Edition 191 · April 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

The United States Tour Operators Association has launched the first-of-its kind comic book whose star is a superhero for responsible travel. Sustainable Suzie provides tips for travellers as well as examples of sustainable practices that destinations and travel companies are adopting to ensure there is a world to explore for future generations.

Further information: https://ustoa.com/sustainablesuzie

Round two of the Growing Future Tourism Fund is now available to support eligible Queensland tourism operators, not-for-profit organisations, and local governments to deliver new and enhanced tourism infrastructure or experiences in coastal and marine tourism, heritage and cultural tourism, ecotourism, and sustainability. Expressions of Interest close 29 April 2024.

Further information: https://www.dts.qld.gov.au/tourism/funds/growing-future-tourism/round-2

Tourism operators and other businesses in the Northern Territory can access funding under the latest round of the Visitor Experience Enhancement Program. The Territory Government has made another $3 million available for projects ranging from accessibility infrastructure upgrades to new visitor experiences. Applications close on 7 May 2024.

Further information: https://www.tourismnt.com.au/industry-toolkit/grants-funding/visitor-experience-enhancement-program

The Outback Queensland Tourism Association is providing farmers and graziers looking to develop or enhance their agritourism journey with access to practical tools and resources. The mentoring program is a key action of the Outback Queensland Agritourism Accelerator Project which aims to support local businesses to diversify their operations and develop sustainable, high quality and distinctive agritourism experiences. Applications close 3 May 2024.

Further information: https://www.sparrowly.com/outback-queensland-agritourism-accelerator

Hurtigruten is working towards reducing and recycling edible food waste from its operations through a fleet-wide food program which aligns with the company’s core values of environmental responsibility and ethical business practices. Norway’s Coastal Kitchen has already implemented several initiatives onboard including smaller portion sizes, repurposing leftovers, and converting edible food waste into compost using a specially designed reactor at one of its ports to then grow vegetables to complete the cycle.

Further information: https://www.hurtigruten.com/en-us/about-us/norways-coastal-kitchen/towards-zero-food-waste

The International Air Transport Association has released a report to assist airlines, regulators, and the airline supply chain to mitigate the environmental impacts of single use plastic products. The Reassessing Single Use Plastics Products in the Airline Sector report provides recommendations to help airlines, regulators, and the supply chain to manage the complexities of reducing these products which are widely used due to their strength, lightness, and ability to meet safety and security regulations.

Further information: https://www.iata.org/en/pressroom/2024-releases/2024-04-08-01/

Virgin Australia is the first Australian airline to operate flights with pets allowed to fly in cabins. The new initiative is subject to regulatory approval and is expected to launch within 12 months, pending planning and stakeholder consultation. At this stage the pet-friendly services will be limited to specific domestic routes only and guests travelling with small cats and dogs will be seated in a limited number of designated rows.

Further information: https://newsroom.virginaustralia.com/release/cats-out-bag-virgin-australia-signals-intent-launch-nations-first-ever-pets-cabin-flights

The Northern Escape Collection has been rebranded as Morris Escapes to better connect the portfolio with its parent brand the Morris Group, a family-owned business portfolio that includes Morris Nautical which operates a fleet of luxury superyachts and Morris Aviation which includes Nautilus Aviation and a newly acquired jet aviation business. Morris Escapes is a curated portfolio of boutique sustainable lodges and experiences across Queensland.

Further information: https://morrisescapes.com.au/northern-escape-collection-rebrands-as-morris-escapes/

The Wyndham Hotels and Resorts Women Own the Room is a first-of-its-kind program which aims to empower female entrepreneurs who are interested in hotel ownership. After launching in 2022, the initiative has led to the signing of more than 50 hotels across North America including brands like Days Inn, Baymont, Wyndham and Trademark. The program helps overcome common barriers in hotel development by offering comprehensive financial solutions, personalised operational support and a community that promotes networking and education.

