Edition 188 · January 2024

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

Last year Hurtigruten Norway partnered with Rathfinny Wine Estate in England to create the world’s first sea-aged sparkling wine in a hidden wine vault where it was aged for six months. In 2024, the expedition cruise line will again be placing 4500 bottles of Havets Bobler (Bubbles from the Sea) wine under the sea near the Arctic Circle.

Further information: https://www.hurtigruten.com.au/norways-coastal-kitchen/havets-bobler/

Tourism Northern Territory is providing funding to assist with building a capable tour guide workforce in the Northern Territory. Funding is available for tour operators who conduct tours to train new tour guides. The program is designed to streamline training for entrants and offers flexibility. Applications close 29 February 2024.

Further information: https://www.tourismnt.com.au/industry-toolkit/grants-funding/tour-guide-ready-program-round-3

Applications are open for the Grow Cultural Tourism Fund. The fund is a key initiative of the Queensland Government’s Grow 2022-2026 Plan which aims to establish Queensland as an iconic cultural tourism destination. It will grow events and festivals across the state by empowering local arts, culture, and heritage. Applications close 29 February 2024.

Further information: https://www.arts.qld.gov.au/aq-funding/grow-cultural-tourism-fund

Tourism Northern Territory is providing funding to support Northern Territory tourism businesses in growing their product offerings for distribution. The Tourism Distribution Grant Program is designed to increase online book-ability and actively aid connection with distribution partners to enhance trade relationships with domestic and international partners. Applications close 30 April 2024.

Further information: https://www.tourismnt.com.au/industry-toolkit/grants-funding/tourism-distribution-grant-program-202324

Singapore has announced that Changi airport will be the first international hub to go completely passport-free by using passengers’ biometric data. All travellers will be able to use the technology which will use automated immigration checkpoints for a facial scan that verifies identity without needing an exit stamp.

Further information: https://www-cntraveler-com.cdn.ampproject.org/c/s/www.cntraveler.com/story/passport-free-travel-biometrics/amp

Eurostar and Thalys has launched a new brand, website, app, and loyalty program as the first steps in the creation of a new company whose ambition is to carry 30 million passengers a year by 2030. The new advertising campaign ‘Together We Go Further’ aims to reinvent the idea of sustainable travel across Europe. With a fleet of 51 trains, Eurostar international high-speed network serves 28 destinations across Germany, Belgium, France, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom.

Further information: https://mediacentre.eurostar.com/mc_view?language=uk-en&article_Id=ka43z000000LHHGAA4

United Airlines is aiming to modernise and grow the Bluetooth connectivity of its fleet to 800 aircraft by 2032. The connectivity offers a more seamless experience for its passengers who can connect to new seatback screens. In addition, United will also include several customer amenities, technological innovations, and fuel efficiency benefits to new and retrofitted planes.

Further information: https://www.united.com/en/us/newsroom/announcements/cision-125298

Funded by fintech entrepreneur Jared Isaacman, the Polaris Dawn voyage aims to set a record for the highest Earth orbit ever flown. The Polaris Program represents a more ambitious era for citizen-led space travel with private citizens carrying out increasingly sophisticated missions including the first commercial mission to complete a spacewalk and research on the impact of space travel on human health.

Further information: https://polarisprogram.com/

Kansas City International Airport has created a new $1.5 billion terminal which is a blueprint for an inclusive airport. The Kansas City Aviation Department worked closely with local organisations including The Whole Person, Variety KC, and Dementia Friendly KC throughout the entire design process. The terminal features new-to-MCI features like clear kiosks, TSA Precheck lines, gender-neutral bathrooms, and visual paging boards that alert deaf passengers to any flight changes. The Kansas City Air Travel Experience Simulation also lets families travelling with neurodivergent children or a solo traveller with aerophobia to walk through every part of the flying experience online before heading to the gate.

Further information: https://flykc.com/

Southern Ocean Lodge has reopened on South Australia’s Kangaroo Island after four years in the planning, design, and construction. The new iteration of the Baillie Lodges flagship property has a similar footprint to the original with the Great Room taking centre stage and 23 luxurious suites along the limestone cliff coastline. The Great Room terrace now boasts a wet-edge pool, while spacious new surrounds for the Southern Spa allow for three treatment rooms, a gymnasium, sauna, and hot and cold plunge pools.

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

The G’day Group has unveiled a $20 million redevelopment at its Discovery Parks – Cradle Mountain property in Tasmania which includes new luxurious cabins, upgraded facilities, and expanded campground. The project will also see the launch of 11 new premium cabins featuring open fireplaces and panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows. The G’day Group is Australia’s largest regional accommodation provider with more than 300 properties across the country.

