Tourism Australia has launched a Youth module on its Aussie Specialist Programme (ASP). 

The new module helps agents tailor for younger customers including information on the Working Holiday Maker visa.

To complete the new module, agents need to have completed the core modules and be a qualified Aussie Specialist.

Youth travel and gap year trips are particularly topical at this time of year as school leavers receive their A-level results on 17 August. For those considering taking a break, Tourism Australia is encouraging them to apply for a special new fellowship it has created with BuzzFeed for young people in the UK, Germany, Italy and France.

The companies are on the hunt for the next generation of visual storytellers from around the world to join the first ever BuzzFeed Mateship program, a fellowship and travel program that will see the Mates work, travel and capture content across Australia.

Eight young travellers and content creators will be flown to Australia for a three-month road trip to discover and report on experiences across the country for both Tourism Australia and BuzzFeed.com social channels.

Known as the BuzzFeed Mates, they will head off-the-beaten-track to discover some of Australia’s best local culture, festivals, surf breaks, food and wine offerings.

They will be given a bespoke itinerary filled with things that appeal to the young traveller, like swinging on the world’s fastest Minjin jungle swing in Cairns, enjoying music acts at one of Australia’s summer festivals or discovering ancient watering holes in Kakadu National Park.

Throughout the program, the Mates will learn to create digital content and master social storytelling whilst being mentored by the BuzzFeed Australia editorial team and Tourism Australia.

Each Mate will be tasked with documenting their experiences and sharing them with the world on dedicated BuzzFeed social feeds.

“As far as working holidays go, I think you’d have to go a long way to beat this. It’s the road trip to end all road trips,” said John O’Sullivan, Tourism Australia’s managing director.

“We’re excited to partner with Tourism Australia to give our audience around the world the opportunity to come and embed with the BuzzFeed Australia team, learn new creative skills and see the best of what this country has to offer. It’s truly the opportunity of a lifetime, and we can’t wait to see what the BuzzFeed Mates create!” said Simon Crerar, Editor-In-Chief and General Manager BuzzFeed Australia.

Entries for the Buzzfeed Mateship program are open to applicants from 2-18 August to creative professionals and enthusiasts. Application details can be found online at buzzfeed.com/jobs.

Tourism Australia’s partnership with BuzzFeed forms part of a new campaign set to launch in October, aimed at putting Australia back on the map as a memorable and desirable youth destination.