Further information: https://development.wyndhamhotels.com/women-own-the-room/

Singapore-based Wells Smart Group aims to rejuvenate the former Club Med site on Lindeman Island by integrating sustainable tourism practices that benefit the local community while preserving the island’s natural and cultural assets. The redevelopment includes a makeover of 218 guest rooms and the installation of a new water and sewage treatment plant, a solar farm, centralised battery storage system and repairing the 50 metre jetty to allow visitor access to the island. It is being funded by the Queensland Governments $15 million Growing Future Tourism program.

Further information: https://www.dts.qld.gov.au/news/latest/2024/lindeman-island-to-be-restored-to-its-former-glory

The Leisure Accommodation Collective has launched a new design-led hybrid hotel brand in Byron Bay. Located on Lateen Lane, the property will feature 52 rooms across private and shared spaces, a communal courtyard with a sundeck, firepit, plunge pools and entertaining areas. Drifter is positioned as a lifestyle brand targeting free-spirited travellers both young and young at heart. It is set to open three Australian properties before the end of 2025.

Further information: https://thedrifter.com/venues/byron-bay/

Agoda, the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, and the United States Agency for International Development have teamed up to equip hoteliers in Asia with the necessary tools and knowledge to enhance their hotel sustainability practices. The collaboration will see the development of a self-paced digital hotel sustainability training platform offering localised, interactive learning modules for hundreds of hoteliers across India, Singapore, Taiwan, and Thailand. It also expands the instructor-led hotel sustainability training to additional markets including India, Indonesia, Laos, Nepal, and the Philippines.

Further information: https://www.gstcouncil.org/gstc-agoda-usaid-partnership-sustainability-asia/

Image: (Left to right): Dr. Bryan Byrne, USAID/India Development Partnerships and Innovations Office, Director; Mr. Omri Morgenshtern, CEO, Agoda; Mr. CB Ramkumar, Vice Chair, GSTC.

URBNSURF Sydney will open at Sydney Olympic Park in 2024, providing an alternative to ocean-based surfing. The facility will have capacity to host more than 1000 surfers in a man-made lagoon. Designed to deliver authentic surfing waves to suit all abilities, it will have LED lighting to allow visitors to surf night and day. The facility will also feature a terrace restaurant and bar, a ground-level kiosk, a health and wellness centre, surf academy, kids’ playground and a 2000-capacity outdoor space for live music and sporting events.

Further information: https://urbnsurf.com/locations/sydney/

A new project is bringing back to life the largest chocolate factory in the Southern Hemisphere. The Chocolate Experience at Cadbury will include the world’s tallest chocolate fountain and bespoke chocolate studio to support education partnerships, career pathways, and work experience opportunities. It will also manufacture bespoke chocolates with ingredients from Tasmanian growers and producers. Construction will begin next year costing around $100 million.

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

The Illinois Office of Tourism has released a new video series which aims to capture genuine experiences of residents and visitors exploring the state’s natural beauty and outdoor adventures. Home to 70 state parks and recreation areas, 2,900 lakes and seven national scenic byways the series of videos titled Real People, Real Stories, Real Outdoors features picturesque nature trails, hidden gems, iconic landmarks, and unique stays. It will be promoted online and via social channels in Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand.

Further information: https://www.enjoyillinois.com/great-outdoors/

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government and the Tokyo Convention and Visitors Bureau have created a unique tourism concept which allows visitors to expand their social networks while enjoying interactive games and augmented reality photography. The interactive Hello! Tokyo Friends portal aims to promote Tokyo’s appeal as a tourist destination both in Japan and internationally. The ‘Let’s make friends in Tokyo’ concept allows visitors to engage in both the metaverse and in the real-world cityscape.

Further information: https://hellotokyofriends.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/en/

A new Accessible Events Guide has been developed by the Queensland Government and the Queenslanders with Disability Network to support event planners in organising accessible and inclusive events across Queensland as part of the Year of Accessible Tourism. The guide can assist in all stages of event planning from pre-event consultation and preparation, venue considerations, promotion and marketing, registration/ticketing to seating, signage, transport, and parking, and creating a welcoming environment. A checklist has also been developed based on content included in the guide which can be used for in person or online events.

