Edition 170 · July 2022

Quiet Parks International is the first all-volunteer non-profit organisation worldwide committed to the preservation of quiet, for the benefit of all living beings. Their mission is to help local communities preserve quiet places and mitigate sources of noise pollution, as well as encourage mindful and sustainable tourism to these areas to experience the quiet.

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

The Western Australian Department of Health has released a new COVID information factsheet for tour operators. The factsheet includes information on what action to take in situations with a positive COVID-19 case, close contacts, infection prevention and control. The factsheet includes helpful links to further information on specific topics.

Further information: https://ww2.health.wa.gov.au/~/media/Corp/Documents/Health-for/Infectious-disease/COVID19/COVID-19-Information-for-Tour-Operators.pdf

The Queensland Government has announced a $15 million Tourism Experience Development Fund which aims to deliver new and/or enhanced tourism products and experiences in Queensland. Grants are available for projects focused on ecotourism, adventure, accessible and inclusive tourism, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander experiences. Applications close 26 August 2022.

Further information: https://www.dtis.qld.gov.au/tourism/funds/experience-development

Applications for Round Two of Austrade’s Export Market Development Grants program is now open. The program is designed to help Australian businesses grow their exports in international markets and the grants encourage small to medium enterprises to market and promote their goods and services globally. Online applications close 17 August 2022.

Further information: https://www.austrade.gov.au/australian/export/export-grants

The Northern Territory Government has announced a range of grant programs designed to assist tourism operators improve the on-ground visitor experience and attract more visitors. The new programs to support tourism businesses include Tourism Accessibility Improvement, Tourism Sustainability and Domestic and International Tourism Distribution.

Further information: https://ntrebound.nt.gov.au/news/2022/over-$1m-in-tourism-grants-now-open

The iconic red Shotover Jet in New Zealand has unveiled a world-first electric jetboat solely designed for tourism. The prototype is one of 88 initiatives announced by Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu as part of its Te Kounga Paparangi plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, embrace renewable energy, optimise resource use, reduce water impacts, and create a resilient future for Ngāi Tahu whānau.

Further information: https://www.shotoverjet.com/electric-jet-boat/

The Qantas Group and Airbus will jointly invest up to $200 million USD to accelerate the establishment of a sustainable aviation fuel industry in Australia. The Australian Sustainable Aviation Fuel Partnership will see investment in locally developed and produced projects that are commercially viable and meet a strict set of criteria around environmental sustainability. The aim is to encourage additional investment from governments and other businesses to build more momentum for the aviation industry.

Further information: https://www.qantasnewsroom.com.au/media-releases/qantas-and-airbus-joint-investment-to-kickstart-australian-biofuels-industry/

German conversion specialist Flowcamper has partnered with Naext Automotive to turn VW Transporters into the all-electric Frieda Volt. The all-electric camper van conversion hopes to bring sustainability and zero-emissions to the world of RV camping. The interior uses largely sustainable materials such as wood, cork, and apple leather.

Further information: https://flowcamper.de/elektro-flow

A new world-class luxury accommodation has opened its doors on Lizard Island on the Great Barrier Reef. The house is built on a secluded corner of the island and includes a main residence and separate sanctuary to accommodate up to eight guests. A team of experts is also on hand such as a naturalist to lead hikes, a private chef and sommelier, a facialist, and a masseuse and yoga instructor.

Further information: https://thehouseatlizard.com/

The Queensland Government under the Regional Tourism Recovery Program is providing $18 million to replace the heritage listed Binna Burra Lodge and cabins which were destroyed by the Black Summer bushfires in 2019. Founded in 1933, Binna Burra located in the World Heritage Listed Lamington National Park is Australia’s largest ecotourism collective with over 1,300 small investors. The new accommodation is being designed and built on the site of the former lodge.

Further information: https://www.binnaburralodge.com.au/news/qld-government-will-provide-funding-support-to-rebuild-the-historic-binna-burra-lodge/

Marriott International has signed onto the Science Based Targets initiative committing to reach net-zero value chain greenhouse gas emissions by no later than 2050. Race to Zero is a global campaign rallying companies, cities, regions, financial and educational institutions to reach net-zero value chain greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. This announcement aligns with Marriott’s sustainability strategy which is driven by a range of initiatives to reduce environmental impacts through the construction and operation of sustainable hotels and responsible sourcing while protecting and restoring the existing ecosystems.

