Illuminate Adelaide 2023 has brought a brilliant show of art, light, music, and technology to the South Australian winter, generating a $54.3 million economic effect. Its status as a significant winter attraction was cemented when the third annual event not only broke records for economic activity but also drew in over 1.3 million attendees.

Over 15,000 guests from out of state and abroad attended the month-long festival, which resulted in almost 66,000 attendees, nearly 34,000 visitor nights, and over 4,000 job possibilities. Professor Barry Burgan of Bond University developed the economic impact report, which emphasizes how well Illuminate Adelaide has driven employment and tourism.

Rachael Azzopardi, co-founder of Illuminate Adelaide, received an invitation to the esteemed Fête des Lumières in Lyon, where she made connections with imaginative individuals from throughout the globe. Michael Harvey, CEO of Adelaide Botanic Gardens, presented Illuminate Adelaide’s achievements at the International Garden Tourism Conference in Canada.

Held in Mannum, a town devastated by flooding, the event’s regional project, River Lights, drew over 20,000 visitors and helped the area’s tourism industry recover. Supported by the South Australian Tourism Commission and the State Government, Illuminate Adelaide has garnered international recognition as a premier example of winter celebrations.

Zoe Bettison, the Minister of Tourism, expressed her excitement about Illuminate Adelaide’s continuous expansion and significant economic impact on the state. Co-founders Lee Cumberlidge and Rachael Azzopardi are excited to introduce the 2024 program and thank the state government for its continued support.

Success for Illuminate Adelaide is not just quantified in money but also in the happiness it makes people feel, regardless of their background. The impact of the event on South Australia is exciting, and excitement is already developing for the 2024 program. The city’s streets are still lit up by Illuminate Adelaide, which makes for a magical experience for all visitors, regardless of origin.

Tourism Minister Hon Rita Saffioti MLA and Jetstar Group have launched a direct Sydney to Busselton Margaret River flight, which is estimated to draw 50,000 annual visitors to the famed wine area.

Evan Hall, CEO of Tourism Council WA, expressed excitement about the aircraft, emphasizing its potential to attract travelers looking for shorter, direct flights to Margaret River. The aircraft also opens up new options for interstate travel, such as road excursions from Busselton to Albany and the Great Southern region.

The flight’s intentional timing coincides with the Sydney school holidays in 2024, allowing WA to extend its peak regional tourism season after the local school holidays end. This unique scheduling advantage allows Sydney families to organize trips during peak travel season.

“With staggered school holidays between Western Australia and New South Wales, we can offer an exceptional experience for families across Australia during their peak travel period,” stated Mr. Hall. The new service is intended to entice visitors from New South Wales, particularly families looking to explore both Perth and regional Western Australia in a single trip.

A Sydney family, for example, may attend a major event in Perth, then embark on a spectacular week-long car trip to the South West before flying home from Busselton Margaret River Airport. With increasing demand from interstate visitors expected following WA’s school holidays, the effort is positioned to create more jobs and assist the local economy in the long run.

This deliberate step not only expands travel possibilities but also establishes Margaret River as an accessible and desirable destination for a diverse range of Australian travelers. Experience Margaret River’s allure with the convenience of direct Sydney flights, ushering in a new era of regional tourism and economic prosperity.

The winners of the 2023 South Australian Tourism Awards were announced, honoring 31 category winners and inducting four businesses into the prestigious Hall of Fame. Organized by Tourism Industry Council South Australia (TiCSA), the awards celebrate business excellence and remarkable accomplishments in the state’s tourism sector. The winners were revealed during a Gala Dinner held on Friday, 3 November, at the Adelaide Convention Centre.

Four companies from all around the state were honoured this year when they were inducted into the South Australian Tourism Awards Hall of Fame for taking home the gold in their respective categories for the third year running:

• The Cedars Hahndorf – Cultural Tourism
• Bendleby Ranges – Adventure Tourism
• Woodhouse Adventure Park – Unique Accommodation
• Naiko Retreat – Self-contained Accommodation

In addition, two businesses were honored with the Voters’ Choice Awards, decided by votes from their visitors, supporters, and local communities. The winners are:

• Monarto Safari Park – Voters’ Choice Award for Experience and/or Service
• BIG4 Renmark Riverfront Holiday Park – Voters’ Choice Award for Accommodation

Ian Horne, the longstanding CEO of the Australian Hotels Association SA, received the Outstanding Achievement Award in appreciation of his nearly forty years of leadership and advocacy in the sector.
Isabel Nietschke was recognised as the South Australian Young Achiever for demonstrating exceptional potential both through her industry engagement and impact, and academic pursuits at Flinders University.

