Tourism Australia - Youth Sector Scholarship 2025

Tourism Australia, in conjunction with the Backpacker & Youth Tourism Advisory Panel (BYTAP) and the Australian Tourism Export Council (ATEC), are again sponsoring a youth-sector focused development scholarship, designed to increase distribution engagement, and developing the capability of a future leader in the sector. Based around ATEC’s ELITE program, the successful candidate will receive:

• 1-year ATEC membership for the employer organisation (dependent on organisational suitability). 
• One place in the ELITE program for a young emerging leader within the organisation, including mentoring by Kristy Malapa, Industry Relations Manager and youth sector specialist at Tourism Australia. 
• Participation in ATEC Meeting Place on in October 2025 including participation fees, flights, and accommodation. 

The winning submission will be judged by BYTAP, with the ATEC membership and ELITE mentoring program to commence in June/July 2025. Apply online here. Please note the application form is intended to be completed by a senior member of the organisation with appropriate internal approvals. Applications close 23 May with the successful candidate to be announced on 29 May.

Aussie Specialist training expands across India

Over recent months Tourism Australia has conducted extensive in-office training sessions for travel agents and market visits in Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Delhi. During this period approximately 200 travel agents were trained, enhancing their expertise in promoting Australia as a premier travel destination. A major highlight was the collaboration with Thomas Cook India Ltd, where 150 agents were trained, and MakeMyTrip engaged nearly 80 agents in a virtual training session. These tailored programs provided valuable insights into Australia’s diverse tourism offerings, ensuring that agents are well-equipped to create exceptional travel experiences for their clients. Team India hosted an informative webinar exclusively for Aussie Specialist agents, primarily aimed at front-line sales teams. This interactive session attracted 110 agents and focused on key Australian destinations, including New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, and the Australian Capital Territory. The webinar provided in-depth knowledge about these regions, highlighting must-see attractions and unique experiences. This initiative aimed to empower agents with the latest updates, ensuring they can effectively promote Australia's diverse travel opportunities.

Korea’s travel reality show ‘World Dice Tour’ films in Tasmania

Tourism Australia recently hosted World Dice Tour, a high-viewership Korean travel reality show, for a special feature in Tasmania. The show followed popular Korean travel YouTuber PaniBottle as he explored Australia’s untouched wilderness across two episodes. Airing on both Netflix and Korean TV channel ENA, the first episode premiered on 5 April, featuring PaniBottle’s visit to Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary, where he encountered native wildlife, including the Tasmanian devil. He also experienced the unique KUUMA Nature Sauna, a floating sauna offering relaxation atop the sea. The second episode, set to air on 12 April, will showcase his adventures on the Bicheno Penguin Tour, providing further exposure to Tasmania’s diverse natural attractions. This TV broadcast is expected to enhance Tasmania’s appeal as a must-visit destination for Korean travellers.

Discover Aboriginal Experiences Storyteller video series

Discover Aboriginal Experiences (DAE) has developed a suite of Storyteller videos offering the opportunity to hear from guides firsthand about their work, their cultures, and the importance of sharing Indigenous stories with visitors. Each video highlights a different theme, designed to both educate and inspire viewers, showcasing the profound impact Aboriginal-guided experiences can have on any Australian journey. The videos include Juan Walker from Walkabout Cultural Adventures in Tropical North Queensland; Dale Tilbrook from Dale Tilbrook Experiences; Johani Mamid from Mabu Buru Tours; and Elisha Kissick from Yura Tours with more to come.  

ATEC Tourism Tutorial: Unlocking the Inbound Visitor Survey

Adele Labine-Romain, Head of Travel & Tourism at Roy Morgan, will take a look at the latest International Visitor Survey (IVS) data to provide valuable insights into market trends, traveller behaviour, and opportunities for growth. Adele will unpack the key insights from the most recent data, offering a deep dive into international visitor behaviour, market movements, and emerging trends impacting Australia’s tourism export sector. With an extensive background in tourism strategy and economics Adele is a leading voice in shaping the future of Australia’s tourism industry. The session will take place on Wednesday 16 April at 11am AEST. Find out more - members register here, non members here.