Further information: https://serve360.marriott.com/

Australia Zoo has collaborated with Algorand and Meadow Labs to create a unique Australian wildlife themed NFT (non-fungible token) collection project. The limited series celebrates the 20th anniversary of Australia Zoo’s Wildlife Warriors and is centred on raising awareness and funds to protect Australia’s wildlife and wild places.

Further information; https://www.algopulse.io/articles/australia-zoo-launching-nft-project-to-help-protect-wildlife-and-wild-places-on-algorand-the-worlds-greenest-blockchain

Tapping into the rising trend for work wellbeing the Crystalbrook Collection has launched ‘Meet Mindfully,’ a more conscious way to travel and gather for meetings and events. It is designed to remove the stressors and environmental pressures of conventional corporate meetings by facilitating meetings of purpose and value. Each Crystalbrook hotel will also include local destination experiences to help transform traditional concepts of team-bonding such local gin blending and beehive workshops.

Further information: https://www.crystalbrookcollection.com/meet-mindfully

The Western Australian Government is investing over $17 million to develop new, environmentally sensitive tourism experiences and accommodation options in Western Australia’s national parks. The National Park Tourism Experiences Development Package aims to expand tourism offerings across regions by creating bookable touring options for local, interstate, and international visitors.

Further information: https://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Pages/McGowan/2022/05/New-environmentally-sensitive-tourism-offerings-for-national-parks.aspx

A new 46-kilometre multi-day walk, and visitor centre are being proposed as part of a $56 million investment in the Dorrigo National Park on the New South Wales North Coast. The centrepiece of the proposal is a new Arc Rainforest Centre which will feature an accessible boardwalk and lookout for visitors. It will be the starting point of the multi-day walk and accommodation along the escarpment edge through Gondwana World Heritage rainforests.

Further information: https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/topics/parks-reserves-and-protected-areas/park-management/community-engagement/walking-tracks-and-trails-in-national-parks/dorrigo-great-walk

The Philippines Department of Tourism has launched a new tourism advertisement titled ‘The People Make the Destination’ that shows dancers using precisely painted outfits and choreography to form images of the country’s most well-known sights. The aim of the advertisement was to highlight the importance of people in building the country’s tourism industry and features sounds recorded in 23 locations across the country.

Further information: https://coconuts.co/manila/lifestyle/unique-tourism-dept-ad-uses-dancers-instead-of-drone-shots-to-portray-philippines-natural-beauty/

The Victorian Government has announced funding to ensure popular tourist destinations, community facilities and public spaces are more accessible for people living with disability. The Changing Places funding provides $5.4 million to build 30 new fully accessible changing facilities across the state. There are now 96 changing places in Victoria out of 213 nationally. Each one has a height-adjustable, adult-sized changing bench, a tracking hoist system, and enough space for two people.

Further information: https://www.vic.gov.au/changing-places-funding-round

Tourism businesses can now access a variety of resources produced by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade APEC Tourism Working Group. The Tourism Access and Inclusion: Best Practice Guidelines suite of online resources is designed to enable tourism businesses learn how to adapt their work practices to make them more accessible and inclusive for their customers.

Further information: https://www.apec.org/docs/default-source/publications/2022/4/tourism-access-and-inclusion-best-practice-guidelines-for-tourism-msmes-in-apec/222_twg_tourism-access-and-inclusion.pdf

The Singapore Government has announced the building of a fifth mega terminal at Changi Airport after two-year delay due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The new terminal is being built to cope with 50 million passengers per year and is set to open in the mid-2030.

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

The Wizard of Oz precinct is coming to Gold Coast theme park Warner Bros. Movie World in 2024. The new precinct will feature a suspended family coaster, a family boomerang racer and immersive theming based on the nostalgic 1939 film. It is the theme park’s first major addition in more than five years as Sea World is in the midst of a multimillion-dollar revamp for the New Atlantis precinct.

