• WTTC World Summit 2014
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• Drive Tourism
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Adventure Worldwide has teamed up with travel clothing brand Craghoppers to launch a range of adventure holiday packages. The hand picked packages will be sold through the clothing brand's website with plans for a marketing campaign incorporating attendance at travel shows and competitions with its clothing retail partners in a bid to create a hub for world adventure travel.

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

Malaysia’s widespread rainforests and their location on the cross-migratory path of certain bird species make it a home of exotic birdlife  - including some extremely rare ones. This is the reason why Malaysia has 742 bird species. Of this, 192 are migratory and 522 are resident including 43 species endemic to Malaysia.

There are 55 internationally recognised important bird areas in Malaysia covering 4.4 million hectares, (13% of Malaysia‘s land area), which are home to 43 globally threatened bird species and 101 near-threatened bird species.

Bird sanctuaries have been designated throughout the country to watch the coming and going of migratory birds including Fraser’s Hill in Pahang, Kuala Selangor Nature Park and  Kapar Power Station in Selangor, and Tanjung Tuan in Malacca. Many of the birding sites are easily accessible and are provided with good facilities, with some sites practicing 'birder-friendly' management. Birders can travel in safety whether in a group or individually.

A number of bird related festivals and events are organised annually, which include the long established Fraser’s Hill International Bird Race (Pahang), the exciting Raptor Watch (RW) in Tanjung Tuan (Malacca) and the Festival of Wings (FOW) in Kuala Selangor (Selangor). The two most recent events are Sarawak Bird Race in Borneo Highlands Resort  (Sarawak) and Borneo Bird Festival (BBF) in Sepilok, Sandakan (Sabah).  

Each year, in the first weekend of March, there is a raptor watch event organised by the Malaysian Nature Society (MNS) to celebrate the arrival of migrating raptors from Pulau Rupat, Indonesia.

Suara Enggang, a regular birding magazine is published by MNS’ Bird Conservation Council for all birding enthusiasts. This bulletin welcomes bird watchers from all over Malaysia to share their observations from unusual bird behaviour, latest sightings, new country records, or nesting birds.

Beside bird watching, birders can enjoy the rich biodiversity and wildlife of Malaysia like, orangutan, western tarsiers, orchids and rafflesia. These unique features make Malaysia an excellent destination for bird watchers to explore new bird species while discovering the hidden beauty of its nature.

Follow this link for birds of Malaysia:
http://www.malaysianbirds.com/list/
malaysian.htm

Research presented at the BIT 2014 Milano (Borsa Internazionale del Turismo =  International Tourism Exchange) by Sandra Cuocolo, of IPR Marketing, in collaboration with the Foundation UniVerde, shows that sustainability in tourism has developed a commercial value and that many travellers would be willing to spend to achieve an environmental plus, but often do not find it.

The study found that 39% of respondents (Italians) would be willing to pay 10 to 20% more in exchange for specific environmental safeguards.  70% of respondents  would prefer to stay in structures perceived as ‘green’ as long as they were the same price.

Nine out of 10 Italians search for information on services and hospitality  online (89%) and in particular, are increasingly consulting search engines and specialised sites.
Part of the report was devoted to the knowledge and preferences of Italians when it comes to National Parks. It found that the best known are the Gran Paradiso and Stelvio, followed by the Cinque Terre and the Sila, and are the most visited national parks of Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise and the Lucano Apennines.

The report also dealt with the perceptions of ecotourism on offer in major Italian cities.
On the negative side,  none of the city ecoturism products could reach a score of  seven (out of 10). Florence  achieved 6.3, Naples 4.0, Bari 4.1 and Palermo 4.3. The good news is that more than half of the respondents are increasingly oriented to choose tourist accomodation that does not harm the environment and of these respondents  64% are young people up to 34 years old.

Sustainable tourism and investment in the sector are highly sought after by the Italian population. 88% of respondents  believe positive action for sustainability is a necessity (38%) and represents a great opportunity for growth (50%) for the economic development of an area.

Sustainable tourism is becoming the future of the industry. This is proved by the boom of farmhouses, the sale of food and wine tours and the exploits of tourism in parks, with ecotourism that spreads among visitors from abroad. Pecoraro Scanio, President of UniVerde Foundation said this is "a phenomenon that should be encouraged especially on the web, with credible certifications and benefits."

The global travel and tourism industry must operate to the highest standards to prove that it is a force for good and not a force for destruction. That is according to the CEO of the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), David Scowsill, in his closing speech at the WTTC Global Summit in Hainan, China (24-25 April 2014).

Mr Scowsill  called on the sector to demonstrate leadership and accountability; "The travel and tourism industry needs to report and communicate the benefits and value it brings and ensure that it genuinely embraces a Tourism for Tomorrow. Standards of ethics and sustainability must be of the highest order. We need to work in true partnership with governments - when they listen - and with our local communities and stakeholders. We must also engage with our staff, our customers and our consumers."

