Stakeholder events in the United Kingdom highlight Australia

Last week Tourism Australia hosted a series of stakeholder events in the United Kingdom. Kicking off with the Summer Stakeholder event, at Australian venue Milk Beach in London. The event, which brought together trade, media, key partners and Friends of Australia, highlighted the importance of our collaborative approach to promote Australian tourism in the market. It was followed by the Luxury Getaway 2025 event, held in Windsor, where 18 Australian suppliers and 18 luxury buyers took part in one-on-one meetings and networking opportunities with the aim to highlight the strength, depth and breadth of premium Australian products and experiences to the UK luxury sector. 

Summer media and industry events in Munich

Last week Tourism Australia’s organised a series of media meetings in Munich to showcase Australia’s high-end travel experiences. Tourism Australia’s Managing Director, Phillipa Harrison, joined the team for a meeting with Condé Nast Publishing, with the aim of sparking interest in Australia’s Luxury and Signature Experiences. Later, they hosted a media lunch with selected journalists specialising in luxury travel. That evening more than 60 industry professionals; including tour operators, travel agents, airline partners, and representatives from Australia's State and Territory tourism organisations attended the annual Industry Meeting and Update. During the event attendees were given an update on the current travel landscape to Australia and insights into future strategic directions including key statistics on the German market, recent upcoming plans and PR initiatives.

Register for Tourism Australia’s Industry Webinar

Tourism Australia’s July Industry Webinar will take place this Friday, 4 July 2025 at 11am AEST. Joining the webinar will be Rob Dougan, Tourism Australia’s Executive General Manager, Strategy and Culture. Rob will provide an update on the latest tourism data and Tourism Australia’s activities. Also joining the webinar will be recently appointed Destination NSW, CEO, Karen Jones who will talk about recent activity in New South Wales. Register to attend the webinar here. 

July Hot List released

The July 2025 edition of Tourism Australia’s Hot List has been released. This month's collection of the hottest new experiences from across the country includes: 

• Art Gallery of New South Wales’ landmark exhibition, Yolŋu power: the art of Yirrkala, showcasing almost 300 works by 98 Aboriginal artists form north-east Arnhem Land;  
• Sea Darwin’s newest immersive experience bringing together land, sea, stories, and gin tasting;  
• II.II.VI (Two-Two-Six), Melbourne / Narrm’s newest fire-driven dining venue; 
• The opening of Mondrian Gold Coast, redefining coastal luxury just steps from Burleigh Beach. 

Check it out here.

Applications open for ILTM Cannes 2025

Applications are open for consideration to join the Australia stand at the International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM) Cannes, France. The event will be held from 1 to 4 December 2025 and offers Australian luxury tourism businesses the opportunity to establish and strengthen relationships with global luxury travel distributors. Over three days, participants will benefit from pre-scheduled appointments and valuable networking opportunities. Tourism Australia will host an exclusive stand and invites industry to apply to participate as stand partners. In 2024, ILTM Cannes welcomed more than 2,300 buyers from 84 countries. Interested sellers are encouraged to apply, noting that a luxury-focused selection criteria will apply, with limited space available. Applications close on Wednesday, 23 July 2025. 

Australia on Tour roadshow Germany

The ‘Australia on Tour’ roadshow took place in Germany last month, reaching travel agents in Zurich, Frankfurt, Dusseldorf, and Hanover. The roadshow provided valuable training to 190 travel agents, helping them improve their skills in creating self-drive itineraries for their clients. The event was a team effort, with support from six State and Territory Tourism Organisations and airline partners Emirates and Qantas. With a wide range of partners in attendance, travel agents had the chance to learn about the many unique travel experiences Australia offers. Each event began with an introduction to Australia presentation followed by interactive small-group workshops focused on planning road trips. Agents enjoyed networking time over an Australian barbecue and a selection of Australian wines. The roadshow helped strengthen industry connections and recruited new Aussie Specialist Agents to the region. 

