Anna Burgdorf is responsible for the brand management, marketing strategy and communications for the luxury leisure division of Australia’s largest travel business, Flight Centre Travel Group. Under the banner of The Luxury Travel Collection, the division includes boutique luxury Travel Associates brands in AU & NZ, as well as the ultra-Luxury Scott Dunn in the USA, UK and Singapore.

Prior to FCTG, Anna spent two decades as Marketing & Communications Director of German luxury automotive brand, Audi.

Anna Guillan has a respected board and executive career in tourism sales and marketing which spans over 25 years with demonstrated leadership in hotel and resorts, brand development, strategic planning, marketing, and distribution.

Anna currently serves on the board of Destination NSW; Hammons Holdings; the Regional Growth NSW Development Corporation; and she is also Chair of Regional Development Australia (Sydney). Her previous tourism board positions include Deputy Chair Tourism Australia, the Australian Tourism Export Council, and Tourism & Events Queensland.

Anna was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for significant service to the Australian tourism industry, and to the community through support for social welfare and health organisations.

Anthony Goldman is the Joint Managing Director of Goldman Travel Group. After starting his career in travel, Anthony left the family business and forged a successful 20-year career in advertising and marketing. Anthony worked for several global organisations, including J Walter Thompson, Leo Burnett and Village Roadshow.

In 2012, Anthony joined his father, Tom, and brother, David, and embarked on an expansion program for Goldman Travel Group. Travel has always been in his blood, and the Goldman family is synonymous with travel in Australia. As third generation travel professionals, the Goldmans are at the forefront of travel advisory – with a mix of businesses in the corporate, leisure and cruise sectors, including Goldman Travel, Travelcall, The Cruise Centre by Travelcall and Smartflyer Australia.

Anthony is currently Chair of the Global Virtuoso Member Advisory Board, the first non-US member to hold this position, and is a Board Director of Link Travel Group.

Brent Wallace is an awarded Virtuoso Travel Advisor, Director of SmartFlyer Australia and leading travel influencer known for his exceptional knowledge, personal insider access and passion for luxury travel. With over fifteen years of experience in the travel industry, Brent has established himself as a trusted advisor to high-end travellers seeking unforgettable experiences around the globe.

His keen eye for detail and unwavering commitment to providing unparalleled service has earned him a loyal following of clients who trust him to curate their dream travel adventures with style and sophistication. As a travel influencer, Brent uses his social media platforms to share his personal travels and behind-the-scenes travel intel with his engaged audience of travel enthusiasts.

Brett Jardine, Managing Director of the Council of Australian Tour Operators (CATO)

Brett has over three decades of experience across the travel industry and since 2017, has overseen the transformation of CATO, a 23-year-old industry body that is the voice of the land-supply sector representing Australian tour operators and wholesalers.

Prior to his current role, Brett was at the helm of the Australasian office of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) from 2007 to 2017 during a period of significant and sustained growth for the cruise industry.

David Hosking is a lifetime travel industry leader, serving as the CEO in one of the largest private global Tourism businesses. The Travel Corporation (TTC) operates over 40 award-winning travel and hospitality brands that span across 70 countries. Family-owned and run since 1920, TTC is the world leader in immersive travel experiences.

Dayana Brooke is a travel industry expert with over two decades of experience. However, her passion for sustainability and being an environmentalist truly sets her apart. As the founder of The Sustainable Traveller, she dedicates her energy and passion to advocating for travel experiences that prioritise the natural environments, communities, and low carbon emissions.

With a Masters in Sustainability and extensive knowledge of the impact of travel on the planet, Dayana helps businesses to take action by adopting simple yet effective measures, setting achievable goals to reduce emissions, and embracing innovation for positive changes.

Desmond Campbell (Jangala/Gojok) is a proud Gurindji and Ngalakan/Alawa man who has a deep passion and wealth of experience working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and organisations to achieve control and self-determination for First Nations communities as a whole.

