VisitBritain set to host first travel trade mission to Australia since 2016

The best of destination Britain will be on show this September as Britain’s national tourism agency VisitBritain gears up to host its first travel trade mission to Australia since 2016. Led by VisitBritain Chairman Nick de Bois, the mission will bring together 35 British suppliers for a week-long roadshow across Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane from 9-to-13 September 2024.

Across the five-day mission, Australian travel buyers and agents will have the chance to connect with leading British tourism suppliers to learn about the latest products and innovations on offer from across Britain’s tourism industry. Buyers will be able to participate in one-to-one business appointments during the day, whilst in the evenings, travel agent training and networking events will take place.

“I am delighted to be leading VisitBritain’s first travel trade mission to Australia in nearly a decade. As the UK’s fourth most valuable visitor market and following record-breaking results in 2023, this mission provides a timely opportunity for British travel suppliers and destinations to get their tourism products and services in front of top Australian buyers and explore new business opportunities,” VisitBritain Chairman Nick de Bois CBE, said.

“The mission also marks my first visit to Australia as Chairman and I am looking forward to connecting with the Australian travel trade and hearing first-hand how we can continue to support the industry, converting increasing demand into bookings and inspiring travellers to explore more of Britain year-round.”

The British suppliers, many of whom are visiting Australia for the first time, include hotels, visitor attractions, destination management companies as well as tour and sightseeing operators. From Alnwick Castle in England’s North East, Liverpool Football Club Experiences, Historic Royal Palaces and ABBA Voyage in London to VisitScotland, Visit Birmingham & The West Midlands, Visit West (Bath & Bristol), Visit Lake District, Cumbria and Experience Oxfordshire, the Australian travel trade industry will have a chance to hear from a variety of British suppliers spanning the length and breadth of the nations and regions.

VisitBritain’s latest estimates show Australians are forecast to spend a record £1.7 billion on their trips across the UK this year. The number of Australian visits to the UK has also been reaching historic highs. There were a record 1.2 million visits from Australia to the UK in 2023, up 10% on 2019.

For more information on the upcoming VisitBritain travel trade mission, including the schedule of events and registration details, please see below.

Schedule for Sydney, Melbourne & Brisbane:

Monday, 9 September 2024 | Sydney

Location: Sofitel Sydney Wentworth

09:00 – 14:00: Product manager workshops (1:1 buyer appointments)

Tuesday, 10 September 2024 | Sydney

Location: Sofitel Sydney Wentworth

09:00 – 14:00: Product manager workshops (1:1 buyer appointments)

17:30 – 22:00: Travel agent & advisors training

Wednesday, 11 September 2024 | Melbourne

Location: W Melbourne

12:00 – 17:00: Product manager workshops (1:1 buyer appointments)