ATIA unveils slew of new initiatives set to reshape Australian travel sector

The Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) has announced a series of ground-breaking initiatives set to reshape Australia’s travel sector at the inaugural Beyond Borders Summit in Sydney. These key changes, introduced under the banner of Project A30, represent a comprehensive overhaul of the industry with a focus on long-term growth, innovation, and sustainability.

“The initiatives announced today are the result of three years of diligent work by the ATIA Board and Executive team and mark the start of a key realignment of this organisation," ATIA chair, Christian Hunter said.

Tasmania Walking Company has unveiled a world-first five-day fully guided walk inside the grounds of the World-Heritage listed Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park.

Developed in consultation with Anangu Traditional Owners, the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Board of Management and Parks Australia, the all-inclusive experience unites two of the world's greatest natural wonders, Uluru and Kata Tjuta.

Territory, Netflix's latest Aussie drama in collaboration with NT Government, is a visually stunning contemporary Western that gives Kevin Costner’s Yellowstone a run for its money, writes Kelly Malkin .

The six-part series does a brilliant job of using the natural environment as more than just a backdrop. The Northern Territory's vast and iconic locations like Kakadu National Park, Litchfield National Park and Berry Springs come alive on screen, making Territory not only a dramatic story, but a visual love letter to Australia’s unique landscapes.

Hotel X has reinforced its position as a cultural leader in Brisbane thanks to a new partnership with Australian of the Year Dylan Alcott OAM 's Ability Fest.

Ability Fest will take place in Brisbane for the first time on Saturday 26 October promising an unforgettable day of music, food and festival vibes with Ocean Alley, Cub Sport, King Stingray, Bag Raiders, Kita Alexander and Jordan Brando.

Sydney’s iconic Sofitel Sydney Wentworth today unveiled its $70 million refurbishment, a transformation that ushers in a new era of French-inspired luxury and grandeur.

Slated for November, the renovation brings fresh life to the hotel’s storied past, just in time to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee of the Sofitel brand’s global presence, commemorating 60 years of embodying French art de vivre.

The beach-side suburb of Bokarina has welcomed new accommodations and restaurants, helping it transform into a Sunshine Coast hotspot.

Known during the early 1970s as “Shangri-la”, Bokarina Beach’s attractions have increased in recent years with three new luxury holiday accommodation options and an emerging dining scene.

Today, Sydney Airport hosted a multi-agency emergency management exercise scenario with 11 agencies and 200 personnel to test the response procedures as part of a simulated flight disaster scenario.

More than six months’ in the planning, the emergency management exercise scenario involved an international flight on a Boeing 737-800 arriving from South-East Asia with 150 passengers on board which crashed on landing, resulting in numerous injuries and one fatality.

Malaysia’s community tourism initiatives offer visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the country’s rich natural heritage while contributing to conservation efforts and supporting local communities. From the crystal-clear waters of Sabah to the lush rainforests of Sarawak, these experiences provide an opportunity to connect with wildlife and help preserve the country’s biodiversity.

We’ve picked out some standout community-based tourism projects across Malaysia that every community-minded traveller will love!