American Express is launching a new social media campaign to encourage more people to visit local Australian businesses when travelling.
From July, American Express will team up with popular travel and lifestyle creator Tyson Mayr for the “Discover Amex” campaign that is estimated to reach more than 450,000 people on social media channels.
The campaign aims to represent local authentic experiences. According to the American Express 2025 Global Trends Report, 81% of Australians found supporting local businesses important when travelling.
“Small businesses are the heartbeat of so many Australian towns, helping build vibrant communities and creating amazing, unique experiences,” Vice President & General Manager Global Merchant Services Australia & New Zealand at American Express Robert Tedesco said.
“With more than 2.5 million small businesses across the country, supporting them means backing local jobs, tourism and the communities they help sustain.
“We’re proud to be shining a light on some of these incredible businesses and the passionate people behind them.”
This comes as American Express continues to expand its acceptance footprint across Australia, with the company adding over 1.3 million places across the country. This includes 616,000 in 2024 that ranges from 343,000 new retailers, 65,000 dining establishments and 7,3000 lodging places.
Mayr will embark on a 1,100km road trip from Sydney’s Manly Beach to Noosa on the Sunshine Coast, and documenting the local businesses he explores along the way as part of the campaign.
“In my travels, I’ve seen firsthand how incredible regional Australia is, and not just the landscapes, but the businesses that give each place its own personality,” he said.
“This road trip is about celebrating the spots that don’t always get the attention they deserve and showing Aussies and my followers abroad just how far their Amex Card can take them.”
Around small businesses and places of interest will be part of the campaign, including the Hello Koala’s Sculpture Trail in Port Macquarie and the second-hand bookstore The Nook Yamba.
American Express is in its 13th year in Australia, and in that time, it has provided A$522,500 in grants to small businesses over four years through the Backing International Small Restaurants program and hosted an array of campaigns.
