Edition 123 · April 2018

Ecotourism Australia has released its call for papers for the 2018, 26th Annual Conference to be held in Townsville 26-28 November 2018.

Ecotourism- It’s Time… is the theme for the 2018 Global Eco Asia-Pacific Tourism Conference.

It’s time to realise the full potential of ecotourism to support ongoing community development;
It’s time to maximise the business and economic development benefits of ecotourism;
It’s time to ensure that ecotourism is a key driver for the conservation of natural and cultural heritage; and
It’s time to celebrate existing and emerging leaders in ecotourism.

Townsville is flanked by the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area and the Wet Tropics of Queensland World Heritage Area. North Queensland has an extraordinary diversity of ecotourism operations, indigenous, marine, reef, island, tropical forest, savannah and so much more.

Conference Convenor Tony Charters AM expects there will be very strong interest and representation from reef managers across the globe who are facing the same issues in managing reef-based ecotourism in an environment of multiple pressures, particularly in relation to climate change.

Go to www.globaleco.com.au to express an interest in offering a paper.

The National Geographic has launched a new immersive experience in Times Square, Manhattan which allows clients to walk on a virtual journey through the Pacific Ocean. The National Geographic Ocean Odyssey Encounter harnesses ground breaking technology to transport guests on an incredible underwater journey.

Further information: https://www.nycgo.com/attractions/national-geographic-encounter-ocean-odyssey?cid=email_ttn_20171024

A new SITA report outlines how biometrics in identity management will transform passenger processing as technology allows airlines and airports to automate identity checks as passenger numbers are set to almost double to 7.8 billion by 2036. The report Biometrics for Better Travel: An ID Management Revolution explores innovative ID management programs that are transforming the travel experience. It combines global research with cases studies from airlines and airports including Brisbane Airport, British Airways, JetBlue and Orlando International Airport.

Further information: https://www.sita.aero/resources/type/white-papers/biometrics-for-better-travel/

Cruise industry body Cruise Lines International Association Australasia has renewed its Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the South Pacific Tourism Organisation to work cooperatively. The main purpose of the MOU is to drive the growth of cruise tourism in the South Pacific in a manner that is both sustainable and brings economic and social benefits to the region. The South Pacific remains the most popular cruise destination for the Australian and New Zealand market with more than half a million holidaymakers enjoying cruises to the region annually.

Further information: https://www.cruising.org.au/CLIA-News

The Tourism Authority of Thailand has announced that the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation has started its annual seasonal closure of several attractions in 66 of 147 national parks nationwide. The department closes several attractions every year for a certain period, depending on weather and park conditions that may create unsafe conditions and allows for some ecological recovery time.

Further information: http://park.dnp.go.th/file/NATIONALPARKS_Eng.pdf

A recent ‘Reef Roundtable’ hosted by The Prince’s Trust Australia and the Great Barrier Reef Foundation saw leaders from the technology, resources, energy, property and infrastructure sectors as well as government and not-for-profit groups meet on Lady Elliot Island with His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales. A key focus of the roundtable was to learn how Australian corporate and government leaders are rallying to address the threats facing coral reefs including working together to build the resilience of the Great Barrier Reef to a changing climate.

Further information: https://www.barrierreef.org/latest/news/australia-s-top-companies-join-the-prince-of-wales-to-lead-fight-for-great-barrier-reef

Tourism Western Australia and STA Travel have launched a co-operative marketing agreement targeting the youth market in the United Kingdom and Germany. The joint marketing agreement, which follows on from the recent Working Holiday Maker campaign in the UK will run from April through to August 2018. The campaign involves a partnership with MTV, in-store advertising and promotion on social/digital channels.

Further information: https://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Pages/McGowan/2018/03/New-marketing-campaign-launched-to-target-youth-market.aspx

Westin Hotels & Resorts has launched Project Rise: ThreadForward – a sustainability program in partnership with a charity that collects and reweaves hotel bed linens into pyjamas which will be distributed to children in need around the world. Westin is working with Clean the World and Divergent Energy to develop the system for up-cycling the linens into new pyjamas.

