On Friday 15 March 2024, the Australian Tourism Industry Council proudly hosted the inaugural Talking Tourism Business Forum in conjunction with the NT Government and Tourism NT.

Australian tourism business were welcomed to the inaugural Talking Tourism Business Forum on Friday 15 March, in Darwin. The forum, delivered by the Australian Tourism Industry Council, brought together representatives from across Australia to engage in a day of peer-to-peer learning and development.

Senator the Hon. Don Farrell delivered the official Welcome for the event, and delegates heard the stories, triumphs, and learnings from a range of speakers covering a range of topics including the Journey to Inclusivity – Inclusive and Accessible Tourism, Digital Best Practices and Leveraging your Success.

A particular highlight of the forum was the national launch of the Tourism Emissions Reduction program, with delegates being presented with an introduction to this exciting new addition to the Quality Tourism Framework.

The Journey to Inclusivity – Inclusive and Accessible Tourism session was presented by Annabel Curtain of Katherine Outback Experience, Dane Cross of Sporting Wheelies, and Tara MacLeod of Adelaide Fringe. These speakers shared key insights on how businesses can take steps to be more accessible and inclusive, from both a lived experience and a small tourism businesses perspective.

Despina Karatzias of the Institute of Excellence, Avril Carter of Shiji ReviewPro, and Kristy Bailey of Swan River Seaplanes presented the Digital Best Practices session. The speakers shared how the digital space can be safely utilised by tourism operators to improve their business growth and reach potential visitors. Despina and Avril drew attention to some impactful statistics and key actions, with Kristy delivering an insightful look at the customer journey and how online reviews play a key role in growing a business. 

For the final session of the day, Leveraging your Success, delegates heard from Anita Kane of Visit Mandurah, Simon Currant AM of Simon Currant & Associates, and Julie Telford of Red Cat Adventures. Each spoke about how showcasing and leveraging business success and achievements like accreditations and awards, can strengthen efforts to attract and retain visitors, improve a business’ reputation and more.  

The day was closed out by keynote presenter, Stuart Gregor, co-founder of Four Pillars, who delighted delegates with the story of how a homegrown Australian Gin brand was cultivated into a world-wide success.

Overall, the Talking Tourism Business Forum was an incredible day filled with valuable learning and networking opportunities.

We are looking forward to next year’s event in Adelaide, South Australia.

If you are interested in speaking at next year’s Business Forum, please complete this Expression of Interest form.