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Tony
Charters and Associates Tourforce |
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Tony Charters and Associates releases a regular
newsletter Tourforce keeping stakeholders of the tourism
industry connected with current issues, research, events and
funding opportunities.
Reproduction of any items from Tourforce is welcome, with
acknowlegement of the source.
Welcome to Tourforce Edition 8
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Author of “The ABC of Carbon” and Governor
of WWF Australia
All the world’s a stage and - to corrupt Shakespeare just
a little - we are all players in the climate change scenario.
The past 12 months has seen an explosion of talk about climate
change from the tourism and aviation industry. But is it enough?
It is a lot like preparing a play for the stage. The script
is written, the players have rehearsed, now its time to get
on the stage and act in the best way possible.
There’ll be audience reactions – some applause,
some boos - and critics too. The important thing is to get up
there on the global stage and perform at your best. Your audience
deserves that at least.
Ken Hickson decided to do a little research to see if our international
airline players are getting to grips with climate change and
its impacts. Here’s how he sees them:
Qantas, with a carbon offset scheme for its passengers which
it started late last year, cleverly uses a number of celebrities
to boost it along.It is also involved with some unique research
in conjunction with Air Services Australia - an enhanced flight
path trial at Brisbane Airport that has reduced aircraft carbon
emissions by 650 tonnes. Not a lot, but a start. |
Virgin Atlantic – and Virgin Blue in Australia - offer
carbon offsets for passengers. And last month (February 2008)
Virgin Atlantic staged a world first flight of a 747 with one
of its four engines powered by bio fuel.Richard Branson is committed
to make the airline cleaner and greener – and wants the
international industry to follow suit. He put his money where
his mouth is and committed US$3 billion to this end.
Lufthansa, with typical German thoroughness, has set its own
house in order environmentally. For 13 years now it has had
its aircraft involved in climate change research –monitoring
through three scientific programs. And it carbon offsets through
MyClimate.
Singapore Airlines – the first to operate the new super
efficient A380 -- says ‘we have long been committed to
improving environmental performance across all areas of the
business.’ But it could do better and itspassengers don’t
have the opportunity to offset their flights.
United Airlines, struggling through financial constraints for
some time, says it works to preserve the environment through
improved fuel efficiency in the air and on the ground, but no
sign of a carbon offset program for its passengers.
Air New Zealand, while small by global standards, usually steps
up to the plate. This year it will have a commercial trial of
a bio fuelled, Rolls-Royce powered, Boeing aircraft. But no
carbon offset program to speak off and nothing else to report
of an environmental nature.
Because as we know, actions speak louder than words, there’s
a lot more for airlines to do – and say – to show
their commitment to climate change action programs.
Ken Hickson |
| Tony Charters and Associates moved office at the beginning
of March to the Ground Level of The Mansions. The Mansions is
a beautiful heritage listed building which is located in George
Street, on the corner of Margaret Street, near Parliament House.
Built in 1889 during the late Victorian period, the style is
influenced by Victorian version of Italian Classical motifs. |
| The Mansions was built as an investment for a
group of politicians among whom were the Premier B D Morehead
and Treasurer William Pattison at the time. The first female
doctor in Queensland, Dr Lillian V. Cooper set up practice here
in the early 1890’s and was one of the first tenants.
|
The building now contains a number of offices including
the Board of Architects of Queensland, Board of Professional
Engineers of Queensland and Management Solutions (QLD) as
well as a restaurant on the ground level.
We have a 48m2 office space on the first level which is available
for tenancy for up to three years. It has two offices and
a private balcony. For more information call 07 3012 9575
or visit http://www.realcommercial.com.au/cgi-bin/rsearch?a=o&cu=fn-realcom&id=5377651 |
| Visitor Safety
in Australia |
A ‘Visitor Safety in Australia’ page has been
launched on the Tourism Australia corporate website with comprehensive
information to help visitors learn more about travel safety
in Australia. The webpage features downloads of both the National
Visitor Safety Handbook and Travel Safely in Australia brochure.
The brochure also has language sections available in English,
French, German, Italian, Spanish, Japanese, Chinese and Korean.
The webpage has been developed by the National Visitor Safety
Program Working Group which consists of a representative from
national, state and territory tourism and government organisations.
