Sydney, Australia – The third annual TravMedia Summit Australia presented in partnership with Tourism Australia brought together over 200 media and travel industry thought leaders at an opportune time as Australia prepares to welcome international inbound visitor arrivals next week.

Nick Wayland, CEO and Founder of TravMedia said "I am thrilled to be back together with so many of Australia's top travel media and global travel and tourism brands.  After a difficult two years for our industry, it is great to reconnect face-to-face to celebrate our tenth anniversary of IMM.  The panellists were the best we have ever had, sparking numerous conversations and opportunities for stories."

The day kicked off with a panel teaching how to send The Perfect Pitch, with pertinent industry tips and tricks shared by Kelli Armstrong, Managing Editor, ESCAPE; Rob McFarland, Freelance Travel Writer for Australia and New Zealand's leading newspapers and magazines; Michael Turtle, a leading Australian Travel Blogger; and Natasha Dragun, Editor, Vacations & Travel.   

Sarah Anderson, a well-respected thought leader in sustainable tourism, led a thought-provoking panel discussion on trends dominating sustainable tourism in 2022, including priorities for destinations, tourism businesses, residents and visitors. Talking to the topic, she was joined by Mark Olsen, CEO, Tourism Tropical North Queensland; Penny Rafferty, Executive Officer, Luxury Lodges; and Lee Tulloch, representing the media and 'Traveller' perspective on this important topic.   

We were thrilled to hear from Keynote Speaker, Ita Buttrose AC OBE, legendary media trailblazer, businesswoman, best-selling author and former Australian of the Year. She shared insights with the audience which reinforced the perseverance and resilience of our industry.

The Slam with Travel Editors Panel saw Fiona Carruthers, Travel Editor & Journalist of The Australian Financial Review; Jana Frawley, Content Director, ESCAPE; Craig Platt, Managing Editor, traveller.com.au; and Ellie Cobb, Senior Journalist at BBC share key insights on their respective outlets and issues affecting our industry.

The Destination Panel was presented by Michael Branagh, Group Executive - Global Marketing, Tourism & Events Queensland; Susan Coghill, Chief Marketing Officer, Tourism Australia; and Andrew Waddel, General Manager Australia, Tourism New Zealand. They addressed reopening to the world and customer trends shaping the future of travel.

We wrapped up the day with a PR Panel including Jill Collins, Managing Director, Barking Owl Communications; Karena Noble, Communications Manager, Event Hospitality and Entertainment; and Emma Sturgiss, Head of Global PR for Tourism Australia. They addressed the Covid recovery, borders reopening and the future outlook for our industry.

The Summit concluded with Networking Drinks hosted by Tourism Australia.

The TravMedia Summit brings together the industry's most influential leaders, editors and travel writers, to inspire ideas, share insights, and discuss the trends and challenges affecting our industry.

TravMedia's IMM is the leading travel industry event for travel brands and destinations to connect with the media. Upcoming 2022 International Media Marketplace events include IMM Germany in Berlin March 8; IMM UK in London on March 14 and 15; the fourth annual IMM France in Paris on March 16; the sixth annual IMM Asia in October 2022.

TravMedia provides travel news feeds in Australia, Asia, Brazil, Canada, China, Europe (Germany/Switzerland/Austria), U.K., U.S.A, Middle East, New Zealand, and South Africa. TravMedia is also a proud supporter of the Australian Society of Travel Writers, the British Guild of Travel Writers and the Society of American Travel Writers' annual convention.

Registration for The TravMedia Summit and IMM Australia 2023 opens July 1, 2022.

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For more information and registration for IMM 2022/23 events visit www.travmedia.com/imm or email immaus@travmedia.com. To arrange an interview or for additional information about upcoming events, please contact Julie Ott at julie.ott@travmedia.com.