As local membership of the International Food, Wine and Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA) continues to grow; the official launch of the Australasian division is set to take place in Melbourne on Wednesday 16 February 2011.Writers from around the country have been quick to realise the benefits of belonging to a global association, which provides a rich source of story leads and markets together with international recognition.
Kevin Moloney, Australian Chair of IFWTWA says "Australians are known for their travel addiction and love of food and wine. The explosion in consumer awareness of food in the region and an ever-increasing penchant for travel has spawned a thirst for quality travel, food and wine journalism."
Within the membership base, several special interest groups are being formed. IFWTWA member and Vice Chair, Graeme Kemlo is heading up a group of specialist business events writers - a niche travel writing segment in the Australasian business tourism space. "This is a first in Australia and the group is already receiving professional recognition as an important component of the business events industry" he said.
US-based President of IFWTWA, Maralyn Hill will be in Australia to officially launch the Association at a cocktail party to be held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.
"It's a very exciting time in the region and the Australian operation has established itself as the model for all other regions of the IFWTWA around the globe. There is a lot of energy in Australia and their plans are substantial," she said.
Realising the positive impact that a relationship between a destination and the IFTWA can produce, the Melbourne Convention and Visitors Bureau has thrown its full weight behind the Association and has offered extensive support by including the launch as an official component on the AIME calendar.
For further details on the Australasian division of IFWTWA and its official launch, contact :
Australasian Chair
Kevin Moloney
kevin.moloney@iinet.net.au
www.ifwtwa.org