Further information: http://www.tourism.australia.com/Marketing.asp?sub=0292&al=2815 |
| Planning to
Build the Future in Western Australia |
| Sustainable
Regional Tourism Destinations |
The Sustainable Regional Tourism Destinations project aims
to determine best practice for the sustainable development,
marketing and management of regional tourism destinations
in Australia. Based upon research undertaken in 22 regional
tourism destinations around the country, researchers will
develop industry friendly toolkits and research extension
activities to assist regional tourism destinations and regions
in best practice planning initiatives. This three-year research
project was initiated by the Australian Regional Tourism Network
and is funded by the Sustainable Tourism Cooperative Research
Centre. An industry reference group comprising representatives
from each state and territory tourism organisation and Tourism
Australia is guiding the project.
Further information: http://www.regionaltourism.com.au/ARTRC/destinations/dest_project.html
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| Local Government
Area Tourism Profiles |
| Infrastructure &
Development |
| New Illawarra Fly
Tree Top Walk |
Located on the Ilawarra Escarpment two hours south of Sydney,
the Illawarra Fly is a 500 metre long, 25 metre high elevated
tree top walk ascending at a gentle grade and suitable for visitors
of all nobilities. The Illawarra Fly was built by the same company
that built the Otway Fly Tree Top Walk on Victoria’s Great
Ocean Road and the Tahune AirWalk in Tasmania. An extensive
on-site visitor centre seats 110 people indoors and 110 outdoors.
The attraction was also built on “soft footprint”
ecological guidelines with rainwater collected and no waste
left on site.
Further information: http://www.illawarrafly.com.au/ |
| Kangaroo Island's
First Luxury Lodge |
Kangaroo Island’s first luxury lodge has set a new
standard in accommodation.
Located on the Island’s south west coast, the Lodge
site adjoins both the Flinders Chase and Kelly Hill National
Parks and is at the heart of the Island’s major attractions.
Southern Ocean Lodge is destined as Australia’s leading
example of sustainable tourism accommodation through its unique
location, contemporary environmental design, locally sourced
services, personalised interpretative activities and signature
wellness spa.
Further information: http://www.baillielodges.com.au/destinations.asp
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| Research |
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| Climate
Change and Australian Tourism |
A new scoping study
which examines the relationship between tourism
and climate change has been commissioned by the
Tourism and Transport Forum and published by the
Sustainable Tourism Cooperative Research Centre.
This report looks at causes of climate change
as well as examining short and long term strategies
in order to address its impacts.
Further information: http://www.regionaltourism.com.au/ARTRC/news.html#climate |
| Mobile
Boarding Passes |
New research has estimated that
over 2.6 billion mobile barcode tickets for flights,
concerts and events will be delivered to just
over 208 million mobile phone users by 2011. Some
benefits include reduced cost, better security,
reduced paper usage and savings of up to $500
million each year for the airline industry. The
research examined the current and near-future
status of mobile ticketing with analysis and interviews
from representatives of some of the leading organisations
in the mobile ticket industry.
Further information: http://www.juniperresearch.com/shop/viewreport.php?id=101 |
| Kiwis
the best key to Boosting Tourism Success |
| A partnership with long time
rival, New Zealand, could be the fillip for
boosting inbound visitor numbers according
to the Tourism Futures Report conducted by
Roy Morgan research.
Commissioned for the Tourism Futures conference,
the research surveyed industry operators,
academics and government policy-makers from
local, State and Commonwealth levels. |
| “To date we’ve probably thought
we were good enough to go it alone, say industry expert,
Tony Charters who is convening the Tourism Futures conference.
“We are facing some real challenges at the moment.
Both inbound and domestic visitor numbers are soft, and
around 35 per cent of the industry surveyed thought teaming
up with New Zealand could be the way forward.”
Roy
Morgan Research, in conjunction with the Tourism Futures
National Secretariat, is conducting research addressing
the major challenges and opportunities facing the Australian
tourism industry, as well as ways to maximise sustainable
growth in this industry. |
We encourage you to click on this link http://www.surveys.roymorgan.com/surveys/905133 and take a couple of minutes to give your opinions.