Further information: https://www.qld.gov.au/about/events-awards-honours/events-resources-and-guidelines/accessible-events

Image: Tourism Events Queensland

Queensland Visitor Information Centres are now more accessible with new audio guides. The Tourism Group has partnered with accessible travel company Vacayit to introduce a series of 30 audio guides for Accredited Visitor Information Centres across 10 tourism regions including Noosa, the Whitsundays, Mackay, Longreach, Birdsville, South Burnett Region, and the Brisbane Domestic Airport. The innovative audio guides offer visitors a comprehensive overview of each destination, highlighting local attractions and offering essential accessible information and services in the region.

Further information: https://www.australianvisitorcentresapp.com/sensory-audio-guide

The Whitsundays has become Australia’s second ever Whale Heritage Listed Area after Hervey Bay. The World Cetacean Alliance recognises outstanding destinations where local communities celebrate, respect and respect cetaceans and their habitats. It highlights the Whitsunday regions commitment to wildlife-friendly tourism and role as a sanctuary for marine life including six whale species and four species of dolphins.

Further information: https://worldcetaceanalliance.org/2024/03/25/whitsundays-designated-as-a-whale-heritage-area/

The Galapagos National Park Directorate and Ecuador’s Ministry of Tourism will increase entry fees to Galapagos National Park from August 2024 to US$200 for foreign visitors. The extra funds will be channelled into conservation initiatives, infrastructure upgrades and community programs aimed at mitigating the footprint of tourism on the Islands. The decision reflects growing concerns about the impact of tourism on fragile ecosystems like Galapagos and other wildlife tourism destinations such as the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania and the Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya.

Further information: https://galapagosconservation.org.uk/galapagos-national-park-entry-fee-increase-2024/

The New South Wales National Parks and Wildlife Service, in partnership with Blue Mountains City Council, has launched a walking journey from Wentworth Falls to Katoomba in the Blue Mountains. The 19 kilometre multi-day Grand Cliff Top Walk allows visitors to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of Blue Mountains National Park. It is part of a network of 13 national park Great Walks being established to offer world-class bushwalking experiences for domestic and international visitors.

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/grand-cliff-top-walk

Qantas is partnering with the Great Barrier Reef Foundation to accelerate coral reef restoration efforts with $10 million over 10 years. This partnership introduces innovative technologies like Coral IVF and portable coral nurseries to rejuvenate Australia’s reef systems. The Reef Restoration Fund will support projects such as Boats4Corals and the Coral Nurture Program, fostering collaboration between researchers, Traditional Owners, and tourism operators. Through its Nature Action Plan, Qantas aims to mitigate its environmental impact while promoting sustainable travel.

Further information: https://www.qantasnewsroom.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/REEF-RESTORATION-FUND.pdf

The Travel Corporation’s Tour brands including Luxury Gold, Insight Vacations, Trafalgar, Costsaver, Contiki, AAT Kings and Inspiring Journeys will no longer give away branded merchandise. Instead, they will repurpose funds to projects that will remove carbon emissions from the atmosphere and fight climate change on behalf of their guests, trade partners and internal team members including Rainforest Rescue’s Daintree Project in Australia and GreenWave’s Kelp Climate Fund Project in America.

Further information: https://impact.ttc.com/climate/donations/

Iberostar Group, through the Iberostar Foundation, has joined forces with non-profit Planeterra to launch an ambitious program to promote community tourism initiatives in all regions where Iberostar hotels are present by 2030. The first three projects have already been implemented in Mexico and the Dominican Republic and the hotel company plans to expand this initiative to the rest of the destinations where it operates throughout this decade.

