Australia on Tour: The

Trade talk 46 / Event roundup

AUSTRALIA on ToUR

The Event

WHAT: Australia on Tour WHERE: Glasgow, Chester Manchester, Birmingham WHEN: March 28, 29, 30 & 31 WHo: Tourism Australia, Tourism & Events Queensland, Destination NSW, Visit Victoria, South Australian Tourism Commission, Tourism Western Australia, Tourism Tasmania, Tourism Northern Territory, Singapore Airlines

Agents gathered in cities across the UK for the first trade-focused Australia event since borders Down Under closed in March 2020. From ancient Aboriginal culture in the Northern Territory to helicopter rides over the Great Barrier Reef in Queensland, the events showcased Australia’s diverse tourism appeal, showed off new developments and gave agents a better understanding of how to sell this vast country. Attendees also had the chance to win flights courtesy of Singapore Airlines.

Why Australia?

Tourism Australia’s ‘Don’t Go Small Go Australia’ campaign urges visitors to “come and say G’day” to the country’s iconic sites, unique wildlife, welcoming faces and vast open space – and reminds why Australia is the ultimate bucket list trip.

MEET THE SUPPLIERS

Tourism Australia

Tourism Australia is seeing healthy forward bookings from the UK, with enquiries currently sitting close to pre-COVID levels. Moreover, the average duration and spend for new bookings appears to be higher than those pre-pandemic.

Bryan Arnicar, Aussie Specialist Trainer for the UK, said: “We can already see a huge demand from the UK market and we’ve noticed these travellers are spending more and want to have a more personalised experience.”

Agents were encouraged to sign up to the newly relaunched Aussie Specialist online training programme, which includes new modules and highlights new product. aussiespecialist.com

Tourism & Events Queensland

Covering the northeast of the continent, Queensland has a surffriendly coastline and is the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef.

Tourism & Events Queensland was keen to highlight new experiences, including a stay onboard the new Lady Musgrave HQ, an underwater pontoon-style accommodation floating over the famous reef. Red Cat Adventures has introduced a ‘Wildcat’ catamaran which visits untouched parts of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. teq.queensland.com

Destination NSW

A must for many first-time visitors, Sydney and its famous opera house are located in the diverse state of New South Wales.

AUSTRALIA on ToUR

Trade talk Event roundup / 47

Barangaroo is Sydney’s newest harbour precinct, with shopping and dining aplenty. It’s also home to new luxury hotel, The Crown. The tourist board is showcasing Aboriginal experiences, including the new Burrawa BridgeClimb experience and Firescreek Aboriginal Storytelling and Wine Tasting experience joining Tourism Australia’s Discover Aboriginal Experiences collective. The Royal Botanic Garden Sydney has three new tours led by Aboriginal guides. destinationnsw.com

Tourism Northern Territory

The central-north part of Australia is home to Uluru (Ayers Rock), as well as Aboriginal art dating back 20,000 years and the verdant Kakadu National Park. “These events allow us to show how easy it is to reach the NT, to share local tips, showcase new product and recommend tailored itineraries for specific clients,” said Lucy Pares, UK Marketing Executive for Australia’s Northern Territory. “My top tip is to match your customer to experiences. If they enjoy nature and wildlife, ancient culture, adventure and delicious cuisine, then the NT is going to be a perfect option for them. Encourage clients not to rush.” northernterritory.com

Visit Victoria

Hugging the tip of Australia’s east coast, Victoria features high on any visitor’s wish list thanks to cosmopolitan Melbourne and the 243-kilometre Great Ocean Road, which is regularly named one of the world’s most scenic coastal drives. Clients can also see penguins on Phillip Island and sip world-reknowned wines in the Yarra Valley. New hotel openings include Ritz Carlton Melbourne, Intercontinental Sorrento and the Marriott Melbourne Docklands. visitvictoria.com

South Australian Tourism Commission

Located in the southern central part of Australia, South Australia is home to probably the country’s best-known wine region, The Barossa Valley. Clients can sip premium wines, seek out some of Australia’s most famous wildlife on Kangaroo Island or explore Adelaide, Australia’s ‘boutique city’. In November 2021, Accor launched Sofitel Adelaide, the first new luxury hotel to open in the city in 30 years, whilst family-friendly properties Ramada by Wyndham Playford and Vibe Hotel Adelaide are both due to open by the end of 2022. tourism.sa.gov.au

Tourism Western Australia

Western Australia is the country’s largest state and known for outback adventure, Aboriginal culture and its visiting whale sharks. Perth will once again be the closest entry point from the UK when a direct London to Perth flight with Qantas returns in June. New experiences include a commissionable Earn Your Vino Tour and a 24 hour Ultimate Horizontal Falls Luxury Stay.

Annabelle Molina, Trade and Marketing Executive at Tourism Western Australia encourages agents to join the state’s upcoming roadshow, taking place from June 13-16.

“We will be bringing over 20 operators and destination experts from WA to inspire agents and help create higher value itineraries - register at waroadshow.com”. westernaustralia.com

Tourism Tasmania

Located 240 km to the south of the Australian mainland, Tasmania is an island state, 40% of which is protected national parks and reserve, making it a haven for wildlife and great for outdoorsy clients. New for 2022 is a 90-minute Experience Launceston kayak tour and Tasmania’s first luxury wellness retreat at Pumphouse Point. tourismtasmania.com.au

Singapore Airlines

As Australia’s most frequent visitor, Singapore Airlines offers a choice of four daily flights from Heathrow and four weekly flights from Manchester to Singapore. At Changi Airport, connect to eight gateways across Australia to Adelaide, Brisbane, Cairns, Darwin, Gold Coast, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney. Open-jaw flights allow customers to fly into one gateway and out another. Agents will find a dedicated trade 360 portal at singaporeair.com