A citizen of the Ktunaxa Nation, Beverley O'Neil has worked for over 20 years to build First Nations through community economic development – first at the Ktunaxa Nation Council in 1994 ant then when she launched O'Neil Marketing and Consulting.
Beverley is a keynote speaker at Global Eco Asia-Pacific Tourism Conference 17 - 19 November on Rottnest Island, Western Australia.
She served many years on provincial and regional advisory boards and committees for Aboriginal economic development including the British Columbia Native Economic Development Advisory Board on the First Citizens Fund, as well as industry sectors like Tourism BC, BC Wine Institute, and on committees in travel and tourism, agriculture and agri‐foods, business planning and development, aquarium and leadership. She is also a founder of the Aboriginal Tourism Association of BC (AtBC).
Beverley has helped Aboriginal communities and businesses build their tourism programs, marketing plans and reputation through strategic planning, research and marketing. Recently her team completed the Canadian National Aboriginal Tourism Economic Impact study, and prior to that conducted the landmark BC Aboriginal Cultural Tourism Research and Blueprint Strategy. She also developed the AtBC Aboriginal Cultural Tourism Accreditation program, and the National Aboriginal Cultural Tourism Checklist.
Adding to Beverley's accomplishments, she is also a stand-up comic and has completed 20 marathons.
One of Australia's tourism industry greats, Graham Turner - Managing Director of Flight Centre and Owner of the Spicers Group is a keynote at Global Eco Asia-Pacific Tourism Conference 17 - 19 November on Rottnest Island, Western Australia.
After graduating as a vet in Queensland, he moved to London, and with friend Geoff Lomas, took his first steps into the travel industry in 1973 when they established Top Deck Travel with a single, aging, double decker bus. Top Deck Travel had grown into a thriving business with some 80 buses by the early 1980s, when Skroo returned to Australia.
Skroo's initial involvement with Top Deck ended in the mid 1980s, when he and his colleagues sold the business to management and devoted their full attention to Flight Centre, a business that had less than 30 shops at that time.
As the long serving Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of the public company that grew from the small band of Flight Centre shops to more than 2,300 shops and businesses and 15,000 employees across the globe.
Skroo and his wife Jude own the rapidly emerging portfolio of the luxury Spicers Retreats in Queensland and New South Wales. As keen conservationists that have acquired some 8,000 ha of lands the northern section of the Scenic Rim adjoining Main Range National Park, three Nature Refuges have been established, protecting these lands in perpetuity through Conservation Agreements.
An accomplished academic and a savvy tourism operator in one – that is the experience that Dr. Kaewta Muangasame will bring to her keynote address at the Global Eco Asia-Pacific Tourism Conference 17 - 19 November on Rottnest Island off Perth, Western Australia.
Dr. Kaewta is an Assistant Dean and Lecturer and researcher in Tourism and Hospitality, Mahidol University International College, Thailand. Kaewta also owns Thaihouse the Riverfront which she created with the intention sharing the simplicity of living along the river in the ancient 700 year old town of Ayutthaya (just one hour from Bangkok) within The World Heritage Site of Temple Wat Phutthaisawan.
Kaewta is also involved in tourism consultancy projects, and a trainer for Tourism Authority of Thailand - particularly green-tourist behaviours, destination branding and use of interpretation in tourism and visitor management.
Would you like to discover more about Kaewta and our other Keynote Speakers? Visit : http://www.globaleco.com.au/program-speakers-keynote.php
Tourism Australia and the Expedia group have signed a multi-million dollar three-year marketing partnership aimed at developing campaigns and content to increase international travel to Australia. The three year Memorandum of Understanding represents the first formal agreement which Tourism Australia has entered into with a global online travel agency. The partnership will also extend beyond marketing to include shared reporting on consumer insights and data analytics.
Further information: http://www.tourism.australia.com/news/Media-Releases-Expedia-join-forces-promote-Tourism-Australia.aspx
75 locations across 60 countries over five continents recently took part in a world-first Instagram relay (#helloworldRELAY) on World Tourism Day in September 2015. The social media initiative organised by Australia's leading integrated travel group helloworld saw more than 75 Instagram influencers capturing images of countries, cities, people and places including New Zealand, Fiji, Peru, Kenya, Malaysia, Oman, Monaco, Thailand, South Africa and Singapore.
