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Australian Regional Tourism

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ART is the peak national body representing #regionaltourism in 🇦🇺.

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In an increasingly unpredictable economic environment, regional tourism leaders must navigate rising costs, shifting visitor demand and unexpected challenges while maintaining confidence and momentum across their destinations.

Our Convention panelists, Danial Rochford, Tourism Central Australia; Holly Wyatt, Fluerieu Peninsula Tourism and Hon. John Pandazopoulos, Tourism Midwest Victoria, will explore the realities of leading through uncertainty, sharing practical insights into crisis management, resilience and strategic decision-making.

Tickets are still available - https://regionaltourism.com.au/convention/ by @australiantourism

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8 days ago

"Now, this is where you’re going! 😍

Busselton, often referred to as the gateway to the @margaretriver region in Australia's South West, is at the heart of your experience during the @australiantourism convention.

This region has a smorgasbord to offer, from caves, coastlines, wildlife and wildflowers to plenty of restaurants, breweries, wineries and experiences right at your doorstep.

Whether you’re here for a day, the full convention, or longer, there’s plenty to fill your itinerary. Head to @margaretriver to start planning, and when you arrive, pop into the Visitor Centre in Busselton and Margaret River for more local tips on how to make the most of your stay.

📍Busselton, in @westernaustralia

📸 @timcampbellphoto, Western Australia @lukelattyphoto + @maxzappas " by @australiantourism

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2 months ago

In regional tourism, there often isn’t another department to hand the problem to.

The role has expanded well beyond great marketing these days. Leaders are navigating advocacy, stakeholders, investment attraction, government relations, operations, economic development and more, often with relatively small teams and minimal resources.

As tourism leader and ART Convention 2026 MC Felicia Mariani puts it simply:

“There’s nowhere to hide in small organisations. Every problem becomes yours, and everyone expects you to be an expert at everything.”

Her answer isn’t to try to know everything.

It’s to get good at triaging. Know what demands attention now, what can wait and when to bring in someone with expertise you don’t have.

That extends to the people you hire, too. Felicia recalls interviewing a candidate whose depth of knowledge and experience in the field was seen as somewhat intimidating by some members of the panel. So much so, that one member commented they found the interview a bit “scary”.

Felicia’s response?

“Yep, that’s why we’re going to hire that person.”

Felicia is the first voice in ‘Leadership looks different here’, our four-part series exploring what leadership means for regional tourism in 2026.

Read Felicia’s interview and explore the conversations continuing at the ART Convention 2026 in Busselton: https://regionaltourism.com.au/art-convention-2026-leadership-series-how-do-you-lead-when-every-problem-lands-on-your-desk/ by @australiantourism

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2 months ago

Elissa Keenan is the CEO of Ecotourism Australia, and with her team, they support over 2500 certified tourism operators, tours, accommodation and attractions and 15 certified destinations across Australia, who are committed to protecting our natural environment, promoting our culture and heritage, and implementing global best practice sustainable tourism practices.

Elissa will be presenting at the 2026 ART Convention on the topic of Turning Climate Leadership into Regional Tourism Value. This presentation will share the first insights from Ecotourism Australia's forthcoming Climate Leadership research.

The session will introduce a practical framework that brings together emissions reduction, climate adaptation, nature protection, cultural stewardship, social impact and credible sustainability into a clear tourism value proposition. It will also highlight a new Sustainable Tourism Reputation Index, giving destinations a practical way to understand how sustainability influences reputation, visitor choice and global competitiveness.

To find out more about Convention, and book your seat, visit https://regionaltourism.com.au/convention/

#ARTC26 by @australiantourism

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2 months ago

Across the ART Convention, you’ll have opportunities to experience more of the region through optional delegate famils including:
- Sunset drinks and an exclusive after-hours Jetty experience
- Nocturnal wildlife touring
- Sunrise meditation and yoga at the Underwater Observatory
- A guided Busselton Jetty tour including behind-the-scenes at the chocolate shop
- A Wadandi-led Ngilgi Cave tour
- An agritourism showcase through the Margaret River region

The official famil day is Friday 23 October, with selected experiences also available around the main convention program. It’s a chance to go deeper into the host region, see local tourism experiences first-hand and connect the convention conversations with the destination around you.

