A module focused entirely on Australia’s high-end experiences has been introduced to Tourism Australia’s Aussie Specialist Program.

Domestic tourism will act as a catalyst for countries around the world to recover from the social and economic impacts of the coronavirus pandemic, the UN World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) has forecast.

Tourism Australia has released a list of ‘101 Ways to Holiday in Australia’, offering inspiration to Aussies in need of some much needed downtime. As 2020 draws to an end, the national tourist board says there’s never been a better time to “reclaim our optimism and find enjoyment in these uncertain times.”

Luxury Lodges of Australia has outlined the planned reopening dates of its member partners which had tentatively paused operations in March due to the coronavirus pandemic and imposed government travel restrictions.

Tourism Australia’s international Aussie Specialist Program has been revamped for domestic frontline travel advisors, providing a free online training resource for the trade to upskill.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison says the local tourism industry should be prepared for a “rush” of tourists to our shores following the coronavirus pandemic. Speaking to several thousand tourism, travel and hospitality executives – including LATTE – on a webinar, the Prime Minister said it will be the “Aussie spirit” that will see struggling businesses bounce back.

Tourism Australia has scrapped the 2020 edition of its flagship trade event showcase, the Australian Tourism Exchange (ATE), which was scheduled for Melbourne in May. At this stage, an alternative “virtual trade show” version of ATE20 is also not on the cards.

The Australian Government’s requirement that all travellers entering the country must self-isolate for two weeks has resulted in Tourism Australia halting the latest rendition of its global marketing campaign that was unveiled last week.

The promotion sees Harrison become the national tourism organisation’s first ever female head and comes after a period of several months during which she has held the Managing Director role in an acting capacity.

Australia has become one of the world’s most popular luxury destinations – holding its place in the Top 10 list since 2011 – and this week attracting 500 of the most influential international decision makers in the luxury travel industry to an event in Melbourne.

Australia has been shortlisted by luxury travel designer community, Traveller Made, as one of five nominees in its annual Luxury Travel Industry Awards for the Most Desired Preferred Destination for 2019. Also vying for the title this year is Andalucia, Japan, New Zealand and Tokyo.

Australia has been welcomed as the latest Preferred Destination of luxury travel designer group, Traveller Made. The announcement was confirmed this week, after being foreshadowed exclusively by LATTE following our in-depth conversation with Traveller Made Founder and President, Quentin Desurmont, last month.