Reef Hits the Road: Two-Day Trade Roadshow Showcases SGBR Tourism Operators

 

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.

SGBR Roadshow 5

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, Travelers 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.”

With connectivity key, long-time partner Queensland Rail sent key representatives to the Brisbane event “As a transport link across the whole Southern Great Barrier Reef it was not only valuable to meet with valued product partners and buyers but to meet firsthand the exciting new product and destination developments across the SGBR region.” Amanda Harvey, Business Development Associate, Queensland Rail.

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:

  • Aldesta Hotels – Heron Island & Wilson Island
  • Central Apartment Group
  • Kellys Beach Resort
  • Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort
  • Mantra/Peppers Gladstone (New Product)
  • Monsoon Aquatics (New Product)
  • Taribelang Bunda Cultural Tours
  • Travelers Rest 1770 (New Product)
  • Turtle Sands (New Product)
  • Splitters Farm
  • Villa Mirasol Motor Inn
  • Queensland Rail Travel

 

ABOUT TOURISM TRADE

Trade distribution is key to expanding your tourism product’s reach. By partnering with agents, wholesalers and inbound operators, local businesses gain access to new markets and audiences they may not reach on their own. Events like the SGBR Roadshow enable operators to build trust with trade partners, translating into long-term booking potential and increased regional exposure.

For more information on Bundaberg Tourism’s trade development programs and the Southern Great Barrier Reef destination, visit: https://www.bundabergregion.org/corporate/development#tourismtrade 
Images: https://platform.crowdriff.com/m/s-q22a4jg_rF6pvVKx

For media information, please contact:
Katherine Reid CEO, Bundaberg Tourism
0429 681 770
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