The title of South Australian Taxi Driver of the Year was awarded to Jayant Jain, a driver from Adelaide Independent Taxis, in recognition of his unwavering dedication and positive attitude, epitomized by his ‘give a smile, get a smile’ approach to service.

TiCSA Chief Executive Officer, Shaun de Bruyn takes great pride in acknowledging every entrant in this year’s South Australian Tourism Awards program as committed operators working towards achieving excellence and congratulated all of this year’s winners, medallists and finalists.

The winners from most categories will advance to represent South Australia in the national Australian Tourism Awards in Darwin next year. The 2023 South Australian Tourism Awards are supported by the South Australian Government, through the South Australian Tourism Commission.

This week, Visit Victoria, the official tourism board for the state of Victoria in Australia, along with Australia’s national carrier, Qantas, presented a two-day culinary pop-up, “Flavours of Melbourne,” in collaboration with MasterChef Australia Finalist, Chef Kishwar Chowdhury.

Taking place from 2 – 3 November at Hyatt Regency Delhi, ‘Flavours of Melbourne’ was a sensorial exploration of Melbourne and Victoria through food. The uniquely crafted menu featured epicurean delights as an ode to the scenic beauty and landscapes of the region and shone a spotlight on the high-quality of Victorian produce.

The dishes prepared took inspiration from the iconic landmarks of the region like “Hors D’oeuvres in the laneways” inspired by the colourful laneways at Hosier and AC/DC Lanes, “Apollo Bay Entrée” that pays homage to prized seafood at Apollo Bay on the Great Ocean Road, and “Yarra Valley Cellar Door” a dish that brings the essence of Yarra Valley’s renowned vineyards, artisanal cheeses, berries, and lavender farms to the plate.

Visit Victoria and Qantas hosted trade agent partners, fostering meaningful connections and networking opportunities. Media and influencers relished the flavours of Melbourne and Victoria through an interactive Masterclass with Chef Kishwar.

Speaking on the occasion, Shae Keenan, Chief Marketing Officer at Visit Victoria said, “Travellers have shown an ever-increasing desire to explore and savour the world through its culinary delights – and Melbourne’s food scene is world-class. By bringing Melbourne and Victoria’s local produce and flavours to India, we hope to highlight the importance of our exceptional food culture. India has always been a key visitor market for Victoria, and we aim to provide unique experiences that shine a spotlight on all things quintessentially Victoria for Indian travellers to explore.”

Qantas Country Manager for India, Kunal Dewan said, “At Qantas, we’re committed to showcasing the very best of Australian produce to millions of travellers on a global stage, including on our flights between India and Australia. We’re pleased to have partnered with Visit Victoria to bring a taste of Melbourne to India, helping to drive visitors to experience everything the state has to offer.”

Qantas operates three return flights per week from Delhi to Melbourne, increasing to six per week over the peak season between late December 2023 and late February 2024.

Excited to bring her love for locally produced food to India, MasterChef Finalist Kishwar Chowdhury commented, “It was an incredible experience collaborating with Visit Victoria and Qantas Airways for ‘Flavours of Melbourne’. Growing up, food was always central in our home – we always made Indian or Bengali food that was prepared with locally grown Australian ingredients. The menu for this event was prepared with a lot of unique elements and rich Victorian produce that also celebrates the best of the destination. I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to bring a taste of Melbourne to a whole new audience, and I hope it left a memorable and mouthwatering impression on all those who experienced it.”

During its closing session in Kigali, World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) announced Western Australia as the host for 2024 Global Summit.

It marks the first time the event will visit Oceania.

The 24^th Global Summit will be taking place in Perth in late 2024, in partnership with Tourism Western Australia.

WTTC closed its first ever Global Summit in Africa today with more than 1,200 delegates attending the event in Kigali, Rwanda.

The global tourism body’s Global Summit saw speakers such as global economist and renowned business commentor Justin Urquhart-Stewart, Administrator of the United States Transport Security Administration, David P. Pekoske; and Chief Commercial Officer of Arsenal Football Club, Juliet Slot.

More than 45 countries attended WTTC’s Global Summit- the most influential Travel & Tourism event in the calendar.

Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said that the success of this year’s Global Summit in Kigali is testament to the power of Africa’s Travel & Tourism sector.

