Tourism Australia Youth Sector ELITE scholarship

Written by Youth Tourism NSW on June 17, 2024. Posted in Newsletter.

Tourism Australia, in conjunction with the Backpacker & Youth Tourism Advisory Panel (BYTAP) and the Australian Tourism Export Council (ATEC), is proud to announce the winner of the 2024 youth-sector focused development scholarship.

This inaugural scholarship is designed to increase distribution engagement as well as develop the capability of a future leader in the sector. Based on ATEC’s ELITE program, the successful candidate will receive:

1-year ATEC membership for the employer organisation
One place in the ELITE program, including mentoring by Kristy Malapa, Industry Relations Manager and youth sector specialist at Tourism Australia.
Participation in ATEC Meeting Place on the Gold Coast in October 2024 including participation fees, flights and accommodation.

Following competitive assessment of a strong field of candidates, the winner announced is Chloe Williams, Marketing Coordinator at ULTIMATE Adventure Travel, based in Sydney. Chloe’s journey with the company began in 2018, where she embarked as a Product Coordinator for their UltimateOz program. Since then, according to their General Manager, Steve Mitrevski, she’s woven a narrative of growth, innovation, and leadership within the team.

Navigating the turbulent waters of the post-COVID era, Chloe seamlessly transitioned into diverse roles within tour operations, product development, and brand marketing. Her adaptability and foresight ensured the company’s resilience amidst unprecedented challenges, underscoring her versatility as an indispensable asset to the team. Drawing from her frontline experiences, post-pandemic, Chloe ingeniously crafted a marketing plan, charting a strategic course to relaunch their popular program for Working Holiday Makers.

BYTAP’s chair, Wendi Aylward congratulated Chloe on becoming the first recipient of the Scholarship. “It is wonderful to see our industry supporting future leaders like Chloe. Chloe is a deserving recipient, a passionate advocate for youth tourism who will I am sure we will see more of in the future.”

Chloe’s recent representation of ULTIMATE Adventure Travel at the 2024 Australian Tourism Exchange (ATE) was praised for seamlessly fostering new connections while fortifying existing partnerships. Chloe’s unwavering dedication to sustainable tourism practices is combined with a genuine interest to learn and continue her professional development.

Pictured: L-R; Bede Fennell (Executive General Manager, Corporate Affairs, Government & Industry – Tourism Australia) and BYTAP Chair, Wendi Aylward, presenting Chloe Williams with the inaugural Tourism Australia Youth Sector ELITE Scholarship, with mentor, Kristy Malapa

Events

Don’t forget to mark your diaries for a YTNSW Open Meeting and networking event in beautiful Byron Bay on Thursday 25 July 2024 from 6pm. Rub shoulders with local operators along with visiting YTNSW Committee members. Get an update on the state of play in our industry, as well as sharing your insights and voicing any concerns. And after all that, we’ll get together to have some fun! Full details to follow.

Member spotlight

A warm welcome to our latest member – Behind the Barrel, who run unique Brewery and Distillery tours in the Byron Bay and Northern Rivers region. They offer all-inclusive full day, half day and custom tours for singles, couples and large groups. Check them out at www.behindthebarrel.com.au

To get further information on anything to do with YTNSW, don’t hesitate to get in touch – contact@youthtourismnsw.org.au

Thanks for your support and contribution to growing the youth tourism industry in New South Wales & the ACT. We would also like to give a special thanks to Allsopp Bunting Insurance for their ongoing support of YTNSW and the industry.