Edition 193 · June 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

Bluey’s World Brisbane will open on 7 November 2024 in a purpose-built pavilion on Brisbane’s Northshore precinct. This one-of-a-kind immersive experience will take visitors into the Heeler’s iconic family home, backyard and beyond. It will feature real-life sets, recognisable scenes, and beloved characters and games from the hit-show Bluey.

Further information: https://northshorebrisbane.com.au/event/blueys-world-brisbane/

Applications are now open for Business Events Australia’s Advance Program 2024-25 which provides opportunities to access financial support to deliver industry-led projects which either increase consideration of Australia for new international business events via distribution activity or to increase international delegate attendance at events already secured for Australia by 30 June 2025. Applications close 5 July 2024.

Further information: https://businessevents.australia.com/en/resources/information-for-australian-businesses/partnership-programs/advance-program.html

Dubai’s Al Maktoum International Airport will become the world’s largest at five times the size of Dubai Airport with a new USD$35 billion passenger terminal, 400 gates and five parallel runways. The Airport of the Future will cover 70 square kilometres in area and have the capacity to accommodate up to 260 million-plus passengers and 12 million tonnes of cargo annually. It will become new home of flagship airline Emirates and low-cost carrier Flydubai along with other airline partners.

Further information: https://media.dubaiairports.ae/statement-on-phase-two-expansion-of-dwc-al-maktoum-international-airport/

The Tennessee Department of Tourist Development has launched 52 new road cycling routes incorporating scenic and historic landscapes including 14 State Parks. Each Bike Tennessee route was carefully mapped, ensuring cyclists have access to detailed navigation and route information using Ride with GPS. Ride descriptions provide information about the terrain, waypoints and lesser-known locations along the way, as well as modifications to tailor each ride to the individual.

Further information: https://www.tnvacation.com/biketennessee

The Qantas Group Nature Action Plan outlines its commitment to addressing nature and biodiversity loss across its direct operations, supply chain and customers. The plan identifies the next steps to take in contributing to a nature-positive future, including working with suppliers to better understand and address nature risks in our supply chain, expanding on decarbonisation and waste reduction activity to reduce our direct impacts and dependencies on nature, and working with partners to protect our natural assets for the next generation.

Further information: https://www.qantas.com/au/en/about-us/our-company/in-the-community/sustainability-at-qantas.html

Intrepid Travel is launching a new dedicated rail travel range which includes 40 trips and new itineraries such as the Trans-Mongolian Railway Adventure, Express to the Orient, and Paris to Rome by Rail. It caters to the rising trend of train travel allow customers to travel slower, experience more of the countryside and have more opportunities for local interaction. It also reflects long-term plans to replace internal flights with less carbon-intensive options as part of broader decarbonisation efforts.

Further information: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/au/rail

Airbus has revealed its new fully electric CityAirbus NextGen prototype which is expected to take flight later this year. Called the CityAirbus, it boasts a wingspan of approximately 12 metres and is expected to have a range of 80 kilometres with cruise speeds of 120 kilometres an hour. Airbus has also opened a new CityAirbus test centre in Germany’s Donauwörth which will be dedicated to testing systems for electric vertical take-off and landing vehicles.

Further information: https://www.airbus.com/en/innovation

Bullo River Station in the Northern Territory near the Western Australian border has joined the Luxury Lodges of Australia collection which offers high-end experiences across Australia. The working cattle station is set on 161,874 hectares at the convergence of the Bullo and Victoria rivers, which is on Miriwoong and Gajirrawoong country the Traditional Custodians of the East Kimberley Region. It offers guests an authentic experience that balances pastoral, tourism and conservation activities including a collaboration with the Australian Wildlife Conservancy.

Further information: https://luxurylodgesofaustralia.com.au/news-offers-events/welcome-bullo-river-station/

Hamilton Island in The Whitsundays is launching a new $30 million boutique hotel at the northern end of Catseye Beach. Developed by Hamilton Island Enterprises, the team behind Qualia, The Sundays offers 59 rooms is designed with families in mind including interconnecting rooms, an alfresco waterfront restaurant and bar and private cabanas around the pool. It will open for bookings in Spring 2024 with guests welcome in Autumn 2025.

Further information: https://www.hamiltonisland.com.au/accommodation/the-sundays

Launched on World Dinosaur Day in June, the Dinosaur Experiences Australia collective is aiming to showcase Australia’s premier dinosaur tourism products on the global stage. It will target palaeontologists, paleo enthusiasts, students, families, tour groups, and couples. The collection currently features a range of prehistoric attractions in Outback Queensland including Eromanga Natural History Museum, Riversleigh Fossil Discovery Centre, Kronosaurus Korner, and Flinders Discovery Centre.

