The Niche is Nice 2026 boutique roadshow for travel advisors is back from 24–31 August, bringing together specialist suppliers and enthusiastic agents across Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne and – new for 2026 – Auckland. This year’s Platinum Partner is the inspiring team behind the aspirational HX Expeditions.
Now in its third year, Niche is Nice 2026 builds on its momentum among savvy advisors as a must-attend showcase for boutique, experiential and high-value travel products.
The addition of HX Expeditions as Platinum Partner reinforces the event’s commitment to championing niche sectors that deliver long-term growth for the travel industry.
HX Expeditions operates in one of the most specialised segments of the cruise landscape: true expedition cruising.
While expedition cruising may be niche, its commercial impact is significant, attracting high-value travellers seeking immersive, purpose-led journeys aligned with sustainability, science and authentic exploration.
HX’s partnership with Niche is Nice 2026 reflects a shared belief that niche travel categories drive innovation, loyalty and deeper engagement.
For Australian travel advisors, expedition cruising represents a compelling, high-yield opportunity as demand grows for meaningful, experience-led travel.
As a long-term, premium partner to the Australian travel trade, HX Expeditions has been guiding explorers for more than 130 years through its onboard expedition team that includes scientists, historians and naturalists and inspiring itineraries.
Its purpose-built expedition ships operate in some of the world’s most remote regions, from Antarctica and the Arctic to Alaska and the Galápagos, underpinned by expert-led journeys and a deep commitment to citizen science, conservation, sustainability and education, including a University of Tasmania partnership.
As a Platinum Partner of Niche is Nice 2026, the HX Expeditions team aims to equip advisors with the confidence, product know-how, support and inspiration required to sell expedition cruising to today’s curious and discerning traveller.
After attending last year’s events, HX Expeditions ANZ Sales Director Amber Wilson said the specialist expedition cruising experts were thrilled to be back on board as a Niche is Nice 2026 Platinum Partner.
“We’re delighted to return as a Niche is Nice 2026 Platinum Partner. Bringing together so many distinctive brands in one space creates a powerful platform to showcase truly special, authentic and immersive travel experiences, giving advisors access to these premium, purpose-led products in a fun and engaging setting,” she said.
Niche is Nice 2026 supplier callout
Niche is Nice 2026 will travel to Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne with the potential addition of Auckland based on expressions of interest.
Event details (venues to be confirmed):
• Brisbane: Monday, 24 August 2026, 5:45–9pm
• Sydney: Tuesday, 25 August 2026, 5:45–9pm
• Melbourne: Wednesday, 26 August 2026, 5:45–9pm
• Auckland: Monday, 31 August 2026, 5:45–9pm
Spaces are filling fast with limited spots are still available. Supplier registrations for Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Auckland are open here.
Brands can submit their interest and register for Niche is Nice 2026 by 28 February 2026. Download the Niche is Nice Roadshow 2026 prospectus for more details.
Council of Australian Tour Operators (CATO) members will also receive an exclusive five (5) per cent discount on participation packages.
More about Niche is Nice 2026
After last year’s standout event series, Niche is Nice 2026 continues to highlight emerging and established destinations, specialist touring and cruising operators and boutique travel services to a highly engaged travel agent audience.
For travel advisors working in luxury, boutique and adventure travel, or those looking to upskill in these high-value segments, Niche is Nice 2026 offers direct access to niche suppliers, education and peer networking in a relaxed, high-energy setting.
Karryon General Manager Dani Tuffield said the annual roadshow offers a powerful platform for both connection and commercial growth.
“Advisors can immediately meet with boutique travel brands and specialist suppliers in an immersive marketplace and learn more through entertaining presentations in an event series that offers valuable networking opportunities,” she said.
Stay tuned for more updates on Niche is Nice 2026 and advisor registration details, including new partners, supplier announcements and special programming.
For more information, contact Nicola Mater at events@karryon.com.au