Further information: https://movieworld.com.au/attractions/wizard-of-oz

Global leader in artificial waves American Wave Machines has signed an exclusive agreement with Sanad Capital for its patented technology to be used in an Australian-first surf pool approved for a 25-hectare parcel on Steve Irwin Way, north of Brisbane. PerfectSwell will be the region’s first major attraction in more than three decades and will also include a water park and 160-villa family resort. The state-of-the-art surf pool is expected to cost $40 million and will use the same technology as surf pools currently operating in Japan and the United States.

Further information: https://www.sanadcapital.com.au/

The Alba Thermal Springs and Spa has opened in the Mornington Peninsula, Victoria. Located an hour from Melbourne, the 15-hectare property provides guests with a contemporary and rejuvenating spa experience. Designed by urban architecture agency Hayball, it features 22 single or double indoor, open-air, and outdoor thermal pools.

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

Australia’s foremost operator of treetop and zipline aerial experiences has opened their newest and most northern park in Cape Tribulation in June 2022. Treetops Adventure Cape Tribulation allows visitors to experience a bird’s eye view of the ancient Daintree Rainforest up to 15 metres above ground through a fully guided two-hour Zipline Tour. Guests will then be guided through a treetop walk with bridges, cables, nets and 8 metre high enclosed viewing tower.

Further information: https://treetopsadventure.com.au/location/cape-tribulation/

After nearly two decades of working closely in Canada, the United States, Europe and the Middle East, Fairmont Hotels and Resorts has announced a Global Partnership with Make-a-Wish to provide one-of-a-kind experiences that transform children’s lives and help create lasting memories. The Wishes Start Here Program will see Fairmont grant more than 500 wishes and donate €1 million in charitable support over the next three years.

Further information: https://www.fairmont.com/wishesstarthere/

The Queensland First Nations Tourism Council is a newly formed independent Peak Industry Body for First Nations Tourism in Queensland. The not-for-profit association formed as a major initiative of the Queensland First Nations Tourism Plan 2020-2025 delivered through the Indigenous Working Group of the Queensland Tourism Industry Council and funded by the Queensland Government. Associate membership is open to First Nations and Non-First Nations organisations.

Further information: https://www.qtic.com.au/indigenous-tourism/queensland-first-nations-tourism-council/

The Singapore Hotel Association and Singapore Tourism Board have launched the Hotel Sustainability Roadmap in line with the Singapore Green Plan 2030. The roadmap sets out clear targets and strategies for hotels to adopt in their sustainability journey which contribute to sustainable development goals and tap new visitor segments. It was endorsed by the Hotel Sustainability Committee which supports the industry-wide adoption of sustainability practices in hotels to promote Singapore as a sustainable destination.

Further information: https://www.stb.gov.sg/content/stb/en/media-centre/media-releases/Launch-of-the-Hotel-Sustainability-Roadmap-by-STB-and-SHA.html

The tourism industry is working to capitalise on the growth of the cruise sector through the Northern Territory Cruise Tourism Strategy 2022-2025 which strategy provides a clear direction on the initiatives required to continue to promote the Northern Territory as a desirable cruise destination. The strategy was developed by Tourism Northern Territory in partnership with AEC Group Pty Ltd, Darwin Port, the City of Darwin, Tourism Top End, Darwin Waterfront Corporation, Activate Darwin, the Darwin City and Retailers Association and local Aboriginal corporations and communities.

Further information: https://www.tourismnt.com.au/research-strategies/strategies/cruise-tourism-strategy

VisitCanberra is leading the development of a long-term tourism strategy for the Canberra region in the Australian Capital Territory that looks ahead to 2030. Tourism operators are invited to share feedback, comments, and suggestions to assist with the development of a final strategy by the end of the calendar year. Submissions for the discussion paper are due by 2 September 2022.

Further information: https://tourism.act.gov.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Discussion-Paper-2030-Tourism-Strategy-for-the-ACT.pdf

The Sorrento Call to Action was adopted on the final day of the Global Youth Tourism Summit during a simulation of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation General Assembly and signed by 120 participants aged between 12 and 18 from 57 countries. It was drawn up based on a series of webinars focusing on the key issues facing tourism right including innovation and digitalisation, plastic pollution and the growing relevance of sport, culture, and gastronomy for destinations.