Further information: http://www.starwoodhotels.com/westin/about/sleep.threadforward.html

A $583 million redevelopment of the Lindeman Island resort will see the development of 169 villas, 136 suites, 20 apartments, restaurants, golf course, airstrip and improved marine access. The design will ensure stormwater is recycled and sewage treatment does not affect the surrounding water quality, as well as climatically responsive buildings to minimise energy consumption. Construction is expected to commence in 2019 and take approximately three and a half years.

Further information: www.statedevelopment.qld.gov.au/lindeman

A set of practical guidelines have been released to help tour operators develop and operate experiences with Indigenous people in an ethical and respectful manner. The Indigenous People and the Travel Industry: Global Good Practice Guidelines were developed by the George Washington University International Institute of Tourism Studies, G Adventures and the Planeterra Foundation. The guidelines provide a framework to inform good, responsible and culturally sensitive business practices for travel companies that work with Indigenous communities around the world.

Further information: https://media.gadventures.com/media-server/dynamic/admin/flatpages/indigenous-2017-11-29.pdf

Six Brazilian tourism companies have joined forces to with the objectives of influencing public policy and innovation, as well as strengthening the international promotion of responsible tourism at international events and fairs. The Brazilian Collective for Responsible Tourism incorporates Estação Gabiraba, Inverted America Travel, Uakari Lodge, Tropical Tree Climbing, Turismo Consciente and Vivejar. The collective intends to design joint experiences that combine products and itineraries for travellers to extend their stay in the country.

Further information: http://www.coletivomuda.tur.br/english

MGallery by Sofitel has worked with global marketing research company IPSOS to conduct a global in-depth survey to understand guests’ habits and what they want to see and experience in hotels. As a result, the global hotel company has established Inspired by Her which focuses on the needs of women when they are travelling including quality hairdryers, good bathroom lighting, emergency kits, wellbeing experiences, and food and beverage offerings to make guests feel welcome.

Further information: http://press.accorhotels.group/m-gallery-launches-inspired-by-her-a-unique-offer-in-luxury-and-upscale-hotels-inspired-by-women/

Tourism Research Australia, in partnership with Tourism Western Australia and the South Australian Tourism Commission, have commissioned a research project to understand drivers of repeat visitation in the domestic market and identify opportunities to grow repeat visitation. The report identifies the demographic and psychographic characteristics of repeat visitors, and the emotional and functional triggers that could be leveraged to encourage repeat visitation.

Further information: https://www.tra.gov.au/research/view-all-publications/all-publications/destination-visitor-survey-results/strategic-regional-research-reports/understanding-repeat-visitation-south-australia-western-australia

According to a GlobalData, report travel companies are adopting various technologies to improve operational efficiencies and meet expectations and engage with customers at every stage of their journey. The Technology Trends in Travel & Tourism report has identified six trends to watch out for in travel and tourism industry in 2018 including augmented and virtual reality, artificial intelligence (machine learning, chatbots or travelbots, and robots), internet of things, voice technology, wi-fi connectivity and wearable devices.

Further information: https://www.globaldata.com/top-6-technology-trends-watch-travel-tourism-industry-2018/

A new book has been written by Ian Patterson and published by CABI on Tourism and Leisure Behaviour in an Ageing World. The book examines how travel businesses are now seeing the senior market as an important market segment and have begun to shift their advertising dollars away from other target groups to the growing baby boomers.

Further information: http://cabiblog.typepad.com/hand_picked/2018/01/the-baby-boomer-travel-market-is-booming.html

The Adventure Travel Trade Association has released a new report looking at the issues facing adventure travel businesses and destinations in 2018. The 20 Adventure Trends to Watch In 2018 report examines both overtourism and undertourism issues related to holistic planning ensuring adventure tourism growth is not only sustainable but also contributes to meeting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Further information: https://www.adventuretravel.biz/research/20-adventure-trends-to-watch-for-2018/

Australia’s business events industry has received $12 million over the next three years to support bids for new, high-value international incentive, association, and exhibition events for Australia. The program is designed to increase conversion of business for Australia by offering financial support at the critical bidding stage of new international business events. Applications can be submitted online from 1 May 2018.