Further information: https://press.iberostar.com/en/news/iberostar-foundation-planeterra-community-tourism-iberostar-hotels

Intrepid Travel is pledging to donate AUD$1 million to local communities around the world in 2024, through its not-for-profit arm The Intrepid Foundation. The operator will be matching public contributions all year, up to $1 million, with this money to go to 45 grassroots non-government organisations chosen by its local teams. Intrepid Foundation reveals raised more than AUD$4.3 million in 2023 for a diverse range of community projects and appeals across the globe.

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

Lindblad Expeditions has announced the long-term extension and expansion of their strategic relationship with renowned exploration and scientific discovery brand National Geographic through to 2040. The organisations currently work to produce innovative marine expedition programs and promote conservation and sustainable tourism around the world.

Further information: https://au.expeditions.com/about/press-room/lindblad-expeditions-and-national-geographic-extend-and-expand-strategic-relationship-through-2040/

The Destination Stewardship Starter Kit has been developed by Global Sustainable Tourism Council to support destinations in their transition towards a stewardship approach. It is intended for destination managers, policymakers, and other stakeholders who are involved in tourism development and management. It provides a practical roadmap to prioritising governance and management strategy, creating a baseline for measurement, and setting achievable targets for sustainable tourism development.

Further information: https://www.gstcouncil.org/gstc-releases-destination-stewardship-starter-kit

The Global Wellness Institute has released a new report that highlights actions for government and industry stakeholders to bring wellness to all in the context of tourism. The Wellness Policy Toolkit: Wellness in Tourism is the latest in Global Wellness Institute policy series which aims provides ideas and strategies that enhance the quality of place for tourists, make tourism more successful, and improve the wellbeing of both local residents and the destination.

Further information: https://globalwellnessinstitute.org/press-room/press-releases/wellness-policy-toolkit-03-27-24/

The World Travel and Tourism Council has published a roadmap for decarbonisation for the travel and tourism sector using Iberostar’s pioneering strategy. The case study aims to help accelerate pro-sustainability efforts to decarbonise, mitigate climate change, and boost climate adaptation.

Further information: https://researchhub.wttc.org/product/sustainability-leadership-case-studies-iberostar-roadmap-for-decarbonisation-2023

EarthCheck, in partnership with Tourism Australia, have developed guides for tourism and hospitality operators, and destinations to learn how to support users in effectively communicating their sustainability efforts to a global audience. The Sustainability Storytelling guides are aimed at those who already have sustainability policies, commitments, or action plans in place.

Further information: https://www.tourism.australia.com/content/dam/digital/corporate/documents/sustainability-storytelling-for-tourism-and-hospitality-operators.pdf

The Nordic Tourism Collective has partnered with TerraVerde Sustainability to help provide a practical first-step pathway for destinations and SMEs seeking to embark on their first stages of their sustainable tourism journey.

Further information: https://www.nordictourismcollective.com/forum/_news/nordic-tourism-collective-has-partnered-with-terreverde-sustainability

The Industry Skills Advisor program, with support of the Queensland Government, has developed a Workforce Priorities Report based on industry-led research including consultation, surveys, and meetings with reference groups. Recommendations generated from the report include the improvement of hospitality apprenticeships, investment in the promotion of tourism careers, promotion of First Nations engagement, and strengthening workforce support.

Further information: https://qticazure.blob.core.windows.net/crmblobcontainer/QTIC%20Workforce%20Priorities%20Report.pdf

The Australian Government is providing $10 million in funding to support the development of a national one-stop digital hub for tourism, travel and hospitality employers and workers. The grant has been provided to Accommodation Australia to further develop and promote the existing online platform over the next three years. It will serve as a national online skills and employment platform connecting workers with jobs, as well as providing upskilling and training opportunities for local and international workers.

Further information: https://www.trademinister.gov.au/minister/don-farrell/media-release/10-million-funding-tourism-industry-digital-hub

Visit Finland has developed the Sustainable Travel Finland program for tourism companies and destinations. The program is free of charge and provides all tourism stakeholders in Finland with a toolkit for developing sustainable tourism. Companies and destinations awarded the Sustainable Travel Finland label have access to the latest information on the sustainable travel development, marketing support, and additional visibility through Visit Finland’s channels.

