Edition 177 · February 2023

We welcome short stories on innovations, and success stories and stories that reflect the positive things that the tourism industry is doing to ensure that the industry returns and re-builds.

Submit stories to editor@tourforce.com

The Intrepid Foundation is launching a Türkiye and Syria Earthquake Appeal with the Australian Red Cross to raise funds for impacted communities. They are matching every donation up to $100,000 AUD and all profits from bookings to Türkiye made from now until 30 April 2023 will go directly to providing immediate and longer-term relief across the region.

Further information: https://www.theintrepidfoundation.org/t/turkey-syria-earthquake-appeal

The New South Wales Regional Business Event Development Fund is designed to help create, attract, and support regional business events and infrastructure projects. The funding is open to local government, tourism organisations, convention organisers, chambers of commerce, business events industry operators, industry associations, sole traders, corporations, and professional conference organisers. Applications close 31 March 2023.

Further information: https://www.meetinnsw.com.au/business-event-development-fund

Tourism Northern Territory is providing grant funding to support the implementation of booking systems for tourism businesses. Applications can be submitted for matched funding to establish an online booking system integrated on an existing business website or a turnkey website. Applications close 30 April 2023.

Further information: https://grantsnt.nt.gov.au/

The Western Australian Government has provided a $6 million Tourism Flood Recovery Package to support Kimberley tourism businesses. It includes a new ‘open for business’ national marketing campaign offering discounted Virgin Australia fares from Perth (Boorloo) to Broome and Kununurra, as well as a voucher incentive program. Travellers are also encouraged also check with accommodation providers or tourism operators before changing travel arrangements.

Further information: https://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Pages/McGowan/2023/01/6-million-dollar-flood-recovery-package-for-Kimberley-tourism.aspx

Forty-four airports across regional Australia have received $27.9 million in funding under Round three of the Australian Government’s $100 million Regional Airports Program. Upgrades will be made to safety and accessibility including resurfacing, installing fencing, and lighting, and undertaking drainage works to prevent flooding or erosion of runway surfaces. The program will deliver significant benefits for regional communities, operators, and passengers.

Further information: https://minister.infrastructure.gov.au/c-king/media-release/regional-airports-soar-thanks-latest-funding-boost

Southwest Airlines has a new partnership with mapping specialist FlightPath3D allowing passengers to experience their destination with virtual reality videos and mobile-friendly travel guides as part of the inflight moving map for a more personalised experience. The new technology also bridges the gap between onboard entertainment and social content delivered to users via Instagram or TikTok. FlightPath3D is also providing its technology to Delta Airlines, China Airlines and Lufthansa.

Further information: https://flightpath3d.com/

The QT Gold Coast has developed six qtQT Cabins each featuring a private balcony set within a tropical green oasis and unique open-air sanctuary. Each cabin is suited for up to two guests or all six cabins can be secured exclusively. The inspiration was developed by award-winning designer Nic Graham and these bespoke QT Hotels & Resorts experiences are organised by qtQT’s Curator of Sunshine, a dedicated concierge.

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

Award-winning independent lifestyle hotel brand Ovolo has launched an industry leading sustainability initiative. The Green Perk will see one tree planted for every direct booking at any Ovolo or By Ovolo Hotels in association with Eden Reforestation Projects. The hotel group has also committed to a 50% reduction in waste by 2030 and has developed a vegetarian-led cuisine to reduce its carbon footprint.

Further information: https://ovolohotels.com/do-good-feel-good/

Village Roadshow have opened the $50 million New Atlantis precinct at Sea World on the Gold Coast in Queensland. The new theme park precinct features three cutting-edge thrill rides called Vortex, Leviathan and Trident. The Leviathan is the first new wooden rollercoaster built in Australia and features two backwards-facing seats on its carriages while the Trident will become Australia’s tallest slide tower and soars 42 metres off the ground and spinning guests at 38 kilometres per hour.

Further information: https://seaworld.com.au/attractions/rides-and-precincts/the-new-atlantis

The Queensland Government has released an online accessible tourism toolkit for tourism and events businesses as part of the $12 million Year of Accessible Tourism. The toolkit aims to help tourism businesses incorporate accessible tourism into their offering and to welcome travellers of all abilities through video learning modules, practical guides, and checklists.

Further information: https://www.dtis.qld.gov.au/tourism/accessible-tourism/accessible-tourism-toolkit

The world’s longest zipline in the Arabian Gulf is offering clients the chance to fly at speeds of between 120 kilometres per hour and 160 kilometres per hour. Jais Flight is located atop Jebel Jais peak in Ras Al Khaimah, the northern most Emirate in the UAE. The 2.83 kilometres zipline takes clients from 1680 metres above sea level to the foot of the mountain. A highlight is a stop at a 9-tonne glass-bottomed platform which is suspended 80 metres above the ground.

