Edition 173 · October 2022

Bill King, another personality and pioneer of the Australian tourism industry, has sadly passed away at the age of 92. Often referred to as ‘The King of the Outback,’ in recognition of his role in opening up Australia’s centre and north for tourism through his business, Bill King’s Northern Safaris later became AAT Kings. He is also a former Chairman of the Inbound Tourism Organisation of Australia (now the Australian Tourism Export Council).

Funding is available through the Federal Government’s Our Country Our Future program for Indigenous projects involving acquisition or management of land or water-related interests. It is a competitive funding program that aims to support the development of land, salt, and freshwater country-based ecotourism operations. Projects will be assessed against criteria and other proposals received by Indigenous Australians.

Further information: https://www.ilsc.gov.au/partner-with-us/our-country-our-future/

Over 50 successful recipients will share in $15 million from the Queensland Government Tourism Experience Development Fund. The fund is designed to assist recovery of the tourism industry by rebuilding visitor confidence, driving demand for Queensland destinations and meeting the changing preference of consumers.

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

Four Seasons Yachts is the latest addition to the global hotel brand’s expansion into new hotels, resorts, residential collections, and aviation experiences. The first luxury vessel is being designed in partnership with one of the world’s largest shipbuilding groups Fincantieri and shipping experts Marc-Henry Cruise. The vessel will have 95 suites spanning 14 decks, as well as use green energy fuels, zero-emission energy sources and minimise air emissions. The first yacht is anticipated to set sail in 2025.

Further information: https://press.fourseasons.com/news-releases/2022/four-seasons-yachts/

Australian regional airline, the Regional Express (Rex) Group, has a strategic partnership with Dovetail Electric Aviation to pioneer the conversion of turbine powered aircraft to electric propulsion by 2026. Rex will retrofit electric engines onto their aircraft which travel shorter distances and carry fewer passengers than larger commercial airlines. Dovetail was formed in 2021 by Sydney Aviation Holdings, owners of Sydney Seaplanes and Dante Aeronautical, a start-up pioneering disruptive electric aviation concepts.

Further information:  https://dovetail.aero/rexairlinespartnership/

Amtrak has pledged to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions across the Amtrak Network by 2045. The climate resilience plan and net zero emissions target seeks to reduce environmental impacts across all of Amtrak’s operations and assets including more than 500 destinations in the United States and Canada. It will also continue to create innovative solutions that reduce energy consumption, emissions, and waste.

Further information: https://www.amtrak.com/sustainability

Qatar Airways has again been voted the World’s Best Airline for a record-breaking seventh time with Singapore Airlines in second, Emirates third, ANA All Nippon Airways fourth and Qantas Airways in fifth position. The awards began in 1999 when Skytrax launched its first global annual airline customer satisfaction survey which allowed passengers to make their own choices as to which airlines they consider to be the best.

Further information: https://www.worldairlineawards.com/a-z-airline-awards-winners-2022/

TFE Hotels and Capital Alliance has announced a first-of-its-kind mixed-use development in Melbourne Docklands, featuring two world class local hotel brands. The SJB-designed $340 million dual-tower project will feature first purpose-built Collection by TFE Hotels and A by Adina properties in Melbourne, the largest rooftop infinity pool in Australia and a 1000-pax capacity event conference centre located on a sky bridge. Set to open in 2026, the site will also feature a day spa, retail shopping, and restaurant offerings.

Further information: https://collectionbytfehotels.com/tfe-announces-new-collection-property-for-melbournes-docklands/

Ovolo has extended its popular pet accommodation package – V.I.Pooch, in collaboration with Waggly, to celebrate International Dog Day. Ovolo introduced its pet package back in 2020, becoming the first hotel group in Australia to welcome guests and their fur babies following the rise in travel with pets. The package is available all year-round offering pet owners an indulgent experience, complete with amenities and treats to pamper their pooch like a true VIP.

Further information: https://ovolohotels.com/ovolo/offers/v-i-pooch/

Bookings are available for a night at Victoria’s newest limited-edition off-grid accommodation experience. Visit Victoria has partnered with Port Fairy-based designer and manufacturer Ample to create Stella the Stargazer, a uniquely Victorian tiny home fitted with everything a hotel guest needs and crafted from repurposed materials. The activation will cover three Victorian regions including central Gippsland, the Great Ocean Road, and Grampians.

Further information: https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/stay-and-stargaze-sustainably-victorian-tiny-home

Mövenpick Hotels and Resorts has announced the launch of its annual Kilo of Kindness charitable program encouraging guests and community members to donate one kilogram of food, clothing, and school supplies to be shared with local families in need through Ronald McDonald House Charities Australia. Over 65 Mövenpick properties across Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East are also participating in the initiative. Since 2015 approximately 71,457 kilograms of supplies have been distributed to disadvantaged communities around the world.