French Aussie Specialist Agents in Northern Territory and North Queensland

Recently a group of experienced Aussie Specialist Agents from France had the chance to explore Australia with Singapore Airlines. The itinerary, designed by Tourism NT and Tourism Tropical North Queensland, featured the iconic trio: the Rock, Reef, and Rainforest, regions especially popular with French travellers. From the Outback and Aboriginal culture of the Red Centre to the Great Barrier Reef and the lush rainforest of Tropical North Queensland, the group experienced a diverse range of landscapes and activities tailored to the French market. Tourism Australia’s Aussie Specialist Trainer in France, captured the essence of both regions in these short videos: Northern Territory & Tropical North QLD.  

Brisbane / Meanjin culinary scene featured in Food & Wine

Last week, the July 2025 issue of Food & Wine was released, featuring a 14-page article on Brisbane / Meanjin, authored by Friend of Australia David Prior. The piece which followed Prior’s visit to Australia as part of the International Media Hosting Program, highlights the city’s evolving cultural and culinary landscape, referencing its growing international profile and the influence of local creative outputs such as Australian animated series Bluey. The article includes recommendations on where to stay, eat, and explore, with a dedicated insert on Southeast Queensland. Food & Wine magazine is distributed to nearly a million homes across the United States.

Applications to attend Australia Marketplace China and Australia Luxury Showcase China 2025 close this week

Australia Marketplace China 2025 (AMC25) will be held in Xi'an, China from 10 to 13 November 2025. The event is an opportunity for Australian tourism industry representatives to establish and maintain business relationships with key qualified travel agencies and tour operators from across Greater China. It includes three days of pre-scheduled appointments and networking opportunities. The Australia Luxury Showcase China 2025 (ALSC25) will follow on 14 November. This event will provide Australian luxury tourism businesses with a forum to engage with luxury travel agencies across Greater China and establish business connections through pre-scheduled appointments. ALSC25 buyers are senior decision makers with itinerary and product contracting influence who actively sell Australia as a preferred luxury long-haul destination. Sellers can apply for consideration to attend, noting a luxury focused seller selection criteria will apply. Seller and buyer applications close this Friday, 4 July 2025. Visit the event website for more information and to apply. 

Tourism Australia wins Weibo the Most Influential Overseas Destination of the Year 2024

Tourism Australia was recently awarded The Most Influential Overseas Destination of the Year 2024 by Weibo. This recognition, presented at the 2025 Weibo Tourism Night, is a prestigious honour in the industry. The selection was based on various dimensions, including official account influence, online mentions, user engagement, and expert recommendations. The award highlights Tourism Australia’s success not only in delivering exceptional travel experiences but also in fostering meaningful emotional connections with Chinese mainland tourists through Weibo and other social media platforms.

NAIDOC Week 2025

NAIDOC week commences this Sunday 6 July and will run until Sunday 13 July. This year’s NAIDOC Week marks 50 years of celebrating the history, cultures and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The 2025 theme, The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy, celebrates achievements of the past and the bright future ahead. All Australians are encouraged to support and get to know your local Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander communities through activities and events held across the country. Tourism Australia’s Discover Aboriginal Experiences (DAE) collective offers a great range of exceptional Aboriginal-guided tours. These immersive experiences offer a meaningful way to connect with Country, culture and community, all year round. 

Hong Kong Airlines lands in Sydney / Warrane

Hong Kong Airlines’ inaugural flight between Hong Kong and Sydney / Warrane departed on 20 June, marking a significant milestone as the second local airline to operate this route. This new service offers greater travel flexibility for business, leisure, and transit passengers. To commemorate this expansion, celebratory events were held at both Hong Kong International Airport and Sydney Airport. On 21 June, Sydney Airport welcomed the inaugural arrival with a vibrant celebration featuring drumming, water cannons, and traditional lion dancers, showcasing the cultural significance of the occasion. Now joining Qantas and Cathay Pacific as the third non-stop carrier on this route, Hong Kong Airlines is set to boost connectivity and add 8.5 million airline seats, enhancing travel options between Hong Kong and Australia. 

