The City of Greater Bendigo is delighted to be the first regional Victorian city to host the Australian Society of Travel Writers annual Convention, which is taking place from October 30 to November 2 to mark its 50th anniversary.
Presented in collaboration with Destination Greater Bendigo Loddon, Business Events Victoria and the City, the Australian Society of Travel Writers Convention will host a delegation of 90 writers, publishers, editors, photographers and public relations members from across Australia and New Zealand to celebrate this special anniversary milestone.
As this is first time the Australian Society of Travel Writers Convention has been hosted by a Victorian regional city in its 50-year history, the coveted event will showcase the Bendigo Regions reputation as a UNESCO City and Region of Gastronomy and its visitor destination offerings from arts, history and cultural experiences to its unique natural beauty.
Delegates will be welcomed by the Mayor Cr Andrea Metcalf at a welcome opening event of the program at Ulumbarra Theatre.
A two-day program at the Lakeside Hotel will have a host of inspiring panellists and guest speakers, a cocktail function spotlighting local producers and artisans, and the Awards for Excellence gala dinner at Mackenzie Quarters. The convention program will finish with media familiarisation tours for delegates, showcasing more than 40 businesses, experiences and products from across Bendigo, Heathcote and Loddon Valley. This includes attractions, tours, wineries, breweries, galleries, hospitality venues and accommodation providers. With so many travel writers visiting the Bendigo Region for the convention, these tours are designed to inspire editorial stories, blogs and social media content for leading publications from across Australia.
Destination Greater Bendigo Loddon’s James Myatt said being the first regional Victorian city selected to host the Australian Society of Travel Writers 50th anniversary convention is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the region’s diverse attractions.
“This is an extraordinary accolade for our region to be chosen as the destination for a large contingent of esteemed travel journalists and publicists,” Mr Myatt said.
“To be celebrated by the travel writing community in this way is a fitting recognition of our region’s vibrant appeal.
“Hosting a convention like this demonstrates that our beautiful region, and all of the experiences it has to offer, can compete with the rest of world’s most appealing travel destinations.”