Australia showcased in Times Weekend United Kingdom

Australia was recently featured in the Times Weekend section in the United Kingdom, in dedicated four-page cover wrap. Featuring vibrant imagery, unmissable inspiration and actionable ideas, the feature includes a call-to-action to Flight Centre, who are also extending the message on their own channels. Each section features stories from diverse Australians, including First Nation guides, winemakers, chefs and other friendly Aussie locals. This also marks the start of a larger campaign with the seven State Tourism Organisations across print and digital running until the end of June.

H.I.S. Travel Fair in Japan

Tourism Australia recently participated in the H.I.S. Travel Fair ‘Dai Kanshasai’ in Japan. Organised by key distribution partner H.I.S., this business to consumer travel show featured participation from various National Tourism Organisations, airlines, cruise lines, and hotel companies. Over 11,000 visitors had the opportunity to enjoy entertainment and explore holiday destinations at 32 exhibitor stands at the event. During the on-stage segment, Derek Baines, Tourism Australia’s Regional General Manager for Japan and Korea, was joined by special guest Keisuke Minami, a well-known actor and reporter from Japan’s popular travel show Tabi Salad. Keisuke, a World Heritage Master, visited Australia last year for the Tabi Salad shoot and recounted his travel experiences. Additionally, Jetstar Airways held a lucky draw, offering a pair of tickets to Cairns / Gimuy as a prize.

Malaysian celebrity hosts on ‘Girls Getaway’ in Victoria

Last month Tourism Australia and Visit Victoria hosted Malaysian celebrity hosts Emely Poon and Catherine Kaixin, accompanied by the editor of IM First Class luxury magazine. The group embarked on an experiential ‘Girls Getaway’, filming social media reels, vlogs and editorial content about the diverse offerings in Melbourne / Narrm, Geelong, Bellarine and Mornington Peninsula, and Yarra Valley. With content filmed during this trip, Emely will launch her travel vlog series on Youtube featuring Australia as the first destination. She will also host a sharing session at MATTA Travel Fair in Kuala Lumpur on 19 April. IM First Class will publish an 8-page feature about the destination.

Tourism Australia wins in London

Last week, Tourism Australia took out the ‘Agents Favourite Tourist Board Team’ award at the Travel Gossip Awards at the Peninsula Hotel in London. The awards, part of the 2025 Travel Celebration, recognise outstanding achievement in the industry, and are voted on entirely by agents. This recognition for the Tourism Australia team is a testament to the team’s dedication in supporting agents and fostering strong industry relationships.

’Experience the Real Australia’ content special in Condé Nast Traveller Germany

Tourism Australia is the first tourism board to launch a digital content special with Condé Nast Traveller in Germany. The content hub features inspirational content about why Australia should be on every travellers list with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders experiences and bespoke content extensions by Tourism and Events Queensland, Tourism NT and Tourism Western Australia. Each partner has a dedicated article with highlights including images and links to relevant websites. More than 700,000 advertising impressions and 20,000 views will be delivered across the pages, inspiring the online readers of Conde Nast Traveller to consider Australia as a travel destination. The content special will run for three months until mid-June 2025.

Routes Asia 2025

Last week at the Routes Asia conference Tourism Australia participated in airline and city pair meetings, presented as part of the conference program, and co-hosted 26 airlines to a Team Australia aviation networking evening attended by 120 guests. At the Routes Asia 2025 Awards, South Australian Tourism Commission was nominated in the Destination category and Adelaide Airport (ADL) won the 5-20 million passenger airport category. Cairns Airport (CNS) was named winner of the under 5 million passengers category with Alice Springs Airport nominated for an award for the first time in the same category. Congratulations to Brisbane Airport (BNE) and Melbourne Airport (MEL) for their nominations in the over 20 million passenger category. Securing the Routes Asia conference for Perth was supported by Tourism Australia’s Business Events Bid Fund Program.

April Hot List released

April 2025 edition of Tourism Australia’s Hot List has been released. Discover Australia’s hottest new experiences, stays and foodie finds.

Key highlights include:

• Australia’s first-ever overnight humpback whale watching adventure;
• Brisbane / Meanjin’s newest elevated dining experience, Stilts, serving up a gorgeous menu with panoramic views;
• The Post House, a restored heritage cottage on the banks of Tasmania’s Carlton River;
• A new eco-lodge announcement from luxury travel pioneers Abercrombie & Kent, set to open in 2027 in the breathtaking Kimberley region.