Further information: https://twitter.com/hashtag/helloworldrelay
Tourism New Zealand has created four adult colouring-in sketches of iconic New Zealand locations to allow travellers the opportunity to 'colour their journey' as colouring-in is believed to have the same effect on the brain as meditation has on the mind. With colouring-in fast becoming a popular pastime for adults to relieve stress and increase mindfulness, the colour sketches allow adults to unleash their creativity whilst planning their next adventure to New Zealand. The North and South Island images reflect those featured in the latest 100% Pure New Zealand brand campaign and include a couple exploring Waiheke Island, Hobbiton Movie Set, Milford Sound and Cathedral Cove.
Further information: http://www.newzealand.com/au/campaign/
colouryourjourney/
The International Air Transport Associations is responding to passenger demands for a more seamless travel experience through increased used of automation while saving airlines billions in operating costs. The Fast Travel Program provides time-saving and self-service initiatives such as self/automatic check-in, bags ready-to-go, document check, flight re-booking, bag recovery and self-boarding. Airlines involved to date include Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, SAS, Qantas and Air New Zealand.
Further information: : http://www.iata.org/whatwedo/passenger/fast-travel/Pages/index.aspx
GreenHotelWorld has partnered with Expedia to provide eco-conscious travellers with the ability to filter more than 130,000 hotels in 107 countries by their green practices and eco-label certification. The new booking platform has also teamed up with myclimate to ensure all users' stays are carbon neutral by compensating the CO2 emissions of the less eco-responsible accommodation options free of charge.
Further information: https://www.greenhotelworld.com/
South Australia has released a draft Nature-based Tourism Action Plan to boost tourism in national parks, marine parks and reserves for public comment. The plan outlines 10 actions that aim to boost nature-based tourism, while supporting the ongoing conservation of our natural and cultural heritage. It reflects the advice of tourism operators, environmental groups, traditional owners, local government, relevant stakeholders and interested community members.
Further information: http://yoursay.sa.gov.au/decisions/yoursay-engagements-nature-based-tourism-action-plan/about
The Western Australian Department of Local Government and Communities is seeking feedback from holiday makers and operators on Western Australia's caravan and camping laws. A consultation paper inviting caravan users, campers, long-stay tenants and operators to comment on proposed changes to the Caravan Parks and Camping Grounds Act 1995 has been released. Feedback is open until 30 November 2015.
Further information: http://dlg.wa.gov.au/Content/Updates/View.aspx
?ItemID=45573070687A304830456B3D
Bookings have opened for the Three Capes Track a new bushwalking experience in Tasmania. The track links Denman's Cove opposite the World Heritage-listed Port Arthur Historic Site to Cape Hauy. The Australian Standard Class 3 design is wide enough for walkers to enjoy side by side, as well as three environmentally-sensitive cabins positioned at key locations.
Further information: http://www.threecapestrack.com.au/
The British Government has created the world's largest fully protected marine reserve around the Pitcairn Islands, a British overseas territory in the South Pacific Ocean. The reserve will cover an area of 834,334-square-kilometres and is home to over 1,249 species of marine mammals, seabirds and fish. Since March 2012, the Pitcairn Islands Council has been working with National Geographic's 'Pristine Seas' project and UK-based PEW Charitable Trust to conduct scientific exploratory expeditions and proposal for the creation of a marine reserve.
Further information: http://www.pewtrusts.org/en/projects/global-ocean-legacy-pitcairn
Construction of a Brisbane Airport Hotel and Conference Centre has begun by owners and developers Anthony and Scott Flynn. The $150 million development will feature a Pullman and Ibis hotel bridged by a conference centre at the Domestic Terminal Precinct which will be capable of hosting up to 600 delegates across meeting rooms, ballroom, boardrooms, business centre, cloakroom and terraces.
