Tourism Australia hosts First Nations filmmaker panel with Netflix

Last week in the United States Tourism Australia partnered with Netflix to host a panel Australia – The Home of Storytelling with a cohort of Indigenous filmmakers. Moderated by Australian television presenter, Tony Armstrong, the panel featured Aaliyah-Jade Bradbury, Jake Duczynski, and Bjorn Stewart, all of whom are part of Netflix’s Across Horizons initiative that supports First Nations creatives. Prolific Australian filmmaker Warwick Thornton also joined the conversation, all sharing insights on what it means to tell Aboriginal stories on screen. The event was attended by around 100 people including represetnatives from the entertainment industry, media, and tourism partners.

Destination Australia 2025 program released

The program has been released for Tourism Australia's Destination Australia 2025 conference. 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 Trade 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. 

Chinese radio anchor one-day tour in Sydney / Warrane

Leveraging his trip to Australia, Tourism Australia invited Chinese radio anchor Zhang Rui to experience the best of Sydney. During the visit, he explored Taronga Zoo, where he learnt about the park’s impressive animal conservation efforts, all while taking in panoramic views of the city. Zhang Rui also experienced BridgeClimb Sydney and explored the vibrant cityscape. Through his post on Red, he shared these incredible moments, highlighting Sydney’s unique combination of wildlife, natural beauty, and urban charm, inspiring his followers to see Australia as an unforgettable destination.

Singapore Product Development Forum

Last week Tourism Australia held the Product Development Forum 2025 in the Galleria Ballroom of Grand Copthorne Waterfront Singapore. Over 40 travel agents attended the day which included updates on Australia’s product developments and new product ideas across all states and territories, creating inspiration for more exceptional holiday itineraries Down Under. Also at the forum, Australian Tourism Exchange 2025 (ATE25) participants were given a walkthrough for their upcoming preferencing for the event in April.

Tourism Australia recognised as the Best International Tourism Board in India

Tourism Australia has been honoured with the International Tourism Board of the Year Award at the SATTE Awards 2025. Held in Delhi for the past 32 years, SATTE (South Asia’s Travel and Tourism Exchange) is recognised as South Asia’s leading travel expo to conduct business, share knowledge, exchange ideas in order to accelerate the growth of the tourism industry. Held alongside SATTE, South Asia’s leading travel and tourism exhibition, the SATTE Awards celebrated excellence and recognised trailblazers who have made a significant impact on the travel and tourism industry. This prestigious recognition honoured Tourism Australia’s efforts in promoting tourism, fostering international collaborations, and enhancing travel experiences.

Australia On Tour Roadshow in France

The Tourism Australia team in France recently travelled to Lyon, Paris, and Toulouse to train and engage with 170 travel agents, alongside representatives from Tourism Northern Territory, South Australian Tourism Commission, Tourism and Events Queensland, Tourism Western Australia, Destination New South Wales, Visit Victoria, and Singapore Airlines. These events provided an opportunity to update agents on new products, current resources, and upcoming events, while promoting the Aussie Specialist Program and connecting with new faces in the industry. The events featured themed training sessions, Australian wine tastings, and offered great deals from industry partners to win trips to Australia with Singapore Airlines.

ATEC Tourism Tutorial: Marching Forward: Women’s Leadership in Tourism

In celebration of International Women’s Day 2025, the Australian Tourism Export Council (ATEC) will be hosting a special tutorial Marching Forward: Women’s Leadership in Tourism focused on Women in Tourism. The session will highlight how the industry is progressing towards a more inclusive and diverse future, with women driving change through leadership, resilience, and collaboration. The tutorial will be held on 5 March 2025, 11am (AEDT). The panel features Danielle Neil (Sovereign Hill Museums Association), Jacqui Walshe (The Walshe Group), Katherine Cutler (Tourism Tropical North Queensland) and Miriam Mouahbi (Klook). This thought-provoking discussion will delve into the challenges, successes, and key insights these leaders have gained in their own career pathways along with advice they would give to their younger selves. Attendees will gain valuable insights and practical tips for women in the industry, along with the kind of mentorship support that can shape the future of tourism careers. ATEC Members, register here. Non-Members, register here.