As CEO of Welcome to Country Desmond has become a leading voice in the Indigenous Tourism Industry. In the first 6 months of his tenure as CEO he has travelled and spoken extensively to key stakeholders; Desmond has spoken at Tourism Australia’s signature Destination Australia Conference, the Mumbrella Travel Marketing Summit, numerous private corporate events, media engagements and all levels of government. But at the centre of his focus and inspiration as CEO is his commitment to elevating Welcome to Country as a First Nations led social enterprise and in turn its vision for more prosperous First Nations communities through economic opportunity. Welcome to Country currently have over 180 First Nations’ products and experiences listed through their platform and aim to grow there’s substantially.

Dr Claire Ellis is the current Chair of Ecotourism Australia and also a Director of Ingleton Scenery Company (Waterfalls Trail), Yorkshire, UK. She has worked for much of her career in tourism, enjoying its challenges and opportunities. Her varied tourism work includes working in Indonesia mostly with expedition cruise vessels for over 10 years, undertaking research and working as a University lecturer in sustainable tourism, working in State Government around policy and strategy and now working as a consultant. During her time as a Director in Tourism Tasmania she oversaw a number of exciting new projects including growing the capacity of Tasmania’s tourism industry in the digital environment and building the State’s nature-based positioning including projects including the selection and development of the multi-day walk, the Three Capes Track.

Fiona holds over 30 years of travel and tourism experience across the corporate and leisure sectors in the Australian market. Prior positions include CEO for The Travel Corporation Australia, Managing Director for Uniworld Boutique River Cruises in Australia, General Manager, Sales for Qantas Holidays and its associated brands in helloworld, and Associate Director, Global Travel & Supplier Relations for Macquarie Group. More recently, she was appointed General Manager Australia & New Zealand for Virtuoso Travel, the world’s leading community of luxury travel advisors and experiences.

Fiona is active in TIME – the Travel Industry Mentor Experience, as a Mentor and previously as a Board Director. More recently she has been appointed as a Non-Executive Board Director for the NSW tourism region defined as Destination Sydney Surrounds and North.

With more than 25 years’ experience in strategic branding, marketing and media for an array of iconic Australian and global brands—such as Canon, Earth Hour, News Corp’s lifestyle brands, Fairfax Media, Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority, Hong Kong Tourism Board among others, Hayley is deeply passionate about working for purpose-driven companies.
Currently the Chief Marketing Officer of Australian-owned Aurora Expeditions, Hayley is passionate about championing perspective altering experiences that change people’s lives and believes the best outcomes in travel are best achieved with an ongoing commitment to bold, dynamic and active environmental initiatives.

Jinou Park is the founder of Normal . , a hospitality and lifestyle expert in trends forecast, creative concepts and branding development. Jinou brings 20+ years of experience in leading global brands from Disney, Hilton and InterContinenal Hotels. Immediately prior to launching Normal . , Jinou was Asia Pacific leader of Design Hotels AG, hand-selected curation of 300+ privately owned and operated hotels globally.

Jinou was born in Seoul, Korea and has Master’s of Management in Hospitality from Cornell Hotel School, Ithaca, New York.

Jo Palmer is the Founder and Managing Director of tourism marketing and representation agency Gate 7.  

As a long time leader in tourism marketing, Jo has crafted partnerships for travel brands, destinations, entertainment and tourism & hospitality brands across the world for over 25 years, including large scale TV production, advertising campaigns, multi-faceted training programs, influencer content and brand integrations. Her approach to partnerships is inspired by creativity and a mindset of collaboration to find the most mutually beneficial outcomes. 

Joel Katz has led Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Australasia as its Managing Director since 2016 after an extensive career in cruising and hospitality, in the UK, Europe, Central Asia and Australia with Hyatt, Marriott, Conran, and Orion Expedition Cruises.

In his role, Joel heads an Australasia based team that is responsible for the development and promotion of the cruise industry across the region through trade relations, industry training, and advocacy activities on behalf of CLIA’s Cruise Line Members.

He has led the regional organisation through significant growth in membership, and pre-pandemic helped cement the region’s place as one of the fastest growing cruise markets in the world in terms of population penetration.
Through the pandemic, Joel worked closely with cruise line leadership, industry partners, and governments across the region to advocate for a responsible cruise resumption.

