Aussie representatives made their mark at Australia Marketplace North America
Aussie tourism representatives headed to North America recently to rebuild relationships with travel agencies and tour operators with Australia Marketplace returning to the US for the first time since 2019.
The event, held in Los Angeles from 7 to 9 August 2022, included two days of pre-scheduled appointments for about 200 buyers and sellers in attendance, as well as evening networking opportunities.
Minister for trade and tourism, Don Farrell, who attended the opening of Australia Marketplace North
America, said the event was a chance to promote Australia as a tourism destination in a key market.
“The two-day event hosted by Tourism Australia provides Australian tourism industry leaders with the opportunity to connect directly with travel agencies and tour operators in North America,” Farrell said.
“The US was Australia’s third largest source market for international visitation and the second most valuable for spend, with 818,000 Americans travelling to Australia in 2019 and spending $3.9 billion.”
Tourism Australia managing director, Phillipa Harrison, said the connections Australian tourism operators form at Australia Marketplace are more important than ever before, as we emerge from the pandemic.
“Australia Marketplace provides our tourism operators with the opportunity to establish business relationships with key qualified travel agencies and tour operators from North America,” Harrison said.
“These connections are so vital for the Australian tourism industry, as we look to rebuild after being one of the hardest hit sectors by the COVID-19 pandemic.”
“We know the recovery will take time but we want to get back to those pre-COVID levels as quickly as possible and North America will play a central role in that. In 2019 Australia welcome more than one million visitors from the US and Canada.”
Tourism Australia regional general manager for North America, Chris Allison, said Australia Marketplace, at the Westdrift Hotel Manhattan Beach, was the first time the event had been held since the start of the pandemic.
“It was an opportunity to remind the US and Canada that Australia is open for business and there has never been a better time to ‘Come and Say G’Day’,” Allison said.
“The event attracted key tourism leaders from both the US and Australia and the relationships and future business it will create will be vital for the Australian tourism industry in the future.”
Key US tourism industry leaders in attendance included Travel Answers Group president Kirk Demeter, Signature Travel Network president Alex Sharpe, Flight Centre Americas president Charlene Leiss, The Travel Corp president Brett Tollman, and Qantas sales North America VP Dave Thomas.
Key Australian tourism leaders travelled to Los Angeles for the event included Experience Co CEO John O’Sullivan, Voyages Indigenous Tourism CEO Matt Cameron-Smith, Ultimate Winery Experiences CEO Kate Shilling, YHA CEO Paul McGrath, Baillie Lodges COO Craig Bradbery, and Virtuoso Senior Vice President Michael Londregan.
Tourism Australia is also planning future Australia Marketplace events in other key tourism markets, with events planned in Japan/South Korea in September and in UK/Europe in November.
Latest News
Holland America Line gives agents the chance to visit Alaska on 11-day Famil
If you've ever wanted to see a Polar Bear (and who doesn't?), now is your time.
More than 65 luxury agents gather in Sydney for Best of the Best dinner
This looks like a fabulous do. We imagine there may be a few (or maybe 65) sore heads this morning!
Globally-renowned chefs gather for Vivid Food 2024
As a human, we agree that food is a fundamental part of the human experience. Some might say the most fundamental.
Air New Zealand returns to Hobart and Seoul
If you notice an uptick in Kiwis making their way through the Mona, you know why.
European Waterways targets multi-generational families with ‘floating villa’ deal
The jury is still out on whether spending a week on a 'floating villa' with family is a hell or a paradise.
Luxury Escapes launches ‘sail away’ sale
Rest assured, you'll be getting your 'sails' and 'sales' mixed up for the rest of the day.
Rex-owned National Jet Express adds weekly charter between Brisbane and Orange
This is for mining and civil contractors, so please, put your holiday attire away.
Let the games begin. Viking introduces eye-watering benefits for the industry’s top 10 advisors
Did someone say 'trip to Venice'? Hold my coat, this one is far too good to miss!
Best friends or frenemies? What is the REAL relationship between sales and marketing?
We can all stop fighting over the corner office because our mothers were right - we are all important in our own way.