Find out more here - https://regionaltourism.com.au/convention-famils/

#ARTC26 Australia's South West Tourism Western Australia Margaret River Busselton Tourism Association @rdasouthwest @businesseventsperth @citybusselton by @australiantourism

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3 months ago

Western Australia...it's been a while.

The last ART Convention was held in Margaret River in 2013, so we are well overdue for a visit. We're on the countdown (less than 100 days to go) and can't wait to explore Australia's South West during the 2026 Convention.

Mark 20-23 in your calendars and don't forget to register - https://regionaltourism.com.au/convention/

#ARTC26 Tourism Western Australia Margaret River Busselton Tourism Association @citybusselton @businesseventsperth RDA South West #facetinc by @australiantourism

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3 months ago

This year's Convention will be held at Australia's newest convention centre and performing arts venue - Saltwater Busselton

This modern, multi-purpose venue has been designed to host business events, entertainment and exhibitions over three levels of innovation.

Situated in the CBD, Saltwater is just a short stroll from the iconic Busselton Jetty and the Foreshore Precinct’s premium accommodation, restaurants, bars and attractions.

Saltwater officially opened its doors in May and ART is thrilled to be one of the first business events to be hosted here.

Convention early bird registrations are open until 10 July - https://regionaltourism.com.au/convention/

#ARTC26 by @australiantourism

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4 months ago

We’re thrilled to announce Felicia Mariani (GAICD) as the MC for the 2026 Convention in Australia's South West from 20-23 October.

Felicia has had an accomplished career in the tourism and events sector across both the USA and Australia, commencing her Australian career in Melbourne in the early 90’s with Tourism Victoria. Since then, she’s held C-suite executive roles in the sector across Australia, leading significant transformational projects. Felicia was most recently the CEO of the Victoria Tourism Industry Council (VTIC), which she departed in 2025 to take up a portfolio career. Felicia is a Non-Executive Director on the Boards of Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, RSPCA Tasmania, Food + Drink Victoria, and Chair of the Committee for Ballarat.

You can find out more about Convention and book your tickets here https://regionaltourism.com.au/convention/

#ARTC26 @businesseventsperth Saltwater Busselton @citybusselton Margaret River Busselton Tourism Association @rdasouthwest @facetincwa by @australiantourism

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5 months ago

Hipcamp Australia helps millions of campers sleep under the stars, while supporting regional economies, rural hosts, and farmers along the way.

By making hosting simple and accessible, Hipcamp connects travellers with unique farm stays and low-impact camping experiences, helping regional hosts diversify their income and grow their local visitor economy.

In 2024 alone, Hipcamp is estimated to have contributed over $52 million to the Australian regional economy through farm and agricultural camping bookings – a 35% increase from the previous year. Hipcamp plays an important role in driving regional tourism while supporting farmers with diverse income streams.

As a Silver Sponsor, @hipcampau was thrilled to support the 2025 Australian Agritourism Forum and looks forward to continuing our work with government and industry partners to ensure farmers are supported through Agritourism opportunities. Find out more - https://www.hipcamp.com/en-AU #ARTC25 by @australiantourism

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a year ago

It's been 10 years since we last held the ART Convention in South Australia.

We can’t wait to head back this week, this time in the Adelaide Hills!

Take a look at the fun from 2015 in the Fleurieu Peninsula...were you there?

Visit Adelaide Hills South Australian Tourism Commission #ARTC25 by @australiantourism

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a year ago

A message from our host partners, South Australian Tourism Commission ahead of the 2025 ART Convention next week:

"We’re thrilled to welcome you to the Australian Regional Tourism Conference in the stunning Adelaide Hills. While you’re here, why not take a moment to explore one of the region’s highlights, the township of Hahndorf.

Just a short drive from Adelaide, Hahndorf is full of charm, culture, and delicious experiences. Stroll its heritage streets, discover unique boutiques and galleries, and indulge in authentic German treats – from pretzels to strudels – paired with exceptional local wines.

It’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy the region, and soak in the scenery.

For ideas on what to see and do while you’re in town, check out our ultimate guide to Hahndorf https://southaustralia.com/guides/the-ultimate-guide-to-hahndorf?utm_source=chatgpt.comor download the Hahndorf Digital Guidebook https://www.visitadelaidehills.com.au/hahndorf"

From all of us at the South Australian Tourism Commission.
#ARTC25 by @australiantourism

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a year ago

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a year ago