As interest in travel to Australia soars, GAIL SHERMAN has been recognized as one of the best in selling Wine and Food-themed small group luxury travel trips to Australia.
March 4, 2026 (Camarillo, CA) — Local businessperson GAIL SHERMAN has been named a 2026 North America Premier Aussie Specialist, an elite group of 46 travel advisors recognized by Tourism Australia as top sellers of travel to Australia.
The Premier Aussie Specialist program recognizes travel advisors for their deep destination expertise, insider knowledge, and industry connections across Australia. They serve as a trusted resource for travelers planning an Australian vacation. In addition to ongoing Aussie Specialist education, members complete advanced virtual training twice a year, attend an in-person workshop at Australia Marketplace every two years, and participate in Australian Tourism Exchange annually to expand their expertise and professional networks. All Premier Aussie Specialist profiles are featured on Australia.com.
“I have a great passion for AUSTRALIA, ranging from its wine and food, to the friendliest people to the amazing wildlife, and I love customizing trips for my clients,” said Sherman. “Each day I curate the best Australia experiences, and I enjoy it when my clients come back thrilled that they lived the Aussie lifestyle. It’s an honor to be recognized for my work in selling Australia knowing that I’ve helped Australia, and I’ve connected travelers to a wonderful place.”
The Aussie Specialist Program earned multiple awards in 2025, including Virtuoso Top Training Partner and a Travel Weekly Gold Magellan Award for Destination Marketing Education. Northstar’s TravelAge West also named Australia the destination with the highest client satisfaction in the Pacific region.
“Tourism Australia’s Aussie Specialist Program is regularly recognized by industry experts as a best-in-class advisor training program, and a crucial tool in how we promote Australia in the United States and Canada,” said Chris Allison, Vice President, The Americas & New Zealand, at Tourism Australia. “Premier Aussie Specialists are the most knowledgeable and experienced in selling Australia, selected for their proven track record in generating booked revenue, active participation in Australian trade conferences, and completion of key courses within our award-winning curriculum.”
In October 2026, Tourism Australia and Tourism and Events Northern Territory will host G’Day Australia, a congregation of 300 Aussie Specialists from around the globe, including 52 from the United States and Canada. After a comprehensive two-day workshop in Darwin/Garramilla, Northern Territory, groups will depart on one of five four-night famils around the country for further exposure to the destination, its operators, and variety of experiences.
Following Australia’s re-opening to international visitors in 2022 and with the continued help of the Aussie Specialist Program, the destination has been included in top editorial “best of” lists for 2026, including:
- Conde Nast Traveler’s “The Best Places to Go in 2026”: Margaret River & Uluru
- Lonely Planet’s “Best in Travel”: Ikara-Flinders Ranges & Victoria
- Travel + Leisure’s “50 Best Places to Travel in 2026”: Brisbane/Meanjin
- New York Times’ “52 Places to Go in 2026”: Darwin/Garramilla & Melbourne/Narrm
