Airlines have signed a $5 million, three-year global co-operative marketing agreement to promote WA as a desirable holiday destination.

The Queensland Government is partnering with Cairns Airport and Cairns Regional Council to test the market for a new airline to transport freight and tourists between Tropical North Queensland and Asia.

Registration is open for the 2019 WA Regional Tourism Conference from 16 to 18 September in Karratha.

Registration is open for the DestinationQ 2019 Events Conference, which is a free event aimed at developing and enhancing events throughout Queensland.

Wine Australia has partnered with ATEC to deliver the ‘Growing Wine Tourism' program, a wine-specific skills development program for businesses looking to develop their wine tourism products and services for the inbound tourism market.

To support regional communities, Qantas has announced a $5 million Regional Grants Program providing funding over five years.

Air New Zealand’s direct seasonal service between Auckland and the Sunshine Coast launched on Friday, operating four days a week until 27 October.

Study Queensland Talent Program  set to attract more international students following the launch of Australia’s largest ever student career development drive.

Meetings & Events Australia (MEA) and the Association of Australian Convention Bureaux (AACB) is conducting the third Australian Workplace Skills Survey for the events industry. You can take the survey here.