Dreamtime 2019

Perth has been on show this week to the lucrative global business events sector with Tourism Australia’s signature bi-annual showcase Dreamtime. One hundred and twenty business events planners and media from Greater China, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, India, Japan, South Korea, the United Kingdom, the United States and New Zealand had the opportunity to meet and network with 87 representatives from Australia’s business events industry over the course of two days. Australia’s Tourism Minister Simon Birmingham said, “Dreamtime will showcase Australia’s strong credentials as an outstanding business destination from our world-class accommodation and venue offerings, unique experiences, world-class food and wine to our welcoming people.” Dreamtime culminated with a dinner for 280 guests in the gardens of Government House.

Philausophy campaign update

Tourism Australia has released another industry video as part of the Come Live Our Philausophy campaign. The video features Darren ‘Capes’ Capewell from Wula Gura Nyinda Eco Cultural Adventures in Shark Bay, Western Australia. There are a number of ways to get involved in the campaign, find out how here.

Dreamtime 2019 educational visits

Today, incentive planners and media who attended Dreamtime 2019 in Perth started three days of educational visits in Australian destinations including Canberra, the Gold Coast, Margaret River, Sydney and the Whitsundays. Two groups also undertook educational visits in Brisbane and Melbourne ahead of the Perth program.

Tropical North Queensland features on Italian travel show

Tourism Australia, in partnership with Tourism and Events Queensland, recently supported a media visit from popular Italian television program, Kilimangiaro. The show filmed in Tropical North Queensland and the first episode, featuring the Daintree and Frankland Islands, aired this week on major broadcast channel, Rai-3.

Tourism Australia Is recognised at U Magazine Travel Awards in Hong Kong

Tourism Australia was awarded ‘Favourite Promotional Video from a Tourism Board’ for its aquatic and coastal themed Travelodge “City Explorer Online Program” produced by Travelzoo HK at the U Magazine Travel Awards on 29 November 2019. U Magazine is Hong Kong’s leading travel and lifestyle publication. More than 200 travel brands competed for 60 travel awards voted on by 100,000 readers, celebrities and travel industry professionals.

Adventure Travel World Summit 2020

Registration is now open for the Adventure Travel Trade Association’s (ATTA) Adventure Travel World Summit 2020 that will be held in Adelaide from 6 to 9 October 2020. The summit will be delivered by ATTA in partnership with Tourism Australia and the South Australian Tourism Commission. Eight hundred global delegates including niche adventure tour operators, front line travel sellers, international media and adventure travel industry experts will participate in a comprehensive three-day program of educational sessions, business meetings and networking. A familiarisation program will be supported by additional State and Territory partners, offering pre and post adventures. Summit space is limited and is expected to sell out – register here today.

NOMAD to open in Melbourne in 2020, VIC

Sydney’s Mediterranean inspired restaurant, NOMAD has announced the opening of a second venue at Flinders Lane in Melbourne's city centre in 2020. NOMAD co-owners, Al and Rebecca Yazbek, have engaged Melbourne-based architect, Clare Cousins, to transform the narrow retail space into an elegant and moody 150-seat bar and restaurant. With refined, but raw details and a concealed entry, NOMAD Melbourne will create its own look, feel and menu while maintaining its signature philosophy of exceptional local and small-producer wine, produce and design. NOMAD Melbourne is set to welcome guests from June 2020.

Catch’n’Cook your own Crayfish at Flinders Island, TAS

The Flinders Wharf has launched a new fly-in/fly-out, catch ‘n’ cook crayfish lunch experience on Tasmania’s Flinders Island from November to April 2020. Guests can now enjoy a scenic flight from Melbourne, Launceston, Bridport or Tasmania’s east coast to the Island to pluck their own crayfish straight from the ocean. Ideal for a day trip or a celebratory long lunch, guests can book in to savour local wines and snacks before tucking into the catch of the morning, perfectly prepared by in-house chef, Mikey Yeo. Flinders Island is less than one hour’s flight from Melbourne in Victoria and only 35 minutes flight from Launceston in Tasmania.

Feathertop Winery joins Ultimate Winery Experiences of Australia, VIC

Ultimate Winery Experiences of Australia (UWEA) has announced its 24th member, Feathertop Winery, located in Porepunkah in the Victorian Alpine Region. With boutique accommodation, a cellar door, a variety of wine tastings and experiences as well as onsite dining options, this picturesque winery is a popular destination for visitors to the region. Visit the cellar doors Feathertop Providore for an ever-changing selection of local produce or enjoy one of the newest experiences Behind the Wines and Vines or Pedal and Picnic in the Vines. Perfect for a weekend getaway, Feathertop Winery is just over three-hours’ drive from Melbourne’s city centre.

Australia’s Four Pillars Gin named best in the world, VIC

Yarra Valley-based distillery Four Pillars Gin has taken out the title of the world’s best gin, awarded the 2019 International Gin Producer of the Year at the International Wine and Spirits Competition in London. One of the industry’s greatest accolades, the award further cements the Four Pillars brand and Australia as a leader in the spirits industry. Four Pillars Gin also recently announced plans to open a new distillery and bar in Sydney’s Surry Hills in 2020. Visit The Four Pillars Gin and Drink Lab to savour a delicious cocktail, purchase a bottle of your favourite gin or witness how the distilling process brings Australia’s native botanicals to life.

Register now for Tourism Australia’s NSW industry briefing in Sydney

Tourism Australia is holding a free of charge industry briefing in Sydney on Thursday, 5 December 2019. The briefing will provide an overview of Tourism Australia's latest campaign, Come Live Our Philausophy, as well as the latest market insights, partnership opportunities and more.

The WA Japan Roadshow 2020 will take place in Japan between February 25 and 29 next year. This trade event is an opportunity for WA tourism products and services to engage with key Japanese travel companies. Registrations will be open until Friday, December 13 and can be made via this link.

From January 2020, late night venues in Sydney will benefit from extended trading hours, a relaxation of after-midnight drinking rules and a series of other changes.

A series of snapshots and factsheets have been released outlining Queensland's major international markets, including a deep-dive into China, as well as a snapshot of the international education market.

Visit Victoria is partnering with the PGA Tour to make Melbourne the official host city of the 2019 Presidents Cup at Royal Melbourne Golf Club from 9 to 15 December. Visitors to the event can get a taste of the true Melbourne experience by visiting the Melbourne Lounge at the fan village.