The call of California is one felt far and wide, drawn by creative city energies, desert stillness, and cultural phenomena. Meet the eight influential advisors who have secured a coveted invitation to join Visit California’s 2026 Agent Advisory Council on the Journey Through Southern California’s Ultimate Playground famil.
As the 2026 California Agent Advisory Council (CAAC) explore Coastlines, Culture, and Desert Skies, they’ll not only visit Southern California, but tap into its rhythm.
Delivered in partnership with United Airlines and Viva Holidays, the 2026 California Agent Advisory Council represents a powerful alignment between air access and packaging expertise in the Australian market.
For the eight lucky agents, the CAAC fam is a chance to experience firsthand how one trip through California leads to many unforgettable stories.
Introducing the 2026 CAAC
In its third year, the California Agent Advisory Council is going from strength to strength, attracting Australia’s premium advisors, selected for their professionalism, influence, and enthusiasm for the Golden State.
There was an overwhelming response from agents looking to secure their spot on this coveted famil. So, who are the outstanding individuals who’ll be jetting to California this March?
Olivia Carvalho from Helloworld Travel Shellharbour is a rising talent: a Rookie of the Year finalist, Frontliners panellist, and local social media expert.
She shares, “I’ve always felt drawn to California. There truly is something for everyone. As a newer consultant, I’m excited to share my perspective and inspire more travellers to visit.”
Kellie Easterbrook is the Operations and Training Manager for Pursers Travel Group and is known for being proactive, highly engaged, and influential across the wider network.
For Kellie, California is a destination she never gets tired of. “The diversity stands out. In one trip, you can be in the desert, by the beach, exploring a city, at a theme park, and enjoying incredible food. I’m excited to be part of the CAAC to share California’s full story, including the lesser-known regions that deserve more attention.”
Alex Pickering is the Assistant Manager at Phil Hoffman Glenelg with eight years’ industry experience. “I have a deep connection to California as my mum is from there”, he revealed.
“I am thankful to be able to share my passion and love for California with our travel advisors”.
The 2024 Helloworld Travel Spirit award winner, Natasha Cavallaro, has a strong booking performance at her Helloworld Travel Elizabeth store. Natasha loves the culture, “California has always felt like a place where big ideas are welcome. Being on this panel, I get to share my perspective, helping keep its creativity and ambition alive.”
From Helloworld Travel Naracoorte, Kirsty Lees is a key community figure with more than a decade of industry experience. “This CAAC role allows me to grow my knowledge and passion for one of the world’s leading holiday destinations.”
Known for her detailed itineraries and loyal client base, Amela Davie from Helloworld Travel Bacchus Marsh is excited to be on the council. “I’m looking forward to discovering new regions and gaining insights to inspire both families and luxury travellers.”
Home-based agent Deborah McNamara, employed by Helloworld Travel Pakenham, says California was one of the first overseas destinations she visited in 1989. “There’s something truly special about California; my clients get a sparkle in their eyes when they talk about it. I’m looking forward to deep diving into all it has to offer and sharing that with my industry peers.”
Nicole Adams, a team leader at Hunter Travel Group, is highly enthusiastic about the USA, especially California. “There’s an iconic experience to suit every type of traveller. I’m thrilled to help showcase the incredible breadth of experiences the Golden State offers Australian travellers”.
The group will travel under the experienced wing of Eva Huezo, Visit California’s Tourism Development Manager – Australia. She shares, “As the California Agent Advisory Council enters its third year, it’s incredibly exciting to see how this initiative has evolved into one of our most impactful trade programs in Australia.
“The Council gives us the opportunity to work directly with advisors who are shaping how California is sold every day, ensuring our training, product development, and storytelling reflect what travellers are looking for now.
“I’m especially thrilled about this year’s cohort of industry leaders, innovators, and passionate California advocates. I have no doubt they will return with experiences and stories that inspire many more Australians to discover the state.”
Where will the CAAC travel this year?
Designed to showcase the state’s compact diversity, the themed Coastlines, Culture, and Desert Skies: A Journey Through Southern California’s Ultimate Playground famil will reveal dramatically different landscapes, cultures, and experiences in a single trip.
