Journey Beyond, in partnership with Tourism Western Australian and Southern Crossings hosted a group of esteemed travel industry leaders with a famil at Sal Salis.

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.

Journey Beyond executive general manager, sales and partnerships, Alicia Triggs, said: “There’s nowhere quite like Sal Salis one of the esteemed Luxury Lodges of Australia. 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.

“The beauty of this remarkable place, from its turquoise waters and white sands to the abundant wildlife—whale sharks, turtles, and humpbacks—made the experience unforgettable. As part of Journey Beyond, we are honoured to share Australia’s iconic natural wonders with the world.”

Together with Stuart Rigg (Southern Crossings Australia director), Paul Groves-Berry (Southern Crossings Australia director/general manager), and Sarah Farag (Southern Crossings New Zealand director), Alicia Triggs hosted a group of arguably the most influential leaders in luxury travel globally, including:

• Matthew Upchurch the founder and CEO Virtuoso Travel
• David Kolner Executive vice president Virtuoso Travel
• Michael Londregan senior vice president, global operations Virtuoso Travel
• Jennifer Wilson-Buttigieg head of travel policy Chase Travel
• Melissa Krueger CEO Classic Vacations
• Giulia Bandini CEO and founder Cogito Strategies
• Andrea Grisdale founder & CEO IC Bellagio
• James Thonrton CEO Intrepid Travel
• Natalie Placko general manager, marketing & brand Intrepid Travel
• Carolyn Turnbull CEO The Elizabeth Hotel & Residences
• Jennifer Cochrane co-founder and chief executive officer Gifted Travel Network

Triggs added: “It’s rare to find a place so in tune and considerate of nature while also offering the 5-star comforts of a luxury hotel stay. Sal Salis allows our guests the opportunity to maximise their time with us while minimising their impact, whilst enjoying the most this beautiful region has to offer.”

The guests enjoyed an immersion in nature with snorkelling along the Ningaloo coast and exploring Cape Range National Park. They also had a special encounter swimming with the Whale Sharks onboard Ningaloo Discovery. Ningaloo Marine Park is the only place in Western Australia where guests can swim with these amazing creatures, in addition to humpback whales.

Chase Travel head of travel policy, Jennifer Wilson-Buttigieg, said: “Sal Salis is truly a magical place. The team is exceptional, looking after every need. The setting is stunning at sunrise, sunset, and under the breathtaking blanket of stars. It is a place to slow down, rest, and recharge as well as experience the exhilarating swimming with the whale sharks. I cannot wait to return!”

Sustainability is a priority at Sal Salis, with the 16 eco-luxury safari tents designed for minimal impact, just metres from the largest fringing reef in the world, its luxury as nature intended. The remote beauty of this region provides the perfect backdrop for guests to relax, unwind and fully embrace the natural surroundings.

At the completion of the Summit, Cory Gale (director public relations at Tourism Western Australia) 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) and Christopher Imbsen (vice president, Research & Sustainability World Travel & Tourism Council).