Further information: https://dinosaurexperiences.com/

Tourism New Zealand’s is giving international audiences the A to NZ of how to live like a local in New Zealand. The social media series uses a simple format for learning the basics of New Zealand’s unique culture and lifestyle, in a tongue-in-cheek way. This activity aims to show visitors a slice of kiwi life, allowing visitors to deepen their emotional connection with the people and places and to choose New Zealand as their next holiday destination.

Further information: https://www.tourismnewzealand.com/news-and-activity/a-nz-on-kiwi-culture-inspires-travellers/

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park has been increased by the addition of 140 islands to Queensland’s protected areas estate. The acquisitions with a combined total land size of 1,390 hectares will protect endangered and of-concern ecosystems as well as vital habitats for important species such as green and flatback turtles, seabirds and shorebirds. The additional lands form part of the Queensland Government’s Great Barrier Reef Island Arks project.

Further information: https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/100049#

The Wombeyan Caves visitor precinct at Wombeyan Karst Conservation Reserve near Goulburn has reopened after upgrades by New South Wales National Parks and Wildlife Service. The site’s $9.6 million revitalisation includes a new accessible viewing platform at Victoria Arch, visitor centre, kiosk and picnic area, camping amenities, improved road access, and parking. The project has been funded through the New South Wales Government Regional Growth Environment and Tourism Fund.

Further information: https://www.destinationnsw.com.au/newsroom/wombeyan-caves-reopen-after-major-upgrades

A new guide from Austrade contains practical advice to make tourism businesses in Australia more accessible and inclusive. The WELCOME Framework provides easy-to-follow guidance and suggests improvements like updating websites with accessibility information, enhancing lighting, and clearing pathways. It aims to empower businesses to cater to everyone, regardless of age or ability including seniors, people with short-term injuries, and parents with prams.

Further information: https://www.austrade.gov.au/en/news-and-analysis/publications-and-reports/welcome-framework

UN Tourism has launched the second edition of its Women in Tech Startup Competition for the Middle East. The initiative aims to highlight and support women entrepreneurs who are shaping the future of sustainable tourism and technology across the region. The competition targets startups that are led by women and are operating within the tourism sector or related industries, and offer sustainable solutions for people, the planet, and prosperity. The inaugural initiative saw over 140 startups applying from 11 countries.

Further information: https://www.unwto.org/news/un-tourism-launches-women-in-tech-startup-competition-middle-east

The Travel Corporation has published its third annual Impact Report, with notable progress on climate action to advance its Make Travel Matter commitment. The 2023 report outlines progress of its sustainability strategy which features 11 measurable goals. It is led by the group’s decarbonisation efforts to achieve Net Zero or near zero emissions by 2050. The Travel Corporation has 40 award-winning travel brands spanning 70 countries with an extensive selection of international companies, guided travel experiences, independent holiday packages, boutique river cruising, luxury hotels and safaris.

Further information: https://impact.ttc.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/TTC-Impact-Report-2023-.pdf

Karryon has partnered with The Intrepid Foundation to raise funds for Country Needs People a not-for-profit organisation that supports Indigenous rangers and protected areas. It works with over 48 Indigenous partners and communities nationwide to enhance land and sea management practices through Indigenous Ranger Programs that support and protect Australia’s diverse ecosystems, as well as offer training and capacity-building opportunities especially for women.

Further information: https://www.countryneedspeople.org.au/

The Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority, in partnership with local non-profit network Kanu Hawai‘I, has created an online portal allowing travellers to search and sign up for voluntourism opportunities with 36 non-profit organisations. The Mālama (‘give back’) Hawai‘I Volunteer Dashboard allows visitors to search for activities including coastal clean-ups, restoring wetlands, native tree planting, food donations, and helping at community events.

Further information: https://www.hawaiitourismauthority.org/news/news-releases/2024/hawai-i-tourism-authority-launches-m%C4%81lama-hawai-i-dashboard/

Sustainable cruise company Hurtigruten Expeditions has partnered with Ocean Bottle, a social impact and reusable water bottle brand, to provide every guest with a complimentary reusable bottle which funds the collection of 1,000 plastic bottles in weight. Collectors exchange plastic for money and get access to social resources such as healthcare, education and financial security. To date Ocean Bottle has collected 14,164,500 kilograms of plastic (the equivalent to one billion plastic bottles in weight) via grassroots organisations in Indonesia, India and Ghana.