Further information: https://www.visitfinland.fi/en/liiketoiminnan-kehittaminen/vastuullinen-matkailu/sustainable-travel-finland

UN Tourism have released the latest Tourism Visa Openness report which shows the evolving landscape of global visa policies and shifts in international travel regulations. It includes the Tourism Visa Openness Index which measures how open a country is in terms of visa facilitation for tourism purposes. The report is an essential resource for policymakers, tourism stakeholders, and travellers by providing valuable insights into the current state of global visa policies and their impact on tourism.

Further information: https://www.unwto.org/news/un-tourism-reports-openness-is-back-to-pre-pandemic-levels

Intrepid Travel, in partnership with The Future Laboratory, has conducted research into People-Positive travel which is pegged as the successor to sustainable travel. The report navigates the social, cultural, and technological changes and tomorrow’s travel trends which will propel the industry forward in a positive direction through to 2040 and beyond.

Further information: https://www.thefuturelaboratory.com/blog/intrepid-travel

A new Australian government-funded research venture led by the Griffith Institute for Tourism aims to improve the environmental performance of tourism accommodation businesses. The Greening Hotels Project is working with a diverse range of accommodation providers to achieve reductions in resource use to mainstream tourism.

Further information: https://www.griffith.edu.au/institute-tourism/greening-hotels

Expedia Group has unveiled a comprehensive look at what’s motivating travellers and where they’re going in 2024. The Unpack ’24 report includes eight new travel trends from top destinations to what’s next in travel tech. The online survey was conducted on behalf of Expedia Brands by OnePoll from September to October 2023 among 20,000 adult respondents across 14 countries who are planning domestic or international travel in the next three years.

Further information: https://www.expedia.com/newsroom/introducing-unpack-24-the-trends-in-travel-from-expedia-hotels-com-and-vrbo/

Student Universe has released its annual The State of Student and Youth Travel report providing the latest travel sentiments amongst young travellers. The report reveals a variety of noteworthy trends including a preference towards more culturally rewarding trips and using travel to enhance mental wellbeing. The survey involved 4,000 respondents aged 18 to 25 who were in full-time education and live in the U.S., Canada, U.K., and Australia.

Further information: https://www.studentuniverse.com/state-of-student-travel-2024

The countdown is on! Only 6 weeks until the Global Sustainable Tourism Summit 2024!

Ecotourism Australia’s Summit (Brisbane, June 4 -6) is where eco-conscious tourism operators, industry leaders, and sustainability advocates converge to discuss the best practices, and challenges, of the sustainable tourism industry and learn more about its future. Attendees range from tourism operators, council staff, tourism consultants, marketing specialists and travel agents as well as larger organisations and government agencies from Parks and Wildlife Services, industry associations, ATEC, ATDW, Austrade, RTOs and STOs.

Discover everything you need to know about what’s on the program and why you should attend this ground-breaking Summit here: https://www.ecotourism.org.au/blog/everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-gsts

Austrade, in partnership with Tourism Australia, is providing free webinars from 30 April 2024 for small to medium enterprises to learn how to operate tourism businesses in a more sustainable way. The four-part series will offer practical guidance across the different aspects of the new national Sustainable Tourism Toolkit.

Further information: https://www.austrade.gov.au/en/events/sustainability-webinars-for-tourism-operators

The ABTA Delivering Sustainable Travel Conference will be held in Central London on 15 May 2024. This flagship event is designed for travel and tourism providers based in the United Kingdon and overseas who are committed to making travel more sustainable.

Further information: https://www.abta.com/events/delivering-sustainable-travel-conference

The South Australian Tourism Conference will be held at the Morphettville Racecourse Wolf Blass Events Centre from 4-5 June 2024. The two-day program will incorporate a range of keynote speakers, breakout sessions, panel discussion, workshops and masterclasses, networking, and trade exhibitors.

Further information: https://ticsa.com.au/events/sa-tourism-conference/