Edition 171 · August 2022

Government is leading the sustainability challenge with a strong move to electric vehicles in its passenger fleet and increasingly across utes, trucks, buses and ‘yellow fleet.  At the same time, government is very focused on fleet efficiency, particularly in these times of financial constraints.

“Overall, government has an important role in influencing how rapidly Australia’s vehicle fleet moves towards sustainability. This is both through its own purchasing decisions and through contributing to consumer and other fleet managers awareness and understanding of EV’s. In recent years, governments across Australia have purchased around half of all EV’s, hybrid electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles sold each year,” said Tony Charters AM, Convenor of the National Public Sector Fleet Managers Conference for 2022.

The conference will be staged in Brisbane 3-4 November and brings together Commonwealth, State, Territory and Local Government fleet managers. The program will focus on policies related to Net Zero 2050, charging infrastructure to service regional and remote government locations, post-COVID impacts on vehicle acquisition and disposal, fleet planning and management, telemetry, emerging fuels and partnerships in fleet management. Importantly, the Conference will also focus on the future of mobility such as the share economy, work practices and new forms of transport.

For more information about the program, speakers and to register please visit: www.npsfmc.com

In keeping with Australia’s list of iconic oversized tourism drawcards such as the Big Pineapple and the Big Banana, the Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art Foundation is building the first artist-led interactive play sculpture. The ‘big hose’ will be located in front of the Gallery of Modern Art Bistro and references Queensland’s vernacular architecture including verandas and subtropical gardens.

Further information: https://www.qagoma.qld.gov.au/support/foundation/2022-appeal

Vancouver International Airport in Canada is partnering with Teck Resources to install antimicrobial copper on high-touch surfaces to reassure passengers and help prevent the spread of infection. More than 1,000 areas have already been treated including baggage carts, offices, water fountains, and washrooms. The aim is to both improve safety and customer perception of safety as traveller numbers return to their pre-pandemic levels.

Further information: https://www.teck.com/news/news-releases/2022/yvr-partners-with-teck-to-become-canada%E2%80%99s-first-airport-with-antimicrobial-copper-surfaces-to-protect-passenger-health

The Queensland Government has launched a $1 million Eco-certified Tourism Destination Program with grants of $50,000 to $150,000 to support Queensland destinations in achieving globally recognised certification as a sustainable tourism destination. Funding is available to local or regional tourism organisations and councils to achieve certification through either the Ecotourism Australia or EarthCheck programs. Applications close 7 October 2022.

Further information: https://www.dtis.qld.gov.au/tourism/funds/eco-certified-tourism

The New South Wales Regional Tourism Activation Fund supports the development of high impact tourism infrastructure projects that increase visitation, expenditure and extend length of stay for visitors to regional areas. It aims to support projects that are accessible and inclusive, as well as unforgettable experiences that encourage repeat visitation. Applications close 27 September 2022.

Further information: https://www.nsw.gov.au/grants-and-funding/regional-tourism-activation-fund-round-2

Applications are open for funding under the Queensland Destination Events Program for events being held from May 2023 to May 2024. Formerly the Regional Development Program, it aims to leverage the link between events and the destinations extending the economic, marketing, and social benefits throughout regional Queensland. Applications close 5 October 2022.

Further information: https://teq.queensland.com/au/en/industry/what-we-do/queensland-events/queensland-events-funding/destination-event-funding#APPLY

Boom Supersonic has released more design details of its Overture aircraft which aims to cross the Atlantic within four hours. The Overture will fly 65 to 80 passengers at twice the speed of today’s fastest commercial aircraft with a range of 4250 nautical miles on 100% sustainable aviation fuel. The aircraft’s gull wings are designed to enhance handling and carbon composite construction is designed to make the aircraft lighter, stronger, and thermally stable. It is slated to roll out in 2025 and carry its first passengers by 2029 with American, United or Japan Airlines.

Further information: https://boomsupersonic.com/

Air New Zealand is launching the world’s first sleep pods in the economy cabin of its new Dreamliners by 2024. The Skynest concept will allow economy travellers to stretch out in one of six pods for part of their journey on ultra-long-haul travel. The new planes will also feature Business Premier Luxe providing passengers all the perks of Business Premier and a space for two to dine.

Further information: https://www.airnewzealand.com.au/press-release-2022-airnz-offers-best-sleep-in-the-sky

In an Australian aviation first, low-cost carrier Bonza has joined forces with TrustFlight to deploy electronic aircraft technical logs which will save 7,300 sheets of paper per aircraft per year. It will also provide Bonza’s Continuing Airworthiness Management Organisation with fleet technical management support. TrustFlight is a Vancouver-based digital tech firm that supports airlines, airports, maintenance providers, and regulators globally.