Further information: https://www.movenpick.com/en/kilo-of-kindness.html

French company Murmuration has launched Flockeo, a community platform that allows travellers to choose sustainable destinations by combining satellite and statistical data on environmental, social, and economic indicators. The new platform also offers an interactive map for users who want to learn more about the impact of human activities on each region including the ecosystem potential and the risks related to water and urbanisation.

Further information: https://flockeo.com/en/

The Queensland Government is undertaking a review of the zoning plan for the Great Sandy Marine Park which is a multiple use park established in 2006. The draft zoning plan proposes changes that support the long-term sustainability of the region’s nature-based tourism and recreational fishing sectors and positions the region for the 2032 Olympics. The plan also supports the region’s nature-based lifestyle and strengths including recreational and charter fishing, boating, surfing, kayaking, stand-up paddle-boarding, snorkelling, scuba diving, bird watching, beach four-wheel driving, and walking.

Further information: https://www.qld.gov.au/environment/coasts-waterways/marine-parks/zoning/gsmp

Brisbane-based travel tech start-up Vacayit has created a one-stop travel platform that can be used by Australians who are blind or have low vision to plan a holiday or as an audio tour guide. It has been designed with features including high-contrast display, voice and text search, audio content and has screen reader compatibility. The award-winning app has also been recognised at the World Tourism Forum Lucerne, the Australian Government’s Accelerator for Enterprising Women, and key leaders in the disability industry like Choice Passion Life.

Further information: https://www.vacayit.com/blog/introducing-vacayit

An Accessibility Hub has been added to the Cairns and Great Barrier Reef destination website to assist travellers with mobility impairment select activities and holiday itineraries. The Tourism Tropical North Queensland team has worked closely with Spinal Life Australia and Out There Travel Care to put together content showcasing experiences and accommodation accessible to all travellers.

Further information: https://www.tropicalnorthqueensland.org.au/plan-your-trip/accessible-travel/

Tripseed, a new and innovative travel operator based in Thailand, has launched a range of accessible travel programs and experiences to make visiting the country more inclusive. The company’s unique product range includes specially designed and exclusive tours tailored for elderly and disabled travellers. The development of these products and experiences has seen extensive accessibility audits conducted across properties, tour locations and transportation to evaluate everything from ramp inclinations, availability of grab bars, manoeuvrability, and clearance.

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

Melbourne airport’s rail has been given the green light and will connect the airport to the city and the suburbs of Melbourne. The train ride will have travellers from the Melbourne CBD to the airport in 30 minutes and will also connect airport passengers to Melbourne’s west, south-east, Ballarat, Bendigo, Geelong, and Gippsland. The project includes an elevated rail bridge over the Western Ring Road and major upgrades to Sunshine Station including a new concourse, improvements to existing facilities, and car parking. It is expected to be completed in 2029.

Further information: https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/projects/melbourne-airport-rail

Tourism Australia has launched a new global campaign with brand ambassador ‘Ruby Roo,’ the souvenir kangaroo, inviting the world to ‘Come and Say G’day’. It aims to support the tourism industry as it rebuilds by converting pent-up demand and encouraging people to plan and book their Australian holiday. A short film is the highlight of this multifaceted campaign which will be complemented by a new creative TV commercial, print, out-of-home, social, digital, and content initiatives amplified through PR and partnerships with airlines, State Tourism Organisations, and distribution partners in key markets.

Further information: https://www.tourism.australia.com/en/news-and-events/news-stories/global-campaign-to-invite-the-world-to-come-and-say-gday-media-release.html

Visit Sunshine Coast has harnessed the power of sunshine to film its latest campaign in a world first. The advertisement was filmed using solar power in nine locations across the Sunshine Coast, with a portable 5kw solar generator attached to the film crew’s production vehicle powering everything from their cameras to laptops, battery chargers and hair dryers. It will be rolled out in Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria across multi-media platforms including Facebook, Instagram, WeAre8, Broadcast Video on Demand, YouTube pre-roll, Programmatic Display and Native Tiles.

Further information: https://visitsc.au/sunshinemoments

Venice has launched a campaign to encourage tourists to drink from water fountains instead of buying single use plastic bottles. Water fountains are easy to find with 200 spread throughout the city, nearly every 100 metres. Water distribution company Veritas has also developed a map and mobile app to help tourists locate places to fill up their water bottles as each fountain is unique in design.

