Media release

Tourism Australia has launched a local version of its award-winning international Aussie Specialist Program, providing a free online training resource for frontline travel sellers in Australia.

The Aussie Specialist online program has been designed to equip agents with relevant, up-to-date information and showcase new regions, destinations and experiences within Australia. The program offers interactive training modules, itinerary suggestions, fact sheets, the latest industry news and monthly email updates covering what’s new in Australian tourism.

Tourism Australia Managing Director Phillipa Harrison said a key objective in launching the program was to help agents sell Australian tourism experiences during these challenging times and introduce domestic travellers to destinations and experiences they might be less familiar with.

“Domestic overnight travel is a major contributor to Australia’s visitor economy, worth more than $80 billion annually and as travel restrictions are eased it will play an important role in helping tourism businesses and communities to get back on their feet before we can begin welcoming international visitors again,” Ms Harrison said.

“As domestic travel restrictions will be gradually lifted before international travel restrictions are, our focus will start with domestic travel, where we’ll be strongly encouraging Australians to holiday here in Australia this year.

“We know that Australians also spent almost $65 billion in overseas holidays last year so if we are able to encourage them to spend some of their holiday dollars in Australian instead, it will really help our tourism industry on its road to recovery – and travel agents will have an important role to play in this.

“Alongside the great work of the states and territories, the Aussie Specialist Program will equip frontline sellers with updated destination information and news to encourage Aussie travellers to explore the many great destinations and tourism experiences that Australia has to offer,” she said.

Australian-based agents are encouraged to register and qualify as Aussie Specialists by 22 June 2020 and email us at aussiespecialist@tourism.australia.com with their favourite Australian holiday photo for a chance to win one of 20 Aussie care packs. For further details visit www.aussiespecialist.com/aussielaunch.

About the Aussie Specialist Program

The Aussie Specialist Program is an award-winning training program that provides frontline travel sellers from around the globe with the knowledge and skills to best sell Australia and is supported by all State & Territory tourism partners. It is available in 11 languages across 15 key markets and currently includes over 26,000 qualified Aussie Specialists worldwide. Further information is available at: www.tourism.australia.com/aussiespecialist.