Further information: https://simpleflying.com/digital-flight-logs-karl-steeves-ceo-trustflight/amp/

Jucy will invest $40 million dollars to expand its fleet of campervans and rental cars in Australia and New Zealand. The funding aims to ease a critical shortage in hire cars by providing around 1,000 new vehicles and opening new locations in Australia. Local bank partner and Australian private equity firm Next Capital is taking a majority position in Jucy Rentals as a precursor to purchasing motorhomes and forward bookings from listed Tourism Holdings.

Further information: https://www.exploretravel.com.au/australia/jucy-rental-car-fleet-increase/

Spicers Retreats has launched a new $1 million brand awareness campaign to entice travellers to experience their 10 luxury retreats and nine fine dining establishments. A Beautiful Adventure was shot across several retreats in the portfolio including the Spicers Tower Lodge and Spicers Guesthouse in the Hunter Valley, as well as Spicers Peak Lodge in Queensland’s Scenic Rim. The campaign will target above-the-line media including BVOD, out-of-home, print, social media and digital to grow brand awareness.

Further information: https://spicersretreats.com/

Luxury off-grid accommodation ESCA has officially opened Nest and Nature Inman Valley on a 200-acre hillside property in South Australia’s Fleurieu Peninsula. The self-contained studio suites are completely off-grid and each building features 62 square metre of floor space crafted by designers DSA Studio. Outside, guests can make use of a gas barbeque BBQ and a private outdoor seating area with firepit and sunken bath.

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

Accor has announced a strategic partnership with Fever to increase its footprint in the experiential sector. The alliance aims to broaden the range of digital services provided to Accor members in their local city or while traveling including access to exhibitions, theatre, concerts, and festivals. Fever is the leading global live-entertainment discovery platform and Accor is a world leading hospitality group consisting of 5,300 properties, as well as 10,000 food and beverage venues throughout 110 countries.

Further information: https://newsroom.feverup.com/en-CEU/213354-all-accor-live-limitless-offers-even-more-experiences-to-its-members-through-fever-available-in-100-global-destinations

The Best of Queensland Experiences Program identifies and recognises products that bring the Queensland story to life and consistently deliver an exceptional customer experience. Participants are assessed on an annual basis based on an independent set of criteria that incorporates online reviews, consumer expectations and industry best practice. It was developed by Tourism and Events Queensland in partnership with Regional Tourism Organisations, the Queensland Tourism Industry Council and the Department of Tourism, Innovation and Sport.

Further information: https://teq.queensland.com/au/en/industry/industry-resources/best-of-queensland-experience-program

The Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism has launched the Massachusetts Lighthouse Trail as part of National Lighthouse Day on 7 August 2022. Massachusetts is home to the first lighthouse site in the United States and the new trail encourages travellers to explore the coastal communities and maritime history of the Bay State from Cape Ann to Cape Cod and the islands of Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket.

Further information: https://www.visitma.com/media-industry-portal/press-releases/explore-the-coast-of-massachusetts-on-the-commonwealths-new-lighthouse-trail/

Slovenia is the first country in the world to be declared a Green Destination of the World. In 2016 it was named the world’s first Green Country and in 2017 was awarded the World Legacy Destination Leadership Award for sustainable destination management from National Geographic. Slovenia’s tourism approach and framework has long been leading the industry in innovative thinking and decisive action. Their commitment is demonstrated in the country’s comprehensive Sustainability Report which aims to address climate, cultural, and economic impacts of the travel and tourism sector.

Further information: https://www.slovenia.info/en/stories/green-story-of-slovenia

The Philippines Department of Tourism has launched a new campaign titled, ‘Keep the Fun Going’ to encourage tourists to practice eco-friendly travel. The campaign builds on the Save Our Spots campaign that was launched in 2019 to educate travellers about becoming responsible tourists. The campaign aims to educate and motivate travellers to take part in sustainable tourism practices, mainly. To inspire more tourists to practice sustainable travel through four eco-friendly gamified experiences.

Further information: https://sos.philippines.travel/

The Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games will provide opportunities to achieve new standards around inclusion, diversity, and accessibility. The Australian Tourism Industry Council’s Accessibility Self-Assessment Module joins the suite of best-practice programs under the national Quality Tourism Framework and was developed in consultation with leading accessible tourism experts TravAbility. It aims to help businesses evaluate how inclusive their experience offering is for people with a disability.

Further information: https://www.qtic.com.au/industry-development/accreditation/accessibility-module/

The new Trails Western Australia website features downloadable maps that can be accessed offline, offering information on over 800 world-class bushwalking, mountain biking, running, water, food and wine, and accessibility friendly trails. The interactive website features curated content that is destination focused and designed to help people plan and explore not only National Park trails, but also the nearby cafes, accommodation, bike shops and transport services.

