Actor, Rachel Griffiths AM announced as final speaker for Destination Australia 2025
12 March 2025Tourism Australia Activity |
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Actor, Rachel Griffiths AM announced as final speaker for Destination Australia 2025With one week to go we are excited to announce our final speaker for the Destination Australia program. Joining us will be Australian actor, Rachel Griffiths AM, who will take some time to chat with emcee, Karl Stefanovic, about her recent projects, the importance of screen tourism and her love of Australia. Kicking off at the ICC Sydney on Wednesday 19 March, speakers include Australian television journalist and radio presenter, Ross Greenwood who will share the macro-economic outlook for business, Rajan Kumar CEO & Co-Founder at The Lumery, part of Accenture Song who will share practical insights around AI, and Tourism Minister, Senator the Hon Don Farrell will also join. With the theme ‘We are the Australian Tourism Industry’, the future evolution and growth of the sector will be the firm focus of the day. There will be panel discussions with industry CEOs focused on the future of the industry, and industry experts focused on Agritourism. Today Show host Karl Stefanovic, will return as the emcee to guide the day. Find out more and register to attend virtually or in-person here. |
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Signature Experiences Luxury Showcase in IndiaBuilding on the growing interest and demand from Indian travellers for Australia, Tourism Australia, along with four of its Signature Experiences of Australia partners, Cultural Attractions of Australia, Discover Aboriginal Experiences, Luxury Lodges of Australia and Ultimate Winery Experiences Australia, hosted a series of events in Mumbai, India last week for luxury travel trade advisors and media. Feedback from partners at the events emphasised the Indian traveller’s eagerness to explore Australia’s diverse offerings and immerse themselves in its unique experiences. The discussions centred around travellers seeking a deeper, more meaningful connection with Australia. Highly personalised itineraries and immersive journeys focusing on exclusive access, culture, adventure, wellness, family-friendly and culinary travel are highly sought after. |
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| Australia at ITB25 BerlinLast week the ITB 2025 global travel and tourism industry trade show in Berlin welcomed 5,700 companies from over 170 countries, attracting almost 100,000 visitors. Tourism Australia teamed up with over 35 Australian partners from Inbound Tourism Operators, experiences and attractions, touring, and campervan sectors as well as State and Territory representatives to offer a business platform to further grow business to Australia and share the Australian story. A high number of business meetings with key distribution partners, travel agents and marketing entities as well as journalists, content creators and other media representatives took place over the course of the three-day event. One of the highlights was the Australia New Zealand Trade and Media Happy Hour which was well attended by over 200 guests including the Australian Ambassador to Germany. In the lead up to ITB, Team Germany kicked off the ITB week with a Premier Aussie Specialist event supported by all Germany based State and Territory representatives followed by the well-established Aussie Specialist training workshop conducted in conjunction with ITB product partners and State and Territory representatives. |
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Sparking connections and conversations with the Malaysian trade Last month Tourism Australia held a week of trade engagements in Malaysia covering the Kuala Lumpur, Ipoh and Penang. Commencing with a Product Development Forum 2025, hosting over 10 ATE25 buyers. Together with the eight states and territories, Tourism Australia showcased what to expect at ATE25. The session was aimed at new sellers, new products and a walkthrough for new buyers. This was followed by a series of Team Australia Roadshows with over 350 trade partners and industry leaders, including representatives from the Australian High Commission, participated in product updates, a networking luncheon, and appreciation dinners. Tourism Australia led the sessions, strengthening trade engagement through the interactive sharing sessions, while building partners’ confidence in providing information on Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) and promoting Australia as a leading and inspiring destination. |
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| Australia’s wildlife showcased in Korea for World Wildlife Day The Tourism Australia team in Korea released a press release at the end of last month, showcasing six incredible destinations in Australia where travellers can experience the country’s unique wildlife, in celebration of World Wildlife Day on 3 March. The featured locations include Rottnest Island / Wadjemup, home to the quokka; Raymond Island, known for its thriving koala population; Tasmania / lutruwita, where visitors can embark on nocturnal tours to spot Tasmanian devils; Kakadu National Park, a haven for diverse birdlife and saltwater crocodiles; Daintree Rainforest, home to rare and ancient plant and animal species; and Eyre Peninsula, offering unforgettable marine encounters like swimming with sea lions and cage diving with great white sharks. The press release has been picked up by a number of media outlets to date, including top-tier publications such as Maeil Business Newspaper and Travel Daily. |
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See More of Australia with Singapore AirlinesTourism Australia recently launched its partnership campaign with Singapore Airlines in the UK. The campaign aims to convert demand for Australia, and to drive urgency to book flights with Singapore Airlines. Integrating the Come and Say G’day campaign creative and Singapore Airlines messaging, the campaign targets high yield travellers and audiences that are currently in the market to book a holiday. The campaign, running until 30 April, is live across connected TV, video on demand, digital display and socials. |