Further information: https://www.unwto.org/news/youth-to-play-an-active-role-in-tourism-s-future

The Green Scheme of Slovenian Tourism is a national certification program which aims to brings together destinations and tourism service providers who are dedicated to introducing sustainable tourism principles into their operations. It is a tool developed at the national level under the Slovenia Green brand and it can only be used by destinations and operators that meet the conditions for being awarded the label. It currently includes more than 130 destinations, accommodations, natural parks, tourist agencies, tourist landmarks, restaurants, and beaches.

Further information: https://www.slovenia.info/en/business/green-scheme-of-slovenian-tourism

The Master Reef Guide Program is delivered by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, Association of Marine Park Tourism Operators and Tourism and Events Queensland and is the first of its kind for the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area. There are currently 82 Master Reef Guides or reef ambassadors who impart up-to-date scientific and management information about the reef and explain what people can do to make a difference. Nominations close on 12 August 2022 for the next Master Reef Guide Field School.

Further details: https://www.gbrmpa.gov.au/our-partners/master-reef-guides

Adventure and small group trip operator Exodus Travels has selected the recipients of the latest ‘Exodus Exploration Without Boundaries’ grants. The grants help fund projects by explorers who may have taken alternative routes to acquire the skills necessary to conduct their research. It was developed in partnership with The Explorers Club that advance the global understanding of the social and natural world through cultural, scientific, and conservation fieldwork.

Further information: https://www.exodustravels.com/au/insights/introducing-our-exodus-exploration-without-boundaries-grant-winners

The Tourism DataLab, led by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation and the European Travel Commission, is a unique networking opportunity for sharing best practices in data management, analytics, and market intelligence. The initiative provides a platform for destinations to collaborate and build knowledge, as well as minimise risks and build a tourism sector that is more resilient, innovative, and sustainable. More than 30 countries in Europe have signed up aim of enhancing tourism competitiveness and supporting the recovery of the sector across the region.

Further information: https://www.unwto.org/news/unwto-and-etc-datalab-to-power-european-tourism-forward

A report by GlobalData entitled The Dark Tourism Case Study: Trends, Motivations, Marketing Strategies, Opportunities and Challenges has found the rise in dark tourism where travellers visit historical sites of death or disaster. It is highlights that ethical challenges are one of four main challenges for dark tourism including keeping experiences authentic, over tourism and integrating technology. The report recommends authorities consult with locals, survivors, and victims’ families to discuss how to manage dark tourism site profits.

Further information: https://store.globaldata.com/report/dark-tourism-case-study/

A new study by James Cook University has found managers of Queensland national parks have funded the maintenance of visitor infrastructure including toilets, campsites, and walking tracks ahead of managing the environment. The study looked at a combination of financial analysis and information provided by Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service across 24 management activities in 41 protected areas around the state.

Further information: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2022/jul/13/national-parks-neglecting-conservation-to-focus-on-visitors-queensland-study-finds

Booking.com has released new research based on insights gathered from more than 30,000 travellers aged 18 years of age or older across 32 countries and territories. The online survey indicated an opportunity for travel platforms to work with accommodation providers in destinations to help them progress and highlight more sustainable options, as well as to help consumers discover alternate times and places to take their trips, without sacrificing on experience. Currently more than 100,000 properties across the globe have been recognised for their sustainability efforts with a Travel Sustainable Badge.

Further information: https://globalnews.booking.com/climate-community-and-choice-bookingcom-reveals-the-trends-shaping-sustainable-travel-in-2022/

The Australian Regional Tourism Convention will be held in Ballarat, Victoria from 10-12 October 2022. This event is open to all sectors of the tourism industry to discuss ideas, issues, challenges, and opportunities facing regional tourism.

Further information: https://regionaltourism.com.au/convention/

Australia’s First Wellness Tourism Summit will be held in The Tweed, New South Wales from 13-14 October 2022. The summit is designed for media, tourism operators, destinations, travel distributors, government, wellness suppliers and practitioners.

Further information: https://www.wellnesstourismsummit.com.au/

The Pacific Asia Travel Association Annual Summit will be held in Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates from 25-27 October 2022. The event comprises presentations, leadership task force sessions, workshops, board meetings and a travel mart.

Further information: https://www.pata.org/pata-annual-summit-2022