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

The Burnt Chef Project has partnered with the U.K.’s approved mental health and wellbeing app to bring services to hospitality workers. Thrive offers a range of resources designed to help people manage stress and anxiety, and the team at Burnt Chef Project will be on hand to offer support and advice. Launched in 2019 by supplier and photographer Kris Hall, The Burnt Chef Project was created with the aim of raising awareness of mental health issues and working conditions within hospitality.

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

The United Nations World Tourism Organisation has announced the launch of the Digital Futures Program designed to accelerate the adoption of new technology by small and medium-sized tourism enterprises. Developed in collaboration with some of the world’s leading technology, finance, and business companies such as Mastercard it aims to support the digital transformation journey by facilitating the diffusion of relevant technologies in the tourism value chain.

Further information: https://www.unwto.org/news/unwto-launches-digital-futures-programme-for-smes

Alaskan Airlines will be the first U.S. airline to launch an electronic bag tag program which will allow passengers to skip the step of printing traditional bag tags at the airport. Travellers will be able to activate the battery-less bag tags from anywhere up to 24-hours before their flight through the carrier’s mobile app. The move is expected to reduce the time spent dropping-off checked luggage by nearly 40%. Rollout of the electronic bag tag program will initially include 2,500 Alaska Airlines’ frequent fliers who will begin using the electronic bag tags in late 2022, with Mileage Plan members having the option to purchase devices early next year.

Further information: https://news.alaskaair.com/guest-experience/alaska-airlines-first-us-airline-to-launch-electronic-bag-tag/

Kings Canyon and Glen Helen in the Red Centre of Australia have undergone a $40 million refurbishment by new owners the G’Day Group. The upgrades comprise refurbished resort and lodge rooms, new powered sites for caravanning and camping, amenities block, as well new restaurant deck and updated BBQ facilities.

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

The World Tourism Organisation has launched the Awake Tourism Challenge seeking to find the most innovative start-ups that are working to advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals through tourism. Start-ups from all walks of life, from all over the world and all economic sectors are invited to participate with the deadline for entries 15 October 2022.

Further information: https://www.unwto.org/unwto-awake-tourism-challenge

Singapore has joined the Global Destination Sustainability-Index building the country’s current sustainability efforts under the Singapore Green Plan 2030, a nationwide movement to advance the city’s agenda on sustainable development. The commitment supports Singapore to be a more sustainable urban destination and achieve net zero emissions as a ‘City in Nature.’

Further information: https://www.greenplan.gov.sg/

Global tour operator The Travel Corporation has released its first Impact Report detailing progress against its 11 sustainability goals outlined in its current five-year sustainability strategy. The report highlights the cumulative progress made by its 41 brands as the company seeks to shape a brighter future for the planet, travel industry, local people and communities and wildlife.

Further information: https://impact.treadright.org/progress/

Tahiti Tourism has recently released ‘Towards Inclusive and Sustainable Tourism’ a guide that lists tourism operators who have incorporated sustainable practices and are working towards the goal of making Tahiti a sustainable destination. The guide is a source of information for agents who want to give their clients eco-friendly tips to explore the destination leaving as little impact as possible.

Further information: https://tahititourisme.org/en-org/press-releases/media-and-press/towards-an-inclusive-sustainable-tourism/

The World Travel and Tourism Council has released a report that outlines recommendations and best practices for managing the fastest growing segment of the travel industry. The report ’Best Practices for Short-Term Rentals’ has been developed with the support of Airbnb and draws upon case studies from destinations and cities around the world including Cape Town, Sydney, and Seattle. It includes recommendations on adopting data sharing, registration, smart taxation, and long-term community investment to benefit all stakeholders and inform regulation.

Further information: https://wttc.org/News-Article/WTTC-launches-new-report-on-best-practices-for-short-term-rentals

The CREATURES (Promoting Creative Tourism through new Experiential and Sustainable routes) project will be exploring the potential of cultural and creative industries to find the right balance between innovation and conservation of the natural and cultural heritage in the ADRION (Adriatic-Ionian Region). It will develop actions and tools to raise competencies and support decision-making processes that generate positive changes at the economic, cultural, and strategic level.

Further information: https://creatures.adrioninterreg.eu/

A new set of guidelines published by the World Tourism Organisation will help both governments and businesses better address the needs of women in the tourism sector. The ‘Gender Mainstreaming Guidelines for the Public Sector in Tourism’ aim to ensure an inclusive and resilient recovery from the impacts of the pandemic given the disproportionate loss of employment suffered by women, as well as the high proportion of women workers within tourism and their concentration in lower-skilled or lower-paid jobs.