Subjects discussed at the WTTC Global Summit included volatility and unpredictability, climate change and disaster recovery, infrastructure planning and sustainability, growth and jobs, peace and prosperity, collaboration and co-operation and culture and understanding. 

Mr Scowsill continued; "We have a responsibility for the one billion travellers each year on our planet and another billion soon; for the plight of those affected by disasters, whether through natural disaster or man-made conflict and for the careful preservation of resources and protection of the planet. And we also have the responsibility to provide millions of quality jobs to people who are seeking fulfilment and quality of life through employment, training, opportunities and careers. And we must not forget that we have to satisfy the markets and investors who quite properly and responsibly seek returns for the huge investment that will be needed. If we can take care of all these responsibilities, then we will become the greatest industry on earth and a true Force for Good."

Tigerair Australia has launched a new online club for Australians who don't fly as often as they would like but still want to be part of a frequent flyer scheme that offers regular updates on great deals as well as other rewards for flying. The Infrequent Flyer Club is a customer relationship management platform that allows Tigerair to fulfil its mission of putting more people in the sky. An integrated marketing campaign including YouTube and other paid media channels, radio, social media, airport advertising and on-plane activation aims to traffic to their website.

Further information: http://infrequentflyers.com

Skyscanner has created a guide to cabin baggage restrictions on leading European airlines to provide some clarity to customers and reduce the number of passengers being forced to pay to check in over-sized hand luggage. The survey of 1,000 Britons found that there is a great deal of confusion surrounding cabin baggage because airlines are free to enforce their own weight and size restrictions.

Further information: http://www.skyscanner.net/news/cabin-luggage-guide-hand-baggage-sizes-and-weight-restrictions

Customs and Border Protection is launching a trial to allow Singaporean e-passport holders to use SmartGate self-processing facilities in Australia’s eight major airports. Singaporean travellers are the sixth nation to use the technology that makes travelling and processing through passport control an easier and faster experience. In 2013, more people visited Australia from Singapore than any other country in Southeast Asia.

Further information: http://www.singapore.embassy.gov.au/sing/ahcsg_140226_
article_smartgate.html

The Hong Kong Tourism Board in partnership with PCCW has launched a Discover Hong Kong Tourist SIM Card for visitors. The prepaid pass is available in the form of a 5-Day and a 8-Day SIM card allows visitors to remain in touch with family and friends via social media platforms. Using their smart phones visitors will be able to access a dedicated mobile website with the latest local travel information and discount offers.

Further information: http://www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/plan-your-trip/practicalities/communications/tourist-sim-card.jsp?WT.mc_id=102407

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines is enabling its customers to confirm and pay for a seat on one of their flights through social media platforms. KLM already offered services that could be used by contacting the company through social channels including booking or rebooking a flight, making a seat reservation or arranging extra baggage. The company has a team of 130 social media agents that deal with customers through both Facebook and Twitter. The service eliminates the need for navigating to the company website and engages customers on platforms being used every day.

Further information: https://www.facebook.com/KLM

Trail managers, shires and visitor centres are invited to upload their trail content to a new website. The Trails Western Australia website features a detailed profile for each trail and can be searched via region, type, name or experience. Users can refine their search to show only top trails, or dog friendly or wheelchair accessible trails. New features include downloadable maps and integration with social media and the Australian Tourism Data Warehouse.

Further information: http://trailswa.com.au/

Skyrail in Tropical North Queensland has launched a new open-air gondola experience that will enable customers to take in 360-degree panoramic views including the spectacular Barron Gorge National Park. Accompanied by a Skyrail Ranger and a maximum of four guests, the Canopy Glider experience gives guests the opportunity to find out so much more about this amazing region.

Further information: http://www.skyrail.com.au/experience/canopy-glider

Brand USA has launched an interactive global social media campaign that will feature 10 road trips covering 39 states. The Great American Road Trip will use the Brand USA website, social media channels and influencers from nine international markets to share stories and photos. Discover America will also unveil its new Google Maps platform where travellers can explore, plan, save and share their road trip experiences. Followers will also have access to playlists inspired by routes and road trips through a partnership with Spotify and Warner Music.

Further information: http://www.discoveramerica.com/usa/road-trips.aspx

Drive North Queensland has release a new brochure, app and consumer campaign running until 5 May 2014. The competition will see one lucky traveller win a fabulous drive holiday on The Great Tropical Drive, The Overlander’s Way, The Savannah Way or the Epic Cape York Drive. The brochure will be distributed via visitor information centres and caravan and camping shows in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane.