Travelling from 12-20 March, the CAAC advisors will tour its beaches, deserts, wine regions, cities, and theme parks, discovering how well-suited the Golden State is for road trips, family travel, sports, and entertainment.
West Hollywood wows
Kicking off in West Hollywood, the agents will discover WeHo’s walkability and urban cool as they check out the best cultural, culinary, and lifestyle experiences.
Fam highlights include a Bikes and Hikes LA Tour, luxury dining and hotel site visits, plus the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures and Express Pass access to Universal Studios Hollywood.
Temecula Valley tastings
With close to 50 vineyards and the freshest farm-to-table flavours, Temecula Valley is an exceptional itinerary add-on for wine and road trip lovers touring Los Angeles, Anaheim, San Diego, and Palm Springs.
The 2026 CAAC crew will enjoy relaxed wine tastings, hosted culinary experiences, and discover how this lesser-known destination adds depth to any SoCal itinerary.
Desert classics in Palm Springs
With year-round sunshine, resort-style relaxation, and on-trend wellness experiences, Greater Palm Springs is sure to impress.
The group will stay at La Quinta Resort and Club, celebrating its 100-year anniversary, tour desert landscapes on a hike and thrilling Red Jeep Tour, and discover the region’s evolving lifestyle scene. Stops include the Palm Springs Surf Club, shopping in El Paseo, and a Drag and Fly cultural tour.
Smooth sailing in San Diego
San Diego holds broad appeal for Australian travellers, with an abundance of cultural, coastal, and cross-border highlights.
On the itinerary: Speed Boat Adventures on the bay, the USS Midway Museum, and time exploring Balboa Park’s cultural precinct.
Rooftop dining at Cannonball, fun at Belmont Park – the city’s beachfront amusement park – and an evening wander of the famed Gaslamp Quarter nightlife precinct round out the city’s easy-to-sell activities.
Anaheim icons
What better way to conclude a jam-packed famil than in Anaheim?
From Disneyland Resort’s 70th anniversary experiences, an Anaheim Ducks NHL game, a brewery tour, Richard Nixon Presidential Library & Museum visit, and scheduled ‘Shop Until You Drop’ time at the Citadel Outlets, the group will end on a high of travel icons and events.
We’re a little green with envy about this amazing adventure. How about you?
The impact of CAAC
The Californian Agent Advisory Council is more than a fam; it’s Visit California’s flagship trade development initiative in Australia, inviting influential advisors to experience it firsthand.
Founded in recognition of how agents remain one of the strongest forces in long-haul travel decision-making, the annual famil is made possible thanks to legacy airline partner, United Airlines, flying agents from Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, and Adelaide on direct services into California.
For 2026, Viva Holidays joins as the exclusive wholesale partner, playing a pivotal role in packaging California product, and ensuring the famil experiences are translated into bookable, retail-ready itineraries.
On the ground, transportation is entrusted to Karmel Connect, known for its safe, reliable, and seamless service. Karmel remains a trusted operator among Australian travel advisors.
Dedicated to shaping how California is packaged, shared, and experienced in this market, the annual CAAC famil is a clear signal of Visit California’s continued investment in supporting the Australian travel industry.
With CAAC members acting as market ambassadors, product advisors, and educators, the programme has already delivered measurable impact across Australia and New Zealand, delivering:
- Thousands of travel advisor trainings via webinars, in-person workshops, and trade engagement initiatives led by CAAC members.
- Expanded agent confidence in selling California beyond gateway cities.
- Influenced itinerary design toward multi-region, road-trip-focused experiences.
- Strengthened California’s positioning as a destination offering value through diversity of experiences in one trip.
Discover more
Inspired by the California Agent Advisory Council? Start building your own expertise with Visit California’s dedicated training and planning resources, including itinerary inspiration and handy travel guides.
Whether your clients are seeking road trip inspiration, a multi-gen family getaway, a sports-focused itinerary or all three combined, sell California with confidence when you complete the California STAR training modules.
This article is brought to you by Visit California.