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

PONANT has released its first annual Sustainable Development Report which highlights their commitments aligned to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. The report details work being done to decarbonise cruises, reduce atmospheric emissions, eliminate plastics, recover waste, protect biodiversity, support scientific research, and strengthen partnerships with local communities. For more than 30 years, PONANT has been committed to responsible tourism using 13 small capacity ships which have earned the international Cleanship certification issued by Bureau Veritas.

Further information: https://en.calameo.com/read/000132423ada311a95ef3

The hotel experts at the Michelin Guide have launched a sustainability program making it easy for travellers to choose hotels that are working to make a positive impact on the planet and in their community. The Tablet Hotels program features a sustainability icon which appears when a hotel holds a verified certification with standards recognised by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council or that has been awarded by Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design and Accor’s Planet 21.

Further information: https://michelinmedia.com/tablet-sustainability-program-momentum/

Visit Victoria’s A Games Like No Other campaign has been launched to build excitement for the Victoria 2026 Commonwealth Games, including opportunities both in the lead up to and during the event such as volunteering, ticketing, and cultural programs. The campaign has been featured in print, social media, public relations, and a broadcast sponsorship with Network Seven which includes content integration pieces for the regional hubs of Geelong, Bendigo, Ballarat, and Gippsland.

Further information: https://www.visitvictoria.com/victoria2026

A new strategy has been launched which provides a roadmap for farmers to unlock new business opportunities and encourage jobs for regional communities. Agritourism 2030: The National Agritourism Strategy Framework is part of a wider project of Agritourism initiatives supported by the Building Better Regions Fund grant and partnership with Airbnb. Following consultation with nearly 200 stakeholders, the strategy seeks to advocate for growth in the quality and quantity of farm gates, farm stays and on farm experiences by 2030.

Further information: https://regionaltourism.com.au/projects/agritourism/

The United Nations World Tourism Organisation has launched its first World Tourism Day Report which charts the work done to unite the sector in the face of crisis and lay the foundations for a more inclusive and resilient future. Rethinking Tourism: From Crisis to Transformation provides an update on work in every global region as well as in key areas including gender equality, sustainability and climate action, tourism governance and investments and innovation.

Further information: https://www.unwto.org/news/world-tourism-day-2022-sector-united-around-rethinking-tourism-for-people-and-planet

The Victorian Government has launched their Recovery Plan for the international education sector through to 2025. Supported by almost $53 million in funding, the plan sets out five pillars – the student experience, employability and student return on investment, promotion of Victoria’s education offering, market access and global connections and partnerships and collaboration for a strong sector.

Further information: https://www.studymelbourne.vic.gov.au/industry/news-and-updates/victorias-international-education-recovery-plan-2025

PATA and Asian Development Bank Southeast Asia Development Solutions have partnered to launch the Southeast Asia Sustainable Tourism Hub to help develop and finance innovative tourism projects, build destination capacity, and provide knowledge solutions. The hub is built in alignment with Sustainable Development Goals and Asian Development Bank Strategy 2030 that support innovations to assist destinations in becoming more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient.

Further information: https://seads.adb.org/tourism-hub

The Queensland Government and Queensland Tourism Industry Council are working to help tourism operators upskill staff inhouse to fill the gap and meet the needs of a burgeoning travel market. The $3.6 million training program is open to eligible tourism and hospitality businesses over three years under the Tourism Training and Skills Support Strategy.

Further information: https://www.qtic.com.au/workforce-development/Micro-Credentialing/

Wine Australia is offering free online training in wine tourism. The six-module ‘Wine Tourism Ready’ course is suitable for wineries that wish to create new tourism experiences, as well as those already established. Developed in partnership with the Australian Tourism Export Council, Wine Tourism Australia and Fastrack Asian Solutions the self-paced online course teaches you how to attract more international travellers and develop a profitable tourism trade.

Further information: https://www.wineaustralia.com/selling/wine-tourism-ready

The Adventure Travel Trade Association and Switzerland Tourism have collaborated on a research project to see how public transportation is currently utilised in adventure travel itineraries. The Responsible Transitions in Transport report examines the common transportation methods adventure travellers use to arrive at and travel within their destination. It aims to assist the companies better understand public transportation as a more environmentally friendly component of the tourism ecosystem.

Further information: https://www.adventuretravelnews.com/responsible-transitions-in-transport-atta-and-switzerland-tourism-release-new-research

The World Travel and Tourism Council, in partnership with Animondial, has published a new report that shows how the industry can play a critical role in halting and reversing the destruction of nature. The Nature Positive Travel and Tourism report provides a better understanding of the status quo of climate action within the sector, as well as current challenges, opportunities and needs. The report offers a roadmap to better inform, inspire, and empower travel and tourism to manage their impacts and play a leading role in building a better world and future.

