During his time with Seymourpowell, Nick has developed the company’s presence in transportation design, notably heading up the largest industrial design project they have ever undertaken – the £3m interior and exterior development of Midland Mainline / Bombardier’s Meridian class 222 trains. On a more stellar note, Nick has also worked on the interiors of the world’s first private spaceship, to be launched by Virgin Galactic.

Don't miss this opportunity to hear leading advice on how your organsation can become forward thinking and innovative!

Further information:http://www.tourismfutures.com.au/keynoteSpeakers.html

An international hotel chain is going to the dogs in order to offer special experiences for guests. Selected Fairmont Hotels & Resorts properties have resident dogs known as “canine ambassadors” who meet and greet guests, go on scheduled walks and runs, and serve as community liaisons. Guests can stay in touch with their four-legged friends, by sending “ani-mail”, and some dogs even have their own Facebook pages.

Further information: http://www.fairmont.com/promotions/canineambassadors

As the host venue for the next Global Eco Asia-Pacific Tourism Conference, Noosa’s brand new Outrigger Little Hastings Street Resort & Spa is a prime example of how cutting-edge design and five star facilities can meld seamlessly with the natural environment.

This striking resort modeled on a Scandinavian village pays homage to the natural beauty of Noosa and has been cleverly designed to follow the contours of the adjoining Noosa National Park teeming with flora and fauna.

Over 30,000 trees were planted as part of the revegetation program creating flora and wildlife corridors. Grounds are maintained through a rainwater harvesting system that also services the toilets.   

Energy efficient appliances and lighting complement green design principles with a mix of energy sources used throughout the resort including gas and solar.

Further information: http://www.outrigger.com.au/queensland/little-hastings-street-resort-spa/overview.html

A new online guide is offering the Western Australian tourism industry an overview of the impacts of climate change as visitors adjust their travel behaviour.

This guide will help the tourism industry consider the impacts of climate change and ways to reduce the carbon footprint.

This site provides an overview of climate change and the effects it will have on the tourism industry.

Further information:
http://www.tourism.wa.gov.au/CLIMATE_CHANGE/Pages/Climate_Change.aspx

Image: tourism.wa.gov.au/CLIMATE_CHANGE/Pages/Climate_Change.aspx

Both Virgin Blue and Qantas have launched mobile check-in functionalities for their domestic flights allowing frequent fliers to acquire a 2D boarding pass on their mobile phones.

Qantas passengers with web-enabled personal mobile devices can check in between 24 hours and 45 minutes before leaving. Virgin Blue has launched “Check-Mate” which allows travellers to make flight bookings, changes and cancellations across the entire domestic network.

Image: qantas.com.au/travel/airlines/checkin/global/en?int_cam=au:mobileCheckin

Although the Virgin Blue online tool is more extensive than Qantas both are planning to install Australasia wide airport scanning support.

Further information: http://www.qantas.com.au/travel/airlines/checkin/global/en?int_cam=au:mobileCheckin and www.mobile.virginblue.com.au

Victoria’s iconic Great Ocean Road is the focus of a new documentary to be broadcast on National Geographic’s Adventure channel in the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, New Zealand and Asia.

The Art of Walking video-based campaign will utilise a range of media including YouTube, flickr, online, cinema advertising, in-flight promotions, magazines and newspapers.

The $1.8 million documentary showcases some of Victoria’s most spectacular coastal scenery along the 104-kilometre Great Ocean Walk from Apollo Bay to the Twelve Apostles.

Further information: http://www.theartofwalking.com.au/

It will provide an umbrella framework under which existing quality and accreditation programs will continue to operate but will have access to a common national brand and standard. Australian businesses will carry a quality logo, be required to continually improve their products and services and will be listed in the Australian Tourism Data Warehouse.

Further information: http://www.ret.gov.au/tourism/policy/national_tourism_accreditation
_framework/Pages/NationalTourismAccreditationFramework.aspx

RESEARCH

A research report from Contiki Holidays has revealed the changing travel tastes of a new generation including the emergence of the Intellectual Traveller or iTraveller.

Images: contiki.com.au/pages/94-itravel-report

Among the key trends identified in the report is the growing interest in developing and building independent or custom holidays.

Further information: http://contiki.com.au/pages/94-itravel-report

The Annual Green Traveller Survey Report is the result of a unique, pan-industry cooperative initiative between tourism businesses and non-profit, environmental and sustainable business organisations, from the development of the survey to the interpretation of its findings.

Answers are based on consumer sampling and over 16 years of observation, analysis and case study.

Image: cmigreen.com/

Travel and hospitality consumers are rapidly and enthusiastically becoming educated on the issues, and demanding greater social and environmental engagement from destinations and suppliers.