After more than 20 years of luxury hospitality experience with some of the world’s most iconic brands, Joleena crossed the fence to join leading PR agency, GHC Asia, in 2019. Her current portfolio comprises critically-acclaimed hotel brands, luxury cruise lines, premium real estate, two of the region’s renowned travel trade shows as well as a bespoke travel designer. With her rare knowledge of hotel operations complemented by strong connections in the tourism industry, Joleena adds a fresh perspective to her strategic counsel that is aligned with the evolving needs of her prestigious clients. A passionate traveller with an insatiable appetite for new travel experiences, Joleena has been vigorously ticking off her Bucket List since Singapore’s border reopened.

Jonica Paramor is the Managing Director and founder of The Unique Tourism Collection in Sydney. A tourism marketing specialist, Jonica started her travel industry career with Qantas in Sales and Marketing and moved on to represent Tahiti Tourisme for 15 years, specializing in luxury tourism managing the PR, Sales and Marketing to grow visitors to the destination. This experience became the foundation for Jonica’s 28 years of working in the luxury travel sector and she has established an impressive reputation in the Australian and New Zealand tourism sector for her success in understanding and building unique and luxury tourism brands and creating successful results-driven campaigns. Jonica is well known to the media and travel trade for her insights, innovation and creative strategic planning and has worked with some of the best luxury travel brands around the world.

Julie King is an entrepreneur and visionary leader, boasting over 37 years of global accomplishments within the hospitality and tourism sectors. Her extensive experience spans diverse roles, from managing luxury hotels in Scotland and Dubai to directing tourism consultancies in Dubai and Australia. Julie’s comprehensive understanding of international tourism enables her to identify and capitalize on key growth opportunities and transformative trends within the industry.

With offices in Sydney and New Zealand, her consultancy firm, Julie King and Associates, has garnered acclaim and awards for its outstanding work. As a result of her extensive experience working with 24 countries, Julie has solidified her reputation as a preeminent authority in the field of tourism and travel.

Katherine Droga is passionate about the transformational effect travel can have for people and the planet. She is founder of several successful global wellness platforms including Well Traveller and Well Traveller TV, Wellness wander and Australia’s premiere wellness industry event the Wellness Tourism Summit and its sister event Wellness Tourism Unearthed. Her consultancy firm, Droga & Co., specialises in wellness and sustainable strategy development for destinations, tourism experiences and events worldwide. Katherine is also proud to be the Chair of the Global Wellness Institute’s Wellness Tourism Initiative, a global think tank and research on wellness travel trends.

Kris has been a wellness advocate since she was 15! She has studied Science, Exercise Physiology, PE and nutrition, and spends her time writing, speaking, and consulting on all things Spa and wellness.

She publishes Spa & Wellness Magazine and online directory (spaandwellness.com.au), inspiring readers to explore wellness in all its forms. Wellness and wellness tourism is a true love, and it is unlikely anyone has visited more wellness retreats around the world than Kris!

Her most recent undertaking is launching the Asia Pacific Spa & Wellness awards giving recognition to people and properties dedicated to improving the lives of others!

As one of Australia’s most trusted and respected food and wine icons, Lyndey was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for her “services to hospitality, particularly to the food and wine industry, and to the community”. With more than four decades of experience, expertise and education, Lyndey is an accomplished author, award-winning celebrity chef, multimedia presenter, host, judge, EmCee, speaker, honoured industry leader, advocate, ambassador and in-demand consultant. Lyndey is also a popular tour host to Puglia, Japan and Morocco and an Enrichment Speaker for Silversea Cruises and P&O Cruises.

Lyndey’s dedication to connecting people is driven by her belief that food, wine and culture are powerful tools for creating meaningful connections. Delivering her engaging events, television shows, industry consulting, impactful advocacy work and proud work in regional Australia, Lyndey’s ultimate goal is for people to experience connection, nourishment, and inspiration through the universality of food.

Lynne Ireland has dedicated her career to launching and marketing inspiring hotels and experiences globally and was at the forefront of developing the luxury boutique hotel niche within the Asia Pacific.

