Edition 118 · November 2017

Now just a week away, the Global Eco Asia-Pacific conference has assembled some 70 speakers from 20 nations to address the theme of Ecotourism; transforming urban and regional tourism.

Conference Convenor, Tony Charters AM said the conference, to be held in Adelaide, South Australia was picking up on issues that are at the forefront of the ever evolving ecotourism sector.

Key themes being developed include:

• Private Conservation
• Tourism and the Chinese Dream
• Tourism in Protected Areas
• Tourism and PAM CEO Forum
• Wildlife and Ecotourism
• Community Ecotourism and Social Licence
• Ecotourism and Philanthropy
• Geotourism and the Chinese Market
• Asia-Pacific Forum
• Innovation and Ecotourism Futures

Tony Charters also pointed to the conference’s strong focus on tourism in protected areas and ecotourism based on wildlife.
This year is the 25th Annual Global Eco Asia-Pacific Conference, the world’s longest running and most respected ecotourism conference.

To view the program and register go to www.globaleco.com.au

The third annual Million Dollar Fish competition has begun with 101 Barramundi tagged and released into the Northern Territory’s waterways from easily accessible fishing hotspots such as Darwin Harbour to more remote areas such as Arnhem Land and the Tiwi Islands. Only one fish has the $1 million price tag, but 100 more have $10,000 attached to their fins.

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

Lord Howe Island’s leading conservation programs continue to shine a spotlight on this World Heritage listed paradise, with the Rodent Eradication Project in 2018 shaping up to be no exception.

Introduced rodents are impacting more than 70 native species on Lord Howe and eradication would result in significant threatened species recovery. Lord Howe Island will be the largest, permanently populated island on which the eradication of rodents has been attempted to date, worldwide.

“The project will be the single biggest conservation action to date to protect and enhance the World Heritage values of Lord Howe Island.” LHIB CEO Penny Holloway

Get Involved

With the eyes of the world on us, we are offering a unique opportunity for you to be involved.

Join us during winter 2018 for the opportunity to be part of a significant conservation project whilst enjoying the stunning environment Lord Howe Island has to offer.

Contact us for more information on administration@lhib.nsw.gov.au

Flinders Island in Bass Strait, northeast of Tasmania has unveiled a full rebrand with a new logo, website and campaign video designed as part of local and international itineraries. To help bolster the island’s visitor economy, the Tasmanian Government is partnering with the local community to identify key infrastructure projects and strategies.

Further information: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WW4FPLiBREo

Qantas customers will be able to earn points on Uber trips to-and-from eligible airports in Australia by booking on the latest version of the airline’s app. The partnership means Qantas Frequent Flyers can manage their whole travel experience through the Qantas app, from booking their flight through to leaving home, boarding their flight and then making their way to their end destination.

Further information: http://www.qantas.com/au/en/book-a-trip/uber.html

Sunshine Coast Airport, Tourism Noosa and Visit Sunshine Coast have signed an Aviation Partnership agreement to develop and implement a new marketing plan to drive future tourism growth into the region following approval of a new 2450-metre runway, as well as a major upgrade of terminal and apron facilities scheduled for completion in 2020. The three-year partnership will see $400,000 invested in marketing to grow business from the key interstate markets of Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide, along with New Zealand.

Further information: https://www.sunshinecoastairport.com.au/2017/10/24/sunshine-coast-aviation-partnership-forges-new-opportunities/

A German start-up has created a travel guide app that includes 360-degree videos of top tourist attractions to help visitors plan their trips. Lookaround offers a real travel experience by allowing users to preview and book museums, tours and attractions. It also includes other features such as field-of-view-adaptive captions to provide contextual information based on where users are looking at within the 360-degree video.

Further information: https://www.havealookaround.com/

There were 204 projects in the tourism investment pipeline in 2016–17, valued at $37.8 billion according to Tourism Research Australia’s Tourism Investment Monitor 2017. The strength of the investment pipeline is supported by continued interest from foreign investors in Australia, particularly around accommodation projects.

