Hundreds of travel advisors from around the world have arrived in Western Australia to take part in G’day Australia which provides specialist agents the chance to meet and be trained by Australian tourism operators and experience our world class tourism offerings first-hand.
The 300 travel advisors participating in Tourism Australia’s workshop and familiarisation event, delivered this year in partnership with Tourism Western Australia, are qualified Aussie Specialist Agents from retail outlets and key wholesalers across 21 international tourism markets. The Aussie Specialists will meet with over 130 Australian tourism operators during the workshop and networking events.
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Phillipa Harrison, Managing Director of Tourism Australia said while all of the advisors who take part are qualified Aussie Specialist agents, only half have visited Australia before.
“Our Aussie Specialists Program helps to teach tens of thousands of travel agents around the world about Australia as a destination but we know there is nothing like being on the ground to experience it first-hand,” Harrison said.
“G’day Australia is our opportunity to bring about 300 of those agents to Australia to see how incredible the destination is and to also meet with our tourism operators in person to learn more about the products they have to offer.
“We know from when we have held this event in the past, that 100% of the agents have walked away saying they intend to sell more of Australia as a result of attending and they also drive longer stays that disperse travellers around the country.”
“Importantly the agents who have been to G’day Australia are able to encourage customers planning to go to other destinations to choose Australia instead which is vital as we get our visitor economy back on a path of sustainable growth.”
Steph Underwood, Acting Managing Director of Tourism Western Australia said the G’day Australia forum is a pivotal opportunity to boost the profile of WA and enhance its position in the global tourism market.
“Through this event, we are showcasing our Dream State’s extraordinary tourism experiences and helping build strong, lasting relationships with travel agents from around the world.
“G’day Australia allows us to showcase our assets in a way that resonates with travel professionals, empowering them with practical destination and product knowledge they need to highlight the unique adventures WA offers to their clients and book diverse and exciting itineraries and packages,” Underwood said.
G’day Australia 2024 runs until 18 October 2024 with the nationwide pre and post-event familiarisation program delivered with support from State and Territory Organisations.
One of the famils that comprised travel advisors from across the United States was hosted by Mel Johnson, Senior Markets Manager for Tourism Western Australia. Their WA experience showcased the best of Broome, staying at Cable Beach Club Resort and Spa and including the Willie Creek Pearl Farm, Aboriginal cultural experiences, a flying tour of Dampier Peninsula with Air Kimberley, a sunset camel ride on Cable Beach with Pinnacle Travel Group and a Perth Walking Tour with Two Feet and a Heartbeat.
Lead image: One of the Aussie Specialist Agents groups was escorted by Mel Johnson from Tourism WA (pictured left), who visited the Willie Creek Pearl farm. Image: Michelle Wilson-Johnson/Facebook.