Australian Tourism Export Council’s pre Marketplace webinars: South-East Asia and India

In partnership with Tourism Australia, the Australian Tourism Export Council (ATEC) is hosting two dedicated webinars on Tuesday 15 July, designed to help Australian tourism businesses prepare for Australia Marketplace South-East Asia and India, taking place in late July and early August. Whether you’re new to these markets or looking to strengthen your approach, both sessions will offer valuable insights into the evolving behaviours, preferences, and expectations of today’s South-East Asian and Indian travellers. With input from Tourism Australia and industry experts, you'll receive practical advice, up-to-date market intelligence, and strategies to help you maximise your Marketplace participation. These webinars are recommended for all Marketplace delegates – regardless of your level of market experience. Register now for ATEC Pre-Marketplace South-East Asia and/or India briefings. As an added benefit, attendees will receive $50 off ATEC’s Host training programs for Indonesia, India, Vietnam, Muslim, Thailand, and the Philippines. To access the discount, contact the ATEC Team for your coupon code. 

Australian Tourism Export Council’s China Host Workshops 2025 in Western Australia

After a brief pause during ATE25, the Australian Tourism Exports Council’s (ATEC’s) China Host Workshops supported by the National Foundation of Australian-China Relations are back and rolling out across the country with Western Australia up next. Join ATEC at one of two upcoming sessions: Western Australia Workshop 1 on 22 July in Perth / Boorloo and South West Workshop 2 on 24 July in Margaret River. These workshops are tailored to help operators capitalise on the high-value China inbound market by exploring evolving Chinese traveller behaviours, the digital landscape, and effective trade distribution strategies. The workshops offer current market analytics, practical tools and valuable networking opportunities. 
Western Australia Workshop 1 – Register here
South-West Workshop 2 – Register here 

Ayers Rock Resort celebrates 50 years of NAIDOC with rich cultural immersion

Ayers Rock Resort at Uluru is set to host a vibrant NAIDOC Week celebration from 6 to 13 July, marking 50 years of honouring Indigenous culture and heritage. Guests can indulge in First Nations flavours with returning Indigenous Chef Mark Olive, who will curate special menus and lead bush food masterclasses. The week also features captivating art exhibitions from Maruku Arts, immersive storytelling installations, and live music from rising Indigenous talent. This celebration serves as a powerful precursor to the 40th anniversary of the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park land handback in October, offering a unique opportunity for guests to engage with the rich tapestry of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. For more information about NAIDOC Week at Ayers Rock Resort, including event schedules and bookings, click here. 

SongRites: celebrating First Nations voices at Sydney Opera House

SongRites, a powerful new program, arrives at the Sydney Opera House in September, dedicating itself to showcasing First Nations voices from across Australia. Held on Tubowgule, a site of profound cultural significance, this initiative breathes life into the ancient tradition of Songlines through captivating music, dance, film, and insightful conversations. The program highlights artists from remote and regional communities, offering a unique platform for their stories and heritage. September features events like SongRites Short Films, Song Spirals bringing ancient Yolŋu rhythms to life, and Arrkula Yinbayarra (Together We Sing) focused on reviving endangered languages. SongRites is a vital celebration of Indigenous culture, identity, and the enduring legacy of First Nations peoples. 

Sunshine Coast’s new accessible tour

Discover Aboriginal Experiences member Saltwater Eco Tours and the Umdumbi Cultural Group have launched a new Accessible Cultural Canoe Tour. Departing from the wharf at Mooloolaba on the Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, the tour offers an accessibility hoist for access in and out of canoes, adaptive seating and adaptive paddles, are provided to wheelchair users and individuals with mobility challenges to join and participate in the tours. Glide through the serene waters of Mooloolah River, surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty whilst taking in the rich culture and history of the region through storytelling shared on the journey. 

New tour offers Indigenous Culture, cuisine, and a sunset cruise

Discover Aboriginal Experiences member, Mandingalbay Authentic Indigenous Tours, has unveiled a new premium offering for groups, that redefines how visitors experience Queensland’s Cairns and Great Barrier Reef region. Combining the magic of a Deadly After Dark Sunset Cruise with a specially curated and locally sourced outback menu at the award-winning Ochre Restaurant, this offering delivers a unique evening that celebrates Indigenous culture, local storytelling, and world-class cuisine.