You are here
Home > Exclusives > Tourism Australia to launch ASP 2.0 in August 2021

Tourism Australia to launch ASP 2.0 in August 2021

Tourism Australia is gearing up to launch the 2.0 version of its destination specialist program – the Aussie Specialist Program (ASP). Expected to be launched officially by August 2021, the program will have the latest information and product knowledge about Australia as a destination for the post-COVID travel industry. However, as per few international news sites, Australia may not fully reopen its borders for international tourists until the second half of 2022.

Speaking during a select virtual media briefing, Nishant Kashikar, Country Manager – Gulf & India, Tourism Australia said, “ASP is one of the most popular destination training programs among the travel trade in India. We have about 3000 Aussie Specialists in India and over 4000 travel professionals registered for the same. With the 2.0 version, we intend to bring in more in-depth knowledge about the destination with new and unique products for the evolved travelers with a special focus on sustainability and experiences.”

Meanwhile, the 41st edition of Australia’s largest tradeshow, the Australian Tourism Exchange (ATE) was held in Sydney from June 6-9, 2021 followed by ATE Online from June 10-17, 2021. The Indian travel trade partners have responded enthusiastically with the highest ever registrations to the event, participants include companies like MakeMyTrip, Yatra, Thomas Cook, Travel Tours, Pickyourtrail amongst others. India has been the fastest-growing tourism market for Australia, pre-Covid. The Consumer Demand Project research reveals that Australia continues to maintain a strong position in early 2021 ranking number 1 for Consideration and Intention to travel in comparison to key competitors. Australia also remains most associated with all of the factors that are important to Indian High-Value Travellers including nature & wildlife, safety, aquatic and coastal and luxury accommodation. To keep Australia top of mind during the period of travel restrictions, Tourism Australia has undertaken several trade and consumer-driven initiatives highlighting Australia’s unique experiences, destinations, indigenous culture and sustainable tourism products.

Below are a few of the interesting slides shared by Tourism Australia during the virtual meet.

Top