Further information: http://businessevents.australia.com/en

Tourism and Events Queensland has released the International Education Paper 2018-2025 which outlines the organisation’s role and strategic priority in international education. It is a guide to help the industry know their role in marketing Queensland and its destinations to the international education market and will assist in maximising growth of the state’s tourism and events industry through increased visitation and overnight visitor expenditure.

Further information: https://teq.queensland.com/

The United Nations World Tourism Organisation has published a report on the relationship between tourism and culture. The aim is to analyse the current needs and future priorities of the relationship between tourism and culture, as well as provide recommendations for future policy.

Further information: https://www.e-unwto.org/doi/book/10.18111/9789284418978

The Australian Government will invest more than $500 million – the largest ever single investment – to protect the Reef and secure its viability.  The Reef is a critical national asset providing $6.4 billion a year to the Queensland and Australian economies.

The Federal Government will partner with the Great Barrier Reef Foundation through a ground-breaking $444 million agreement to tackle crown-of-thorns starfish, reduce pollution into the Reef and mitigate the impacts of climate change.

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority the Department of the Environment and Energy will also be boosted with $56 million to expand environmental management and compliance operations on the Reef and to support this significant additional investment in the Reef.

The Authority’s future funding has also been secured with an additional $10 million each year from 2022-23 to continue and expand essential work across the World Heritage Area.

The investment, made in this International Year of the Reef, will also go towards inspiring Australians, philanthropists and companies to co-invest in a united effort to protect the Reef, the planet’s greatest living wonder.

See http://www.joshfrydenberg.com.au/guest/mediaReleasesDetails.aspx?id=563 for the full media Statement

The Queensland Government has announced $2 million to fund six tourism projects in Bowen, Airlie Beach and Hamilton Island. The funding is part of a $7 million joint State and Federal government funding package set up to help the tourism industry bounce back from Tropical Cyclone Debbie in March 2017. A total of 13 Whitsunday tourism projects will receive funding through the $7m Tourism Recovery Fund. The six new grant projects are due for completion on or before 31 December 2019.

Further information: https://www.tourismwhitsundays.com.au/corporate

Tourism Western Australia is seeking to appoint a suitably resourced entity (company, sole trader or not-for-profit association) to provide visitor information services, retail sales and booking services for the Western Australian Visitor Centre (WAVC). The WAVC provides and displays information and bookings on a wide range of destinations, attractions and tourism product across the State.

Further information: https://www.tenders.wa.gov.au/watenders/tender/display/tender-details.do

The 2018 leaders in sustainable tourism were announced at the 2018 Tourism for Tomorrow Awards ceremony. The Awards, which were presented at a special ceremony during the 18th WTTC Global Summit in Buenos Aires, Argentina, celebrate inspirational, world-changing tourism initiatives from all over the globe.

The 2018 Awards winners are highly commended and recognised for business practices of the highest standards that balance the needs of ‘people, planet and profits’ within our sector. This year’s winners are industry leaders who promote inclusive growth, and work toward a greener future as a result of their proactive contributions to sustainable development and the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The 2018 Tourism for Tomorrow Awards winners are:

Community Award – Global Himalayan Expedition, India

Destination Award – Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association, British Colombia, Canada

Environment Award – Airport Authority Hong Kong, Hong Kong

Innovation Award – Virgin Atlantic, UK

People Award – Cayuga Collection of Sustainable Luxury Hotels and Lodges, Costa Rica

For more information on the Tourism for Tomorrow Awards and all the winners, please visit www.wttc.org/tourism-for-tomorrow-awards

The Southern Hemisphere’s largest ecotourism conference will be held in Townsville from 26-28 November 2018. The conference is organised by Ecotourism Australia with support from the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, Townsville Enterprise Limited and Sustainable Townsville Limited.

Further information: https://globaleco.com.au/

The Western Australian Tourism Conference returns to the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre in September 2018. The event presents an opportunity for networking and engagement with industry and the chance to hear from industry-leading speakers.

Further information: http://www.tourismcouncilwa.com.au/wa-tourism-conference

The 27^th World Youth and Student Travel Conference will be held in Edinburgh from 18-21 September 2018. This is the leading trade event for the global youth, student and educational travel industry. Since 1992 youth and student travel professionals have been gathering annually to trade, network and take part in seminars and workshops.

Further information: https://www.wystc.org/