Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef hosts top tourism leaders prior to WTTC Global Summit

Prior to this year’s World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) Global Summit, Journey Beyond in partnership with Tourism Western Australia and Southern Crossings ensured a group of esteemed travel industry leaders from across the globe were left wanting more of Australia, experiencing first-hand the breathtaking beauty of Western Australia and the Ningaloo coast with a hosted famil at Sal Salis.

Journey Beyond’s executive general manager for sales and partnerships Alicia Triggs was one of the hosts, together with Stuart Rigg, director of Southern Crossings Australia; Paul Groves-Berry, director and general manager of Southern Crossings Australia; and Sarah Farag Director, Southern Crossings New Zealand. 

The esteemed group of guests included Virtuoso Travel founder and CEO Matthew Upchurch, executive vice-president David Kolner, and senior vice-president for global operations Michael Londregan; Chase Travel’s head of travel policy Jennifer Wilson-Buttigieg; Classic Vacations CEO Melissa Krueger; Cogito Strategies founder and CEO Giulia Bandini; IC Bellagio founder and CEO Andrea Grisdale; Intrepid Travel’s CEO James Thornton and general manager for marketing and brand Natalie Placko; The Elizabeth Hotel and Residences CEO Carolyn Turnbull; and Gifted Travel Network’s co-founder and CEO Jennifer Cochrane.

An exquisite itinerary

Before arriving at Sal Salis, the group spent time in the stunning Margaret River region. They explored parts of the Cape to Cape Walk, whilst staying at Smiths Beach Resort, the finest luxury accommodation in Yallingup, and enjoyed an exclusive dining experience with Kate Lamont.

Triggs said of the trip: “It was an absolute privilege to collaborate with Tourism Western Australia and Southern Crossings to welcome global industry leaders to Sal Salis, where the outback meets the reef in the breathtaking UNESCO-listed Cape Range National Park. As a prelude to the World Tourism and Travel Council Summit, with the summit’s focus on sustainability it was the perfect backdrop for resilient, inclusive, and sustainable travel futures to remain at the forefront of everyone’s minds.”

She added that the beauty of such a remarkable place, from its turquoise waters and white sands to the abundant wildlife, made the experience unforgettable for the guests. 

Triggs said: “As part of Journey Beyond, we are honoured to share Australia’s iconic natural wonders with the world.” 

At the completion of the Summit, Tourism Western Australia’s director for public relations Cory Gale hosted another group of industry leaders attending the Summit including Katherine LaGrave Deputy Editor, from award-winning travel media brand AFAR Magazine, Noemi Penna, journalist, from Italy’s oldest newspaper La Stampa, Christopher Cameron, travel editor of the New York Post, Elizabeth Frainier, associate travel editor of The Times, along with WTTC vice-president for research and sustainability Christopher Imbsen.