After delays caused by Cyclone Alfred earlier this year, the Southern Great Barrier Reef Roadshow 2.0 rolled into Brisbane and the Gold Coast on 9 and 10 June, reconnecting 13 passionate operators from across the region with more than 25 handpicked tourism buyers from Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria.
The two-day event featured a dynamic schedule of pre-booked one-on-one appointments and relaxed networking sessions, with a renewed focus on building trade relationships and driving conversion-ready outcomes.
With over 250 business-to-business appointments held across two days, the event offered a high-impact platform for Southern Great Barrier Reef (SGBR) operators to build relationships with key trade decision-makers.
From reef islands to cultural tours, marine science to boutique farm stays, participating businesses showcased the region’s unique and uncrowded offerings to retail agents, brokers, wholesalers, inbound tour operators and product managers - many of whom travelled interstate to attend.
“Conversion is critical in any business marketing strategy,” said Loni Hammond, Industry and Trade Development Executive at Bundaberg Tourism. “These events put our trade-ready members in direct contact with the people who can help get their product onto shelves and into itineraries - both here and overseas.”
This year’s roadshow also welcomed several new products to the Southern Great Barrier Reef trade landscape, including Monsoon Aquatics, Travellers Rest 1770, Mantra/Peppers Gladstone, and Turtle Sands Resort, all drawing strong interest from buyers seeking fresh, authentic experiences to package for domestic and international audiences.
National buyers looking for experiences to sell to their clientele included Ann-Marie Kerry, Product Manager of Luxury Escapes, commenting “The SGBR Roadshow was a great opportunity to get a deeper understanding of what is on offering across the Southern Great Barrier Reef destination and to identify opportunities to work more closely with the Regional Tourism Office on growing the destinations product portfolio and destination awareness.”
Experienced operator Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort off Bundaberg found the event valuable to connect with key distribution partners “Lady Elliot attends a multitude of events across the year, the SGBR Roadshow however always provides the most value and highest quality and relevance of buyers. Bundaberg Tourism continues to provide exceptional value for our membership, and we look forward to continuing our partnership to grow the Southern Great Barrier Reef destination.” Vicki Mullins, Sales & Marketing Manager.
Whilst Bundaberg Tourism invested in human resources, event promotion, and appointment scheduling, the attending operators fully funded the event and their participation. This collaborative approach underscores a shared commitment to elevating the Southern Great Barrier Reef’s presence
in trade channels. The operators’ dedication not only drives business growth but also builds credibility and trust with buyers seeking reliable, invested partners.
Attending SGBR Roadshow Operators:
For media information please contact:
Katherine Reid | CEO, Bundaberg Tourism
P 0429 681 770 | E Katherine.reid@bundabergregion.org