Creating award winning strategies, Lynne is an early adopter and innovator, with an innate understanding of luxury, together with the importance of wellness, community, and sustainability, with first initiatives developed 25 years ago.

Multiple award winner of ‘Brand Management of the Year’ at HM Awards for Excellence, ‘PR Communicator of the Year’ by the ASTW, Lynne also served on the Boards/Advisory of ASTW, IMM, HSMAI and the Bestest Charity.

From facilitating leadership programs for the Young Tourism Network to working towards a swimmable Birrarung / Yarra River by 2030, Matt works with pioneers at the forefront of the Australian and global regenerative business movements. He heads up a purpose-driven, B Corp-certified consultancy in Melbourne which is also recognised as an Actor in the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration. Starting the business at his kitchen table during the famous COVID-19 Lockdown, Matt has swiftly developed a unique practice that focuses on multi-sector collaboration and strategic partnerships that bring together business, ecosystem management and First Nations stakeholders. Recent and current tourism project partners include: Metung Hot Springs, Wild Adventures Melbourne, MovEat Sweden, Natural Habitat Adventures, Destination Phillip Island, Yarra Ranges Tourism, Lardner Park, Bathing Australia, Victorian Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry & Regions, University of Melbourne, Swinburne University of Technology, Regen Melbourne as well as Anna Pollock and The Hive.

With more than 35 years in the travel industry, Melinda has worked in almost every area imaginable. Starting her journey with Qantas Holidays, she travelled the world extensively as an eagle-eyed 20-something. Melinda then relocated to Egypt to escort tour groups for three years through the most exotic parts of the Middle East, including Egypt, Jordan, Israel, Syria and Turkey. On returning to Australia, she became Operations Manager with the world’s leader in luxury, bespoke travel, Abercrombie & Kent. During her five years at A&K Melinda huddled with gorillas in Uganda, discovered palaces in India, trekked to Machu Picchu, cruised to Antarctica and explored the luxury lodges and game parks of Africa. Melinda then had two seasons at the exclusive El Questro in the Kimberley in Western Australia, before deciding to settle on the Sunshine Coast in 2004.

Melinda with brother Stuart, launched Gregor & Lewis Bespoke Travel in 2008. Melinda has travelled extensively to more than 80 countries in the world, including many exotic and exclusive destinations.

Established in Sydney in 1998, Australian interior designer Nic Graham has been celebrated for a variety of hospitality, commercial and high-end residential projects in Australia and Asia-Pacific region. The studio gained its recognition after completing W Hotel in Hong Kong in 2008 and has become a one-of-a-kind Australian interior design company working with international clients as St Regis, Ritz Carlton, Marriott, Intercontinental, W Hotels, Indigo, and more being the only studio in Australia who exclusively designed 12 QT Hotels in Australia and New Zealand, winning international recognition and awards.

Philip Engelberts is the founder and managing director of PEPR Agency, which is currently celebrating its 20th year in business. Over his 25-year career in Australia, Philip has built a reputation as a trusted public relations and communications advisor. Leading a team of eight, specialising in hotels, cruise, destination management and travel distribution, Philip has been awarded communicator of the year by the Australian Society of travel writers multiple times.

Cruise specialist and avid traveller Sally Macmillan has sailed on ships of all sizes and styles across all seven continents, reporting on her many incredible journeys for a range of national and international publications. She has sailed on vessels ranging from a 33-foot yacht in the Indonesian archipelago – before expedition companies deployed ships in the region – to the world’s biggest passenger ship in the Caribbean, and dozens in between.

Personal highlights include expedition cruises to the Canadian Arctic, Antarctica, the Galapagos Islands, West Papua and the New Zealand Subantarctic Islands, uber-luxe river cruises in France and India, and experiencing the high life on just about every prestigious cruise line at sea. “It’s amazing how the cruise industry keeps changing – the latest big trend is for cruises on small, luxury river and oceangoing vessels, and there are enough choices of ships and itineraries to keep the most discerning traveller afloat for years to come.” When she’s not hard at work checking out ships and exotic cruise destinations, Sally enjoys crewing on a small but competitive yacht on Sydney’s Pittwater. As Karen Blixen famously wrote, the cure for anything is salt water.