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| Discover Aboriginal Experiences launches new videoDiscover Aboriginal Experiences (DAE) is a collective of exceptional Aboriginal-guided tourism operators, offering visitors the chance to connect with Country, culture, and community in meaningful ways. The new video takes you behind the scenes to explore how DAE was formed, how members are selected, and the collective’s ongoing commitment to excellence in Indigenous tourism. Watch now to discover the incredible diversity of cultural experiences available across Australia, in regional landscapes to vibrant urban centers. |
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Australia's First LGBTIQ+ inclusive tourism accreditation has launched - The Welcome With Pride AccreditationLGBTIQ+ travellers are forecast to spend $600 billion on travel worldwide, yet 60% report hiding their gender or sexuality while on holiday in Australia. The Welcome With Pride Accreditation - Australia's first LGBTIQ+ inclusive tourism accreditation - verifies tourism products’ genuine, proven commitment to inclusivity, earning the trust, loyalty and bookings of LGBTIQ+ visitors. For more information, please visit the website. |
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| Industry update: Ex-Tropical Cyclone AlfredWeather warnings remain in place for parts of South East Queensland and Northern New South Wales as heavy rainfall from Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred continues to fall. The cyclone was downgraded before reaching the mainland, but authorities remain on high alert for possible major flooding. Most airports, including Brisbane/ Meanjin and Gold Coast Airports, have reopened but passengers are being advised to expect delays. Tourism and Events Queensland and Destination NSW have up-to-date information available on their website for travellers. |
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100% Australian-made markets return to Melbourne / NarrmThe Makers & Shakers Market is returning for its biggest market to date, taking over Melbourne / Narrm’s iconic Royal Exhibition Building from 5 to 6 April. Guests are invited to discover a treasure trove of 100 percent Australian-made products from 175 independent makers, crafters and designers. As an official event partner of Australian Made, it is Melbourne’s only market that guarantees every product on sale is not just designed in Australia, but also made in the country, supporting local manufacturing and craftsmanship. Promising a fun day out for the whole family, kids can enjoy creative activities - including their own Mini Makers & Shakers Market - while adults can sample delicious food and drink offerings. More information can be found online here. |
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| Intimate wine event at beloved Sydney / Warrane barPopular Sydney / Warrane wine bar Love, Tilly Devine will host ‘Things on Skins’ with Dan Simmons from Grafted Wines on 25 March. Since opening in 2010, Love, Tilly Devine has always championed Australia’s burgeoning natural wine scene, showcasing the country’s young, up-and-coming producers. While Love, Tilly Devine has since added a few carefully considered international inclusions, Aussie lo-fi wines continue to hold a special place in their heart. Dan Simmons and the Tilly team will be on hand to run guests through an epic selection of Aussie skin-contact wines. To name a few, Sabi Wabi Sugi; Frankly, Bob; Jilly ‘Lone Ranger’, Momento ‘Fistful of Flowers’, Simmons’ own collaborative label, Balmy Nights ‘Amber’, and plenty more. Head Chef Brent Wilson will also add a pair of special snacks to the menu, including decadent golden fried potato skins topped with cashew cream, chives and chilli oil. Bookings are available here. |
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Kulata Tjuta Project opens at the National Gallery of Australia Over 2,500 spears on display at the National Gallery of Australia in Canberra as part of the Kulata Tjuta: Tirkilpa – the largest installation of the culturally significant Kulata Tjuta Project to date. On display at the NGA until 29 March 2026, this unique installation is the most ambitious iteration of the project since it began 15 years ago. Acquired into the national collection in 2024, this is the first time Kulata Tjuta: Tirkilpa will be displayed. Taking its title from the Aṉangu word tirkilpa, referring to the rattling of spears before a battle or war commences, the installation will see thousands of spears suspended from the ceiling. Like others in the project series, this iteration abridges the voices of senior and younger artists to speak of cultural resilience, continuity, and identity for the Indigenous community. More details of this free to visit exhibition are available here. |
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| Acclaimed chef to host a culinary safari Multi-hatted Australian chef and restaurateur James Viles returns to Northern Territory luxury safari camp, Bamurru Plains to host a ‘Wild Tastes of the Top End’ culinary safari from 16 – 19 June 2025. The ‘Wild Tastes of the Top End’ culinary safari is a luxurious hands-on culinary experience offering a mix of foraging experiences across four days. The curated menu features locally sourced produce and native ingredients that are distinct to the Top End’s habitat and ecosystem, utilising locally available ingredients such as wild duck, buffalo rib, threadfin salmon and crocodile. James Viles has been a regular visitor to Bamurru Plains over several years and draws inspiration for his menus from the land with a sustainable approach to food. In addition to a feast of delectable food, guests will explore the 300 sq km of floodplain and savannah woodlands that border Kakadu National Park through airboat and 4WD safaris, unearthing the region’s natural beauty and rich diversity. Bookings are available now via its website here. |
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