Further information: https://www.tra.gov.au/research/view-all-publications/all-publications/tourism-investment/tourism-investment-monitor-2017

The Rottnest Island Authority Board has conditionally approved a new environmentally-conscious resort following a detailed application process and public consultation by developers the Baileys Group. Pinky’s Eco Retreat will be the first new accommodation to be built on Rottnest Island in 30 years and will provide a new experience and offering 86 low-impact eco-tents of varying sizes and styles interconnected by raised walkways and accessible to all Rottnest visitors. Construction will commence early 2018.

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

Crystalbrook Collection has acquired the Reef Marina in Port Douglas, Queensland’s northernmost marina. Expansion plans for the renamed Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina include a luxury waterfront 100-room boutique hotel, 50 premium residences, an additional 24 berths and enhanced retail and dining areas. Construction is expected to commence in mid-2018, with completion in 2020. The Crystalbrook Collection already has three hotels in Cairns under construction, as well as owns Crystalbrook Lodge and MV Bahama.

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

The World Travel and Tourism Council has called on the tourism industry to measure, monitor and report their sustainability impact as it launches new guidance on Environmental, Social and Governance. The report covers the latest trends in sustainability reporting including which governments are mandating such reports and how companies are refining the reports to be more engaging for audiences.

Further information: https://www.wttc.org/Sustainability-Reporting

Construction has started on a new $50 million Atura Hotel at Adelaide Airport, which will be operated by the company Event Hospitality and Entertainment. The 165-room seven-storey design-driven hotel will feature a restaurant and bar, a business centre, flexible function and meeting spaces plus a port-cochere for guest drop off and collection. The Event Hospitality & Entertainment brand portfolio also includes QT Hotels and Resorts, Rydges Hotels and Resorts, Art Series Hotels, Thredbo Resort and Event cinema group.

Further information: https://www.aturahotels.com/press-releases/atura-hotels-soon-take-off-adelaide-airport/

One of Tasmania’s most iconic tourism experiences the Wineglass Bay Track has been re-opened after a $500,000 upgrade initiated through the State Government’s Tourism Infrastructure in Parks Fund. The track was reconstructed with improved step levels for visitor comfort and safety as part of the Tasmania Government’s $8 million commitment over the next two years to upgrade park infrastructure.

Further information: http://www.premier.tas.gov.au/releases/wineglass_bay_track_upgrade_complete

Monkey Mia will receive funding to help develop world-class visitor facilities, experiences and tourism infrastructure. The funding is a partnership between the Federal and State governments as part of the Tourism Demand Driver Infrastructure program. It will go towards engaging architects to develop concept plans and preliminary designs for the future development of tourism infrastructure the Monkey Mia area.

Further information: https://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Pages/McGowan/2017/10/Joint-media-statement-Funding-to-deliver-tourism-vision-for-Monkey-Mia.aspx

MGallery by Sofitel has launched an in-depth study with the global marketing research company IPSOS to examine the habits and requirements of the female traveller. Close to 3000 participants in France, Italy, Great Britain and Australia were surveyed on the specific expectations of women staying at upmarket hotels. The results aim to help the hotel chain further enrich its Inspired by Her offering to the benefit of women travelling around the world.

Further information: http://press.accorhotels.group/what-women-want-study-for-mgallery-reveals-the-true-meaning-of-well-being/

Green Lodging News and Greenview have released the 2017 Green Lodging Trends Report which is the lodging industry’s annual exercise to assess and benchmark sustainable best practices across hotels worldwide. The report highlights innovative hotel efforts and trends based on data from 2,093 hotels in 46 countries and provides industry trends and best practices in 12 categories.

Further information: http://www.greenlodgingnews.com/green-lodging-survey/

Travel Leaders Group has released the latest findings from its 9th Consumer Travel Survey 2017 in which Australia remains the most dreamed about destination for American travellers followed by Italy, Bora Bora, Ireland and New Zealand. Travel Leaders Group is the largest travel agency company in North America comprised of approximately 30% of agencies that are wholly-owned, franchised or members. The survey includes responses from 2,854 consumers throughout the United States.

Further information: https://www.travelleadersgroup.com/australia-retains-claim-reign-ultimate-dream-destination-americans/

Visit Sunshine Coast has joined forces with local tourism regions in a new agreement to increase destination awareness and visitation to the area. It will work as a conduit between the tourism community in their respective sub-regions with an agreed set of priorities and marketing activities of mutual and regional benefit.

