Australia & New Zealand
Adventure Tourism Awards & Conference

THE INDUSTRY’S BIGGEST CELEBRATION! 
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Join us on the Gold Coast for two unforgettable days of connection, inspiration, and celebration as we bring together the brightest minds, boldest businesses, and most passionate people from across Australia’s and New Zealand’s youth and adventure tourism sector.

Hosted by Adventure Queensland, the Adventure Tourism Awards & Conference is the industry’s leading event—bringing together tour operators, travel agents, hostels, attractions, tourism professionals, and industry leaders to connect, learn, collaborate, and celebrate excellence.

From thought-provoking speakers and industry insights to valuable networking opportunities and a gala evening recognising the sector’s outstanding achievements, this is where the youth and adventure tourism industry comes together.

Whether you’re looking to grow your business, discover new opportunities, recognise your team’s achievements, or simply reconnect with industry friends, this is an event not to be missed.

Wednesday 21 October

Welcome Networking Night

Kick off the festivities with an evening of relaxed networking, drinks, and great conversations.

Reconnect with old friends, make valuable new connections, and set the stage for an exciting day of collaboration and celebration.

Thursday 22 October

Adventure Tourism Conference

Be inspired by industry leaders, innovators, and change-makers as we explore the future of youth and adventure tourism.

Featuring keynote speakers, panel discussions, case studies, and practical insights, the conference will cover:

  • Emerging tourism trends and market insights

  • Technology, AI, and digital innovation

  • Regenerative and responsible tourism

  • Marketing, distribution, and growth strategies

  • Industry challenges and opportunities

Leave with fresh ideas, valuable connections, and practical takeaways to help your business thrive.

Thursday 22 October

Adventure Tourism Awards Gala Dinner

As the sun sets, the spotlight turns to the industry’s most outstanding operators, experiences, teams, and individuals.

The Adventure Tourism Awards celebrate the passion, innovation, resilience, and excellence that make our sector so special.

Join us for an unforgettable evening of recognition, entertainment, networking, and celebration as we honour the businesses and people shaping the future of youth and adventure tourism.

Dress to impress and prepare to celebrate the very best our industry has to offer.

Enter the Awards

Does your business deserve recognition?

Each year, adventure tour operators, hostels, travel agents, attractions, transport providers, and tourism professionals from across Australia and New Zealand enter the Adventure Tourism Awards to showcase their achievements and celebrate their success.

Whether you’re an emerging business making waves, a sustainability champion, an industry innovator, or a long-standing leader, this is your opportunity to be recognised on a national stage.

Step into a world of glitz, glamour, and intrigue as we celebrate the very best our industry has to offer. This year’s 007-themed Adventure Tourism Awards Night promises an unforgettable evening of recognition, entertainment, and celebration.

So channel your inner Bond, bring your best black-tie style, and join us for a spectacular night honouring the outstanding businesses and individuals shaping the future of youth and adventure tourism.

Become a Sponsor

Position your brand alongside the leaders, innovators, and decision-makers driving the future of youth and adventure tourism.

Sponsorship offers a unique opportunity to:

  • Showcase your brand to a highly engaged industry audience

  • Build relationships with operators and decision-makers

  • Demonstrate your commitment to the growth of the tourism sector

  • Generate valuable exposure before, during, and after the event

  • Support the recognition and development of our industry’s best talent

Together, we can build a stronger, more connected future for youth and adventure tourism.

Testimonials

“We are delighted to once again be bringing the Adventure Tourism Awards and Youth Tourism Conference to the Gold Coast. After tremendous feedback on the event last year it’s hugely exciting to once again showcase the incredible range of business that support and champion our sector, and the regions they represent. With an exciting lineup of speakers to be announced soon and what promises to be our largest awards ever in terms of attendees and nominations, our industry’s showpiece event continues to grow, not only celebrating our sector but collaborating on the challenges we all face.”

2025 ~ Tommy Leiper / Vice Chair of AQ

“There’s nothing like the Adventure Tourism Awards and Youth Tourism Conference to bring our industry together—and the Adventure Queensland Board supported by our industry partners always deliver. With Working Holiday Maker arrivals hitting their highest levels, it’s time to shift gears and look into the future. This event is our chance to keep pushing our industry forward, recognise who’s leading the way and celebrate what’s possible.”

Peta Zietsch / Chairperson Backpacker & Youth Tourism Advisory Panel (BYTAP)

2026 EVENT SPONSORS

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Allsopp Bunting Insurance Logo
Bmlogoau

proudly supported by industry

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Youth Tourism Victoria Logo
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