Further information: http://www.cmigreen.com/

According to the latest Roy Morgan Research Single Source data, Generation Y is more likely than other generations to have taken at least once overseas holiday or leisure trip in the last 12 months.

In the year ended March 2010, 25.4% of Gen Y had taken at least one overseas holiday or leisure trip in the last 12 months, ahead of Baby Boomers (22.6%), Gen X (17.7%), Pre-Boomers (15.4%) and Gen Z (14.8%).
Gen Y is defined as Australians born between 1976 - 1990; Gen Z between 1991 - 2009; Gen X between 1961 - 1975; Baby Boomers between 1946 - 1960; and Pre-Boomers 1945 or earlier.

For further information: http://www.roymorganonlinestore.com/News/1071---Gen-Y-more-likely-than-other-generations-to.aspx

Voice your opinion on the future of Australian tourism and WIN a 2 night holiday on Fraser Island!

ENTER SURVEY HERE http://www.surveys.roymorgan.com/surveys/916314/

Image: courtesy Kingfisher Bay Resort

The Indigenous Employment Program is part of a $4.6 billion national commitment to halving the employment gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians within a decade.

Further information: http://www.deewr.gov.au/INDIGENOUS/Pages/default.aspx

With internet technology and social media constantly changing, sometimes it is easy to feel that the ‘online world’ is just too hard!

To help the tourism industry keep up-to-date with latest developments, Tourism Online Futures is bringing together key leading tourism online experts – and you are invited to attend!

Held in Brisbane on Wednesday 7th July, this fantastic forum will feature two workshops; one offering newcomers to the online world practical and applied training – Online Essentials and the other, an Online Masterclass focusing on advanced online development skills and tools.

Hot topics include:

• Social media
• Smart phones and applications
• Online marketing
• Online distribution

Further Information: http://www.tourismfutures.com.au/conferenceProgram.html

These hotels are classified as Eco-Friendly and have been formally recognized by one of 80 certifying bodies around the world offering a range of sustainable practices including carbon offset options for flights and environmental travel tips.

Further information: http://www.expedia.com/daily/sustainable_travel/going_green/green_hotels.asp

Sustainable Travel International is a leader in travelers’ philanthropy, giving back programs and grassroots projects that make a world of difference, specialising in helping companies establish corporate philanthropy programs that align with their mission and values. 

These programs provide travel companies and their clients with opportunities to make small donations to local grassroots projects that benefit the environment, preserve local culture, and promote community self-reliance. It’s simple, effective, and differentiates participating companies in a competitive marketplace. 

sustainabletravelinternational.org/documents/op_tp.html

Travellers are also provided with opportunities to give back with hundreds of pre-screened grassroots projects offered around the world.  In addition 85-90 percent of each contribution received is put to work on-the-ground within 60 days to maximize the benefit at the local level.   

More information: http://www.sustainabletravelinternational.org/documents/op_tp.html

FUNDING & GRANTS

The Australian and Victorian Governments have established a $10 million Victorian Bushfire Business Investment Fund to encourage private sector investment and job creation in areas affected by the February 2009 Victorian bushfires.

wewillrebuild.vic.gov.au/

Grants ranging from a minimum of $50,000 to a maximum of $4 million are available businesses from a range of sectors including tourism, agriculture, food, forestry and energy. Applications close 30 June 2010.

Further information: http://www.wewillrebuild.vic.gov.au/

Research students will be able to access up to $5,000 for PhD and masters projects and up to $2,000 for honours projects. Since inception, the foundation has provided $176,000 to research projects.

Applications are assessed by representatives from the Cairns Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, James Cook University, the Environmental Protection Agency and the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation. Closing date for submissions is 4 June 2010.

Further information: http://www.skyrailfoundation.org/

Tourism Vancouver have partnered with SatSports and HTC to produce a free interactive application that provides visitors with a complete guide to the city in the palm of their hand.

CitySmart is the world's first interactive mobile application providing live updated tourist and sporting event information, plus an advanced GPS system that provides detailed street navigation and breaking news on traffic situations.

Application users will receive live updates (via text messages) that will notify them of points of interest, weather reports, traffic alerts and news flashes.

Image: tourismvancouver.com/visitors/mobile

Further information: http://www.tourismvancouver.com/visitors/mobile

INFRASTRUCTURE & INVESTMENT

Tourism Western Australia has released a series of reports identifying tourism product and infrastructure priorities across five tourism regions.

The Tourism Development Priorities will be useful for government agencies in planning and allocating grants and will also assist the private sector in identifying potential development and investment opportunities.

Image:tourism.wa.gov.au/SiteCollectionImages/Consumer Marketing/003867.jpg

The Queensland Government is inviting expressions of interest from experienced individuals and organisations to develop and operate a low impact, sustainable tourism accommodation experience at Ninney Rise, Mission Beach in Tropical North Queensland. Ninney Rise is the first of seven sites announced by the Premier under a new Queensland Government ecotourism initiative which will facilitate the development of low impact private accommodation experiences in or near protected areas.