Further information: https://visitjebeljais.com/adrenaline/jais-flight/

The first ever joint National Parks and Wildlife Service and Destination New South Wales tourism campaign has been launched, encouraging Australians to ‘find your path’ in the State’s natural landscapes. The advertising campaign showcases 890 parks and reserves including the second oldest national park in the world Royal National Park in Sydney. The campaign will roll out across television, digital media, billboards and outdoor media in Victoria, Queensland, the Australian Capital Territory and New South Wales.

Further information: https://www.nsw.gov.au/media-releases/find-your-path-nsw-national-parks

Located in the Sky Tower at SkyCity Auckland, the SkySlide experience takes clients on a 360-degree virtual tour of the city’s skyline via a glass slide that reaches virtual speeds of up to 100 kilometres per hour. Located 186 metres above the city, the state-of-the-art technology includes a motion platform which mimics the virtual twists and turns of a slide.

Further information: https://skycityauckland.co.nz/sky-tower/skyslide/

Tourism and Events Queensland has launched a new $5 million marketing campaign calling on travellers to discover something new in the sunshine state in 2023. The ‘Queensland is Calling’ campaign will target travellers in New South Wales and Victoria, as well as in Queensland and New Zealand. The campaign is aimed at couples and families who have been before and love coming back, as well as those who think they’ve seen it all before.

Further information: https://teq.queensland.com/au/en/industry/what-we-do/marketing/current-opportunities/queensland-is-calling

Tourism Fiji has launched a new global brand platform and logo ‘Where happiness comes naturally.’ The campaign is an evolution of the existing ‘Happiness’ campaign and capitalises on the consumer trend for meaningful travel that creates a connection to culture and communities. Tourism Fiji has also announced five new travel pillars that it will develop and promote to tourists; Natural Environment, Adventurous Experiences, Community Connections, Recharge and Reconnect, and Food and Drink.

Further information: https://corporate.fiji.travel/articles/media-releases/brand-launch

Tourism Tropical North Queensland has launched the Pathway to Sustainable Tourism Toolkit to help tourism businesses adopt sustainable business practices, measure their footprint, and plan their journey forward for a more sustainable future. The toolkit is an opportunity for the tourism industry to align with government targets to reduce emissions and meet the growing demand from consumers for more sustainable tourism. It outlines certification programs, community initiatives to partner with including Rainforest Rescue, Green Caffeen and Reforest to offset events.

Further information: https://tourism.tropicalnorthqueensland.org.au/articles/sustainable-travel-hub-launches-in-tropical-north-queensland/

The Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau, in partnership with the Hawaii Tourism Authority, has created Mālama Hawaii an initiative that encourages visitors to give back to the destination. Volunteer projects range from reforestation and tree planting to self-directed beach clean ups, ocean reef preservation, and even creating Hawaiian quilts for our kupuna (elders). By booking a Mālama Hawaii package and participating in the hotel’s designated volunteer activity, visitors qualify for a special discount or even a free night.

Further information: https://media.gohawaii.com/hawaii-invites-travelers-malama-hawaii

The Sustainable Hospitality Alliance uses the collective power of leading hospitality companies and strategic partners to deliver impact locally and on a global scale. They address key challenges affecting the planet and develop practical resources and programs to enable the wider industry to operate responsibly and grow sustainably. Their members make up over 30% of the global hotel industry by rooms and include 18 world-leading hotel brands including Marriott International, Hilton, IHG, Hyatt and Radisson Hotels Group.

Further information: http://www.sustainablehospitalityalliance.org/

A route-planning website allows users to rank transport options to their destination by travel time, price, and CO2 emissions. Green Tickets uses a variety of sources including Google Maps for driving routes, open-source projects for European trains, and the back office of Skyscanner for flight information. The data allows users to quickly find the optimal itinerary for each trip, based on time of the year, availability, budget, carbon emissions, and personal preferences.

Further information: https://greentickets.app/

The Yukon Sustainable Tourism Observatory has been accepted by the World Tourism Organisation into its growing International Network of Sustainable Tourism Observatories. The observatory will identify, measure, and interpret sustainable tourism conditions to guide evidence-based decision-making. It is the second sustainable tourism observatory in Canada, after the Thompson Okanagan and brings the worldwide total to 31. The network of tourism observatories was created in 2004 to monitor the economic, environmental, and social impact of tourism at the destination level.

Further information: https://www.unwto.org/news/the-yukon-joins-unwto-network-of-sustainable-tourism-observatories

The World Tourism Organisation and the Institución Ferial de Canarias have joined forces to launch a start-up competition to source business models that address challenges faced by island destinations. The competition is sourcing entrepreneurs and stakeholders from across the globe that can offer sustainable, innovative, and disruptive solutions. Finalists will pitch their solutions in the Canary Islands of Spain on 16 March 2023.