Further information: https://wttc.org/news-article/wttc-publishes-ground-breaking-report-on-how-travel-and-tourism-can-reverse-nature-loss

A new report by Tomorrow’s Air and Intrepid Travel looks at aviation’s role in climate change and examines how the travel industry is building knowledge about carbon offsets and removals, especially in the context of flight shame. A Deep Dive on Aviation and Climate for the Climate Conscious Traveller also highlights that while tourism is moving in a more sustainable direction the aviation sector is limited by the speed of technological advances and industry innovation.

Further information: https://www.adventuretravelnews.com/a-deep-dive-on-aviation-and-climate-for-the-climate-conscious-traveler

The world’s largest adventure travel company has released their third annual Intrepid Travel Index 2022 which provides the latest trends and insights in the adventure travel industry. The index contains information and examines research on topics such as travel in a post-COVID world, top destinations for Australian travellers, the importance of sustainable travel to consumers, trends in the travel market and the transformative power of travel.

Further information: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/au/intrepid-travel-index-2022

A new report released by VisitBritain focuses on the international traveller Motivations, Influences, Decisions and Sustainability in a Post-Pandemic Era. It aims to provide insights of inbound travellers by understanding the current and future landscape of international tourism recovering from COVID-19. The fieldwork took place March to April 2022 across 29 markets.

Further information: https://www.ukinbound.org/resources/midas-global-report-june-2022/

The International Air Transport Association has surveyed over 750 industry stakeholders and decision-makers at leading travel agencies to identify the recruitment and training needs of the travel and tourism industry post the global COVID pandemic. The Skilling up for a Travel and Tourism Recovery report highlights the most in-demand skills and who industry players are looking to recruit to effectively address staffing needs.

Further information: https://www.iata.org/en/training/pages/skilling-up-travel-tourism/

The GreenSign program was created for the hotel industry by the GreenSign Institute based in Berlin, Germany. Hotels in over 15 European countries are currently using this standard which combines ecology, economy, and social responsibility without sacrificing guest comfort. The standard covers the areas of management and communication, energy, water, waste, biodiversity, and cultural heritage, purchasing, regionality and mobility, quality management and sustainable development, and social and economic responsibility.

Further information: https://www.greensign.de/

The Queensland Regional Tourism Network is seeking an organisation or individual Secretariat to provide coordination services across Queensland’s 13 regional tourism organisations. Interested parties are invited to provide a proposal with a view to entering into an annual agreement the equivalent of three to four days per month. Tenders close 16 November 2022.

Further information: https://tourism.tropicalnorthqueensland.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/FINAL-QRTN-Terms-of-Reference-RTO-Secretariat-Oct-2022.pdf

Tourism Noosa has won the Mumbrella Award for Sustainable Practices category beating Unilever, OzHarvest, UNICEF and Yarra Valley Water. The awards recognise brands, campaigns and innovators across marketing, advertising, media, production, PR, and communication industries.

Further information: https://mumbrella.com.au/mumbrellaawards

The Sustainable Hotels Conference will be held 20-22 November 2022 at Cottage by The Sea by Frangipani Resort, Langkawi. The conference is hosted by Adjunct Professor Anthony Wong Kim Hooi, the developer of the most efficient wastewater treatment system without using any energy. United Nation speakers, academia and the hospitality industry have been invited to talk on issues of climate change, best practices in sustainability and how going green is a more profitable business in the long run.

Further information: https://sg.docworkspace.com/d/sIAGQ3_64AZvn05oG

The inaugural Northern Territory Aboriginal Tourism Forum will be held in Darwin on 17 November 2022. The forum provides an environment to share knowledge and experiences, celebrate the Aboriginal tourism sector and strengthen relationships.

Further information: https://www.tourismnt.com.au/industry-events/nt-aboriginal-tourism-forum

The World Travel and Tourism Council Global Summit will take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia from 28 November to 1 December 2022. The summit will see industry leaders and key government representatives continue to align efforts to support the sector’s recovery and move beyond to a safer, more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable future.

Further information: https://wttc.org/about/events-webinars/global-summit

The 7th United Nations World Tourism Organisation Forum on Gastronomy Tourism will take place in Nara, Japan from 12-15 December 2022. The forum provides an opportunity for experts in the field of gastronomy tourism to share new ideas and best practices that support a Global Roadmap on Food Waste Reduction in Tourism.

Further information: https://www.unwto.org/7-unwto-world-forum-on-gastronomy-tourism

The Global Sustainable Tourism Council Conference will be held in Seville, Spain from 12-15 December 2022. It will bring together all stakeholders involved in the development and promotion of sustainable travel and tourism.

Further information: https://www.gstcouncil.org/gstc2022sevilla/