Results will be incorporated into the 2008 Tourism
Futures Conference being held from 2-4 June 2008.
In addition to having an opportunity to provide
vital opinions you will also go into the draw to win
a 2 night holiday at Kingfisher Bay Resort on the beautiful
Fraser Island including catamaran transfers from Hervey
Bay. |
| Grey Nomads
- a Mobile Workforce |
TCA recently won a federal grant form
the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations,
under the Mature Age Industry Strategy, to run a
pilot employment program in the Townsville region.
The pilot will link regional employers with Grey
Nomads travelling through the region in May-June
2008 for a variety of short term voluntary and paid
employment opportunities.
This pilot comprises the third stage of an ongoing
project to investigate the opportunities for filling
labour and skills shortages in regional areas with
Grey Nomad travellers. Stages 1 and 2 focused on
researching the level of interest, profile and skills
based of Grey Nomads as well as organisations across
a variety of employment sectors. Having established
positive results, stage 3 seeks to examine the practical
dimension of linking the two and overcoming any
key barriers that arise.
The project will provide a regional case study
of how Grey Nomads can be utilised as a mobile
workforce by regional employers. It will provide
a demonstration of how employers can connect,
communicate and establish cost effective short
term working arrangements with suitably skilled
and interested Grey Nomads. It will also provide
a preliminary toolkit for overcoming key barriers
to this process.
As a case study this project will also be invaluable
to other regions interested in taking advantage
of the skills base of Grey Nomads for addressing
skills and labour shortages. It may also encourage
and provide incentives to other employers/regions
to become involved in engaging older workers in
flexible working arrangements. |
| Fairmont
Partners with WWF |
Fairmont has
partnered with WWF to lower its carbon footprint
and better promote greener work ethics through
the Global Climate Savers Program. The hotel
chain will also seek to reduce carbon emissions
through improved energy efficiency, increased
conversion to renewable energy, as well
as more actively pursuing a greener travel
industry. Currently the Fairmont already
employs sustainable practices such as waste
reduction, water conservation and energy
management.
Further information: http://www.fairmont.com/EN_FA/Articles/RecentNews/WWF.htm |
http://www.wwf.org.au/
| Sustaining
ATE |
http://www.tourism.australia.com/Marketing.asp?sub=0325
The Australian Tourism
Exchange (ATE) is committed to making
the 2008 event more environmentally
friendly. Initiatives will include
a recycling program, reducing the
amount of printed paper in the lead
up to and during the event and options
for reinvesting in the environment.
All ATE sellers will also be encouraged
to highlight their own environmental
initiatives at the event.
Further information: http://www.tourism.australia.com/BTEvents.asp?lang=EN&sub=0321&al=516
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| The ABC
of Carbon |
Tourism
is both a contributor
to, and a victim of,
climate change. Here
we have a selection
of edited and relevant
extracts from Ken
Hickson’s book,
“The ABC of
Carbon”. The
26 chapters represent
each letter of the
alphabet in this encyclopaedia
of “the issues
and opportunities
in the global climate
change environment”.
Altogether 730 items
or paragraphs adding
up to more than 150,000
words and over 500
pages.
Receive the weekly
abc carbon express
e-newsletter and the
book “The ABC
of Carbon” in
an all-in-one special
package for A$50. |
“The ABC of Carbon:
Issues and opportunities
in the global climate
change environment”
is due for release in
the next month (April)
at the recommended retail
price of A$30. The subscription
to the email newsletter
is normally A$50 for 52
weekly issues from the
date you start which if
purchased now, will include
the book as well.
That’s an $80 package for $50. Packing/postage
extra - see rates below. So provide your address and
contact details to info@tonycharters.com
to order
Tourism, travel and airline references in these extracts
from Ken Hickson’s ABC of Carbon:
Aviation. Since 1990, carbon dioxide
emissions from international aviation have increased
by 83%. David Suzuki points out that the aviation industry
is expanding rapidly, partly because regulatory and
taxing policies do not reflect the true environmental
cost of flying.
Bio-jet fuel. Air New Zealand and Rolls-Royce
are joining forces with
Boeing to conduct a biofuel
demonstration flight in
2008 designed to help
accelerate the development
of viable and sustainable
alternative fuels for
commercial aviation uses.
