Annual Tourism Summit

2026 Annual Tourism Summit

Each year, our Industry Summit has provided a valuable opportunity for connection, learning and shared momentum across the region. In 2026, as Tourism East works through its transition to a Visitor Economy Partnership we will take a short hiatus from hosting the Summit. This is a pause, not a farewell, and we look forward to bringing the event back in future years.

In the meantime, we encourage industry to consider a number of strong sector-wide events including Destination Australia and the 2026 VTIC Victorian Tourism Summit.

Closer to home, the Board and team remain focused on creating meaningful opportunities for collaboration and capability building throughout the year, including our Digital Mentoring Program and our next industry networking event on the 29 April at Naught Gin.

While the format will look different this year, there will be plenty of opportunities to connect, learn and grow together across the months ahead.

Coming soon

An industry webinar on the digital landscape, a product development program connecting operators to the new ngurrak barring trail and the Warburton Bike Park, and an Introduction to Tourism seminar.

2025 Annual Tourism Summit

On Wednesday 4 June, we welcomed 160 of our Partners to our 10th Annual Tourism Summit. Exploring the theme of Beyond Breakeven, the day was future-focused exploring how operators and industry leaders are navigating today’s challenges and unlocking new growth opportunities.

A quick overview:

• YRT Chair, Leigh Harry, provided an update regarding Tourism East and the Visitor Economy Partnership that will come into effect on 1 July 2025. More info here.
• Professor Arnold Dix’s emotional presentation inspired everyone to face future challenges with patience and confidence. Regardless of what resources you have available, anything is possible when you have a great team and lead with compassion.
• Daniela De Martino, State Member for Monbulk, reminded us how important it is to work on our business not just in our business.
• Kristy Malapa from Tourism Australia gave us an update about our industry from the latest tourism research and detailed ways in which operators can connect with Tourism Australia’s team. Read the Future of Distribution Report.
• Madeleine Sawyer, winner of the 2023 Lynette Bergin Tourism Award, inspired us with her research into community-centric tourism and how we can create experiences that positively impact our communities.
• Simon O’Callaghan and Euan McDonald-Madden from our team, spoke about the latest marketing trends, shared our 24/25 marketing results and encouraged all of our partners to use their benefits throughout the year.
• Alva Hemming from Go Beyond Melbourne provided a deep dive into the YRT International Program and the benefits that exist (including off-peak and mid-week) when you tap into the international tourism market. Thank you to Rachel Caldwell (Balgownie Estate) and Rob Rees (Your Exclusive Tours) for their insights about their journey in the program and winning international trade.
• Karen Oliver’s experience as a Tourism Consultant allowed us all to think about how to create tourism experiences for customers that add value through beautiful memories rather than material goods. Want to join our limited mentoring program that will deliver real outcomes for business? Find out more.
• Amanda Rose finished the day and left us thinking about leveraging strategic partnerships and collaborations. By only working with businesses and people that align with your goals, you will achieve success. Know your worth and don’t be afraid to network!
• Col Cameron was our amazing MC and provided fantastic insights, shared stories from his career and kept us all entertained about he featured the Dandenong Ranges in a speech at the Logies.
• Our photographer, Jason East, has captured the energy of the day along with various headshots. Click here to view.
• The Trade Partner tables were buzzing with representatives and prizes from VTIC, Breen Printing, OneSpa, Revive 2 Survive and Yarra Valley Cider.
• Thank you also to Murrundindi for his beautiful Welcome to Country video.

We were honoured to present our Yarra Ranges Tourism Industry Contribution Award to two extraordinary visionaries whose passion and dedication have shaped the very heart of tourism in the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges. Congratulations to Leanne De Bortoli from De Bortoli Yarra Valley Estate and Jeremy Francis & Valerie Campbell-Wemyss from Cloudehill Gardens who were recognised yesterday.

We extend a huge thank you to everyone at RACV Healesville Country Club and Resort. It is was a pleasure to host our Annual Tourism Summit for the third year in a row at this wonderful venue. Thank you for your support and hospitality.

Lastly, we’d like to thank all of our partners for taking time out of your business to attend. This event allows the whole region to come together and catch up with industry peers, meet new businesses, connect with the Yarra Ranges Tourism team and be inspired about the opportunities ahead for our industry. We hope that you enjoyed the day.

View the Photo Gallery