Further information: http://www.bne.com.au/news/150-million-hotels-and-conference-centre-breaks-ground-brisbane-airport
Airports Council International has released the latest edition of the World Airport Traffic Report covering over 2,200 airports in more than 160 countries. The 2014 report provides comprehensive analysis of trends, rankings and traffic statistics in three thematic areas of passengers, cargo (freight and mail) and aircraft movements.
Further information: http://www.aci.aero/Publications/New-Releases/ACI-ANNUAL-World-Airport-Traffic-Report-PDF
A new study commissioned by Tourism Western Australia and Tourism Research Australia examines visitor centre use, importance, performance and opportunities in influencing tourist behaviour. The survey was conducted by Metrix Consulting at visitor centres and selected major tourist attractions in Western Australia. Results indicate that visitor centre use is needs-based with respondents stopping at centres when they were a first-time visitor to a location, unable to access sufficient information before arrival, or staying at a destination for more than one night.
Further information: : http://www.tra.gov.au/research/The-influence-of-Western-Australian-visitor-centres-on-tourist-behaviour.html
A new study on the economic impact assessment of the cruise shipping industry in Australia for the 2014-15 financial year provides a better understanding of the size, growth and economic significance of the industry to assist with future planning and strategy. The study was been undertaken by the AEC Group on behalf of Cruise Down Under with the support of Tourism Australia. It incorporates data from passenger and crew surveys undertaken in Brisbane, Whitsundays, Cairns, Darwin, Fremantle and Busselton.
Further information: http://www.cruisedownunder.com/sites/default/files/
cruise-down-under-eia-2014-15-report-executive-summary.pdf
The Ecotourism Australia's ECO Certification program has achieved approved status under the Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria (GSTC) for its sustainable tourism certification of hotels and tour operators. The criteria are a set of voluntary principles that provide a framework for the sustainability of tourism businesses across the globe. The ECO certification program certifies close to 500 Ecotourism operators across Australia according to environmental responsibility, interpretation and contribution to conservation measures.
Further information: http://www.gstcouncil.org/en/about/news/1077-ecotourism-australia-approval.html
The Pacific Asia Travel Association has announced the winners of the 2015 Grand and Gold Awards which aim to recognise tourism organisations and individuals who have made outstanding contributions in promoting the travel industry in the Asia Pacific region. This year saw 269 entries from 83 organisations and individuals in seven categories.
Taylor's University, Malaysia will receive the 2015 PATA Grand Award for Education and Training; The Environmental Award will be presented to Jetwing Hotels Ltd, Sri Lanka; The Heritage and Culture Award will be awarded to Ratchada Niramit Co., Ltd, Thailand; and the Marketing Award will be presented to Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB).
Further information: http://www.pata.org/pata-gold-awards
Are you an inspiring, responsible business deserving recognition for your work in tourism? Then WTTC wants to hear from YOU! There's still time left to submit your entry for the Tourism for Tomorrow Awards 2016.
If you want to watch a revealing insight into what it means to win these awards, have a look at the recently released video from the 2015 Awards Ceremony (especially the celebrations in Mumbai's slum Dharavi following Reality Tours & Travel victory), and listen to the winners in each of the categories share their thoughts.
Applicants can enter in one of the five award categories: Community, Destination, Environment, Innovation and People.
All applications must be received by no later than 16 November 2015. It's completely free to apply using easy online application tool which can be found in the link below.
Further information: https://wttc.fluidreview.com/
The 2015 Australian Event Symposium will explore the intersection between the events and tourism industries, on 17 and 18 November in Sydney.
Further information: http://www.eventsymposium.com.au/
The PATA New Tourism Frontiers Forum will be held from 25 - 27
November 2015 in the Philippines. The forum brings together tourism professionals to discuss emerging issues related to adventure travel, ecotourism and responsible tourism.
Further information: https://www.pata.org/portfolio/ntff2015/
The World Summit on Sustainable Tourism (ST+20) will take place in Spain from 26 - 27 November 2015. The event is organised by the Responsible Tourism Institute, the Global Sustainable Tourism Council and the Basque Tourism Agency with the support of UNWTO and UNESCO. It provides an opportunity to highlight and share best practice success stories in the field of sustainable tourism.
