Journey Beyond has an ambitious target, generating $1 billion in tourism revenue within the next two years as it doubles down on immersive, culturally grounded experiences across Australia and beyond.
Chris Tallent, Journey Beyond CEO, called the goal a natural extension of the experiential tourism group’s recent strategic investments and product evolution.
“It’s a pretty ambitious target, but it’s an achievable target. It’s going to be a pretty exciting couple of years,” he told industry partners and guests at the company’s annual showcase, entitled ‘Are You Ready to Journey Beyond’.
Central to the plan is a continued expansion of premium offerings that blend nature, culture and hospitality.
Above (left to right): Justine Lally, David Donald, Matt Cameron-Smith, Chris Tallent and Alicia Triggs
“We want to create experiences that people remember for a lifetime and that deliver meaningful benefit back to the communities and partners who make those experiences possible,” added Mr Hall.
“When guests choose to spend their precious time with us, they should leave with profound memories and a deeper understanding of place.”
Mr Tallent told the audience that Journey Beyond had almost doubled in size in the past 12 months with new partners and products coming onboard, further fuelling their ambitions for growth.
“2025 was a transformative year for Journey Beyond. Our portfolio grew from 16 to 20 brands as we announced the addition of five remarkable experiences: Monarto Safari Resort, Grand Pacific Tours, Exmouth Dive & Whaleshark Ningaloo, Sailaway Port Douglas and Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia. This momentum has energised our entire organisation.”
Guest feedback on the Monarto Safari Resort in South Australia (above) has been overwhelmingly positive, with the attraction running at more than 90 per cent occupancy in its first five months. A 20-tent luxury safari lodge will open on April 2, adding to the resort’s appeal.
Other planned developments for Journey Beyond include enhanced experiences and extended tours onboard The Ghan, expanding Grand Pacific Tours in New Zealand and a $30 million investment into Cruise Whitsundays’ guest experience.
The latter includes the evolution and refurbishment of Reefworld and its relaunch as an overnight-only pontoon, reserved exclusively for Reefsleep and Reefsuites guests to connect with the World Heritage–listed Great Barrier Reef.
“This next phase cements Reefworld as a globally unique, reef-immersive stay,” said Alicia Triggs, Executive General Manager Sales and Partnerships at Journey Beyond.
“Overnight guests will feel like they have the Great Barrier Reef entirely to themselves from the first snorkel of the day to the champagne moment, watching the sunset in this most remote iconic breathtaking destination before retiring for the evening under a canopy of stars.
“Cruise Whitsundays’ newly refurbished Heart Pontoon will return to Hardy Reef in April as the exclusive base for Great Barrier Reef Adventure day tours.”
Mr Tallent revealed that the recent acquisition of Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia is expected to be rubber stamped in the next few weeks. The sale includes Ayers Rock Resort and the Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre (MGCC) in Far North Queensland.
“This is a deal where everyone gets something good out of it,” he added. “It really is a landmark moment for Journey Beyond, for Australian tourism generally but also for First Nations tourism.”
Through the deal Journey Beyond aims to provide long-term benefits to traditional owners, including education, employment and enterprise building.
“Along with all of our traditional owners and First Nations people, we’re going to be the leader in Indigenous tourism across Australia, so it’s a very exciting time for us.”
Wrapping up his presentation, Mr Tallent admitted that the $1 billion target was bold but achievable given current momentum.
“Tourism isn’t just about visitors – it’s about the communities that host them. Our investments are intended to generate sustainable opportunity and revenue-sharing.
“We’re focused on building a portfolio of unforgettable, responsibly delivered experiences. With the right investment and partnerships, reaching $1 billion in tourism revenue by 2027 is within reach.”
https://www.journeybeyond.com/