Further information: https://press.hurtigruten.com/pressreleases/hx-announces-partnership-with-ocean-bottle-to-combat-marine-plastic-pollution-3328124

The International Bureau of Social Tourism is an international non-profit organisation which aims to promote social sustainability in the tourism sector and plays a pivotal role in fostering collaboration and driving impactful initiatives worldwide.

Further information: https://sustainablehospitalityalliance.org/isto-partnership/

UN Tourism has partnered with the European Committee of the Regions for a comprehensive study of the impact and potential of tourism in fostering socio-economic development in rural areas. The report showcases how rural tourism can contribute to the resilience of regional and local communities, addressing depopulation, inequality and limited access to basic services. It offers a roadmap for policymakers, local governments, and stakeholders.

Further information: https://www.unwto.org/news/european-committee-of-the-regions-and-un-tourism-break-new-ground-with-study-on-rural-tourism-and-development-in-europe

Destination Canada has launched a new tourism strategy which sets a firm focus on transforming the sector and putting Canada in the top 10 global destinations based on The World Economic Forum’s Travel and Tourism Development Index. A World of Opportunity is a tourism roadmap designed to increase Canada’s global competitiveness by aligning with the Federal Tourism Growth Strategy that aims to help the tourism sector reach its full potential, bringing more visitors and creating jobs and opportunities in communities nationwide.

Further information: https://www.destinationcanada.com/en/programs/destination-canada-2030-tourism-strategy

UN Tourism and the World Tourism Cities Federation have launched a new report which assesses the current situation and challenges of tourism data at the city level. It will help advance the creation of global database of urban tourism, enabling better understanding and benchmarking of its size and value, both globally and by region. The new report provides an overview of the current situation of tourism data collection and reporting in 22 destinations in Africa, the Americas, Asia and the Pacific, Europe and the Middle East.

Further information: https://www.unwto.org/news/un-tourism-and-wtcf-advance-data-driven-approach-to-city-tourism

The United States Tour Operators Association has introduced a Sustainability Policy as the latest milestone in its commitment to a responsible future for tourism. The overall goal is to ensure a sustainable future for the travel and tourism industry by balancing economic growth, environmental care and social wellbeing. The USTOA has been the voice for the tour operator industry in the USA for 50 years providing education and assistance for consumers and travel agents.

Further information: https://ustoa.com/press-releases/ustoa-sustainability-policy

The Queensland Government has revealed a blueprint to revive Great Keppel Island (Woppa) as a world-class tourism destination for future generations. The Great Keppel Island (Woppa) Concept Master Plan focuses on protecting the island’s history, cultural values and unique characteristics through sustainable and eco-friendly development. The plan which was co-designed with the community and key stakeholders outlines the key infrastructure needed to make the island safer, more accessible and support tourism development including benefiting visitors, businesses and the community.

Further information: https://www.dts.qld.gov.au/news/latest/2024/great-keppel-island-master-plan-ignites-new-era-of-growth

A new peak body has launched to represent and advocate on behalf of farmers who diversify their farming operation into agritourism. Agritourism Queensland will work to support farming enterprises that provide agritourism offerings to ensure that opportunities and challenges are addressed. It was established through a partnership between the Queensland Farmers Federation and the Queensland Government to build on the Queensland Agritourism Roadmap 2020.

Further information: https://www.qff.org.au/media-releases/agritourism-peak-body-launches-to-support-burgeoning-agricultural-industry/

High school students, school leavers and mature-aged workers are being encouraged to ‘join the crew’ and discover a career in the Queensland tourism industry. The new Choose Tourism campaign highlights the rewarding nature of a job in tourism, as well as the unique travel, friendship and flexibility benefits of the industry. The $1.4 million campaign is being funded by the Australian Government is being delivered in partnership with the Queensland Tourism Industry Council.

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

The World Travel and Tourism Council’s Hotel Sustainability Basics initiative has now verified over 1,700 hotels in 70 countries worldwide. The program helps hoteliers on the first steps to improve their sustainability ratings by allowing hotels of all sizes to follow a 12-step program aimed at reducing carbon emissions, promoting conservation, and benefiting local communities. Verified hotels include those in major tourist destinations such as France, China, Mexico, India, Germany, South Africa, Philippines, and Norway.

Further information: https://wttc.org/news-article/wttc-hotel-sustainability-basics-surpasses-1700-properties

Visit Finland is partnering with Taigawise to update the Sustainable Travel Finland program to meet new requirements and ​​responsibilities under the Sustainability Reporting Directive. The free program has been operating since 2019 with more than 1,300 Finnish tourism operators involved. It offers travel companies and destinations a toolkit for adopting sustainable measures and criteria under the Sustainable Travel Finland label.