Further information: http://www.visitsunshinecoast.com/Corporate/Media-centre/Latest-news/Region-s-join-forces-to-advance-tourism

Jobs Queensland has launched the Queensland Tourism Workforce Plan 2017-20 following extensive consultation with industry and communities across Queensland. The plan provides an industry-endorsed strategic framework with the key themes of careers, local workforce, skills and collaboration. Actions will require investment, collaboration and partnerships involving all levels of government, training providers, industry organisations, employers and individual stakeholders.

Further information: http://jobsqueensland.qld.gov.au/projects/queensland-tourism-workforce-plan/

Tourism Tropical North Queensland has signed an agreement with local tourism and government bodies to work towards a mutual understanding on the value of tourism to the economy. The Memorandum of Understanding with Tourism Port Douglas and Daintree, Tropical Coast Tourism, Tropical Tablelands Tourism, Savannah Way Limited and Tourism Cape York will see a strategic plan developed to identify priorities and avoid duplication in joint marketing campaigns, funding applications and regional branding opportunities.

Further information: http://www.ttnq.org.au/united-front-for-tnq-tourism-industry/

Funding is now available under the 2018-19 Regional Events Scheme supported by Tourism Western Australia and Royalties for Regions. The scheme supports smaller, developing regional events across the State including those that showcase Aboriginal experiences.,

It is open to events held between 1 July 2018 and 30 June 2019 for funding requests between $5,000 and $50,000. Applications close 12 December 2017.

Further information: http://www.tourism.wa.gov.au/About%20Us/News_and_media/Article/Record_funding_for_smaller_regional_events/739

The 2017 Qantas Australian Tourism Awards will be held at the new Perth Stadium on 23 February 2018. The awards are an opportunity to celebrate the commitment and achievements of tourism businesses from across Australia in 25 categories. The event is expected to attract more than 800 people from across the country including Federal and State Tourism Ministers, CEOs of State and Regional tourism bodies and tourism industry leaders.

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

Ecotourism Australia’s Global Eco Asia-Pacific Tourism Conference will be held in Adelaide, South Australia from 27-29 November 2017. The annual conference will be staged at the state of the art Sanctuary Adelaide Zoo conference centre located in the city centre for its 25th anniversary.

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

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has pledged to make the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) in Chiang Mai a huge success, especially  TRAVEX  where millions of dollars of business is transacted annually.

Demand for Southeast Asian tourism products is growing at 10% a year according to the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), making ASEAN the fastest growing tourism region in the world.

“TRAVEX at ATF is the engine room driving much of ASEAN’s tourism success story,” said Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, TAT Governor. “That’s why we are calling out to exhibitors to book their space, and for buyers to come and showcase the best of Southeast Asia to the world.”

ATF takes place at the Chiang Mai International Exhibition and Convention Centre (CMECC) 22-26 January, 2018, with travel industry buyers conducting business on the floor of TRAVEX from 24-26 January.

Go to http://atfthailand2018.com for more information 

The Second UNWTO/UNESCO World Conference on Tourism and Culture will be held in Muscat, Sultanate of Oman from 11-12 December 2017. Topics will include governance models, tourism development and protection of cultural heritage, culture and tourism in urban development, and exploring cultural landscape in tourism as a vehicle for sustainable development.

Further information: http://tourismandculture.cvent.com/events/second-unwto-unesco-world-conference-on-tourism-and-culture/event-summary-b425fc30c73643a7b2d4ea6d54b7755a.aspx

Tourism Australia’s fourth annual Destination Australia Conference will be held at The Glasshouse in Melbourne on 15 March 2018. The event is the top tourism marketing conference in Australia and attracts influential tourism leaders.

Further information: http://www.tourism.australia.com/en/news-and-industry-tools/events/upcoming-industry-events/destination-australia-2018.html

The World Travel & Tourism Council Global Summit will take place in Buenos Aires, Brazil from 18-19 April 2018. Further information: https://www.wttc.org/summits/the-global-summit-2018/