Further information: https://www.unwto.org/news/new-guidelines-put-women-s-empowerment-at-heart-of-tourism-s-restart

The Wet Tropics Management Authority are collaborating with Tourism and Events Queensland and the Department of Environment and Science to develop and deliver a new world class tour guide training program in 2023. The tour guide training program will ensure visitors come away with an integral understanding of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area and its significant natural and cultural values. It is a key action of the Wet Tropics Sustainable Tourism Plan 2021 -2031 and aims to complement the Great Barrier Reef Master Reef Guides Program.

Further information: https://www.wettropics.gov.au/new-training-initiative-for-tour-guides-to-boost-the-wet-tropics-tourism-experience

Former CEO of Queensland Tourism Industry Council, Daniel Gschwind has joined the Griffith Institute for Tourism at Griffith University as a Professor of Practice. He brings over 21 years of tourism knowledge and industry experience to improve connectivity between the academic and practical worlds.

Further information: https://news.griffith.edu.au/2022/08/01/daniel-gschwind-a-gift-for-griffith-tourism/

Expedia have released a new report on how consumers feel about inclusive travel as well as the opportunities for travel brands to demonstrate better brand practice, promote diversity, and provide equal access to all travellers. The Inclusive Travel Insights Report was conducted by Wakefield Research and surveyed 11,000 representative consumers in 11 countries including Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Japan, Mexico, the U.K., and the U.S.

Further information: https://advertising.expedia.com/blog/research/inclusive-travel-insights-report-why-welcoming-all-travelers-matters/

A new research report shows the economic value and mental health benefit of nature as a new conservation tool. The report shows visiting national parks increased workplace productivity and reduced healthcare spending by U.S. $2.1 trillion a year. From 2020–2022 nature deprivation reduced mental health worldwide showing how employers and health insurers would gain from increase budgets for national parks.

Further information: https://authors.elsevier.com/a/1fU9T_9CgS60Q

The World Economic Forum has published its inaugural Travel and Tourism Development Index which focuses on the growing role of sustainability and resilience in travel and tourism. It is a collaboration between 117 economies that measures the factors and policies of the sector including business, safety, health, infrastructure, natural resources, environmental, socioeconomic and demand pressures.

Further information: https://www.weforum.org/reports/travel-and-tourism-development-index-2021

An SAP-Concur study shows that half of business travel managers in Germany want to reduce their CO2 emissions. The study was conducted jointly with the market research institute iResearch among 700 business travel decision-makers from the U.K., France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Nordics, and Benelux. It shows that companies have many hurdles to overcome to improve their carbon footprint including budget, employee engagement, travel policies and training on sustainability topics.

Further information: https://www.concur.com.au/sustainable-travel

MyPostcard and YouGov have conducted a survey to investigate the travel behaviour and habits of German citizens. The research shows that the global pandemic has had a major impact with almost half of respondents travelling less now than they did two years ago. The online survey of 2105 German people aged 18 and over was conducted in June 2022. MyPostcard is an app that makes it possible to send personal photos as real printed postcards from anywhere via smartphone.

Further information: https://newsroom.mypostcard.com/en/survey-on-travel-behaviors-in-germany-in-2022/

A new research report shows wildlife tourism generates an economic value in mental health gains transferred back to countries of origin post-vacation. In Africa, this counterflow is estimated at U.S. $100 billion per annum which 2.5 times larger than total in-country tourism expenditure and development aid. The report suggests that mental health, conservation, communities, and the economies of developing and developed nations can all benefit from the reinvigoration of international wildlife tourism post-COVID.

Further information: https://authors.elsevier.com/a/1fOuKxTbMx1-W

The 6th Global Conference on Wine Tourism will be held in Alba, Italy from 19-21 September 2022. It will see experts working together to make wine tourism an enabler towards a more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient future for rural communities.

Further information: https://www.unwto.org/6-UNWTO-Global-Conference-Wine-Tourism

The annual World Youth Student and Educational Travel Confederation event will be hosted in Lisbon from 27-30 September 2022. Since its inception in 1992, global youth, student and educational travel professionals have been gathering to network and take part in seminars and workshops.

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

The Green Destinations Conference will be held in Athens from 26 September to 1 October 2022. The event will discuss sustainability, regeneration and the challenges facing the sector.

Further information: https://greendestinations.org/events/green-destinations-2022/

The Transformational Travel Council’s Annual Conference will be held in Slovenia from 9-12 October 2022. TRANSCEND ‘22 is an event designed to shift the tourism paradigm from extraction to a more regenerative and transformational approach to travel.

Further information: https://www.transformational.travel/ttc-gathering-event-page