Further information:  https://www.discoveryholidayparks.com.au/blog/2023/12/02/gday_group_unveils_20_million_cradle_mountain_tourism_investment_headlined_by_new_premium_cabin_category

The first luxury hotel has opened in Townsville and is set to redefine the hotel landscape of North Queensland. The 132 room Ardo hotel has world-class dining, day spa and rooftop pool deck with views across the Coral Sea. Guests can also access The Ville precinct’s amenities which include the famous oceanside swimming pool with a swim-up bar, hotel gym and casino.

Further information: https://www.morrisgroup.com.au/ardo-officially-opens/

Greece is applying a new climate resilience levy to accommodation during the high season from March to October which is intended to generate revenue to improve infrastructure, support reconstruction efforts, and enhance climate resilience. The tax rate will vary based on the official rating of the accommodation and will not be included in the prices provided by operators or travel agents. During the off-season from November to February the climate resilience levy will resume at the level of the previous bed tax.

Further information: https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/news/greece-introduces-climate-tax-for-tourists-in-2024/

The Whitsunday Skyway is a cable car located 430 metres above the town of Airlie Beach which will provide visitors with a 360-degree view of the Whitsunday Islands, Coral Sea, and Conway National Park. It will also include world class mountain bike trails, luge cart tracks, cultural, educational, and adventure activities. The Australian Adventure Tourism Group is behind the tourism project which is in the detailed assessment stage with the State Government and if approved is expected to take two years to construct.

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

The Atomic Museum in Las Vegas has launched audio tours featuring narrations from community partners and prominent figures within today’s nuclear industry. The audio tours include more than 20 markers that visitors can scan throughout the museum’s gallery space to activate recordings developed by Guide-ID. The museum is one of 37 designated as an Affiliate Partner of the Smithsonian Institution and is a repository for one of the most comprehensive collections of nuclear history in the world.

Further information: https://www.atomicmuseum.vegas/

Hook, Long, and Keswick Island in the Whitsundays have each secured $1 million from the Tourism Activation Fund to develop and upgrade jetties and pontoons making them even more accessible to visitors and residents exploring the region. As part of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Infrastructure Package, the funding targets Great Barrier Reef Islands with a national park and existing or planned tourism development.

Further information: https://www.dtis.qld.gov.au/news/latest/2023/whitsunday-islands-to-receive-1-million-each-to-boost-accessibility

Global developer Aventuur has announced plans for a rollout of mixed-use surf, leisure, and wellbeing destinations across North America. It has exclusive rights to Wavegarden’s technology and is also planning to develop projects in Los Angeles and New York. The company’s expansion follows its success in the Asia-Pacific region where it is developing the Southern Hemisphere’s largest surfing lagoon in Perth. It intends to use recycled and zero embedded carbon concrete during construction, 100% renewable sources for power, and onsite rainwater harvesting.

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

The Culinary Tourism Alliance has launched the Great Taste of Canada, the ultimate field guide to hands on food experiences, and unique tastes of place across the nation. Supported by the Tourism Industry Association of Canada, it brings together over 40 destinations, sector organisations, and tourism stakeholders from coast to coast to share and tell the delicious stories of Canadian foodways and taste of place experiences.

Further information: https://www.culinarytourismalliance.com/news/2v0q7w3iw2uziar1p4j678m7d81czo

VisitEngland has launched a new Accessible and Inclusive Toolkit for tourism businesses in England. It provides practical guidance on designing accessible buildings, employing disabled staff, and creating quality accessibility information for travellers. The free toolkit includes case studies, tips, and checklists to plan and prioritise improvements for disabled travellers. It was created with input from 30 organisations including some of the leading disability charities, hospitality, and travel trade associations.

Further information: https://www.visitbritain.org/business-advice/make-your-business-accessible-and-inclusive/visitengland-accessible-and-inclusive

The Dutch tourism board has unveiled a new campaign in collaboration with the city of Amsterdam. The ‘Renew Your View’ campaign encourages tourists to see the city through a local’s eyes and highlight its diversity featuring flower bikes, LGBTQ+ culture and green living. The campaign will run until the end of 2025.

Further information: https://www.iamsterdam.com/en/renew-your-view

Tourism Noosa has unveiled a new campaign aimed at showcasing the lesser-known facets of the region to inspire responsible travel and foster a deep connection with nature. Rather than attracting more visitors to the region, the Where-We-Roam campaign aims to educate, inspire, and influence travellers by encouraging responsible travel practices. It seeks to minimise the environmental impact of tourism while maximising the positive contributions to the local community.