Climate change. Strictly speaking,
climate change means the
significant changes from
one climatic condition
to another, but it now
commonly refers to the
increase in surface temperature
of the earth caused by
human activities.
Ecotourism. Defined as ecologically
sustainable tourism with
a primary focus on experiencing
natural areas, fostering
environmental and cultural
understanding, appreciation
and conservation, ecotourism
has its own Eco Certification
Program in Australia —
a world first.
Flying. ‘Airlines are leading
the debate on environment
with a vision to become
carbon neutral in the
medium term and zero carbon
emissions in the long
term. We are setting the
benchmark on environmental
performance for other
industries to follow,’
said IATA’s director-general
Giovanni Bisignani.
Green travel. Way back in 1998,
The Green Travel Guide
by Greg Neale, pointed
out that the Great Barrier
Reef of Queensland, Australia,
was threatened by ‘an
increase in sea temperatures
caused by global warming’.
Also that Coral reefs
act as a protective cordon
around many low-lying
islands.
Intrepid Travel. By flying to the destinations
we love so much, we’re
actively contributing
to climate change. One
travel company, Intrepid,
which has specialised
in adventure and cultural
experience holidays, has
introduced automatic carbon
offsetting into its tour
pricing.
Maldives. For 20 years, the president
of this Indian Ocean archipelago,
Maumoon Abdul Gayoom,
has been telling the world
that his cluster of islands,
dotted across 800 kilometres
of sea off southern India
is imperilled by climate
change.
Ocean acid. Reef expert Dr Charlie
Veron says for decades
we’ve been acidifying
our oceans and warmer
water is bleaching the
coral of the Great Barrier
Reef. The new threat to
the reef’s survival
... carbonic acid.
PATA. ‘Global warming
is the biggest challenge
facing mankind today and
we must all do everything
possible to reach a consensus
on how to meet it,’
said Virgin’s Sir
Richard Branson, in support
of the Pacific Asia Travel
Association (PATA) with
its CEO Challenge, which
he said comes at a very
timely moment.
Qantas. A late starter in the
carbon stakes, but when
Qantas did come on board
it made a big impression.
On 19 September 2007,
the Australian airline
group launched a carbon
offset program, backed
by a pledge to offset
the carbon emissions of
every international and
domestic flight on the
first day of the program.
Solar for Denver
Airport. Scheduled
for completion in 2008,
a two-megawatt solar system
at Denver International
Airport (DIA) - the fifth
busiest international
airport in the US - is
expected to generate 3.5
million kilowatt hours
of clean electricity annually.
UNESCO World
Heritage. The
integrity of hundreds
of natural and cultural
sites with World Heritage
Listing, including Kilimanjaro
National Park, the Great
Barrier Reef and Timbuktu,
are threatened by global
climate change, a new
study by the United Nations
Educational Scientific
and Cultural organisation
(UNESCO) shows.
Virgin Earth
Challenge. Sir
Richard Branson is offering
a US$25 million global
science and technology
prize called the Virgin
Earth Challenge. It will
go to the individual or
group that is able to
demonstate a commercially
viable design which will
result in the net removal
of greenhouse gases each
year for at least ten
years without harmful
effects.
World Tourism
Organisation. This United Nations agency
responsible for tourism,
which is both a contributor
to climate change and
a victim, is commited
to sustainable development
of tourism. The theme
for World Tourism Day
(WTD) on 27 September
2008 – to be hosted
in Peru - is ‘Tourism:
responding to the challenge
of climate change’.
Zero emission
fuel. Solar reflectors
could one day make petrol
from thin air and algae
may provide all the diesel
we need. In The Independent
30 January 2008, Simon
Usborne reports on the
race to perfect energy
sources for the future. |
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| A
World Without Parks |
The Parks Forum biennial conference
will be held form 20 to 22 May 2008 in Auckland,
New Zealand. The conference offers a diverse line-up
of speakers from within and outside the parks
industry. The conference will provide a source
for dynamic and strategic thinking about parks
management presenting the latest in research,
best practice and working together to develop
collaborative strategies to address the key issues
facing the parks industry.