Image: Landscaped gardens at Ninney Rise. Photo courtesy of David Morgans.

If you would like to provide an expression of interest for the Ninney Rise site, please visit the below link and click on Ninney Rise (left hand menu) to find out more: http://www.derm.qld.gov.au/parks_and_forests/activities_in_parks_and_forests/nature-tourism/about-
qld-nature-based-opportunities.html.

The closing date for all Expressions of Interest is Friday, 11 June 2010

For more information please contact the Tourism Policy and Projects Division on (07) 3239 3049 or email ecotourism@deedi.qld.gov.au.

Three of the world’s most renowned convention centres have joined forces to create the Global Green Alliance that will share initiatives and experiences in sustainable best practice for the events industry. The Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, Arena and Convention Centre Liverpool and the Cape Town International Convention Centre have partnered to promote industry best practice for hosting sustainable events across the globe. Each venue has a sustainability charter as well as a range of green awards, certificates and accreditation specific to their country.

Further information: http://www.btconventioncentre.com/green/global_green_alliance/index.asp

AWARDS

Responsible Tourism Awards

Nominations for the Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards 2010 are now open.

Founded and organised by responsibletravel.com the awards recognise individuals, companies, organisations and destinations in the travel industry that are making a significant commitment to the culture and economies of local communities and are providing a positive contribution to biodiversity conservation.

The Responsible Tourism Awards are different from other awards schemes in that winners are nominated by tourists.

Further information: http://www.responsibletourismawards.com/about.html

A Queensland Government initiative is encouraging motorists to balance the impact of their vehicles' greenhouse gas emissions on the environment by making a donation to the Queensland Trust for Nature.

The Reverse the Effect program aims to educate and encourage people to think about how they can minimise their vehicle emissions by changing driving behaviours.

These donations will be matched dollar-for-dollar by the Queensland Government over the next five years and will go towards creating native forests that reduce the impact of greenhouse gases.

Further information: http://www.reversetheeffect.com.au/

Image: reversetheeffect.com.au/

For the first time ever the Tourism Futures National Conference will be held in Brisbane! Tourism Futures, held 5 – 7 July 2010, will feature top-line keynote speakers from Australia, Europe and Asia. Industry experts will present the latest, cutting-edge thinking and you are invited to attend and participate in the discussions that will shape the future of the industry!

Keynote snap-shot: Dr Auliana Poon

Director of Tourism Intelligence International, Dr Auliana Poon has masterminded some of the most stunning success stories in world tourism over the past 20 years, and will be one of the keynote speakers at this year’s Tourism Futures conference being held in Brisbane 5-7 July.

‘I am looking forward to my trip to Australia and seeing behind the scenes of one of the world’s most desired destinations, and how you cope with the cornucopia of elements that impact our industry,’ says Dr Auliana Poon.

Further information: http://www.tourismfutures.com.au/ 

The last 12-18 months have seen dramatic changes in the forces and fortunes impacting on regional Australia. The current debate around Australia’s long term population in terms of sustainability, composition and location has put regional Australia at the forefront of much policy discussion. 
Growth management has included discussions of strategic growth nodes, major cities programs and regional incentives packages. SEGRA 2010, being conducted in Townsville, Queensland with the most decentralised city state in Australia, is well located for the debate. 

Image: courtesy Tourism Queensland

Cutting edge papers are now being sought from practitioners, researchers, business and government that highlight key initiatives and actions to advance regions and regional Australia.

For more information please follow the links below:

• Segra Home page
• Call for papers
• Registration and call for papers brochure

Papers must be submitted with the required documentation by 30 June 2010

For more information or other enquiries please contact Jessica Shelton on 07 32310 0021 or email info@segra.com.au

Ecotourism Australia’s premier conference the 2010 Global Eco Asia-Pacific Tourism Conference will be held at the Outrigger Little Hastings Street Resort & Spa, Noosa.

Global Eco 2010 will feature a host of international and national tourism identities to discuss the central theme of ‘Experience is Everything’.

The conference will also provide insights into important areas such as, Sustainability & Climate Change; Indigenous Participation in Tourism; Tourism in Protected areas; Developing a Green Destination; and Strategic Partnerships for Sustainable Tourism.

Further information: http://www.globaleco.com.au/

The International Conference on Sustainable Tourism in Developing Countries will be held in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania from 10-11 August 2010.

The theme of the conference is "Managing Sustainable Tourism in Developing Economies" with sub-themes of tourism and poverty alleviation, global value-chain analysis in tourism, marketing, development and contemporary issues in sustainable tourism.

Further information: http://www.udbs.udsm.ac.tz/downloads/International%20conference%20on%20tourism.pdf