Australian Regional Tourism (ART) is pleased to announce that Busselton, Western Australia will be the host destination for the 2026 ART Convention to be held from 20-23 October 2026.
A gentle 2.5-hour journey south from Perth, Busselton rests where forest meets ocean — a coastal town cradled by the turquoise waters of Geographe Bay. Long regarded as the northern gateway to the Margaret River Region and its fine wines and produce, Busselton continues to evolve as a place of vitality and vision, where heritage and innovation sit side by side. From its iconic jetty stretching into the sea, to the bustling foreshore, and direct interstate flights, this beachside city offers many adventures.
Australia’s South West, the Regional Tourism Organisation supports tourism in the Margaret River region to thrive. Hosted at the new Saltwater Convention Centre in collaboration with valued partners, the City of Busselton, Business Events Perth, Margaret River Busselton Tourism Association, South West Development Commission, the Forum Advocating Cultural and Eco-Tourism and Regional Development Australia South West, next year’s convention is an exciting opportunity for the regional tourism community to gather in the West.
Joel Chadwick, ART Chair, says “We extend our congratulations to Australia’s South West, City of Busselton, and Business Events Perth on a successful bid to host the 2026 ART Convention. We look forward to working with Australia’s South West and valued partners on this event, to deliver an exciting program that inspires the regional tourism community in an exceptional location. Western Australia is renowned for its incredible coastline and natural beauty, and Busselton’s thriving local economy presents a fantastic location for the event.”
Anneke Brown, Tourism WA Managing Director, added “Congratulations to Australia’s South West, the City of Busselton and Business Events Perth on securing this important event for our state.
“Regional tourism is a vital driver of Western Australia’s visitor economy and plays an important role in supporting strong, connected communities and local businesses. The 2026 Australian Regional Tourism Convention provides an opportunity to celebrate and strengthen regional tourism, bringing together leaders from across the country to share knowledge, foster collaboration and explore the opportunities to shape the future of Australia’s regional destinations.”
Business Events Perth CEO, Gareth Martin said we are thrilled to see Busselton named as host of the 2026 Australian Regional Tourism Convention. “Securing the Australian Regional Tourism Convention for Busselton underscores Western Australia’s reputation as a premier destination for high-calibre business events, and will showcase Saltwater Busselton, Australia’s newest convention centre set to open next year.
“The collective bid partnership between Tourism Western Australia, Australia’s South West, the City of Busselton, and Business Events Perth is testament to our collaborative approach in driving business event visitation as well as showcasing the strength and diversity of regional destinations that continue to elevate Western Australia’s visitor economy.”
The ART Convention brings together various sectors of the regional tourism industry to share ideas on developing sustainable regional destinations and highlight best practice success. Supported by sponsors, the event is the most significant on the regional tourism calendar, and 2026 presents an unmissable opportunity to engage in one of Australia’s most exciting tourism regions.
Mark your calendar for the 2026 Convention and join us for an exciting opportunity to learn, connect, and collaborate.
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ART Enquiries:
Lauren Douglass
Chief Executive Officer
Australian Regional Tourism
admin@artn.com.au
0407 436 965
Australia’s South West Enquiries:
Kirby Spencer
Marketing Specialist
Australia’s South West
marketing@australiassouthwest.com
0427 788 104