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

The Tourism Authority of Thailand is promoting a series of Amazing Organic Trip ideas with emphasis on farming activities and healthy gourmet experiences as well as low-carbon footprint initiatives. Initially launched in Chiang Mai and Phuket, the routes are tailor made under a partnership between the Thai Ecotourism and Adventure Travel Association, Thai Organic Consumer Association, SiamRise Travel, FIND FOLK, Golfdigg, and local tourism communities.

Further information: https://www.tatnews.org/2023/08/tat-promotes-low-carbon-amazing-organic-trip/

Asiaq and Visit Greenland, together with other Nordic partners, have produced a film about travelling safely in the Greenlandic nature. It is aimed at tourists who often have limited knowledge of the Greenlandic nature. It gives advice in relation to avoiding avalanches, tsunamis from calving glaciers, rockfalls, changeable weather conditions and promotes the responsible use of open fires in nature.

Further information: https://traveltrade.visitgreenland.com/latest-news/new-film-to-help-tourists-safely-experience-the-greenlandic-nature/

Tourism Northern Territory has launched an AI innovation fronted by media personality Abbie Chatfield, the Chief Sensory Officer for Summer. ChatNT is the first time an Australian brand has used GPT-3.5 model via Microsoft Azure OpenAI Service to generate celebrity-like conversations and interactions with audiences. Empowered by Abbie’s personality and knowledge, she can advise any traveller on where to go, what to do, and how best to spend their summer holiday in the Norther Territory.

Further information: https://northernterritory.com/promotions/summer

Google is adding eco-conscious tools to help consumers find more sustainable travel options when using Google Maps, Flights, and Hotel search functions. The company has added features that allow travellers to filter their searches to make sustainable choices including low emission flights, eco-certified hotels and train tickets which can provide more sustainable options to car or plane travel in select countries.

Further information: https://blog.google/products/travel/find-more-sustainable-travel-options-with-new-search-tools/

Wildlife Heritage Areas was founded by the World Animal Protection and World Cetacean Alliance in partnership with local experts focused on wildlife conservation, animal welfare, and responsible tourism. The charity which has been launched in Europe, North America, South America, Australia, and South Africa makes it easier for travellers to find ethical wildlife encounters that also support the needs of local communities and nature conservation initiatives.

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

Travel publishing empire Lonely Planet turns 50 this year and has expanded its Best in Travel 2024 list to five categories including top countries, regions, cities, sustainable travel destinations and best-value locations. The top sustainable travel destination for 2024 is Spain due to the country’s efforts to expand renewable energy, boost off-season travel and increase tourism to emerging destinations.

Further information: https://www.lonelyplanet.com/best-in-travel/sustainable

The Coconut Traveller has released its first Impact Report which demonstrates the company’s commitment to sustainable travel. The report showcases the social and environmental impact made on its community through a responsible tourism fee which allows visitors to preserve and restore the Hawaiian Islands through philanthropy. Founded in 2018, as the only female-owned company it creates bespoke luxury travel itineraries that celebrate the unique culture, history, and natural beauty of the Hawaiian Islands.

Further information: https://www.thecoconuttraveler.com/responsible-tourism

Aurora Expeditions who take passengers on expeditions to fragile and untouched wilderness destinations has released its inaugural Impact Report 2022-2023. The ‘Protecting the World’s Wild Places’ report is the first of its kind for the expedition travel operator and provides a comprehensive review of the company’s efforts to embed sustainable practices across all areas of the business to date, as well as its future goals.

Further information: https://www.auroraexpeditions.com.au/impact-report/

The World Travel and Tourism Council has started a global conversation on the role of Community Conscious Travel as an advocate for a more sustainable sector. Community Conscious Travel is a movement to ensure that destinations remain thriving communities and good places to live through the pillars of social sustainability, dispersal, and traveller behaviour.

Further information: https://travelhub.wttc.org/community-conscious-travel/italy

The Think Sustainably service at MyHelsinki.fi helps to choose more sustainable ways of living in Helsinki and enjoying the Finnish capital. It filters content from the MyHelsinki website to suggest sustainable services such as restaurants, shops, sights, events, and accommodation who have met the required criteria. It also helps to reduce the carbon footprint of the city of Helsinki which has set an aim to be carbon neutral by 2030.