Through Rwanda, the continent has well and truly put itself on the map.

They are so excited to be heading ‘Down Under’ next year.

Western Australia and the beautiful city of Perth have always been popular destinations and they are sure attendees will enjoy a real taste of quintessential Australian hospitality.

Tourism WA Managing Director Carolyn Turnbull said hosting the 24th WTTC Global Summit presents a significant opportunity for WA to demonstrate its growth ambition and investment opportunities to WTTC’s members.

It includes the CEOs of key travel businesses such as airlines, global hotel operators and investors, and cruise lines.

The effect of hosting this event goes far beyond the immediate economic impact generated from delegate spend.

This event will open avenues for conversation around inbound trade and product investments, new inbound aviation routes and the development of high value tourism product business opportunities.

Business delegates attending this event will be encouraged to extend their stay and explore further afield.

It is for them to experience their dreamlike landscapes, world-class experiences, and expert tourism operators firsthand.

During its Global Summit in Kigali, WTTC launched its Africa report highlighting some of the challenges Travel & Tourism faces in the region and the opportunities to address them.

WTTC also launched its groundbreaking Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging report which tracks DEIB in the Travel & Tourism sector and highlights effective practices and recommendations for the future.

Thami Nkadimeng moderated the Global Summit who was recently selected as a 2023 Top 100 Most Influential People of African Descent under 40 in support of the United Nation’s General Assembly resolution 68/237.

A display of South Australian fare and tradition, steering proficiency and family fun are highpoints of the 2024 Santos Tour Down Under festival package that was declared.   

Lengthening further than the city, the comeback of the adored street celebration, Unley Gala, which is the
lengthiest running event related to the Santos Tour Down Under will happen on Saturday, 20 January. The
Unley Gala prepares the stage before the Schwalbe Men’s Stage 6 starts from the same site on the
morning thereafter in the finishing stage of the men’s contest.  

The festival center, known as the City of Adelaide Tour Village, will arise once more in Adelaide’s Victoria
Square/Tarntanyangga and will involve panel dialogues with riders and specialists, the contest live streaming on big screen and a space for supporters to chill in the new ‘recovery zone’, comprising ice baths, physio and local cryotherapy.  

Customers can delight in everyday knock off hour drinks owing to Hahn and Seppeltsfield wines, with
important South Australian food sellers comprising Pellegrino Pizzeria, Moi An Vietnamese Street Food and Rik’s Grill – Home of Low and Slow.

AIRWAY Logistics has efficiently integrated Maureva’s MARGO cargo solution, bringing digitalization to its air freight operations. This Australian-based specialized airfreight handling firm now enjoys enhanced efficiency, optimized operations, and technologically revamped processes and workflows.

Previously recognized as Pak Fresh Handling, AIRWAY has experienced significant growth by offering tailored airfreight services, encompassing international and national cargo handling, cargo terminal operations, and cold chain services throughout Australia. Given the nature of its operations, seamless real-time information flow and effective workflows, spanning from cargo collection to delivery, are essential for the company’s success.

The collaboration between AIRWAY and Maureva signifies a significant stride in the digitalization of the company’s cargo operations. The cloud-based MARGO solution provides the necessary scalability, flexibility, and accessibility tailored to AIRWAY’s requirements, streamlining its operations effectively.

Maureva’s customization of the MARGO system to meet AIRWAY’s specific business needs ensures seamless alignment with the company’s unique operational demands, maximizing its efficiency. This optimization indirectly elevates customer experiences, offering quicker cargo processing and precise tracking, leading to heightened customer satisfaction.

Nathan Beven, Head of AIRWAY said, “The strategic acquisition of MARGO for digitalizing and optimizing our operations to improve performance and service levels and boost revenues is an important milestone to meet the requirements of our rapidly expanding airfreight handling business.”

MARGO automates Airwaybill issuance and cargo handling for AIRWAY Logistics, streamlining operations and improving efficiency. Integration of IATA-compliant messages and Australian Customs interface enhances communication among stakeholders.

AIRWAY Logistics utilizes MARGO’s robust features including rate management, warehousing charge allocation, invoicing, and reporting tools. These capabilities enable prudent cost management and help identify revenue opportunities, enhancing the company’s financial performance.