The Walshe Group Announces Two Key Appointments
What we really want to know is whether they got joint or separate welcome parties.
FAMIL: Agents explore the delights of Mauritius on 7-day tour
Go green with envy as you read this fabulous itinerary! Time to book that second honeymoon.
Hamad International recognised as world’s best airport at 2024 Skytrax World Airport Awards
Hamad airport is so good it is almost considered a destination in itself. Ballina, up your game.
Saudi Arabia highlights tourism investment opportunities at global investment event
Now is the time to start looking at Saudi Arabia if you are not already. There's big things to come.
“Rampant” – Aussies warned as dengue fever cases spike in Bali
Worried about Bali belly? Now you have something else to worry about.
TTC Tour Brand reveals slew of deals across operators including Trafalgar and Contiki
Everybody loves a bargain and you could do lot a lot worse than check out these deals from TTC!
Fiji Airways partners with Porter Airlines in US growth bid
Any initiative that gets more people visiting the delights of Fiji is a good initiative.
Flight Centre launches CruiseHQ – a marketplace exclusively for agents
The cruise industry has surpassed pre-Covid levels so this isn't one to miss!
Feeling festive? Wendy Wu tours unwraps Christmas collection
Get the Christmas hols booked now and avoid spending it with that elderly relative with dubious political views.
OPINION: In a world of screens, we crave experience
If you get feelings of deep shame and regret when you see your screen time, don't worry - you're not alone.
Sun Princess: High-end dining and world class entertainment awaits
If you are a foodie and you are not currently on the Sun Princess, we really have to ask - what are you doing?
YouGov: 2 in 5 Aussies would pay more for a sustainable hotel
If you want to be REALLY sustainable you can go camping. You just might lose the will to live.
“Can planes swim?” – Planes become boats as Dubai Airport is savaged by severe storm
Unfortunately, "can planes swim?" is a real life question and not an opener to a really bad joke...
Explora journeys reveals bespoke outdoor furniture designed by Matteo Nunziati
This is making your plastic table and chairs look really bad now, isn't it?
Bangkok Airways targets growth with renewed Sabre deal
Two stories abut Sabre's growth in one week and its only Wednesday! Watchout world.
PR agency Example wins pitch for InterContinental Sydney
We also went in for the contract but they said that a 'Be Our Guest'- themed TikTok was unoriginal! The cheek.
Norwegian Cruise Line reveals culinary experience aboard Norwegian Aqua
Once again, this TW journalist REALLY regrets writing this before getting lunch.
Signature Queensland hosts luxury tourism event
Known for its tropical beaches and unique wildlife, Queensland also offers luxury.
Capella Sydney recognised in prestigious Travel + Leisure’s 2024 ‘it list’ of best new hotels
You know that 'it girl' at school who everyone wanted to hang out with? Capella is the hotel version of that.
Rex launches 72-hour fare sale with NO school holiday blackout so you can take your kids (if you want to)
Sadly, leaving your children at home whilst you go on holiday is generally frowned upon.
Adventure World offers chance to connect with “heart and soul” of the US
I mean who hasn't dreamed of a road trip around the US?! Go with Adventure World and you're less likely to get lost.
Fiji’s family-owned luxury resort Likuliku Lagoon launches its own app
We were relieved to find out that having a "concierge in your pocket" referred to an app on your phone.
Hawaii: The US’ laid-back front door for Australians
If you needed another sign that you should definitely head to Hawaii - this is it!
Sabre targets Asia Pacific growth with latest hire
Call the Avengers! Sabre continues its bid for world domination with latest hire.
Air New Zealand signs its largest EVER deal for sustainable aviation fuel
Air New Zealand makes huge step towards sustainable travel. We bet it recycles its rubbish properly too.
IHG Hotels & Resorts continues regional growth with Sunshine Coast Holiday Inn
This Holiday Inn looks considerably flashier than some of the ones we have stayed at in our time.
Budget carrier Scoot welcomes first of 9 E190-E2 aircrafts
Here at TW we would like to offer Embraer E190-E2 a warm welcome! It's not easy being the first of the fleet.