Further information: http://sustainabletourismcharter2015.com/
I was recently in Congress COETUR rural tourism organised by the getaway vacation portal where owners of rural accommodation, mayors, journalists and providers of tourism in rural areas of Spain met. The event had many old faces and many new faces.
It was no surprise that after more than 20 years, we are still hearing the same messages. It's funny and although I have already made this point many times in the past, the complaints of business operators and the sub-sector are the same, meaning that little or nothing has changed. But my question is how does anyone expect different results, if they keep doing things the same way?
Innovation and application of creativity are not always just provided by inventions or technological solutions. A change of attitude, which shows reality from a different perspective can led to new possibilities - taking other bold decisions, developing new designs, injecting creativity.
The most important innovation is daring to evolve and to take calculated risks, being aware that sometimes this means making mistakes, but learning from these mistakes and innovating through new formulas. Because doing nothing ensures failure.
Many entrepreneurial owners of rural tourism products begin with enthusiasm, strong personal motivation and the pursuit of realising a dream. Some had the economic and financial capacity to meet the funding challenges and could choose to forget or ignore market rules. Others develop rural tourism as a secondary activity that generates additional revenue but profitability is not the driving force of this business.
With time and changing circumstances of society and the market, many rural tourism investors have had to view investments more dispassionately rather that from emotional motivations that may have first led them into rural tourism.
What has often been missing is step-by-step pragmatism, a thorough knowledge of tourism and tourism management. In tourism there is a widespread, and serious problem which relates to seeing tourism as a lifestyle industry for the owner. Thinking that housing is the basis of tourism or that the primary motivation of travellers is to have a rural bed. Believing that quality is based purely on the equipment and a nice smile, rather than qualifications and experience in human resources. Not having a well formulated strategic vision; not understanding that a reasonable ROI is doubtful unless the destination has some core tourist attractions other than accommodation.
Madeira Tourism organised the fifth edition of this established festival in the Portuguese archipelago. One year, visitors were able to enjoy many activities to discover nature.
For a week they are scheduled several tourist proposals on land, at sea and in air. Among others: birdwatching, cycling down the mountain, jeep safaris, diving or trips by airplane have been some of the activities that have been experienced during the festival.
In parallel, a photo contest has been organised this year under the title 'Celebrating Nature.' This event seeks to promote and advertise Madeira, while interest in nature photography wake.
Further information: http://www.forumnatura.eu/nueva-edicion-del-festival-de-la-naturaleza-a-madeira/
In the middle of Maasai Mara Game Reserve, overlooking Mara River, a visitor experiences the wild nature paths with trees that lead onto the tented Mara Eden Safari Camp. Birds chirping, roars of lions, wild beast migrations paths, hippos, crocodiles and an experience of viewing the sunset are among what leaves tourists in the camp thrilled.
According to Cyrus Nzoka, Camp Manager at Mara Eden Safari Camp, "Our camp gives a very special experience to our guests. As you can see these nature trails that lead people to this facility are unique with trees that give a true nature feeling.The yellow microton trees dot the landscape and visitors enjoy the sun downer. The sunset can clearly be seen from our camp and therefore we set dinner for visitors to enjoy as they watch the sun set down."
Cyrus adds that tents are made in a way that they are able to give privacy and allow a visitor to listen to nature and sounds of wildlife while they are inside. "The Mara River is just across and therefore the hippos, crocodiles and many species of birds like weaver birds, Redshank, Sparrows and Herons are seen here. We use purely solar energy here and this helps on mitigating on climate change effects which poses a big threat to countries like Kenya. The tent rates range from 160 to 400 dollars per person a day depending on the season. These rates include meals and daily game drives in the Maasai Mara with a tour guide. June to November is some of the high seasons we have in this camp and December to May are low seasons respectively, "notes Mr Nzoka.
Mara Eden Safari Camp appreciates the local community which serve as some of their employees and also have special rates for the locals who wish to spend time there. The Maasai community is known for its unique beading art and therefore they arrange with the community to supply visitors with beaded work when they need. This has helped to promote Ecotourism activities among the community.