Davina Martin, Solutions Sales Manager at Maureva expressed that this partnership enhances Maureva’s footprint in the APAC market, offering companies the opportunity to digitize their cargo operations. She said, “We’re proud to partner with AIRWAY, helping them leverage digital tools to enhance air cargo opportunities and customer experiences. This collaboration strengthens Maureva’s presence in the APAC market, enabling companies to digitize their cargo operations.”

In a delightful twist on tourism marketing, a collection of postage stamps designed by artificial intelligence has shed light on tourists’ humorous perceptions of Australia.

The initiative was orchestrated by travel insurance company InsureAndGo, aimed at rekindling the tradition of sending postcards. The project involved creating stamps that encapsulated both travelers’ and AI’s impressions of various countries, including Italy, Brazil, Canada, Greece, and Australia.

InsureAndGo collaborated with Censuswide to survey 1,500 travelers, gathering insights into their postcard habits and their impressions of countries they had visited. While most of the stamp designs showcased breathtaking landscapes, delectable cuisines, and iconic animals from around the world, the Australian stamp stood out with an amusing touch.

The Australian stamp artfully captured the nation’s landscape, complete with palm trees, mountain ranges, and a quintessential pint of beer. However, alongside the beer, there was an unexpected addition – a giant spider. While it’s not entirely inaccurate, the juxtaposition of this eight-legged creature with the picturesque scenery created a humorous contrast.

Other stamps painted equally vivid pictures of their respective countries. Italy’s stamp featured a beautiful vineyard and a bottle of red wine, while Greece’s showcased the famous blue-domed churches of Santorini. China’s stamp appropriately featured a rare giant panda, bamboo, and a cup of Chinese tea. The US stamp depicted America’s sports culture along with the national flag, and Spain’s stamp showcased the allure of balmy Spanish summer days with images of tapas and fresh seafood.

InsureAndGo used ChatGPT and Mid Journey AI software to create these unique postage stamps based on the insights gathered from their survey. The company’s intention was not only to amuse but also to inspire a resurgence of the art of sending postcards, which, in the digital age, has become a somewhat forgotten tradition.

The AI-designed stamps offer a lighthearted yet insightful glimpse into the way travelers perceive different countries, proving that travel can be as much about humor and quirks as it is about landscapes and culture.

SXSW Sydney, the largest innovation, gaming, music, culture and screen event of Asia Pacific region has been recently introduced at International Convention Centre Sydney, handled by ASM Global. At the Opening Night film premiere of the SXSW Sydney Screen Festival at the Royal Hotel, thousands of patrons were welcomed followed by a gorgeous party arranged in Tumbalong Park, before the astonishing line-up of events schedules across the venue.

From 15-22 October, 2023, the anchor venue for the inaugural SXSW Sydney to be taken place, ICC Sydney is home to the SXSW Sydney Conference, presenting more than 400 panels, presentations, workshops and mentor sessions with inspirational thinkers and transformative leaders across numerous content pillars.

In keynote presentations, speakers like Chance the Rapper, Nicole Kidman, Amy Webb, AI expert, Charlie Brooker, Black Mirror creator and games luminaries Amy and Mike Morhaime. The SXSW Sydney Tech & Innovation Expo will display ground-breaking tech, entertainment and games companies all over the Asia Pacific region, together with the SXSW Sydney Pitch competition for the SXSW Sydney Games Festival and startups.

Building on its standing as the choice of venue for global film industry premieres, the SXSW Sydney Screen Festival’s program of TV, film, digital, XR and social content showcases.

Today Newcastle will turn into a destination of choice for the regional tourism industry with over 230 representatives from all over the country exploring the city for their annual conference.

To attain the highly-coveted 2023 Australian Regional Tourism convention, the City of Newcastle competed against 30 other destinations, which will be organized at City Hall. It would start from 10 th Oct i.e., today and continue till 12 th October.

In Newcastle this month, it’s one of 11 large-scale business events being organized which will witness over 2800 delegates provide more than $3.5 million into the local economy.

Besides, $9 million windfall is anticipated as a result of the forthcoming visit by Paul McCartney, the global music icon, this month October is shaping up to bring an important financial boom, thanks to the strategic partnerships of City of Newcastle.

Nuatali Nelmes, Lord Mayor, said that the evolution of Newcastle into a destination of choice for major events markets and business, was gaining rewards for the local economy.

The main business tourism and events are the important elements of City of Newcastle’s Destination Management Plan, as the main drivers of the domestic visitor economy, Cr Nelmes explained. Newcastle provides broad plea as a host destination for large-scale business event.