Further information: http://www.drivenorthqueensland.com.au/default.aspx

In 2009, the Cairns Convention Centre team commenced the ‘Satchels for Schools’ program supplying left over delegate satchels to disadvantaged school students. Over the last five years, with the support of clients and delegates, 12,000 conference satchels containing caps, hats, t-shirts, disposable cups, water bottles, notepads, pens and soft toys have been distributed.

Further information: http://www.cairnsconvention.com.au/satchels.html

A report has recently been published on the importance of walking and hiking to tourism in New Zealand, as many international visitors interested in outdoor activities such as trekking the Milford Track. It is a priority special interest area for Tourism New Zealand who is committed to attracting more international tourists to participate in walking and hiking-based holidays.

Further information: http://www.newzealand.com/int/walking-and-hiking/

According to a peer-reviewed report National Parks across the United States generate US$26.75 billion in economic activity and support 243,000 jobs in parks ranging from the Grand Canyon to smaller parks like the Lincoln Boyhood Home. The figures in the report are based on spending by nearly 283 million visitors in local communities near national parks in 2012.

Further information: http://www.nature.nps.gov/socialscience/
economics.cfm

The Queensland Government has released a toolkit to aid local councils in building a platform from which they can attract more drive tourists. The Queensland Camping Options Toolkit also aims to assist local operators in providing visitors with a range of quality products and experiences for their camping trips. The new guidelines are the culmination of 18 months of industry engagement via workshops and community consultation around the state.

Further information: http://www.dtesb.qld.gov.au/tourism/queensland-drive-tourism-strategy

New Zealand's tourist industry has set a target of contributing NZ$41 billion a year to the economy by 2025. New Zealand is a popular destination for outdoor activities and adventure sport, with a strong brand as a safe and friendly destination with outstanding natural beauty. The Tourism 2025 - Growing Value Together is a framework aiming to unite New Zealand's large and diverse tourism industry and ignite strong economic growth. It is an industry commitment to growing value by working together for the long-term benefit of tourism and the wider economy.

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

The World Tourism Organisation and the Adventure Travel Trade Association recently signed a new partnership agreement during Corporate Social Responsibility Day at ITB Berlin. Over the next two years the two bodies will conduct an economic impact study to analyse the rapidly growing adventure tourism sector and its potential impact on regional communities. The two organisations will also tackle matters concerning definitions, market size and trends, education and training, standards and guideline development.

Further information: http://www.adventuretravelnews.com/unwto-and-adventure-travel-trade-association-sign-agreement-to-advance-adventure-tourism-globally

South Australia’s tourism plan is under revision to cover 2015-2020 and consider the key priorities for the industry. With the current South Australian Tourism Plan coming to an end in 2014, it is time to consider the key priorities through to 2020 to achieve South Australia’s tourism industry potential of $8 billion. The new plan is currently in the early stages of development for feedback.

Further information: http://tourism.sa.gov.au/about-satc/2014-industry-survey.aspx

The key findings of a new study have shown that not taking vacation time is a bad idea, as it harms productivity and the economy. The report 'An Assessment of Paid Time Off in the US' was commissioned by the US Travel Association and completed by Oxford Economics showed that Americans left an average of 3.2 days of unused paid time in 2013, totalling 429 million unused days. The primary research for the study was based on an online survey of 971 employees conducted between September and October 2013.

Further information: http://traveleffect.com/sites/traveleffect.com/files/
Oxford_UnusedTimeOff_FullReport.pdf

Tourism Victoria, in conjunction with the Victoria Tourism Industry Council, commissioned Urban Enterprise to undertake an analysis of visitor information centres to determine best practice and trends in visitor information consumption and technological change. The report highlights that while visitors use technology to gain information pre-visit, visitor centres are useful at providing invaluable local, personal insights that add value to a holiday. The report also enables local government to benchmark and make informed decisions about visitor services within their area.

Further information: http://www.vtic.com.au/sites/default/files/VIC_Futures_
ProjectFinal_Report_20131204.pdf

A discussion paper has been released to gain an industry-wide perspective of tourism infrastructure priorities that could be served by the demand-driver infrastructure program. Austrade has been working with states and territories to develop a set of principles and some boundaries for projects that ensure the benefits of any government investment can be multiplied across the tourism sector.

Further information: http://www.austrade.gov.au/Tourism/Tourism-and-business/TIRF/DDI

The annual US National Travel and Tourism Week will be from 3-11 May 2014. It was first celebrated in 1984 after being established by a Congressional joint resolution passed in 1983. The weeklong event is designed in part to remind legislators, mayors, consumers and others in the business community that the enterprise of travel accounts for 3% of gross domestic product, 12% of jobs and close to US$130 billion in tax revenue.

Further information: http://www.ustravel.org/marketing/national-travel-and-tourism-week