Wild Adventures Melbourne wins Banksia Tourism and Destinations Award

Wild Adventures Melbourne (WAM) has won the Tourism and Destinations category at the 36th Banksia National Sustainability Awards. Operating as a small business on a micro budget, WAM has created an eco-adventure model that is financially viable, socially inclusive, and environmentally responsible. Their scalable approach demonstrates how micro and small tourism businesses can deliver high-impact sustainability outcomes through practical, everyday actions. WAM’s model is proof that positive change doesn’t require big budgets - just clear intent and commitment to doing better for people and planet. Well done Nic Cooper.

Reef Unlimited expands its fleet

Tropical North Queensland’s Reef Unlimited has expanded its fleet with the addition of Aquarius II, a multi-functional vessel, set to enhance day tours, cruises, and business event charters from Cairns / Gimuy and Port Douglas.The new 26m (85f), 240-passenger Aquarius II sets a new level of comfort with a large sundeck and shaded areas as well as a fully air-conditioned saloon and bar area. A sizeable food service area with a large cool storage facility allows for hot and cold buffet catering and its onboard Wi-Fi makes it an easy choice for special events and bespoke charters. The vessel is equipped with a spacious hydraulic platform for easy water access and an in-built air compressor, perfect for guests who want to enjoy snorkelling and scuba diving in the renowned Great Barrier Reef. For more information and to book, visit the website.

Cultural Attractions of Australia introduces exclusive First Nations art experience

Cultural Attractions of Australia (CAOA) has unveiled a rare, behind-the-scenes experience at the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) in Melbourne / Narrm. This exclusive opportunity invites guests to explore the world of First Nations art and gain unique insights into the masterful art of conservation. Begin with a bespoke tour of First Nations art and design inside the Wurrdha Marra exhibition at The Ian Potter Centre: NGV, led by a NGV Curator of First Nations Art. Through captivating storytelling, the curator brings the artworks and artists to life, offering deeper insight into the cultural significance, techniques, and narratives behind each work. The journey continues with privileged access to the NGV Conservation Department, an area typically closed to the public. Guests will learn firsthand how experts in fashion, textiles, print, painting, and First Nations art, work to preserve and restore some of Australia’s most significant artworks. An exclusive out-of-hours tour is also available, allowing guests to enjoy the NGV in a private and intimate setting. More information is on the website. 

The Tasman launches signature experience program

Voted as one of the World’s 50 Best Hotels in 2024, The Tasman in Hobart / nipaluna has launched The Keys, a selection of excursions curated by The Tasman’s Les Clefs D’Or Golden Keys Concierge in partnership with local operators. The Keys comprises a suite of destination discoveries, each to their own degree of lifestyle, adventure, and epicurean immersion. The collection unlocks experiences curated only for The Tasman including plunging into ice-cold water, mountain biking through vineyards, plucking oysters straight from the ocean, or learning the craft from Tasmania’s finest makers. The program has been crafted with local operators who have the connections, licenses, experience, and character to deliver professional and memorable destination discoveries. For more information and to book a stay, visit the website.

Curated immersive, design-led travel experiences across Australia

Reveling Journeys is redefining luxury touring with a portfolio of immersive, hand-crafted experiences through Southeast Queensland. Founded by the pair behind bespoke touring company Kiff & Culture, Drew Campbell and Alex Baker established Reveling with a vision to offer travellers the opportunity to embark on luxurious, eco-conscious exploration, whilst making meaningful connections with their destination. Designed around key themes of Indigenous culture, nature and wildlife, food and wine, and sport, each of the luxurious single and multi-day experiences is hosted by a local guide, ensuring unparalleled access to people and place. After days spent exploring the region, travellers can return to their home-away-from-home – a selection of Reveling’s exclusive private residences available with optional luxury add-ons including concierge service, private chefs, private drivers, daily housekeeping and personal trainers. More information and booking details are available on the website.