Further information: https://taigawise.fi/taigawise-kehittamaan-visit-finlandin-sustainable-travel-finland-ohjelmaa/

Booking.com has released research exploring the latest consumer attitudes, priorities and influences related to sustainable travel. The Sustainable Travel Report shares insights gathered from over 31,000 travellers across 34 countries and territories. The online survey took place in February 2024 with respondents 18 years of age or older who had travelled at least once in the past 12 months and must be involved in the decision making of their travel.

Further information: https://news.booking.com/latest-bookingcom-sustainable-travel-data-reveals-ongoing-challenges-for-consumers–highlights-a-heightened-opportunity-for-cross-industry-collaboration/

The Adventure Travel Trade Association has released the 2024 Annual State of the Adventure Travel Industry Snapshot Report which provides critical industry benchmarks and a perspective on the health, outlook, and characteristics of this sector including and trending experiences and destinations. Data for the report is based on a survey conducted from March to May 2024 and asked respondents about their business operations and sales, booking expectations, travel trends, and consumer motivations.

Further information: https://learn.adventuretravel.biz/research/2024-adventure-travel-industry-snapshot

Griffith University have released research which provides valuable insights into the motivations and behaviours of young working holidaymakers and highlights Australia’s competitive strengths in attracting these travellers. The report Creating a New Future for the Working Holiday Market: Implications for Australia was commissioned by Tourism Australia to help inform their international marketing to this segment and for shaping future strategies in the tourism sector.

Further information: https://research-repository.griffith.edu.au/items/b42f9d27-29c0-41ef-bf9a-3f319f3b6038

StudentUniverse, the world’s largest student and youth travel company, has released research into the latest travel sentiments of those aged 18-25 years old. The State of Student and Youth Travel report reveals a variety of trends amongst Gen Z students including a focus on mental health, concern for the environment and inspirational travel platforms such as TikTok. The report surveyed 4,000 students in full-time education in the U.S., Canada, U.K. and Australia.

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

A new report by Tourism Research Australia estimates that one in seven Australian businesses were tourism related. The report categorises tourism businesses by industry sector, employment size, organisational structure, business turnover, and tourism regions. It provides a snapshot of the number and characteristics of tourism businesses, as well as trends in their growth over the past five years from June 2018 to June 2023.

Further information: https://www.tra.gov.au/en/economic-analysis/tourism-businesses#msdynttrid=LVFvDOibWsXjY8LN4GaEkpq3GQ3mBRzwURTTlhQJk8E

Gen Z and millennial traveller preferences may change the future of airline loyalty programs, according to a new report Beyond the Ticket: Winning Traveler Loyalty with Rewards and Ancillary Services. The report suggests one way for airlines to improve loyalty program adoption and engagement is to allow customers to use earned points and have rewards that are specific to their travel preferences and booking patterns. The survey of 2,000 travellers based in the United States, Canada and Mexico analysed what rewards programs and ticket inclusions are driving purchasing habits and behaviours.

Further information: https://www.oag.com/traveler-survey-2024

Tourism Research Australia has released new research into the accessibility market in Australia. The Travellers with Accessibility Needs report shows there is a significant market for supporting people with disabilities and long-term health needs. It provides insights from the National Visitors Survey including the size and scope of the domestic accessible tourism market, spending profile and characteristics of travellers with accessibility needs, reasons for travel and activities, as well as accommodation and travel party types of overnight travellers.

Further information: https://www.tra.gov.au/en/economic-analysis/accessible-tourism-in-australia

Queensland-based company Vacayit has won Global Champion in the Culture and Heritage category at the United Nations World Summit Awards for its innovative accessibility solution. The app designed for travellers with disabilities provides engaging and accessible audio guides. Since its launch it has highlighted over 950 tourism operators and its audio guides have been streamed over 250,000 times.

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

The Australian Regional Tourism will be held in Mackay, Queensland from 9-11 October 2024. The convention allows industry stakeholders to share insights, network, and collaborate on the future of regional tourism in Australia.

Further information: https://regionaltourism.com.au/convention-2024/

The Wellness Summit will be held at Crystalbrook in Byron Bay from 21-22 October 2024. The two-day event is aimed at businesses in the Spa and Wellness Tourism space.

Further information: https://www.wellnesssummit.com.au/summit2024

The Australian Indigenous Tourism Conference will be held in Melbourne (Narrm) from 29-31 October 2024. The conference provides a platform for Aboriginal tourism businesses to meet, learn from and forge new partnerships through a globally recognised tourism forum.

Further information: https://www.aitc.org.au/