Sarah Anderson is the founder and managing director of GTI Tourism, an award-winning marketing and PR agency that has delivered campaigns for destinations including Las Vegas, New York, Vanuatu and travel brands such as Marriott International, Avalon Waterways, and Globus. Prior to establishing GTI, Sarah held agency roles in the UK and worked as Marketing Manager for youth brand Contiki and Communications Manager for The Travel Corporation. She is a Graduate Member of the Australian Institute of Company Director (GAICD) and has a Certificate in Sustainable Tourism.

With over forty years of cruise industry experience across the globe, twenty of them in the Asia Pacific region, Odell has held senior management roles for several international contemporary, premium and luxury cruise lines.

He spearheaded the launch of the company’s business in the region and was responsible for the strategic expansion, vision and continued growth of the company’s presence in the fast-growing Asia Pacific markets through his extensive business network in the region.

In 2018 he was named one of Australia’s Top 50 LGBTI Leaders in an initiative led by Deloitte & Google to further develop workplace inclusion and create role models that are inspiring, visible & inclusive.

Sujata Raman has had an impressive career in luxury travel and hospitality in three continents, working in Asia, the Middle East and Australia. In her most recent role as Regional Head for an award-winning luxury travel company, Sujata set up offices across Australia, New Zealand and China.  Her keen eye for genuine luxury, coupled with a deep interest in travel trends, formed the basis of an ever-changing product portfolio and development of innovative travel products. Sujata’s love of the travel has seen her cross the globe, searching out innovative travel experiences for sophisticated travellers desiring real understanding of the wider world.

Susie Westwood is a luxury travel leader and director of The Brandman Agency, Sydney. The agency has offices in New York, Los Angeles and London as well as Sydney and takes a global approach with its prestigious stable of travel, tourism, design and hospitality clients.

Susie’s background encompasses many successful years with the Vogue magazines Australia – Vogue Australia, Vogue Entertaining & Travel and Vogue Living Australia as an editor and writer and additionally in promotional roles, such as director of Public Relations, whilst they were published by The Condé Nast Publications in Australia and following.

Together with Melanie Brandman, Founder and CEO, The Brandman Agency, New York, Susie launched The Brandman Agency Australia in November 2011.

Thushara Liyanarachchi is a name which for many, symbolizes inspiration, diligence & professionalism with warmth. Having joined the Luxury Hotel Group Taj, as a management trainee, twenty-five years ago, Thushara, through her hard work and dedication and an unparalleled zeal to deliver best results in least given time; has risen to Director Global Sales – Australia and New Zealand. Thushara has successfully developed and nurtured relationships with Global consortia’s, Fortune 500 companies, both Federal & State Governments and incentive houses. Her in-depth knowledge and ability to gauge the subtle market changes makes her indispensable in every role and responsibilities at the highest level, both for inbound and outbound businesses out of Australia and New Zealand.

Tracey established Impressions Marketing Communications over two decades ago and has had an extensive and vibrant career in communications.  A Post Graduate Business degree at the beginning of this journey.

Significant results have been generated for all clients across print, broadcast, web, social media and key influencer platforms which have in turn contributed significantly to their business profile, growth and success.

Tracey is a current member of the The Australian Society Of Travel Writers , The Travmedia network and the national PR hub The Social Diary.

Yvonne Verstandig is the founder and Director of Y Travel, Australia’s premier luxury, purpose-led travel agency. With a team of experienced travel advisors, including those from boutique Virtuoso agency Trans World Travel, Yvonne curates hyper-personalized itineraries based on each traveller’s unique ‘travel DNA.’ Unique to Y Travel is Yvonne’s catalogue of eight specific ‘Y Factors’, which she personally developed as a way of categorising travel according to travellers’ different portals of passion. A tangible tool to encourage them to discover their “Travel Why”.

Some of Yvonne’s exceptional achievements include being Virtuoso’s Most Admired Advisor for the APAC region and receiving global nominations for Virtuoso’s ‘Most Innovative Advisor’. Her influential role extends to advisory boards such as Belmond’s and Silversea’s, shaping the industry as a luminary and leader in luxury travel.