Register now for ATEC’s World Travel Market global sales mission

World Travel Market (WTM) is the premier global trade event for the travel and tourism industry, held annually in London. WTM 2024 set a record, welcoming over 46,000 industry professionals and more than 5,100 qualified buyers – an 11% increase from 2023 – with 16% of buyers interested in Australia. In 2025 WTM will take place from 4 to 6 November and the Australian Tourism Export Council (ATEC) in partnership with the Tourism Export Council of New Zealand is coordinating a 120 sqm Australia-New Zealand stand in a prime location. Participants can choose from three tailored options: a Business Area (sellers/product only), a Shared Booth or a Sole Booth. Exhibitors will benefit from WTM’s ‘Connect Me’ digital platform to schedule and manage meetings, while ATEC will actively facilitate walk-up leads. With Qantas Airways and Singapore Airlines featured on the stand, Inbound Tourism Organisations and product providers will have a powerful platform to promote destination Australia to a global audience. Register to take part by 13 March.

Iconic Sydney / Warrane Restaurant The Malaya moves to new location

One of the longest-running family-owned restaurants in Sydney / Warrane, The Malaya, is on the move. After 23 years at King Street Wharf, the restaurant will host its final service on Saturday, 29 March, before relocating to Grosvenor Place at 225 George Street this April. This move isn’t just about a new address - it’s a return to George Street, where The Malaya first opened by the Wong family in 1963. The relocation to Grosvenor Place will allow The Malaya to occupy a two-level, 180-seat venue, representing a significant milestone in its illustrious journey. Third-generation stewards Duan and Isabella Wong assure guests the same bold flavours and welcoming experience await in the new venue. The Wong family have also announced new additions, with live seafood options and an elevated wine and beverage program complementing the kitchen's renowned food.
For more information, visit the website here.

Introducing Rydges Australia Square in the heart of Sydney / Warrane

EVT Hotels & Resorts have transformed the former Tank Stream Hotel into the stunning Rydges Australia Square in Sydney / Warrane. The reimagined hotel reflects Rydges’ ‘refreshingly local’ ethos, offering guests a premium experience in heart of Sydney’s vibrant Central Business District. This exciting new chapter comes after a comprehensive refurbishment that has revitalised all guest rooms, the Executive Boardroom and the ground floor lobby areas. Modern, comfortable, and stylish, the new rooms are designed to reflect the dynamic culture of Sydney while providing a high level of comfort for both business and leisure travellers. Guests can also enjoy a range of upgraded facilities, including a contemporary wine bar, Poco Local Wine Bar. For more information or to make a reservation, visit the website here.

Hamilton Island launches first Cultural experience

Hamilton Island in the Whitsundays, Queensland has proudly released a Cultural Island Discovery with Robbie Congoo — an intimate, immersive experience that celebrates the natural beauty of the Whitsunday Islands while honouring the rich cultural heritage of the region. This four-hour journey transports guests to the Ngaro Cultural Site at Nara Inlet on Hook Island, home to ancient artefacts and millennia-old rock art guided by Ngaro man Robbie Congoo. This immersive experience combines the rich traditions of The Whitsundays’ Traditional Owners, breathtaking island landscapes, encounters with unique flora and fauna, and gourmet cuisine featuring native ingredients and distinctive Australian flavours. The experience includes drinks and gourmet canapes, crafted from fresh native ingredients by Qualia’s Executive Chef Joshua Hingston. Operating every Friday, bookings can be made online here.

One-of-a-kind dining experience at Pipit

Award-winning modern Australian restaurant located in Pottsville, New South Wales has launched a new VIP Luxury Package, offering a dining experience like no other. Designed for a small group of six at its open-plan kitchen counters, this intimate and interactive private chef experience showcases the very best of Pipit’s award-winning dining and wines whilst pairing it with unique print art. With artistry on the plate and on paper, chef Ben Devlin creates limited-edition Gyotaku art works. ‘Gyotaku’ is an ancient Japanese ink printing method and captures the sustainable ingredients used in Pipit’s seasonal menus. Pipit showcases the best of Northern River's local produce, sustainable seafood, and wood-fired cooking through seasonal menus. Bookings for the all-new VIP package can be made by emailing [email protected].