Further information: http://parksforum.org/conference/ |
| Tourism
Futures National Conference 2008 |
Consumer trends and the latest
marketing and technology innovations will be showcased
at the Tourism Futures conference on the Gold
Coast from June 2 to 4.
Leading US tourism industry guru, Philip Wolf
- President of renowned market analyst PhoCusWright
- will address the conference and take part in
several workshops and seminars over the three
days at the Crown Plaza Royal Pines Resort.
“Philip Wolf is in a class of his own.
He has an extraordinary insight into consumer
trends and the impact of the internet and new
technologies on the tourism industry,” says
Tony Charters, Tourism Futures convenor.
Other sessions include ‘Making a Good Property
into a Great Property’ and hot topics such
as investment and development, management trends,
staff and training and climate change and eco-tourism. |
“If you attend
only one conference this year, make sure it is
Tourism Futures – the last conference was
undoubtedly the best, most relevant and informative
tourism conference myself and other normally conference-weary
colleagues have attended in over 25 years in the
tourism industry.” Jude Frank, Jude Frank
Consulting Tourism, Management and Marketing Consultants.
For a full program and registrations go to
www.tourismfutures.com.au |
| Green
Start for UK |
VisitBritain has announced a sustainable tourism
initiative that will enable accredited English
accommodation providers and attractions take
the first steps in gaining green certification.
As part of a pilot scheme, VisitBritain will
waive the £25 charge for the first 500
businesses to join Green Start. This will be
first time that a National Tourism Office has
taken steps to check and endorse green tourism
certification schemes. Green Start is expected
to sign up 2500 businesses to its entry-level
programme in its first year.
Further information: http://www.visitbritain.com/en/campaigns/green/?url=/green |
| PATA
Gold Awards |
http://www.pata.org/patasite/index.php?id=128
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Industry stakeholders who have contributed
to the responsible development and promotion of travel and
tourism in the Asia Pacific can now submit entries to the
2008 Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Gold Awards programme.
The awards will be judged by a panel of experts and presented
on 19 September 2008 during the PATA Travel Mart in Hyderabad,
India. Winners will be featured in the souvenir booklet, receive
media coverage via press releases and are also entitled to
use the award logo on websites and collateral. Deadline for
entries is 30 April 2008.
Further information:
http://www.pata.org/patasite/index.php?id=128 |
| Ecotourism
Spotlight Award |
Government websites that spotlight
ecotourism and responsible travel are eligible to win Planeta.com's
2008 Ecotourism Spotlight Award. Nominees can include environmental,
tourism and other government portals in three categories of
local, national and international. Nominations are open from
15 February to 1 July 2008.
Further information: http://www.planeta.com/planeta/08/0802spotlightaward.html |
| Tourism For Tomorrow Judging
- High standards, Global Innovators |
Tony travelled in Tanzania with Serena chief naturalist
Mr Bob Oguya. Bob, who has been with Serena for more than a
decade was a senior manager within the Kenyan Parks Service
and holds a Masters Degree in Ecology. In Zanibar, Tony met
with the Managing Director, Mr Jan Mohamed.
”Serena
is an excellent case study with applicability across the globe.
The organisation has a commitment to the protection of the natural
environment and the cultural heritage and living culture of
the region. |
| In operating a premium product Serena is cogniscent
of the value of protecting the destination values of the area.
Similarly it is cogniscent of the importance of involving the
local community in the economic benefits that accrue from operating
its enterprise.’ |
| Tony them flew to the Maldives to review two of
Six Senses properties, Soneva Fushi and Soneva Gili. Both these
properties where damaged by the 2004 Tsunami, with the Gili
property having been closed for 6 months due to damage.
Six Senses operates 10 resorts and 16 spas with several more
under development. Their main focus is in Asia, and they employ
around 5,000 staff. |
| “Soneva places great store in its personnel
practices as a means to deliver excellence in hospitality. There
is a very comprehensive incentive scheme available to staff
based on their individual performance, guest feedback, commitment
and achievement of training objectives and length of service.’ |
| Soneva has shown an extraordinary commitment to
its climate change response and is investing heavily in an innovative
deep sea cold water exchange system for its air-conditioning
systems, wind energy and energy efficiency.
