Traveling Blog: Essentials… Register for Tourism Australia’s Industry Webinar | New business events brand film | Australia on show at IMEX Frankfurt

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1 June 2022

Tourism Australia Update

Today Senator the Hon. Don Farrell was sworn in as Minister for Trade and Tourism and Special Minister of State. Minister Farrell has previous experience in this portfolio, is already well known to many of you, and at Tourism Australia we are looking forward to working with him as we drive tourism demand back to our shores.

As we look to drive that demand in what is an increasingly challenging economic environment globally, it is great to see that the world is getting back to business, and to that end this week IMEX Frankfurt (the largest trade show in Europe for the meetings and events industry) kicked off. We used the opportunity to launch the second phase of our Business Events international brand campaign. The campaign is designed to assist the business events industry in its recovery from the global COVID-19 pandemic. Further information about the campaign and our presence at IMEX Frankfurt can be found below.

After a few big weeks, I encourage you all to register for this week’s monthly Tourism Australia Industry Webinar. I will be giving an update on the latest insights and activities from TA, we will joined by Nishant Kashikar our Country Manager in India for an update on that part of the world, and we will also be having a focus on National Reconciliation Week with a conversation led by our Head of Indigenous Affairs Phil Lockyer. The webinar will take place this Friday 3 June, at 10am AEST. You can register to attend here.

Phillipa Harrison

New business events brand film to fast-track recovery

Tourism Australia’s specialist business unit, Business Events Australia, has rolled out the second phase of its international brand campaign to assist the business events industry in its recovery from the global COVID-19 pandemic. Building on the first phase of the There’s Nothing Like Australia campaign, which was launched in March 2022, this latest phase forms part of a broader recovery strategy to drive demand for Australia as a business events destination amongst incentive and association customers in key global markets. The new film assets bring to life and build upon the new creative strategy for Business Events Australia, which invites the world to experience the impact that Australia can have on your thinking, by highlighting that Australia is home to friendly people with fresh perspectives, shaped by our unique landscapes and way of life. For more information on the campaign and to view the film assets, visit the Business Events Australia website.

Tourism Australia Activity

Australia on show at IMEX Frankfurt

Tourism Australia’s specialist business unit, Business Events Australia was joined on the Australia stand by 17 industry partners at IMEX Frankfurt, the largest trade show in Europe for the meetings and events industry. Held from 31 May to 3 June 2022, Australian industry had the opportunity to meet and conduct business with international business events planners from both the incentive and association sectors. IMEX Frankfurt is the first major business events tradeshow Tourism Australia has attended since the reopening of Australia’s borders in February, providing the perfect platform to let the world know Australia is open for business.

Tourism Australia’s next Industry Briefing and networking event will take place on the Gold Coast on Thursday 23 June. The free-of-charge briefing will be held from 3.00pm to 4.30pm on at Sofitel, Gold Coast, with registration commencing at 2.30pm. The briefing will be followed by a networking function from 4.30pm to 6.30pm. Find out more and register here.

The May Hot List

Tourism Australia has released its latest travel 'Hot List' for May 2022, available now on its corporate site. The guide to the latest news and tourism offerings across the country is updated monthly. The 'Hot List' contains a wrap-up of new places to stay and experiences to enjoy around Australia. Check it out here.

Spotlight on North America

This week, ‘Spotlight on the Regions’ features an interview with Chris Allison, Tourism Regional General Manager North America, who shares his insights and observations from the market, as well as updates on key stakeholders and activities to keep Australia front of mind. Read the update here.

Tourism Industry News

National Reconciliation Week 2022

National Reconciliation Week 2022 is on between 27 May to 3 June each year. This year’s theme, Be Brave. Make Change is a challenge to all Australians, to Be Brave and tackle the unfinished business of reconciliation. As an industry there a lot more we can all be doing to collectively move the reconciliation movement forward. We can start by listening and learning from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities, while ensuring we understand, embrace and be honest about our shared histories and achievements.

ATEC ‘Host’ market specialist training goes online

The popular ‘Host’ market specialist training series facilitated by ATEC in partnership with Tourism Australia have returned and will now be offered online. The training will be facilitated via live webinars. Attendees need to preregister to attend with Host programs being offered for the Indonesian, Muslim and India markets.

First £10 flyers depart for Adelaide

An Irish backpacker from Dublin will become the first person to travel to Australia under the South Australian Tourism Commission’s £10 Working Holiday Maker campaign. Over 16,000 registered their interest in the 200 £10 return tickets to Adelaide when the campaign was launched and due to its huge popularity, the scheme is being expanded to offer £499 return airfares to those Working Holiday Visa holders who registered in the campaign.

Tourism WA’s Industry Update

Register for Tourism WA’s Industry Update on Thursday, June 9 at Optus Stadium. Join Tourism Western Australia as they share their 2022 – 23 plans and priorities, followed by networking and light refreshments. A livestream link will be available before the event, for those who cannot attend in person. Register here to secure your attendance.

Australian Stories

Iconic Sydney venue joins hospitality groups growing portfolio of reimagined pubs

99-year-old Darlinghurst, Sydney, pub, The Strand is set to undergo an extensive redevelopment as a four-storey pub and hotel precinct. A homage to the roaring twenties, the Public Hospitality team have unveiled the first phase of the venue’s rebirth, The Strand Bistro. The ground floor eatery offers up pub grub with a side of Parisian sophistication, serving al a carte menu featuring bulgar caviar, duck leg pie and fresh baguettes. Soon, The Strand will open a vibrant rooftop bar, followed by a 17-bed boutique hotel. Public Hospitality is working to rejuvenate local Sydney haunts, including the Camelia Grove in Alexandria and The Kurrajong Erskinville.

Off-grid regional accommodation launches first project in South Australia

The picturesque Fleurieu Peninsula in South Australia is home to Nest & Nature, the first off-grid accommodation offerings from luxury, local brand ESCA. Situated on a 200-acre hillside property, the self-contained suites have been operating for just over a month and have been developed by Adelaide-based CEO Steven Kernaghan in conjunction with property owners Mark Kirk and Claire Mills. Crafted by designers, DSA Studio, the elegant 62 sqm lodgings are fitted with floor to ceiling windows and tasteful timber touches. Outside, guests can make use of BBQ facilities and a private sunken bath. Kernaghan hopes to engage with regional property owners to deliver seamless and sustainable ESCA experiences.

Vivid Sydney 2022 lights up the Sydney skyline

The first weekend of Vivid Sydney 2022 has lit up Sydney, welcoming 435,000 locals and travellers into the heart of the city. The Destination NSW showcase of light, music, and ideas commenced last week and will run for 23 days until 18 June with events around the glistening Harbour City. An opportunity to rejuvenate the tourism and hospitality sector in the CBD, Vivid features ticketed and free events including 50 light installations, 111 musical events and 85 thought-provoking talks and workshops.

Cairns Indigenous Art Fair returns to in-person programming for 2022

The Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF) has unveiled its program for the 2022 showcase, running from Wednesday 6 to Sunday 10 July. Highlighting the strength of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island peoples’ connection to country, the CIAF will profile over 150 performers and 300 visual artists via a suite of, mostly free, events housed predominately at the Cairns Convention Centre. Following two years of COVID impacted programming, the 13th annual event will craft content under the overarching storytelling theme – Masters of Country. Highlight events include: the festival-long Art Fair & Art Market, Opening Night Party & Art Awards and Fashion Story Exhibition.