Check it out here.

Philippines and Thailand Host programs

The Australian Tourism Export Council (ATEC) has added two new ‘Host’ programs to its online training hub. The Philippines Host and Thailand Host programs will help Australian tourism operators tap into these rapidly growing markets. Visitors from the Philippines reached 171,900 and visitors from Thailand reached 95,100 in 2024 and Tourism Research Australia is forecasting further growth in both markets over the next five years. The new Host programs will equip Australian tourism businesses with the knowledge, cultural insights and skills to deliver unforgettable experiences for inbound travellers. See ATEC's training hub for more details.

Midden By Mark Olive joins the Tour & Dine experience at the Sydney Opera House

Experience an inspiring new dining experience in Sydney / Warrane that embraces Australia’s distinct and diverse native produce within one of the most iconic settings in the world with Midden by Mark Olive. The iconic Sydney Opera House has welcomed Midden by Mark Olive as one of three venues in its popular Tour & Dine experience. Midden by Mark Olive celebrates Chef Mark Olive’s Indigenous Australian heritage with a menu focused on native Australian ingredients. The Tour & Dine experience offers a seamless way to explore the iconic landmark while indulging in a diverse range of dining options. With three unique venues – Midden by Mark Olive, Opera Bar, and House Canteen, guests can choose from Indigenous Australian cuisine, modern Australian dishes, or Asian-inspired flavours, ensuring something for every palate. For more information and to book, visit the website.

Karijini Eco Retreat’s Storytelling Around the Camp with Zach Green

On 7 June 2025, Karijini Eco Retreat in Western Australia will present the return of Finding Home: Storytelling Around the Camp, a night where food and culture intertwine in an unforgettable journey through indigenous heritage. Indigenous Chef Zach Green is at the heart of this experience who brings to life the rich traditions of the land through his culinary artistry. Set within the awe-inspiring landscapes of Karijini National Park, the event will immerse guests in Indigenous storytelling through food. This evening is a tribute to the ancient customs, deep-rooted knowledge, and sacred connections that Indigenous people have maintained with the land and waters for millennia. Each dish served is a narrative, crafted with native ingredients and traditional techniques that honour the ancestors who first nurtured this country. A portion of the event’s proceeds will also support 13 YARN, Australia’s first crisis support line led by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. For more details and tickets, visit the website.

IHG Hotels & Resorts announced as the hotel partner of the British & Irish Lions Tour

IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG) has been selected as the official hotel partner of the Qatar Airways British & Irish Lions Tour when it travels to Australia from June. Returning to Australia for the first time in 12 years, The British & Irish Lions will play six tour matches, with three test matches against the Wallabies in Brisbane / Meanjin, Melbourne / Narrm, and Sydney / Warrane. The partnership bolsters IHG’s leading reputation for supporting elite sporting teams, including its long-standing sponsorship as Official Partner of the Wallabies and first Official Hotel Partner of Six Nations Rugby. Additionally, IHG’s commitment to caring for the planet and people through Journey to Tomorrow is shared among the Lions Tour’s partners, including the Great Barrier Reef Foundation as chosen Global Charity Partner – an organisation close to home for IHG with InterContinental Hayman Great Barrier Reef one of the world’s most iconic private island resorts. For more details and to book a stay, visit the website.

The G’day group acquires Cradle Mountain Wilderness Village

Australia’s leading regional accommodation business the G’Day Group, has further expanded its presence in one of the country’s most recognised tourist destinations with the acquisition of Cradle Mountain Wilderness Village in Tasmania. Located directly adjacent to its existing tourist park, Discovery Parks – Cradle Mountain – the two properties will combine to become the region’s premier accommodation and hospitality destination. Featuring 45 chalet-style rooms and the award-winning Hellyers restaurant, Cradle Mountain Wilderness Village will complement the Discovery Parks property, which recently underwent a $20 million transformation to include more family friendly cabins and new premium cabins. Post acquisition, the property will become known as Discovery Resorts – Cradle Mountain Village, joining the Group’s growing premium hospitality portfolio, which also includes El Questro, Lake Argyle and Rottnest Island in Western Australia, Wilpena Pound Resort and McCracken Resort in South Australia, Kings Canyon in the Northern Territory and Undara in Queensland. For more details, see the website.