There is clearly a very strong involvement of the owners
of the resort in all matters related to design, interior decoration,
landscaping and environmental initiatives. “
Tony said.
Winners will be announced at the WTTC Summit in Dubai in
April. |
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| Funding & Grants |
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| Arts and Cultural Event Scheme |
http://www.workaboutaustralia.com.au/bwWebsite/default.asp
The Western Australian Government has announced the $1.5 million Arts and Cultural Event Scheme for the developmentof events in fields such as music, fashion and dance. Events held in the 2008-2009 financial year will be assessed on criteria including content, uniqueness and image building, community support, corporate support, and economic impact. Applications close 1 April 2008.
Further information: http://www.tourism.wa.gov.au/Events/Pages/Arts_and_Cultural_Events_Scheme.aspx |
| Australian Government Grants |
This page lists the grants available through the Australian Government Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts.
Further information: http://www.environment.gov.au/programs/a-z.html |
| Grey Nomad Working Holidays |
|
Tourism Queensland has been collaborating with Caravanning Australia to provide easy access to information on working holidays around Queensland.
Further information: http://www.workaboutaustralia.com.au/bwWebsite/default.asp and http://www.greynomadsemployment.com/ |
| Responsible
Tourism |
| Green
Passport |
The United Nations Environment Programme has launched
the ‘Green Passport’ campaign to raise tourists'
awareness of their potential to contribute to sustainable
development by making responsible holiday choices. The
campaign encourages tourists to choose responsible service
providers, reduce the consumption of energy while on
the road or in their hotel and buy locally made and
environmentally friendly souvenirs. The campaign website
is available in English, Portuguese and French.
Further information: http://www.unep.fr/greenpassport/ |
|
| Global
Geotourism Challenge |
The National Geographic Society and Ashoka's Changemakers
have launched the 2008 Global Geotourism Challenge to identify
people and organisations that are innovators in tourism development,
management and marketing. The online competition will raise
awareness about how tourism can help sustain, enhance and
preserve local culture and environment. Three winners will
each receive a cash prize of $5,000 and an opportunity to
present their innovations at a Geotourism Challenge Summit.
Applications close 9 April 2008.
Further information:
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/sustainable/index.html |
| Greyhound
Upgreading Fleet |
Greyhound Australia is refurbishing its fleet and acquiring
new Scania buses which are 25% more fuel efficient and Euro
4 compliant. Greyhound Australia is also working with environmental
partners to develop a carbon offset plan to ensure this method
of transport contributes to a sustainable future. One full
Greyhound coach already is akin to taking 16 cars off the
road and has five times less CO2 emissions per passenger per
kilometre on the same route than aeroplanes.
Further information:
http://www.greyhound.com.au/AboutGreyhound/travel-green.aspx
|
http://www.queenslandholidays.com.au/getting-around/coach/coach_home.cfm
| Open
Skies for Australia & United States |
Australia and the United States have settled the terms
of a new "open skies" air transport agreement. The
agreement will allow carriers of each country to operate between
Australia and the United States, via other countries and beyond
the other country to other countries without restriction on
the number of services operated, the number of passengers
carried, or any other restrictions on rights to carry passengers
or cargo. The United States is Australia's third largest aviation
market.
Further information: http://www.infrastructure.gov.au/aviation/international/open_skies.aspx |
| Adventure
Victoria |
Adventure Victoria was formed in 2005 by four Victorian
adventure tourism operators whose businesses had all been
hit by the bushfires of 2003. It is the first adventure marketing
group of its kind and has been involved in the development
of Victoria’s first nature-based tourism strategy. Adventure
Victoria products are now being distributed by around 20 international
and domestic operators including Flight Centre.
Further information: http://www.adventurevictoria.com.au/ |
| Drought
Proof Conference Resort |
The Novotel Forest Resort Creswick is Australia's first
drought-proof year round green resort. The resort design incorporated
stringent guidelines to protect native vegetation and wildlife
including a number of lagoons and Australia's first privately
owned water treatment plant. The Novotel Hotel is part of
the $250 million Forest Resort development which includes
a residential community, Health and Wellness Centre and championship
golf course.
Further information: http://www.forestresort.com.au/?id=theproject
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Tony Charters and
Associates
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