Further information: https://www.myhelsinki.fi/en/think-sustainably/think-sustainably-good-living-in-helsinki

The Sustainable Tourism Toolkit is designed to inspire action on sustainable tourism and assist businesses across Australia with free advice. It aims to assist medium-sized tourism operators in growing consumer demand for sustainable travel choices. It provides practical guidance to help tourism businesses implement sustainable practices across the four pillars of sustainability outlined in the National Sustainability Framework for the Visitor Economy.

Further information: https://business.gov.au/planning/industry-information/tourism-industry/sustainable-tourism

Savills, one of the world’s leading property agents, has released a new publication which focuses on rural tourism diversification including how new ideas and innovation can bring opportunities, resilience and strength as farms and rural estates face uncertainty from diminishing subsidies, government policy, rising costs, climate change and food security. The Savills Rural Vibrancy Index is tracking some of the key influences on farm tourism enterprises to give a comparative indication of the strength of the sector over time.

Further information: https://www.savills.co.uk/research_articles/229130/353440-0?t

The Puerto Rico Tourism Company is partnering with the World Travel and Tourism Council, and Oxford Economics to analyse the global economic, social, and environmental impacts of tourism to Puerto Rico. The Sustainability in Numbers: Travel and Tourism in Puerto Rico report assesses the social and economic importance, as well as benchmarking its environmental performance against the wider Caribbean region and the U.S.

Further information: https://researchhub.wttc.org/product/sustainability-in-numbers-travel-tourism-in-puerto-rico

Tourism Cares has created a free educational platform for travel advisors to positively support people and places by integrating more sustainable practices. The Travel Advisors Guide to Meaningful Travel Sustainability is a long-term strategy to create loyal customers by delivering richer experiences, supporting destinations, and empowering local communities.

Further information: www.tourismcares.org/programs/meaningful-travel-platform.

The Leading Hotels of the World with more than 400 independent luxury hotels in over 80 countries has unveiled their Sustainability Leaders collection aligned to the Global Sustainable Tourism Council Industry Criteria. More than 50 hotels from modern metropolitan towers to tented jungle sanctuaries are currently recognised as sustainability leaders through their demonstration of excellence in environment, community, and cultural practices.

Further information: https://www.lhw.com/press-center/0923_sustainability

Luxury tailor-made travel experts Cazenove+Loyd has released a post-demographic and age-inclusive report in association with leading forecasting agency Globetrender. Titled Travelling with Purpose: Milestone Motivations and Luxury Travel Trends, the report looks beyond demographics to focus on psychographics, categorising common life events according to seven key travel trends and milestone motivating factors which reveal the increasing types of trips people are seeking out.

Further information: https://cazloyd.com/milestone-motivations-luxury-travel-trends-report/

Analytics company ForwardKeys has released the 2023 Global Travel Trends Report which examines the emerging patterns of global tourism and evolving traveller behaviour that have shaped the industry through 2023 and beyond. Many destinations and travel businesses are still focused on recovering from the impact of COVID-19. While the speed of recovery varies by region, it now means that destinations can now turn their attention to pre-pandemic issues which are shaped by geopolitical events, technological advancements, and concerns about sustainability.

Further information: https://forwardkeys.com/global-travel-trends-2023

Amadeus has conducted a survey of 4,500 travellers to understand how consumers are prioritising travel and what they expect over the next 12 months. The Consumer Travel Spend Priorities research shows that despite continuing economic uncertainty, consumer demand for international travel was ranked the highest discretionary spend priority, above domestic travel, online subscriptions, eating out and fashion.

Further information: https://www.outpayce.com/en/resources/resources/research/2023/08/consumer-travel-spend-priorities-2023

Recent research by the Pacific Asia Travel Association has revealed that travel trends in the Asia Pacific region are improving with international visitor arrivals in 2022 the strongest since the pandemic hit. The 2023 Annual Tourism Monitor delivers quantitative information on international visitor movements across the Asia Pacific region and data is provided by national tourist organisations and research bodies, with additional sources from other providers.

Further information: https://www.pata.org/press-release/ivas-across-apac-grew-in-2022-strengthened-significantly-in-early-2023

The annual Tourism Towards 2030 Conference will take place in Alice Springs on 27 February 2024 and Darwin on 29 February 2024. It is an opportunity to hear new insights, national perceptions, and practical advice.

Further information: https://www.tourismnt.com.au/industry-toolkit/tourism-towards-2030-conference

The Art of Attraction conference will be held on the Sunshine Coast from 6-8 March 2024. It provides a national platform to unite tourism, art and community leaders that rely on mature-age domestic tourists and art-loving visitors.

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