Further information: https://www.unwto.org/unwto-tourism-tech-adventures-canarias-2023

The United Arab Emirates has launched a new National Tourism Strategy aimed at adding a further $27 billion of investment to the sector and attracting 40 million hotel guests to the country in 2031. The strategy is a partnership between various federal and local tourism authorities, national airlines, and international institutions and companies. It includes 25 initiatives and policies to support the development of the tourism sector in the country by encouraging tourism investment in travel, aviation, and hospitality, as well as attracting more international companies to the local market, and developing tourism data and statistics.

Further information: https://u.ae/en/about-the-uae/strategies-initiatives-and-awards/strategies-plans-and-visions/tourism/uae-tourism-strategy-2031

Tourism Northern Territory has developed the Sustainable Tourism Action Plan 2022-24 to place the Northern Territory as a compelling destination for authentic sustainable travel and to help the tourism industry become a positive driver for sustainable development and the conservation of our natural and cultural landscape and heritage.

Further information: https://www.tourismnt.com.au/system/files/uploads/files/2022/Tourism%20NT%20Sustainable%20Tourism%20Action%20Plan_2022-24.pdf

Study Queensland has launched a new five-year roadmap to drive the recovery of the State’s International Education and Training industry. The $20.6 million Queensland International Education and Training Strategy 2022-2027 is designed to grow the number of overseas students choosing to study in Queensland. It sets out the vision and focus areas to support a strong sector and build a global talent pipeline for Queensland by improving career pathways with local innovation industries and intern experiences to hone practical skills and future job prospects.

Further information: https://www.tiq.qld.gov.au/about/queensland-trade-and-investment-strategy/queensland-iet-strategy

The Future CRC is a consortium of Australian universities and industry that are proposing the establishment of a national Cooperative Research Centre to re-imagine a sustainable and resilient tourism, hospitality, and events future for Australia. It will collaborate with industry, governments, and agencies to grow future markets, reinvigorate destinations, embed technological innovation, and secure the workforce long-term.

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

The Queensland Government has released the Bike Tourism in Queensland report which provides an in-depth analysis of the market and potential demand for bike tourism in the state. It identifies what makes a great bike tourism experience and what’s needed including trail riding, multi-day trail riding and mountain biking. The research also provides local government, industry and the community with a strong evidence base for growing bike tourism in Queensland.

Further information: https://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/Travel-and-transport/Cycling/bike-tourism

Trip.com Group, in a joint venture with World Travel & Tourism Council and global consultancy firm Deloitte, has released a new global traveller report which reveals a heightened appetite for sustainable travel amongst consumers. The report, ‘A world in motion: shifting consumer travel trends in 2022 and beyond,’ shows that sustainability is a key element of the travel agenda, with travellers eager to reduce their carbon footprint and support sustainable tourism.

Further information: https://www.trip.com/newsroom/trip-com-group-and-wttc-global-traveller-report-reveals-shift-towards-sustainable-travel/

The travel industry is increasing its investments in fintech or financial technology post-pandemic. The Amadeus Travel Fintech Investment Trends report found that Fintech and payments were viewed as a high priority of leaders from large airlines and travel sellers. The study also covers the industry’s fintech investment priorities including alternative payment methods, strong customer authentication and fraud.

Further information: https://www.travolution.com/news/technology/amadeus-survey-finds-travel-firms-are-planning-to-invest-in-fintech/

The International Air Transport Association expects a return to profitability for the global airline industry in 2023 as airlines continue to cut losses stemming from the effects of the pandemic. This estimate includes the challenges of rising costs, labour shortages, operational disruptions and growing economic and COVID uncertainty. The International Air Transport Association represents some 300 airlines comprising 83% of global air traffic. In November 2022 it surveyed at total of 4,700 respondents in 11 markets including Chile, U.S., Canada, U.K., France, Germany, U.A.E., India, Singapore, Australia, and Japan.

Further information: https://www.iata.org/en/pressroom/2022-releases/2022-12-06-01/

The Global Business Travel Association has released the 14th edition of the Business Travel Index Outlook conducted in partnership with Rockport Analytics and Mastercard.

The annual study outlines the top-level outlook for global business travel spending and growth covering 73 countries and 44 industries. The report reveals insights from recent surveys of global finance executives and business travellers. It explores new and transformative factors in global business travel in the areas of sustainability, workforce dynamics including remote work and bleisure, and technology adoption.

Further information: https://www.gbta.org/global-business-travel-spending-is-coming-back-but-recent-headwinds-push-anticipated-full-recovery-into-2025-and-2026/

The Women in Travel Summit will be held at the Swissôtel Sydney on 13 March 2023. The event includes a series of keynote speakers, panel sessions, breakout rooms, and networking opportunities.

Further information: https://www.afta.com.au/events/women-in-travel-summit

The Western Australian Tourism Conference will be held in the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder from on 15-17 May 2023. The event is for tourism operators, government and industry leaders, events, attractions, aviation, accommodation, researchers and academics. Further information: https://tourismcouncilwa.com.au/events-training/2023-perth-airport-wa-regional-tourism-conference